Pend Oreille County Road Trip

On Thursday June 12th we left our home bright and early to travel to the Metaline Falls area of our state. Instead of traveling highway 20 to Highway 31, we chose a back road that looked simple enough to navigate. The map showed that Aladdin Road would get us to an alternate route to the town of Ione. After a while we knew we had missed the turnoff. We turned around and saw a gentleman on his morning walk so we stopped to ask him if he knew where we went wrong and if he knew an alternate route to Ione. He said he did and he had just driven it the day before and if we didn’t mind getting our car dirty we could drive Smackout Creek Road for 14 miles and get to Ione. We found the primitive road and set out slow and easy. After several miles the road changed names to Smackout Pass Road. It was a pretty but very remote road.

We did not see another vehicle until we got to about mile 12. We were relieved to finally reach the small town of Ione.

Our first stop once we reached highway 31 was Box Canyon Viewpoint in Ione.

We were happy to see a nice parking area with a clean restroom.

We saw eagles besides the nice views up and down the Pend Oreille river. Pend Oreille is pronounced ‘Pond Array’.

We made a quick stop at Eagle Nest Viewpoint but we were only entertained by swallows.

Continuing on Highway 31 we crossed the bridge over the river into the little town of Metaline Falls.

The Farmhouse Cafe was the spot we picked for our breakfast. Since it was the only choice for food we were happy the food and service was good.

After breakfast we stopped at a Mercantile for a little shopping. We bought a puzzle for me and a hat for Greg.

We got some extra information about the area from the owners of the shop and set off north again on Highway 31. We had two planned stops that were about 1 mile from the U.S. – Canadian Border.

We knew the next two stops were something we’d enjoy seeing in person because our son, Dan, had been in this area last month and had sent photos via text of what he saw.

I’ll save those stops for another post.

Yesterday we had a nice Father’s Day starting with church and then we enjoyed a quiche for brunch.

Our Colville kids brought us a wonderful homemade Curry for dinner along with a Strawberry/Rhubarb Pie that Addy and JJ helped bake.

They forgot to bring a strawberry for the top so they improvised with the fresh cherries we were enjoying.

It was high time to take a fresh generations photo of the guys.

Enjoy the last days of Spring!

I Was a Wandering Sheep ~ Hymn

I Was a Wandering Sheep

I was a wandering sheep,
I did not love the fold;
I did not love my Shepherd’s voice,
I would not be controlled.
I was a wayward child,
I did not love my home;
I did not love my Father’s voice,
I loved afar to roam.

The Shepherd sought His sheep,
The Father sought His child;
They followed me o’er vale and hill,
O’er deserts waste and wild;
They found me nigh to death,
Famished and faint and lone;
They bound me with the bands of love,
They saved the wand’ring one.

They spoke in tender love,
They raised my drooping head,
They gently closed my bleeding wounds,
My fainting soul they fed;
They washed my filth away,
They made me clean and fair;
They brought me to my home in peace,
The long sought wanderer.

Jesus my Shepherd is:
’Twas He that loved my soul;
’Twas He that washed me in His blood,
’Twas He that made me whole.
’Twas He that sought the lost,
That found the wand’ring sheep,
’Twas He that brought me to the fold,
’Tis He that still doth keep.

No more a wandering sheep,
I love to be controlled;
I love my tender Shepherd’s voice,
I love the peaceful fold.
No more a wayward child,
I seek no more to roam;
I love my heav’nly Father’s voice,
I love, I love His home!

Words: Horatius Bonar, 1843.

Flag Day 2025

Flag Day is a holiday celebrated on June 14 in the United States. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.

Thanks to Tom the Backroads Traveller I’m adding this information below.

Read about Sarah Hinson, a teacher and principal, who started Flag Day Exercises in 1891.

On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress replaced the British symbols of the Grand Union flag with a new design featuring 13 white stars on a field of blue and 13 red and white stripes—one for each state.

The American flag, also nicknamed as “Old Glory” or “star-spangled banner”, has changed designs over the centuries. It consists of 13 equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton bearing 50 small, white, five-pointed stars. Each of the 50 stars represents one of the 50 states in the United States and the 13 stripes represent the original 13 colonies that became the first states in the Union.

Off with your hat, as the flag goes by!
And let the heart have its say;
you’re man enough for a tear in your eye
that you will not wipe away.
~Henry Cuyler Bunner

I believe our flag is more than just cloth and ink. It is a universally recognized symbol that stands for liberty, and freedom. It is the history of our nation, and it’s marked by the blood of those who died defending it. ~ John Thune

THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Officially adopted on Flag Day, June 14, 1924 (“Under God” Amendmant made by Congress in 1954)

I pledge allegiance to the flag

of the United States of America

and to the republic for which it stands;

one nation under God, indivisible,

with liberty and justice for all.

Happy 250th birthday to the U.S. Army

and

Happy 79th Birthday to the 45th and 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump.

Pend Oreille County

On Thursday June 12th, we hit the road early in the morning to explore a part of the state we’ve never been to before. We were on paved roads and primitive roads. We were in and out of ‘service’. I’m gathering my photos and thoughts and will post soon.

We are following world events right now and the tensions in the Middle East.

Yesterday Jan shared this verse for Truth for Today. It is a good encouragement.

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.

Psalms 4:8.

Truth for Today #148

Thursday June 12th

On Thursdays my posts will include verses that stood out in my readings from the Bible during week. One, two, three or maybe more. If you have a verse/verses that you read during the week and would like to share, leave it/them in the comments and I will add it/them to the post. Let’s dig deep in God’s Truth again this year!

The verses that you share are appreciated and so encouraging, I’m thankful for them and for each of you!

Hebrews 10:19-25

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

From Vera:

“God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?”
‭‭Numbers‬ ‭23‬:‭19‬ ‭ESV‬‬

From Jan:

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.

Psalms 4:8.

From Karen:

I Peter 5:7

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

A Seasoned Hodgepodge

I’m adding some blooms to sweeten things up.

Welcome back to another Wednesday Hodgepodge hosted by Jo From This Side of the Pond.

1. June 10th is National Herbs and Spices Day. Besides salt and pepper what herb or spice container do you reach for most often?

We like Lawry’s Seasoned salt.

Is there a spice you truly dislike? No

What’s a recent dish you made that called for more than salt and pepper?

Chili calls for chili powder and cumin and we use those spices often.

2. It’s been said ‘variety is the spice of life’…in what way is this true for you? Elaborate.

I enjoy variety but there is a lot to say for the good ole familiar and a regular schedule, too.

3. What’s something in your life that adds ‘spice’ (excitement, intensity) even if also comes with challenge or unpredictability?

Traveling adds lots of spice.

Grandchildren have added so much spice to our lives. It’s a joy to be able to see them at each new stage of life. It’s a challenge to keep up the older we get.

Some of the spice we enjoy right now is watching Addy with her Irish dance troupe.

And we love to see JJ with his new skills at Taekwondo.

4. If you could instantly master one skill or hobby, what would it be and why?

It would be amazing to be able to master playing piano with the ability to read music instantly.

5. We’re halfway through the year…what’s one book, movie, or activity you’ve loved this year that you’d recommend to others?

We’ve enjoyed some series on Britbox and Acorn like Ludwig, Death Valley, Harry Wild, Mr. & Mrs. Murder, The Brokenwood Mysteries and our fallback, Midsomer Murders.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Right now on our property the white and pink peonies are blooming and I’m having a hard time keeping up with them. It’s a wonderful problem to have.

I love the white but the pink are my favorite.

Hope to get around soon to see your spicy posts!

Out in the Country

These sunny Spring days we’ve been getting some outdoor work done. Weeds are a never ending job. Watering has been simplified with oscillating sprinklers. Watering will also be easier with the projects below completed.

Our two water hydrants have been out of commission for some time. After a lot of researching on replacing them and what replacement parts would work the best for us, it was time to dig the holes. Once the connection under the frostline was uncovered and examined, more parts were bought. Hats off to Greg for researching and completing these projects and thanks to Dan for helping him on the first hole and for the use of his pick-up for the stones needed for the projects.

Now we have easy water access with both working hydrants.

After the second hydrant was secured in place on Saturday, we had a good diversion driving north about 8 miles to the Kettle Falls Town and Country Days. Addy’s dance troupe were to perform on stage at 1:15. We were fortunate to score some front row seats on bleachers to watch the performance.

It is such a treat to be able to see Addy dance along with her fellow dancers! On Saturday we got into the 90’s so the dancers had to make sure they stayed hydrated.

To finish off the busy Saturday of work, digging, installing, dancing, and staying hydrated in ninety degree weather, our son’s family picked up some sheep and soon there will be some lamb grilling on their mountain. I’m sure they’ll share some packages of lamb with us, too. They aren’t naming them and the time will be short before it’s judgement day so they won’t be missed as pets.

In other country news from the state of Wyoming…

…we enjoyed seeing our oldest taking advantage of his beautiful surroundings while on a business trip to Jackson Hole. Those Tetons make an awesome backdrop!

Last week after I mowed our acreage, our mower gave up the ghost. Our new riding lawnmower is arriving today. Hopefully it will come first thing so I can mow.

When I was weeding last week I found a tick on the back base of my hairline. I was able to get it off and kill it before it bit me or dug into my body. Ugh! That was the very first one I’ve experienced since moving here in 2018!

We still have to get our mosquito abatement system going. Yikes, they are bad this year! We have our other flying pest traps that need to be set out, too. What sort of flying pests do you have to fight off?

Tea ~ Friendship Tea Northshore

Welcome to Tea Time 2025. These posts will be about Tea Rooms we’ve been to, Teas we’ve given for friends and family, Church Tea events, and High Tea in restaurants from 2008 to the present. Tea in the U.S.A., Tea in England and Tea in Canada. Many of the Tea Rooms are no longer in business, which is sad.

This post was a combination of posts from April 7, 10, and 14 in 2014. Northshore Baptist Church hosted a Friendship tea and I set one of the many tables for that tea.

Tomorrow is our Friendship Tea at church. Today was table setting time and it was so much fun to see all the creativity being pulled together under one roof. There will be 36 tables all set and ready to go by 10:45 tomorrow morning. I got some shots of some of the tables in progress.

I will walk about tomorrow morning before our guests arrive to take more photos of the tables all set and ready to go.

A tea table would not be fun without guests sitting around it so I’m showing you my guests before I show all the tables. On Wednesday I’ll be posting all about my table for Kathleen’s Let’s Dish Challenge.

The theme for our Friendship Tea this year was Snapshots. The church lobby had some great backdrops for photo opportunities.

Behind every snapshot there’s a story.

Our daughter in law, her mom and grandmother were able to come and share a place at my table, too.

Sisters by marriage and Laura’s dear friend, Shavonne.

Pat, Wilma, Laura, Katie, Susan (Shavonne’s mom), and Shavonne.

Me and Katie

All my guests at my table Susan, Shavonne, Laura, Wilma, Pat, Andra, Judy, Katy and Katie.

2014-04-05 2014 NSB Tea

There were a total of 36 tables at our Friendship Tea. It was organized so well with hand made food in our church kitchen. Many of the men and boys in our church volunteered to serve the tables and they poured our tea and made sure we had what we needed throughout the program. There were take home gifts for each of our guests and door prizes, too.

This was the first year since Dear and I have been attending Northshore Baptist Church that I was able to participate in the Friendship Tea. What a wonderful well run event it is.

More of the tables close-up.

I didn’t get a photo of the croissant sandwiches that we were served.

The view of the room from my table.

Back to the Present: I’m getting a post ready for tomorrow with current events. Hope you all had a good weekend.

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Hosts!~ Hymn

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Hosts!

Holy, holy, holy Lord
God of Hosts! When Heav’n and earth,
Out of darkness, at Thy Word,
Issued into glorious birth,
All Thy works before Thee stood,
And Thine eye beheld them good,
While they sang with sweet accord,
Holy, holy, holy, Lord!

Holy, holy, holy! Thee
One Jehovah evermore,
Father, Son, and Spirit, we
Dust and ashes, would adore;
Lightly by the world esteemed,
From that world by Thee redeemed,
Sing we here with glad accord,
Holy, holy, holy Lord!

Holy, holy, holy! All
Heaven’s triumphant choirs shall sing
When the ransomed nations fall
At the footstool of their king:
Then shall saints and seraphim,
Hearts and voices, swell one hymn,
Round the throne with full accord,
Holy, holy, holy Lord!

Words: James Montgomery, 1832.

Tea ~ MGCC Cookbook

Seventeen years ago today the Mennonite Girls Can Cook Blog was launched by Lovella.

The Mennonite Girls Can Cook Blog began on June 7, 2008. I’m adding links to the beginning of the blog and to some of the anniversary blog posts from Lovella.

Here is Lovella’s post from our 1 year anniversary.

This was our third year anniversary.

Ten Year Anniversary Post.

The ten year anniversary post announced that we would not be publishing a recipe a day anymore on the Mennonite Girls Can Cook blog. Since 2018 recipes from the past have been refreshed and published.

This next Tea Time post was for our MGCC Celebrations book photos. It happened in July of 2012. There wasn’t a post about this tea because it would soon be featured in our 2nd Cookbook, Celebrations.

We gathered in Bev’s garden and set a tea table. We had all prepared several of the dishes that would be featured in our new cookbook to enjoy together.

It was a photo-op for the cookbook and for the promotion of the cookbook.

All the recipes for these tea delights can be found in our cookbook.

This time in our lives was a continuation of a whirlwind of activities stemming from the launch of our first cookbook and then our 2nd cookbook. We had book signing events from Abbotsford to Chilliwack and Manitoba and more events that stemmed from the Mennonite Girls Can Cook Play in Indiana and Ohio.

Our last major publication was our devotional, Bread for the Journey, which was published in 2016.

My posts about this new journey publication are here and here.

Our day to day new recipe postings have ceased but our friendship our ‘Tenship’ continues. We have experiences and ties that will continue to connect us for the rest of our lives. Thanks be to God for His Providence in bringing us together seventeen years ago.

The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b.

To honor and encourage

Author Archives: Ellen