Famous explorers

The famous explorers, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark passed through the cities now known as Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington (such original names, I know! haha) in October of 1805 on their journey to discover the Northwest Passage (a water route) to the Pacific Ocean at the behest of President Thomas Jefferson. The Idaho section of their trail follows along side several rivers and what is now known as Highway 12, or the Lewis & Clark Highway. The terrain is pretty much the same now as it was back then...except of course for the highway...and is a very beautiful drive into Montana.

Divided highway

Last year saw the completion of the new Moscow-Lewiston 4-lane divided highway (Hwy 95 South). This used to be a two lane highway which could be a little frustrating with semi's and slower farm vehicles taking up space...or for those of us who might sometimes have a bit of a lead foot getting stuck behind a slow-poke! The new highway has a speed limit of 65 mph which is really nice and makes the daily commute to and from Lewiston much quicker for those who live in one town, but work in the other...like my hubby. :)

Road work

A week ago I was rudely awakened at 7am by the sound of a jackhammer and large equipment...and the annoying beeps they make when put into reverse. Did I mention that it was 7am? When I finally dragged myself out of bed, resigned to not being able to get back to sleep and looked out my window, I was greeted with this site. They worked all day, tore up a patch of road about 20 x 8 fixed whatever was broken, and laid new asphalt before driving off at 5pm. How can construction workers always look like they are doing nothing and yet get stuff done? I swear each time I looked out, there was either no one in sight or they were all standing around talking! One of life's great mysteries I suppose!

The Gem State

When people think of Idaho, usually the first thing to go through their minds is the potato. Yes, we have famous potatoes, but Idaho is the gem state. You might wonder how we got this nickname when Idaho really doesn't have a plethora of gems...we DO have the star garnet which is only found in Idaho and India, Idaho's one claim to gem fame...but that doesn't really account for the prestigious name. In fact, Idaho's nickname is a mistake! The word 'Idaho' was thought to mean "gem of the mountains" in a native American language, but was later found not to be true. Still, the name stuck and to this day, Idaho is the Gem State.

This sign hangs on main street and points the way to a local shop.

I am posting this photo from the 2nd floor at Gritman Medical Center where my husband has been admitted. I am not sure how long we may be here, so I may or may not have a photo for tomorrow. Please bear with me.

Friendship Square clock

This clock is 4 sided and sits at the intersection of Main and Friendship Square. There are many activities throughout the year here in Friendship Square...not the least of which is the Farmer's Market which runs from May through October. Also many music events take place in the square and all the parades pass through it making it a hot spot for people watching.

Biggest Loser

The North Idaho Athletic Center in downtown Moscow is running this Biggest Loser contest. It's a great idea...I just wish my husband had gotten involved with it! He has lost 40 lbs in the past 3 months (not by choice), but because he has been having gall bladder pain and has changed his eating habits completely. He is feeling great, has more energy, is sleeping better, and has dropped 4 sizes! The gall bladder pain seems to be a thing of the past, thank God. Nothing like feeling like you would rather die than be in pain to make you rethink what garbage you are putting into your body!

Heading north

My daughter and I took a drive this morning and headed up highway 95. The section of road just past the curve ahead to the left is known as Steak House Hill. At the small summit there sits a house that at one point in time was a restaurant. The house has been for sale for several years, but as we passed, I noticed the sign was gone. We have looked at the house several times, but it has always stayed just out of our price range. Hopefully whoever bought it will have it looking nice this spring!

Farming barn

This old building used to serve as either a barn or an equipment storage building and sits just off the highway between Moscow and Pullman. Old barns like this fascinate me for some reason...they just call to be explored and see what small piece of the past you might find inside.

Welcome to Moscow

Snowy ridge

Merry Christmas! We had a good day and I hope yours was equally as nice. We got another 4 or so inches of snow yesterday and early this morning, but we went out anyway to deliver gifts and have a meal with friends. This photo was taken on the way home and is the 6th Street ridge of homes.

Speeding by

Yesterday evening we made our way down to Lewiston for a company Christmas party. Lewiston puts on a Christmas lighting display in the park each year...Moscow offers nothing like this, so it is fun to go down and see the lights. We were kinda in a hurry to get home after the party, so we didn't stop to walk through the park, but I love snapping photos of lights while the camera is moving...it produces cool effects!

Country road

Most of the roads in our part of northern Idaho look somewhat like this one which is Highway 3 just a few miles south of St Maries. My hubby and I both ride Kawasaki Ninja motorcycles and often go for short day trips when he has time off from work. This particular ride was started a bit late in the afternoon, and it had turned overcast and was a bit drizzly, but not too bad.

Wood Stack

During the summer, people were busily preparing for winter. We have friends who rely totally on wood to heat their homes and will spend months chopping, splitting, and stacking. A few years ago, when we lived in an old farmhouse and had access to plenty of free wood, we did the same. This home on F street has a very modest stack compared to some I have seen.

High bar on wheels

It's one of Moscow's claims to fame, a gymnast on the high bar. What makes this so special? Well, the high bar is mounted to a semi truck which is in motion driving down the road. They have had this feature for a few years now in our parades. It is an entry from Palouse Empire Gymnastics and is a definite crowd pleaser. This young lady did about 3 minutes of spinning and stunts as the truck moved along the parade route before taking a break to go again. It is an awesome sight.

Extend your reach

The Moscow Volunteer Fire Department decided to extend the ladder at the conclusion of the UI Homecoming Parade a few weeks ago. This is the first time I have seen one of our ladder trucks fully extended...and am happy to note that the tallest buildings in Moscow would be accessible with this truck. I think our tallest building is only 4 stories!

Soccer Practice

These UI girls were out practicing their soccer a few weeks ago when I snapped this photo. They looked like they were having a good time and it was one of the last warm fall days.

Come Play!

I was out walking last week and passed by Pioneer Square which sits right in the middle of downtown and has this great wooden play structure for the kids. The flooring is a recycled rubber material and very cushioned which is nice because my youngest son has landed on his hands and knees a few times jumping off! Pioneer Square is the spot for our Farmers Market and various outdoor concerts and other events during the year. They often close main street here at the Square for the events.

Colorful with a message

Another of the parade participants, this time the Gay Straight Alliance at U of I made their presence known. I loved their colorful banner and they were smiling, waving, and carrying signs with various messages for acceptance and pride. I was unsure what a Gay Straight Alliance was, but curious enough to Google it, and found that the GSA educates against discrimination based on sexual orientation as well as supporting equality in human rights and preserving dignity.

Dalmatian Fire Dog

Parades are great for the local civil services to polish up the vehicles, give the dog a bath, and go out in full regalia to strut their stuff. This ladder engine was my sons favorite thing, especially when he saw the dalmatian riding inside. If I had been thinking about it, I would have asked the firefighter what the dogs name was.

Quiet reflection

One thing I enjoy about going about town is the opportunity to see what people have done with their landscaping. This house on Cleveland St was sold a few years ago. Before it was sold, it had just a grassy side lot with a carport. The new owners have added these beautiful plantings, rocks, and a lovely screen fence that is just a few panels long, but does the job of shielding part of the area from passersby. The interior has a bench which I imagine would be a great place to sit and reflect on your day.