Leaves of Three, Let it Be

Poison ivy is commonly found along the Boise River, where it blends in with the false indigo and yellow currant bushes. The biologist who guided the nature walk I participated in this week waded out into the patch and picked some. He said he doesn't have an allergic reaction to poison ivy. I thought everyone was prone to rashes and blisters.

Boise River Mini Waterfall

This little spillway is near the diversion dam about a half mile west of the Glenwood Bridge. I took part in a guided nature walk along the south side of the river this week and will post a few pictures over the next few days. I learned a lot about the plants found along the river. And if you're headed to the area, take bug spray. Mosquitoes are thriving.

Time to Spend Money to Burn It

The stands have popped up in parking lots and on street corners throughout town, as the fireworks selling season gets underway. These stands in town are supposed to sell only "safe" fireworks, but you can shop in outlying areas for the big rockets. Idaho law says you can sell "illegal" fireworks and you can buy them...but you are NOT supposed to light them.

Thank You Mr. Sun...

For being kind to Boise over the weekend. We love you!

Saturday Caturday - One Day Late

Extending the Saturday Caturday celebration....this is the cat, that is NOT supposed to be on the table.

Deli Days Music

We dropped by Ahavath Beth Israel's Deli Days last night and enjoyed the music. We didn't get to enjoy much food because the event was so popular this year, they ran out. Note for next year: gotta get there sooner.

Sidewalk Talk

Sidewalk chalk doodles have certainly changed. I used to draw flowers and rainbows.

So Many New Food Trucks...So Few Lunch Breaks

There are so many food trucks around town this year - how will I have enough time to try them all? "Brown Shuge Soul Food" recently popped up along Chinden near Garrett.

My Favorite Rose

Well, my favorite for a punch of color, it really doesn't have much scent. This is the "Princess Diana" rose from Jackson and Perkins. It thrives in my Boise yard and doesn't need much care.

Backyard Wheat

Agricultural land right up against a subdivision. It could be a Walgreens someday.

Creepy-Looking Bug is Your Friend

This is a juvenile ladybug, and at this stage, they are aphid-eating machines. Let them go to work in your yard and garden. And soon, they'll change and look way cuter.

Happy Father's Day

Here's the father in our house - helping the kiddo try out quad skates.

Cafe/Gas Station/Convenience Store

An all-in-one with a cool dinosaur on top of the building, so what kid wouldn't be interested?

Pink Zinnia

Nice to see some summer flowers perking up. Our prolonged cool spring means later blooms.

Spa Deal

"Bath and Shave - 15 Cents." This Wild West themed facade can be found in Eagle.

Dog Biking

The dog does need exercise, but this hardly looks fair.

Grecian Rose

Also called Avens and Geum, this thrives in Boise. It doesn't need much water and usually blooms twice a season.

Summer Break is Underway

This is the first full week of summer break...and I'm sure the kiddos are hoping for sun and warmer temperatures soon. It's a little cool for much water fun yet.

Idaho Celebrity "Camille Beckman"

Family was in town and we went to the Camille Beckman factory and gift shop. Camille Beckman lotions, soaps and skin treatments are stocked in stores around the world and are favorites of ours. We were so lucky that Susan a.k.a."Camille" was there when we stopped by. Susan is a fellow Weiserite, too. (L to R: Susan Courson, Susan Beckman and Bridget Mills)

Antler Art

Yard decor in West Boise.

Yellow Trees

We did get a round of mostly sunny skies yesterday afternoon...but the morning was stormy-looking.

Special Ride to School

All the kiddos in my daughter's class are getting this special ride to school this morning for the last day of the school year. Thank you to Showcase Limousines.

Field of Weeds

Bright yellow weeds in a fallow farm plot. This acreage wasn't planted this year because it's slated to become a commercial development.

Back in the Olden Days of Radio News...

Dusted off this relic for an online contest recently. It was a hand-me-down when I began my news career in 1985. It's the 1977 edition and includes "special" sections on how to file wire copy and slug it properly. The teletype used to run 24-hours a day and we slogged through the rolls of paper to choose what stories to add to newscasts.

Getting Ready to Fly

It won't be long before this Canada goose family takes flight.

The End of a Long Walk

The leader of this parade is Kevin Miller. He's a talk-show host at KIDO who walked from Hailey to Boise to support our troops. He finished his trip yesterday at the Fallen Soldier Memorial in front of the old Ada County Courthouse.

Squirrel Invasion

Maybe it's just our neighborhood, but we are seeing many squirrels this spring. I've seen up to 5 at a time jockeying to get into the bird feeders.

A New Commandment

Strawberry Time

Even though our summer has yet to warm up, the strawberries are still ripening. My kiddo found a few in the garden this week.

High Water

The Boise River is still running high and fast. This is the Glenwood Bridge - look how the water is close to the under-deck.