Almost Paradise

Ted faces some difficult decisions this weekend, as Bonners Ferry will have three holiday and craft shows to choose from. Should he go to one, two, or all three? Joy says, ALL THREE!

While his credit card says, "Oh no!" His tummy says, "Yippee!" These shows offer more than crafts and gifts; they also offer lots of pies, cakes, cinnamon rolls, donuts, and other goodies too numerous to list.

Plus, the first snowfall of the year has blanketed the area. Yes, it is beginning to look (and feel) a lot like Christmas.

But Joy reminds us the real point of these shows is seeing and talking to old friends and making new ones.

Ted agrees. But he reminds us that there is also nothing wrong with having a good piece of pie simultaneously.

Ted is humbled by two guests who serve their community and care about people. Local pastor Len Pine who is also the president of the Boundary County Caplin Corps and Tom Chaney, retired air force senior airman and wild land fire captain for the local Paradise Valley Fire Department join Ted. They discuss how their separate paths in life brought them together to this community. They also share some of their adventures and misadventures while responding to various calls. They were both involved in the recent Veteran's Day celebration and participate in other veteran related observances during the year. They are busy men who take time to help and serve others in need.

Ted apologizes for being a loose nut behind the microphone. But he is learning. He is also excited about many things this week. Ted explains how Kansas led us from Armistice Day to today's Veteran's Day. Ted also reminds us there are always two sides to every story. He encourages us to check out the upcoming movie, Wicked, to learn the witch's side of the story. What was going on in the land of Oz...before Dorothy? The election made Ted happy and gave him hope. Is Trump's election a blessing for our country? Is Trump, really such an evil dude? What might God be saying to us? Meanwhile, Joy admits Ted was right...3 times in one day!! And a woman tells Ted that Terry is a rather good-looking guy. NO WAY!

You may be surprised to learn that North Idaho is very politically conservative. With this in mind, Ted invites a special guest onto the show to talk about political issues as it's time to vote in America, and North Idaho! Unlike Ted, Elena Quinn, President of the Panhandle Republican Women, brings an informed and involved perspective to the conversation. While local candidates are touched on, Elena's main focus in this election is the issue of Closed Primaries and Ranked Choice Voting. It is on the ballot here in Idaho and could be coming to your state in the near future. Elena and Ted talk about why it is a bad idea. Is it a bait and switch scheme aimed at advancing the liberal, far left agenda? We think so! It is on Idaho's state wide ballot under the name, Proposition One.

Also discussed is the local school district bond and supplemental levy items on the ballot in Bonners Ferry. The hotly debated question in our area is whether we build a new grade school. It is expensive and many live on tight budgets in this county. And many also question the need for a new school.

Ted closes the conversation with a a biblical perspective on our role as citizens in relation to government. And how this is reflected in our Declaration of Independence.

Bottom line: Vote, but be peaceful in accepting the results of this contentious national election.

When you meet ilona, you probably won't forget her. One minute she is zipping her car, that is covered with over 2000 stickers, around Bonners Ferry. The next she is updating her sign of positive and humous messages by the highway. Or maybe she is teaching and sharing her creative art style to willing students. And, if you are lucky, you might find her at the local cafe smiling and serving coffee and the day's special. Her bright red hair makes it almost impossible to miss her. Ted sits down with ilona during this podcast as shares her upbeat philosophy on life. And even though you can't see her, her smile shines through the microphone. Enjoy!

Ted reveals he is a cancer survivor. A few years ago Ted got the bad news that he had prostate cancer. He and his wife Joy talk about his battle with cancer. While it wasn't fun, it wasn't nearly as bad as some people endure. But a few bad choices in the early going could have spelled doom. Ted's advice is to listen to your body, consult a doctor before doing something rash, eat right, exercise, do research, know your choices, and listen to God. Ted thinks it is odd how God's voice sounds a lot like Joy's.

Ted struggles with a chest cold to get this podcast to you. But it wasn't easy. Between coughing, cracking voice, and gulps of water he pushes through, just for his faithful listeners...all 5 of you! And what does he talk about? The End Times, as discussed in the Bible. Ted risks it all as he ventures onto thin ice to discuss this controversial subject. Ted tries to zoom out and take a wide view of the subject that has fascinated him since his teenage years, while admitting there are many views and interpretations. Once again, Ted proves he knows just enough to be dangerous. And why does Ted risk alienating his audience now? Because tomorrow is promised to no one. The clock is ticking. Signs are appearing. Could Jesus be returning tomorrow, next week, next year, or in a hundred years? No one knows for sure. Best to be prepared and ready.

Ted then tries to lighten the subject by talking sports. Is tennis the healthiest sport in the world? Ted thinks so, even though his knees talk to him a lot. And it was a great Monday night of Kansas City football and baseball. Both the Chiefs and Royals playing at the same time, and winning! Ted was so happy he goes and celebrates at...the hardware store! REALLY?

Poor Joy...

Ted is joined by his new producer and guardian!

Power grid goes down with major storm and Ted lives in the dark.

North Idaho, and Ted, gets caught unprepared, but recovers quickly.

Ted dodges falling trees, snapping powerlines, empty grocery stores, dead gas pumps, but still can't find any coffee.

Chainsaws go to work and clears the damage.

Ted doesn't trust the government, so he decides to prepare for the next punch from mother nature, and maybe a man-make disaster.

How does Ted prepare for the future...and beyond?

Ted ponders today, shoot or spray? That is the question!

Someone calls Ted 'The Voice Of Bonners Ferry'. Now that is scary!

Ted has major decisions to make about the upcoming November election.

Is it bad that Idaho is considered the most boring state in America?

Ted learns it is Trump's own fault that he keeps getting shot at.

Why is Ted worried about the ticking sound coming from his cell phone?

Tarps are flapping in the wind.

Buying the hype is making Ted sad.

Terry plays pickleball.

Do bears hibernate?

Ted contemplates the dangers of looking back. Pass the salt, please.

Ted and Mark rehash old times from their previous podcast, Mark & Ted's Idaho Adventure...still available on Spotify!

Mark is entertained with a kazoo salute!

Ted confesses forgetting his anniversary, but being saved by his sister-in-law!

Was Ted fired? Mark says no, and shares why his busy schedule led to the end of Mark & Ted's Idaho Adventure.

Seatbelts can make or break a trip on an airplane.

Mark discusses his recent trip to his former home in California and why he is so happy to be back in North Idaho.

The weather is turning and Ted isn't sure he is ready.

Ted pulls out his xylophone and Mark is impressed!