City Spotlight: Viola

My most recent article, “Viola: Here, Gone, and Coming Back” appears in the March 2023 issue of IDAHO Magazine. The article contains Viola history, ghostly run-ins, and interviews with current businesses and residents, along with a little hope for the future. Locally, IDAHO magazine is available at BookPeople of Moscow.

Purchase a copy directly from IDAHO Magazine for just $6 here:
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OR
Purchase only the Viola article for $1.99 here:
Viola—Spotlight – IDAHO magazine

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Lake of Spirits: Payback in a New Novel

I recently completed a book review of Stuart Scott’s novel, Spirit Lake Payback for the December 2021 issue of IDAHO Magazine. The article is more than just a book review. It also contains some juicy tidbits on the history of Spirit Lake, Idaho. Both Scott’s novel and the current edition of IDAHO magazine are available from BookPeople of Moscow.

Purchase your copy directly from IDAHO Magazine:
Buy it now!
OR
Purchase only the article and review here:
Lake of Spirits – IDAHO magazine

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Storm: The Cat who Lived

The topic of my most recent article for IDAHO Magazine is Storm, a blind foundling I plucked from the ditch during my morning walk. Storm was incredibly tiny when I found her and despite being gravely ill, she rallied and survived. She even managed to overcome blindness. But, what is really remarkable about this tale is that neither the veterinarian nor I killed her.

To explain that last sentence, I need to back up a few years. Continue reading


Grizzly Ghosts

Looking for spine chilling ways to amuse your family during this time of social distancing?  My article, Grizzly Ghosts: Tales of the Hoodooswas published in the April 2020 edition of IDAHO Magazine.  The article covers ghost stories new and old that have been passed around campfires by decades of scouts attending Camp Grizzly as well as some mysterious happenings that occurred elsewhere in the Hoodoos. Continue reading


Who Swiped the Dishrags?

My article “Who Swiped the Dishrags?” appears in the November issue of IDAHO Magazine and talks about many of the wonderful surprises my neighbors have gifted me with over the years.  IDAHO Magazine can be purchased at BookPeople of Moscow.  Also, copies are available for check out from the Potlatch Public Library and the Moscow City Library.  If you somehow missed out getting a copy at any of those locations, you can always buy a copy online directly from the publisher at:

https://www.idahomagazine.com/shop/2018-11-november-2018-menan/

If you enjoyed this story you might also enjoy “Zucchini Bandits.”  Continue reading


Idaho Magazine, May 2018

My story about treating Bruce to dinner in Harrison for his birthday is featured in the May 2018 issue of IDAHO Magazine. You can read the whole story for free by following the link.  (I suspect the free read will only be offered for a short time, so if you’re curious, read it now!)

IDAHO Magazine rules state that authors cannot mention businesses unless they are advertisers, so the restaurant where we dinned is not specifically mentioned in the story.  However, I am please to say that we dinned at The Landing.  The proprietors, John and Shawna Nelson, out did themselves to provide a perfect evening and I look forward to dining there again, when Bruce returns the favor and treats me for my birthday in June.

More pictures from around the area are below, I hope you enjoy them.

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Feral Cat Fiasco

My story, Feral Cat Fiasco: Lovable Until They’re Not, is featured in the January 2018 edition of Idaho Magazine.  There were several edits to the story so as not to offend the sensibilities of the magazine’s readers.  However, I have no such apprehensions, so you can read a bit that was cut from the story below.

Also, to see more information about my troubles with feral cats, check out this post on Feral Cat Solutions.

The Cut Bit:

Well, if they want to maintain a feral cat colony, let them do it at their house, I thought.  And that’s when an idea took root. Continue reading


A Flair for Solar Cooking

My article, A Flair for Solar Cooking, And Sparks over the “Hippy” Method is featured in the August 2017 edition of IDAHO Magazine.

Sharon Cousins, was kind enough to share her experience with me during a solar cooking lesson at her residence in Viola, Idaho.  The story includes a recipe for her famous vanilla cake which, I can assure you, is delicious.  While waiting for the cake to bake, she regaled me with tales of solar cooking adventures from around the world.

Photo: Sharon proudly displays her golden vanilla cake, which miraculously came out of the pan in one piece!  Photo Credit: Joshua Yeidel

Locals can read a copy of IDAHO Magazine at either the Moscow or Potlatch libraries.  Or if you would like your own copy, they are generally available at BookPeople of Moscow.  Also, a copy of this issue can be purchased directly from IDAHO Magazine by clicking here: http://www.idahomagazine.com/shop/2017-8-august-2017-sugar-city/

 


The Ravages of March: Northern Idaho Flooding

My story, The Ravages of March: A Far-Flung Family Struck by Floods, appears in the May 2017 issue of Idaho Magazine.  This story covers flooding that occurred near Potlatch, Idaho, as well as flooding that affected Bonner and Boundary Counties.  Copies of the magazine are usually available from BookPeople of Moscow and if they sell out, you can always buy a copy directly from Idaho Magazine.

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