A Day To Play!

Finally, the day we have been waiting for. Today is opening day at StoneRidge. We've all been chomping at the bit to finally get out the clubs and play. So why, at 8:47am, am I writing this and not golfing? What else but a frost delay! The temperature is only 28* so we don't expect to be playing before 11am. The forecast is for a high of 42* with snow flurries later today.

It's been this way for days now. Beautiful and sunny one day then show the next. Fortunately, it's been getting to the 40's so the snow doesn't stick for long. We were thinking that they would have to delay the opening of the course once again, (It was supposed to open March 15th). Monday we officially broke the record for the most snowfall in a single season, so my premonition did come true.

So StoneRidge Guy and me will be layering to keep warm, but we will be teeing off some time today!

Hit 'em long and straight!

Spring has Sprung at Stoneridge!

We have survived our first winter in Idaho! Stoneridge Guy and me are looking forward to being able to get out on the course again. It's getting close. The pro shop has scheduled the "Ice Breaker" tournament for April 18th. I guess I need to get warmed up for it. I haven't swung a golf club in months; so different from living in So. Cal. where you can play every day of the year.

We are being teased. On the first day of spring the high is supposed to be 57*. Too soon to pack up the warm coats just yet, the temps drop back down to the upper 40's tomorrow and all next week. At least the snow is melting away. The birds are back in force. They are everywhere again.

This is the view from our deck today.

What a difference 9 days makes.
This shot was taken on March 11th

You can see that most of the snow has melted away.

Compared to 9 days ago.

As I walked yesterday on the fairways with the Stoneridge Pup, I had to zig zag all the way down to avoid all of the pools and mud due to the melting snow. Maggie loves to play in the puddles. She is metamorphosing from a "snow dog" to a "water dog". I bought her a life preserver for our rafting trips. She's not too kean on it yet, but is slowly getting used to it.

We haven't tested it yet, but we can't wait to get her on the water.

Things are moving along. Stoneridge Guy is finishing up a few minor things at the house. Our appliances get delivered tomorrow. We will store them our friends house while they are away for the winter. Insulation goes in on Monday and the drywallers start on Wednesday.

I'll keep you posted!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Hope everyone has a safe St. Patty's Day

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Who Pissed Off Old Man Winter?!

Just when we thought that we would be playing golf in the middle of March this happens! Until the 7th things were looking up. The snow was melting off of the fairways. Even the berms were starting to disappear. I was wearing tennis shoes instead of snow boots. It was definitely looking like Spring was just around the corner. Even the Canadian Geese were flying north to their summer homes.

The geese back on Lake San Souci.
The ice WAS starting to melt away.

Saturday the 7th wasn't that unusual. It was cloudy and the forecast called for snow flurries. So I went to Spokane to check out a sale and Stoneridge Guy went to town to buy a door. By that afternoon everything changed fast.

I came home via the "hump." A shortcut used to get to the north side of Spokane, mostly during good weather. Because it's a remote road, it doesn't have priority with the snow plow. Add to that, it runs through thick trees and doesn't get alot of sunlight so there's always some snow and/or ice on the roads. Fortunately, I was driving the Subaru. With all wheel drive it is a much safer car to drive in snowy conditions, but this ride was no fun! I've heard the stories about driving "the hump" so I kept my speeds down. Stoneridge Guy, on the other hand, was driving a 2 wheel drive truck that does not do well in the snow.

We both finally made it back without any mishaps at just about the same time. I helped him get the door into our garage as we got hit with what looked like a blizzard. It reminded me of the storm we got right before Christmas. I just couldn't believe it. Not now! The snow is supposed to be going away. For 3 days we would get wind and snow, to hail then sunshine in the afternoons.

It was coming down fast and furious


Stoneridge Guy trying to keep up with the shoveling.

In just a couple of hours we had a at least 2" of snow.

Last week the temps were flirting in the 40's. Then the storm brought with it temps in the low 30's during the day and in the teens at night. The nasty weather has past, the only clouds in the sky are puffy and non-threatening. But with that the temperature has plummeted. We woke this morning to -11 and at 1:30 it's 23 degrees.

It looks beautiful, but it's COLD!

There is a silver lining to all of those nasty clouds that have passed us, Monday it's supposed to get up to 52!

I don't want to hear any of you southerner's whining about it only being in the 70's

Women Who Wine (and the men who tolerate them)

We've managed to come up with an excuse to get out of the house the first Thursday of each month. Women Who Wine: local ladies with a common enjoyment of... having fun and wine. Noni's was the location of our inaugural meeting. They are a new establishment in nearby Priest River. They opened their arms and bottles for the 10 members who attended.

Owner Jen, welcomed us with open arms.

We caravan'd over from Stoneridge to Priest River, about a 20 minute trip. Leaving at 5:40pm the sun was setting and we got to see a female moose grazing along the side of the highway. One of the advantages of living in a rural area.

6 Women Who Wine and 4 brave men who tolerate us.

It didn't take long for our group to settle in. Noni's offers about 6-8 appetizers that are all very yummy. So we decided that we would order different ones and share. Their extensive wine menu guarantee we would find something to enjoy. Even it we didn't like wine, they offered beer, tea and Henry Weinhardt sodas.

Introducing the Winers:

Margee and Frank


Sue and Bill

Stoneridge Gal and Pal Patty.
Unfortunately Stoneridge Guy and Patty's husband Denny
were working so Patty was my date for the evening

Marjorie and Dave

Susan and Dave

Our first meeting was a success for our group and for Noni's. They have even agreed to work with us in creating a Women Who Wine Special. For a flat rate they'll create a menu for our members. Can't wait 'til next month!

Women Love A Man In Uniform

As most of you already know our family is a blended one. Stoneridge Guy and me consider all three boys OUR sons. There has never been any discrimination and we purposely avoid the prefix of "step." That being said, I am proud to tell new acquaintances that I have THREE sons. Ryan-29, Casey-29 and Michael-18 (in birth order, oldest to youngest).

From left to right: Ryan, Michael and Casey celebrating their birthdays on June 8th and 26th.

As a proud Mom it is my prerogative to brag whenever the opportunity arises. That time is now. Ryan was accepted to nursing school and began classes in January. He has been working very hard in class and it's been paying off with high marks. They are moving into the hospital to work with patients, under supervision of course.

Doesn't he look handsome in uniform?!

Lucky guy that he is; he gets to start with the group to learn how to put in a catheter. I guess you have to start somewhere. All kidding aside, we are so proud of him and look forward to his graduation day. Who knows, he may move up to the Inland Northwest to work in one our local hospitals. Keep an eye our for him and be prepared to be in good hands.

Hey Ryan: Nice Talkin' To Ya!