Bonners Ferry, ID

Janna Rankin Scharf, CLHMS, GRI, SFR - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Homes For Sale

Driving through Bonners Ferry, Idaho, on my way home from a listing consultation, I found myself unexpectedly immersed in a profusion of spring color! On one side of the road were bright and beautiful tulips in bloom. Mother Nature's splendor on showy display.

On the other side of the road, hundreds of jealous balloons, competing with the tulips for attention. "Hey! Over here," they seemed to shout. "Look at us!"

It was such a fun, unexpected sight, and fortunately I had my camera on the seat beside me. The picture always makes me smile, I call it Tulips vs. Balloons. And that day in Bonners Ferry, the competition ended in a tie!

Saturday I had occasion to head north to Bonners Ferry. It was a pleasant day, with the sun shining and the scent of spring in the air. My favorite way to be on these kinds of days is topless: cruising in my little Toyota Solara convertible with the top down and the wind in my hair!

I went to visit with a new friend, Rich. Rich called me a while back and asked me about raffling his home off. Seems he had been online looking for home raffling information, and came across a post of mine about a local charitable house raffle. This was a great affirmation to me that my blogging is worthwhile. People are finding me in cyberspace, even when they aren't looking for me!

Fast forward a couple of months and a few conversations, and I decided to go get a close-up look at the lovely Appalachian style log home that Rich had built with his own two hands. I knew from the photos I'd seen that it was meticulous and wonderful.

I left Coeur d'Alene and pointed my car towards Canada, feeling a bit frazzled. It had been a busy week and I was wondering if I really should be spending my Saturday traipsing off to look at a house two counties, and an hour and a half, away.

It didn't take long for me to realize that my 2009 inaugural topless adventure was just what the doctor ordered!

The sky was brilliant! The sun was warm and the air was fresh. The natural beauty of Coeur d'Alene is spectacular. But there is just something different as you venture further north. The mountain peaks are higher, more rugged, and snow capped. It seems almost as if you are leaving all of civilization behind.

My drive took me across the bridge over Lake Pend Orielle and through Sandpoint. Imagine driving through a post card, because I might as well could have been! Finally, almost to the border, Bonners Ferry.

As I approached Rich's home through the gate on his meticulously maintained private road, I was stunned at the scene that unfolded before my eyes. I wasn't in a post card, I was on the set of The Sound of Music! That scene of them twirling and frolicking and singing on the grassy Alps mountaintop flooded my head as soon I saw the setting of Rich's home!

You see, not only had he built his home with his own two hands (well okay, I'm sure he used modern power tools in the process) he had also cleared three of his eleven acres with his own two hands! Unbelievable! It was a breathtaking sight to behold!

Can you even imagine waking up each morning, looking out your window to a sight like this? The backdrop of those beautiful, rugged mountain peaks in every direction. Framed by tall timbers, with no sight or sound of civilization to interfere!

Although it seemed like I had driven to the end of the world, downtown was just three miles away!

Rich and I had a good visit. He was interested in hearing my ideas about the best way for him to sell his property. I am never at a loss for words, especially when someone asks me my opinion!

I spent much more time there than I had planned, and enjoyed every minute of it. Rich was as delightful as the day was glorious. When we did a walkabout so he could point out the fence lines and corner posts, Rich apologized a couple times about piles of elk poop. Did I mention that Rich's property is meticulous?

As I headed home I realized that my investment in time was very well spent. I didn't spend the day in stress relief therapy at a spa, but I felt like a new person! I resolved that I MUST make myself and Mr. Scharf pause from the daily grind more often to simply enjoy this magnificent place that we are so very blessed to call home!

Driving south, I snapped a few photos from the driver's seat of my topless car. Here are a few, including my favorite - Tulips vs. Balloons. I did a double take as I drove through an explosion of color, made a U-turn and went back to get that wonderful photo! A fitting cap to a day I will long remember.

Janna Rankin Scharf provides a superior level of real estate services to home buyers and sellers in Coeur d'Alene and Kootenai County, Idaho. Visit www.JannaScharf.com to search for homes in the Coeur d'Alene MLS for anywhere in spectacular North Idaho.

No matter how grand or modest your real estate dreams may be, you can turn to me in confidence. Give me a call today and let me know what I can do to be of service to you!

Janna Rankin Scharf, AB, GRI, CSP, CNS, CLHMS 208.651.9700 NorthIdahoJanna@gmail.com

The 2009 Swish 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament is Hoping for an even larger "Slam Dunk" August 8 - 9, 2009, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho

Mark your calendars and join the fun at the 2^nd annual two-day hoopfest in the main streets of one of Idaho's friendliest cities, Bonners Ferry. This year‘s happening is being held the weekend of August 8-9^th, 2009

The first 30-on-3 Swish tournament, in 2008, drew 62 teams from Canada and the Inland Northwest. They played on 20 hoops on Main Street in Bonners Ferry's. Brett Brown, who organized last year's tournament, will again direct this year's Swish hoopfest.

"It was a pipe dream of mine that came through because this community pitched in and made it happen," said Brown. "There's no other way it would have worked. I was overwhelmed at how everyone jumped in, took charge and made this happen almost effortlessly. Everything came together perfectly."

This year's tournament may prove to be a larger and more elaborate tournament. Expectations are as high as over 125 teams! Brown is looking to have more experienced referees and monitors working games for younger teams. He also wants volunteer committees to take charge more than last year.

Support your community and make donations and/or volunteer for this great event!

WEB SITE: http://www.bfswish.com/

CONTACT INFORMATION: For additional info, to donate and/or to volunteer contact Brett Brown at: PH: 208-946-8650 or via email: fish3286@live.com - Bonners Ferry Swish, PO Box X, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805 -

EVENT BROCHURE: http://www.bfswish.com/documents/2009SwishEntryFrom.PDF

Please contact me with any of your Real Estate / Relocation / New Construction and/or Referral needs:

Pam Jank, Realtor, GRI, CRS, ABR, RRS, PPS
Previews Property Specialist
Your North Idaho Real Estate Pro

FREE MLS Listings Search at:
Web: Coeur d'Alene Idaho Homes for Sale
email to:pamjank@hotmail.com
Phone: 208-661-2282
Fax: 208-446-0660 Toll Free: 800-829-2555 EXT.1275
COLDWELL BANKER SCHNEIDMILLER REALTY
1924 Northwest Blvd
Coeur d'Alene, ID 838314

Attention All Dogs and their Humans!

6TH ANNUAL CANINE CAPER 5K Run/Walk for Dogs & Humans

WHEN: Saturday, May 9, 2009

TIME: 10:00 am

WHERE:BOUNDARY COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS - Bonners Ferry, Idaho

All Proceeds Go To Support Second Chance Animal Adoption www.secondchanceanimaladoption.com

GENERAL INFORMATION

Course

From the Fairgrounds along the scenic Kootenai River. It is a 5K(3.1 mile) walk or run with your dog.

Check In

8:45 am to 9:45 am

Aid Station

Water for dogs and humans will be available along the course.

Canine Contest

A prize will be presented to the first canine finisher in the adult and teen category. Additional awards will be given for the prettiest female, most handsome male, smallest, largest, best dressed, most talent-ed, most physically fit dog, the dog who most resembles its owner, and Best in Caper.

Activities

There will be dog exhibitions, vendors, music, dog paw painting, dog photos, food, drinks, & an MC to make this a very festive event. You can even pay to throw your friend in jail!

Second Chance Animal Adoption, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Mission Statement

"We strive to act as faithful stewards for all abandoned, lost, homeless, and abused animals entrusted to our care in Boundary County, with the ultimate goal of finding lifelong, loving homes for every one".

For additional information or entry forms, go to www.secondchanceanimaladoption.com or e-mail caabonnersferry@aol.com or call 208-267-7504

COST

REGISTRATION

Please make checks payable to SCAA.

Name___________________________________________

Additional Family Members_______________________

________________________________________________

Address_________________________________________

________________________________________________

City State Zip

Phone Number__________________________________

E-mail__________________________________________

Come join us for a day of fun, food, exercise, sharing, games, music, and events. Enjoy Border Bob's Famous BBQ Sandwiches

WAIVER & RELEASE OF LIABILITY

In consideration of my participation in the Sixth Annual Canine Caper, on May 9, 2009, I release and orever discharge the officers, directors, participants and assigns from any & all claims, demands, causes of actions, suits, damages, costs and expenses for any and all personal injuries, loss of work time, pain and suffering or property damage arising out of or occurring in connection with my participation in this event administered by Second Chance Animal Adoption. I recognize and acknowledge that my participation in this event and that of my dog is solely at our own risk. I acknowledge that my participation in this event may expose me to risk of injury or possibly demise. I further understand that this Waiver and Release is absolute as to all claims, demands, causes or actions, suits, damages, costs and expenses which could occur while I am participating in this event except those claims or demands arising out of gross negligence of the sponsoring organization.

Signature________________________________________

Parent/Guardian (if under 18)_____________________

Date____________________________________________

'Saving one pet won't change the world...but surely the world will change for that one pet".

Rhonda Hamerslough
Executive Director, Second Chance Animal Adoption
PO Box 1925
Bonners Ferry ID, 83805
208~946~9076 ~ work cell
208-267-2815 ~ thrift store
Secondchanceanimaladoption.com
scaabonnersferry@aol.com

Please contact me with any of your Real Estate / Relocation / New Construction and/or Referral needs:

Pam Jank, Realtor, GRI, CRS, ABR, RRS, PPS
Previews Property Specialist
Your North Idaho Real Estate Pro

FREE MLS Listings Search at:
Web: Coeur d'Alene Idaho Homes for Sale
email to:pamjank@hotmail.com
Phone: 208-661-2282
Fax: 208-446-0660 Toll Free: 800-829-2555 EXT.1275
COLDWELL BANKER SCHNEIDMILLER REALTY
1924 Northwest Blvd
Coeur d'Alene, ID 838314