Pair Rate ‘92 As Tops
Cynthia Taggart is on vacation and has turned the column over to readers. Today’s “Best Year” story is by Bonnie Long of Post Falls.
In 1992, I realized that the home my son and I had built eight years earlier was more than I could handle. It was a split-level with stairs. I was 68.
As soon as my home sold, I started my new easy-care rancher with plans to move in Dec. 10. But nature had other ideas. The snow was unstoppable that winter.
I finally moved in mid-February to an unfinished home. It was partially painted. The cement work wasn’t done. There was a mile-long list of things to be completed.
Workmen trekked daily on my new carpet, which had protective strips on it. Some took off boots and worked in socks. Others just tramped in, mud and all.
It was all pretty depressing until the day a smiling lady showed up at my door.
“How’s it going?” she said.
Hazel was my neighbor across the street. I put on the kettle and we sat down to get acquainted over a cup of tea. I felt as if an old and dear friend had come to visit - and that is what she has become.
I recently had spinal surgery. Those first few days at home alone were scary, but Hazel came several times a day to check on me, help me shower, dress, prepare food.
My family and other friends have been wonderful, but I know I had an angel looking out for me that golden year I moved near Hazel - 1992.
1992’s a winner
Kathy Beechler spent most of her life in New Orleans, dreaming of mountains and lakes. As a child in Louisiana, she imagined the clouds were mountains. She wanted to leave, but family commitments kept her in the South.
After her husband of 17 years died in 1991, Kathy decided it was time to start a new life. She had visited Coeur d’Alene and found the people warm and friendly like the Southerners she’d grown up with.
She packed her children in the minivan the next summer and moved to Coeur d’Alene, not knowing what to expect. She found a job that fall working for state Sen. Mary Lou Reed, sold her home in New Orleans, bought a home in downtown Coeur d’Alene and has lived happily ever after.
“Thank you 1992 and Coeur d’Alene for making that year the one in which my dream came true,” she says.
Swiss miss
Lake City Playhouse’s production of “Heidi” may be the way to start 1996. This is no ordinary Heidi. It’s a little daring, with a new touch.
Randall Adams and Gerard Mathes, who both live in Coeur d’Alene, combined their writing and musical talents to tell the story of the abandoned little girl who wins her grandfather’s heart. Expect song, Swiss Alps sets and soulful eyes in this one.
The show opens Jan. 6 for three weekends. Call 667-1323.
Parent pals
People who like each other usually work well together. So Idaho Child Abuse Response (ICARE) teaches its volunteers to make friends with families heading for trouble.
Volunteers don’t need to be all-wise parents. They need common sense and an urge to wipe out child abuse from its starting point. The rest comes with classes.
ICARE’s next training starts Jan. 11 at Children’s Village. Maybe you have the right stuff. Call 666-2930 and find out.
Ho, ho, hoes
Usually, the strangest presents come from the parties that require everyone to bring a gift that costs less than $5. One year, someone gave me carrots and rice cakes.
What weird presents did you get (or give) at the office party this year? Or, what did you want to give but decided against in the interest of staying employed?
Fill in Cynthia Taggart, “Close to Home,” 608 Northwest Blvd., Suite 200, Coeur d’Alene 83814; send fax to 765-7149; or call 765-7128.