Heirloom Tomato Festival

In early September, we will be going to Carmel, California to the Heirloom Tomato Festival. I think this is the first one. Maybe it is competing with Gilroy and the Garlic Festival. Anyway, here are two photos where it will be held.



We will let you know how it went when we return. But it really should be a good time and adventure. Maybe I'll get some new tomato recipes and/or seeds.

Fire In Boise Destroys 10 Homes

Monday, 25 August was not a good night in east Boise. What started as a small brush fire, ended up destroying 10 homes, damaging 9 and 1 fatality. The fire was driven by 50 mph winds. Here are some photos taken from the TV. Mayor Beiter flew back from the DNC in Denver to survey the area.


The fire was horizonal at times which aided to the speed it traveled.

In my exhuberance, I forgot the web address (not to mention it is a little after 11PM EST):

www.howetoknit.etsy.com

What's new

Hi all - I have created a webpage to sell my handknit items (finally)!! Please check back periodically as I add new items. If y'all have any special requests for something handmade, please let me know - Christmas is coming!!

We Were At The Fair

TV Channel 7 here in Boise always has a booth at the Western Idaho Fair, WIF. This year we had our photo taken with Larry Gebert, Weatherman.


There were also other Channel 7 dignitaries there.
Carolyn Holly, Dee Sarton, "The Bronco Mascot" and I don't know.

Marnie is promoted!

Marnie Shaner has been selected as the new Supervisor, Customer Service at the Boise Main Post Office.

Marnie graduated from the Associate Supervisor Program (ASP) in December 2007 and has been working in customer service at Five Mile Station.

"I am confident she will do an outstanding job of providing top service to our customers in the city of Boise," said Boise Postmaster Dan Frasier.

The effective date of her promotion is August 16, 2008. Congratulations on your promotion Marnie!

2008 Western Idaho Fair

OK, so it's been 10-12 years since we have been to the State Fair. But, as it was 102 degrees today, we had to do something. Here are a couple of photos. Enjoy!

(1) Ah yes. We took 2nd Place for our Citrus Marmalade!

(2) And no, we don't go upside down for anyone!

(3) Some of the crowd on this very warm afternoon.

(4) More of the crowd.

(5) Robin and I took some time to eat an "Elephant Ear" and some pretty good BBQ. (The "Pulled Pork" however, was not as good as mine.)

So there you have it. A good afternoon of "meandering" through the fair, watching the people and eating waaaay off our diets. But, once a year, or every 10 years, won't hurt - My cardiologist is amazed at my physical condition. And did you notice that blue, blue, blue western sky?

2008 Idaho Wine Festival

After a horrendous week of loosing the original place to hold the judging and storing the wine and losing one of the judges, the IWF (Idaho Wine Festival) did find a suitable venue - Meadow Lake Village and the IWF thanks Chef James Grimes and the staff at Meadow Lake Village for their support and cooperation at the last minute!

But with perseverance and patience, the Judging part of the festival was a huge success! 18 of 32 Idaho wineries were represented with 78 wines submitted. It takes many people and much time to do this. Many thanks to Jerri Nelson and her staff for making this possible. And finally, but not least, thanks to the judges: Brooks Tish (WA), Doug Frost (KS), Garry Sholz (ID), Robin Young (ID), Robin Zimmerman (ID), Maria Johnson (ID) and Ilene Dudenek (ID) for all their work and close to 7 hours of sniffing, swirling, tasting and spitting. August 22 will be the public tasting of the Idaho wines and the announcement of the awards. Here are some photos of the judging part of the event. Enjoy and see you at the public tasting!

Busy August

August has been busy for us. Friends and family over for picnics, biking along the river, dinner at wineries and the Idaho Wine Festival. Here are some photos of everything but the wine festival - they will come later.

Hello

Hello Family,

I just returned from a lovely but short trip to the beach. I hadn't been to the beach in about two years, so it was nice to visit. We took the girls with us and stayed with my dad and his side of the family. We always go to Topsail Island, which is about 3 hours away from Greensboro. It's a nice, quiet beach. I want to post some pictures but I am still trying to figure out how. My littlest step-daugher, Yesenia, had never been to the beach before, so it was interesting and exciting to see her reaction. She was hesitant at first, but then she loved it.
Well, I am going to try again for some pictures.

Love Always,
Jessica

August Weekend in Boise

What a great weekend! It started on Friday, August 1st, with the Meridian Fire Departments Annual Salmon Feed. This was the 29th Annual feed and the fire department's 100th anniversary. What a great event as it is every year. They say that they serve about 2000 plates at this one day/evening event.

Then on Saturday, August 2nd, Boise held its annual Soul Food Event. If it is soul food, it was there - smoked turkey legs, sweet potatoes with pineapple, greens, ribs, Cajun, pecan pie, sweet potato pie. You name it. Both of these events are great fun! Enjoy the photos.