Spring in Idaho

Kevin is 50 today!

2010-06-29T06:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Kevin! Welcome to the 50s club.

Then and now...

A happy day...

2010-05-25T15:09:00.000-07:00

It's a happy day today. Maegan arrives shortly, and is staying through the long weekend.

On Sunday she will be 20 years old. My baby is growing up. She has grown into a beautiful young lady.

Happy Birthday Maegs. We will just make this your birthday week!

love Mom

Graduation Day!

2010-05-15T16:40:00.001-07:00

Today about 1800 students were candidates for graduation at Boise State University.

Michael Byron Ward was one of them. You might be able to make him out in this somewhat blurry photo in the sea of grads. I was one of the proud parents in the stands watching. There was a record crowd of spectator's for this ceremony. There were good speakers, and despite the 1200+ who decided to walk, it went amazingly fast.

After the ceremony, the new grads were herded like cattle to make their debut onto the field for their reception. It is a gorgeous day today, hot and sunny. And a mass of people everywhere. It took us awhile, but Byron and I were finally able to hook up... thank god for cell phones!

Byron, in true-to-himself form, graduated in his blue and orange basketball shorts with his dress shoes. I loved his outfit. When we went out to the graduation party afterwards, he changed into something a little dressier!

Byron's friends were just as excited as he was. Photos were being taken everywhere.

Of course a photo was saved for the proud mama!

So a rite of passage was completed, a sense of accomplishment obtained, a goal met, and a happy young man sets off to happily celebrate with his friends.

Only one queen bee...

2010-05-12T18:59:00.001-07:00

We have noticed that every spring a new queen is hatched and half the hive follows her to a new home. It is like a mini-tornado of bees swirling around the backyard. It can be quite intimidating with all those bees buzzing around.

This year the new bee group assembled at the top of our weeping willow clustered in a tight ball, I guess to stay warm. They were up there for three days before they must have identified their new home and moved on.

One thing Kevin noticed is that they raided a lot of the honey from the hive and were transporting it with them.

Meanwhile, the crabapple is blooming and humming loudly as the bees only need to make a short commute to gather their pollen wages.

So only one queen to a hive. All the hard working worker-bees are female. The only males are the drones who do nothing more than impregnate the queen.

Popeye's paradise

2010-04-30T12:50:00.000-07:00

I love my new raised bed that Kevin and I put in last fall. I planted it too late in October to harvest anything, but the spinach that came up stayed all winter to burst on the scene for an early harvest this spring. I have been so enjoying going out every day to pick scrumptuous leaves for my sandwiches and salads.

I had to replant the kale, collards, swiss chard, and lettuce. I also planted radishes and snow peas and cilantro... all the cool weather crops in a cool place in the yard. Everything is coming up and promises more yummy harvests throughout the season.

Mmmmm spinach!

Tubbs Hill photography club field trip

2010-04-24T14:45:00.001-07:00

The newly formed North Idaho Digital SLR Club had its first field trip today on Tubbs Hill. It is a beautiful part of our community, right on the lake for everyone to enjoy. It was windy today, and warm when the sun poked through the clouds... cold when it hid behind.

For those of you who have wondered where I have been since December, I am happy to report that I have been too busy to blog.... but maybe I will have to get back to finding a way to fit it in!

HAPPY SPRING!

Its beginnning to look a lot like Christmas!

2009-12-26T10:31:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas. Not for the presents, but for the joy that the presents bring.

Conor is wearing the Australian hat from Nick and Jude, Chris' parents. The hangy-down things are to keep the flies away... a must for those in Australia. Not quite essential wear here in wintery Idaho... but it looks cool!

Kevin is definitely prepared for a hot, sultry day.

I love ripping the paper. Isn't that the point?

Miss Shelley laughing at the merriment of the moment.

And a little relaxation after all the fun. It is great to have a full house at the holidays. That was my best Christmas present!

Second day of Winter

2009-12-23T17:42:00.000-08:00

And all my children were snug in their own beds last night, and will be again for the next week. LIFE IS GOOD!

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-27T06:18:00.001-08:00

I just want to take a minute to reflect on those very important folks I am so blessed to know. I hope you all had a safe and happy day.

A heartfelt thank you to my family for a memorable and emotional dinner. I love you all so much. The dinner was amazing, and being all together (except for a few loved ones across the country and world) was the greatest feeling.

Back row: Don, Mom, Ernie, Chloe, David, Brigette, Andrew, Olivia, Charlie, Alison, and Sawyer. Front row: Kevin, Ali, Sam, Skip, Hugh, Tina, Lance, Sam, and Charlie.

Me, my brother Charlie, my mom, my brother Lance, and my sister Sam.

Thanksgiving surprise

2009-11-24T14:16:00.001-08:00

After all the surprises I received for my birthday, I decided it was my turn to do the surprising. So no one but my sister knew we were going to Virginia for Thanksgiving. So when my mother arrived today, Kevin and I went into the basement and Skyped Sam upstairs as if we were at home in Idaho.

So the stage is set... mom knows nothing. I said the connection was bad and that I would call back later. Sam loaned me a floppy hat, and I had my nephew and his girlfriend go upstairs with me, Kevin in tow with the camera. I wanted to see how long it would take for her to figure out it was me and get her reaction.

Here it is:

A perfectly executed plan. It was brilliant!

A Florida Birthday

2009-11-17T18:39:00.000-08:00

Miss Ann celebrated her birthday with us girls in Florida this past long weekend (see Beth's blog today for more details) Ann has never had a pedicure before, so we all decided it was a good day to all go get our toes painted.

And our feet and legs massaged and pampered.

Oh that tickles!

Look at those gorgeous birthday toes!

She makes a wish and blows out the candles.

Happy Happy Birthday Ann. We love you!

We all proudly display our beautiful toes.

A beautiful day in sunny paradise.

Rainy Portland

2009-10-31T18:07:00.001-07:00

If you choose to live in the Pacific Northwest, you probably should get used to rain.

Portland is a beautiful city. I have been coming here on occasion since my friend Cheryl moved here a couple of years ago. We discovered Portland together. It is a very eclectic, dynamic city with a great public transportation system, and tons of galleries, art museums, and cause-driven organizations to keep anyone who has an ounce of civic-mindedness busy.

We discovered the Mercy Corps Action Center today in downtown Portland. I encourage you to visit this website and peer into what we all can be doing to make a difference in our world.

Cheryl flew me to visit her for my birthday present. We have been having a grand time eating, drinking wine, and walking everywhere.

I found this quote on the PSU campus, a walkway dedicated to women. I think it speaks volumes about me (thank you Mae West)!

If you can't read it: "When caught between two evils, I generally like to take the one I never tried."

HONEY!!!!!

2009-10-19T08:34:00.001-07:00

The bees were busy all summer, and Kevin reaped the rewards on Saturday. Unfortunately, I was not here when he chose to harvest, so we have no photos of the process. Sorry guys, you will just have to wait until next year.

The process is pretty simple. First of all he wore his new bee suit! Then he fires up the smoker that will "tame" the bees who aren't ever very excited about having their honey taken. He pulls off the top level of the hive, and removes each of the 6-8 slats that the bees built the tiny wax containers for their nectar. He puts them in our centrifugal machine (kind of like a salad spinner) but large enough to accommodate all the slats, and spins the honey out.

We now have a ton of golden bee nectar.

Lost in a Masquerade

2009-10-11T09:51:00.000-07:00

I was Grace Kelly, and Kevin, my Prince Rainier. We didn't win any prizes, and I had to keep telling folks who I was, but we had fun, I felt beautiful, and my dress didn't fall down. All-in-all a good night's fundraiser at the Resort.

This and that

2009-10-03T13:26:00.001-07:00

Today is our 11th anniversary. Kevin is sick and sleeping. I am trying to keep myself occupied on this fairly dreary day. So I have gone out and harvested as many ripe tomatoes, peppers, acorn squash, and butternut squash that I could find. I did find one strawberry... I popped it in my mouth within an instant of finding it, and I am sure it was the best, sweetest strawberry I have ever had!

I booked Maegan's flights home today, too. She decided not to do a whole year, but one semester as all of the other australearn students are doing. She is set to arrive home on December 2. I cannot wait!

Conor will be home, too. He is bringing his friend, Chris, with him to snowboard in powder, apparently something they don't have down under. They will both be here for Christmas.

Byron's flights are booked for a whole week around the holidays.

So what was looking at one time like a bleak and joyless Christmas is now turning into a full-family festive affair... just the kind I love! I am excited, almost to the point of getting out our Christmas ornaments, but am resisting because I am sure Kevin would have a cow. So I am off to look for Halloween decorations. That will probably be my post tomorrow.

The sun is just coming out for awhile... gotta go enjoy it while it is still there.

Let sleeping dogs lie

2009-10-02T10:43:00.000-07:00

It is a good day to lie around and relax. The fall rain has come, and summer seems to have officially passed.

As much as I am sad to see the warm summer go, I love to bundle up, snuggle in, and watch the weather happen outside while I am cozy inside. Apparently Christian and Rylee enjoy that, too.

Winding down for shorter days and cooler nights

2009-09-27T15:37:00.000-07:00

Fall means pine needles. Everywhere you look, there is a yellowish-brown carpet of pine needles.

There are pine needles in my love-lies-bleeding. It is kind of funny looking. It can't stand up any more. It is all bent over, heavy from the weight of all those cascading plumes of red.

There are pine needles in all my potted plants on the patio. The harvest has come on strong, and I am putting up food in the freezer constantly. We can't eat it fast enough. There is NOTHING like a fresh tomato off the vine. I am really going to miss my tomatoes when they are done.

We cleaned all of the pine needles off the patio this afternoon. Tomorrow they will be back. I don't like them.

And Friday finally comes...

2009-09-18T16:22:00.000-07:00

It has been a long week...

Break time!

2009-09-16T13:05:00.001-07:00

Need I say more?

Rylee sure wanted in on the slo-mo action. But once he was in my lap, he totally did not get the relax concept, so he jumped out to chase the UPS man.

Ahhhhhh... it's a dog's life!

To hell and back

2009-09-06T10:49:00.000-07:00

More birthday surprises!

Anne and Allen surprised me yet again with a jet trip in the heart of Hell's Canyon on the snake river in about the middle of Idaho. The biggest part of the surprise was when we met for breakfast, I thought we were just the four of us... but "OH!" Chris and Daniel, Sinnead and Vanessa popped in! What a great surprise! They had a stressful time trying to keep that secret, but I apparently didn't have my radar up, thinking all the surprises were done.

So all 8 of us set out for our new adventure... from a little town called Whitebird, we turned off the highway and proceeded 17 miles going up, over the summit, and then almost straight down a gravel road into the canyon to meet our boat.

To tell you this trip was amazing would be a huge understatement. It was absolutely gorgeous with the bluest of skies as the backdrop to the rugged canyon walls. The water was surprisingly warm.

We met our boat about 30 miles downriver from the dam. Our destination was the deepest part of the gorge, which is the deepest canyon in the U.S. at Gravel Creek, and about 5 miles downriver from the dam. We packed our lunches… there are no accommodations on this journey except for a few places with outhouses, including a couple of parks created from old homesteads. Pretty amazing to think that folks actually lived down there. No roads in, but on either side of the river are trails. One side of the river is Idaho, and the other side is Oregon.

Our big excitement, other than blasting through class three white water rapids, was stopping to watch some fishermen who had snagged a sturgeon. We waited for them to bring him to the surface. That was amazing! A HUGE fish… so prehistoric looking. It is all catch and release there, and they only use barbless hooks. It was wild watching the guide stick his arm down the fish’s throat to remove the hook.

Chris, Daniel, Vanessa, and Kevin all took the challenge to climb Sturgeon rock in the middle of the river and jump in. They provided the entertainment for everyone on board.

I would highly recommend this adventure into the beautiful wildlands of Idaho!

I didn't think you were lying...

2009-09-03T09:21:00.000-07:00

I was just hoping.

A week ago Tuesday (Aug. 25) was my 50th birthday. I was whisked away on a winetasting adventure by my wonderful husband, and surprised by several of our friends, Lynne and Don, Kent and Becki, and Anne and Allen. I knew something was up, but all I knew was that we were going somewhere with Lynne and Don, and the name "Canada" had come up several times.

We ended up in Walla Walla at the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel. We tasted some of the most amazing wines to come out of this country. We laughed and laughed, drank and ate. The best part, of course, was spending time with the great friends who accompanied us.

Kent kept track of the funny things we said over the course of the trip. Here are some of my printable favorites:

Ali (on Chardonnay): "Last night I though I had enough."

Kevin: "I've never been to Walla Walla."

Kent: "I was once...but I was drunk."

Ali: "I LOVE menopause..."

Lynne, talking about the Marcus Whitman Hotel: "Back when it (the hotel) was old..."

Ali, on Kevin eating crab (Kevin is allergic): ".....because he WON'T die, and he WILL throw up all night."

Ali, on another surprise: "OH!!! Oh, I've been saying that a lot...."

Lynnie, on Kevin's struggles to find a restroom at the Marcus Whitman: "Oh, I'm sorry, Kevin. I thought you were an idiot."

Bec, one cool morning: "I think I'm getting a bit chilly."

Ali: "Well then, just have a hot flash."

Lynne: "Here, have a sip of my wine. That should push you over the edge."

Bec: "If you can't wait in Waitsburg, where can you wait?"

Waitress at Patit Creek Restaurant, to Allan: "Salad dressing?"

Allen: "Yes, please."

Kent, on breakfast at the Marcus Whitman: "There was no pineapple on the fruit plate when I was at breakfast at the crack of dawn."

Lynne: "I see the crack of Don every morning."

Anne: "I wish I had me skimpy jammies on."

Lynne: "I am officially not going to worry and stress out about this work project today."

Don: "Then officially shut up about it...."

Ali: "OK, now I'm ready for bed. (Pause). Oh God, it's only 8:30...."

Here is a sampling of our trip in photos:

Hope is the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.

KMC Employee of the Month

2009-08-04T10:33:00.001-07:00

My friend Lynn is the star of the month at Kootenai Medical Center. Today she was surprised with the honor of employee of the month. Joe Morris, CEO presented her a plaque, some gift certificates, a basket of gardening stuff, and other ego boosts. He also read the letter from her co-workers and supervisors lauding her talents and her determination as an extraordinary nurse dedicated to the physical and mental health of her patients. They applauded her mission to help the under-served in Africa, and talked about her fortitude in not only getting supplies to clinics there, but also for paying her own way to go to Zambia in the spring to assist in the clinics birthing babies and helping moms.

Her grandchildren presented her with a beautiful bouquet of roses and tons of hugs. Her husband and daughter Rachel were standing by with proud tears of joy, and one of her best friends was there to document the moment in photos!

So enjoy your parking spot for a month, Lynn. YOU DESERVE IT! And your family and friends are all so proud of you, not just for this, but who you are on a daily basis in our lives. We love you. I love you!

Hawaii Five-O

2009-07-26T20:50:00.001-07:00

Last night was our annual summer party... official head count: 79!

My favorite part was that Byron showed up and surprised me. He had arranged for Kevin to pick him up at the airport in the morning, and actually helped him at work during the day. He showed up here right at party time, and I couldn't have been more pleased.

Everyone showed up in Hawaiian garb. I made a Hawaiian mix of songs that played all night with several versions of the Hawaii Five-O theme song sprinkled throughout. Kevin grilled about 10 tri-tips and 5 chickens. Funny watching all the men hang around watching Kevin grill trying to get tips on bbqing Kevin-style.

I really thought Kent and Becki would show up... so did Jerry Gee. We were hoping anyway... they didn't. I think they have forgotten about us little Idahoans.

Late in the evening, someone (?) had the bright idea to bring out a bottle of Patron tequila, and pass around shots. Oops. (deep sigh)

Book 'em Danno!

The magic of sheep poop

2009-07-24T11:28:00.001-07:00

My friends Mike and Rayelle said last year, "when you need some additives to your garden, call us and we will get you some of our sheep poop."

So I called earlier this spring went to collect the yummy manure. I have NEVER had such a successfully beautiful garden in my whole life! I grew almost all my plants from seeds, had a miraculous frost-free spring where I could actually plant in early May, and then the sheep poop gave all my little seedlings the jump start to production that every gardener dreams of.

The bulk of tomatoes will be ripe in a couple of weeks. Come on over and we can have a tomato feast. I have about 5 million on the vine.

First tomatoes of the season!

2009-07-23T07:32:00.000-07:00

I don't think I will get any argument that the best tomatoes you can eat are the ones you pull fresh off the vine. So imagine my delight when yesterday I harvested my first ones (unheard of in Idaho to harvest your first tomatoes before August) and had a big slab on my garden burger. MMMMMMMmmmmmmmmm.... I think you get the idea!

The Willamette Valley

2009-07-22T07:28:00.001-07:00

Being the total wino that I am, the chance to visit a new wine region is just too much for me to pass up. So while I was visiting my friend in Portland, we decided it was time to venture out and see what all the fuss about the Willamette Valley is all about.

The valley is beautiful. Sweeping fields and farms contained by layers of mountains.

Set up on a bluff overlooking acres of grape vines, the view from Anne Amie winery was amazing.
What the valley is known for is their Pinot Noir. And each of the wineries we went to proudly had their versions available for tasting.

As a die-hard Chardonnay drinker, it was fun to venture out and enjoy something different.

Idaho anniversary

2009-07-19T22:55:00.000-07:00

I thought it was worthy to note that today (even though I am in Portland) is the 30th anniversary of my arrival in North Idaho. It is hard to believe that I could have done anything that might have lasted or taken this long.

Before I was twenty, I was looking for a place to be. I think I was looking for a safe place with friendly people who enjoyed smiling and were just happy to be alive... simply. I started out in Colorado because I thought that was where to find people were who were searching for a simpler way of living, back to the land, etc. etc. I did not find it there.

I arrived in Coeur d'Alene a month shy of my 20th birthday with $20 in my pocket. I promptly spent that on a magnum bottle of Blue Nun at the little wine and beer shop where the Coeur d'Alene North condominiums now stand. I only mention that because Blue Nun, or Liebfraumilch, is the last thing I would probably drink now being the Chardonnay snob I have turned out to be.

I stayed because I discovered that this town holds the kind-hearted, happy folks I had been looking for. I know Coeur d'Alene has gone through its transformations since I moved here, but I still feel that same welcoming presence from the people of this town I call home.

There are a lot of places in the world I would like to visit... some I have, many more I intend to. But out of all the places I have or would visit, I honestly believe the place I call home is one of the most beautiful places in the world. And as I told my husband on Valentine's day this year... not perfect, but perfect for me!

2009-07-12T20:14:00.000-07:00

The world lost another one of it's children tonight. Our good friend, Allen, gave up the fight against the cancer that seemed to overtake him way too fast. He was just 50 in April.

I will remember Allen driving his boat down the lake with the wind in his blonde hair. His swagger out to home plate to play catcher for the softball team. His laugh and strong presence when he would come to visit. And the way he genuinely seemed to like young people. The way he was with his son, Matthew. And how he was always happy to see Byron, Conor, and Maegan.

Shari, our hearts are with you, Matthew, Jesse and Dustin, and all of your family.

Good night Allen. We will miss you.

Conor in New Zealand

2009-07-05T08:04:00.001-07:00

I pulled these photos off of Conor's myspace page.

Yesterday he celebrated his 21st birthday, even though it is really today, but it was today yesterday for him! :)

Happy Birthday Conor!

Conor is rooming with 3 other guys in a backpacker's hostel: Steven is Irish, Paul is English, and Peter is a native New Zealander. They took Conor out for his birthday last night.

I was so happy to chat with Conor yesterday online. We couldn't get a video, but since his buddies were still sleeping, it was just as well. I just really needed to connect with him and make sure he was okay. I knew he would make friends fast. This is the view from his porch. Those are the "Remarkables" in the background. Gorgeous country, eh? Even at night.

Conor said the snowboarding is really amazing!

He starts his classes later this month which is giving him time to get his bearings, make friends, look for a job, etc.

I am fixin' to go visit the kids this winter, anyone want to go with me?

Yesterday was a long day

2009-07-02T08:28:00.001-07:00

I finally got the calls last night that the kids had made it safely to their destinations. Whew. I was online all day checking the flight status of each flight. Air Pacific doesn't have a site that gives up-to-date information, so it was very confusing as to where Conor actually was in the world. One site even reported that his flight was cancelled! Okay, a little panic there. I finally called the airline, and they confirmed his flights had arrived safely everywhere.

Conor finally called from Auckland, and then again late last night from Queenstown. He is staying at a backpacker's inn that has free wi-fi, so we should be able to skype each other. His comment about New Zealand was "it is so ridiculously beautiful!"

Maegan called from Sydney, but just to say she was there and had to go run and catch her flight to Cairns. She called from Cairns later to say she was safe. I could tell she was SOOOOO excited. It was hard to get her to talk to me. She obviously made friends on the trip. They will all be at the Great Barrier Reef for three days for orientation. She then heads down to Hobart.

With the price of calls so high, I haven't gotten much else from them. As soon as they can get online and we can Skype, I will find out much more. Meanwhile, I am having a hard time getting to work because I am constantly thinking about them. Sigh...

The birds have flown the coop...

2009-06-30T17:48:00.000-07:00

Today was the day we all have been anxiously awaiting... and dreading. All three of the kids left home today.

Byron returned to Boise after a really nice week of having him here, even if I did have to pick up after him a bit. He brought his friend, David, and we really enjoyed having them all here.

Maegan and Conor caught the 2:05 flight to LA through Salt Lake City. Maegan flies out to Australia tonight at 10:30, and Conor flies out to New Zealand at 11:30. Maegan is gone for a year to study abroad at the University of Tasmania in Environmental Studies. Conor is off for atleast 4 months to Snowboard Instructor Training. Both of them were quite excited to begin their great adventures. It is nice that they got to travel together for a small part of the trip.

I watched them until they disappeared through security into the center of the airport. I didn't care that passerbys could see the tears I didn't bother to wipe away. I managed to get back to my car without making too much of a spectacle of myself, but once inside I broke down and bawled like a baby... an unexpected reaction, surprising to no one but me.

My babies are gone. I am so proud of them. This is the moment I have been raising them for, always wanting them to be independent and adventurous. I guess I never envisioned how difficult the end result would be. But a good night sleep will be good for me. Tomorrow is a new day.

Me and Beth

2009-06-19T18:47:00.001-07:00

Miss Beth has been visiting from Florida since last Saturday. We have been having so much fun, it is hard to believe it is already Friday... dang. We are right now drinking an Ice Wine she hand-carried from South Africa. Mmmmm.

Front yard progress report

2009-06-17T14:50:00.000-07:00

I thought I would show the action rather than talk about it, except to say that the pond stream took more concrete than Kevin expected, so the rest will be done in a couple of weeks. Kevin's partner, Dossa, assisted. They are both expert concrete men.

The bummer was that it started pouring down rain shortly after this was laid down which created some problems, but Kevin successfully fixed them. The good news is that the pond stream doesn't leak.

If you want to see more photos, you can visit my facebook page.

Giving up on grass

2009-06-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

We have torn up the front yard for the last time.

Grass just doesn't grow out there, and we are tired of seeding and sodding and trying to make it work, not to mention the task we end up creating by being successful: mowing.

So, we have torn up the front yard. Kevin has laid out a walkway from the street to the front porch, a patio by the pond, and we are adding a pond that will connect to our existing one by a little stream through the patio. It is a cool plan, and I am so excited to see it happen. I thought you all might enjoy seeing the process.

I have already started planting ground covers: a red creeping thyme out under the maple tree. I have a list of things I want to put in the landscaping... all of it will be low-maintenance.

Kevin is pouring a basic grey slab on the walkway and patio. He then plans to stain it, and then he will sandblast it so it looks like slate. So, stay tuned and see our front yard transformed!

Honest Blogger award

2009-06-12T06:28:00.001-07:00

I was recently honored with the Honest Blogger award by my friend and co-blogger, Beth, who happens to be an awesome writer.

My task now is to write 10 honest things about myself, and then pass on the award. So, here goes:

1. I have a short attention span. I often will call someone, and while I wait for them to answer, I forget who I have called.

2. I process information slowly. I am pretty sure I got this trait from my dad. When listening to folks, I can only take in so much information at a time. If the person I am listening to goes on too long, I mentally check out. Most of my friends seems to recognize this, and when they see my eyes glaze over, change the subject.

3. My favorite time of day is the early morning. I am my most creative from about 1 a.m. to about noon. Once I get going, I can be very productive all day, but I cannot start my day late and get a lot done.

4. My favorite month is September. I do love August, because that is the month I was born, and I do celebrate myself all month long, but just for the beauty of a month, I love September. The nights start to get cool. The days are beautiful. The tourists leave, and you can drive in downtown Coeur d'Alene without getting pissed off at some bozo from somewhere else.

5. I love my husband. He drives me crazy a lot, but he is a good man.

6. I love my children and am so proud of the amazing people they are becoming.

7. I hate an unmade bed. I even make my bed when I am at a hotel. So if you are ever at my house and see my bed unmade, you know I am indulging in the ultimate laziness for me.

8. I was not very nice to our dog, Jack, for too many years, but am trying to make up for it now since we got Rylee.

9. I am an aggressive driver, and get really vocal in the car sometimes when I am behind an idiot... another trait that reminds me of my dad.

10. I am a wine snob... very picky about the whites I drink. I love a buttery, smooth, oakey chardonnay. When it comes to reds, I am more adventurous.

11. I know, I am adding one more, but this one is important: I will be 50 this year. I have been noticing other folks who are turning 50 this year, and I am pretty sure I look younger than all of them.

And then, drum roll please, I would like to honor my friend, Nancy, with the Honest Blogger award. Her blog is full of wonderful photos, and I think she is pretty dang honest. You can check it out at her blog spot.

Thanks to Beth for this honor. I have to go make my bed.

A little rain, a lot of blooms

2009-06-08T09:19:00.000-07:00

As summer approaches, I am struck by how unusually nice spring has been once it finally decided to arrive. The last two weeks have been warm, green, and delightful for anyone who loves to be outside. Our temperatures have exceeded the norm, and the flora is bounding to life, growing amazingly fast (including the grass that we have mowed already about 6 times).

My garden this year is already bountiful, and it is only early June. I have harvested radishes, kale, collards, tons and tons of lettuce, swiss chard, and snow peas. Everything looks so healthy and hearty.

Today's rain is welcome. Not just by the thirsty plants outside, but by me who has spent so much time outdoors in the sunshine, I haven't gotten enough work done inside.

New grass

2009-06-06T16:49:00.001-07:00

We had an unexpected surprise today... a friend of Kevin's had too much sod for a job he was doing, and he gave it to us. We didn't expect to be working in the yard today. In fact, it was supposed to rain, and we thought we would be indoors. But that was not to be the case. We quickly had to prepare the part of the yard we could for the sod, and then we laid it all down. Dang, it looks so good back there!

Rylee says "oh yeah! more places to poop!" He was out there helping every step of the way.

The old shed is almost gone... mostly torn down. We still have some work hauling stuff to the dump, but soon, the backyard will be nice all the way around.

Now to get working on the front yard. We killed all the grass (on purpose) to put in lots of ground covers... the steppable kind... and pathways and rock gardens. Whew. How nice when it is all done. I wonder when that will be...

Short, sweet, and to the point

2009-06-02T20:49:00.000-07:00

I like this quote:

"All power corrupts, but we need the electricity."

followed by

"We are continually faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems."

Thanks Google...

Something to live and die by...

2009-05-28T06:02:00.000-07:00

All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

Bees in the Trees

2009-05-17T19:44:00.000-07:00

He says "come out and zoom in on these bees and get their photo." So I brought out my zoom lens to the humming tree full of bees with fat legs loaded with pollen and tried to get some photos. Tougher than it sounds... they are quick little buggers. I finally caught one little guy obsessed with a single blossom, and I rapidly clicked away.

These poses represent about 2 seconds worth of shots. Even though he was in one bud, he moved in and around pretty quickly.

The tree is absolutely gorgeous, and the bees must love the fact that they live just underneath it. They probably feel like I do every day that I see the gorgeous place that we live... but that is another story to tell another day.

Happy Sunday.

Welcome to my garden!

2009-05-16T18:28:00.001-07:00

Today brought me a great deal of satisfaction: all those little seedlings I have been nursing to adolescence were finally old enough to release from the nest and set free in the garden. And they are beautiful! I have several kinds of peppers, heirloom tomatoes, acorn squash, butternut squash, cucumbers, sweet peas, many varieties of lettuce, kale, collards, and swiss chard.

I have a couple things inside the house still. I started indoors several heirloom seeds from Mt. Vernon. They have already sprouted, and are under the lights. They are direct descendants of several generations of seedlings from George Washington's gardens.

And, for the third time this spring, I am sprouting corn and sunflowers. For some reason, they have both gotten to a certain height and then died... I am beginning to think it is just better to plant them directly in the ground. When the little seedlings come up this time, they are going directly to the garden.

I moved my grape vine over between the raspberries and the garden gate. I want to train the grape to grow over the trellis and create a nice entrance to the garden. I bet I have some long shoots growing over it by the end of summer. It grows pretty fast. I don't know what kind of grape it is, some green grape with little seeds. They are sweet. I made grape juice last year from my harvest. We will see what we get this year.

The blueberries are flowering, as is the crabapple. While I was out there working today under its ultra-blossomed branches, the whole tree hummed... the bees were busy at work. It was really amazing how loudly that tree hummed.

This month and September are my favorite times of year in Idaho. Today was 71°, tomorrow is supposed to be 80°. Monday apparently will be even hotter. Mmmmmm... life is so good.

There's no place like home

2009-05-06T09:12:00.000-07:00

These are my ruby slippers, and I am happy to be home.

Virginia Wine Country

2009-05-03T04:39:00.001-07:00

We had a fun day yesterday visiting several Virginia wineries. After tasting about 27 small samplings of wines, however, there was only one we thought worthy of buying a bottle. But we were present for a blessing by a priest and two nuns of one winery's grape harvest. That was interesting.

Most of the wineries we came across have been in business less than 10 years. I am sure with continued practice, the wines will improve.

The Virginia countryside is lush and beautiful. At this time of year, the dogwoods have burst out in bloom. I wish I had gotten a photo of the wild wisteria's in bloom along the highway. They are almost predatory to other trees, growing up through their branches and choking them. But they were blooming between pine boughs perhaps trying to justify their presence there.

The Boyds in Richmond

2009-04-26T08:05:00.000-07:00

My brother, Charlie, and his clan live just outside of Richmond an area rich in American history. (Actually most of Virginia is full of history. Everywhere you look is another historical site.)

Charlie's youngest, Sawyer, looks just like Charlie did as a kid. Their oldest, David, has the coolest hairdo. I told him his hair looks a lot like mine did when I was in high school (which I am not sure excited him a lot). He is an aspiring rock musician, and played the drums for me. Sam is taking guitar lessons and showed me his electric guitar skills.

Charlie's wife, Alison, is such a sweetie. In addition to everything else she does, she is part of an organization that pairs neglected and abandoned horses with challenged and troubled children in an effort to heal both. We went to visit the newest addition to their stables, this little pony who I think they named Blossom.

Sam is raising chickens. He and his dad are building a chicken coop in the backyard and these hens will be ready to move in next week. Sam's favorite chicken has a very wierd distorted beak. I loved telling the boys the stories of our chicken coop when we were kids. They get to hear their dad's version, and then mine. I am the oldest, so of course I remember more. And they never know when I am embellishing the tales. In fact, I am not always sure anymore. I just like to tell a great story.

Sam and Ernie

2009-04-24T07:49:00.001-07:00

There is no one in this world I get more than my sister. And no one is more suited to her than her husband, Ernie.

I think the photos say it all!

Spring in Virginia

2009-04-23T10:11:00.000-07:00

I always get a little nostalgic on the final descent of the plane I am on as it prepares to land at Dulles Airport, just a 30-minute drive from my old neighborhood where my sister now lives. As soon as I catch the Virginia scent, it sends me right back to my childhood creating a warm and comforting spot inside me. I always feel like I am coming home. That seems strange when you consider that July 19 this year marks 30 years of living in Idaho. But I think I have said before that you just cannot take the Virginia out of this girl.

My sister and her husband just last week moved back into the home they had completely renovated. It is gorgeous! I am happily sitting in the kitchen at this enormous center island. The smell of fresh paint still lingers, and I am watching the workers outside through the kitchen window. Sam has been dreaming of this kitchen for a long time, and it is pretty much exactly what I expected after listening to her plan for all these years. I will post photos tomorrow. Today I am just enjoying being here.

The Bee Keepers

2009-04-19T07:10:00.001-07:00

We picked up our honey bees yesterday, suited up, and introduced them to their new hive.

Even in a protective suit, all those bees buzzing around freak me out. I watched Kevin do all the work from a safe distance.

He, on the other hand, not only hung out making sure every last bee entered their new home, he stayed out there for a while talking to them and listening to the hummmm of the hive.

All the work now is up to them. We will enjoy watching them busily leaving every morning to collect pollen, and return to the hive every night... no days off. And come this fall, we will be collecting the slats of drippy honey. In a normal year, we will get about 3 gallons.

Stay tuned to the continuing saga of the beekeepers.

Woody Woodpecker is retired and living in Florida

2009-04-18T05:27:00.001-07:00

I am so boring lately, working hard and not having much to say. So I am featuring Beth's photo of a woodpecker from her yard. Beth emailed me this photo, and I thought it was a very good one. (She gave me permission).

So, if you were wondering what ever happened to Woody Woodpecker, he is living happily in a tree in Beth's yard.

Room with a view

2009-04-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

The view from our cabin on the Olympic Penninsula looking out at the sunset over the pacific ocean. Lynne and I went to help Shelley celebrate her 50th birthday. What a great trip!

Idaho spring, day 2

2009-04-07T14:51:00.001-07:00

We are famous for impromtu get-togethers. Yesterday was such a nice day, all the neighbors were outside working in their yards, or just soaking up the sun.

Jill and Richard came over and we ended up having dinner on the patio for the second evening. Their daughter Kelli and two of her friends joined us. We just enjoyedthe outdoors and the lovely evening with the sky gradually fading into a light pink and the moon rising over the weeping willow.

I, of course, found a great photo op and took advantage.

Today is even better! 70° and sunny with a cloudless sky. The yard is almost in need of some water after these last three days. I have my seedlings out soaking up the sun on the patio. Still have to bring them in at night, but they are looking so good. I will be planting the cool weather crops in the garden next week. Yahoo!

Spring has finally arrived!

2009-04-06T10:20:00.001-07:00

And to celebrate, Lynne and Don came over for the first beer and bbq of the season. Kevin roasted two game hens and grilled beef ribs. Mmmmmm. It was like heaven after what feels like the longest winter.

The sun is shining today. And the temperature is supposed to rise to 70° for the first time this year. I think I will work outside.

WANTED! Dead or Alive

2009-04-01T07:15:00.000-07:00

If you have any information on the whereabouts of this fool, don't tell anyone. She is on the lam.

It's officially an Idaho spring!

2009-03-31T07:31:00.001-07:00

Any sign of snow in this area at this time of year easily brings serious laments even from the most hardcore of Idahoan.

This area has officially set a record for the most snowfall in a season. I think it is a cruel April Fool's joke. Here I am getting ready and excited to plant my garden, and I can't even see it.

Okay, but enough whining about snow. I am just going to stay inside by the grow lights and pretend I am in Florida sunning myself. I do have the sunburnt tummy to show for it. Today is a good day to sip mojitos by the seedlings, and dream of jumping off the rocks at Tubb's Hill into the refreshing lake water on a very hot day. It is great having a vivid imagination.

Idaho spring garden

2009-03-25T07:22:00.001-07:00

My friend, Amy, helped me get a jump on gardening this year by loaning me a simple, but very efficient, indoor growing system she put together. Since she is going to school full-time, she doesn't have the time to invest in her garden (which I used to go raid in the summers... she is a good gardener).

I got my seed and planters, and wasted no time getting things started. I am so excited. If I were to plant everything growing in my dining room, I could probably feed most of Post Falls this year! My plan, if I am successful at keeping these little guys alive, is to donate my over-plantings to the community garden in Coeur d'Alene.

Meanwhile, I get such joy from watching stuff grow... if it can't be outside, I am happy to see it every morning. And I anticipate being able to plant my cold-weather crops outside in a couple of weeks (spinach, kale, collards, lettuce, radishes, and cilantro).

I decided all the seeds I purchased this year would be organic or heirloom, and I was able to find an abundance of seeds with a short season. I want to avoid the genetically-altered seeds so that everything that comes out of the garden is healthy and wholesome.

And with the help of Amy, I expect to have some delicious tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, peppers, squash, with some pretty nasturtiums and sunflowers mixed in.

So if you are hungry this summer, come on over!

First signs of spring...

2009-03-20T08:11:00.000-07:00

... in a winter-weary yard.

The snow is gone. The sun is out. Let's celebrate the first day of spring!

The adventures of a true Irish leprechaun

2009-03-19T07:51:00.001-07:00

It was a cold, snowy St. Patrick's Day in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho when I met the coolest little leprechaun, Lynne McWiggen.

We decided to have a St. Paddy's day adventure. And, knowing how truly Irish we intended to be, we took a cab. We had planned on riding the bus (and really being green) but the weather talked us out of it since the City Link did not make stops where we were going.

Our first stop took us to the Fort Ground Grill, a traditionally wild place for the Irish on March 17. Since we were there so early, we didn't see anyone wilder than us.

Our next stop was 315 martini and tapas. We caught a ride with some of Lynne's friends, so we once again didn't have to catch a bus. Club 315 is our new favorite place to go. And tonight was not disappointing... live Irish music, green specials, great comraderie.

Our luck of the Irish held out once again when Kevin came to pick us up, saving us a cab ride home. Keep your eyes peeled for Miss Lynne McWiggen next March 17. I am pretty sure just being in her presence is the best of luck.

Posted by fellow leprechaun and consistent partner-in-crime, Ali O'Shute!

Update

2009-03-09T17:27:00.000-07:00

Just an hour later... we are up to 6"! This sucks. Rylee and I just took a walk in it. He kept burying his head in the deeper pockets of snow and burrowing through it. Funny dog.

More damn snow

2009-03-09T15:57:00.000-07:00

I don't know a single person who isn't frustrated beyond belief that we are getting more damn snow (except for Conor who lives for snowboarding). Today we have gotten 2"+, and it is still coming down. I am SOOOO done with it. The whole world is white again.

Atleast you can see Rylee in it very clearly. Beth, you are so lucky not to be here anymore. I will see you in Florida in a few minutes.

Another snowy day in paradise...

2009-03-07T18:01:00.001-08:00

I have a theory: spring cannot come to Idaho until it has hailed.

Today it hailed buckets! The wind was blowing hard, and it was so cold... bitter cold. So I am thinking this is the lion, and the lamb can't be too far behind.

So, what does one do in Idaho when the weather is so crappy! SHOPPING! I received my bonus checks from Costco, and went to spend them, loading up the freezer with food and getting my little self out of the house.

Just a little side note:

Happy Birthday Beth! Let me know how 50 is cuz I am right behind ya! I hope you are having a GREAT day. You deserve a great day.

Yes, Virginia, there are still angels out there...

2009-03-04T19:20:00.000-08:00

It has been an interesting day. Not a bad day... more like one of those days you chalk up to adventure, and definitely a day that you remember that there are still angels out there.

Our day did not work out as we intended. Our intention was to spend every last minute we could with Maegan and Byron... but somehow we ended up just outside of Boise, in the hills, with a very steamy engine that decided it was no longer going to go up that last hill.

So, here we are sitting in the middle of who-knows-where with a car that refused to start, and looked like it might burst into flames at any moment (but thank goodness it was just steam).

The first car just drove right by. Now that was disappointing, and I was wondering when another might actually come by again.

But a few minutes later, a car came along and actually stopped. Pat got out of the car to see what our problem was, and when she found out, informed us that her husband worked for an organization that helped young college kids fix their cars.

Thankfully, we had cell phone reception there, she called her husband, and a few minutes later Bill was there with lots of tools and problem-solving ideas to help us get on our way.

I can't exactly describe what was wrong with the car, but it involved a hose that had become disconnected, and some damp wiring from all the steam, and who knows what else. Pat took us to her house and gave us some tea, and took us on a tour of her gorgeous Frank Lloyd Wright-style home in Hidden Valley, just outside of Boise. After a couple of hours, we were finally able to start the car. Whew!

We got into town, and it died again and we had to have it towed... but at least we were in town, not out in the middle of nowhere. That stop did not involve any saints that we know of.

So let's toast tonight to Pat and Bill... and celebrate that there are still folks in the world who will stop what they are doing, taking time out of their day, to help those who don't know what they are doing.... well, you know what I mean.

488 emails in the inbox

2009-03-04T19:17:00.000-08:00

After checking my email this morning, mom asked to check hers... the first time since she got here Sunday night.

She basically blew up my computer with 488 emails in her inbox. Too many e-newletters mom!

Another perspective or two.

2009-03-03T20:11:00.000-08:00

Today was a great day hanging out with mom.

Sun, Rain, Sun, Rain...

2009-03-03T19:56:00.001-08:00

Today began a little overcast, but it wasn't too long before the sun came out. Here is the wonderful bed and breakfast we are staying in. We took off and walked downtown, destination: the Art Museum and their exhibit of early Ansel Adams photos.

We stopped to have some coffee. I am working on different perspectives with my photography, just for fun.

We watched a few hail stones bounce on the street while we were sitting in the cafe, but the sun came out again as we were ready to leave, so we headed down to the museum. No hurry. It did start to sprinkle again, but we were ready with our hoods. No big deal.

We were one block away from the museum when the sky opened up and dumped hail and rain hard all over us. There was a group of about 20 school kids outside, without proper clothing, their teachers trying to get control while the kids all screamed as they were pummeled by the little icy rocks.

Hail hurts when it is coming down in torents. In one block we were fairly soaked.

We spent about 2 hours in the museum, and exited to warm, bright sunshine. Another example of a typical Idaho spring. And so it begins again.

By the way, this photo of my mom... I hope I grow up to look as beautiful as she is!

Here they are...

2009-03-03T07:09:00.002-08:00

the gang's all here!

Around Boise

2009-03-03T07:01:00.001-08:00

on a gorgeous sunny day. Yesterday was 65° and perfect! Mom and I walked all over downtown Boise, and then met Byron for lunch and a visit to the zoo. Zoo Boise is a small but nice zoo along the Boise River just across from BSU.

Boise has great walking and biking paths throughout the city. We are going to discover more today on the Boise Greenbelt.

Last night we met Mary Lou, Kevin's mom, for dinner at Cool Hand Lukes. Dinner was great, as was the company. We were lucky to all get to have dinner together as Byron was scheduled to work, but found someone to cover his shift so he could join us.

Mom and I had wandered in to the capital annex to try to find MaryLou, and luckily she was just getting out of session for lunch and we were able to talk to her and see where she legislates. After we left, she had a long committee meeting that she was happy to be done with when we met for dinner.

Mom and I will find more trouble to get into today.

Mom and Me in Boise

2009-03-02T08:47:00.001-08:00

Mom and I met at the airport last night... she flew in from Philly via gorgeous Las Vegas (I think her tongue is in her cheek)!

So here we are in our loft room in a beautiful old colonial-style home built in 1904 that used to belong to Frank and Bethene Church. We are heading downtown, just six block from the downtown center, to explore. Then we'll be off to hang with Byron and Maegan and Mary Lou, who is busy solving Idaho's problems in the leglislature.

Hanging with my Mom is always a treat. (She is looking over my shoulder, but I would have said that anyway. She says "Hi Don"... hope you are snuggly-snowed in).

Relaxation

2009-02-19T06:33:00.001-08:00

Rylee sure knows how to relax. I find him in this position all the time. Sometimes, he will lay like this happily chewing on his squeaky toy. Ahhh, the life of a dog.

Looking forward to spring...

2009-02-16T10:41:00.000-08:00

While it was a pleasant surprise last week to be reminded of the wonders of an Idaho winter, I still find myself longing for spring. I am ready to work in the garden, clean up the yard, barbeque (more accurately, watch Kevin bbq), and watch my bulbs peek through the ground with their gift of color after a gray and white winter. Kevin gave me these daffodils for valentine's day. They smell good, and look so inviting. I can't wait to see my daffodil bed in full bloom.

A view from the top of the world

2009-02-14T14:54:00.001-08:00

It was a gorgeous day to go on a snowshoe hike around the peak of Schweitzer Mountain. The blue of the sky was brilliant against the pure white of the crystal snow. Once we got out of the wind, it was perfect!

This side is looking off towards Washington State just off in the distance.

And here we are looking down towards Lake Pend Oreille. Ahhh memories. Just down that run is where I broke my leg in 1994... the last time I went downhill skiing.

Looking out towards the south bowl. That peak is about 400 feet higher than where we are standing.

Some of our group opted to downhill ski... but most of us enjoyed a quiet, but rigorous snowshoe hike through the woods. It was absolutely beautiful.

Just a note to my family: this is where we need to have a winter reunion... the Schweitzer village is really nice, and we would have a blast. I am looking into where we can all stay.

mARTi gras in Coeur d'Alene

2009-02-07T08:31:00.000-08:00

If you can't make it to the real New Orleans Mardis Gras, you really should come to Coeur d'Alene for a great party...

It is definitely worth it!

Another sleepless morning

2009-02-05T03:20:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I just can't sleep. It usually happens when I just have too much stinkin' stuff to do, and too many things running through my mind. This is one of my busy times of year. Not only do I have work to do, and plenty of it (yea!), but it is mARTi gras time... an annual event that I have a love/hate relationship with.

Regardless of what the reason, here I am up at some ungodly hour. It just occurred to me I hadn't posted for awhile, so I think some rambling is now in order.

A funny story: Tuesday I took our down comforter out of it's slip cover and down to the cleaner's for its annual drycleaning/fluffing. They were very understanding when I requested to get it back the next day since it is the only thing that keeps us warm at night (other than each other... I know Kent... TMI).

Anyway, we decided to sleep in the spare bedroom and pretend we were staying at a bed and breakfast for the night (or atleast a mediocre hotel). I love throwing a wrench in our routine, and it was a fun adventure—something to break the winter monotony.

Let me back up a bit. We have three animals that stay pretty dang close to us at night: Juggernaut, the cat, who sleeps at the end of our bed pretty much all day and all night. Then there is Jack and Rylee, who since Rylee came to live with us, sleep beside our bed: Jack on Kevin's side, Rylee on mine (and I never thought I would admit that I LOVE it, but I do... I peek over the side of the bed to check on him regularly and see what funny position he is sleeping in). So now you are in on our nightly routine.

Okay, back to Tuesday night. We watched a movie in the living room (an excellent movie by the way: "Priceless," a French movie with English subtitles). Then instead of wandering into our back of the house, we headed off to snuggle into our old bed in the east wing.

I snuggle in first while Kevin is in the other room brushing his teeth. Rylee keeps running in and out of the bedroom to see if I am ready to get back in our real bed. When Kevin comes in, Jack wanders in and just looks at us with this blank look, as if to say "am I allowed in here?" He finally decides we are not kicking him out and he finds a spot at the end of the bed where he curls up.

Rylee is still running in and out of the room.

We turn on the TV, and all of a sudden the fat cat, Jugs, jumps on the end of the bed. I started laughing because he is trying to get comfortable as Rylee is jumping up to see what he is doing there. (It is so funny when Rylee peeks his head over the top of the mattress that he can barely see over... he wants to jump up on the bed SOOOOO bad.) He jumps back and forth checking on Jugs, and checking on me, completely unsure of what to do. Kevin finally says, in his low commanding voice, "Rylee, lay down." Miraculously, Rylee lays down (for a little while anyway).

The unsettlement of everyone continues all night. Funny how much room a cat can take up in a bed. We are usually all in a king, but the queen-size bed is amazingly small this night. It should come as no surprise that we all slept horribly.

I picked up the comforter yesterday afternoon, and everyone is back in their comfort zone. (I know... I am up and not sleeping, but atleast I got sleep before I woke up). Next time I get the comforter cleaned will be when we are out-of-town anyway.

The Wine Cellar

2009-01-27T07:32:00.000-08:00

So, of course, every winemaker needs a wine cellar. We have the perfect spot in a back bonus room in our basement. It stays very cool, and was a long, narrow room... perfect for closing off one end.

Kevin has a cool, hidden door planned. He is building a cabinet door that will actually have little wine glass holders and a little shelf. It will look like a cabinet built into the wall, but will open into the wine cellar. I guess he is afraid that people will come into our house, go down to our basement, and steal our wine. Oops... I guess the secret is out!

Since I had the camera and fisheye lens out, I thought I would take a photo of our beautiful kitchen. Kevin's work, also, with the help of a couple of our friends. I LOVE our kitchen... just thought I would show it off today.

So, now we just have to plan the wine tasting event...

The Idaho Winemaker

2009-01-25T19:53:00.001-08:00

Kevin has been making wine with his brother for several years. Each year gets better. They started just making Cabernet, but now have ventured into Port.

He realized that the large bottles were too large for the port, so today he re-bottled the Port in smaller bottles, filtering the wine one more time.

Stay tuned... we may have some award-winning wine to share.

Inauguration

2009-01-20T12:08:00.000-08:00

I have been spelling it wrong.

A new day.

2009-01-20T11:43:00.000-08:00

I share this sentiment by William Rivers Pitt from truthout:

"It's strange. You wait for a day to come, you wish for it and pine for it and imagine what it will be like, you want so badly and wait so long for it to come that you despair it will ever be, and then one day, you're there, and you're not quite sure what to do with yourself. That was today!"

Circle of friends

2009-01-19T07:42:00.001-08:00

Ancient native legend says that at the end of the evening, friends would gather around a bonfire and share their hearts. They would speak of the good qualities of each other and remember times shared. As the embers faded, their friendship was said to be sealed anew, bringing them closer together. (Mexican legend)

The candle holder above is a gift from some very good friends of ours. It represents our friendship and our bond.

Today — the day before an historic innauguration, and on MLK day, a day that symbolizes tolerance, acceptance and respect for each other — I have such hope for our country. I am so moved by the hugeness of this past election, and how each of us, in our own small way, can make such a difference.

Today I encourage all my friends and family to join me in a commitment to speak well of each other, remember our times shared, and seal our bond anew.

Byron Bowie

2009-01-19T01:06:00.001-08:00

Byron competed in a costume contest hosted by "The Reef" where he works. He went as David Bowie's character Jareth the Goblin King in "The Labyrinth," one of my favorite of Bowie's roles.

And he won! He said people were asking him to pose with them in photos all night. He won a gift certificate for a dinner at a nice restaurant in Boise, and a night on the town for he and his friends in a limo. How fun is that?

I think he looks amazing! Congratulations Byron!

Maegan and her pooper

2009-01-17T16:21:00.001-08:00

Maegan and Rylee are out playing in the backyard where the snow is finally melting and we can actually see grass... and dog poop... everywhere. I can't wait to clean up the backyard this spring. I have a plan to purchase one of those easy pooper-scoopers so the chore doesn't become overwhelming.

It is still pretty treacherous walking on our street, and walking on the snow isn't too fun because the top layer is just an icy coating. I am nervous about falling, having taken a couple of tumbles the last two winters.

Today was a gorgeous sunny day, cool yet inviting. I took Rylee out front a couple of times to throw his favorite toy. He loves chasing it and then making me chase him to get it back. We all get our exercise this way.

Cats and doggies

2009-01-10T16:04:00.000-08:00

I was just thinking how darn cute they can be.

The Moose Riddle

2009-01-09T08:22:00.001-08:00

So the moose spent the night in the neighbor's backyard. You can see how young he is, but he will be a large one... just look at that hump on his back.

So, here's the riddle: How many Fish and Game Wardens does it take to move a 600 lb. young bull? Hint: it takes a gun and a red dart with sleepy medicine.

Answer below.

This whole process went quite smoothly. Our moose friend slowly went to sleep. One of the guys braved approaching him and patted him on the butt to make sure he was out. Then he removed the dart. They tied his eyes shut and his hooves together for protection for them and him. Then loaded him up in this make-shift guerney to relocate him to a more moose-appropriate spot. I was impressed with how gently they were with him. Today this guy should be happily rejoined with the rest of his herd who apparently live fairly close to us. Hopefully he will live a long and happy life and survive hunting seasons to come.

Moose on the Loose

2009-01-07T17:54:00.001-08:00

It is unusual to see such large animals right in the city. But this moose must have been in search of food with the immense amount of snow I can imagine that is laying in his usual neck of the woods.

But this young bull wandered his way into Jill and Richard's back yard this afternoon, and then sauntered over the fence into their neighbor's as if it was merely a little log to negotiate.

He was only skitterish once when a large vehicle passed by and honked its horn. Otherwise, he happily feasted on the junipers and arborvitae and low limbs of fruit trees. When he tired of me snapping away at him (always with a get-away plan), he made himself a bed underneath one of the evergreens. He is still there now, and I am hoping still in the morning when I can maybe position myself to get some better shots.

Meanwhile, it was 52° here today, and amazing to see how quickly all the ice is melting away. The huge icicle that went down our chain drain in the front yard was whole this morning and is gone this afternoon. And flooding like you wouldn't believe! We still have plenty of snow in our yards, but if the weather stays like this for the next week (as they predict) it will be gone. Amen to that!

The wee hours of a winter morning.

2009-01-04T03:58:00.000-08:00

There is something incredibly calm about a snowy winter early morning just before the sun comes up. Amazing how quiet it is... deafeningly quiet... as if winter is trying to make a point.

I might be going a little stir-crazy. Or perhaps I am just adjusting to hibernation with less patience than other animals who are used to a long winter's sleep. Since New Year's Eve when we went out for a little celebration, I have only ventured out once... to the bank and grocery store. I go out to the mailbox once a day, and take the dogs out a lot to run around, but I don't get much farther than that. I tried yesterday, but realized that the roads are no fun to drive on, and the nut cases are no fun to drive beside, so I postponed my lunch date and will try again soon.

Could the point be some time for reflection? simplicity? humility? a chance to catch up on old TV reruns?

By the way, Kevin and I tried to watch Monty Python's "The Meaning of Life" last night and hated it.

The big story today... COLD!

2009-01-03T08:14:00.000-08:00

That was the beginning of the newscaster's weather report this morning. Duh! It is -4°, and even colder in Coeur d'Alene. Fortunately, the wind isn't blowing. Atleast it isn't snowing!

Here is the view of all that snow weighing down the branches of the maple tree in the front yard.

Our poor weeping willow was really covered yesterday, but lost some of the snow before it was frozen onto its branches.

And look at all that snow on the ground with little pathways that are almost like mazes for Rylee who can't see over them as he runs around back there. Yesterday, he and Jack played and chased each other in their limited little space. They both ended up with their faces so snowy, they looked like they were getting ready for a shave. The cats seem content to stay indoors for the most part.

Spokane reported at least 28 roofs have caved in. I keep asking Kevin if ours is safe... he says it is so far... I look through those sky lights every morning that you cannot see through and just hope the snow doesn't come crashing through on top of me... brrrrr. Now that would be a rude awakening!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T07:56:00.001-08:00

As I sit here watching yet another snow storm move in, I am laughing at the response in the editorial section of the paper to another whine about all the snow: "It's winter. Get over it!"

We are expecting another 7 or so inches of snow today. I went out yesterday to put the compost in the bin, and couldn't get the lid off the bin because of all the snow packed on it. There is so much snow, I can barely even make it to the bin, so digging it out will be a challenge today. That's okay... I see it as good exercise.

Speaking of good exercise and the new year... it is time to make that resolution: to eat better and exercise more often. No diets. They never seem to work. I know what I should and shouldn't be eating (or drinking for that matter). My resolution is to drink less wine this year... that should remove a few pounds all by itself.

We celebrated the close of 2008 at our favorite little martini bar, 315 martini & tapas at the Greenbriar Inn in Coeur d'Alene with some of our good friends. We had a great time, but were home by 11 and asleep when the new year rang in. Oh well. We got our new year's kisses this morning. I am good with that.

Meet O'Rylee!

2008-12-31T07:21:00.001-08:00

My husband has been staring at me lately in utter disbelief. "Who is this woman?" I can hear going through his head.

I had pretty much given up on the idea that I was a dog person. Jack (our border collie) and I have a less-than-ideal relationship, and I thought I just didn't like dogs. But my daughter brought home her little Australian Shepherd, about 1/2 the size of Jack, and I have fallen in love.

All of a sudden I love having a dog in my lap. I play with him, and let Kevin discipline him... it is a total switch of roles for Kevin and I. I am getting a kick out of it, and Kevin is befuddled that the rules have changed. So is Jack. Rylee is really good for him, in spite of the fact that Jack is a little grumpy and growls to Rylee on occasion to back off. But Jack is up moving around more than he has in a long time, and gets the run of the house again.

The cats are getting used to this energetic little tornado, but still have maintained their distance and hiss as he gets too close. Juggernaut hid under our bed for the first few days Rylee was here. But now he freely roams the house and has figured out that he is the boss and simply swats Rylee when he gets too close.

I know all of you that know me as the "resident bitch" when it comes to Jack are probably just shaking your heads in confusion. It is a real surprise to me, too. I have waited to make this announcement just in case the newness wears off...

So we enter a new year with one more family member... sigh.

As opposed to green...

2008-12-29T08:16:00.000-08:00

Idaho is all white. It is as if a large, thick blanket has covered us up. I am watching these big, fat snowflakes falling outside my window re-covering the weeping willow that had been washed clean by the rain yesterday.

Yes, we had rain all day yesterday. Maegan and I went out to scrape the driveway clean of the heavy, wet snow and ice so that when it froze again last night, we wouldn't have an instant ice rink.

With all the talk about going south for the winter, the snow this year reminds me how much I love it. Except when it gets wet and messy then freezes solid. But when it stays cold, it is truly a white winter wonderland.

I have no doubt I will be sick of it soon enough and start my whining about heading south to Florida again. But today, I am just enjoying its silent and unpretentious beauty.

Fifty years young...

2008-12-20T12:11:00.003-08:00

My good friend was born fifty years ago today. She doesn't look much over thirty to me... but then neither do I.

We met up today while shopping and had a cup of coffee together. It was all I could do not to stand up in Starbucks and make the general announcement that we were celebrating her today. 1. I didn't want to embarrass her, and 2. I wasn't sure that the folks in the Target Starbucks would be as excited as I was... so I managed to refrain (which I know is going to surprise a few people reading this).

Tonight, we are going out to dinner at her favorite restaurant (which just happens to be one of my favorites, too)... Chef in the Forest, out on Hauser Lake. One of these days I will post why it is my fav, but today this is all about Lynne.

Last week we had a surprise birthday party for her. I think she really enjoyed herself and all the attention from her millions of girlfriends. To know Lynne is to love her... Anyway, I sent out a questionaire to everyone, and here are some highlights:

"The funniest thing I ever saw Lynne do was watching her eat crab with the crab butter dripping down her chin."

"The dumbest thing I ever saw Lynne do was when she does the Lizard!"

"My favorite thing about Lynne is that she is always smiling and laughing."

"My most memorable time with Lynne was when we were sipping champagne in the castle in Ireland on Halloween."

If you are reading this and have a glass of something handy, raise your glass to fun-loving, charming, loyal, generous, happy-go-lucky, good-friend Lynne. I love you.

Snow removal Idaho-style

2008-12-19T13:40:00.001-08:00

We have gotten many suggestions to go out and buy a snowblower... I just wanted you all to see what snow removal looks like here in serious snow country!

Kevin just uses any excuse to go out and plow. Once he got his bobcat uncovered (he had left it on the job site), he has been plowing any little mound of snow he can find. I think he is in snow heaven!

We set a lot of records here yesterday. Our snow dump totaled 30 inches... up to 54 inches out-of-town. I think our friends Kent and Becki are relieved to not be living in Spirit Lake right now.

But today the sun is out, and it is gorgeous outside. Maegan's second attempt to get home should prove successful. I am on my way to the airport now.

I hope you all are warm and snuggled in...

A winter wonderland?

2008-12-18T14:28:00.000-08:00

It started snowing yesterday morning and has not stopped since. We had a light dusting of snow left over from last week... now we have about 30 inches. It is crazy!

I have been out shoveling 4 times today, and the snow is still coming down.

Maegan is supposed to fly in tonight, but flights are getting cancelled all over the place... she just wants to come home, and I just want her here safe. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

The close of day

2008-11-22T15:57:00.000-08:00

The sky is brilliant tonight signaling the gorgeous end to a really beautiful day. Today was crisp and mostly clear. We went out to the now indoor farmer's market in town this morning, and drove around running some errands. People were everywhere with big grins on their faces... there is just something about that ole' sunshine that lightens folks up.

We made a quick trip to Costco to load up in anticipation of the arrival of all the kids... I am so looking forward to tonight... my favorite of nights when I know all the kids are home in their beds. I can only describe my contentment as that. With them off on their own adventures, I seem to appreciate the times they are home so much more.

Thanksgiving is the holiday my family seems to love the best. There is no pressure to purchase gifts... or entertain at all. It is just a time to be together with family and friends, share, and be thankful for all we have. I am thankful for this day and this beautiful end to it.

A busy day...

2008-11-19T06:38:00.001-08:00

I love cats. I love the way they are consumed with a toy, and the way they completely relax when they are tired.

Christian, or "Baby" as we often call him, is almost 13 years old. He was born on our living room floor on May 16. I remember that day because Kevin and I had been at his softball game and the neighbor was babysitting while our cat went into labor. We got home and Christian squirted out on the floor. I have always thought it was good for kids to see animals being born. Cats or dogs seems the likeliest opportunities.

This cat has complete trust in us. I remember we had a special relationship with the kittens born in our house when I was a kid, too. I am not sure exactly what the difference is, but it always amazes me when he snuggles up with my arm over him and just zonks out. He will stay tucked under my arm for hours.

My favorite thing about Christian is when he goes ape for catnip. We have liquid catnip that we spray in his cathouse. He will go into the little house and roll around in it, then hang his head out the hole with his bloodshot eyes. It is hilarious.

When we got Maegan's kitten, Juggernaut, a couple of years ago, Christian got a little bent out of shape. He still doesn't like Jugs, but is not so mad at us anymore for bringing him home. For the first year Jugs came to live with us Christian would come in our bedroom, jump on us and growl.

Jugs, on the other hand, loves Christian and seems to get a perverse pleasure from torturing him. He will sneak up and pounce on him, sending Christian into his angry hissing fits. We applaud when Christian does the rare stand-up-for-himself-and-fight-back.

Sunset on the mountain

2008-11-17T08:18:00.003-08:00

Over the prairie and through the woods to Donny and Lynne's we go...

Our friends live directly across the prairie on the side of Rathdrum Mountain. The view from their home is spectacular.

It's like Christmas all year long with the accumulation of lights over the last 11 years they have lived up here.

The hot tub is right in front of the house, and when we sit in it in the evening this is the view we see.

Amazing Idaho. Today was a gorgeous day, 54° and mostly sunny. I savor days like this. We all feel winter coming... makes us appreciate days like this even more.

My son, the goofball...

2008-11-07T06:08:00.000-08:00

You gotta love someone who is completely obsessed with himself!

Conor, loves to have his photo taken, whether by me, or himself... and he loves to mug... wonder where he gets that? Family photos have always been difficult because he can't seem to just smile for the camera, he has to make a face.

Last night he organized a group of his buddies to meet him at Jack in the Box for a mass taco feed. Tacos were on sale 2 for $1, and they decided to make a pile of 200 and eat them all! I will keep you posted on how that went.

Conor wanted to look like a bandido, so he decided to shave. He made me take photos of each step. Then decided his mustache wasn't dark enough, so he used a little mascara to make it stand out. When he left, he was wearing a sombrero.

I know, it isn't halloween anymore... Conor seems blissfully unaware.

I just want to celebrate!

2008-11-05T06:53:00.000-08:00

I don't think it is any secret to anyone who knows me that I am an Obama supporter. There was a time when there were only about 10 democrats in the entire state, but that is no longer the case. And although Idaho was one of the red states, he still made a good showing here. Last night was a pretty exciting election.

I think Mr. Obama is, and will prove to be, a great man. If I had the chance to talk to him, after the congratulations, I would caution him not to let all this go to his head. Great men have made stupid choices because they started to believe they had the power. We have seen it happen before.

Thank you Mr. McCain for that gracious speech last night, showing us again why this was a tough race.

Mr. Obama, I have hope that you will unite this country and hold fast to the ideals that you inspired me with. I think today is a new day for all of us.

Hope...

2008-11-03T16:47:00.000-08:00

Twas the night before the election

And all through the US

The politician's were bustling

To get us to say "yes"

To their ideas, their battles

stategies and promise...

Who will get the win

we can only guess.

But there is hope for tomorrow

out amongst the weeds...

An energy ready to burst

...if only my guy succeeds.

We are ready for the end of tomorrow

Whichever way the pendulum swings

Because it means the end of persistent ads

and the ugliness politics brings.

Unexpected surprise!

2008-11-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

I was just reveling in my newly made enchilada soup, when I heard someone come running in the front door. I turn, and my little Maegan comes running in the kitchen to give me a very big hug.

SURPRISE!

She brought her friend, Kirsti, with her. They were still wearing their halloween outfits that they wore to a party at the University of Idaho last night. After a quick shower and change, they are now relaxing and watching a movie before they go out and visit some friends tonight.

I've gotta go... I need to get in a little snuggle with my baby girl while I have the chance.

Homemade enchilada soup

2008-11-01T13:21:00.000-07:00

The other day, Becki and I were at Costco, and a man was demonstrating the VitaMix. Having basically only used mine for smoothies, I was fascinated to see all the creations one could make in it, and we stood and watched for about 15 minutes while this guy made smoothies, soup, fruit sorbet as creamy as ice cream (and done in less than 5 minutes), and margaritas with fresh, whole limes (no tequila unfortunately). I learned a lot, and Becki bought me the dry blender attachment so I can grind my own flour.

Anyway, I just made the absolute best enchilada soup I have ever had in just 10 minutes (it would have been shorter, but I had to cook the brown rice I added). It has kale and cilantro from my garden, a half a carrot, a tomato, 1/2 of a purple pepper we got at the farmer's market last week, garlic, onion, and a few black bean chips. Oh man, I am going back for more! I LOVE this machine.

Happy Halloween all you ghouls and goblins

2008-10-31T05:46:00.001-07:00

Whooohoooohooohooow.... Whooohooohooohooow...

(Just in case you don't recognize that, it is supposed to be the creepy laugh of Dr. Evil from Austin Powers)

Dang, I do look a little scary don't I? I scared Kevin this morning... I am actually kind of scaring myself. I really thought I would scare Jack, the dog, but I think he is too blind. The cats just kind of looked at me and kept walking.

Not bad for first thing in the morning, or maybe that's why I look so scary...

Whenever I think of Halloween, I remember trick or treating in my old neighborhood as a young teenager and one of the boys broke an egg on my head and ruined my new leather coat. (FYI: Jimmy Lillard)

My favorite story of Halloween is when I was even younger and went trick or treating in that same neighborhood with my brothers and sister. On our way home, we decided to trick or treat our own home and surprise mom and dad. We knocked on the door, and slowly the door began to open with nobody there. We watched and waited, and when the door was open, we saw the ghostly creature approaching us from the foyer. As we were entirely rapt by this, my dad jumps out from the sliding doors off to the side, also wrapped in a sheet, and scared the beejeezus out of us. It was a rare moment that my parents actually worked together (although I am not sure there was a great deal of planning). I have always wondered if they knew it was us, or they just scared all the kids in the neighborhood that night. Some of our old friends might still be in therapy for this...

Prom night

2008-10-30T09:31:00.000-07:00

The "When in Rome" Masquerade Ball was this last weekend, and it felt like we were getting ready for the prom. I have to admit that the most fun of the evening was getting ready.

Kayla, my neighbor Jill's daughter, came over to complete my costume with a greek goddess hairdo. That was fun. I love getting my hair done, especially when the hair stylist comes to my house and works on my "do" in my own bathroom... very convenient.

Kevin may not look like a greek god, but he does look like a god in that tux. I think he got more compliments than me Saturday night.

Tubbs Hill in photos...

2008-10-24T15:33:00.000-07:00

Photos only... words are not necessary.