Annual Idaho Peace Officers' Memorial Barn Dance

We're getting ready for the 7th Annual Idaho Peace Officers' Memorial Fund Barn Dance which is going to be held on August 23rd. This year, we've had to move it to the barn here at Hidden Springs but it should be the same, fun event it's always been!

As you know, the Memorial is a very important part of our family. It's where we go to remember dad since there is no grave.

As part of our Memorial Service that we hold every year in May, we ring a bell each time one of the names of an Idaho Officer is read, while a member of law enforcement lays a rose to honor that person. We've always had to borrow a bell from the fire department and want to raise the money to build a permanent bell tower as part to the Memorial. This year, we're hoping the barn dance will raise the money for this addition.

If you know someone that owns a business and would like to make a donation for our silent auction at the barn dance, please let me know. We are a 501c3 charity and all donations are tax deductible! You can either leave a comment here, or email me at jpogue56@hotmail.com

The silent auction is what brings in the most money at this event and since we had to move the event, we're on a short time frame at trying to get items for the auction. I'll post more about the event as time gets closer. Hope to see you all there!

A Beautiful Weekend In McCall...

We spent a beautiful weekend at Tim and Jacki's cabin in McCall. The cabin actually belongs to Tim's grampa and was built in the 1930s. It's on one of the most beautiful private beaches on the Lake.

We took Adam and two of his friends up with us. They complained because the jet skis weren't there yet and there "was nothing to do." Actually, I was happy to see the jet skis hadn't been launched, it forced them to be kids like I remember being - enjoying the sand and the water (even though IT WAS COLD!) like I used to do. No motorized vehicles, no video games, no computers. At 14, his life is so much different than mine was at that age, I wish I could, for one day, take him to my life as a kid. I know he'd love the way I was raised...

They built a great sand castle and moat...

and used PADDLES on an inner tube to get around on the water...

Ahhhhh, life is good!

A Really Great Hidden Springs Blogger!

Between dishes and skunk-spray infused laundry, I found a new blog done by a fellow Hidden Springs resident. It's a fantastic blog all about living in Boise. She also has a lot of really interesting links to Idaho blogs. I've only scratched the surface but have found several of them to be really great reading. I've added her blog to my links - Boise Goodlife. Enjoy!

SKUNK!

Adam and 3 of his friends camped out in the front yard last night. They were still awake when they saw a kitten over by one of the bushes. They went over to get it and discovered "SKUNK!" Too late. Adam got it on the leg but his friend Jake got it the worst - all over his back. In fact, Adam informed me that poor Jake smelled so bad he couldn't stand himself and walked home in the middle of the night.

I'm sure his mom was happy...

FYI...

I know you've all been terribly concerned so here's an update on the old brown couch. It did not sell at the yard sale. She's back on my porch where she belongs.

Spymom...

This is my friend Val, she's the original Spymom. She was diagnosed with cancer quite a few years ago but instead of feeling sorry for herself, she decided to make one of her own dreams come true.

Val opened her own private investigation company. How awesome is that? She had always loved Nancy Drew books (no wonder I love her!) so she named her company Hanady Investigations. She's best known though as "Spy Mom". She's been on many national tv and radio shows and just has the best time. She's my PI mentor.

Unfortunately, she emailed me yesterday and told me her tumor markers are up. It makes me so sad. I love working with Val and hope that we have many more years together. I couldn't be learning from a better person, not just about how to be a good PI, but also about life in general - never giving up on a dream, and living EVERY SINGLE day being the best you can be.

BEAR!

Hidden Springs has a bear cub (last year's cub) hanging out up here. I haven't seen him yet, but he's been in back yards that are along the creek. Evidently, he was here last year and discovered the community farm and the wonderful melons it produces so he's back for more this year. Cougars, coyotes, deer, antelope, and even wolves have been spotted this year.

He evidently likes to play tether ball.

He's handy at taking down bird feeders and hummingbird feeders and stealing all the goodies out of them.

After being raised in Garden Valley, I'm actually terrified of bears, too many, too close. But still how cool is that?

The Amazing Presto Bucket!

Don't ask my why, but I saw these on tv and had to look them up on the Internet. They're the cutest things! When you're not using them, they fold up flat. Is that cute or what?? For some reason, I feel like I need one - in every color. Yes, they come in about 8 different colors. I don't do yard work so why do I need a bucket? What would I carry in it? HA! I know! I don't carry a purse, I'll use a bucket instead! And with these great colors, there's one to match every t-shirt and pair of socks I own!

Your're Never Gonna Belive This!

Two weeks ago, I heard about a promotion on KIDO Radio about a Father's Day Flyaway Contest. It's a trip for two to the Bahia Resort in San Diego with tickets to Seaworld and a deep sea fishing trip. Now you know how Elmer LOVES deep sea fishing. I'd been doing research for the last 2 months trying to find some place to take Adam for a vacation. I had looked and looked at San Diego but this year just wasn't going to be feasible. Well, this morning, Elmer WON the trip! We'll have to buy an extra airline ticket - actually two so that Adam can take a friend, and have to buy a few extra nights at the resort since it's only for 3 nights and 2 days but if we're going to go, we may as well stay a few days longer and enjoy the vacation. I'm off to the radio station at 1:30 to claim our prize and find out more about it!

The Slots Are Calling Me...

I'm going to Reno tonight with mom and a few others. It's my birthday month and it's tradition - the slot machines are calling my name. I know that slots are the least favored odds in gambling, but those penny machines are just so darned much fun!

The Old Brown Couch...

Kate is getting such good response about her house question, I decided I need to see what you think about MY problem.

I have this MATCHING, MIND YOU, old brown couch and chair from the 50s on my front porch. They're SO comfortable! I love them but Elmer Fudd thinks they need to go. He says they scream Hillbilly - and that's a problem?

This is what the couch and chair look like from the street...

And from the sidewalk...

And from the front porch...

The execution date is near! Our annual Hidden Springs yard sale is June 14 and 15. Elmer says they need to be off the porch and in the yard sale. I could never find typical porch/lawn furniture this comfortable. Do you think they look "tacky"? Should I let them go and find something new for the front porch? Sheri, I know you'll be honest!

More Ironman Pictures

Ruth finsihing the swim...

She's got to be tired, but still smiling!

STILL smiling!

She finishes! We're really proud of your Ruth and can't wait to see what you do next!

Ruth Turner - Triathlete

On Sunday, my sister-in-law Ruth finished her second Iron Man Triathlon! Her first, in Coeur d'Alene was a full Iron Man. This race was a bit shorter, they call it a 70.3. It was the first one ever held in Boise and consisted of 70.3 miles of swimming, biking, and running. It hurts me to even think about that!

She dipped into the icy waters of Lucky Peak first thing in the morning and finished the 1.2 mile swim in 44 minutes. Then it was on to the bike where she finished 56 miles in 3 hours 8 minutes and finally the 13.1 mile run was completed in 1 hour and 50 minutes. She finished 13th in her age group for women with a total time of 5 hours 33 minutes!

WAY TO GO RUTH! I'm impressed! I'll post more pictures when Joe sends them to me.

Stomp!

Adam and I went to see Stomp! at the Morrison Center today. Absolutely amazing...
These kids make music with everything from their hands, match boxes, water bottles, brooms, a pen in their mouths, and of course their signature instruments, oil and garbage cans. While in some ways it looks so simple it would be so hard to remember your rhythm since they all have separate rhythms they play.

It was awesome. If you ever get a chance to see them, I highly suggest it!