Horses and BB and Politics

Just like the Earth, the horses have shed their dead.  

The warmer weather of late has brought out the bloom in their coats, and, like the Earth, they are becoming pretty again. 

I came home yesterday morning to find them bucking, kicking and cavorting in the barnyard. 

It was a beautiful sight. 

Brian Riley and I reminisced about his Class of 1992, the very first class to graduate from the "new" high school. 

Oh, what year that was!

I went to my first political "Meet and Greet" last night. 

The event was held in our general neighborhood at the Fred and Patty Omodt home/aka Shingle Mill Blueberry Farm. 

The food offerings were plentiful and tasty. 

Approximately 50-60 citizens showed up to enjoy the chili potluck, to visit and to listen to six candidates in the Omodt's magnificent home, where Jim Woodward noted that the fireplace looked like the State of Idaho. 

County Commissioner Luke Omodt, who's up for re-election, declared a home-turf advantage at his parents' home, setting a strict regimen for candidates, introducing themselves and answering about three audience questions. 

The tight-ship organization was good for this ol' gal who seldom attends meetings and doesn't like to sit that long. 

I listened attentively, thought about how the dogs were doing at home a few times but found the program enlightening and helpful for decision-making from start to finish. 

I'll admit (as you saw a couple of days ago) that I'm not always party person (political, that is). Some would disdainfully call me a RINO, and I'll once again take the badge with no concerns of going to Hell. 

I was pleased that political parties received no mention.  

The program allowed each individual to tell his story (all men) and to describe his individual approach to the job for which he was running. 

Those who spoke included Luke for commissioner, Brian Riley for commissioner, Steve Bradshaw for sheriff, Chuck Lowman for Representative, Mark Sauter for re-election as Representative and Jim Woodward for State Senator. 

Each of the six candidates discussed how their previous experience would or has prepared them perform the duties of their office----military, teaching, ministry,  business owner, previous political experience, etc. 

I was impressed with the overall program and the hospitality. 

I'll also admit that I maybe knew ten-fifteen percent of the folks who had gathered; Bill said he knew fewer than that. 

Still, it was fun to visit with those I do know and to get acquainted with some new faces. 

I did not agree with every single aspect of the philosophies mentioned last night, but I think that is an important facet of our political process that has been swept under the rug in recent years.

There are many arenas where we do not have to be absolutists when making sensible choices.  

I'm glad I went last night and will consider what I heard when I vote in next month's primary. In my opinion, these people conducted themselves admirably and respectfully. 

Both are very important in voters' decision-making. 

Fred and Patty, thanks for the invitation. 

Melanie Nickisch Almeida is a former student and friend. 

Jim Woodward and Patty Omodt

County Commissioner Luke Omodt, who's running for re-election. 

That son of ours. 

What a production Willie has made out of his Idaho Basketball Coaching podcast since he first began interviewing basketball professionals during the Pandemic!

Over the past few years, he has interviewed nearly 100 coaches from around the area, the state, the nation and the world, including on site in Iceland and Ireland.  

This week's version features a coach from London, England, so, of course, I thought it was worthy to give a shout out, especially for any basketball junkies who like to learn about the sport in other countries.  

Enjoy.  

 https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/idaho-basketball-coaching-podcast/id1513055507?i=1000653664592

Thursday This and That; Throwbacks

These are not my tulips.  I snapped this shot of someone's front yard collection in town yesterday. 

Wish I could raise tulips here without the deer eating them just as the blossoms open. 

Consequently, I have to enjoy the town tulips, and there are lots of pretty tulip shows around town. 

It's my "Mae" basket.  

Hearts filled with seeds were given away at my friend Mae's celebration of life this past weekend. 

Yesterday I found a basket and planted them. 

It will be fun to see what beauty emerges from my Mae basket. 

This IS my asparagus---in April, no less.

I discovered about five spears just above the ground while doing an evening inspection of all things growing last night. 

The radishes I planted about three days ago have also made an appearance. 

It was warm yesterday afternoon and time for a swim over in Elton Anderson's pasture. 

Too bad the pond will probably be dried up when it gets really warm. 

Just a few days and the Initiative for Open Primaries can declare success in its petition drive. 

After that becomes official, we all need to vote it into law in November. 

Once more the amazing people of Idaho have worked hard and have spoken up. 

Read more below. 

https://idahocapitalsun.com/2024/04/24/idaho-open-primary-supporters-make-final-push-before-may-1-deadline/

Want to be inspired?  

Read this story by Daily Bee sports editor Max Oswald about an amazing Sandpoint woman who has dramatically proven that it's never too late to accomplish epic feats in life. 

https://bonnercountydailybee.com/news/2024/apr/24/local-runner-turning-heads-and-breaking-records-at-82/

Thursday Throwbacks:  Always fun to go through my photo library and pick out memories.  

These photos are in honor of you, Jade.  

Happy Birthday. 

I think this was when Willie and Debbie bought their first Subaru. Foster approved. 

The good ol' 4-H days.  A meeting at the home of Ralph Berger on North Kootenai Road. 

Haley, the wedding photographer,  used to be my neighbor and my student.  These days, she's the mother of three. 

I think my mother took this picture.  She used to do all the publicity for the Bonner County Horsemen's Association.  

The group built a rodeo grounds and put on rodeos for a few years back in the 1950s. 

The rodeo grounds was located at the present-day Interstate Concrete site on Baldy Road. 

I'm sure we still have a few locals and ex-pats (Deena) who may recognize most of the rodeo royalty in 1956. 

I always thought the horse above was a truly majestic sight (Arabian and Freisen) when it performed in area Arabian shows. 

Below:  the only time I've ever seen a horse trimmed with no halter.  

My present farrier Steve acted as the "brakes" for my friend Gail Redinger's Mojave while Tim Nichols gave him a trim.  

Mojave, a retired dressage horse, stayed here at the Lovestead once summer. 

Below:  someone please tell John Fuller that I miss our visits.  

Steve's doing a good job with the horses, but old friends are hard to forget. Hope you are enjoying retirement, John. 

Wednesday Blend

Oh, those pesky deer might have stripped most of the periwinkle stems, but they could not hold back the heavenly blossoms. 

The patch, somewhat naked of leaves, is coming alive with dozens of sweet little flowers, and I'm loving it. 

I have a whole new appreciation for the resilience of this creeping flower which provides the perfect eye candy for when the grass turns green.

Spring moves on. 

This morning I told Bill that in a couple of days, I won't even need to carry a flashlight when I take the dogs out for their morning business around 4:45. 

Except for being able to see the sneaky little sharp rocks that lurk along the land waiting for me to step on them wrong and fall on my face, I could have managed without the flashlight this morning. 

Those rocks, though, love to hide in the darkness and await the klutz.  So, I'll take it with me until I feel secure in the dawn's light. 

Along with spring and warmer weather, we know the bugs are coming. 

They arrived in full and hungry force last night. 

I took the dogs out for a stroll around the yard and lasted about five minutes.  Soon, the mosquitoes seemed to be attacking from all angles. 

I'm not fond of trying to enjoy an evening walk and beating away at the bugs in the air, so I came back inside. 

That's the irony of spring.  All things beautiful begin to unfold and the bugs show up to make it not so much fun. 

I've tried riding my horses during these spring evening hours and have given up on that when the horse starts going crazy from all the tiny monsters biting at their tummies and especially around their eyes and ears. 

So, for a few weeks, I'll hold off on warm spring evenings, and drive around taking pictures instead. 

Bill seems immune to the 'squiters.  I've been with him when the air turns into a film of nasty bugs, biting at every opportunity.  While I'm going nuts and trying to find the fast route back to the car, he just takes it all in his stride. 

That's where I think there might be a different level of tolerance between men and women. 

Speaking of women, though, and still able to enjoy morning hours in the woods, I ran across an interesting article this morning. 

It announces a workshop for women interested in various aspects of forestry and forest management, taught by women foresters. 

Women in the Woods Field Day will be held at Pine Street Woods May 10. 

For more information, check out the link. 

It's amazing what phenomenal opportunities Kaniksu Land Trust and Pine Street Woods have provided for outdoor lovers of all kinds. 

https://www.bigcountrynewsconnection.com/idaho/women-in-the-woods-field-day-opportunity-may-10-in-sandpoint/article_0db7462a-01a6-11ef-a1e7-27246de69da9.html

I have noticed recently that our blue spruce, given to us the night before Willie and Debbie's wedding 23 years ago, has taken on the same political philosophy I follow. 

A little purple mixed in with the blue. 

Every once in a while, I still cheer when I hear some brave people admit that they vote for the individual, not the party. 

I've advocated that strategy all my adult life, and I don't think I'm going to Hell as staunch party advocates would have everyone believe. 

It used to be that mortal sins for us Catholics fell in the category of murder and thievery.  

When politicians lump a person's right to independent thinking in regard to political choices in the same category as the the worst possible sin ever, I just scratch my head and wonder who made up that rule. 

Also, when they label people who want to do what's right for the Earth, the animals and for other people as "Wokes," it seems obvious to me that someone's philosophy on life has turned upside down. 

If kindness, consideration, empathy, etc. are "woke," I'll happily wear the badge. 

Just sayin' .

Happy Wednesday.