Kick off to summer

The dog days of summer have finally arrived in Northern Idaho. 

Pepper is my friend's dog, and he loves coming to the property.  I looked after him for a few days in May, but unfortunately since then, he was diagnosed with a malignant tumour. I was with Gail when the vet discussed Pepper's prognosis and on the way home, we decided to put this warm-hearted dog on "palliative care" and let him enjoy life while he was still comfortable.  So anything goes:  rolling in mud, eating favourite foods, and lying on our furniture is fair game.  I looked after him last week while Gail had to go to Spokane and we had a great time.

Gail and Pepper

I was thrilled to welcome dear friends and past neighbours, Rick and Cheryl Gibeault, who were concerned about me being down here for so long on my own and decided to pop down for a few days. They hadn't seen the property since 2001 when it was raw land littered with chicken coops, weeds, old tires...but filled with our dreams.

Rick and Cheryl Gibeault

They were impressed with the transformation and enjoyed staying in the clubhouse.  It was a matter of eating, drinking, relaxing...repeat...for four days.  We went to Newport, Washington a few miles away on July 4th, but the town was shut down for the day. Ironically, the only business open was a furniture store holding a "Close Out Sale"!

Loved the sign at a local business

We love watching the 4th of July fireworks from our dock and this year, they were spectacular.  Many neighbours put on terrific displays and the town of Priest River did an outstanding job.

Rick, Cheryl, Larry and Sandra Lawrence and Gail bundle up on our dock

View of Priest River from our dock at sunset

The fireworks' boom echoed through the mountains and the lights reflected in the river. 

Cheryl and Rick headed home today -- happy to see what we've been talking about for so many years, and glad to meet some of our friends and know that I have a good support system.  I am very grateful for the friends we have on both sides of the border, and those further afield.

The best news is Roger is heading home on July 16th (coincidentally the 34th anniversary of when Roger proposed) and he'll be in Idaho on the 18th.  Hopefully he'll be here for a month of boating and having family and friends visit...this place just isn't the same without him.

I'm still coaching, Ryan, a lovely 13 year old girl that I work with each Wednesday at the Sandpoint Library and I'm also doing a travel slideshow at the library on July 12th, entitled, "Expat Escapades"!

Hope everyone is enjoying the summer and that you had a great Canada Day and 4th of July!

”The 4th of July combines the two things Americans love most in one day: alcohol and explosives.” 

David Letterman