Here, as many of you know, is Boise, Idaho. Idaho is that funny looking state with a panhandle that reaches north to the Canadian border, and is separated from the Pacific ocean by our neighbor states of Washington and Oregon. Boise is the state capital as well as the county seat. Ugly politics happen here. I spend a good portion of my time flummoxed and infuriated by what elected officials choose to argue about and ultimately legislate. But here at the intersection of sagebrush steppe, high, intermountain desert, and the Rocky Mountains, it’s a good place to live.
A river runs through it. The Boise River drains the mountain ranges to the north and feeds into the mighty Snake on it’s way to the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean. Occasionally Idaho Fish & Game stocks the river with steelhead trout luring local fishermen to a wade on their lunch hours.
One day the foothills east of town look warm and inviting. A good day to be collecting sagebrush seed for the Fish & Game.
Two days later, the foothills warn of season change. Not such a terrific day for collecting sagebrush seed for the Fish & Game.
Ouch! Lots of big trucks around here. They can spell disaster for small rodents and elves.
Online/drive-thru Boise Farmers Market just about ready to start delivering the goods to their faithful customers. This has been going on every Saturday morning from April to December for the last two years. A new way to do business.
Oliver Russel & Associates, a B Corp internationally recognized as “Best Workplace,” pays homage to social justice heroes on their Inspiration Alley wall. Murals by reknown local urban artists, Sector Seventeen.
Like in many communities across the country, the pandemic years have created shortages of just about everything, except construction cranes and blocked-off streets.
Looking north from the river to the historic 8th Street Marketplace warehouse district where many (but not all!) of Boise’s cultural venues are located.
Nothing like a city all bedecked with holiday jewels.
And of course, no holiday is complete anymore without it’s blow-up dolls. I did sort of like how these came together. Since I despise the architectural monstrasty in the background, I won’t bother to name it.
But this last vision sheds light on the previous image. Locals will understand.
oldandblessed said:
Great pictures! Make me want to visit Idaho. 😎
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rangewriter said:
Do come! You’d have a free bedroom with private bath upstairs for you and wifey. Just make sure I’ll be home before you come! 🤩
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Janis @ RetirementallyChallenged.com said:
I’m happy to live in a progressive state but I do envy your mountains and backcountry (we have those too, just not close to where we live). Thanks for the tour!
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rangewriter said:
I envy your progressive state. I’ve never been lucky enough to live in one of those. But I do have those mountains to escape to. We just can’t have it all, right?
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catterel said:
Thank you for the tour. Are those doves also maintaining social distance, though not masked?
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rangewriter said:
Brilliant! Of course the doves are distanced. They’ve got the whole world between them. 🤣
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catterel said:
🙂
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Jane's Heartsong said:
I enjoyed the photos. I too, am noticing a lot of vacant stores along the main drives, due to covid, and I love the nature here as well but not always the political leaders. Our premier Jason Kenney announced it was okay for people to gather indoors for Christmas including those who aren’t vaccinated because people probably won’t follow the rules anyway. We had a huge surge last summer because “we were “open for summer.” Luckily some individuals are making wise choices, regardless of what he says or does. I like what the Boise farmers market is doing and lights at this dark time of year are always delightful. Enjoy the season and keep safe.
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rangewriter said:
My gosh, I thought Canadians were several kilowatts brighter than Americans. I think COVID fatigue is setting in everywhere. I must say, even I am tired of the topic. But it’s not finished with us yet. We will stay safe together. (apart) 😷
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Ruth A. Usrey said:
Thanks for the vignette of Boise…
Your descriptions evoke such clear visuals!
Have a wonderful Christmas, Linda…
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rangewriter said:
Thank you, Ruth! You deserve the very best.
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denisebushphoto said:
Thanks for the tour … photos and descriptions!
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