Both time and memories march on

I am so sad to find out that the Golden Dragon Cantonese Restaurant in Ponderay has closed. It is just one more pleasure that my wife and I will miss. We usually split our lunch or dinner orders when we go out to eat. For less than $10, including tax, we received Wonton soup, three items (such as shrimp, sweet and sour pork and almond chicken) plus hot tea and egg rolls.  

This was the best deal in town! It cost more to split a burger, small fries and chocolate shake at Burger King.

Arriving in Sandpoint in 1991 from Steamboat Springs, Colo., property tax on my 40 acres 4 miles from town went from $100 per year to the thousands in only 10 years due to rich houses next to me. I purchased a home on Forest Avenue on four lots for $50,000 cash. Great gardens and a garage and shop were included. Two of the lots now have a two-story house shadowing the original house.

I also remember the free meals on Fridays at the Hydra and the great people I met. I still miss the great prime rib sandwiches on Mondays, made from Sunday leftovers, at The Garden Restaurant.

Time marches on … and so do the memories.

JAMES RICHARD JOHNSON

Clark Fork