Tamara Lee Poelstra's Story

I met my husband of 22 years in high school and if Tony had not asked me out I may have never noticed the quiet sweet boy in my biology class. We became friends though I resisted saying yes to his date proposals until one day he let me catch him.

I was the girl who claimed she would never marry until Tony dared me to marry him. It has not always been easy and we have had our challenges. When a couple marries at the age of 19 the expectation is that, it will not last. We contribute our success to the fact that we have never been crazy at the same time and though we may not always like each other in a given situation, we have always loved each other.

We have celebrated 23 Valentine's days and each year, we take the time to be grateful. So my sweet Tony, I say thank you for your perseverance, courage, and loving me. I loved the boy I married and to my surprise, I love the man you have become even more. I am grateful for you. Happy Valentine's Day!

Tamara Lee Poelstra

Marianne Love's Love Story

Back in 1973, Farragut State Park hosted the National Boy Scout Jamboree. By then, I had given up the Forest Service in favor of my first love: journalism, and this is when I met my second and true, lifelong love, a guy named Love. How could you lose?

Gary Pietsch, then publisher of the Sandpoint News Bulletin weekly, asked me to take several trips down to this area prior to the 1973 Boy Scout Jamboree. My assignment was to take pictures, conduct interviews, and write feature stories about the event. I had the freedom to choose whatever topics I wished.

So, I just followed my nose from place to place around Farragut and found my stories. One in particular focused on the Trading Post Warehouse, where an advance team of college-age, handsome former scouts had arrived early to set up their shop for the Jamboree.

While conducting the interview, I was drawn off topic---a common problem of mine. When the dozen or so buff hunks from schools like the University of Texas, Alabama and Georgia learned that I was a school teacher at Sandpoint High School AND the drill team adviser, they started asking questions----one of which was, “Are the girls in Sandpoint better looking than the girls in Coeur d’Alene?” “Of course,” I responded.

Before I knew it, my mouth had once more gotten me into trouble. By the time I left, I had promised to arrange dates for the guys with my drill team girls, many of whom also played on my softball team that summer. Later, after realizing this was probably not a really good idea and stewing about how to get out of this dilemma, I received a call from one of the guys.

He informed me he was the quiet one in the back with the Tulane T-shirt and that he was in charge of the trading post staff. He wanted to assure me that the young men would be perfect gentlemen. He also wanted to know if I would be accompanying the girls to the proposed rendezvous that Saturday night at the Sandpoint City Beach. When I said, I wasn’t sure, he said he wished I would.

So, I did. The Louisiana man was true to his word, and later, he returned to Idaho as a forester. We were married in Sandpoint almost 35 years ago. Bill Love is still a forester for the Idaho Department of Lands, and we’re looking forward to celebrating that special anniversary in June.

We have two children---Willie, the assistant sports editor for the Idaho Press Tribune and Annie, who works for Ground speak , Inc. in Seattle---the creators of the sport of geocaching. Our lovely daughter-in-law, Debbie, works as a staff member for the Silver Sage Council of the Girl Scouts of America in Boise.

Jen Rude's Love Story

Jen Rude

My husband and I met when I was in 5th grade and he was in 6th. We went to a small private school together and were in the same class for three years. During those years, we flirted as well as pre-teens can and even "went together" for a while. We would never talk to each other, but instead wrote notes and a friend would pass them back and forth for us. We would also play four-square together. Still with no talking. I can't remember if he let me win or not. Then when he was in 9th grade, he moved on to high school. We ended up going to different high schools, but still attended church together and were involved in the same youth group. In 1989 when I was almost 17, our youth group had a movie night. That night, we spent most of the evening together and even talked to each other a little. The next day, he called me! We were soon dating and quickly became a couple. We had dated for just over 3 years when he proposed on a warm May evening on the southwest corner of the boardwalk in downtown Coeur d' Alene. I said, "Yes," of course. A short 7 weeks later we were married. During our first few years of marriage, we both worked and went to college. It was a busy time, but we were young and in love and enjoyed our newlywed days. After 7 years of marriage, we had our first son. Then 19 months later, our second son was born. That changed our relationship dramatically as having kids usually does. We grew even closer as we both fell in love with these children we had created together. Then it was a whirlwind of diapers and first steps and first words and first days of school. And just when our sons could feed and dress and bathe themselves, God put the desire for another baby in my heart. I was nervous to talk to my husband about it because we had decided together that two children was enough. When I finally told him how I was feeling, he said, "If you think that's what we're supposed to do, let's do it." It was that day that I truly realized what a blessing it is to have a husband who shares my belief in following God's will. Unfortunately having a baby wasn't that easy because of a traumatic car accident a few months later that left me physically and mentally unable to even imagine being pregnant or having a newborn. Through the next year and a half, he held my hand and stood by me and was patient beyond words with my craziness that followed. Now, though, I am happy to say that we have a beautiful 8 month old little girl who has strengthened our love even more. In July we will celebrate our 17th wedding anniversary. Our lives have changed in ways that we didn't expect and couldn't imagine. But one thing has remained the same through all the ups and downs over the last 16 1/2 years . And that is that he loves me more than I can believe and more than I deserve. And I love him for that.

Katrina's Love Story

Due to space limitations, not all of the entries made the paper. Here's one of them.

He wasn’t wearing armor or waving a banner, and his lemon yellow Oldsmobile Omega was about as far from a noble steed as you could get, so when my white knight showed up one unassuming August day in the hallowed halls of Harding University, I very nearly missed him.

Like so many single girls, I’d spent years dreaming up my own vision of Prince Charming—some impossible combination of Antonio Banderas and Atticus Finch, gorgeous and intelligent and whimsical and high-minded and mysterious and transparent and powerful and gentle and confident and humble and…and, and, and. In short, he was the perfect man.

Thankfully, he was entirely fictional. Had I ever actually met him, I’m quite certain he would have driven me crazy.

Instead, I found Paul. Or he found me. It was sort of a mutual finding, taking shape over long afternoon walks and dollar menu dates. And in the years since, my picture of Prince Charming has been gloriously remade in the image of the wonderful, stumbling, passionate, funny, amazing man that I married. He snores. He tells the same jokes over and over. He forgets to write things down in the checkbook. He gets cranky when he hasn’t eaten in a while. And when I am lying buried under a heap of worries and frustrations, he is the one who puts a strong shoulder under the pile and helps me carry it along. From his willingness to take on the tasks that I hate (like dealing with the phone company) to the spontaneous backrubs he gives when he can tell I’ve had a crazy day, everything Paul does sends the message: “We’re in this together, babe.”

Together, we specialize in laughter and finishing each other’s sentences. We play Scrabble ferociously. We fight and make up in almost the same breath, because pouting wastes precious time. We go out a lot, but we’re secret homebodies, thankful when weather or cancellation or even sickness throws our plans to the wind and gifts us with a sweet night curled up on the couch in front of a movie.

“I married my best friend.” It’s inscribed on countless greeting cards and wedding invitations. It’s also written on the map of my life, the turning in the road that completely and forever changed my story. In this land, hand in hand with a real, live Prince, a two-bedroom apartment is a palace, a mud-splattered Ford Escort is a royal coach, and a Wendy’s Junior Bacon Cheeseburger is a feast.

I defy even Antonio Banderas to create that kind of magic.

--Katrina Swaim

A Love Story, by Meg Andrews

Unfortunately, the Spokesman-Review left out about half of the stories that were tendered, and all of them that had taken the trouble to send pictures. I am not happy. Having said that, I will publish those that were left out, starting with this stirring tale of love: Herb

Our story is one that by all probabilities should not have survived. We met in December 1977, the year of our senior year of High School. He needed a date for a company Christmas party. He had heard about me from a friend of mine. We met briefly during lunch sitting in the “Pits” at CHS. We “happened” to both be at a game on the next Friday night. A bunch of us all went to Pappy’s Pizza after the game; the group included him and me “coincidentally”.

He was going out to get his family’s Christmas tree the next day, and wanted to know if I’d like to go along. He asked me to be his date for his company party. We were both just 17, and had only known each other for a short time, but we felt a connection, and ultimately we fell in love very quickly. By February, he asked me to marry him. I accepted. Strangely, the only people who did not seem to think this was the craziest thing they had ever heard were our parents. My friends were skeptical. I have heard my siblings, all much older than me, had placed bets as to how long our marriage would (or wouldn’t) last. Though my parents were not opposed, I sensed they did not want to spend too much money, in case it didn’t last. Being Depression era, they wouldn’t want to waste money, so I borrowed a wedding dress from a family friend. Honestly, if you were to tell me this story, I would probably think it was a bad idea, myself.

Fortunately, it was not a bad idea. It was a beautiful beginning to a long and wonderful friendship and love affair. October 7, 2008, we celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. We started out as two kids, with barely two nickels to rub together, as the saying goes, who worked hard, raised two beautiful daughters, owned, and toiled, and grew a successful business together for 13 years. We now find ourselves in Moscow, Idaho while he goes back to college to finish a degree in Computer Engineering that he began back in the early 80’s at NIC.

Some have asked, “What is your secret?” There is no secret, really. Communication, and especially learning how to communicate with each other in a way that is well received by both parties seems to be a key part to the success of our relationship. It has been hard work at times, but it is well worth the effort. Love, respect and friendship, along with communication I believe are key to our relationship. Tenacity doesn’t hurt either, being willing to hang in there and work through things. Being willing to go the distance for the person and a relationship that you believe in more than anyone or anything else in the world. Oh, and forgiveness never hurts a relationship either

Valentine's Day Approaches

In this post, I am shamelessly pimping my full page layout in the Prairie Voice. Featuring love stories from throughout the region, we are helping people celebrate the successful relationships, rather than dwell on the dysfunctional, which is featured most of the time in the news.

We have several letters that have been submitted, some with pictures. We don't at this time know whether all of them will make it, but if any don't, I'll publish them here.

Bayview is dead quiet today, with most of the businesses closed. The Wheel is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, Terry's Cafe is only open Tuesday and Ralph's coffee House needs customers to help him stay open. The Buttonhook restaurant is back on the market again, as the sale being negotiated apparently failed to reach closing. Our sources point to the liquor license as the sticking point.

In the last few years, since liquor was introduced to the patio, both have used the one resort liquor license. In attempting to sell the Buttonhook, two issues are at hand.

First, if the Buttonhook is sold separately, detached from the resort, can they keep the license? Secondly, it may turn out that since Waterford Park has allegedly deeded most of it's shoreline to the condo homeowners association, do they even qualify for the license anymore. It will be an interesting few months as we all watch.

Disaster, Part Two

A few months back I wrote a long post about what I felt was going to happen in the economy. At this time, having been vindicated by current events, I'd like to zoom to the next year. 2010, for my predictions and why.

Currently, the new administration of President Obama, along with congress, is trying to juice the economy by pouring money into banks, hoping the banks would then loan the money out in lavish orgies, thereby bringing the economy back. There are some obvious reasons that isn't going to help. When a house of cards, or dominos starts going down, often there is little anyone can do to stop it. These banks, finally weaned off of whatever drugs they were on have shut the purse strings for very good reasons. Instead of just checking your FICA score, they are looking at job survivability. If there is a good chance you are going to face a layoff in the next year or two, they don't want a repeat of what they have just experienced. This is a classic case of cart before horse.

The Federal Government, along with most states, are running in circles, "shouting the sky is falling," but they aren't doing anything that will help. First, when faced with a crisis such as we now do, one has to go back to what caused the crash to begin with. Some will argue that it was the price of oil, the housing bubble bursting and so forth. Actually, it was none of the above.

The root cause goes back to free trade, which by now, even the most sceptable cannot claim, is free. By trying to level the world markets, the fact that other involved countries with low standards of living and cheap labor is not comparable is the point. The minute a company goes offshore for prices in the 50% range lower than could be produced, we started to fall apart.

"We'll be a service economy and our citizens will be able to buy lots of stuff they couldn't afford. We don't need manufacturing." Those economists that couldn't figure out that how a consumer can afford to buy these cheap items without incomes, didn't occur to them. "Retrain them," they said. OK, so now we have thousands of highly trained steel workers and many others, trying to find jobs flipping burgers.

That, folks was the beginning of the end, then NAFTA jumped in to cement our economic failure. We could readily absorb the Canadian difference, since our two economies are about the same. They make more money, but give most of it back in taxes. Mexico, however is a totally different story. An economy that has been in shambles for as long as I have lived and longer, cannot and will not ever be equal to where we once were.

When the market weakened, the fed lowered interest rates. liberal members of congress and the senate, cried aloud, we want a mortgage industry that can make it possible for everyone that wants to own their own home can do so. People, the only way that can happen is by lowering lending standards. Congress pushed and the greed of the mortgage industry did the rest. Bubbles that burst like the one we just encountered, happen from overheated markets building beyond demand. Interest rates were held down too low, too long, which ate up all of the demand, right when builders and developers were going balls to the wall producing housing there wasn't a need for, and were too expensive for the average middle class family to afford.

Gas prices are down, but nobody can afford to go anywhere.No job. Houses are coming down, too. Still no job. Helping small and medium size businesses seem to be the slang they are throwing around in Washington, D.C. Those are the types of poop used in an election campaign, not in solving problems. Our goverment is mostly made op of people that have never worked out in the economy, at least not recently. Don't be surprised if a government Mom holding an apple pie shows up at your door.

The only solution to this problem that won't serve to just flush more billions down the toilet, is to go back to the root cause.We need more, to redesign our basics to balance labor costs with wold prices. This is going to hurt. At the same time, we need to crank up those New England mills and stop buying cheaper than market labor to rule. I'm not talking about shutting down with total protectionism, just where the most egregious imbalances exist.

How, can we ship Iron ore from the Mesabi range across the Pacific to Japan, China and Malaysia, then after smelting the steel, fabricating it into beams ship it back to us, CHEAPER than we can do it ourselves. That used to be called dumping, or selling under market. Now it's just world trade. We need selective tariffs where such imbalances exist. Crank up U.S. Steel. If necessary, the fed if it really wants to do something right, can retrofit these factories with systems that cut the pollution of old. What we did by getting too green to fast, is shopped our economy to others so they could then pollute the area, long distance.

This country is represented, sometimes terribly, by elected officials, not self ordained sentinels of nature. The Sierra Club has done nothing worthwhile to help the economy, just to curb it, or even cause some industries to shut down.

Go back 30 years when we were the most productive nation on earth. Our government has sold us out. It's time to take it back for us, not the Asians that own most of our assets now. My next pouring forth of unsolicited opinions on the economy will deal with energy production.








































5

Qualifications

Someone brought up the other day, a problem I had hoped to avoid. He/She said," How can you cover the love beat when you've been divorced for 20 years. This insensitive person went on to point out that not only have I been single for a bunch of years, but that no social activity including women has been observed.

Well yes, this is all true. But if I may say something in my defense? OK they said. First, most of the real good ones are gone. Not only gone, but like many or most of them, they know they have a good thing. That leaves me with one: losers. Two, winners that don't want a second go-around, and three they don't live in Bayview. Oh, and three, I can't do it anymore. I can't be wrong when I'm right and all of those other stupid compromises we men have to make to keep peace. I continue to believe that I am equal to women, no matter what they think, and until I find one that admits that, forget it.

All in all, I consider myself a great romantic and shall surge forward with this project with all of the delicacy of the proverbial bull in the china shop manner. But back to my original premise. I know a good love story, because I have lived many of them. All had their good points and their bad, but for the most part, none of us had maturity. Well, having burned all of those bridges, I still love parts of all of them. Er, parts of their wonderful personalities.

I ended the discussion, however, by standing tall, and explaining, "journalists do not have to know anything about the subject they write about, and have proved that many times in the past." I rest my case.

Addendum: I just realized that I missed my anniversary.which was January 27, 2005. In that period of time I show a total of visits at 45,006 and page views of 75108. I am pleased that many of you enjoy reading my stuff.

Love Abounds, This Valentine's Season

I put out the call for love stories that are printable in my last post. I have received some dandies. One or two of them will find themselves as feature stories. All are appreciated. We will print many, if not all of them, space being a problem, always. Those that don't make the paper will appear in this blog, after Valentine's Day.

I want to thank those that have responded. Many, if not most, opened up their hearts and told some real good stories. We'll most likely print the first next Thursday and the rest February 12.

Bayview was pretty much shut down today with dense fog. That has cleared away, and we're supposed to get a little snow. Personally, I'd rather see a few inches of snow, (notice I said a FEW)than freezing fog and icy roads.

My brother, Stan and his wife, Marilyn are sitting in Tampa Bay, Florida, with strawberry juice dripping off their chins, somewhat embarrassed to not be sharing what we have to offer, weather wise. That probably applies to our friends in the Yuma area, who are professional loafers. (Mondays excepted, Jim)For the rest of you, Jim Campbell, former owner of the Captain's Wheel Restaurant here in Bayview, couldn't stay out of the kitchen.

He's flipping anywhere from 300 to 450 burgers during Monday burger night which draws retirees from far and wide to the VFW in Wellton, Arizona. Right down the road are Liz & Larry Justus, owners of Lakeland RV Park in Bayview. Others within shouting distance are: Dick & Annie Gaspar, and a bunch of others, like Dave & Annie Morrow, who split there time between Mexico and Yuma. You folks be careful traveling north this spring. Many disgruntled northern residents may be out throwing rocks at northbound vehicles.

Watch the Spokesman-Review Prairie voice for your love story, coming soon.

Lovers? Are there any Lovers Left?

I have received the grand total of one love story for my Spokesman-Review Valentines column. This is the one chance this year to score points with your special person. I cannot believe that out of all of my readers. there are no romanticists left. I'm appalled. It appears that I feel more romance for my ex-wives, than you married couples that don't.

With all that is happening in the economy, world affairs, and such, why wouldn't affairs closer to home be more important. A few short words, telling our readers why your relationship is superior to those other, just get by folks, will hopefully inspire those less fortunate's to try harder. I know, because I have read constantly, the words of happily married couples here on line and through Huckleberrries.

Here's the deal. My column in the Spokesman-Review that will publish sometime before my death, but hopefully before February 14, will through you, show that romance is not dead and that male/female relationships are still successful. without your stories, most failures will assume that everyone else screwed up too. Let's help these wounded relationships by showing them the true path to happiness.

Leave a 100 to 200 word essay on this blog, or e-mail it to me direct at Bayviewherb@gmail.com. If your story is chosen, you will win ... nothing, except the knowledge that your true love knows that you love him/her as well. All totaled, that ain't bad.

I Want Love Stories

We are approaching that time of year where Valentines Day is near. Many times, all that means is, ohmygod, don't forget the candy. For the more advanced male, it's flowers. Aside from that, it seems that most of what we hear about couples, married or not, is gloom, doom and how the hell do we survive this Guy/Gal.I'm not quite modernized yet for me to think same sex, but why not, Lets hear from those couples too.

What we don't hear is from those people that are so comfortable in their relationships it doesn't occur to them that they are unusual, and maybe they aren't. As we fight to get out of the gloom and doom of winter, and approach spring, I want to hear stories from people that are still in love, lo those many years. Or even from those that haven't been together that long.

I want to publish in the Spokesman-Review, stories about yourselves and the love that still endures, and why it does. I want a road map to successful relationships that I can publish in the good paper. This is an attempt to bypass all of the b/s at greeting card stores and get down to the nitty gritty. Just remember that the terminology must fit a family newspaper. My editors are innocents and we can't risk shocking them.

Please click on the comments, leave your name by selecting that option and we'll show those non-believers that love is still the way to go. You may also send me your comments at: bayviewherb@gmail.com. If you insist on staying private, I will respect that too. I especially want to encourage those that are area bloggers, as I have become familiar with them and their attitudes. Dave Oliveria,or for that matter, Mrs. O, Jen, Family Phil, Pecky, Brand X, Mari, Cis, Inland Empire girl, MamaJD, Marmite (sometimes toasty), Katrina, (my favorite hugger)Trish, Sam, Truly, Marianne, sparky, Jbelle, and yes, even the Bard.

There are so many more of you out there that should share your romantic success with us that I don't know of, but please feel free to express yourselves also. Oh, and this column cannot be complete without input from Cindy Hval, the woman every man loves.

Lot's Happnin' In The Bay

Topping the news in Bayview today, is the ruling from Idaho Department of Lands, denying the privatization of Boileau's Marina. The ruling itself is long and complicated, but as I understand it, most of the problems stem from the Littoral rights being transferred to another corporation, lack of parking for the announced number of customers, and the inconsistency of information found in the various documents submitted by Waterford Park, LLC. There also seems to be a cross pollination of Boileau's and Harborview. With Boileau's appearing to be sold piecemeal, The association with Harborview is somewhat clouded. Any corrections as to the accuracy of my conclusions are welcome in the comments section.

In other news, it appears that the sewer project in Farragut State Park is going on hold due to budget cutbacks across the board by the state. Not all of the project, however is affected. much of the system is already on the ground, as phase one as will be completed as scheduled. Phase one includes the Sewer lagoon itself, the new dump station adjacent to Gilmore campground, Gilmore campground, Waldron campground, The brig and Beaver Bay. All of these projects are under way and will be completed as scheduled.

Phase two would include the East Dump Station and Boat Launch area.
The brief announcement in this morning's paper was a little misleading.

Are We A Little Shy?

A recent comment which probably was deliberately obtuse, suggested that while he/she gloried in attacking me in the comments section, (not published) it wasn't his/her fault, since her/his system wouldn't let them publish their names.

Again, I salute the new board, which has come on board with a mission to united the community. If anyone wishes to consider this as a criticism, go for it.

So that everyone understands, there are three ways one can comment. By open, (name to be inserted)by url, those with blogs and anonymous, as shown below:
A recent comment which probably was deliberately obtuse, suggested that while he/she gloried in attacking me in the comments section, (not published) it wasn't his/her fault, since her/his system wouldn't let them publish their names.

This person was taking exception to my remarks in "New broom Sweeps clean." In that post, I railed against those that hate their neighbor, or acts churlish about marina owners that contribute to the community then are not even thanked. I was raised in a way and in an era, that even if you don't agree with someone, you still recognize a friendly gesture. Somehow, this was translated into "everything was the outgoing Chamber board's fault. I did not say those things. These were jumps that probably revealed guilty feelings. The noise that resonates throughout this community has wider ownership than that. I have exposed some horrible mistakes made by some, but only after they refused to remedy the problems themselves. No, last year's board had it's problems, especially with getting along with people. Still, they did some good as well.

Choose an identity
Google/Blogger
You're currently posting as Bay Views
Use a different account

Email follow-up comments to bayviewherb@gmail.com
OpenID OpenID LiveJournal WordPress TypePad AOL
LiveJournalWordPressTypePadAIM


Name/URL
Name
URL
Anonymous
Publish Your Comment


It must be pointed out that this person's excuse for not identifying themselves was due to the inability of his company computer to do so is trash and doesn't deserve any more than trashy response. Once into the comment section of a blog, only the blog's rules apply. No operating system can interfere with this once in.

This was of course a knuckle dragging excuse not to reveal themselves. I have said this before, and I will repeat it once more. This is my forum.

Since it is mine, I get to make the rules. First and foremost, is the no attack rule. You do not use my blog to flog me. You want to do that? start your own.

I do, however, allow people to disagree with me. To do so, however, you must sign your own name to the comment, just as I do when I write the blog. I have never hid any opinion behind an anonymous name, and never will. If you hate enough to chastise me and my principles, please have the basic courage to name yourself. Most cowards cannot force themselves to this point, but I thought it bore mentioning.

In the old code of the west, at least until the internet was born, it was customary for people wish serious disagreements to step out into the street, sometimes with fatal results. Well, times have changed, and much for the better, still, to hide behind a fake name, or none at all is blatant cowardice of a moral kind.

Weather Guessers

I guess I just picked a weatherman without a sense of humor. Recently, I e-mailed a local weather guesser about a pet peeve of mine, and I'm reasonably sure of many others of you. My problem was the code words that are used to forecast nasty weather such as snow and other forms of pestilence.

Here's the deal. Accu-weather (this is not limited to them, I only used them as an example) posted the following snow forecasts for the coming two weeks or so.

January 23&29th, occasional snow. 1/27, snow of varying rates: (I ain't lyin') January 26th and 28th? periods of snow. January 27, 30th & 31st snow and for the grand prize,"snow much of the time (2/1)

Now I, much like other reasonable people, do understand that weather forecasting is not an exact science. ... Still, I would like to have answers to the burning (perhaps not the right word) question, which is: Am I to worry when snow is predicted? periods of snow? occasional snow, snow much of the time, or snow of varying rates. Please, can someone with foreign language skills help me out here?

I'm pretty much at home with snow flurries, that being light snow not amounting to much, or snow showers, that like rain showers, are intermittent, But HEY! Whats up with the gobbledygook? Can't they at least list in what order snow of varying rates ranks with occasional snow? Or for that matter, none of the above give us the slightest inkling, other than perhaps journalistic regard to repetition, to what order of importance, or order of seriousness they are. A few years ago, the forecast of: Occasional snow meant it was going to snow all day and it was serious. Now, due to the new code words, nobody has a clue. Why have weather forecasts if nobody understands what you are forecasting?

At this point, some of you are saying, "there goes Herb, in the juice again," but these terms are real. Unless they have changed since this morning, go to: www.accuweather.com and see for yourself. An English translation should be the minimum requirement.

A New World, Jumping Through The Looking Glass

Tuesday will usher in a new era. New in many ways. Like the proverbial 800 pound Gorilla in the room, certainly race is an issue. But it isn't, except for historical purposes, the key issue. Our world is Topsy-turvy right now. We teeter on the edge of a second Great Depression. One which if it happens will cause our country more trouble than ever happened in the early 30's.

In today's European press, there is a sudden silence, after punishing Bush with every emotion they have. It has suddenly occurred to them that when Obama ascends to the presidency, he will be faced with problems that they do not have answers to either.

The expectations that we have put on this man, a politician that for the most part hasn't been tested, nor does he even have a background that would have tutored him in international relations, are huge. This isn't about criticizing Barack Obama. We elected him, we have him, now we need to support him.

Now we have handed him a recession bordering on depression. Let me just review a view of the problems he and the new congress faces:

First, the economic collapse. The scary thing about this is that no one single cause provoked it. Certainly, high oil prices for two years started it. I said back then that with the world economy counting in dollars, the oil barons were shooting themselves in the foot. I spent 20 years in the mortgage business ending in the mid- nineties. Never would I have guessed at the hallucinating marketplace would self destruct. Sure there were well meaning congressmen that wanted everyone to own their own home. Unfortunately, these head in the clouds people should be put out to pasture. The conservative lending practices that I lived by were totally abandoned and the people that created them should be sent to prison.

First and obvious in foreign affairs is Iraq and Afghanistan. If we can stabilize Iraq just a little more, then the problem shifts to Afghanistan. But Afghanistan isn't the only problem. Just across a mountain range, is Pakistan, which with the border tribes allied with terrorists, is a throwback to Cambodia during the Vietnam dust-up. A sacred hideout that the outlaws of Afghanistan can retreat toward. Obviously, a lesson we didn't learn very well in Nam.

Israel/West Bank/Gaza is probably a problem without a solution. West bank separated by Israel then again in Gaza, without common borders is a dream without a wake up call. There is no way that a country can exist with split borders. Unless Jerusalem is internationalized, no peace will ever happen there. The key word in all of this is "tribe."Most of these areas have been controlled by tribes, both in the Middle east and in Africa. They don't know how, nor do they have the education or desire to change. People like that can't govern Countries. They for the most part are still living in the stone age.

But wait, there is more! North Korea just announced the possession of several nuclear weapons and is waving swords at south Korea. Perhaps they have glad eyes for Hyundai.

Religious warfare has been fought for centuries with no winners and all losers. Even today we haven't learned. It would appear that a world wide Jihad called by radical Muslims is going to play out, not withstanding the situation in Israel.

These and more situations face Obama as he reaches the goal he sought. One wonders why he even wanted to. At this point it is important for me to say where I'm coming from. I am a conservative, albeit not severely right wing. As a matter of fact, I detest extremism from either side. Me? I'm going to support the President of the United States while I can. If he screws up, I'll comment on it. Having said that, I probably couldn't do better, and I won't second guess him as he travels this mine field. We need to lose the cheap shots, such as that aimed at George Bush. All that does is point out the pointy heads of those that sink into that sort of thing. Get back to debating issues, rather than below the belt shots.

God Bless You, Obama and I hope you know what the hell you're doing!

New Broom Sweeps Clean

L-R Donald "Bear" Rose, Cindy Post-Grandy, Bob Prince, Linda Williams, Jeanne Bjergo

A mulligan in golf is a do-over, for those of you that think smacking a helpless small round ball around a cow pasture is recreation. After a two month delay, a brand new slate of officers and board members have been elected to the Bayview chamber of Commerce.Tuesday night was the first meeting chaired by the new slate of officers. President is the long time Mayor and Council member from Hayden Lake, Bob Prince. Prince moved to Bayview a couple of years ago and has been a calming influence between those that like controversy and turmoil. For the last two years, Bayview has been split into several special interest groups that have collectively torn apart the former cooperative fabric that used to be Bayview.

Prince, not tarred with the identity that each of these groups represented, became an almost required choice for president. Asked, earlier about his vision for the community, he replied, "I want to work toward unifying the various factions. It's time to work for the betterment of the village we live in, not personal squabbles."

Others that have been chosen to lead this year, are: Cindy Post Grandy, Vice-President. Cindy has worked tirelessly in and for the community for several years, constantly volunteering for what ever is needed.

Secretary was also a slam dunk. Linda Williams who has toiled as administrator for several years at the Bayview Water & Sewer Department, will enlarge her duties to include the business of the chamber.

Jeanne Bjergo, co-owner with her husband Scott, of the Bayview Mercantile, since the Spring of 2007, was selected to be treasurer. Her qualifications as a lottery winner made her a shoo-in as well.

Board member at large, Donald "Bear" Rose, was the obvious choice for member-at-large, since he is probably the largest member of the chamber. Rose, until they sold the resort, was co-owner with his wife Sandy, of Boileau's Resort and the Buttonhook Restaurant. Now retired, also from survey engineering from Meckel Engineering, lives with his wife in a new home overlooking Scenic Bay, with a God's eye view of the lake.

Skip Wilcox stepped up as the chairman of the nominating committee that chose these fine people to run. The membership wholeheartedly agreed with him. He deserves recognition as the person that may have changed the course of this community.

With this new group, all dedicated toward Bayview, rather than limited interests, it should be a fine crew. We offer our congratulations and hopes for the future. It should be noted, that not all of these people chosen for the above responsibilities have lived here for 20 years, nor are any of them progeny of pioneer families. The old way of greeting newcomers to Bayview, was,"How long have you lived here," the implication being, the longer one had lived here, the more important or valuable or something, those that thought that way, were.

In the last few years, many that formerly recreated here from Spokane and other areas near by, moved to Bayview permanently. Others, lured by friends or relatives,or managed to find us on their own. Gradually, the old "how long have you lived here," has been replaced by individual evaluations as who and what the newcomers are. Some come here with delusions that they will change this backwoods place populated by characters from deliverance, to one of class and importance, not realizing that which they left behind should have stayed there. Those folks usually get spit out like a used up wad of chew.

One last thought. Business in Bayview have come to a screeching halt. While the Mercantile struggles on, helped by the price of going to town for everything, places like the Captain's Wheel, Terry's Cafe and Ralph's Internet Cafe are in trouble. Customer patronage has fallen way off. Partly, this is due to more of our seniors going south for the winter. Partly it is from many that have lost their construction jobs and aren't working. I urge each of you, if you are still in this area, to make a point of patronizing these local businesses, so that when spring comes and the tourists arrive, these places won't sit boarded up. Go out to dinner once a week if you can afford to. Stop by JD's or the Wheel for a toddy when the mood strikes you. Stop by Ralph's for breakfast or those great tacos he makes. Check out the lunches and breakfasts that Terry's has, and don't forget, Terry has just opened up a second terry's on Main Street in Spirit Lake. Get out and support your local businesses. They really need you.

Cranes, Cranes, Cranes, Everywhere

There are many varieties of cranes in this part of the country. We have Sandhill cranes, Whooping Cranes, Blue and Siberian cranes. Recently a new one has been discovered, called the Kramer crane. While the typical long legged crane hangs out near shallow water, using their long legs to get around, the Kramer crane dives hundreds of feet in search of whatever it is hunting.

The Kramer crane started of by being mounted on tracks so that it can climb onto or off of land or barges. Recently, one such bird was perched, actually I guess you could say it was roosting, on a barge hooked to a tugboat. Moored out on Cape Horn, near Bayview, the wind came up and set the whole rig adrift. The crew, showing up first thing in the morning for work, noticed the crane was no longer where they had left it.

Finally, it was spotted onshore at Lakeview, some five miles across Lake Pend Oreille. Nestled nearby was the tug that had become unattached during the stormy crossing. Still something just didn't seem right. Looking up, one crewman was heard to ask, *"Alright, whut did you do with the machine thingee." Denying culpability, they all shook their heads. It seems that during the wild ride across the storm tossed waves, the crane, like all others decided it was hungry and dove off.

Somewhere out there, is a tracked crane rated at forty tons, waving it's one arm to and fro hoping to snag something to eat. Perhaps a navy sonar towed array, maybe your fishing line with, or course your favorite can't miss lure attached. Such is the fate of an over ambitious bird. Another possibility is that overcome with grief after unintentionally being involved with injuring it's friends in the fish world, it committed suicide in remorse.

* (Quotes were made up by me. Sort of filling in the blanks, you see.)

Many Are Wondering ...

Since the Spokesman-Review made the severe cutbacks a while back, those of you that are used to seeing a column about Bayview or Athol or both, every week, are not. This doesn't mean I was replaced by another writer, but that in some cases to stay under budget, they are reprinting those articles from Spokane or other areas adjacent to Idaho. By reprinting them, they only have to buy the story once. I have been approached by numerous people asking why.

Editors are like anyone else, except for one thing. They choose what news to disseminate, but don't get much feedback, if any. I am not soliciting cheerleaders for my column. that would be unprofessional. There is, however,a list of editors and writers in every issue of the Prairie voice, along with ways to contact all of them by either E-Mail or phone. They do respond to reader input, but seldom get any. Usually, the only time they get a call is when someone doesn't like the story they just read.

So then, the bottom line is it is useless for you to approach me with things like,"I wish your column was still published all the time." If you feel strongly about it, call or write an e-mail expressing yourself to the editors. They are the ones that make these decisions.

Many of my friends that were staff reporters are now out of work. It isn't a pretty picture, and with advertising revenues certain to go down further, the future isn't bright. Whether neighborhood news survives depends on whether readers support the effort. If they don't, it's gone.

The Last Straw

Many tragic things have happened in the last month. Boats have sank, deaths have occurred, buildings have collapsed and I spent most of the last three weeks confined to my home. No, I wasn't under house arrest, but I might as well have been. either the road wasn't plowed, or when it was, the berm blew up the possibility of crossing it, then the marina plowed and the way was free. Except that when my car was in it's customary spot, the marina plow buried it.

I finally figured out how to beat the system. Hans Neubauer, Manager of Scenic Bay Marina would take pity on me when I removed my car, and re plow to allow my parallel spot to stay open.That was way appreciated, and a hearty thank you, Hans. The only problem with this whole thing, is that like the stars aligning, everything had to happen in sequence.

It doesn't do any good to have a parking place plowed out if the highway department comes after Hans does. My little Japanese excuse for a car doesn't jump two foot packed berms. ergo, stay at home. For the most part, I enjoyed the undemanding chore of looking out to see whether I could reach the paper box or not, because that was the only real important job I had. Feed the cat (cats) my neighbor has about six cats that are not apparently well fed and they camp out on or under my deck waiting for me to feed my one cat. On my way out for the feeding ritual, go get the paper. (spokesman-Review, of course) One day I pushed snow almost up to my waist. That was the day, the only day, that I wondered whether reading the paper from cover to cover was worth the effort. But hey, I went anyway. Having been the owner of "Herb's Paperback exchange in Dalton Gardens for a couple of years, I have lots of reading material.

But I digress. Of all the catastrophes that descended upon us this winter, none was worse than the one that transpired last night. To catch you up, my sister-in-law, Marilyn Huseland, sends me cookies at Christmas time every year. Chocolate chips, Peanut butter and the cream de la cream, date-nut cookies. The peanut butter cookies arrive at about half strength, being brittle, about half of them turn into powder. Still they are enormously tasty. The best? Date nut cookies. Alas, though, I finished the last of them yesterday. I languish in despair. Fortunately, when I get real frustrated, I make my own, since Marilyn coughed up the recipes for me. Still, it isn't the same. somehow going to the post office, carrying out a huge box of goodies is way better than doing it myself. Somehow, I'll survive.

It's Over (For Now)

Gone are the gigantic heaps of snow, the roofs moaning under stress. Gone is the snow piled higher that the tops of my sorrels.Tree limbs have regained their former appearance, stark and bold without the softening, decorative effect of snow. Much of the snow is gone, replaced by water with no place to go. Snow berms have dammed, and perhaps damned the water from seeking it's normal path, puddling gently between you, and where you are trying to reach.

Appearing again, is junk that didn't make it to the dump, vacant boat slips with just the fly bridge showing, as some boats, overloaded with snow and ice, tried their best to imitate the Titanic. Now instead of ice with packed snow covering our streets, we have ice with water covering them. Tree limbs litter the ground, ripped from the parent tree either from the earlier weight of snow, or the violent winds that kicked up when the warm front appeared.

This respite was needed, overdue and critical for us to have the ability to move around, and will last until the week-end, when winter is scheduled to return. Those that have boats stored in covered slips have all been spared, but some, even larger boats weighed down from the snow, siphoned full of water and sank in place. One pontoon boat loaded up with snow, flipped completely over, and is floating upside down.

Appreciation

This is about Bob and Debra Deimler, my back yard neighbors. They moved in here about a year ago and adopted me, as I did them. They live year around in a motor home that looks to be planted firmly in the ground, along with three Dachshunds, all of which also adopted me.Before they arrived, I had been mostly a hermit They wouldn't accept that and still don't. We have dinner together, sometimes at their place, sometimes at mine. We do this at least once a week. This of course, requires me to strive to greater culinary triumphs than when I eat alone. These people are my heroes. Doing things for people just because they want to, not because they think it makes them look good.


I didn’t get you a Christmas card, nor a New Years greeting either. What I did do, was coming home from my road trip, I managed to gripe and grumble about everything you did, even though you overhauled my home while I was gone. That, I guess is why they call us old people Curmudgeons.That you seem to understand that old people don’t like change of any kind, and get frustrated as hell over minor bullshit, you both seem to love me anyhow.

Ever time I turn around, when I am looking for ways out of a problem, you both without hesitation, jump up and solve my problems. Today, I worried about how I was going to dig out to get to my Doctors appointment, twice canceled for weather. Here I am, buried again. Suddenly, comes Bob. Can I do laundry? Absolutely, anytime. Then I mentioned that I was going to have to dig myself out after the coming storm. “Not to worry, Herb, we did it this morning.”

There are so many others that have risen above the required. Hans at Scenic Bay Marina for taking time out from rescuing the Sagging Boat sheds and float homes, to plow us out in our little mobile home court. Phil Stephan, noticing that my car had been parked at the Wheel for days, cranked his Bobcat up and scooped me out. Reid, Mark and so many others, working 12 to 15 hour days to help those that couldn't help themselves.Truly, I love you guys. "When the things get tough, then the tough get going," is an old expression. It couldn't be more appropriate than now.

This old man, has tears in his eyes.

Right vs Left! Where's the humor

For the last two weeks or so, Huckleberries on line has been without it's mentor, Dave Oliveria, while he lounges on vacation. As we approach the last day or so of life without DFO, many opinions have surfaced as to how we, the commentators did. I, too, have some opinions on that. First, most people that comment on line are opinionated. You may not have noticed.

For the most part, nay, always, the discourse has been very courteous. Sure, feathers get a little ruffled, but only a little and things calm right down. While I'm not a liberal, nor am I terribly right wing, I have for a while recognized that sometimes we conservatives lack a well nurtured sense of humor. Without trying to be unctuous, I congratulate all of you for being nice.

For a time, I resided in Orange County California, the heartland of the John Birch Society. I was a Reagan/Goldwater Republican and was many times labeled a "pinko," just because anything not right of Genghis Khan was considered liberal.

Here in north Idaho, I do find the same in some respects. Many republicans here are far to the right of my positions, as most Dems are far to the left, also. The most amusing thing about politics here, is that neither side recognizes where they are at in that equation. It appears that most humor from both sides is about the failings of the other.

Party leaders, which should be sales agents for their positions, are often given the honor, by being the most cranky, fractious of them all. It is no wonder that the various parties struggle for converts. They just don't try to convert anyone. It's all about anger, frustration and the belittling of the opposition. If that is salesmanship then I misspent my entire career.

Self depreciation, the ability to laugh at yourself, is most probably the most valuable principle you can possess. Get over your holier than thou attitude and laugh at your absurdities. It's fun. Let others decide what and who you are, while you bask in the knowledge that you love yourself.

In The Spokesman-Review January 31, 2005

Monday, January 31, 2005
In The Spokesman-Review today
U.S. Fish & Wildlife coordinator, Ed Bangs in an interview. "You can classify Wolves as anything you want but predators"...Duh? How about wildlife disposal units?...

An excited Iraqi after voting yesterday...Hamid Azazi, 57 said, "Even if I was dead, I would still participate!"...Hamid, are you sure you don't live in Seattle?

These were the first posts of my blog in 2005. Since then, I have posted 562 times, not counting today with a visit total so far of 43,414 curious folks.That's a lot of words, but then nobody has ever accused me of being speechless. As I gaze out my window, I am astonished at the beauty of the snowy trees backed by the gray waters of Scenic Bay. I am also damn tired of walking. My one day of freedom was spoiled by the rain turning back to snow. My car is buried again.

Wow! Three years of blogging, blurking and generally making a nuisance out of myself. Out of that, came the opportunity to write for the Spokesman-Review, which has substantially diminished with budget cuts, and the River Journal, out of Clark Fork. I sometimes wonder what is next on this roller coaster ride. speaking of roller coasters, there is a good chance that I will return to Silverwood this spring. When I'd, since employees cannot associate with the press, either have to stop associating with myself, or simply not write about the park at all, which is probably what I'll end up doing.

As far as the weather goes, I think I'll just stay in bed until spring. Well ... I am within walking distance of the Captain's Wheel, so I won't entirely go without sustenance.

PS: Bob & Debra from next door, took pity on me and shoveled out my car. This time I/m leaving it at the wheel until the weather or I, break, which ever happens first.

Reachin' Out

Today is the day. I finally get to use my car, after 10 days or so of being a pedestrian. You see, there are several things that have to come together for my way to be clear. First, The road district has to clear the road. Then the trailer park has to clear the internal road and the berm left by the road district. Then I wait for Phil Stephan with his bobcat. He sees my car, sitting lonely, covered with Idaho sunshine, parked at the 'Wheel.

He comes up and removes the berm left by the trailer park. Now I should be OK to motor on out of here. At least I will if the Road dept. hasn't bermed me in at the Wheel. There are just too many damn things that have to line up when the mother of all winters comes to town. Well, It's time. I'm walking down to the car, confident that I will either move it out, or declare myself sir crazy.

Shazam! I got out of town thanks to the help on several people and even got back OK. I'd hate to be above 300 feet with the wind blowing like it is, though. Got the groceries. spent too much. Business as usual, however there is one difference. I now have a supply of wine that, barring Armageddon, will last me through the next cold spell. New Years Eve. Will I or won't I. Chances are, now that I made it back to the nest, I won't be moving around tonite.

I do wish every one of my friends, both acquainted and through the blog as anonymous followers, the best of New Years. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank those folks that don't know me and are still interested in what I have to say about Bayview, the economy and life in general. Comments are appreciated, as long as they are respectful and to the point. We that blog for the public are like newspaper reporters, insofar as we send information out but don't get any back. That is what the comment section is for. You can leave a remark as anonymous, or check the box that allows you to insert your own name or e-name. Anyone, of course, can use the e-mail address in my profile to communicate directly with me. Have a good one, and watch that economy. It's going to bite us in the ass.

When will Recession/Depression End?

Now that the federal government is finally admitting to a recession around one and one-half years after it started, people are asking how long will they have to endure. It's a difficult question to answer because there are so many things that got us here.

Certainly not until 2011 and perhaps even longer. Many things got us here and the Federal Government sending us money will not pull us out. Not until our leaders realize that global free trade isn't free, unless your trading partners are buying from you in equal amounts.

We have been running trade deficits that are abhorrent for many years. We have shipped our heavy industry off shore, so as to not have to face high wages and the Sierra Club. We have even shipped our light industry off shore, all in the name of cheaper prices. Well, it doesn't help much to have cheaper prices, if the purchasing public are home out of work and can't buy anything, cheap or not. We used to get along without Chinese or Japanese cheap stuff just fine. We charged tariffs against the poorly paid labor of third world countries. This is how you level the playing field amongst dissimilar economies. When and if those other economies lift themselves up to our standard of living then and only then would we have reciprocal trade.

We started by giving up the gold standard, then the silver standard, believing that the US dollar was a world standard and didn't need to be backed by anything other than confidence, and that is where it begins and ends. Confidence, is deduced by those that totally believe in a currency. But currencies are backed by productivity. We no longer produce much of anything. The service industry, that of each career field supporting any other, as in a circle jerk is a false sense of security. I don't recommend that we return to the gold standard, or even the silver standard. But we must produce enough gross national product to offset our imports.

I see a possibility of an actual depression coming unless our government starts thinking of us rather than the entire globe. There are areas of this world we live in that have never transcended from tribal life that can't even form a workable government outside their own tribal sphere, let along how to produce farm stuffs food and more importantly, develop a manufacturing economy.

Our schools are taught by either people with an agenda or those without a clue as to how business, industry and labor co-exist and why. Prejudices are fed from one generation to another, reflecting not what is happening now, but the grudges from yesterday.

The United States of America once had an attitude. It was one of we can do anything we think we can do. Somewhere along the line, we have forgotten or don't care about the sacrifices that our parents and grandparents suffered to give us. We are now a nation of spoiled brats that feel the world owes us a living, without the intellect to figure out how we got it to begin with. I am totally disgusted with how this generation is turning out, and the waste of our forefathers and mothers efforts.

I'm An Addict, And My Name Is Herb

I'm an addict. Not to drugs or alcohol, but to writing. Like all addictions, it started innocently. I just started opining on my blog. Soon, I had delusions that I could make a difference. Be a communicator. While I still maintain my blog, I mostly do it because of the cutbacks at the Spokesman-review. Also I do it because so many snow birds tell me it's their link to the community during the winter.

I believe it was the spring of 2007 when I heard the clarion call of "journalism." The first issue of the Prairie Voice had hit the stands with neighborhood news.A bunch of amateurs and a few professionals were putting out a section dealing with everyone. I called the editor in charge, Tad Books. I sez, where is the news of Bayview and of Athol? He sez, I don't think we even circulate this edition to those places. I sez, yes you do, I got one in my paper this morning. Then he sez, we don't have anyone up there to write for us. Hah! fightin' words if I ever heard them.

I politely explained that perhaps I could fill that role. He sez, send me a sample column. Well, I sat there, staring out over Scenic Bay, when my fingers started walking.I told of the green kicker boat waddling across the bay, towing a behemoth behind, as MacDonald's Resort went through the seasonal dance of winterizing/un-winterizing the power boats that line the bay, or at least used to.

Armed with my three years of high school journalism, I boldly struck out to finally, after 48 years write for pay. It has been a blast. More recently though, I've been cut back to two columns per month when in the summer of 2007 I wrote an average of six and sometimes more columns/stories. In all of that time, I never had a story turned away. The more the merrier, Tad Sez.

Tad is gone now ... to where I don't know. I just know that he was a great guy to work with, always criticized with learning as the goal and made me a better writer, as well as a better person. I'm not particularly enthused as I once was, since I can write three stories and maybe, just maybe get one printed, but usually without pictures. You see, pictures they have to pay for as well as the stories themselves. Many stories that now appear in the Voices, are not even of Idaho. It is cheaper to reprint a story from Spokane valley or any other human interest story than to pay me and those like me for original stuff.

My Mom has been gone for many years. She was my inspiration in many ways. She also wrote a neighborhood column for the weekly, Renton News Record. I guess like buggy whip manufacturers, I'll fade back into the woodwork. It was a short, but great run.

I am teetering on the edge of quitting this relationship. I cannot any longer write with the enthusiasm I once did. I suppose that those who are college educated and hold degrees in journalism can do it. I can't. I still have the relationship with the river Journal, but that is just once a month. Who knows, maybe next season you'll see me at Silverwood again.

SNOW! Day 10 and Counting

Will this crap never stop? Ten days straight now with snow. The storm that we are currently in is predicted to last through the rest of today, Saturday and into most of Sunday. More is on the way for New Years Eve and further. We are seeing signs of people being housebound. We are at about three feet of snow with it falling at the rate of an inch per hour.If you know of anyone that can't get in or out of their house or driveway, please call me or e-mail me with the information. I will find someone that will help. 683-9107

Oh, and if I hear Bing Crosby singing, "I'm dreaming of a White Christmas," one more time, they are going to have to lock me up. My car is semi-permanently parked at the Captain's Wheel for the duration of this freakin mess. My house is like the hotel California. I can get in, but I can never leave.

Slippin' & Slidin' into the Christmas Holiday.

The utter stupidity of those big SUV's speeding along the highways at posted speed limits and above,during icy, snowy weather is amazing. It would even be entertaining if it weren't for the fact that in an accident caused by the aforementioned ignorance might cause death or serious injury to others that are behaving.

I would like to see the ISP ticket each and every one of these knuckleheads with reckless driving, not speeding.

Noted are the smug grins of our friends in Arizona.

On a more enjoyable note, people like Mark Streater, Dave Vig, Phil Stephan, Bob Prince and many others I don't know about have spent the majority of their last week rescuing people with snow removal, both driveways and roofs. These are the real community leaders. The ones that lead with action, not words. Three cheers for the good guys. (and gals) Thanks to Phil, I can end my weather imposed 3 day long housebound existence. Well, I could have walked, but (reference the last post regarding laziness)

As I ponder the mysteries of the period, the biting question occurs to me: Just what is a "Sugar Plum fairy?" Also, how much does one have to drink before they dance in your head? Merry Christmas to all!

It Ain't That I'm Lazy ...

It's been snowing for a freakin week with no end in sight. We started with 17 inches then just kept on keepin' on. Can't tell how much snow is on the ground now. One, I can't get out the door, two, if I walk out to get the paper, I'm a human snowplow. The wind came up two nights ago and all the snow on the trees and my roof, plus half the mountain behind me now resides in my way. The only way I go outside is if I suddenly grow a few inches so I can see where I'm going.

The other day I paid a young couple to shovel me out. He sent his wife. The wind knocked my snow shovel over wherever it was and it's now buried somewhere. May it rest in piece er' peace. That night the wind came up and buried me even deeper. I don't need a shovel anyway. Maybe an ark. I'm doing a bunch of cooking for the Christmas Eve and Christmas parties. Christmas Eve is a potluck at the Wheel, followed Christmas Day at Terry's Cafe.

I have no idea how I'm going to transport these goodies, but I'm hoping that if I open the door, someone will like the smell and bail me out. It would give me great pleasure to stuff this snow up the ass of all green freak global warming advocates. May your stockings hold coal, Christmas morning.

Addendum: Praise be to the spirit of Christmas. I'm about to be released from captivity. The beleaguered management of Scenic Bay Marina has been like the little Dutch boy with the finger in the dike, trying to save boat sheds and houseboats from sinking under the weight of snow with more to come. That they have been able to plow our meager little access road in the trailer park is nothing short of miraculous. Unfortunately, when Hans plows, he obliterates our parking areas. this makes it possible to navigate the roads if only we could get to them.

Arrives a white knight. Bob Prince, president -elect of the Chamber of commerce has offered his services in support of the community. But he's not the only one. Dave Vig, Phil Stephan, many others that we have been unable to identify have stepped up. It you are house bound, call me at 683-9107 and I will find you someone that will help. Isn't this town a great place to live?

Donald Faubian

Don Faubian died Thursday doing what he does best. Helping others. Every year when snow hit, Don would be out plowing not just his own driveway, but others as well. He was in the process of clearing the road for himself and neighbors when he got his ATV stuck in a snow bank. Struggling to get it out, He finally walked up to his home, where he called a friend to help. When the friend arrived, Don was dead. Most likely he had a heart attack which is not uncommon when heavy snow hits and we over exert ourselves.

Don was always helping others. Back about three or four years ago when I needed a ton of pellets for my stove, Don's reply was hop in (his pickup) we'll go get 'em. He then proceeded to help unload and stack them. He did so many selfless things that go unnoticed except to those that were helped. Don Faubian will be missed by many.

The Passing of Maggie Mae

It seems that just when I am preparing to write upbeat good things for Christmas, a whole string of bad things happen. first the boat fire, in which one passenger lost his life, then just as I was preparing to talk about all of the holiday cheer, the Saddle Up Grill in Athol burned down. Ah well, I'll certainly find something good to write about.

Huh-uh. Cleaning up after the big snow storm, out at the very tip of Cape Horn, was Don Faubian. Retired consultant to many African governments on various engineering projects, he died of an apparent heart attack trying to get his ATV unstuck. When He realized he couldn't get it out of the snowbank it was in, he walked all the way up the hill to his house, where he called a friend to help. By the time the friend arrived, Don had died.

Now comes an e-mail about Maggie Mae, the Athol Zebra some saw two years ago at the Athol Daze parade. It turns out that Lady, her companion horse had to be put down three weeks ago. Maggie Mae, the only Zebra ever to be used in mental therapy, died of colic. Her mistress and best friend believes that her death was from a broken heart.

When You're Buried, Stuff Happens

Our current weather situation has claimed at least one victim. Don Faubian,of Cape Horn in Bayview, friend to all, perished Thursday. He got his ATV stuck in the snow at the bottom of his hill. He walked back up to phone his friend for help. When his friend got there, he was gone. Snow storms bring out over exertion which, if you are out of shape can bring on heart attacks. Shoveling snow is one of the highest causes of death during stormy weather.

We are attempting to put together a list of snow plowers, but haven't managed to confirm yet. I'll act as an information central for a while. If you are trapped in your driveway, call me and I will attempt to get some help to you. This just applies to Bayview. 683-9107. Those of you that have snow removal equipment and would like to be of assistance to others, call me too. Another wintery blast is expected tonight through Sunday and possibly Monday, so be ready.

Guest Post from Gary MacDonald

Bayview Snow Report from Gary MacDonald. Picture by Herb

Dear everyone with a boat. mobile home, and/or
float house at MacDonald's Hudson Bay,

Because we may not have everyone's email in our
files, kindly read this email and then forward it to
anyone that you know in our little community. Your
boat might even be out of the water, but if you have a
dock neighbor without email you may want to make
some calls and keep them posted. People in our
entire area may have more snow that we do, so far at
least, but they aren't floating.Your getting this
information to your dock mates may mean that people
get multiple copies, but that's ok.

This is the situation: At 11:45 a.m. Thursday (now) we
have approximately 17 inches on flat ground, roofs, boats,
docks, etc. The snow is very light, but it is still weights
something and is still adding up. We have plowed our
roads and parking lots. We are working on the docks at
this point. We are keeping an eye on our floating covered
slips. At this writing they are low but ok.

Float houses: All of the float houses whether they be one or
two story are getting lower in the water as you might
expect. We do not have the manpower or the means
available to tackle any float house roofs. Most houses
have roofs that are high enough that one cannot reach
much with a snow rake, even with an extension handle.
Heat in the houses typically is not that helpful in getting
the snow to slide when the weather is this cold. Most
improved float houses have some insulation and the heat
can't really get to the roof anyway.When heat does get to
the roof, it melts a little snow and then it refreezes to the
roof making sliding impossible. I really think that we will
have to hope for the best.

Boats: All the boats are currently fine.They are all a bit
lower in the water, but I don't feel any are in any particular
danger. If you have soft tops they are at some risk
currently. If we have time we will do our best to push the
snow off the soft tops, but frankly I cannot make any
promises at this time. Jon is snowed in West of Athol and
Tyler is stuck in Spirit Lake. Kevin, Loren,and I are here
working. We have our hands full at this time.

Mobile Homes: At this point I don't believe any roof is in
danger and even with more snow I think that they'll be ok.
Most are protected from some of the snow by adjacent
trees. But, of course I don't know what the future will
bring.

Safety: If you do come out to shovel anything that you
own, please keep in mind that your property is not worth
your life. The water is very cold. If you fall in you might
not get back out. You should not work by yourself.

One thing NOT to do: If you have a boat in one of our
covered slip buildings and you visit it,you may find your
boat lines are tight because the building is low and your
boat is still floating. DO NOT LOOSEN them. Your boat
will help hold up the building and we have never had any
cleat failure with the additional load on your cleats. If you
have a boat in your float house, the same is true. Your
boat will help hold up your house. Thanks.

There is not much that any of you can do at this point.
However,if you can't stay away and end up here for
curiosity's sake you can do something. You can make
sure all of your power cords, rope, driftwood, knick-knacks,
etc. are off the docks. If you have extra rope,tie it up to
your boat. We don't like to find the mentioned items with
the snow blowers. But remember, this is absolutely NOT a
request to show up here. In fact, with the roads like they
are you're probably better off keeping off the roads as
much as possible. You be the judge.

We are not by the telephone very much. You can call my
home phone and talk to Mary (208) 683-2542, but frankly
she won't know any more than what I have written in this
email.You can be certain that we are doing whatever is
humanly possible to see that everyone's property is still
whole and floating after this storm is a memory.

Thank you for your assistance in getting this information to
people.

Sincerely,
Gary MacDonald






--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Let it Snow, Let it Snow ...

I would give a running commentary on road conditions in Bayview, except I can't get there. Currently, I have 17 " of new snow with it still falling. We are now told that after a 2 hour or so pause, we're going to get another 6 ". Just what we need.

My car is where I left it, (I think) though I can't see it anymore. Snow is coming down in Bayview reminiscent of 1991-92, when records were set. I recall we set a new four day record of continuous snowfall of 44" Thursday through Sunday. A snow plow finally appeared just now, which would be real good if, one, I could get out of my access road, and two, if I wanted badly enough to go somewhere.

If anyone wants to visit me they are going to have to shovel their way in. My snow shovel fell over yesterday and is buried somewhere. So then,the rules are these. If you are coming over, bring shovel, beer, more beer.

This week-end is reputed to bring us another storm. Global warming is beginning to be a pain in the ass. Anyone want to talk to me? I'll be right here.

Brutal Weather Affects Holliday Traffic

This Christmas season for most of us residing in the Panhandle of Idaho, is going to be one without a lot of travel and visiting involved. Single digit and less, temperatures in the last week are threatening to extend on into next week. Low temps, snow, blowing snow and dangerously untrained winter drivers are all contributing to a stay at home attitude this year.

I have a trip planned for Saturday, December 20 to my Son's home in north Spokane, but am thinking very seriously of canceling it. As long as we have SUV drivers with all wheel drive thinking they are 10 feet tall and bullet-proof, it's life threatening out there. Several lives have already been lost in the last few days in traffic accidents.

A coat of ice underlies the snow that is currently coming down, as one more storm hits us. The unfortunate use by road department officials of chemicals to melt the ice made it worse. I read the other day that these chemicals don't work below about 10 degrees. they just start to melt the surface, then refreeze making it much worse. It's too bad they can't think before acting, but there it is. Procedures are written in stone.

For this Christmas I'm going to stay near home. I'm hosting a small dinner for myself and neighbors Christmas Eve, then I'll go to the community dinner Christmas day at Terry's Cafe. Oh, and I'll be thinking about all of my friends and relatives that will be celebrating elsewhere. Fred Gindreaux, a quasi Brother-In-Law, just diagnosed with terminal brain cancer will be in my thoughts and prayers as well.

It's Kinda Chilly Out!

I can't remember a severe arctic outbreak like this one for many years. Back in the 1969-70's era it wasn't too uncommon for an arctic outbreak to give us a week to ten days and sometimes a little longer of highs in the single digits and lows fifteen below zero. That hasn't happened for a long time. With many southerners moving into our area within the last ten to fifteen years, some surprises are in store for many.

Bitter cold is not the same as being uncomfortable and having to wear heavier clothing. It is life threatening. Frost bite and deaths from exposure await those that don't respect these conditions, along with ruined plumbing systems for many. Some hints to those that are not old timers with this sort of cold are: Drip all of your faucets and open all under sink cabinet doors for heat circulation. A little increase in your heat bill from dripping the hot water is nothing compared to replacing all of the plumbing in the house. If you live in a mobile home with central heating, use it. Those ducts follow the same path as your water pipes. Using your wood stove will not protect them.

For the enjoyment of our friends in Wellton and other Southern Arizona spas, the following is our weather forecast for Athol, Idaho. It may be slightly colder or warmer in some other close by areas.Today has an expected high of 13 with a low tonight of minus 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Temps through the 19th will range from 14 daytime and 5 to 6 at night. Temps will rise into the 20's starting Saturday, December 20, but with a price. With the rising temperatures comes snow which is predicted to fall each day through the 28th of December, that being the latest date on the long range forecast provided by Accuweather.

It's hunker down time here while we attempt to get used to weather more common in the Dakotas that Idaho. The predicted 12 to 15 inches of snow did not occur, as the cold ridge of high pressure beat the moist air from the pacific, forcing the storm to change tracks. Had they arrived at the same time, which was predicted, it would have went off like a "weather bomb," the term the weather guessers used.

Yes, global warming has kicked off with a bang. Hard to tell how cold it will get next year, what with global warming getting even worse. Hopefully, most of our neighbors here in the Bayview-Athol-Careywood area are safe and tucked in. Most around here are old veterans at this type of weather. For those that are not, it would be wise to consult a friend that is.

Messages In The Dark

If you ain't tellin', RPB, then I ain't listenin'. Howsomever, you have tickled my curiosity. Just remember, good communications are what make the world go 'round. ...

White Christmas, and then some ...

It would appear that my smug notion that give the need for wearing a heavier coat here in North Idaho during the winter was all of the difference between here and Arizona was in error.This week-end is going to usher in the holiday season by bringing us 10 to 15 inches of snow, beginning Friday, today and continuing through Sunday. This, sez the weather bureau, will be followed by high winds, drifting snow and oh, did I forget? below zero temperatures. Not just wind chill, but actual temps as low in some areas as minus 15-17 degrees by Wednesday.

As I take a longing look back at Wellton, Arizona and Los Cajones, Mexico, and the accompanying 80 plus degree weather, I feel badly that my friends down there may have to don a sweater during the chill of an evening. Here, we are going to hunker down, get those last minute essentials. Beer, Wine and possibly some food.

Then we will gather around the scanner and play North Idaho's favorite winter sport....Actually, second favorite winter sport, both of course played indoors. This number two sport is listening during a blizzard, while rescues are taking place on Rathdrum Prairie during the occasional whiteout and roads drifted shut. The sound of a dispatcher saying... "when you get through with that slide off, we have 73 more waiting. Call when you are clear."

Merry Christmas to all. I'll post another as soon as I can find the street out front again.

An Historic Epiphany

Sometimes, people just do things right. What is amazing, in the case of the beleaguered Bayview Chamber of Commerce, it was unexpected. Suffering through at least six years of dysfunctional management, somehow this group found it's feet again. A nominating committee headed by Skip Wilcox, realized that the community had been torn apart by various events and cliques were sadly mishandled. We are not going to belabor these points. What is done, is done.

What we would like to do, however, is congratulate the new officers and board members that were carefully chosen by this committee with the apparent goal of finding people that wanted to serve,not rule. That hadn't fouled their collective nest by joining into damaging clique activities. This little village has produced an amazing amount of vitriol in the last two years.

Much of that has been the rapid change in the community structure. Money moved in, citizens moved out. We are a village in transition without a goal, just resentment. The first to move in was Bob Holland, of Waterford Park Homes, LLC. A developer with no boundaries, he gobbled up three tired businesses, all marinas that wanted out. In some cases he bought them at way below market value, but then he was making the market, wasn't he?

The community, long settled into a sleepy fun resort for the lower and middle income groups, had been discovered. Eight miles off the main road, you can't reach Bayview without intending to go there. Many of our neighbors from Spokane that were our summer people, were our friends as well. Suddenly, everything changed. Mobile homes were kicked out of Vista Bay, a spot that summer people had used for decades. Then the Bayview Mobile Home Park, centered in the downtown area was evicted for future sale.

When the real estate bust started, all of these grandiose plans were at full speed ahead. They are now at full stop. Lots aren't selling, spec building loans are laughed at. The problem facing Bayview,though, isn't really any of these previous events, except indirectly. You see, with the motel shutting down, the trailer park vacated, Vista Bay mobile homes gone, we are bordering on becoming a ghost town. Our restaurants may not be here to greet you this spring, because of the lack of customers during the winter.

The new administration of the Bayview Chamber is facing a daunting task. Not only are they facing a huge recession bordering on depression, but there aren't many permanent residents left. When the real estate market picks up again, which I predict not to happen for about three or more years, will there be any businesses left here.

Some of the problem lies with the Chamber itself. Faced with the loss of the way of life they had always known, residents rose up in protest to this violating of their lifestyle. Unfortunately the lifestyle that most had enjoyed for decades was over. It is time for the Chamber of commerce to recognize that commerce includes the developers, the marinas and all the other businesses that have been considered intruders. They are here, they have most of our waterfront and we need to engage them in dialog, not anger.

When they give money to the community for the enjoyment of all, we need to stop vilifying them for doing so. The Chamber of commerce is no longer the Chamber of Business. Hopefully this will change with the new group taking over. Otherwise, it's just another bunch of blowhards listening to each other. We can not any longer entertain a bunch of destroyers. To quote a famous street person, Rodney King, "Can't we just get along?"

Giving When It Hurts

Gift Tree - Bayview Mercantile

Every year around this time the drumbeat for donations is heard. This year is terribly different. It is different because of the increase in unemployment and a recessive economy. While many give when times are good, it is much harder when times are bad.

I remember a Christmas back many years ago where things were tough. We decided that all Christmas gifts would be used items. It turned out to be one of the most rewarding Christmases I've experienced. Everyone tried to use their imagination, instead of just swooshing down an aisle at Walmart.

For many, this will be the first time that hunger has become an issue in their entire lives. Perhaps for most. Please, give to your local food bank. I bet that there are thousands out there that leave this chore to others and have never helped out. You are the ones I'm talking to. If you have never faced meal time without anything to eat, nor a prospect that there will be anything, it's hard to imagine, but the pressure on food banks is going to be immense this year and I expect each and every one of you that can, to help out.

Here in Bayview, we have the ABC food bank, located at the Athol Community Center, which stands for Athol, Bayview and Careywood. Many of you will recall when druggies burglarized this food bank, carting off all of the gift cards and many gifts that were sitting out waiting to be distributed. What happened after that was a miracle, was people and companies lined up patiently to give and then give more.

Today we have a different challenge. One that involves hunger, instead of treachery. We need those that stepped up before, to do so again. Gift wise, the Bayview Mercantile has a small Christmas tree that is decorated with gift wishes. You are invited to take one of these wishes home with you, and return it with the gift meant for this child. We ask that you do so. Athol City Hall is accepting gifts as well as food donations for the food bank which is located in the community Center. Please help. Please don't let there be children waking up Christmas morning, crying from hunger and cold.

Dignified Behavior At All Times

While I do attempt to act my age, I seldom reach that goal. I am one of those that after reviewing the options, find no value in acting grown up. The above picture will prove that point. I'm not sure if I was doing an off Broadway rendition of La Cucuracha, or what, but I had a good time. But I still wonder about a culture that worships cockroaches.

The Goat Trail

U.S. Highway 95 starts in the south at I-8 just east of Yuma, Arizona. It meanders roughly north with some notable zigs and zags to finally conclude at the Canadian border. I drove that highway for most of it's length during my recent road trip.

This time around I took U.S. 93 south from Twin Falls, Idaho into Nevada and south through Ely to Las Vegas, thence joining up with Hwy 95 again into Yuma. For the most part, the goat trail is a well kept up highway that is a favorite of truckers and those that enjoy great scenery. That applies to Nevada and Arizona, not Idaho.

My destination was Wellton, just 30 miles east of Yuma, Arizona where I spent five nights with the Campbells, late of Bayview, and visited with several other snowbirds from here as well. When I left Wellton it was to detour west to Manteca, California where two of my children and a horde of grandchildren reside. Oh, and I have been informed that my great-grandchild count is passing 7 to soon be 9, as two of my grand-daughters are expecting.

When I left Manteca I drove north on I-5 to Sacramento and up over Donner pass, elevation 7227 feet. Starting in Sacramento which is about 200 feet above sea level, that is quite a climb. I was on I-80 which starts in San Francisco and goes to Salt Lake city and beyond, clear to New York City. I got off at Winnemucca, Nevada and headed north on ... you guessed it, "The Goat Trail."

On the map, it appears that 95 intersects I-84 flawlessly. No way. This is where the goat trail starts to live up to it's name. Actually that started back when for some reason the U.S. Government decided to use part of eastern Oregon called the Jordan Valley between Nevada and Idaho. The road twisted and turned much like up here, except worse when finally you break out of the mountains into the Treasure Valley. Ha, were almost home, right? Huh-uh. The Caldwell, Nampa, Payette corridor sends you through every little burgh that comes along, and they all seem to think it would broaden your experience by touring their downtowns while passing by.

Finally, the last little town in the valley is past and I start up into the hills. Fog. Lots of fog. For those of you that think fog is found only in valleys, wrong. the higher I got the more fog I encountered. Finally, as I started down the long grade that would terminate in Lewiston, the fog disappeared, only to return in it's usual location at Lewiston. Not to worry. Everyone knows that about two-thirds of the way up the Lewiston Grade you leave the fog behind. Not this time. I drove through dense fog all the way back to Bayview, where I am now recovering from dead butt syndrome. There's more. Much more, but I'll leave that for a forthcoming column.