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A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....09-29-04....Idaho ~ "The Gem State"
Mama_Bear

Posted on 09/29/2004 12:05:24 AM PDT by Mama_Bear



A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day
Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997. Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.
A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay or a profile of another FReeper.
On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY
If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.
We're having fun and hope you are!

~ Billie, Mama_Bear, dutchess, Aquamarine ~






We're
"On the Road Again"...

Please join "A Few of FR's Finest" as we make a cyber-visit to another state in this great Union of ours.

Over the past year each "Finest" hostess has profiled her home state for the Finest Thread. The remaining states are being presented, about one a month, in random order. We hope you are enjoying these visits to our beautiful United States. Please FReepMail me if you would like to participate in spotlighting your Fine state. I would appreciate your ideas and suggestions on what you would like to see highlighted.

These are the states
we have presented to date:

05-23-03 Alabama
06-27-03 Maryland
07-11-03 Vermont
07-25-03 Utah
08-05-03 Texas
08-22-03 Nevada
08-26-03 Wash DC
09-05-03 Tennessee
09-17-03 Florida
09-19-03 Minnesota
10-03-03 New Mexico

10-14-03 Georgia

10-17-03 Louisiana
10-22-03 Michigan
11-04-03 South Dakota
11-14-03 California
01-09-04 South Carolina
02-06-04 West Virginia
02-20-04 Oregon
03-09-04 Pennsylvania
03-30-04 Wyoming
04-13-04 Mississippi
04-27-04 Missouri
05-25-04 Indiana
07-21-04 Virginia
08-18-04 Colorado


Today's featured state is beautiful Idaho!

116 proud FReepers
fly this state's flag on their profile page.








THE "GEM OF THE MOUNTAINS",
the state whose name means....
.....absolutely nothing.

The name "Idaho" was used for a steamship which traveled the Columbia River, but "Idaho" is a coined or invented word. It is not a derivation of an Indian phrase "E Dah Hoe (How)" supposedly meaning "gem of the mountains." However "The Gem State" and "The Gem of the Mountains" remains Idaho's nickname.

And a "Gem" this state is, from the desolate moonscape of the "Craters of the Moon" National Monument, a volcanic landscape where nearly a quarter-million visitors come each year to explore the caves and craters, to Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America.

Idaho's History in Brief....



The area that is now Idaho was settled more than 12,000 years ago by Native Americans. Later tribes included the Shoshone, Nez Perce (Sahaptin), Bannock, Kootenai, Coeur d'Alene and others. Lewis and Clark encountered the Nez Perce along the Snake, Salmon and Clearwater Rivers when they explored the area in 1805. After Lewis and Clark, fur traders entered the area. Missionaries, gold prospectors and Mormon settlers followed. The Idaho Territory was officially formed in 1863. It would be almost 30 years -- well after the arrival of the railroads and the end of Native American resistance -- before Idaho won its statehood in 1890.

Range wars and violent labor disputes in the mines kept Idaho in a state of social upheaval until the early 1900s. But the rapid growth of farming and forestry soon helped to stabilize Idaho both socially and economically. In recent years, it has attracted many high-tech businesses and serves as the headquarters for many corporations. Agriculture and timber remain important to the state, as do manufacturing, mining and tourism.

Boise, in the southwestern Idaho area known as the Treasure Valley, became the territorial capital in 1865 and the state capital when Idaho was admitted to statehood in 1890.


Click HERE for more detailed
information on the history of Idaho.




...any time of year!



"Fields and forests glisten in shades of amber, and ocher. Yellow-needled tamarack punctuate deep evergreen thickets with dazzling color. Morning mountain air grows heavy with the scent of wood smoke and fallen leaves. At night, starshine dazzles the eye and sparks the imagination. Autumn is the perfect time to fall in love with one of America’s best-kept secrets".....IDAHO! - By Amanda Bjerke for Skywest Magazine.



Winter sizzles in Idaho! Get outside under her sunny blue skies. If gravity moves you, try Idaho's feather-light powder and short lift lines. With over 16,000 acres in 16 downhill areas, there's something for every taste and ability. 46 Nordic ski areas offer lots of room to glide, and Idaho's more than 7,200 miles of groomed snowmobile trails will get your motor running. Take in a festival or winter carnival, try ice skating, or go tubing with the kids. Your adventure is waiting!



Spring in Idaho is spectacular! The backcountry comes alive with flowers and wildlife. The warm pine scented mountain breezes, blue sky, crystal clear streams and blue green forests are a sure way to melt the stress of everyday life away. Hike or ride into the back country. Fish for wild trout in a pristine mountain stream or lake or explore old gold mining areas. Bring your camera and photograph the incredible wildlife; Deer, Elk, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, Moose and if you're lucky maybe a Wolf!



Idaho summers are a frenzy of outdoor activity. So many rivers offer a fast ride. So many trails beg to be explored. So many golf courses, so many restaurants with fresh-air dining, so many campgrounds and alpine lakes. Summer shimmers in Idaho!




Famous Idahoans


Joe Albertson grocery chain founder
T. H. Bell educator
Gutzon Borglum Mt. Rushmore sculptor, Bear Lake
Carol R. Brink author
Frank F. Church senator
Fred Dubois senator
Vardis Fisher author, Annis
Harmon Killebrew baseball player, Payette
Ezra Pound poet, Hailey
J. R. Simplot industrialist
Robert E. Smylie political leader
Henry Spalding missionary, Lapwai Valley
Frank Steunenberg governor
Picabo Street skier, Triumph
Lana Turner actress, Wallace








And, last but not least,
Idaho's pride and joy and America's favorite vegetable,
the potato.




Idaho's unique environment provides nearly perfect growing conditions for potatoes. The soil, water, clean air and climate in Idaho contribute to those consistently high-quality potatoes that have made Idaho famous for so many years. Idaho's rich volcanic soil is ideally suited for potatoes. Warm, sunny days, cool nights and water from melting snow in nearby mountains make the perfect combination for growing the world's best potatoes.


Did you know...?


A Presbyterian missionary named Henry H. Spalding established a mission near Lapwai in 1836, where he printed the Northwest's first book, established Idaho's first school, developed Idaho's first irrigation system, and grew the state's first potatoes.

The average US person eats 142.7 pounds of potatoes each year.

Idaho produces 30% of the total American output, and enough to give 3 lb of spuds to every human being on the planet.




We cannot leave Idaho without at least one Idaho potato recipe. Just in time for Halloween.....

Mummified Mashed Idaho Potatoes

This recipe, courtesy of the Idaho Potato Commission, is too cute for words! Your favorite mashed potatoes can be used here instead of instant - leftover ones work expecially well.

4 cups Instant Mashed Idaho Potatoes
Corn husk (fresh or packaged)*
Assorted vegetables

Recommended vegetables:
- Peas and carrots for eyes
- Herbs for eyelashes
- Black olive slices for eyebrows
- Corn kernels for ears
- Sliced radishes and olive halves for shoes

Additional suggestions:
- Red, yellow, green bell pepper slices
- Sugar snap peas
- cucumbers
- Green beans
- Zucchini
- Eggplant

Directions:

After preparing instant mashed potatoes according to box directions, let potatoes cool to touch.
Place opened cornhusk on plate and put on large dollop (approximately 3/4 cup) of potatoes in center of husk. Gently mold potatoes into the oblong shape of a mummy.
Select vegetables to create mummy features and choose approximate location where to place. Carefully press the vegetables into potatoes.


*Note: Corn husks are used to enhance the visual appearance (they are not edible). Mummified Mashed Idaho Potatoes can be prepared without corn husks.

Makes 4 servings.



Thank you to the following websites
for providing information and graphics.
Winter in Idaho
Idaho Potatoes
Perfect Entertaining
Spring in Idaho








The History and Origin of the Appaloosa


Have a Wonderful Wednesday!


THIS WEEK'S THREADS

09-27-04 Military Monday
09-28-04 Hall of Fame #9
Opinions by our own 'King of Ping'
The guy's good, folks!
Thanks, Mixer!

1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar.
2) Once there you can click on any month and even click to the right to go into next year. Once you are in the month that you joined FR you will need to click on the number in the calendar and then an add item screen will come up.
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TOPICS: Culture/Society; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events; Political Humor/Cartoons; US: Idaho
KEYWORDS: boise; finest; freepers; friends; fun; gem; idaho; spotlight; state; surprises
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To: GailA
Looks to be a beautiful day on the left coast as well. The days are getting noticeably shorter and there is a bit of a nip in the air in the morning.

Happy Wednesday, Gail!

21 posted on 09/29/2004 8:34:57 AM PDT by Mama_Bear (AKA: Mrs. Jkphoto)
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To: The Mayor

That is a great mug! But, I read further down the thread where it is only a cyber-mug. I would sure love to have one of those!


22 posted on 09/29/2004 8:37:25 AM PDT by Mama_Bear (AKA: Mrs. Jkphoto)
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To: DollyCali
Thank you for great read & the coffee you two!

You're welcome, and good morning to you, Dolly!

I have heard that Idaho & MOntana are gorgeous treasures that the locals want to keep hush , hush.

I think that is true, but many disgruntled Californians are moving to Idaho, so the word is getting out. ;-)

will be forwarding to a friend of mine in Montana..

Thanks. Montana is on my list of states to present eventually.

23 posted on 09/29/2004 8:41:52 AM PDT by Mama_Bear (AKA: Mrs. Jkphoto)
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To: tame
i'm thinking of moving to idaho someday.

I know. That's why I took the liberty of adding you to the Finest ping list. :-)

I think, as beautiful as Idaho is, I would miss the ocean....even though I haven't been to the coast in ages, at least I know it is only a short drive away. Also don't think these old bones could handle the winters there. For younger and tougher people like you, Idaho would be a great place to live.

24 posted on 09/29/2004 8:51:11 AM PDT by Mama_Bear (AKA: Mrs. Jkphoto)
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To: Mama_Bear
don't think these old bones could handle the winters there.

old? you're not old. 38 is not old, young lady :o)

For younger and tougher people like you, Idaho would be a great place to live.

Hope i'm young enough and tough enough for joining you know what (remember my freepmail to you).

25 posted on 09/29/2004 8:59:59 AM PDT by tame (Are you willing to do for the truth what leftist are willing to do for a lie?)
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To: Mama_Bear

Thanks, (((Lori))))!


26 posted on 09/29/2004 9:07:59 AM PDT by Pippin ( Welcome to the family Jazmin!)
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To: ST.LOUIE1

((((LOUIE))))!


27 posted on 09/29/2004 9:09:30 AM PDT by Pippin ( Welcome to the family Jazmin!)
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To: tame
This Idaho thing is BEAUTIFUL, mama_bear!

Thank you!

i hate to admit it, but it's the first time i've read one of the state profiles.

Well then, when you get a few minutes, grab yourself a diet coke and check out the other states, starting with Alabama. I have found that every state has something special about it. There isn't one of them that I wouldn't want to visit.

This is, indeed, a beautiful country - from sea to shining sea!

28 posted on 09/29/2004 9:12:50 AM PDT by Mama_Bear (AKA: Mrs. Jkphoto)
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To: ST.LOUIE1
WOW! A wonderful post, fuzzy. : ) I didn't know Idaho had so many good things going for it.

Thank you, dear wolfie.

Morning SMOOOOOCH! (((((((((((Mama_Bear)))))))))))))

And backatcha.....Hope you have a wonderful day! Your thoughtful compliments never fail to make my day just a little brighter. :-)


29 posted on 09/29/2004 9:19:13 AM PDT by Mama_Bear
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To: Mama_Bear
Well then, when you get a few minutes, grab yourself a diet coke and check out the other states, starting with Alabama.

i sure will. if i don't have diet coke, then i'll sip on some perfume...you know, vanilla flavored diet pepsi, lol :o)

you know, ever since you told me that vanilla diet pepsi tastes like perfume, i keep thinking i'm drinking perfume, and it begins to taste like it, lol! see what you've done? the power of suggestion :o)

30 posted on 09/29/2004 9:22:57 AM PDT by tame (Are you willing to do for the truth what leftist are willing to do for a lie?)
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To: dutchess
Absolutely beautiful Lori. Another state I have not visited...and another one I want to go to because of your cybertour!

Thank you, sistah. :-)

Mr. D. rues the day you started these :o)

LOL!!

Have a wonderful day dear sistah. Off to work!

Have a good one, dutchess, and thanks for the sunshine you bring each day to this Finest place.

31 posted on 09/29/2004 9:24:54 AM PDT by Mama_Bear
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To: tame
old? you're not old. 38 is not old, young lady :o)

LOL!!! Well, thank you.....however, that being the case, it seems this 38 year old isn't holding up real well. ;-)

Hope i'm young enough and tough enough for joining you know what (remember my freepmail to you).

I do too. I am keeping my fingers crossed for you. Also saw your ping to Old Sarge's thread. Maybe he is just the person you need to talk to. :-)

32 posted on 09/29/2004 9:31:10 AM PDT by Mama_Bear
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To: Mama_Bear
Mornin' MB.
Great presentation of Beautiful Idaho.
I was born and raised across the border of the Idaho Panhandle, and we lived on a farm outside Post Falls for two years when I was in grade school.
Beautiful country up there in the Panhandle.

Coeur d'Alene Lake

33 posted on 09/29/2004 9:32:17 AM PDT by Diver Dave (Stay Prayed Up)
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To: tame
you know, ever since you told me that vanilla diet pepsi tastes like perfume, i keep thinking i'm drinking perfume, and it begins to taste like it, lol! see what you've done? the power of suggestion :o)

ROTFLOL! Well, when I am right, I'm right. It's awful. Why would anyone drink that when diet pepsi twist is SO much better?

34 posted on 09/29/2004 9:33:44 AM PDT by Mama_Bear
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To: Diver Dave
Good morning, Dave.

Idaho is one of the states I've not visited, but I had an aunt who lived in Sandpoint for many years and just raved about how wonderful Idaho was.

Coeur d'Alene....

I just love that name (even though it is French, LOL)...it just has such a pretty sound to it.

I went to Google to find out what it meant. This is what I found........

This area was named after French traders tried to bribe the local Indians with trinkets in exchange for valuable pelts. The Indians were not to be fooled and refused to trade. The trappers thought they were "hard-hearted" and in their language, sharp as an awl. Translated, Coeur D'Alene means "heart of the awl." The area is rich in history. A special tour may be taken in a horse-drawn carriage or on a double-decker bus to see a wide area of the historical landmarks.

35 posted on 09/29/2004 9:41:42 AM PDT by Mama_Bear
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To: Mama_Bear

Morning (I think).

I do so pledge.

I'm ready to go to Idaho and get some twice baked 'taters!


36 posted on 09/29/2004 9:43:06 AM PDT by dixie sass (Texas - South Carolina on Steroids)
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To: Pippin

Never have gotten use to potatoes for breakfast! Gotta have those grits!


37 posted on 09/29/2004 9:47:41 AM PDT by dixie sass (Texas - South Carolina on Steroids)
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To: Aeronaut

Morning Aeronaut!


38 posted on 09/29/2004 9:48:52 AM PDT by dixie sass (Texas - South Carolina on Steroids)
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To: GailA

Hi Gail!


39 posted on 09/29/2004 9:49:32 AM PDT by dixie sass (Texas - South Carolina on Steroids)
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To: The Mayor

Sent a link to someone that might be able to do that. Seeking the Truth at Ocents.


40 posted on 09/29/2004 10:00:44 AM PDT by dixie sass (Texas - South Carolina on Steroids)
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