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(wo)MAN compiled by

Susan Drinkard

on the street

Are you looking forward to snow? If so, why is that?

“I am looking forward to the snow because it is pretty on the trees and I like to make snowmen and snow forts.”

DEAR READERS,

Ever get insomnia? I sure did Monday night, and let me tell you, you’re about 50-percent less competent at any given task when you’re running on less than an hour of sleep. It’s a good thing the team at the Reader has a knack for hanging together when something (or someone) isn’t running at maximum capacity.

Speaking of, can you believe this is our fourth issue with Ben off on his ocean adventure? I gotta hand it to you, Sandpoint: We have so many recent submissions to run that we’re struggling to pack it all in. I appreciate the patience everyone has demonstrated as we sort it out one week at a time.

-Cameron Rasmusson, Editor

Rebekah Sheppard Age-12 home schooler Sagle

Editor: Cameron Rasmusson cameron@sandpointreader.com Zach Hagadone (emeritus) John Reuter (emeritus)

Contributing Writers: Cameron Rasmusson, Ben Olson, Scarlett Quille, Lyndsie Kiebert, Browse Hickman, Nick Gier, Marcia Pilgeram, Scott Taylor, Mike Wagoner Submit stories to: stories@sandpointreader.com Printed weekly at: Griffin Publishing Spokane, Wash.

Subscription Price: $95 per year

“I like snow because when I fall on it, it doesn’t hurt me.”

Joshua, age 9

Web Content: Keokee The Sandpoint Reader is a weekly publication owned and operated by Ben Olson and Keokee. It is devoted to the arts, entertainment, politics and lifestyle in and around Sandpoint, Idaho.

We hope to provide a quality alternative by offering honest, in-depth reporting that reflects the intelligence and interests of our diverse and growing community.

The Reader is printed on recycled paper using soy-based ink. Leftover copies are collected and recycled weekly, or burned in massive bonfires to appease the gods of journalism. Free to all, limit two copies per person.

“Yes, I like snow because I get to play in it and build snow slides.”

Kendel, age 11 Joshua and Kendel Lamphere Home schoolers Kootenai

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“I don’t like driving in it, but I do like to cross-country ski.”

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www.sandpointreader.com Publisher: Ben Olson ben@sandpointreader.com

Contributing Artists: Ben Olson, Bill Borders, Cameron Rasmusson, Jodi Rawson

Joe Renda Logger Samuels

Sierra Vaughn Junior at Forrest Bird Charter School Priest River

111 Cedar Street, Suite 9 Sandpoint, ID 83864 (208)265-9724

Advertising: Jodi Berge Jodi@sandpointreader.com

“No, I work in the woods and it makes everything harder.”

“No, I hate snow because I grew up in a town ... where we never had more than two inches of snow. I really don’t understand how snow could be considered fun when it snows three to four feet. It’s super annoying and overwhelming. I have to shovel it and it’s hard work, but I haven’t tried any kind of snow recreation yet.”

READER

102 S. First Ave. Sandpoint, ID

208-263-0211

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Check us out at www.IvanosRestaurant.com or on

Sandpoint Reader letter policy: The Sandpoint Reader welcomes letters to the editor on all topics.

Requirements: –No more than 400 words –Letters may not contain excessive profanity or libelous material. Please elevate the discussion.

Letters will be edited to comply with the above requirements. Opinions expressed in these pages are those of the writers, not necessarily the publishers.

Email letters to: letters@sandpointreader.com Check us out on the web at: www.sandpointreader.com Like us on Facebook.

About the Cover

This week’s cover art is by Jodi Rawson, who has supplied us with a number of fine pieces over the years.

Thanks again!

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NEWS

Selkirk Fire to open southern Bonner County station

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

Careywood has waited for fully-staffed fire service for years. Now, with a little help from a federal grant, Selkirk Fire, Rescue and EMS will give it to them.

Selkirk Fire, Rescue and EMS Chief Ron Stocking announced this week that three newly-hired firefighters are in training to staff a new station serving the southern end of Bonner County. If all goes according to plan, the new station will be up and running

by Jan. 1.

“I believe in a regional approach to fire service, and this definitely goes along those

lines,” Stocking said.

That’s good news for the county’s southern residents, who previously saw emergency response times of 20 to 25 minutes from the Sagle station.

Thanks to the new station, those times will be cut in half, Stocking said. The primary objective in the meantime is training the new firefighters who will staff the station: Chris Lewis, Tennille Toussaint and Cody Lile.

According to Stocking, the new recruits were chosen after establishing a hiring list. In order to qualify, applicants had to have a level of credentialed fire training and EMT experience.

“We’re super excited for

this new opportunity and the chance to serve the community,” said Lile.

A southern-service station has been a longtime goal for Selkirk Fire, Rescue and EMS. But it got a serious jump start when the regional fire service won a $770,000 grant from the federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response, or SAFER, program. Under the grant’s terms, 75 percent of the new station’s cost will be funded for three years, Stocking said.

“It’s great,” he added. “It allows us to staff the station way sooner than we expected.”

Task Force to highlight local media for Human Rights Day

By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff

Representatives of the local journalism community will take center stage Sunday as the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force acknowledges the 70th anniversary of Human Rights Day. This year’s theme is based on the right to “seek, receive and impart information and ideas through media,” as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Director of the BCHRTF Education Committee Linda Navarre said the theme was chosen in response to a trend of “journalistic slams” happening not only globally, but also locally.

“I would like people to understand the true meaning of journalism, as well as (be reminded to) check your sources. Don’t just go to one source, 4 /

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perhaps,” Navarre said.

Sunday’s event, held at 1 p.m. in the Sandpoint High School auditorium, will feature a panel of local journalists slated to discuss the role of journalism and the freedom of the press both locally and on a larger scale. Cameron Rasmusson of the Reader, Keith Kinnaird of the Daily Bee, Chris Bessler of KRFY, Mike Brown of KPND and Corinne Capodagli of the Cedar Post will make up the panel.

Once each panelist gets a chance to speak, there will be a question and answer session followed by beverages, snacks and a chance to mingle with the panelists and ask any other questions.

BCHRTF Treasurer Sharon McCahon said she hopes attendees walk away from Sunday’s event with a better understand-

ing of the press’ importance. “(The task force is) trying to be proactive and supportive of our local journalists … We want to keep educating people on being vigilant about not letting the freedom of press go by the wayside,” McCahon said.

“Understanding what journalism is is part of that education.

Journalists aren’t making things up — they’re just reporting on what’s happening.”

The Human Rights Day panel is free to attend.

The event is co-hosted by BCHRTF’s sister organization, The Foundation for Human Rights Action and Advocacy.

Those interested in learning more about the task force’s mission and future events can find them online at www. bchrtf.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bonnercountyhumanrights.

The new Selkirk Fire firefighters, from left to right: Chris Lewis, Tennille Toussaint and Cody Lile. Photo by Cameron Rasmusson

WA utilities officials block Avista merger

By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission announced Wednesday that they would not support the sale of Avista Corp. to Canadian company Hydro One. The decision spells the end for the $5.3 billion sale, reports The Spokesman-Review, and Washington commissioners cited the Ontario government’s deep involvement in Hydro One’s operations. The commission specifically referenced events from this past summer, when Ontario Premier Doug Ford demanded the removal of Hydro One’s CEO and board of directors. The company’s credit rating then dropped and Ontario then passed legislation meddling directly with Hydro One’s operations, The Spokesman reports.

“This sudden and complete change in Hydro One’s leadership at the instance of its former

owner and largest shareholder, the Province of Ontario, along with certain legislation passed quickly into law following the change in government leadership, demonstrates that Hydro One remains subject to management control by the province,” the commissioners wrote in their decision, concluding that the sale of Avista to the Canadian company would not be in the best interest of Avista customers.

Montana and Alaska utilities commissions have already approved the sale. Idaho and Oregon have yet to share their decisions. At an Idaho Public Utility Commission public hearing in Sandpoint this past June regarding the possible merger, comments were almost entirely against the sale.

The Spokesman reports Avista and Hydro One are able to petition the commission to reverse the decision or seek a judicial review.

NEWS

Idaho Congressmen remember George H.W. Bush

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff Idaho Congressmen joined their colleagues and constituents this week in celebrating the life and career of former president George H.W. Bush.

In a press statement, Sen. Jim Risch remembered Bush as a kind, generous man who was an icon of a political era.

“The world has lost a great and decent man,” he said. “From his service as a Naval pilot during WWII to his successful tenure as President of the United States, George H.W. Bush was a faithful servant of the people for so much of his life. As devoted as George was to our country, his true passion was his family. He will always be remembered for the pride he had in his children and grandchildren and the love he shared with his wife, Barbara.”

Sen. Mike Crapo recalled the immense historic change that occurred over Bush’s career. Guiding the nation through the end of Cold War and the realignment of the post-Soviet world looms large in his presidential legacy. Despite his single-term presidency that ended in a loss to former president Bill Clinton — popularly attributed to his raising taxes despite a campaign pledge to the contrary — he also had the highest average approval rating of any living pres-

ident at 61 percent, according to Gallup.

“President George H.W. Bush lived a life of public service that demonstrated an unquestionable dedication and love of his country,” Crapo said. “A World War II veteran, President Bush’s service to the nation spanned decades and across numerous roles from serving as a member of Congress, Ambassador to the United Nations, and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

In the air over Idaho on Air Force One. Left to right: Jim Risch, former U.S. Senator Jim McClure, Louise McClure, As President, he former U.S. Senator Steve Symms, President George H.W. Bush. Photo courtesy Office of Sen. Jim Risch saw the fall of the Berlin Wall and the As the Idaho chairman of collapse of the Soviet Union. I join servant that dedicated his life to this nation in numerous roles, but Bush’s presidential campaign, with Idahoans in sending my conhe was also an incredible humaniRisch shared some particularly dolences to President George W. tarian to the world, all while being personal memories of the former Bush, and the entire Bush family.” a great husband and father.

Above commander in chief.

Like his colleagues in the Senall he was a good man. We send “Vicki and I were honored to ate, Rep. Mike Simpson rememour love and prayers to the entire host George and Barbara at our bered Bush as a man whose love Bush family, and we know he is home, sharing memories that will of country was only surpassed by reunited with the love of his life, last a lifetime,” he said. “Today he his love of family.

Barbara.” and Barbara are reunited as one; “Kathy and I join countless Taking to Twitter, Rep. Raul Vicki and I pray that will bring others in mourning the loss of Labrador shared a tribute by his family a measure of comfort a true American hero,” he said.

Bush’s grandson, George P. Bush, and peace during the difficult days “President George H.W. Bush and commented, “Beautiful tribute ahead. We will miss George and was not only an amazing public - RIP President Bush!”

Barbara greatly.”

City ponders U of I property future

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff The city of Sandpoint is taking a wait-and-see approach with the University of Idaho property on North Boyer Avenue.

According to Sandpoint City Planner Jennifer Stapleton, the city is looking to University of Idaho officials for a time line to determine what becomes of the more-than-70acre property. With the University of Idaho asking for significantly more money than the city can raise, local officials find themselves with

limited options.

“The amount (the University of Idaho) wanted for the property was significantly higher than what we could secure through grant funds,” Stapleton said.

Stapleton said that the city secured a grant of $500,000 from the LOR Foundation to purchase a portion of the property for the construction of a community recreation center. That amount doesn’t cover the cost of the entire property, and a plan for a recreation center is a requirement for grant money to

change hands.

The city’s plan was to partner with a separate organization on a rec center project, Stapleton said. The YMCA was a promising candidate until the organization announced last month it had purchased the Sandpoint West Athletic Club for significantly less money than the cost of building a new facility.

Another option is to partner with a private developer in acquiring the property, and months ago, the city sent out a request for proposals along those lines. Local developer

Ralph Sletager responded to the request with a partnership idea, and he and the city have been in talks over the past several weeks. However, Stapleton said that at the price the University of Idaho is asking, he doubts a partnership will be able to take shape.

Stapleton said the city remains open to possible partnerships that could open a path forward. In the meantime, she is in communication with the University of Idaho to get a sense of their preferred time line for the property’s sale.

Draft Decision issued for the Camp Robin Project

By Reader Staff Jeanne Higgins, forest supervisor for the Idaho Panhandle National Forests has issued a Draft Decision and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Camp Robin project located on the Bonners Ferry Ranger District. The 45-day public objection period started on Dec. 1.

The Camp Robin project is a vegetation management project designed to address hazardous fuels, forest health and resilience, wildlife habitat, watershed health, and recreation and heritage site management concerns. The draft decision for the Camp Robin project includes approximately 4,891 acres of commercial timber harvest, 89 acres of precommercial thinning, and a 386acre prescribed burn unit. Road management activities include constructing approximately 13 miles of temporary roads, converting about two miles of old roadbeds to system roads, reconstructing just under 10 miles of road, maintaining over 54 miles of existing roads, and storing roughly 12 miles of roads or road segments after project implementation. Recreational improvements include adding a 4-mile mountain bike trail, two trailhead improvements, dock repairs at Smith Lake and Brush Lake, and improvements to the restroom facility at Smith Lake.

Kevin Knauth, Bonners Ferry District Ranger, would like to thank all of the stakeholders and the collaborative effort involved in planning the project. The project was developed in collaboration with the Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative to complement other landscape restoration work in the Lower Kootenai River Valley. The KVRI collaborative consists of the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, Boundary County, the City of Bonners Ferry, private citizens, landowners, Federal and State agencies, conservation/ environmental advocacy groups and representatives of business and industry.

For additional information or questions, please contact Doug Nishek, Project Team Leader, at dnishek@fs.fed.us or 208-267-5561.

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OPINION

Psychedelic Drugs and Mystical Experiences

By Nick Gier Reader Columnist Not a month goes by that I don’t run across yet another misuse of the word “mystical.” I just finished Walter Isaacson’s biography of Leonardo da Vinci, and I cringed when he described Mona Lisa’s smile as “mystical.” The right words are either “enigmatic” or “mysterious,” and after reading his analysis of the painting the smile is a little less so.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines the “mystical” as “spiritual union with God transcending human comprehension.” This definition needs to be revised to include those mystics (primarily in India) who claim union with an impersonal Divine One. While each name ultimate reality differently, they all agree that the mystical experience is ineffable.

St. Catherine of Genoa, a medieval mystic, speaks of the dissolution of the self into God in the following way: “My Me is God, nor do I recognize any other Me except my God Himself.”

This is essentially the same as Paul’s phrase “Not I, but Christ,” the Hindu saying “Not I, but Atman-Brahman,” or the later Buddhist saying “Not I, but the Buddha nature.”

Those under the influence of psychedelics have intense perceptions and strong ecstatic feelings, but Catherine experiences none of these: “When the soul is naughted and transformed, then of herself she neither works nor speaks nor wills, nor feels nor hears nor understands.”

In 1943, Albert Hoffman, the Swiss biochemist who first synthesized LDS, describes his first trip as follows: “I perceived an uninterrupted stream of fantastic pictures, extraordinary shapes with intense, kaleidoscopic play of colors.”

In his classic work “The Doors of Perception,” Aldous Huxley describes an experience he had with mescaline.

Remarkably similar to Hoffman’s LSD trip, Huxley found his outer world richly and vividly colored: his books “were like flowers, they glowed when I looked at them. Red books, like rubies; emerald books; books bound in white jade. . . intense, so intrinsically meaningful.”

In contrast to the mystical experience, Huxley’s visions were fully differentiated and particularized. “Pure

Being” is “a bundle of minute, unique particulars.” Also different from mystical experiences, reported as outside of time and space, Huxley’s visions and others on psychedelics were in time and space, although it was not clock time and space was wonderfully distorted.

In a later essay “Heaven and Hell” Huxley admits that “mystical experience is beyond the realm of opposites. Visionary experience is still within that realm.”

He also speculates that an “infinitesimal minority are capable of immediate union with the Divine Ground,” but a few more may be able to experience the “visionary bliss of heaven.”

In his new book “How to Change Your Mind,” Michael Pollan claims that psychedelic drugs can produce mystical experiences. A close look, however, of his accounts reveals that they are, by and large, intense perceptions or visions and not mystical union.

When Pollan ingested a huge psilocybin mushroom, he found that his self was “spread over the landscape like paint, or butter, thinly coating a wide expanse of the world with a substance I recognized as me.”

Note that this self, although wildly distorted, is still allowing him to perceive and to describe his experience.

This is not the total dissolution of all sense of self and feelings reported by St. Catherine.

Pollan suggests that he experienced what Huxley called “Mind at Large” from his own mescaline trip. He speculates that this might be “a universal, shareable form of consciousness unbonded by any single brain,” what others have called “cosmic consciousness, the Oversoul, or Universal Mind.”

Among all the wondrous discoveries of astrophysics, evidence for a cosmic consciousness has not appeared nor should we expect there to be any.

Consciousness is an attribute of largebrained animals and possible extraterrestrial beings.

Huxley’s vision of “a bundle of minute, unique particulars” is more in line with the exotic world of particle physics. Using playful words such as “colored quarks” and the “beauty baryon” (consisting three quarks), physicists are expressing awe and wonder about a world that they find difficult to express

but try to describe anyway.

Although I believe as a philosopher that it is important to get the meaning of words straight, some may think that this debate is just academic. Therefore, I want to conclude with praise for Pollan for imparting vital information about how psychedelic drugs have helped patients with addictions, OCD, eating disorders, depression and anxiety.

Pollan shows that before LDS was banned in 1966, extensive studies proved the safety and effectiveness of these drugs, and these alternative treatments are now coming back as restrictions are being eased.

Nick Gier of Moscow taught religion and philosophy at the University of Idaho for 31 years. Read why contemporary physics is not mystical at webpages.uidaho.edu/ngier/mysticism.htm.

Email him at ngier006@gmail.com.

Saturday Night Special!

Come join us for live music Saturday evenings and enjoy a one of our stone fired pizzas and beer for only $10!

The Pioneer Square at 819 Hwy 2, Ste:102-B

Located on the Historic Cedar St. Bridge Sunday - Thursday 7am - 5pm Friday - Saturday 7am - 9pm 208-265-4396 • www.cedarstbistro.com December 6, 2018 /

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COMMUNITY

Have breakfast with Santa I took a 400-level Narrative Journalism course in college, in which I made some of my best friends and met my favorite instructor. I gained experience in reporting from observation, which creates a form of storytelling rarely done these days. It takes time, personal checks and balances, and a really, really great and honest editor. It also takes time.

For my main story, I spent time each week in the Moscow High School special education classroom. From the sidelines I watched each Friday as these teens, their aids and teachers navigated ever-changing circumstances, moods and social experiences. I wrote about all the hugging, crying, learning, yelling and love that happens in such a classroom. Maybe 25 percent of what I saw made it “on the record” thanks to my 10-12 page limit.

That’s the funny thing about writing about other people’s lives.

What you’re witnessing is huge, but the best way to reflect the hugeness is to highlight the small things: the girl with Down Syndrome getting ready for the end-of-year dance, choosing her eyeshadow from a pallet presented by a traditional student she calls her friend; the compassionate expression on the parapro’s face while they patiently wait out a student’s tantrum; the small scribbles on a traditional student’s written reflection after working in the special ed class for a semester, trying to find the right words for how he found friendship and a possible career path among his special needs peers.

Luckily with narrative work, these little details do make it on the record. I try to sneak such nuggets into my weekly writing, but not nearly as often as I’d like.

Here’s to taking more time, keeping your eyes open to the little things and realizing maybe they’re actually the big things. Hint: This applies to more than just writing.

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Sandpoint Youth Center hosts annual fundraiser Saturday

Reader Staff The Sandpoint Youth Center will be offering their annual Breakfast with Santa event Dec. 8 at the Sandpoint Community Hall with all proceeds going to continue funding for the youth programs offered by the center.

“The Teen Center has been lucky to secure space in Huckleberry Lanes so that we can continue providing an after school option for our teens,” said Teen Center board member Dig Chrismer. “The funds we raise help us offer a hot meal, supervised activities and games for kids who need a place to go in those after school hours. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and we really appreciate all the support.”

Tickets are $10 for adults/$5 for kids and can be purchase online at Eventbrite or in person by Dec. 7 at Washington Federal Bank. The

price of the ticket includes a full breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs, ham, orange juice, coffee and hot cocoa and a complimentary photo with Santa.

There will also be a gingerbread craft available for purchase as well as raffle prize drawings for a selection of prizes including an American Girl doll, homemade quilts, and more.

For more information about Breakfast with Santa, please call 208-946-1087.

Rock Creek Alliance plans ‘funraiser’ Reader Staff The Rock Creek Alliance is holding a “Holiday Funraiser” on Wednesday, Dec. 12, from 5-8 p.m. Idaho Pour Authority is hosting this event in their popular craft beer store and will be generously donating proceeds from beer sales that evening.

The night includes music

by Marty Peron and Doug Bond, free appetizers and raffle prize drawings. Board members and volunteers from the Alliance will provide information and answer questions about the Alliance’s campaign to challenge permits and

approvals for the Rock Creek mine. Staff from Hood River’s Double Mountain Brewery, which is co-hosting the event, also will be on hand with the brewery’s specialty brews.

Proceeds from the event will help support the Rock Creek Alliance’s legal campaign to protect Lake Pend Oreille and the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness from the proposed massive copper/ silver mine that would bore beneath the federally protected wilderness area in Montana, and send contaminated wastewater downstream into Idaho.

Contact: Mary Costello at 208-610-4896.

Girls Night Out brings downtown deals Reader Staff Grab your girlfriends, moms and sisters and head downtown for Girls Night Out. The Sandpoint Shopping District invites area ladies downtown on Friday, Dec. 7, from 5-8 pm for a night of shopping, specials, giveaways, fun beverages and more!

Pend d’Oreille Winery is offering two glasses of wine and a bread and spreads plate for $20. Sharon’s Hallmark is giving away a Baggallini wristlet ($25 value) with a $50 purchase (while supplies last).

Azalea will have a gift with purchase, a photo booth, treats and Christmas mimosas. Alpine Shop will have 10-percent off

EVERYTHING, prosecco, and treats. The Cedar Street Bridge will have a shopping passport for businesses in the bridge with five prizes being drawn at 7:30 p.m. and live music with Rob Smitty on the acoustic guitar. Carousel Emporium is offering 25-percent off storewide and a free glass of wine at Cedar Street Wine Bar with purchase. Creations hosts ornament making. There will be a gift basket and wrapping kiosk at the Cedar St. Bridge.

While you are downtown don’t forget to cast your vote in the Hometown Holidays Window Decorating Competition. Ballots are available at the Cedar St. Bridge and the participating businesses.

Auditions begin for ‘Drinking Habits’ Reader Staff Auditions for the next Panida Playhouse Players production “Drinking Habits” will be held Monday, Dec. 11, and Tuesday, Dec. 12, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Panida Little Theater.

“Drinking Habits” is a play written by Tom Smith about the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing convent where the nuns make grape juice from their own vineyard to give so the poor but

have discovered if they make wine, they can use it to keep the convent going.

Tom Smith won the Robert J Pickering Award for Playwriting Excellence in 2004, and the play has been produced multiple times nationwide since then.

Roles: Two females age 20-plus, two females 20-40, one male 40-plus, two males 20-40ish.

Laughing Matter

By Bill Borders

HUMOR

Give crafts a chance Editor’s Note: This week, SQ takes a break from her usual topics to write about something near and dear to her heart: crafting.

A

s a formally trained artist, complete with a bachelors of fine arts degree, I’ve always had a preconceived notion about crafters. In college we were taught essentially that crafts were low-brow art, not really art, and devoid of meaning. The woman knitting doilies isn’t creating work that challenges a societal belief ... blah, blah, blah. Home décor isn’t going to change the world, and your work can be as ugly, simple, complicated or vague as you want it to be as long as it is making some kind of statement. This was ingrained into my 18-year-old mind. As the years have passed, I have come to realize so many times in so many ways that I don’t know shit.

As an art teacher, I’ve learned to do a healthy mix of traditional fine art and yes … crafts. I rejected crafts and their place in the art world in the beginning, only to slowly cave in to the expectations of parents and whining of students. Kids like to make things for their parents — this is a universal truth.

It doesn’t matter if the kid is 6 or 16, they enjoy using their hands to create something. As a high school teacher, the challenge is to get them to create something they can be proud of —not overly simplistic and not hideously garish. As a parent I know the pain of having a handmade Christmas deco-

ration that has to be resurrected each year despite its continually deteriorating aesthetic. This has been a challenge, as I didn’t start out in this profession with a full arsenal of crafts. Many late nights experimenting with only the guidance of Pinterest and wine has helped me pick up a few passable crafting projects that are equal parts challenging and aesthetically pleasing. The finished examples elicit awe from my students, and they are excited to learn how to create them. They’re far more excited than they are when I do a lesson on Picasso or watercolor techniques. The simple task of creating something beautiful to display inspires them, and now I question every preconceived notion I ever had about art.

I have the privilege of working in a therapeutic school, where students have struggled in tradition institutions.

This gives me a bit of leeway in what and how I teach, I am not confined to a traditional set of lesson plans or standards. My job is to inspire, encourage, and teach young adults to use their hands, create and explore. When they find something that sparks their interest, whether it is oil painting or wood carving, I guide them as they practice and challenge themselves to get better at it.

Watching them come out of their shells and develop a sense of pride is the greatest perk I have ever received from a place of employment. I had always resisted calling crafts art until I had this job. No matter how much I enjoyed doing a craft or how beautiful the final piece was, I felt embarrassed to call my work art.

It took one student to change this preconceived idea for me permanently.

He came to my facility having carved

a wooden spoon in a previous facility.

He asked if he could continue to do woodcarving in my class, after a couple weeks of getting to know him, and forcing him to do some of the regular lessons, I caved and allowed him to start carving wood pieces. He carved, and struggled, and we both learned a lot of things about wood and tools. I watched him work through so many struggles in the process. Creating art was healing his soul, helping him cope with the world around him and the position he was in.

He found something he loved, and a way to deal with life that wasn’t destroying his soul. When I met him he was a troubled kid. When he left a bit more than a year later he was a confident young man. He is in college now, has his own business and continues to show and sell his work. To think I had even a small piece in his journey is one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. The truth is, what I did for him is absolutely nothing compared to what the experience did for me.

It opened up my mind, I stopped hiding the compulsive crafting like a dirty secret. I even participated in my first “arts and crafts” fair. Again my mind was blown. The other crafters weren’t making shitty little hotglue gun projects — the items for sale were beautiful and painstakingly created. The people who stood at the booth had spent hours creating their wares, and to say that they did it for the money is wrong. Behind every crafter and every artist is a story. There is something that motivates us to use our hands to create, there is intention, meaning and passion behind Grandma’s doily. To say anything different is, in my opinion, wrong.

When I am handed someone’s late

mother’s rosary or a piece of their grandmother’s wedding dress and asked to create something for one of my customers, I am honored. The idea of someone enjoying my work in their home inspires me to challenge myself and fills me with a sense of pride. I seldom feel that way when I create what most would consider traditional fine art.

Art is so much more than the piece on the wall. I learned that from a bunch of troubled kids. I am grateful, and I feel more like an artist now than ever.

My request to you, dear readers, is to give crafts a chance. Go to that “arts and crafts” fair this weekend, find something one of a kind and buy it.

Support the arts, support that crafter who works a day job and crafts to cope.

Ask an artist about their work and how they got into it. You might be surprised.

Maybe all you need to get through the holiday season is your own glue gun and some yarn!

Xoxo SQ

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Mad about Science:

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‘the call of cthulhu’

By Brenden Bobby Reader Columnist “Ph’nglui mglw’nafh Cthulhu R’lyeh wgah’nagl fhtagn” “The Call of Cthulhu” was a short story written by H.P. Lovecraft, published in February 1928. It’s about the narrator, Francis Wayland Thurston, following a trail of connected clues left by a deceased family member to discover the truth behind a mysterious cult that chants the incomprehensible phrase above.

I won’t spoil the rest, but if you’re at all curious, there are a couple of compiled works of H.P. Lovecraft in the fiction section of the library under “Lovecraft.”

This short story, and Cthulhu in general, has made a pretty huge resurgence in pop culture in recent years. The image of Cthulhu is a giant humanoid figure with dragon-like wings and the tentacled head of an octopus. Cthulhu a malevolent being, and tends to drive people into committing insane and unimaginably evil acts. The city of R’lyeh is an underwater city that Cthulhu supposedly resides, which occasionally rises from the sea and creates all sorts of chaos and terror.

With the story’s return to the public eye, the cultural shifts we’ve made since 1928 have become blatantly apparent. H.P. Lovecraft was a troubled man.

His writing is very poetic, but very wordy, and he was very openly racist (this unfortunately spills over into several of his stories, “The Rats In The Walls” being one of the more marked evidentiary examples). This, of course, has brought up the ques10 /

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tion as to whether the content of his character should impact our capacity to read and enjoy his work. That’s a tough question, and one I don’t plan on answering. What I can tell you is we can look at some of the scientific stuff that may have inspired parts of the story, and weird scientific happenings with roots in the story over recent years.

Cthulhu’s head is described to look like an octopus. Everyone knows what an octopus looks like now, though they were seen as truly alien creatures in the 1920s. Octopi are pretty weird, having eight limbs that can act independently from one another to complete tasks like prying itself out of a peanut butter jar (Seriously, watch the video, it’s creepy). Some octopi are even able to camouflage themselves and disappear into the sea rock.

That’s pretty freaky.

During the events of the short story, there is mention of Haitian Vodou rituals, and like most other media, it is very demonized because it is not well understood outside of the South.

It originates from West Africa, as many African slaves taken from French colonies were transported to Louisiana, Haiti and other areas of the Caribbean throughout the 1600s and 1700s.

It’s always described as being a very primal and mysterious religion, but there is an incredible amount of information on the internet about it. It’s a strong cultural holdover that has defied targeted colonial suppression, it’s not just dolls and goat’s blood (assuming the latter is actually extremely insulting to practitioners that have deep cultural connections to Vodou.)

R’lyeh, the city that Cthul-

hu inhabits in the story, was believed to be somewhere in the south Pacific Ocean, at a space called the Pacific pole of inaccessibility, a point that is equally distant away from South America, Antarctica and Australia.

In 1997, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recorded a long unusual sound around this location they dubbed “The Bloop”.

The sound was so loud, it was detected by sensors up to 3,000 miles away. It was a sound that was too massive to have been made by any living creature. The true origins of the sound still remain a mystery, but the most likely culprit is calving ice from Antarctica, a sound we may soon hear much more of.

Spoilers: When the city of R’lyeh is finally revealed toward the end of the story, it’s described as having buildings using an architecture of “non-Euclidean geometry”. This is basically a fancy way of saying rounded buildings we would find rather alien. Euclidean geometry is all about points, edges and lines in a two-dimensional surface. Much of our architecture is built on these principles because of the downward pull of gravity, but we’ve also done some pretty crazy things with architecture.

Islamic architecture in particular does a lot with non-Euclidean geometry, by highlighting rounded domes and lots of curvature in the stonework of mosques.

Certain skyscrapers we’ve built recently even twist or spiral, which is hard to pull off on a sheet of paper.

No matter your stance on his personal life, Lovecraft made a pretty profound impact on our storytelling culture today. The

idea of a cosmic horror, something so great and powerful beyond our ken, isn’t exactly new, but the means in which it was presented, where the good guy doesn’t always win, or the pure evil is overshadowed by the absurdity of our own hypocrisy in judging it to be evil was certainly ahead of its time.

Much of his writing was done between World War I and World War II, when the world was

seeing the very beginnings of globalization and a literal explosion of destructive technology.

The world was changing faster than anyone could anticipate right before his eyes, and that must’ve been a scary prospect.

Lucky for us, we’ve all got cat videos to distract us from that.

Random Corner ?

Don’t know much about Snow

We can help!

•Snowflakes aren’t the only form of snow. Snow can also precipitate as graupel or sleet. Not to be confused with hail, graupel (or snow pellets) are opaque ice particles that form in the atmosphere as ice crystals fall through freezing cloud droplets. The cloud droplets group together to form a soft, lumpy mass. Sleet, on the other hand, consists of drops of rain that freeze into small, translucent balls of ice as they fall from the sky.

•Syracuse, N.Y., once tried to outlaw snow. In 1992 the nation’s snowiest major city tried a new trick to control white stuff. The city’s Common Council passed a decree that any more snow before Christmas Eve was illegal. As it turns out, Mother Nature is a scofflaw — it snowed just two days later.

•It’s a myth that no two snowflakes are alike. In 1988, a scientist found two identical snow crystals. They came from a storm in Wisconsin.

•Each winter, 1 septillion ice crystals fall from the sky. That’s 1,000,000, 000,000,000,000,000,000 (24 zeroes).

•The most snow to fall in a 24 hour period in the U.S. was 75.8 inches. In 1921, over six feet of snow fell between April 14 at 2:30 p.m. and April 15 at 2:30 p.m. in Silver Lake, Colo.

•The largest snowball fight ever took place in Seattle, Wash. when 5,834 snow fighters came together to exchange frozen barrages on January 12, 2013.

•North Dakota holds the record for the most snow angels made simultaneously in one place. In 2007 in North Dakota, 8,962 people plopped down in the snow to waggle their arms and legs to make snow angels, setting a world record. To date, that’s the most exciting thing that has ever happened in North Dakota.

•Igloos can be 100 degrees warmer inside than outside, and they’re warmed entirely by body heat.

LETTERS

Immigration good for everyone...

Dear Editor, Social Security will be in trouble financially as we, the baby boomers, age and take our turn. Some think Social Security is a bank account, the taxes were taken out and plunked into an account waiting for when we retire. Instead Social Security is a tax with a promise. When we are young, we pay the tax for our grandparents and parents with the promise that our children will pay the tax for us when we retire. My 28-yearold son calls it the great American ponzi scheme.

The problem is there are not enough young people to pay for us old people. So, what we need is young healthy workers to fill in the void. But where to get them? We aren’t having babies, and even if we could, some of us don’t have 18 years to wait.

What’s that? There are 5,000 young, hardworking adults at the border willing to work and have Social Security taken from their checks even when they may not get it back? Quick, send in the military! Get them over the border and to work before they

OPEN 11:30 am figure out the scam.

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Immigration is good for everyone. It is the American dream.

Mary Haley Sandpoint

Seniors need support...

Dear Editor, We all love to support puppies and children, especially at this time of year. While they may not be as cute and adorable as puppies and children ...OUR SENIORS NEED YOUR SUPPORT! The Senior Center provides home-delivered meals and in-house meals five days a week, serving over 25,000 meals in a year. It is a meeting place in the community, allowing seniors and newcomers to meet old and make new friends while participating in the variety of activities provided.

The DayBreak Center provides day care

and support for families of those with memory issues. Come to the Senior Center and DayBreak to see for yourselves! Come enjoy all the activities we offer.

We cannot continue to provide all these services without the help of the Sandpoint community. We are asking that you NOT FORGET THE SENIORS. We need your help.

If you can help, send checks to Sandpoint Senior Center, 820 Main, Sandpoint 83864 or call (208) 263-6860 to use a credit card.

Sincerely and with Holiday Wishes to all, Loris Michael Board Member, Sandpoint Senior Center Sandpoint

Got something to say? Write a letter to the editor at letters@ sandpointreader.com. Under 400 words, and please elevate the discussion. Please no handwritten letters!

GAME ROOM UPSTAIRS

The Psounbality with Per FRESH FOOD LIVE MUSIC THE BEST NW BREWS

212 Cedar Street Downtown Sandpoint

208.263.4005 A SandPint Tradition Since 1994

Sunday, Nov. 25 - Sunday, Dec. 9

and the four realms The Nutcracker see website for showtimes THURSDAY, DEC. 6 - SUNDAY, DEC. 9

WILDLIFE

BRIAN JACOBS & CHRIS LYNCH

FRIDAY, DEC. 7 @ 6:30PM

RON GREENE w/ BRIAN BURKE

Little Theater Little Theater

see website for showtimes

Swing and Line Dancing FRIDAY, DEC. 14 @ 7PM

HOJI AND ALL IN

Presented by Match Stick Productions

THURSDAY, DEC. 20 @ 6:30PM

6:30-9:30pm

6:30-9:30pm

December Doubles Cornhole Tournament Registration 11am, first toss at 1pm

ELF MOVIE AND SING-A-LONG FREE EVENT

Coming soon

Welcome to Marwen, Free Solo and Green Book

December 6, 2018 /

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event Supporting the arts in Sandpoint for 30 years

sales...................................

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Mark Perigen Product Specialist

Garrett Kulczyk Product Specialist

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Marah Jacobs Product Specialist

Billy Hiatt Product Specialist

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Scott Lies Service Advisor

Heidi Walden Service Advisor

WWW.TSCHEVY.COM

LOCAL: 208.263.2138 TOLL FREE: 800.866.2138 476751 Highway 95, Ponderay 12 /

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Dollar Beers!

8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub Good until the keg’s dry

f

Live music w/ Bright Moments Jazz 5-8pm @ Matchwood Brewing

PSN Dai 10 Sup loca mad

Holiday Arts and Crafts Show Girls Night Out 10am-5pm @ Bonner Mall 5-8pm @ Downtown Sandpoint Over 35 crafters offering everything from There will be specials, giveaways, fun bever art work to wreaths es and more at all downtown retailers. Prese Live music w/ Bright Moments Jazz ed by Sandpoint Shopping District.

5-7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority Live music w/ Rob Smith Live music w/ Down South Band 6-9pm @ Cedar St. Wine Bar 9pm-12am @219 Lounge Live music w/ Chris Lynch & Brian Jacobs Yoga on Tap 11am @ Laughing Dog Brewery 8-10pm @ Back Door Bar One hour class that ends with the group havin Live music w/ John Firshi a beer together. $12 includes your first beer 5-7pm @ IPA Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Live music w/ Devon Wade 3pm & 5:30pm @ Hope Elementary School 8pm @ Tervan Local students perform this classic fairytale afLive music w/ Bright Moments Jazz ter just a week of rehearsals with members of 5:30-7:30pm @ Cedar Street Wine Bar Missoula Children’s Theatre Live music w/ Truck Mills & Carl Rey L Holiday Arts and Crafts Show 6:30-9:30pm @MickDuff’s Beer Hall 1 10am-5pm @ Bonner Mall

International Human Rights Day 70th Anniversary Sandpoint Chess Club 9am @ Evans Brothers Coffee 9am-1pm @ Sandpoint High School Auditorium Join representatives from Bonner County press organi- Meets every Sunday at 9am zations for a discussion about the role of journalism in Holiday Arts and Crafts Show our community. Sponsored by the Bonner County Hu- 12-5pm @ Bonner Mall man Rights Task Force and the Foundation for Human Live Music w/ Bob Beadling Rights Action and Advocacy (FHRAA).

2-4pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery

Monday Night Blues Jam w/ Truck Mills 7:30pm @ Eichardt’s Pub Night-Out Karaoke 9pm @ 219 Lounge Join DJ Pat for a night of singing, or just come to drink and listen

Lifetree Cafe • 2pm @ Jalepeño’s Mexican An hour of conversation and stories. This week

Holiday Craft Beer Night 5-7pm @ IPA Make Holiday Crafts and have a beer with Samantha. We have the beer boxes and the beer.

For more information call 208-597-7096

Wind Down Wednesday 5-8pm @ 219 Lounge With live music by blues man Truck Mills and guest musician John Firshi Dollar Beers!

8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub Good until the keg’s dry

$2 Tuesday @ the Tervan Come and use thos $2 bills on drafts and food specials

Hootenanny Open Mic Night 6:30-8:30pm @ City Beach Organics If you have an instrument to play, a song to sing, a poem to read, or want to hear live music, join Fiddlin’ Red and Desiree for a Hootenanny. 265-9919 Winter Axe Throwing League 6-10pm @ Tervan

Rock Cree 5-8pm @ I Live music items and served. Do

Creatin 6-8pm Come t kids, an

ful

December 6 - 13 2018

A weekly entertainment guide to keep you on your toes. To list your event free, please send an email to calendar@sandpointreader.com.

Reader recommended

PSNI Christmas Market Daily through Dec. 23, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday @ the PSNI greenhouse Support the community and adults with disabilities by shopping local in a festive atmosphere. Over 20 vendors are selling handmade gifts, retail items, and holiday decor. Free admission.

Idaho Conservation League Holiday Party 5:30-8:30pm @ Columbia Bank Community fun beverag- Plaza Building lers. Present- A recap of the year, current and future work, all while enjoying tasty appetizers, hearty drinks . and lovely company. Also meet artist in residence, Jessica L. Bryant

Sandpoint Direct Primary Care and Frazier King, M.D. Welcome:

Now accepting new pediatric and adult patients

Firkin Friday 5pm @ Laughing Dog Brewery Brewers brew a new beer, tap the Firkin, and the brewers hang out and talk about the beer! Pints are $3 until the Firkin runs out

Enjoy extended, relaxed visits, same day scheduling, wholesale labs and medications, and full access to your physician via technology, 24/7 Call t od a y to m a ke an a ppoi ntme nt

Live music w/ BareGrass 5-7pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery

Book Signing RGNEW Annual Meeting 1-4pm @ Northwest Handmade 2-4pm @ Rotary Club Welcome Center, Oldtown oup having Meet the author/illustrator of Talk about the past, present and future at this first annual st beer “If Trees Could Sing,” Lissa meeting of Responsible Growth NE Washington Elissabeth DeFreitas Holiday Reception ool Live Comedy Show tale af- 4:30-7:30pm @ Art Works Gallery 8pm @ 219 Lounge bers of A time to celebrate customers and community.

Ty Barnett headlines this show, which will also Food, music, spirits and 10% off storewide feature JR Berard and host Morgan Preston Live music w/ Kevin Garrett & Brendan Kelty 10:30pm-12:30am @ 219 Lounge

b s Coffee t 9am afts Show ll eadling le Winery

Live music w/ Hellbound Glory 6pm @ Utara Brewing Company American county and roots rock

Gardenia Sunday Service 10am @ The Gardenia Center Suzan Fiskin speaks: “From Here to Humanity”

Mexican Restaurant This week’s topic: “My Son is Gay”

day rvan d use those n drafts specials

Live Music w/ Ken Mayginnes 4-6:30pm @ Matchwood Brewing Karaoke @ the Tervan Come sing your favorite songs

Russ Fulcher visit 12-1pm @ Ponderay Events Center Fulcher makes a stop on his “thank you” tour

Holiday Health Week Dec. 10-14 @ Embody Studio All WildCore™ Movement Classes are $5 or food for the Foodbank Live music w/ Jerry Joseph and the Jackmormons 9pm @ the Hive Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door

Rock Creek Alliance Fundraiser -8pm @ IPA ive music by Marty Perron and Doug Bond. Silent auction ems and raffle prizes. Complimentary appetizers will be erved. Double Mountain Brewing beer on tap

Creating Gingerbread Houses 6-8pm @ Creations Come to create edible architectural masterpieces for adults, kids, and grand-kids for only $5. Open to the public.

Winter Axe Throwing League 6-10pm @ Tervan

1323 US-2 Suite 300 Sandpoint • 208-263-3091 sandpointdpc.com

Dec. 14 Beth Pederson & Bruce Bishop CD release show @ Di Luna’s Dec. 17 Brews for Benefits Laughing Dog Brewing

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PERSPECTIVES

To My Compatriots

By Browse Hickman Reader Contributor The shoulder woke up first.

Tiny leaf tears in the muscles and ligaments from years of carpentry work were announcing their presence. Shoulder contacted the owner, who woke up next. I was careful maneuvering the shoulder into a new position. I had learned to do this slowly, avoiding getting joint parts improperly aligned before further movement. Great pain was to be had making that mistake.

With practiced ease the shoulder joint went back to a familiar spot, one of deep dull pain, but functional.

The rest of the bed exit flowed the same way. Slow, steady, evaluate.

Feet on floor, head to coffee maker.

Italian roast, splash of half and half, heavy ceramic mug. Weather status was always next. A-plus today.

Early September’s rays were already reaching out, long fingers of warm sunshine syrup. There would not be much time for relaxing this morning, I wanted to get to work by 7 a.m.

Hat, lunch, fried egg and peanut butter breakfast sandwich, gather up the materials needed for today’s job and out the door.

The 12-mile drive to the job site on an early Sunday morning down a small creek canyon in North Idaho was church-like. Reverence for all the beauty around me on these daily drives helped bring a sense of peace and calmness, gratitude for what you had in life. That you got to live here. And that it was going to be a perfect day of work. On the Pend Oreille River, east facing gable end, with shoulder healing sun rays.

The job site was as I had hoped: vacant with no one in sight. No compressors, nail guns, saws, loud radios playing heavy metal that some of the younger subcontractors listened to. I could never understand why you would want to listen to angry guys yelling and screaming while you were trying to concentrate on your work and find peace in what you were doing. But today would be a satisfying day.

Three sections of scaffolding in the 14 /

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air, overlooking the river, setting a window and finishing off the gable end with mostly hand tools would be a pleasure. Shaving the bevel on the window sill and roof beams would be my favorite part. I pulled grandpa’s wood plane out of the tool bag. There is nothing like an old tool. Wood handles embedded with dad-grandfather sweat and tobacco, worn smooth, experienced.

A tool tested by hard times, subjected to cussing and bad weather. The planes’ blades made of American steel, solid, able to hold a good edge. No nicks in the blade of this tool. This tool had been revered, handled with honor over many generations for the fine products it produced. I have many tools like this in my possession: rakes, axes, sledge hammers, scoop shovels, pitch forks, pulaskis, hand tools.

Inherited, gathered from garage sales or just plain abandoned. Wood handled tools most, with linseed oil massaged character, often crippled but reshaped and spliced to fit.

Patched together with new wedges and shims, restored and ready for duty. No cheap steel either, steel with a long history to tell and the strength to carry on.

The first pass of the plane on the window sill was a high. Long fragrant curls of pine fell at my feet, ribbons of wood worthy to decorate a gift. That schluup sound of the blade passing through wood followed by that sweet smell, an offering to the universe, to good health, to Goddess Pine. Reaching down to the pile of curls I gathered a handful and held them to my nose. It is that spiritual connection with wood that has always pulled me into the world of carpentry.

The texture, the strength, the beauty in its living and repurposed form, its adaptability, but mostly its fragrance are like fingers of God to me. I have often thought that they should make wood-based perfumes. I know they would attract guys like me. Women that wore pine, Douglas fir, larch or cedar scents would be my types.

Women of strength and character, proud, outwardly and inwardly beautiful. The fancy ladies would

probably wear oak, mahogany – the exotic wood scents. And wood tonics. I would probably drink those. Powdered Douglas fir with carbonated water to get you going in the morning. A large pick-meup and a nice redwood liqueur at night.

The window sill is finished, the gable end window is set. Window trim and cedar lap siding is next.

Measure, cut, establish the right reveal on the trim and nail. Determine the roof angle cut on the lap siding, layout the stud spacing, level and determine the amount of lap and nail. Hand nailing is an art, especially on exterior trim. Each variety of wood requiring a different blow of the hammer so as to set the nail but not to dimple the wood. Sometimes you need to blunt the end of the nail so you don’t split the wood, especially on the ends. It is these small and large acts of profession that I treasure. The ability to build things that are square, plumb, level and flush. To possess the knowledge and skills necessary to bring surfaces of unequal thicknesses to the same plane and to rip a straight line of eight feet with a Skil-Saw without a guide. To visualize a building in 3D, to see the future and anticipate the consequences of each step in the construction process, and to be able to interpret the architect’s vision and marry them with the owners’ dreams.

The world of construction is addictive. Full of freedom,

Observations from a general contractor

never boring – but at a price. Hard physical labor, working in all kinds of weather, stressful, full of uncertainty, long hours without much security. I run into many of my generations’ construction workers in my daily world. The walking wounded most of us.

Arms in slings from surgery, bad knees, backs, ankles. The knowledge of our skills is still there, but not the physical ability. We paid a price. But there is reward there too, but often not recognized. The reward is satisfaction at seeing your efforts in a physical form: the custom home, the restaurant, the commercial building, the remodel that turned a dump or ‘50s ranch house into a piece of art. I savor the experience of being a general contractor and being part of the grand symphony of a large construction project. Dozens of subcontractors showing up, often several on the same day, putting their heads down and going to work. Working around each other, making a thousand right decisions a day, working with pride, fixing problems. And all of those support people that you count on daily to make it all work. The guy at the concrete batch plant that manages to get your pour scheduled even though they are swamped.

The driver who jumps out of his truck to give an extra hand with the difficult job. The lumber-yard crews who rush out materials when needed, back you up on warranty

issues, always going the extra mile to make your job successful.

I have a lot of pride in my life’s work. I also have a great appreciation and respect for all of those craftsmen that worked for me, the subcontractors and material suppliers that worked with me, and all of the various support people that made the construction world possible. It’s impressive to me that close to 100 percent of them were good at their jobs, honest and hard working. And that’s part of the reward too. To have been able to work with such fine people, to still have them be your friends and laugh with them as you remember the on-the-job stories. I salute you all. There is still one final reward – a special one. That is the client who becomes your friend, who appreciates your work, who is glad to see you in the grocery store, who calls you back and back over the years to do other projects.

I reminisce over a beer sometimes with people I worked with who are my age telling stories about the old days. But occasionally I meet some of the young construction workers, and we talk shop. They bitch about the same things we used to bitch about, but it is comforting to see that they have a great sense of pride in what they do. I think we will be in good hands.

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TRAVEL

Vietnam

A land of mystery, amazing food and a lot of noise

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

Editor’s note: Vietnam is a wild, mysterious, loud, adventurous place. It’s a nation teeming with life and the perfect travel destination for backpackers and foodies looking for adventure without breaking the bank.

However, it’s impossible to do this magical place justice with one article, so I’ve chosen to focus the attention of this piece on culinary delights alone. If you are interested in learning more about the history, politics and natural beauty of Vietnam, I encourage you to read more, or even better, plan a trip of your own.

I

n Vietnam, everything is about balance.

Vietnamese cuisine respects these rules of balance, offering a wide variety of dishes from different parts of the region that always incorporate the five fundamental taste senses (called ngú): 16 /

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spicy, sour, bitter, salty and sweet.

A Vietnamese dish isn’t just about throwing ingredients together, it’s about the full culinary experience. Aromatic herbs stimulate the nose, colorful ingredients appeal to the eyes, crisp greens and vegetables create enticing sounds, spices greet the tongue with a rush of emotion.

A hot item is often paired with a cold item, a sour with a sweet. It is this yin-yang style of cuisine that makes this country one of the best for foodies in the world.

It was a stroke of luck that brought Cadie and I to Vietnam in the first place. Searching for cheap airfare, we stumbled across round trip tickets to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC, formerly called Saigon) for only $600 and booked a month of travel by backpack in the spring of 2017.

Upon landing in HCMC, the culture shock was immediate.

The first thing that hits you is the heat, then the noise. The preferred method of travel in Vietnam is the motorbike or scooter. Standing at a streetcorner in HCMC for the first time, the spectacle of thousands of sputtering two-cycle scooters whizzing by is jaw-dropping.

In a word, traffic in Vietnam is utterly chaotic. Or so it seems.

Bikes zip in and out of traffic, up on sidewalks, along parking lanes. Buses clamor by confidently aware that everyone will get out of their way. But there is an order to the maelstrom of activity.

Somehow it works.

Walking across a busy street is an act of utter faith. The trick is, don’t think about it. Pedestrians don’t wait for traffic signals or use crosswalks, they just start walking out into the street. The traffic adjusts accordingly. Some bikes miss by mere inches, but

I never saw any accidents. The only thing that throws a monkey wrench in this equation is if the pedestrian is eratic or hesitant and makes sudden moves, which throws the whole matrix into a tizzy.

Once you’ve navigated a few streets and have gained color back in your face, it’s time to find something to eat. The first dish we had in HCMC was, of course, a bowl of phó. Phó is a staple in Vietnam, and one of my favorite dishes. It’s a hearty noodle soup that most Vietnamese eat for breakfast. You can find it anywhere in the country, mostly from street vendors for anywhere from 30 cents to $2 per bowl.

The broth is made from extended boiling of meat and spices. Phó is typically served in a large bowl with vermicelli noodles, spring onions, bean sprouts, herbs, slices of tofu or beef, broth and

is accompanied by a huge side of greens and vegetables, peppers and sauces. You grab the noodles with chopsticks in one hand and slurp broth from a spoon with the other hand. Delicious.

Another staple in Vietnam is the bánh mi sandwich. After a long colonial rule in Vietnam, France’s legacy is preserved in the country with breads and pastries. In a bánh mi, a French baguette is traditionally filled with pate, mayonnaise, cold cuts, jalapeños, pickled vegetables and cucumber slices.

Sometimes grilled meats are used instead of cold cuts. Like phó, you can find bánh mi anywhere for under $1. Great drunk food.

While cities like HCMC offer a great sampling of street food, to enjoy fresh seafood it’s always best to check out a beach town.

We stayed in Vung Tao, just south of HCMC and ended up visiting Sandpoint native Greg Vander-

< see VIET NAM, next page >

< VIET NAM, con’t from prev. page >

ford, who lives in Vietnam with his wife and kids. Greg showed us around and we ended up at an outdoor cafeteria style seafood joint. Everyone at the tables was Vietnamese. This is a good thing.

We left the ordering to Greg’s wife Tuyen, who is Vietnamese.

What came was a feast of the freshest seafood I’ve ever eaten: three different kinds of snails, octopus, squid, crabs, clams and some items I honestly still can’t identify, but were delicious. This feast would’ve cost a couple hundred dollars or more in the States, but I think our bill was somewhere around $30.

As we moved further north through Vietnam, we found the cuisine didn’t change drastically, but it specialized. In Da Lat, a mountainous inland city where it was cool at night and warm during the day, I had one of my favorite dishes: Bun Thit Nuong.

They start with cold rice-vermicelli noodles and top with grilled pork, fresh herbs and salad, bean sprouts and spring rolls, using Nuoc Cham (sweet fish sauce) as the “dressing” and topped everything with peanuts, pickled carrots, and a piece of grilled pork sausage. The combination of the cold noodles and hot grilled pork is amazing. You can actually find a dish very similar to this at Beet & Basil in Sandpoint called the “vermicelli noodle bowl.”

In Hue, the ancient imperial capital of Vietnam, we toured the imperial city and saw evidence of the shelling this palace took during the Vietnam War. Afterward, we were told to try the Banh Beo, or rice cakes and found a place that specialized in them.

It’s hard to explain Banh Beo. They’re about the size of a sand dollar, and come in their own little shallow dish. They are made from rice flour and tapioca flour, which is combined to form a paste that is steamed into a consistency much like a fried egg.

Then they are topped with dried shrimp, or crispy pork skins, or

scallion oil, or any number of other ingredients. The first bite was weird – like eating a gelatinous booger. Then you taste the flavors and the texture ceases to be an issue. Most locals ate the cakes with a chopstick nudging the cake off the circular dish and slurping it with a dash of fish sauce on top.

The absolute best dish I had in Vietnam came in Ha Noi at an unassuming eatery near the backpacker quarter. The dish is called Bun Bo Nam Bo. While this is considered a “southern Vietnam” dish, we didn’t find it anywhere in the south, but only in Ha Noi. Bun Bo Nam Bo is another vermicelli noodle bowl served with grilled beef, as well as the normal fresh vegetables, pickled carrots and papaya. Topped with peanuts and sprouts, this dish doesn’t sound different than the other noodle bowls, but the flavors are enough to make you sit back in your chair and sigh. Cadie and I ate this same dish at this same eatery a dozen times. If you ever see it listed at a Vietnamese restaurant, try it. It can also be called “southern beef noodle.”

Of the many meals we had in Vietnam, there were only a couple that were sub-par. One was truly awful. While waiting for our night train from the beachside town of Nha Trang, Cadie and I asked the server to bring whatever she liked best (in broken Vietnamese, of course). What arrived

looked like something a pig with a chest cold shot out of its snout.

There were rubbery bits of meat that appeared to be pieces of vertebra. There were tentacles. There were hard pieces that we found later were pig’s ear. The only way we could get it down was to keep washing down Saigon beer after Saigon beer.

By the time we left, we both had a great buzz on. We walked across town and stumbled into a pool house where all the tables were playing a game with three balls and no pockets. Called “carom” style, this is a very difficult game where the point is to knock your own cue ball off both the opponent’s ball and an “object” ball in a single shot. It’s all about the way you hit the ball. Some young local Vietnamese dudes showed us how to play, then demanded we join them for drinks on the corner before our train departed.

A wild gang of 20-something locals soon gathered and ordered huge rounds of beer as we played music in the street, smoked terrible cigarettes and communicated with one another in that tender way travelers do until we had a mere five minutes to catch our train.

Two of the locals tossed us on the back of their motorscooters and punched it across town, weaving in and out of traffic and laughing the whole way. We arrived to our train just in time

to board it as it started pulling away from the station, where we collapsed into our berth (after entering the wrong berth with apologies) and passed out to that rocking glory of a train in a foreign country.

I could easily write a book about this amazing place. I encourage anyone to check it out if you love amazing food, gracious people and some of the coolest scenery I’ve ever laid eyes on.

As far as my final thoughts on Vietnam cuisine: you’ll never find better dishes than you’ll find in Vietnam.

First page: Amidst the botanical gardens of Hue’s Imperial City.

Top left: The bustling Old Quarter of Vietnam’s capital city, Ha Noi. Right: A beautiful older women selling trinkets in Hoi An, in the central part of Vietnam Bottom (left to right): rice cakes in Hue; bun bo nam bo in Ha Noi, Pho in HCMC and seafood in Vung Tao. Photos by Ben Olson.

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FOOD

The Sandpoint Eater

Skol

By Marcia Pilgeram Reader Food Columnist

Next October, my pal Peggy and I will lead a small group to our beloved Ireland. We’re both anxious to showcase our respective ancestral villages and a favorite pub or two. Some in the group are looking to discover more about their own Irish heritage, so I’ve encouraged them to join Ancestry. com and take a DNA test. In preparation, I decided to take my own DNA test, to see if I might find any additional maternal Irish cousins (who’d love to meet a group of Irish-loving Americans).

Years ago, I submitted my DNA to Genebase, but my results were less than enlightening. At that time, the kits were not yet popular, and very few people had parted with their spit, so there were no long-lost relatives to be found in the limited registry.

In fact, when I received those first results, the tangled web of my DNA strands meant about as much to me as my eighth-grade science class, where a very passionate Sister Imaculata tried to force feed me the newly discovered miracle of deoxyribonucleic acid.

I was in no hurry, so I waited for a sale at Ancestry and finally sprang for a kit after finding a promotional offer. It arrived within a couple days, and I diligently followed the directions. Before my ritual morning coffee, I registered the code that was unique to me, spat in the tube, shook it vigorously with the reagent, sealed it tightly, popped it in the mail, and then, busy with Thanksgiving preparations, promptly forgot about it until a text message informed me that my results were ready.

The closest link, one of my older sisters, came as no surprise.

Next were five first cousins, only 18 /

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one of whom I knew. Again, it was no surprise as we were never close to my father’s family, and I assumed these cousins came from his sibling’s children. I called my older sister to see if she knew of these cousins. Not only did she have no information to share, she didn’t even share these cousins.

We are only half siblings, and I have a different father.

I was on my own. I called Ryanne with the news and was reminded that, besides being a wonderful daughter, she’s also a very skilled university researcher. Fortunately for me, the four cousins had unusual names, and within six hours, I had a new family. Ryanne even splurged on her own Ancestry membership, so along with my new pedigree, came newspaper clippings, including one about my father entertaining the governor in his home, and photos of not only this father but half-siblings too.

I reached out to my new-found cousins (all women) via Facebook messenger and Ancestry email.

Then I waited. And waited. After three long days, I heard back.

They had been stalking me on Facebook, they admitted, and there was no doubt I was one of them. They had lots of news to share, mainly stories of my father, “who was always the life of the party.” Upon hearing that, Ryanne declared, “You’ve finally found your people, Momma.” I learned that my blue eyes and height come from my grandmother, Delta, who hailed from Denmark, and I had a striking resemblance to my father.

I never felt an attachment to the man I thought was my father.

He was arrogant and abusive, and he and my mom divorced when I was very young. Soon thereafter she remarried, and I adored my stepdad, secretly wishing it was he who was actually my biological father, even though my sister always reminded me it wasn’t possible. Still there were always these lingering doubts — my personality was no match for the rest of our no-nonsense household, and I alone had big blue eyes.

In the past couple of weeks, I’ve learned a lot about “my” family and my paternal grandparents, but I must admit, I have more questions than answers.

How did my mother know this man? Did the two couples know each other via their daughters (my older sister and his daughter are the same age). Was my mother a customer at his Ranch Market? Neighbors? I’ll probably never know, and honestly, I’m relieved that I didn’t find these gracious and loving cousins on my first DNA attempt, when my mother was still alive (though living in a haze of dementia).

My new-found information left me tormented for days, until my pal Peggy asked me if I’d ever seen the movie “Bridges of Madison County,” about a housewife who has a brief and romantic affair. I faintly remembered seeing it years ago. “Watch it again,” she implored, and so I did. And I’ve allowed it to become my story.

What will I do with this infor-

mation? Not a lot. I don’t wish to cause angst for the half-siblings.

Maybe I’ll reach out to them in the future. For now, my cousins have shared anecdotal history and invaluable health information and a plethora of pictures — of people who look a lot like me!

Family spokesperson responsibility falls upon my oldest Ryanne, so she relayed the news to her siblings before they arrived for Thanksgiving. My son Zane put our newly discovered heritage into perspective: “Please let Mom know that I refuse to ever eat lutefisk, especially for Thanksgiving.”

He also added, “Tell me she’s not going to come up with a Norwegian accent.” That boy. He’s never appreciated my lovely Irish lilt.

I’m not ready to rush out and buy a Lefse grill, but I am happy to learn that I come by my love of Jarlsberg honestly. It’s been my favorite cheese for years, and I love it for dips and fondues, especially in my recipe for Jarlsberg and Artichoke Dip. You don’t even have to be Norwegian to enjoy it.

Hot Jarlsberg Artichoke Dip Recipe

Serves 6-8 as an appetizer

A favorite potluck appetizer - I often add variations, such as chopped cooked bacon, prosciutto, crab, minced green onion, or cooked, chopped spinach. I never substitute the Jarlsberg, as I love its nutty flavor and smooth melting qualities. On the rare occasion any it left over in the fridge, we love to spread it between a couple slices of bread, with a slice of Jarlsberg for the greatest grilled cheese sandwich ever!

INGREDIENTS: • 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped • 4 garlic cloves, minced • 1 tbs olive oil • 1 cup heavy cream • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt • 1 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes • 1/4 cup pesto • 1 1/4 cup shredded Jarlsberg cheese • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided in half

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease a 9 x 13” rectangular or 10” oval baking dish.

In a medium sauce pan, sauté garlic in olive oil until soft, add heavy cream, bring to boil, reduce heat and stir until reduced by half. Stir in salt, pepper flakes, Greek yogurt, artichokes, pesto, ¼ cup Parmesan and 1 cup Jarlsberg.

Mix well. Spoon into prepared baking dish. Top with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan and 1/4 cup of Jarlsberg.

Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and browned.

Serve with baguette slices, crackers or celery.

STAGE AND SCREEN

Comedian Ty Barnett headlines show at 219 Lounge

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

With nearly two decades of stand-up shows, movie and TV performances and talk show guest spots across every major television network, Ty Barnett has a long and successful comedy career under his belt. This weekend he hits Sandpoint for a night of comedy with support from comics JR Berard and Morgan Preston. Bound to be one of Sandpoint’s biggest comedy nights in years, the show begins 8 p.m. with doors opening 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at the 219. Drop by 219 Lounge or call 208-263-5673 for $20 advance tickets, or get access for $23 at the door.

One thing is clear: Based on our conversation with him, Barnett’s been in the game for 18 years, and he has the energy and passion for 18 more.

Sandpoint Reader: There must be no shortage of material for comedians these days. What’s inspiring your act?

Ty Barnett: Comedy has always been the last stand for being able to say what you want to say, because it’s on stage and it’s

jokes. These last couple years have been a little different for me personally, politically and comedically. … So I talk about a number of things: about being older, about being a dad, about being a man in today’s society.

I grew up watching people like Pryor and Carlin, who were able to say anything they wanted to say for the most part. Now we’re in a society where people are very cautious about words, about innuendo. So it’s a little different. …. But the tour I’m on now, “Grown Man, Baby Steps,” talks about my evolution as a young dude to being an older dude who went from wanting to party all the time to being in bed by 9:30 if I wasn’t performing. … The great thing that’s come out of this is I appreciate my time on stage even more. … What’s been great is I have this maturity about what my voice is. People always say it takes five years to find your voice in stand-up. For me, at this point, I know my voice, I know the subject matter that means more to me. So my shows now are a little bit of “grumpy old dude” mixed with “childish enthusiasm” mixed with “social awareness.”

SR: Maturity must also come in handy with, like you said, this different social

climate, where people are more likely to be offended by something.

TB: You know what it comes down to a lot of times is one word. … Eddie Murphy has this joke where he says, “One word can change your perspective on something.

One word! Could you imagine if Dr. Martin Luther King said, ‘I have a hunch’?” And I was falling down laughing because it’s such a simple joke, but it’s such a funny thought.

And apply that today, talking about Trump.

There’s a certain joke I would do about him, and I noticed that when I changed one word, it helped get the material out. Early on I would say, “This dude, I can’t believe this dude,” you know, but I changed it one night when I was doing a show for people in walkers, and I knew I couldn’t go in like that.

So instead I said, “I used to go in thinking I hated this guy, but that’s not the case. I’m jealous of this dude.” And that one word changed people’s perspective on whatever I said after that. People were curious now, and that allowed me to go in and do those jokes.

SR: You’ve been a comedian for 18 years now, and I imagine you’ve seen your material evolve like that quite a bit.

Annual

TB: My performances are based more so in reality now.

I would say about 85 percent of what I say on stage is real to what’s going on. … Another thing I love Ty Barnett. Photo by Michael Schwartz is being in front of a new audience, where I’m going to give people a chance to see things from my perspective and leave them with a new insight. Plus, I give a message at every show about unity, and being generous with each other and empathy. That’s my main thing now. The only way the world is going to get better is by empathizing with each other and understanding that everyone has a right to have a good life. Just because you’re different doesn’t mean you’re bad.

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PERSPECTIVES The

Late Night Buddhist Farewell, My Subaru

By Scott Taylor Reader Columnist One of the simplest, yet most difficult, lessons we can ever learn about creating happiness is how to let go. Attaching ourselves to anything — or anyone — is an exercise in inviting suffering (this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t love deeply and completely; it just means we also must learn how to let go). Everything and everyone in our lives will eventually leave us: our youth, our summer sunshine (don’t we know it?), our loved ones (like the Flaming Lips say, “Do you realize that everyone you know someday will die?”), our ability to stay up until 3 a.m. drinking and dancing (thank God), and, regrettably, our trusty old car or truck.

I recently read a quote (I think it was inside the cap of a bottle of Moroccan Mint green tea I was drinking at Winter Ridge) that went something like, “To truly be free we must be prepared to let go of that which we hold most dear.” So in that vein, I’m prepared to let go and offer up my trusty, road warrior companion of the last several years, my ‘99 Subie.

I don’t make this decision lightly; this is a highly-modified machine that’s not right for everybody. It will do 0-60 in just under seven minutes (downhill, with a tailwind), has a high-flow (and high decibel) exhaust courtesy of Oxidation Enterprises, and an anti-theft rear hatch that can only be opened from inside if it’s been locked. The hood is also equipped with an anti-theft device that prevents it from being opened without the aid of a second person, or a stick of the correct length (5 1/2 inches to be precise) jammed in the release lever. Nobody’s gonna steal your Everstart battery (unless it’s the strange guy in the hoodie you asked to help you open the hood)!

Thanks again to Oxy Enterprises, I’ve modified the gas filler tube to accept a carefully measured 8-inch-long plastic funnel to allow for faster filling (well, any filling, really). None of that Nancy-pants, eco-friendly ventilated reduced-emission trap door crap. It’s a thinking-person’s car; the gas gauge is a special “computational model,” meaning you have to compute how much gas you put in and how many 20 /

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miles you’ve driven (if you can remember to reset the odometer) to know what you have left (straight gauges are for simpletons). Also those pesky rear shoulder/seat belts have been removed courtesy of a few pygmy goats that the previous owner apparently hauled around. (I still find tufts of straw in nooks and crannies) I think the yellowing Gorilla Glue foaming out around the edges of the passenger-side mirror (thanks to a depth-perception-impaired deer) really compliments the dents and scratches on that side. After I had hit my second of three deer with it (and a few hapless birds) the insurance company offered to buy it from me as salvage (gasp! Don’t say that word near Subie!), but I turned them down.

“No thanks! I’m attached to this car. And I don’t like shopping for new ones.” I took their money to have it “fixed.” Who cares about a few dents and scratches?

And who needs a grille anyway?

The rooftop cargo box will be staying with me; I’ve invested far too much in the stickers plastering it. There is, however, a dual kayak rack that will likely go with it (mostly because the bolts are probably too rusty to get loose). So if you don’t kayak already you’ll have an exciting new hobby! These racks are also useful for hauling home large pieces of driftwood from state parks along the Oregon coas ... cough ... I mean from the logyard at Clark Fork.

So if you think you can handle it, look me up and give Subie a try, and help me learn to let go. On second thought, with a little work maybe I can squeeze another 200,000 miles out of it. Be happy!

TRAVEL

This week’s RLW by Ben Olson

I’ll Take Tahiti

READ

One of my favorite traveling books is “The Adventures of Augie March” by Saul Bellow.

It’s a thick one, which means you can get more miles out of the book while traveling, but it’s also a beautiful coming-of-age story set in the ‘30s with an eccentric family and the wide arc of the hero traveling from the curiosity of a small boy to a grown man reflecting on his life.

I’ve always felt fuller after completing “Augie.” Hopefully you will, too.

By Marcia Pilgeram Reader Contributor

If it’s not a whisk in my hand, it’s a suitcase, and I’m delighted with the chance to share some of my favorite travel destinations!

Adventure seems to find me wherever I go — and though I’ve never had a bad trip, I’ve had my share of incidents. My first driving experience in Tavernelle, Italy, a small village in the hills of the Lunigiana, I backed over a policeman, knocking him to the ground. In my defense, he was directing me out of my illegally-chosen parking spot, when he had to quickly get out of the way of a car barreling down the hill.

Unfortunately, he jumped, just as I accelerated — a bad combination that tossed him to the ground and left me clearly shaken (though, as my travel companion continued to remind me, clearly not my fault).

I pack lots of enthusiasm and few expectation, and I can’t recall ever being disappointed in one of my capers. No matter the destination, my rural Montana background helps keeps me kind and grounded, and I like to think my worldly savvy keeps me on my toes. It’s a great combination that works for me.

Whenever possible, my favorite way to get my bearings is on foot, and it’s not uncommon for me to log 10-12 miles a day, anywhere I go.

I’m often asked for travel tips, and these top my list: Drink first class, eat second class, sleep third class and choose your travel companion(s) wisely.

Besides tips, I’m frequently asked about destinations that top my list. There are so many places, for so many reasons, and they don’t have to be expensive or exotic.

I’m just as happy sipping wine in the rolling hills of Walla Walla as I am snorkeling in the pristine blue lagoons of Bora Bora. But I’m a creature of habit, and when I find a place I love, I can’t seem to stay away!

Take the islands of Tahiti (officially known as French Polynesia).

I’ve been there several times, and the sheer beauty of these islands and their people, especially the delightful blend of Polynesian and French cultures, continues to draw me back. Tahiti includes the idyllic chains of Society, Austral, Tuamotu, Marquesas and (the secluded) Gambier Islands.

LISTEN

“Tahiti Iti,” also known as the little island of Tahiti.

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme.

Nearly 60 years ago, three young Californian dudes gave up promising careers for a Tahitian adventure. The “Bali Hai Boys” built a tropical empire on the island of Moorea, across the Sea of the Moon, from the island of Tahiti. It was wildly successful and a favorite party hangout for stewardesses and playboys in the sixties and seventies.

About the same time, Marlon Brando “discovered” the island of Teti’aroa, while scouting film locations for “Mutiny on the Bounty.”

He fell in love with the small island, and a Tahitian beauty, whom he later married. Brando purchased the island and lived there, on and off (with a dozen of his children) until his death.

Today, you’ll need to shell out several thousand dollars (a night) to visit Teti’aroa. Brando’s estate extended a 99-year lease to Pacific Beachcomber, who developed a luxury eco-resort and research center on the small island. Reached by inter island air, the 35 ultra-luxury villas are frequented by sea turtles, manta rays and exotic birds (Barack Obama has been spotted there too).

You’ll still find the influence of the “Bali Hai Boys” all over the islands of Tahiti, they are credited with the inception of the Overwater

Bungalow. The iconic bungalows, situated on islands and atolls and motus (a tiny islet perched on a lagoon), are found throughout the islands of Tahiti. Some of the bungalows have sliding glass-topped tables so you can feed the schools of colorful, shimmery fish, anxiously awaiting their handouts.

My own favorite experience is a bike ride around the island of Bora Bora, it’s about 25 miles, and the reward for your effort is a stop at world-famous Bloody Mary’s.

Check your flip flops at the door, dig your toes into the sand and savor a Hinano, the local brew. Though I haven’t seen him there, Jim Buffet is also a fan of Bloody Mary’s and a frequent winter guest. If you arrive hungry, and you’re looking for more than a burger in paradise, the colorful fresh catch is packed on ice and beautifully displayed to tempt you.

There are many ways to experience the secluded beauty and serenity of Tahiti; cruise lines, including Paul Gauguin, Windstar, Norwegian Cruise Line and Arunui, a freighter. For the more adventurous, you can charter a yacht with a skilled captain, or pilot one yourself. You’ll find some of the best diving and snorkeling in these pristine waters, available as a pre-arranged vacation

package or you can organize once you arrive.

Several airlines offer direct, daily non-stop service from Los Angeles to Papeete, Tahiti: Air Tahiti Nui and Air France. United and a new budget airline, French Bee, offer daily flights from San Francisco. Contrary to popular belief, Tahiti is not across the International Dateline, and in fact, it’s only about an eight-hour flight (just another cocktail past Hawaii).

I must admit, the thought of sticking my toes in the sand is sounding way more attractive than forcing them back into those winter woolens.

If you agree and are looking for additional information, contact: https:// tahititourisme.com/en-us/ Or shoot me an email: thesandpointeater@gmail.com After many years on the supplier side of travel, along with her previous career as a chef and event planner, Marcia is deliriously happy to use her combined passions and expertise to help others fulfill their travel and adventure dreams.

Find out more about her business, Capers, at www.CapersTravel.com.

In honor of the sailing voyage of which I’m now in the midst of, the soundtrack to “The Life Aquatic” is a fantastic collection of songs by Seu Jorge, a Brazilian singer who covers David Bowie songs for the movie. Listening to his deep, soulful voice and hearing the familiar refrain of Bowie’s hits is a great combination that makes you feel as if you are tumbling out on those ocean waves yourself.

WATCH

One movie I definitely didn’t watch before embarking is “Dead Calm,” a ‘90s feature film that never really went anywhere beyond an interesting flick.

Starring Nicole Kidman, Sam Neill and Billy Zane playing his usual creepy/charming role, it’s a story of a couple taking their sailboat on a voyage to overcome a family tragedy and finding themselves at the whim of a charismatic madman with great taste in music.

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By Mike Wagoner Reader Contributor

winter fun

From Northern Idaho News, March 14, 1911

DOC SIMPSON’S DOGS KILL BIG COUGAR Last Friday the poolroom of Doc Simpson was the scene of a throng of townspeople who went there to view the carcass of a huge cougar, which Mr. Simpson and Eugene Clark had killed up in the mountains near Granite Creek the day previous. The cat was an extra large one, measuring 7 feet from tip to tip. It was a female and weighed over 170 pounds.

The three Aredale terriers which Mr. Simpson is the proud owner of, figured prominently in the catch, as it was through the efforts of the dogs that the big cat was first located. A cold track in the snow was first seen and it was but an instant til the dogs took it up and were on their way over the mountains and through the valley. After going some four miles or so, the animal was routed and from this time on the chase was exciting.

Getting near the big brute, the dogs would no longer be kept up with by the hunters and it was but a short time til Mrs. Cougar was treed by the canines. The hunters soon arrived on the scene and a shot from the gun of one of them made the animal think it was time to move.

The bullet struck the cat in the foot and like a flash it was out of the tree and across the country, the dogs and hunters in hot pursuit. Long before the hunters overtook their prey, the dogs had surrounded the cougar, it being unable to climb a tree with his crippled foot. The dogs piled on top of the big cat so thick and fast that she was about “all in” when the hunters arrived. It was short work to kill the animal after that.

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Don’t know about you, but I’m diggin’ on the winter.

I’m close to my personal record of how much weight I can gain in one

month’s time... that’s kinda interesting.

Also I made up a new sport. Drinkin’ beers and urinating off my second story balcony to see if it freezes before it hits

is now accepting applications for the remainder of the current school year.

the ground.

It can be kind of a lonely time though ... so come on over ... but watch that first outer step ‘cause I can’t quite clear that one from up here.

Could be prostate.

Crossword Solution

We have openings in 7th-10th grades.

Accepted students may begin on Jan. 7, 2019.

Applications are available on our website www.forrestbirdcharterschool.org or in both school offices.

The memories of my family outings are still a source of strength to me. I remember we’d all pile into the car - I forget what kind it was - and drive and drive. I’m not sure where we’d go, but I think there were some trees there. The smell of something was strong in the air as we played whatever sport we played. I remember a bigger, older guy we called “Dad.” We’d eat some stuff, or not, and then I think we went home.

I guess some things never leave you.

Copyright www.mirroreyes.com

CROSSWORD ACROSS

Breakfast with Santa a fundraiser event for the Sandpoint Youth Center

December 8 • 8-11

at the Sandpoint Community Hall $10 adults/$5 kids

Purchase tickets online via Eventbrite or in person at Washington Federal until Dec. 7th. Call 208.946.1087 for more details.

full pancake breakfast • photo with santa • prizes

Woorf tdhe Week

dornick

/DAWR-nik/

[noun] 1. a small stone that is easy to throw.

“Rummage down there and grab a dornick I can toss at the window.”

Corrections: Looks like we made it through last week with no corrections to be heard of. Ben would be proud. —LK

1. Fortuneteller’s card 6. Custard dessert 10. Three-handed card game 14. Buddy 15. Large luxurious car 16. Ripped 17. Burdened 18. God of love 19. Not closed 20. A seductive photograph 22. Tidy 23. Type 24. Nerds 26. Overwhelm 30. Kingdom 32. Mountain lakes 33. Savants 37. Keen 38. Fish respiratory organs 39. Sneaker or pump 40. Fonts 42. Jeweler’s glass 43. Rates 44. Hamper 45. Lad 47. Wager 48. Unusual 49. Control 56. Emanation 57. Always 58. Governed 59. Hissy fit 60. Defunct 61. Pasted

Solution on page 22 9. Bouquets 10. A type of craftsman 11. 1/100th of a ruble 12. Territories 13. Canvas dwelling 21. Santa’s helper 25. Shade tree DOWN 26. French for “State” 27. Fleet 1. After-bath powder 28. Handle 2. Nanny 29. Beneath 3. Go on horseback 30. Parts portrayed 4. Curved molding 31. L L L L 5. They’re found in 33. Choose the throat 34. Boom 6. Speckle 7. Former Italian currency 35. Expect and wish 36. Clairvoyant 8. Berserk 62. Chop finely 63. Makes a mistake 64. Scrumptious

38. A moon of Jupiter 41. Air movement device 42. Religious rite 44. Cool, once 45. Steam bath 46. German iris 47. Jays and owls, for example 48. Impetuous 50. Affirm 51. Close 52. Humdinger 53. Astringent 54. Swarm 55. Countercurrent

December 6, 2018 /

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