Just like the Earth, the horses have shed their dead.
The warmer weather of late has brought out the bloom in their coats, and, like the Earth, they are becoming pretty again.
I came home yesterday morning to find them bucking, kicking and cavorting in the barnyard.
It was a beautiful sight.
Brian Riley and I reminisced about his Class of 1992, the very first class to graduate from the "new" high school.
Oh, what year that was!
I went to my first political "Meet and Greet" last night.
The event was held in our general neighborhood at the Fred and Patty Omodt home/aka Shingle Mill Blueberry Farm.
The food offerings were plentiful and tasty.
Approximately 50-60 citizens showed up to enjoy the chili potluck, to visit and to listen to six candidates in the Omodt's magnificent home, where Jim Woodward noted that the fireplace looked like the State of Idaho.
County Commissioner Luke Omodt, who's up for re-election, declared a home-turf advantage at his parents' home, setting a strict regimen for candidates, introducing themselves and answering about three audience questions.
The tight-ship organization was good for this ol' gal who seldom attends meetings and doesn't like to sit that long.
I listened attentively, thought about how the dogs were doing at home a few times but found the program enlightening and helpful for decision-making from start to finish.
I'll admit (as you saw a couple of days ago) that I'm not always party person (political, that is). Some would disdainfully call me a RINO, and I'll once again take the badge with no concerns of going to Hell.
I was pleased that political parties received no mention.
The program allowed each individual to tell his story (all men) and to describe his individual approach to the job for which he was running.
Those who spoke included Luke for commissioner, Brian Riley for commissioner, Steve Bradshaw for sheriff, Chuck Lowman for Representative, Mark Sauter for re-election as Representative and Jim Woodward for State Senator.
Each of the six candidates discussed how their previous experience would or has prepared them perform the duties of their office----military, teaching, ministry, business owner, previous political experience, etc.
I was impressed with the overall program and the hospitality.
I'll also admit that I maybe knew ten-fifteen percent of the folks who had gathered; Bill said he knew fewer than that.
Still, it was fun to visit with those I do know and to get acquainted with some new faces.
I did not agree with every single aspect of the philosophies mentioned last night, but I think that is an important facet of our political process that has been swept under the rug in recent years.
There are many arenas where we do not have to be absolutists when making sensible choices.
I'm glad I went last night and will consider what I heard when I vote in next month's primary. In my opinion, these people conducted themselves admirably and respectfully.
Both are very important in voters' decision-making.
Fred and Patty, thanks for the invitation.
Melanie Nickisch Almeida is a former student and friend.
Jim Woodward and Patty Omodt
County Commissioner Luke Omodt, who's running for re-election.
That son of ours.
What a production Willie has made out of his Idaho Basketball Coaching podcast since he first began interviewing basketball professionals during the Pandemic!
Over the past few years, he has interviewed nearly 100 coaches from around the area, the state, the nation and the world, including on site in Iceland and Ireland.
This week's version features a coach from London, England, so, of course, I thought it was worthy to give a shout out, especially for any basketball junkies who like to learn about the sport in other countries.
Enjoy.
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/idaho-basketball-coaching-podcast/id1513055507?i=1000653664592
