A Lockdown Virtual Journey (North America) Day 13
Day Thirteen
The sun was rising above the distant mountains and shimmering across the lake. It heralded another fine day that the Lord had made. This day was Sunday and we were to have breakfast as friends and then visit a nearby church. There we would worship Jesus with other believers we had yet to meet but with whom we would spend eternity.
First though a cup of tea for Chris. The tea was made and Chris joined me on our balcony to enjoy the view and chat about our hopes for the day. Chris said she would like after church to just wander and relax, maybe a picnic in the park or on the lake shore. Sounded good to me. But first breakfast.
After texting Pete and Chris S we agreed to meet at eight in the foyer and make our way into breakfast. After the usual ‘Hi, how did you sleeps’ we set about the important decision of where we should eat. We settled on the dockside restaurant which seemed to have a good choice of food.
We were met, greeted and seated – the view across the lake was stunning. Menus were delivered and coffee and orange juice for us men and tea for the ladies were ordered. Decisions were made and a few of us had what might be termed healthy options but the majority went for full on cooked breakfast. The two healthy were ‘Avocado toast’ a meal that seemed to have some of everything piled on it. The rest of us asked for bacon, sausage and eggs. Wholemeal toast butter and marmalade please.
A lovely breakfast made all the better for the company and the view. We talked of going to church followed by the statement ‘we am the church’. Pete and Chris S had been on line and thought ‘Prairie Avenue Community Church’ might be what we were looking for. We would have to get a move on as the service starts at ten. After paying for the meal we headed for the cars. Chris S asked if he could drive the charger. I agreed but for some reason or other felt a little anxious. A ridiculous feeling as Chris S isthe only professional driver amongst us. The satnavs were set and off we went arriving fifteen minutes later and just in time for the start of the service.
We were greeted and welcomed then shown to our seats. After a few words of welcome by a lady at the front the band started. The music was loud and was matched by the singing. It seemed to me to be an extended time of sung worship. There were songs we knew and several we didn’t. The talk that followed was lively and quite challenging. Certainly, I thought it would give us something to discuss over lunch. After refreshments and a lot of conversations we all regathered at the cars. We decided to find a ‘Subway’ and each get what we fancied. Pete reminded us that the bread wasn’t really bread but some sort of cake according to some court judgement in Ireland. Into the cars and two minutes later we were out of them again and each ordering our subs.
After about fifteen minutes drive we arrived at Blackwell Island Recreation area. Fortunately the weather was dry and so was the ground. Now for most of us the getting down was a lot easier than the getting up would be.
The conversation around what we had heard and also the music was as lively as the service had been. Soon after eating I noticed Chris S had laid back and was just enjoying the sunshine, I thought I would do the same and it wasn’t long before I started to doze. I think it nice to doze in the fresh air with the sounds of birds and a gentle breeze. I woke up not long after falling asleep feeling as stiff as a board and having a real struggle on my hands to stand up. I felt better when I realised Chris S was having to endure a similar struggle.
Apparently a decision had been made that we were all going shopping. Chris S and I looked at Pete who shrugged and turned away. ‘What are we shopping for?’ Chris S asked. Jean informed him that they would know when they saw it. ‘OK, where are we shopping?’ ‘Spokane Valley Mall.’ said with a finality that closed all further conversation on the subject.
Chris S drove the charger again, my Chris and I were in the back and Jean in the front. I felt quite regal being driven around but still a little anxious. We drove along the I90 and in less than thirty minutes were at the Mall.
The Mall has large building with lots of stores. Another block houses more shops and from what I could see there were other stores, cafes or restaurants around the fringe of the site. We pulled in and parked outside T J Maxx it looked just like T K Max but then again American spelling is known in some instances to be different to ours.
The ladies headed into the T J shop. Pete Chris S and I went in the next one along. Dick’s sporting goods. It seemed to sell a lot of sports equipment and I enjoyed browsing around the golf stuff. I was both impressed and saddened by the number and variety of guns on sale. There looked to be enough weapons (not just knives) to fight a small war.
We soon decided that there wasn’t anything we actually needed, never mind wanted, so made our way outside and prepared to wait for the ladies. I think we were all surprised when they almost immediately came out. The general consensus being ‘nothing there we needed.’ We wandered across to the main building and drifted around. Different stores and some different stuff but really it seemed to be like so many other Malls. We found a Cinnabon grabbed a cake and a drink. We chatted and decided that it was more interesting to walk around Coure D’Alene and discover shops than a Mall, any Mall.
Chris S again drove us, Pete and Jolander followed in the Ford. The traffic for whatever reason seemed heavy and it took about forty minutes to get back to the hotel and park up. We decided that each couple would go their own way and we would meet up for Dinner at seven thirty. Chris S and Jean to choose the venue.
Chris and I wandered off to the lake and found a bar. We enjoyed a good chat and few beers. We enjoyed the views and watched as the sun started to go down. Sunset was still a couple of hours away. We made our way back to our room. I showered and got ready for dinner. Chris asked where we were eating – I didn’t know but was looking forward to finding out. What sort of food does Chris like my Chris asked. ‘All sorts and I don’t mean liquorish ones!’ He does eat then as well.
Refreshed and a little peckish, we made our way down to the foyer. Pete and Jolander were already there and Chris S and Jean joined us not long after. I asked Chris S where we were to eat – ‘It’s a surprise – follow me!’ Jean rolled her eyes.
We strolled out of the hotel and made a right turning left onto fourth street. Chris S was stepping it out. The rest of us followed wondering what we were going to eat. I think it was probably after about fifteen minutes when Chris S stopped.
Unfortunately the rest of us had been giggling at a sign for a Tattoo museum stating about cheating death. It was right next to an holistic health centre and a church! Soon after we passed the funeral home – presumably some folk hadn’t cheated. We soon managed to catch up with Chris S. He pointed to a sign that stated it was ‘Angelo’s Ristorante’.
We trooped in and were shown to our table. The place was well furnished, a little dark but with more than enough light to eat by. The menus were brought, water was poured and Chris noticed that there was a wine named ‘Brunello di Montalcino, La Poderina’. The wine is from Tuscany it was expensive but if you can afford it so so tasty. A few of us had starters and some just helped themselves to bread oil and olives. We were advised that the rib eye was a house speciality and was ordered by most. I fancied a pasta dish titled Spaghetti Vongole. It was put together using Fresh Clams, Garlic, and Herbs in a White Wine Cream. I could have had a red sauce but I am pleased I made this choice. It was delicious. I know some foodie purists might have wanted a white wine but the Brunello was just right.
The conversation became more mellow as the relaxed pace of dining and the effects of the bottles of wine took hold. The world seems to be a much better place when there is great food, drink and good company. Like all things the meal wound to an end. Chris S took responsibility for the bill – no tip as a service charge had been included.
The walk back was equally pleasant. The evening was warm with a gentle breeze. The conversation was positive and each of us seemed to be encouraging to each other. We all seemed to not want the evening to end and without anyone suggesting it we ended up at the resort bar. Drinks ordered and brought to where we were sat on the terrace. Conversations about how Jesus is present right through the Bible. About how He loves us – not just in the present really good times but also in those bleak and black days that each of us have had to endure. I became aware That tables around us had gone quiet and seemed to be listening to us gossiping the gospel. I find that this happens a lot.
Eventually, and without anyone saying so, we all stood, had a group hug and then departed for our rooms. A drive to Seattle for us guys and a flight to the same place for the girls.
https://pacc-id.net Chruch near Cour D’Alene
https://www.blm.gov/visit/blackwell-island Picnic and recreation area.
https://www.spokanevalleymall.com Shopping centre near Coure D’Alene
https://www.angelosristorante.net looks a lovely place to eat.