I moved to Boise because of the grandkids — and now they are back in Montana. Oh, the irony of it all.

It wasn’t a wrong decision to move here — it was the right decision given the information we all had at the time. I try hard not to waste precious time on regrets.

There is lots to love about Boise. The parks, the Heintzbergers, the dog community, the weather (except summer), Trader Joe’s. My yard is amazingly perfect. The specialty veterinary care here is excellent.

Starry G and Capella supervising yardwork

My dad once told me that he admired my ability to love every place I lived — California, Oregon, Wisconsin, Utah, Montana and now Boise. This is one advantage of being an optimist — seeing the good.

But I don’t think Boise is my place — it is just my for now place.

A place to finish my manuscript, enjoy a productive Sabbatical (the 2026 - 2027 academic year), hopefully raise Capella’s second and last litter — and decide about the Next Right Thing.

And grow roses in my memorial rose garden — this rose, from Heirloom Roses in Oregon, is named Claire Austen.