There are numerous things we appreciate about the place we call home. The last year we have spent more time close to home taking short road trips that resulted in an awareness of the beauty that surrounds us here on Lake Roosevelt. Here are some thoughts as I reflect on the last year.Top Ten Reasons I Was Glad Gas Prices
Were Too High in 2007 to Travel Very Far
10. We earned lots of free lattes on our espresso cards in Stevens and Spokane Counties.
9. When we took a ten-mile trip around our area we didn’t need 3 oz. toiletries in a quart size Ziplock bag. We could even take our own bottled water!
8. Annie and Shelby could go to Lake Roosevelt and roll in dead fish as easily as the Oregon Coast.
7. When I went hiking through the Settler’s Cedar Grove in North Idaho with my siblings I didn’t have to put a rush order on my new passport.
6. We didn’t have to go to a big city to see live theater. We went to the Sixth Street Melodrama in Wallace, Idaho in July and thoroughly enjoyed “Nightmare at Dream Gulch Or... Wake Me When Its Over” written by my sister Silver Valley Girl. She also starred , her husband was the director and another star and all my nieces had parts!
5. I appreciate good Idaho food including hamburgers at the Spragpole Cafe in Murray, authentic Mexican tamales at Patti’s Kitchen in Moscow, great coffee at Josie’s in Kellogg, and drunken gravy fries at the 13 13 Club in Wallace.
4. It is easier to take digital pictures at a mountain lake when you are the only people there.
3. When my brother and I toured the White Pine Scenic Byway in Idaho and JEJ joined us on the Selkirk Loop in northeastern Washington we didn’t have to search for parking places or fight traffic.
2. We drove by Sandy’s Drive-In on our way home from many ten-mile trips and it was necessary to get the best soft ice cream cones in the Inland Empire.
1. The number one reason I was glad the gas prices were high : I could travel the northwest and enjoy five-star restaurants, but it is better to drive four hours and enjoy Mom’s five-star fried chicken, potato salad, homemade ice cream, and apple pie.
As we drove home the snow was falling, the road was turning icy, and the day was growing dark as we celebrated Winter Solstice. We were steered around a car accident and saw snowplows gearing up for a late afternoon run. Moving slowly down the road along Lake Roosevelt we were reminded that we always need to relearn winter. I also admit to a short memory. We need to relearn to prepare for getting stranded, to anticipate the deer moving across the road in early evening, and to pause and appreciate and respect this season.
Relearning Winter
Today when I arrived at school there was no down time to squeeze in that last swallow of coffee or check my mail. Excited middle school students were ready for the celebration to begin.
The students in our middle school have kept our hall looking festive this holiday season.
Students then stuck on Santa hats and played basketball. Don't be fooled. It was bright and sunny, but also very cold. The thermometer read 11 degrees.
When the party came to an end I had a moment of quiet reflection as I shut down the room for winter break. I thought about how much fun the students had together today. I loved the giving gestures I observed as students traded gifts that were more suited. They were planning get-togethers for break time, laughing, and wishing each other " Happy Holidays".
As I headed down the deserted hall to begin my break I felt blessed. I have a profession that provides unforgettable moments each day. Today those moments were joyous.
The indoor plants and the holly outside have helped surround us with holiday beauty. 
The animals are either watching it snow, taking a ride in the car, eating, watching, or resting. They love the heavenly smells as things bake. The cats are entertained with the pieces of ribbon and paper left around. The cats also keep waiting for lights to be hung around their cat door. The dogs can only hope a cookie or two will burn so they can " sample".
