To Write A Vow, You Have To Buy A Few Vowels

When they marry Nov. 7, Steve Wood and Jeane Plastino each will tie the knot for a second time. So Steve thought he’d add a few lines to the traditional vows, promising to love Jeane’s daughters as his own. Jeane liked that idea and encouraged her youngsters, Sam and McKenzie, to make some vows of their own to her fiance. Later, she was passing the girls’ room when she heard Sam, the older daughter, urging McKenzie to practice her vows. You know, “A, E, I, O …”

Strange bedfellows

A Democrat through and through, the namesake for the Ms. Mary Lou Reed Legislative Center was surprised to hear from U.S. Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott. In a letter, he informed Reed she’d been accepted for Republican Senatorial Inner Circle membership. None other than Idaho Republican Sen. Larry Craig had nominated her. A week later, Reed was surprised further when Sen. Mitch McConnell, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, wrote, asking for $1,000. Both missives were addressed to “Dear Ms. Center.” No wonder the national GOP is in disarray.

Woman without a state

Concerned Women of America thinks U.S. Rep. Helen Chenoweth’s the greatest. In fact, the conservative group has made her its Statesman of the Year. When our reporter asked about the reward, however, a spokeswoman responded: “And you’re from Helen’s home state?” Upon confirmation, she added: “And what state is that?” Confusion, obviously. … At a break in a Statehouse meeting, Gov. Phil Batt upset a cup of coffee. Moments later, the governor was on his knees with a stack of paper napkins, cleaning up the carpet. When an amazed aide noticed, he offered to help. Replied the governor: “Oh no, I’ve got it.” We’re going to miss him. … Batt made state Controller J.D. Williams’ day by opting not to run again. Democrat Williams told me he likes Batt. But he felt as if he’d had a bull’s eye painted on him - until Batt pulled out - because the GOP had targeted him for defeat. Now, Republicans will be too busy playing musical chairs to care much about Williams.

Gotcha

My wife didn’t realize the ‘50s had Touch-Tone phones until she saw the Lake City Playhouse production of “Grease.” One was used as a prop for the 1950s rock ‘n’ roll musical. Hmmm. … As a child growing up in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene Councilwoman Nancy Sue Wallace watched Kitty Kelley turn cartwheels. Kitty, a high school cheerleader, lived down the block. In fact, she baby-sat for Nancy Sue. Later, Nancy Sue got married. And Kitty got the attention of a larger audience, including “Ol’ Blue Eyes,” Nancy Reagan and now “The Royals.” … I’m told the Centennial Trail dedication ceremony Thursday wasn’t the same without trail linchpin Doug Eastwood’s presence. The Coeur d’Alene parks director went home sick that day.

Huckleberries

After two digs in recent “Huckleberries” about reader board errors, Paul Bunyan fired back last week. Read the board: “Spelling lessons held here second Tuesday of next weak.” Good humor - with good burgers on the side. … Is it just a coincidence, or is there a reason “newspapers” are listed just before “nightclubs” in the Yellow Pages? … Don’t look now, but the listing for the Spirit Lake post office is missing from the GTE and US West Direct telephone directories. So, Postmaster Colette Kramer posted a sign urging patrons to try the HagaDirectory. Ouch.

Parting shot

Kootenai County commissioners are asked daily if they consider themselves “the chosen few.” Seems “The Chosin Few” is one of the veterans groups listed on a new Kootenai County Courthouse annex marker. It’s not a misspelling. It commemorates the valiant withdrawal by U.S. Marines, including one Ron Rankin, from the frozen Chosin Reservoir of North Korea. That battle and the Korean War should be remembered. American blood and might bought modern South Korea’s freedom.

, DataTimes MEMO: Got a Huckleberry? Call the Huckleberry Hound Hotline at (800) 344-6718 or (208) 765-7125 or send e-mail to daveo@spokesman.com.

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = D.F. Oliveria The Spokesman-Review