This weekend I discovered a nearly perfect small town that is surrounded by mountainous National Forest land, which is full of waterfalls, birds, large mammals, and endless trails that are beyond the range and interest of weekend hikers. Add a river, historic downtown, enough people to support several grocery stores and a movie theater, a super…
I inadvertently found a park right on the Spokane River. It is only a few miles from me. I found it while walking on the Centennial Trail; a sign pointed right and said, Corbin Park. Tango and I took the turn and walked a mile, from the urban trail through an open brushy meadow and…
I just updated my 2016 reading list. Woo hoo, with 70 books under my belt I am on track for 140-150 books in 2016. The topics are the usual: nature, field guides, memoir, birding, faith, and a smattering of fiction (trashy and otherwise). With library access, many of the books are “print” copies this year. I…
I promise: last post about the Patriot Act and my banking woes. One bank already closed my account because my address does not comply with Patriot Act requirements. Now I worry that my other bank will get wise to my terrorist alter-ego and close my accounts there. Then what? No bank ever, anywhere? I suspected that…
In the last decade, as I wandered into rural areas as a minister, I almost never owned my support of those in same-sex relationships and those (straight and gay) working for same-sex marriage. My denomination, the United Church of Christ, fully supported these stands and preferences, and, as far back as 2005, authorized its ministers…
Starting Sunday at church, I heard people spout multiple “cures” for our problem with mass shootings and hate crimes in the US. Many church people are saying, “lets build more churches, get kids in church.” Bloggers are Facebook posters (myself included) are spreading anti-hate photos and sentiments. Politicians: tighten gun controls for mentally ill people…
For years I collected the beautiful and useful National Park Maps. They served me well while traveling and made a great souvenir. My map collection was one of the things that I “destuffed” in my spring big purge. No problem, because now the maps are available online, for free, for everyone. I am elated. I have…
From 95+ degrees Monday to 51 degrees and rainy on Friday. I don’t know if this is the normal pattern up here, but I like it. Not too long in any one situation. Hot is good, rain is good, but excessive amounts of either is a bummer. I wake up early and can hear the…
Is there no end to stuff? I am still getting rid of my personal possessions. Still. Stuff. Amazing, considering I already dispersed most of my possessions, stopping at thrift stores and reservations as I traveled from ND to WA. This is another kind of destuffing, though. This is the nitty-gritty. In a small space, if…
Shortly after arriving in Idaho I read somewhere—I swear—that the average daily summer temp rarely exceeds 83 degrees. Paradise, right???? Well, as I am reminded once again, an average is just an average. It factors in highs of 95 or more and highs of 65 or less. Like this week, with highs in the…