My first run back in Boise, and the sensory overload was instant. The squirrels noisily playing chase in the tree tops, the damp, earthy smell of the river, sparrows, robins, and the cottonwood, which immediately tickled the back of my throat, the intense summer sun.
I'm back.
Sixteen and a half years ago, as newlyweds, we packed up both of our cars with all of our earthly possessions and drove to Orange County, California - worlds away from our home town of Boise, Idaho. "Les Bois," as the French Canadian fur trappers exclaimed when they made their way over the desert foothills and laid eyes on the wooded valley.
16 years, 2 daughters, and one giant U-haul later, we've come back. Maybe for a year, maybe more. But here we are.
Already we've immersed ourselves in traditional Boise summer activities.
The 30th Boise Twilight Criterium, an annual cycling race that takes place in the streets of downtown Boise, culminates with the final Pro Men's race riding laps at tremendous speeds for 90 minutes.
We also made our way to the 101st Snake River Stampede, one of the top 10 rodeos in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Top country performers have participated in the stampede over the years, starting with Gene Autry in 1950, Dale Evans and Roy Rogers, and (little known fact) this is where Reba McIntire (a former barrel racer) made her debut performance!
Family bike rides on the greenbelt alongside the Boise River, a family reunion gathering and bocce ball championship at Julia Davis Park, an evening out at BarDeNay in the Basque District.
To cap off our initial weeks, I met up with one of my oldest Boise friends for lunch. It's been 8 years since we've seen each other, and it was like we saw each other last week. Funny coincidence, the place we chose for lunch, The Hyde House, was once a tea house that supplied all of the tea for my wedding favors 17 years ago. This friend, by the way, was in my wedding.
There are so many memories and histories that are flooding back, as we settle in. While we miss our friends and familiar stomping grounds in Orange County, there are special moments that are beginning to make it feel like our home.
One moment in particular was the arrival of a housewarming gift from my friend Alex at Nelson's Tea. She knows my love of black tea blends, so I've been enjoying the morning with what I view as the perfect summer blend, Summer Sol Ambrosia. With hints of fruit and safflower, there's the perfect balance of malt and sunshine. I've also been indulging in Honey Pear, which has just the lightest essence of pear and sweetness.
These are the perfect accompaniments for my morning view on my back porch.
Welcome home.
I'm back.
Sixteen and a half years ago, as newlyweds, we packed up both of our cars with all of our earthly possessions and drove to Orange County, California - worlds away from our home town of Boise, Idaho. "Les Bois," as the French Canadian fur trappers exclaimed when they made their way over the desert foothills and laid eyes on the wooded valley.
16 years, 2 daughters, and one giant U-haul later, we've come back. Maybe for a year, maybe more. But here we are.
Already we've immersed ourselves in traditional Boise summer activities.
The 30th Boise Twilight Criterium, an annual cycling race that takes place in the streets of downtown Boise, culminates with the final Pro Men's race riding laps at tremendous speeds for 90 minutes.
 |
| 30th Annual Boise Twilight Criterium |
 |
| 101st Snake River Stampede. Thanks for the hats, Aunt Rita! |
To cap off our initial weeks, I met up with one of my oldest Boise friends for lunch. It's been 8 years since we've seen each other, and it was like we saw each other last week. Funny coincidence, the place we chose for lunch, The Hyde House, was once a tea house that supplied all of the tea for my wedding favors 17 years ago. This friend, by the way, was in my wedding.
 |
| The Hyde House. Watermelon Gazpacho? Yes, please! |
One moment in particular was the arrival of a housewarming gift from my friend Alex at Nelson's Tea. She knows my love of black tea blends, so I've been enjoying the morning with what I view as the perfect summer blend, Summer Sol Ambrosia. With hints of fruit and safflower, there's the perfect balance of malt and sunshine. I've also been indulging in Honey Pear, which has just the lightest essence of pear and sweetness.
These are the perfect accompaniments for my morning view on my back porch.
Welcome home.
Comments
Post a Comment