In one of our favorite songs, “Moon River”, the lyrics talk about two drifters off to see the world. That’s how we feel plotting our next adventure. From the same song the lyrics continue with these poetic words:
“There’s such a lot of world to see, we’re after the same rainbow’s end, waiting ’round the bend, My Huckleberry friend, Moon River and me.”
I was able to name our street “Moon River Lane”. This coupled with my favorite number, 7 (the gracious lady at the assessor’s office gave me the home number, 177).
As we explore our neighboring towns we find gems that we would have never discovered without the inclination to change part of our surroundings. Change is the most difficult concept to grasp, especially as you get older. Many are set in their ways, but this constriction only stiffles the expansion of our horizons. The expansion of horizons can be painful but the pleasure in new discovery is the reward.
Our lives have been expanded by the area we’ve chosen to live, and the wonderful people we’ve met. Many that have chosen this as their home have the same kind of love and respect for this small town, Orofino, Idaho. Surrounded by the peaceful sounds of animals, rivers and creeks, and the harmonious chorus from crickets and frogs quite perfectly add to the sensory experience we so love and appreciate.
Then there are the stars. The sky at night is a black tarp which becomes the perfect backdrop for the light show in full display, everynight. Sometimes there are other light sources such as the moon or shooting stars that add another layer of beauty so often masked within the bright lights of the city.
Exploration can mean many different things. There is the exploration that President Thomas Jefferson tasked in 1804 which sent Lewis and Clark to explore the lands west of the Mississippi River that comprised the Louisiana Purchase. This area is rich in that important history as two of the cities sitting in two different states pays homage to their important survey.
There is Lewiston Idaho named after Lewis and then there is Clarkson Washington named of course after Clark. We would have never learned of these two towns without the urge to investigate the panhandle of Northern Idaho. We love the conservative outlook of the kind people in this region. It’s not what you have, it’s who you are and how hard you work. Refreshing to say the least.
Speaking of discovery, a couple days ago we visited the small town of Deary Idaho. The reason was to enjoy the culinary treats offered by “The Pie Safe Bakery and Kitchen.” This establishment which combines the Brush Creek Creamery (creates amazing artisan cheeses), home made pies and breads, harvested grass fed beef, and an array of hand crafted quilts and pillows.
This restaurant/bakery also has a menu that offers garden gathered fresh produce for salads, home cured bacon and sausage, farm fresh eggs, and spectacular soups and sandwiches. Wood fired pizzas complete the offerings with each product meticulously prepared and delivered to hungry patrons from all over the world. A map on the wall adjacent to the restroom shows stick pins placed to reflect the homes of the patrons that have eaten at this culinary paradise from all over the world.
The restaurant/bakery is a wonderful discovery in the small town of Deary which claims only 500 residents. Owners John and Grace French have never taken out an ad to promote their bakery and restaurant, yet people from all over the world have discovered this little slice of heaven. Apparently, Once a month a preset dinner menu is offered as a five course meal. This is a new experiment that is providing another hit for this very succussful venture.
Recently, Nancy and I had tomato soup, a homemade roll, Margherita pizza, and a cobb salad crafted by the employees at the Pie Safe Bakery and Kitchen. Each ingredient painted a culinary picture that could be the motivation for a poem. The surroundings begin with two large flower baskets framing the entrance of the brick and glass building. The floors are the most beautiful original wood accentuated with expertly and tastefully decorated walls and ceilings. Apparently, once a month a preset menu for dinner features a five course meal. These dinners are sold out quickly.
We look forward to the many discoveries that await this part of the journey. With a calander that does not revolve around a job, we are able to make our own adventures to wherever we want, with whomever we want, whenever we want. This freedom is the magic we’ve been seeking since we were kids pretending to build forts and explore the neighborhood in our hometown. Each day is open to the possibilities we can experience under the framework of limitless options.
This blog is sponsored by PAZAZ™ “The Magic Of Cooking”, Kitchen Tools for the Discerning Chef. Please go to www.pazazshop.com to purhcase these “AMAZING” Kitchen Tools.