Bowled Over

Not being one to engage in watching the Super Bowl .. I did subject my eyes to about 60 seconds of the rather X-rated gyration of a so called 'pop star' wiggle and wreath on stage during half time with all the lust of a porn star.  That was enough!  Why does such a national event that is watched around the world have to be about selling sex?  If I had young children, they would not be allowed to watch such a program .. and yet, how many parents had their children with them watching?  This is a day when our nation should be putting out the best for the world to see .. not smut.   I'm glad we do not have cable TV and can only get a few channels on our rabbit ear antenna; which at times is even too much.  

Gearing Up for Retirement

The Mr. is planning (once again;) to retire (for good) at the end of 2013.  That gives us one year to adjust our budget (and attitudes) for life on his pension(s) and what savings we've squirreled away.  He deserves to hang up his badge after 25+ years of community service.  We have plans .. and then the Lord has plans .. hopefully some will be the same.

You can bet (Lord willing) we won't be sitting around (much).  We have fire wood to gather this summer, mini vacations to take (Glacier National Park), family to visit (us), and odd home repairs not to put off. Grandchildren to fuss over.

We've worked like dawgs paying off debt the past few years (knock on wood .. ) and have learned to be content not needing the latest or greatest gadgets; this all on one income.

We won't be jet setters or pet sitters.  We have a special needs son, Nathan, that will keep us young at heart and close to home; he's a blessing.

So with the New Year about to begin, may the good Lord prepare our hearts, minds AND finances to be adequate and sustaining.  May He give us peace and servant's hearts to give of our time and help to others.  Welcome 2013

We Shall Overcome!

Last night Nathan and I had the privilege of attending a homecoming type basketball game for the local special needs community.  The event was sponsored by Real Life Ministries AND North Idaho College.  This evening was all about the participants!  They were out there on the gym floor as bright shining stars!  Each person had a grin from ear to ear as they hustled across the basketball court playing and giving the game and their teams their all.

As many of you know my son, Nathan, has Down syndrome and has only recently come out of his shell.  Loud noises, auditoriums, crowds and over stimulating events would keep him at home in the safety of his room.  With much hard work, practice going out in public and dedication, he has developed much greater tolerance for such events.

Many hours were spent into getting this event put together.  There was a high school band, cheer leaders, precision drummers, dim lights .. a tunnel of blue smoke the athletes ran through to start the game.  Any single one of these is a triumph .. put them together and we have VICTORY!

Go Nathan!

Head 'em up and move 'em out ...

We just returned from a mini vacation in Sandpoint, Idaho.  About an hour north of us, we were delighted to spend time with family at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch.

 This is a working 'guest' ranch that has many options when planning your stay.  They have all inclusive packages that include horseback riding, skeet shooting, meals, etc.

We opted to rent two cabins and just enjoy the relaxing scenery.  A few opted for horseback riding (which included a riding lesson).

The cabins have kitchens so we brought up pre-planned meals.

The area is surrounded by mountains, streams and Lake Pend Oreille.

Schweitzer Mountain is just a short drive from the ranch.

We took a trip up the mountain and had lunch.  The ski lifts run most of the summer and you can ride down some of the trails on mountain bikes.

Hubby wants to do this soon.  I say we take the easy route down and not go for the double black diamond trails :)

The Good Old Summer Time On Lake Coeur d'Alene

.... in a zippy pontoon boat.  A great way to spend a lazy summer afternoon.  Even Nathan enjoyed the ride.  He really wanted to try wake boarding.  Maybe next time we can get pulled behind the boat in a raft.  The one we were going to use flew off the boat as it was being hauled down to the lake (oooops)!

I am amazed how tired I was when we got home.  All I did was sit under the boat's canopy and watch life go by.  Eat a sandwich and grapes ... time for a good night's rest.  First I need to get my land legs back.

Historic Walking Tour

Ft. Sherman Chapel
constructed 1880

Yesterday was 'date' day.  Hubby and I visited our local museum for a nearby walking tour of historic Ft. Sherman.


 Our guide was General William Carlin, commander of Ft. Sherman ... dressed in a period uniform from the War Between the States (aka .. the Civil War).  The 90 minute walk was leisurely .. and included many shade filled stops along the way.  Wearing a boiled wool uniform is hot, no matter your rank!

Ft. Sherman Officers Quarters
constructed 1878

Three quarters size replica of original fort entrance

Fort Sherman ammunition building

 If you're up to a nice leisurely stroll around Coeur d'Alene or Ft. Sherman (now known as North Idaho College), be sure to get your tour tickets at the Museum of North Idaho.  Adults $15 and worth every penny :)

A beautiful stroll along Lake Coeur d'Alene

Our date ended with an inexpensive lunch at the Mexican Food Factory at the corner of Fourth and Birch in Midtown, Coeur d'Alene.  According to the owner/chef ... it's the oldest Mexican food establishment in CDA.  The food was very good ... and tasted like homemade.  Great salsa!!!  Lunch for two, including tea and lemonade was $13.00.   Get out and explore your neighborhood!  We did and had a blast!

It's Been A BUSY Two Months

... since my last post.

We have had gardens to put in, company ... and my little granddaughter had heart surgery.  Many times I have come here and have not known what to write.  Ideas flying out my head .. then out the window as well.  Life takes turns and sometimes the ride is a roller coaster; I don't 'do' roller coasters.  But .. lately .. I've been along for the ride.

How can summer be just a few weeks away.  I've yearned for this season since last January while snow bound at home pouring over seed catalogs daydreaming.  The garden has been planted except for one type of seed .. morning glories.  It may not be too late to stick some seeds along the fence line and hope they have time to sprout and mature in our short growing season.

The grass needs to be mowed .. and so do the weeds.  Somehow, we have had several rainy days this past week giving me a break with watering the garden ... yet causing the grass to grow with wild abandon adding to the job of mowing.

This is the last week of junior high school for Nathan ... then he gets promoted to high school.  He's excited and prepared to make the step up.  School is serving him well as he is learning many life skills that are important to his current and future life. 

There is so much life to live in our short summer months.  Staying outdoors .. tending the veggie/fruit patches .. summer camp for Nathan .. watching the grand kids grow .. and soaking in the fresh mountain air.  It's time to get the kayaks and bikes out.  BBQ past 7 PM.  Star gaze around the fire pit.  Make homemade ice cream outside with chipped ice and salt, and listening to the cricket serenade.  How about you; what's up in your world?