I’m proud to live in an area where people pitch in and work together to do the seeming impossible. That’s the kind of attitude you might have found here 100 years ago and I’m glad to see it’s still alive.

For anyone who missed the story, you’ll find it here: http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/jan/02/volunteers-rescue-moose-icy-priest-lake

Three cheers!

They had either gone off to Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, or Sandpoint in search of Christmas sales… or they were staying home to throw another log on the fire.

I voted for the latter… going out only as long as necessary to bring in more wood and feed the horse. He thought everyone else had probably chosen that plan too, since the roads were both slick and bumpy with leftover ice chunks.

5 above during the night and a warm up to almost 11 degrees this afternoon. I’m giving thanks for my new wood stove – especially since the furnace seems to be out of order.

So, a little work for a client, a little brainstorming about how to generate funds for the Battered Mother’s Resource Fund, and a little shopping on line made for a good day at home.

And thinking of the Battered Mothers Fund… If you have a list you’re mailing to, or even a group of friends in your address book, I’d appreciate you helping spread the word about it, because it is in dire need.  The director of this non-profit has been paying most  the bills out of his own pocket, because most people just aren’t interested in helping battered women and children find a safe haven.

That was fine while he was working – but a heart attack and open heart surgery put a stop to that, and now the national hotline is in dire danger of being shut off.

Over the past 2 years, his group of volunteers has helped over 6,000 women across the U.S. find safe shelter where they could take their children with them. They maintain a nationwide database so it doesn’t matter if you call from Priest River or Miami – they’ll help find a safe house and help you get there.

Ten women in the U.S. lose their lives each day to domestic abuse. That makes me think the hotline is pretty important.

To learn more or to make a donation, please visit www.batteredmothers.com. Every single dollar is important to preserve this valuable resource.

The notice says “Registration fees remain the same” and scholarships are available.  So, if you’ve been there before, I guess you know the registration fee. Otherwise, there’s no phone # but an address to write:

PO Box 1149, Priest River, Idaho 83856

They’re looking for coaches and other help, so if basketball is your passion, show up!

The annual dinner will be held on Friday, the 14th of November and promises to be, as usual, a spread to give thanks for. If I heard correctly, the Asphalt Angels will be there by 3 p.m. – loading up “to go” plates to deliver to area shut-ins, and then the on-site diners will be served from 4 to 7.

Delivering the Thanksgiving meals is just one of the ways the Asphalt Angels give to this community – they have my thanks and my admiration.

This meal is served free of charge to area seniors – but of course, no one will complain if you wish to give a donation to further the Happy Ager’s activities, such as the Soup Kitchen. If you didn’t already know, the Soup Kitchen is open every Monday from 11 to 1 – Anyone can come, and the price is by donation only.

Last year over 300 Thanksgiving meals were served to area seniors and their guests – how many will attend this year?