Month: June 2025

Hurting Hearts

Posted on by The Retired Alchemist

Our little “hamlet” town has been ambushed by sadness. I try not to write about the constant sad events that occur. There is enough of that on the internet, but this recent crisis hit our little town hard. For those of you that are not aware, three of our local firefighters were shot when responding to a brush fire Sunday afternoon. It is believed that the fire was set intentionally, and they were ambushed with gunshot when they arrived to put it out. Two of the firefighters died and the other is in stable condition after surgery. Our hearts are breaking for our community and particularly the victims’ families of this tragic incident.

Our little community grows up

Our little city is tucked away in North Idaho. When I grew up here over 50 years ago, it was a very small town of approximately 20,000 people. It would take twice as long to make a trip to the grocery store or post office because you would always bump into someone you knew. I remember waiting impatiently as my mom chatted with the bank teller, asking about her kids.

Years ago, my dad owned a gas station on main street. He would visit with his regular customers while pumping their gas or checking under their car hood for an engine noise. When the 3rd of July rolled around, our community would have a Kiddie’s Parade where children could dress up, put streamers on their bikes, and proudly go down that very same main street soaking up the applause from proud parents and neighbors. That was just the lead up to the big parade on July 4th, complete with marching bands and elaborate floats. The evening of July 4th we would all load up in the station wagon with our blankets and lawn chairs and head to the city park to “ooh and aah” at the fireworks display over the lake. It never occurred to us that someone might be lurking with a gun in the crowd.

My dad on the left (of the photo on the left). His gas station on main street of our small town (right).

Time pummels us forward and I grew up, got married and moved away for about 20 years. Then Mr. U and I decided we wanted to finish raising our kids in the little town that I grew up in. It was closer to extended family, there were a couple great ski mountains close by and lots of lakes to play in during the summer months. But in the meantime, the beauty of this little town was discovered. The population grew… a lot. The small motel on main street became a high-rise hotel and it morphed into a tourist destination. Now I seldom run into someone I know at the grocery store or post office.

Every year the main street of our small city is decorated with huge hanging flower baskets. Flags are added during the 4th of July and the trees that line the street are adorned with twinkle lights during the Christmas season. To this day, they still have the parades and fireworks on the 4th of July.

Despite its growth, our little chunk of paradise maintains much of its small-town atmosphere. It is not immune to political strife and disagreements, but for the most part it is a quiet place. So, when the tragic incident occurred on Canfield Mountain right outside of town, we were shocked. I have a friend that lives at the base of this mountain that is so popular to hike and mountain bike on. How can tragedy occur at this beautiful piece of nature?

Arising from the ashes

Just when you dry your eyes from hearing about such a devastating situation, they are moist again by the community response. If there is any beauty that can come from the ashes of this event, it is how our community has come out in support of our first responders. It is how the United States, with all of its’ struggles right now, comes together after a tragedy. They show up with love, support, pocketbooks, food, and prayers. People come through. Love arises through the ashes of tragedy.

The bodies of the firefighters that lost their lives in this horrific incident, had to be transported about 40 miles. The community solemnly lined the streets and freeway overpasses, waving flags and putting hands on their hearts as the motorcade of police and fire vehicles drove through with their lights on. We will remember forever.

Both photos from the City of Spokane Police Dept. FB page.

So, as we have our BBQ’s and light our sparklers this 4th of July, let us take a moment of silence. Let us take time to appreciate and remember those that protect us. Thank you to all of the military, police, fire fighters and health care providers that work every day to take care of us and keep us safe. We salute you.

Photo credit to Ricky Walsh IAFF 7th Dist. FB page.

(Note: I did not take the feature photo. It has been floating around on IG and I do not know who to credit for it. If anyone knows where it originated, please let me know and I will credit it accordingly.)

Gased or Not Gased?

Posted on by The Retired Alchemist

Gased or not gased? That is the question you will get asked when you order a water in Europe. Initially we had no idea what that meant. We quickly learned that they were asking, do you want your water carbonated or not. Their water is typically served at room temperature without any ice. No wonder they drink so much wine.

Since summer has officially started, it is a good time to think about upping our water intake. Dehydration is the root cause of so many health issues. Think heat stroke, kidney stones and low blood pressure. As a nurse, I have started countless I.V.’s. It is often the first thing you do when a patient enters the emergency room. Not only do you need a line to give medications quickly, but you usually need to hydrate a person. There are a few exceptions when you don’t want fluid overload, such as kidney disease or heart failure, but the typical person is under hydrated.

Lemon and cucumber water is a refreshing drink on a hot summer day.

Aside from health issues, there are many other benefits to drinking enough water. Our bodies are composed of approximately 60% water, so we need to keep it replenished. On top of that, it becomes harder for our body to hold onto water as we age. Water helps remove toxins from our bodies and prevents constipation. It lubricates the joints and helps regulate body temperature. Think of it as the oil that keeps your body running smoothly. Drinking plenty of water prevents dry skin and makes you look younger. An esthetician once told me that staying adequately hydrated was the key to keeping your skin looking healthy and supple.

Now grocery shelves are filled with a variety of flavors of gased sparkling water. They claim to have no additives, but their ingredient list states they are “naturally essenced.” I wonder what that means??? While I like the sparkling water served in cans, I would prefer making my own flavored non-gased water. It is fresh with a light taste, I know exactly what goes into it, it does not contribute to the landfills, and it is virtually free. No additives, preservatives, or calories. And the flavor options are endless. If you are using herbs, be sure to squish them up a little to release the oils before adding them. I bought a glass carafe with a lid to use as my flavored water container. Some of my favorite combinations are:

  • lemon and cucumber
  • strawberry and lime
  • mint and cucumber
  • watermelon and strawberry
  • lime and mint
Strawberry, watermelon with a few basil leaves. A new experiment.

There are countless combinations. I think orange and mint would be fun to try. Maybe apple slices and cinnamon sticks in the fall? The best part is that you can just step out into your garden and gather some herbs and a cucumber or fruit and add it to your water jar. Experiment a little bit. I have not found a combination that wasn’t delicious and refreshing. Unfortunately, we cannot grow citrus trees in our neck of the woods, but cucumbers and strawberries are abundant in season. And you can grow herbs in pots almost anywhere. I use leaves from my mint plants a lot but if you grow your own mint, be sure to keep it in a planter. I planted some in the ground years ago and it spreads like crazy.

Love the abundance of mint but it can grow out of control.

Have you ever arrived at a hotel or restaurant on a hot day and they have a large glass container of water with fruit and ice floating in it? It always puts a smile on my face as I beeline for it. And it is such a welcome, easy addition to do. So, make yourself a carafe of flavored water and go ahead outside and enjoy the sunshine. You will be delighted when you come back in thirsty and find it sitting in your frig.

Have a great, well hydrated summer!

The House that Built a Family

Posted on by The Retired Alchemist

If the walls of this old house could talk, they would chatter about the family of six that lived here for 25 years. It would smile about all of the birthdays, family dinners, graduation parties, engagements, weddings, eggs colored and hunted, Christmas presents unfurled, games played, and laughter shared under its roof. And it would shed a tear for the times when the family was worried or heartbroken and hunkered down inside until the storm passed. A house that builds a family becomes more than brick and mortar. It becomes a shelter for the emotions of life. Its walls have protected the family, not just from the weather, but the bumps and bruises of living. This old house built our family.

Like most empty nesters, this big ole house that we raised our family in feels like a museum of memories. Memories that echo through the halls where four active boys were raised. But now there are not any more bedroom walls covered in sports posters, or pen hash marks on the door frame that marked the boys’ growth through the years. The antique pencil sharpener that is attached inside the closet no longer gathers shavings from frustrated homework assignments. This house has become too big and too quiet for us. It is almost a half hour drive to town and sits up a long driveway that Mr. U has to maintain and plow every winter. This home that we have loved and has protected us for so many years no longer fits this phase of life we are in. It is time to move on.

The memories

We started out with a hunk of land on a hillside and dreams of building a home where a family would share life together. Since that time, we have added so much to it. Not just the house itself and the obligatory grass and shrubs, but unique features that made it our own. There is the tree that Mr. U. planted for me when I graduated with my master’s degree. He has since added a fountain under it, using the old pump from his family farm. Speaking of the family farm, he hauled an ancient rusty truck up here and used it as an outdoor feature. When son #3 got married we put a basket of props next to it and used it as a fun photo “booth” location. Will the new owners treasure the old truck or think it’s an eyesore?

What has fondly become referred to as my “graduation tree” is hanging over the rock fountain with pump (left). Son #1 and his lovely wife using the props to pose for a pic in front of the old truck (right).

Shortly after we first moved in, we laboriously laid bricks down to create a back patio. We wanted something unique and inexpensive that we could do ourselves. Over the years, the moss has crept up between the bricks giving it a Tuscan feel. Ten years ago, our boys helped Mr. U build the pergola over the brick patio. Son #1 was getting married here and we needed a space that would define the patio and yard. Will the new owners see the charm in the weathered pergola and moss filled bricks or will they pull it all out?

Pergola over the back patio (left). It took years for the moss to grow around the bricks.

The beautiful lavender rhododendron and pink bleeding-heart bushes came from very small starts that my dad gave us off of his plants, back when he was much younger and still able to garden. The rhododendron has grown out of control and covers part of our bedroom window, blocking some of the view. But we can’t cut it back because every year a robin comes to lay eggs in the nest that is tucked into its branches. We observe the baby birds growing up from our bedroom window. How will the new owners know to save this?

The rhododendron from my dad’s start (left) and the robin’s nest that lives in it (right).

Speaking of animals, we have had plenty of wild ones stop by through the years. Some wanted and some not. We love the deer, turkey and occasional moose, but the moose can be a little scary, the deer eat everything, and the turkeys are messy. The little birds in our birdhouse have been a welcome addition. The voles in the garden and bats that thought the loft in our garage was a bat cave… not so much. And none of us will forget the leprechaun that moved into a stump on our property. The grands brought him miniature pancakes and milk in a tiny teacup, and he left them small gifts and candy. Who will feed the leprechaun when we leave?

You can barely see the little swallow peeking out of the birdhouse on the left. And while the leprechaun lived in the little house on the right, we were never able to spot him.

Being a farm boy at heart, Mr. U loves to dig in the dirt. So shortly after we moved here he added a large garden space with a deer fence around it. Because, well… they like to eat everything in sight. Several years later he built a rustic greenhouse to start his plants in the early spring when it is still too cold around here to put anything in the ground. We hung little lights in it, and it became a unique part of the landscaping. There are few things quite as satisfying, or delicious as picking fresh raspberries, vegetables and herbs to add to a meal.

Mr. U’s lovely garden has supplied us with fresh food for years.

Our most recent addition was the pizza oven and sitting area. It has been such a great Gathering Place. We have cooked hundreds of pizzas in it and shared many conversations under the warmth of its embers. We have even tried our hand at baking Bread in it. We will really miss the pizza oven. Several people have asked if Mr. U will build another one at our new home, but he says it is doubtful. It was A LOT of work to build, and pizza nights can take a lot of prep time and clean up afterwards. I think it just might be one of the many memories that we carry away with us from the house on the hill.

Mr. U. smiling in front of his pizza oven.
The twins throwing pizza dough (son #3 left and #4 right).
Son #2 (far left) is the creative genius behind our pizza toppings. He came up with the favorite S’mores pizza.
The famous S’mores pizza is bottom left. And no, that is NOT what the pizza paddle is for!

Moving on

We have spent the last couple years slowly going through the arduous process of sorting through 44 years of Stuff. Stuff that has been packed into every crevice and cranny of this old house. As I have gone through every single item, deciding what to keep, give away or throw, I have also relived our lives. And I have shed a lot of tears. Tears of appreciation and tears of sadness for that part of our lives that we will never be able to live again.

Now the sorting, cleaning and small repairs are almost done, and the house went up on the market last week. A plain house that became our home. For a home does not just happen overnight. It takes years of living life in it and having family and friends share gatherings in it. And slowly, over time, a house morphs into a home. Then one day, we decide that home no longer fits our lifestyle, and we need to move on. It is a bit like leaving a close relative behind. This home helped build and shape our family and I will be forever grateful for the years we spent here. Thanks for walking with me down memory lane and sharing the house that built a family.

The sun sets at our home on the hill.

Tucked Away up North

Posted on by The Retired Alchemist

My dad turned 98 in May. Now that is something to celebrate. Ever since my mom passed, my sister and I take him on a short trip for part of his birthday gift. Our husbands are always willing to join in too. While he is doing well for 98 years, we see the inevitable signs of aging and we want to help him to enjoy life as much as possible with the time he has left. No matter what age we are, it is important to have things to look forward to. He has always loved being out in the woods, so we try to go to places surrounded with natural beauty. This year we packed up our suitcases and coolers and headed north to Elkin’s Resort on Priest Lake.

Tucked away up north in the panhandle of North Idaho, not far from the Canadian border, is a charming resort. Elkin’s Resort has rustic cabins that overlook the cool, pristine lake. It is a beautiful, quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. And it is a great spot to celebrate 98 years of living.

All of the cabins have a view of either the creek or lake. The cabin we stayed in is on the right side.

The evenings get pretty chilly up north. It calls for building a fire in the fireplace and pouring a glass of wine. My dad surprised us by bringing along a narrative my mom wrote several years ago. It was a short memoir of how they met and their first 50 years of married life. It was full of humor and stories about raising their family of six children. It brought tears to our eyes as we listened to my dad read the story of their lives. It brought up so many good memories.

My dad reading the memoir by the fire in our cozy cabin.

The next morning, we woke up to the sun rising over the lake. The resort has numerous red Adirondack chairs scattered over the property and along the beach. Settling into one of them is a perfect spot to have that first cup of morning coffee.

The perfect spot for a morning cup of coffee.

A little side trip for the day

Later that day my dad suggested we go see Granite Falls. It is about 30 miles north of the resort in the Panhandle National Forest. He thought the water would be flowing hard this time of year. Turns out he was right. It was spectacular… and loud.

Granite Falls.
The power of nature continues to amaze me.

If you hike up past the falls, you find yourself in an historic cedar grove called Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars. When the grove was first discovered in 1919, the average tree was 800 years old, and some were 2000 years old. It is hard to believe that these ancient, large cedar trees come from tiny little pinecones.

Cedar tree pinecone (left) and my BIL standing next to one of the ancient cedar trees (right).
We were up high enough that there were still stubborn patches of snow on the ground.

Because it is cool and moist by the falls, there are lots of ferns growing near it. My dad pointed out the fiddleheads that were forming at the top of the ferns. The fiddlehead is the young part of the fern that is coiled at the very top, just before it fans out. Apparently, several types of ferns have these and some are edible. We did not take our chances on that.

The fiddlehead at the top of a fern.

Speaking of food

Each of the cabins has a small kitchen equipped with dishes, pans, etc. There are also BBQs available on the premises for visitors to use. You need to pack most of your food up there because the grocery store is a bit of a drive. There is a small store at the resort with a few essentials, such as toothpaste and the fixings for s’mores (an essential up here). Or you can opt to eat in their lovely dining room. During the summer you can also choose to eat at the tables in the yard overlooking the lake. Hill’s Resort is just about ten miles south of Elkin’s and it has lovely fine dining and more casual patio dining as well. With such great dining options nearby we decided to eat dinner out both nights.

I had the jumbo scallops. They were served over couscous with bell pepper, cauliflower puree and asparagus. Sooo good. Mr. U and my dad opted for the ribs.

If you are ever up in North Idaho…

If you ever find yourself up in North Idaho, and in need of a retreat, I recommend that you make the trip to either Hill’s Resort of Elkin’s Resort. I wrote about previous trips to Hill’s resort in the posts, Heading to the Hills and Take the Risk. Both resorts offer an enchanting, peaceful get-a-way with cozy, rustic cabins and serene lake views. Walk the paths near the lake, hike up in the woods, go see Granite Falls, rent a kayak and have a morning paddle, or just sit by the lake and read. Be sure to book your reservation early if you want to go during their peak season. Then plan to kick off your shoes and relax for a few days. It is good for the soul.

The serene natural beauty is a balm for the soul.

Signs of Summer

Posted on by The Retired Alchemist

And all at once the rain stopped, the mud puddles dried up, and the blossoms opened. People crawled out of their stuffy homes with squinting eyes and exclaimed, “it is finally summer!”

We’ve had a busy few weeks with family in town, birthday celebrations and preparing to put our home on the market. We almost missed that summer arrived in the process. Yahoo! Let the blooming and sunshine begin.

I hope that you can take some time to enjoy the pleasures of summer: the first of the garden gifts, baby birds chirping to be fed, firing up the BBQ and having a meal al fresco, or a relaxing sunset at the end of a full day. It is the little things.

“Some of the best memories are made in flip-flops.”

Kellie Elmore

Cheers to the retirement years and the arrival of summer!