The Lake!

I thought I would share some pictures taken the last several days of the lake. Our special geese are still around and have integrated nicely with the Canadian geese. Each day I down to look at the lake it seems the level has gone up a little more!

So when do we get to have summer around here?

Missed the Chamber meeting but I hear all went well. I strongly feel and wish to state that the Chamber is working hard to maintain professionalism. Local businesses are being featured each month, the businesses are chosen on a random basis. This month the business is McDonald's Hudson Bay. Seems that the Chamber of Commerce is working at supporting the local businesses.

Norma Jean

Bay Cafe

Quick news flash.

Dean officially tenured his resignation from The Bay Cafe today. He gave two weeks notice and has more integrity than his wife. I am so proud of him.

Norma Jean

July 4th and other "stuff"

Recent updates for those of you who follow my intermittent writings. B.A.B.’s will have a place on the lawn at Bayview Scenic Apartments during the Bayview Days event. Turns out that when Bayview Days first started B.A.B.’s had a booth at Bayview Scenic Motel, Ruby was a member of the organization. I felt the non-profit should have a guaranteed place for their major fund raiser of the year. I thoroughly enjoyed the brief meeting with Barb Balbi, Barb Wilcox, and Cindy Grandy. BAB’s is a local non-profit organization which supports many activities in the community. I have been involved with the American Legion Auxiliary for several years and know that BAB’s helps support the girls in our local communities who are sent to Girl State.


Lakes Highway is supposed to render a decision on the use of Marietta Road for Bayview Days. Seems two entities applied for the same permit. We are so close to the date of Bayviews annual July 4th celebration and no decision has been rendered. In my opinion I feel that the Chamber should back off and allow the other entity to host the event. Certain personalities have expressed the desire to demand specific requirements from the hosting organization. I am trying to wrap mind around this thought process. We as a community decided, I think not to incorporate Bayview, the Chamber of Commerce is not a ruling entity. The Chamber has no governing power. The Chamber is simply a volunteer organization that is supposed to support local businesses, not dictate rules and regulations.

I will quickly add that the current Chamber Board is moving forward in a professional manner. I am impressed, however I still believe that the DAC needs to disbanded or re-organized.

As one drives through town we all see the lack of business. Marinas are not as full as they have been in previous years. Many have commented to me the negative impact of Waterford Marinas and I beg to argue that statement. I know because of my experience that Waterford not only brought business to Bayview, the organization also provided entertainment such as The Blues and Brews. The Buttonhook was a valued addition to our community. Right now it stands empty and forlorn as does The Patio. I also note the condition of the properties located in the middle of our town. Previously I stated while the town of Bayview was sleeping the Grinch stole Christmas. The community was so busy fighting and destroying one personality, another personality acquired more property. I was told the other day that Mr. Holland ripped Bayview apart, no he did not, Bayview residents ripped this community apart and it is time for all of us to start working together to heal this town. This will only be accomplished by letting go of the hatred. We all need to start working together.

The Bay Café will be open Memorial Day and will be open Thursday through Monday, 8am-2pm. Dean has been working by himself through the winter months. He now has help. Come to the Café and enjoy a meal, try the Dean’s Green Chili burrito. Tuesday June 7th Dean will host the monthly Spaghetti dinner. This is an evening of companionship augmented by Judy Gullidges guitar and fantastic voice.

I love Bayview and eagerly enjoy the drive back into town each day.

Till we meet again!

Spring???

Gazing out the window at work I was delighted (?) to snow snow falling again! It is tough talking to customers who are enjoying the sun in Florida and other southern regions. I am really ready for the snow to stop.

I see the fund-raiser for Dorothy Carpenter is gearing up and getting ready for the big day tomorrow! I pray that all goes well and the function will be a roaring success. Am praying the weather will hold.

Talking to Dean the other day from The Bay Cafe and he will be featuring specials on Mother's Day May 8! I took the day off from work so I can complete a final exam and did not realize it was Mother's Day! Boy what a silly person I am! Speaking of The Cafe, Dean now has an extra pair of hands for assistance. He also will doing the Spaghetti Dinner Special on Tuesday the 5th of May. Come in and enjoy a meal with us. We all have a great time! The last dinner was especially memorable for all who attended.

Want to get outside and start my seeds, so I think soon I will just throw caution to the wind and plant anyway and pray for warm weather. i now have a small greenhouse will put the tomatoes in there this summer.

Please post some comments and suggestions.
I do need to change my opening picture soon!

Norma Jean

Stuff Happening in Bayview

I had the pleasure of attending both the Chamber Meeting and the Pot Luck held by the Community Council this week.

Not sure whether it is just me or has the Chamber really tried to change its image? What I see is a group of people gathering, behaving professionally, and trying to achieve the task of getting the businesses involved in the Chamber again, after all this organization is labeled a Chamber of Commerce. I am impressed with the flow and content of the meetings and the professional way the meetings are run. This week the Vice President officially resigned his post and the Chamber members elected Vic Woolever to sit on the board. Vic has been a friend of mine for several years now. I have watched him grow personally and feel that he will be a positive addition to the Chamber Board.  A motion was placed on the floor to not have the parade this year for Fourth of July weekend. One voice heard stated that he did not want to have any activities that would a allow a certain business make money. While I understand the frustration, I still cannot understand why any actions for a decrease in business would be aimed at one particular personality. The fact still remains that a few local jobs are provided by this persona.  I did not take offense at this comment. My husband and son-in-law served in the Armed Forces, upholding our right to voice our opinion.  I do need to add that a very important person to me still works for this entity. When asked why my husband does not seek other employment or employers my husband responded that he cared for and genuinely likes his customers. He feels he would let them down. Our actions while seemingly are justified have repercussions that sometimes we do not grasp.

The vote to not have a parade this year was voted down. Several Chamber members stood up and gave their reasons why we still need to have this celebration. This weekend is after all the weekend we celebrate the birth of our country!

Also the Chamber determined that as a body we would not be doing the street fair. Hurray for us.

Fireworks will be held on Sunday this year.
I understand the McDonald's Hudson Bay will be celebrating its 60th birthday this year.

I drive into Bayview at night. I could not help but notice the lack of lighting and activity. It is real shame that we as a community did not appreciate what we had. A vital, active appearance in the downtown area. Driving into Bayview now is like driving into a ghost town. While Bayview was sleeping the "Grinch" stole Christmas.

Norma Jean

Spring or is it?

My bulbs are finally starting to come up and I think it is spring but not completely sure yet. After my frustrating gardening season last year I am leery of planting the vegetable garden but my fingers are itching to get dirty. Never was much for wearing gloves.

I have been pretty busy with work and class work and have ignored my blog. I enjoy writing but there are times my brain is so tired!

I was speaking with a friend this morning who shared with me that folks around town like me better now than say a year ago. Actually I like myself better too! So I guess my decision was not a bad one, the decision to change places of employment. I know I am basically the same person, just not as frustrated and I am certainly glad I no longer have person's in my life that wanted to change me into something I am not, hence the choice to "move on".

Listening to my Sunday program before traveling to CDA the subject concerned why others try to label us. This has given me pause to reflect. Often those who label us are jealous of what we have that they do not have. I had had a conversation several years ago with a friend. I wonder how many of us label a person simply because we do not understand that person or justify our actions because we are jealous of what another person had. This conversation had a profound affect on me, causing me to wonder about how I react to other people in my life. Walking a mile in another person's shoes can be a cliche' but I believe this is a valuable tool to help us understand and accept each other!

Norma Jean

New Directions

I have not written for quite awhile in my blogspot, I do not seem to be as prolific as others are. Seems this has become a time for reflection and the choice of a new direction.

Through the words of a friend I have found comfort and peace through the words of another. I travel to Coeur d' Alene in the morning to my new place of employment. At this time in my life this place of work seems to be where I should be. I love the fact that I can report to my desk, start taking calls, get two breaks and a lunch. When I leave I turn my computer off and there the machine sits and waits until I return the next day. I find that my work stays right where it should, in Coeur d' Alene. At first I thought I was simply lucky to be offered the position I now have but through the course of the past weeks I have come to believe that I am exactly where He wants me to be for right now. One door closed through my volition and another opened probably by His hand.

I find myself listening to Victoria Olsteen while driving to work. Her words help smooth the hours at work and I find her thoughts, ideas, and beliefs to be refreshing and renewing. I also read the words written by Joel Osteen finding solace in his brand of Christianity. I know I promised not to bring religion into my conversations but I find myself compelled to share the joy that these two people have brought into my life.

This gift was given to me by a dear friend. So I thank you again.

The horror of the Japanese disaster slowly unfolds. I want to do something to help those people but am not sure exactly what I should do. If I asked the community of Bayview would they once again reach in their pockets to help? The organization I work for has a link on their website for donations, Shaklee also is assisting through their Shaklee Cares group. I assisted a customer yesterday who wanted to donate her rewards to the cause. She started crying when we spoke about the tragedy. Somehow, someway we have all been touched.

... and I read a posting in a blogspot, someone complaining about the folks who may or may not be taking advantage of our local food banks. "The closest thing to the heart of God is helping hurting people" (Osteen)
We have no business judging others, we have no idea what they are feeling or experiencing. Offering our hand to help a person up usually does not hurt us. I would rather be closer to God's heart than guarding what He has given me.

To answer a question that some of you may be asking, yes I did indeed file a small claim in Kootenai Court naming my former place of employment.

I will attempt to be more in touch with my blogspot, still not exactly who is reading except for Linda.

Norma Jean