September 2007

“You got the sniff, snot, snort, snuff, hack, spits, sputter, sneeze, toot, wheeze, blow, bark and sputter? Have you got the aches, pains, strains, toots, squats or squints?” The list of symptoms rolls off Dr. Don Pates’ tongue faster than this 83-year-old can fly down a ski hill – which is remarkably fast. In the [...]

An independent record label based in southern Idaho “makes great music known to the people.” Far from the narcissistic bustle of Big City, USA, southern Idaho is grounded in an idealistic ruralism. Hard work, integrity and quality of life are above competitiveness as neighbors help one another realize their dreams. Such small-town values are what [...]

While most people look at the world, Joyce DeFord sees it. What may seem like a heap of rusted farm equipment, DeFord begins to dissect, seeing a beautiful tapestry of shapes, patterns and colors. “Everything has a moment of beauty,” she says. “All we have to do is look for the moment of beauty.” DeFord, [...]

White Tiger Martial Arts is the only Idaho martial arts school teaching Doce Pares, a Filipino martial art that emphasizes stick and sword fighting. Brian Jensen established White Tiger in Rupert in 2003. Jensen has been a martial arts enthusiast since he took his first class at age 18. He has filled the past 15 [...]

From immigrant to Vietnam War veteran to cowboy to acclaimed metal worker, Hill City resident Christopher Kubs’ story would make a great book. With a college degree in English, he could author it, too. The first time Christopher Kubs saw the West, it was from the window of the airplane carrying him to his service [...]

It wouldn’t be accurate to say Bruneau Dunes State Park is literally out of this world, but you can get there from here. The park is tucked into a remote corner of Owyhee County about 20 miles southwest of I-84, and 90 minutes from the Magic Valley. In addition to the customary state park fare [...]

A few years ago, Rex and Francis Hoover were on vacation when they drove through southern Idaho. The Tennessee couple stopped for coffee, visited a few sights, and immediately fell in love with the area. Two years later, the Hoovers moved to Twin Falls. “The people are nice here and there are a lot of [...]

Halloween night. You know the scene:  Just before heading out with the kids for the annual candy collect-a-thon, you grab an old crinkled grocery bag – or better yet, a stray pillowcase. Well, this Halloween I’m boycotting grocery bags and pillowcases, and you can too! After this project, your little ones will be toting the [...]

The crisp air of fall is already upon us. Could there be a better time of year to cook? Harvest brings the smell of freshly tilled soil – and for the people of southern Idaho, you know that dirt smells good. The gardens, fields and fruit trees are bursting at the seams with food. Of [...]

Autumn is the most spiritual time of year as the earth is caught between the life of summer’s past and the winter’s rest ahead. Almost magically, the trees reach up and grab the sunset sky, steal the color and, for a while, heaven becomes part of our earth. Without these great conductors of magic, autumn [...]

When you were a kid did you ever play “I Spy”? Well, I’m a kid at heart and would like to play “I Spy” with you. I Spy something that makes up more than 75 percent of the body’s tissues and plays a role in nearly every body function – from regulating temperature and cushioning [...]

This is Elba valley and Elba canyon. Photo was taken near the top of Mt. Harrison. It’s only about a 20 minute drive from Albion.

Autumn is my favorite time of year. As I loaded up my truck for an early morning photo shoot the other day, the brisk air brought back so many great fall memories. Turning the calendar page to these months has special significance for many in southern Idaho. For some, autumn means harvest. For others, it [...]