Quiet before the storm ...

So it was Friday ... met Mom, Dad for lunch at the Loading Dock around 1130 or so - early start to the weekend.  Introduced them to their fire-roasted pizzas, self-serve and cold beers as well as picnic benches.  Walked down to the beach, to Seasons and then they headed to the island and I went to Pilates (DYING to skip but I did not).

After Pilates - it was off to Priest River to drop off a few things to get framed and then headed back to Sandpoint with destination Hope, Idaho being the next port of call.  Buzzed Mom's cell phone on the way out - no answer.  Thought to myself - no worries - it is about 30 minutes... I'll try again.

Again - no answer... so what do I do... I drove down the highway - could see the island (just zero way to get out there as it was is way, way too cold yet to be swimming that type of distance) -- and made my next right into Sweet Lou's. 

Had a book (always CARRY a book) and it was time for a margarita to kick off the weekend before everyone started to arrive today (Saturday).

I tried Mom's mobile once more and SURPRISE -- she answered.  They had been staining the deck .. um - ok... so into the boat they all piled (my parents, my sister - Molly - and her better half TJ) and headed to Sweet Lou's.  We all had dinner and drinks and just caught up and relaxed -- it is ISLAND TIME after all.

A view from the dock after we got back from supper.

I was sound asleep around 800pm ... only to have all of us wake up around 630AM this morning... early start and Mom got that "cup of ambition" brewing for all of us.  Had a "team effort" breakfast and then it was chore time (weed eating, Dad started a bon fire to burn brush, sweeping...) and about 10AM - it was a jump into Lake Pend Orielle -- a momentary stop of the heart as one collected their breathe from the shocking coldness (there is still snow that needs to melt - I don't think it's going to happen before we see the next snow fall)... a cold beer with the parents and some chill time before the festivites kick off !! 

It's ISLAND TIME ... meaning time means nothing and family, fun and relaxation means everything.

May you all have a safe and lovely 4th of July ... and hopefully you are sipping on a lovely concoction surrounded by friends and loved ones. 

Be super safe gentle readers - especially if you get C1 fireworks like they have in north Idaho (BAM-BAM-BOOM-BOOM).