Episode 5

Notes From the North IF 5

Early this morning as I waited with FlipCamera in hand for the rising sun to turn the bottoms of the clouds to that lava-like orange, a rooster crowed. After a moment of hush, it crowed again. To my surprise the dogs barked in imitation of the rooster's crow! I stood listening to the rooster and the dog's imitation crowing until it became obvious that the angle of sun to clouds was wrong this morning - there would be no kindling for me to record this morning.

Rob and Teresa from the Co-Op rolled in to see us the morning of Thursday Sept. 12, 2013. We made them as comfortable as possible in the guest room. We caught up on our lives and they studied and napped. In the evening we set out to explore Idaho Falls downtown.

We parked along the green belt, and strolled the riverfront - pausing to examine the statuary, the artillery piece, the War memorial, various signs describing the estuarine avine autochtons (local river birds); this green belt is home to 6 different species of duck, hosts migratory Canadian Geese, and various other plants, animals, fish and birds. The aura of peacefulness arising from the alternating clouds and sun, the sussuration of the river and falls, the cool and lush greenery around us is very pleasant and we all agreed that we felt it.

Turning our steps into the buildings of downtown, we discover that 5 p.m. marks the end of business hours for downtown. In several blocks of wandering we saw only a Thai restaurant and a bookstore still open. Since we have decided on pizza for dinner tonight we head for the bookstore. The proprietor seemed very glad to see us. We learn he was born in San Diego at Queen Anne's hospital, and take turns engaging him in conversation. I find a copy of Ray Bradbury's Dandelion Wine and persuade Rob to buy it and read it. It is one of the most lyrical and substantive distillations of human experience I have ever had the joy to read - I feel certain Rob will enjoy it too.

The owner, whose name is Dustin, followed my eloquent endorsement of Dandelion Wine, and perceiving a kindred spirit invites me to the back of the store to see a recently acquired treasure trove. This turns out to be a large selection of science fiction, from the 1930's, 40's and 50's, all in excellent condition. The books include those Daw back-to-back books; with two novels under it's cover, each upside down from the other. I tell him that I have some of those back-to-back books as well and we agree to meet again. We waves us cheerily on our way, with Teresa buying an authoritative guide on pickling; which included a recipe for pickled oppossum.

We drive under lowering charcoal skies looking for the most promising pizzeria. We find a pair - Papa Murphy's and Papa Tom's. We choose Papa Tom's as Papa Murphy's does not inspire as much confidence that it will be authentic Italian cuisine. Inside we consider the menu then order a Red Baron (pepperoni, sausage, Canadian bacon, sauerkraut and tomato) - hold the sauerkraut. We also order a veggie Special, with half of it's surface dedicated to pineapple.

As we wait, we explore the premises. There is a banquet room with a party of 5 venerable ladies and gentlemen, and one toddler. On the wall is a vast poster, covered with scrawled signatures, congratulating Papa Tom's on it's 70th anniversary. Reassured by the longevity of their custom, I make a circuit of the place. There are 6 paintings, 3 pairs of identical images gracing opposite walls - scenes of various french eateries. There are a number of electronic games, one of which draws me like a gawker to a car wreck. It is a hunting game - with two life-sized rifles mounted side by side and a super high quality display, showing a water-course and two deer in exquisite detail. Images displace one another on the screen - evidently this system is connected via web to others like it - I see the names of champions who have not only attained celebrity by their marksmanship - but also won cash prizes! It dawns on me once more how many different worlds exist side by side here on our homely earth!

At home we eat the (excellent) pizzas as we laugh and talk - the Red Baron still bears it's signature sauerkraut. The crust is crunchy and all agree that Papa Tom's was a great choice. After some late-night discussions of God, man and reality we all retire.

In the morning, after breakfast, signatures in our Guest Book and hugs all around- our friends start their long journey home - dropping Dustin (G - not the bookshop proprietor) off to get his scrubs embroidered. - Next - Notes from IF Pride! Stay tuned!!!!