A Great Year for Storms

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I LOVE thunderstorms!

The past couple of years were really disappointing for me. The few storms I remember passing through were too far in the distance to be very exciting and none were worthy of a midnight drive or even sleepless night of window gazing.

It felt like it had been forever since we had a truly inspiring thunderstorm.

Then it happened! The 'storm of the century' hit two Sundays ago, and wouldn't you know it? I was out of town!! ...and to add insult to injury, the next morning I was ruthlessly tormented on Facebook with story after amazing story and countless, unbelievable photographs.

I tried not to express my disappointment too aggressively, considering the fact that I was visiting my mom. I didn't want her to feel that I would rather have seen that storm than spend an extra night with her, because that's not true, but I'll tell you, I was really, REALLY bummed out!

It turns out that that storm was just the beginning of a long, awesome series of pretty decent storms, though, and last night I finally got to experience a window-gaze-worthy exhibition. 

Here's to more beautiful, summer thunderstorms! Bring 'em on! 

(Minus crop damage and wildland fires, of course!)

Curves Ahead

My family is originally from Vancouver, Washington. We moved to Yakima when I was seven years old, but I remember that for a few years we would take trips back to Vancouver almost every weekend. (My mom despised Yakima.) I got to know the Columbia River Gorge pretty well! 

I remember my mom telling me stories of the countless trips her family would take through the Columbia River Gorge, when she was growing up, to visit her grandmother in Toppenish. She said that she had driven the Washington-Side of the river so many times that she could practically navigate the curves with her eyes closed.

I thought about that, often, as Adam and I learned how to maneuver through the Pine Canyon curves. Over the years, we've become so accustomed to that road that I can completely understand what my mom meant.

It really hit home this week once the big paving project was finished. Muscle memory really is an amazing thing! Our first trip down the newly-lined road felt just a little weird. We could tell that the radius of some of the curves had been changed ever-so-slightly and it took us a couple of trips to readjust. 

The new road surface is wonderful, though and I was impressed with how quickly they got the job done, even considering the days they couldn't work due to rain and/or excessive wind.

It's especially nice that that huge, badly-patched pit on the big curve at the top is gone. That was never very fun to encounter on a motorcycle.

Dueling Drivers

When you drive a significant distance to work every day you begin to recognize and distinguish people and cars around you.

"Oh man... We're behind the slow, stinky car again!"

"There she is passing in a no passing zone again."

"Dang, Adam! Did you have get in front of him again?!"  

I made that last statement this morning when a vehicle I remember all too well rumbled up behind us. Adam replied with a chuckle, "It's okay, I'm going the other way today because of the road work. He'll go through the canyon and will probably get stuck."

The last time we encountered this particular vehicle during our morning commute, Adam made the mistake of pulling quickly out of our driveway in front of it. He had assumed, based on experience with similar vehicles, that it was going to go really slow on the highway and that it would be better for us to hop in front rather than have to pass it later. Well, Adam was wrong and let me tell you, the other driver was intent on letting him know it. 

He immediately rev'd up to our bumper, as if to say "how dare you cut in front of me," and ended up riding it all the way into East Wenatchee where we were finally separated by the 19th street traffic light. Adam was not amused, to say the least, and I was a little freaked out. I couldn't help thinking about that 70s Spielberg movie, "Duel."

I hadn't realized, prior to becoming a commuter, just how competitive a daily drive can be.

Coors Light Annoyance

This year, I have developed an extreme distaste for Coors Light, but not for the reasons you may expect. Someone, apparently, has decided that my garden looks like a trash can. I found the first three or four cans after the snow melted this Spring. I was annoyed, obviously, but I assumed it must have been an isolated incident; a party in the alley or something like that. Since then, though, just about every week I find a fresh, mostly finished Coors Light can nestled between my sunflower sprouts. 

Finding peoples' wind-blown garbage in our yard is one thing, but the fact that this trash has been deliberately thrown over our fence makes me a little mad, especially considering the fact that there is a dumpster in the alley less than a block away!

I think a taller fence might be in order. Although, I'll admit, I have considered booby traps.

Remembering Memorial Day

"In the cemetery, when I read the headstones, I can see the face, and hear the voice, of every person I knew."  ~Robert Mathison, Memorial Day, 2012

Early last Saturday morning, Adam and I drove past the Waterville Cemetery and saw that the Memorial Day flags had already been set up. It made me think about all of the people who would be giving their time on Memorial Day weekend, instead of camping or otherwise recreating, making sure that not a single military grave was forgotten and helping visitors find their way to the friends and loved ones they were searching for.

Adam worked in the funeral business for approximately four years. I remember that, every Memorial Day weekend, we would have to wake up really early and head to the cemetery to place flags on the graves of those who had served in our nation's armed forces. It was a fairly large cemetery, so even with several people working it took quite a while. I'll admit, I grumbled and complained (just a little bit) about the fact that we didn't have the opportunity to get out of town and "vacation" like other people did on Memorial Day weekend. I understood, though, that it really was the least we could do and I knew that those who came to visit would be grateful for the time we had invested to honor their loved one(s). 

I am thankful for that experience. Prior to our years in the funeral business I never really acknowledged Memorial Day as being anything more than just a fun-filled, three-day weekend. Now, every year, I do take time to remember those who paid the ultimate price to establish and preserve our liberty.

The Colors of Spring

Adam and I were told, when we first moved to Waterville, that in the Spring, the water can sometimes be "colorful." We've experienced a few different water shades over the past 4 years, but last weekend was the first time our water actually ran brown. 

My mom was over for a visit and I had just poured her a nice, cold, clear glass of water from our Brita carafe in the refrigerator. I told her, as I turned on the tap to refill the carafe, that we had just changed the Brita filters and the water was really good! 

As I spoke, I glanced down and discovered, to my horror, that the water flowing from the tap was not just a little off-clear, but rather a nasty, deep brown which grossly contrasted with the bright, clean white of the Brita. 

My mom had a good laugh as the water that drizzled through the filter emerged only a slightly lighter, more coppery hue.

I shrugged and said, "Well, yours is good anyway."

We had clear water again within a few hours, but "EEW!" Even if the water is technically clean, there is no way I'll ever drink it when it looks like that!

New People, New Connections

Adam and I met some new neighbors last weekend. Well, "new-ish" neighbors, that is. We're a little slow on the uptake when it comes to meeting people. 

We didn't actually meet both of them together, either. The first came and introduced himself while Adam was spraying the lawn and I met the second a little later when I was seeding the lawn. Now each of us knows one of the other two. I'm really not sure why that's funny, but it makes me chuckle.

They are very nice people who, like Adam and me, moved to Waterville because it was more financially viable than other options and very quickly learned to love this little town. They also, like us, acquired a fixer-upper that needs an awful lot of work.

Another thing we have in common?

I've mentioned that I maintain a few websites here in Waterville. It turns out, they have one too! It is called Interactive Waterville and it was created for the purpose of connecting Waterville townsfolk online. The site includes posts about events, lists of businesses and churches and even has a classifieds section! (Unfortunately the classifieds page is malfunctioning but it should be up and running/ready to use very soon.)

If you haven't seen this great new website, check it out at: http://www.watervillewainfo.com/

Let the weed war commence!

My Pinterest toilet paper roll planters are working like a charm. My little pepper sprouts are growing steadily and I'm excited to get them in the ground. I won't have to wait too much longer if the weather remains as warm as it's been!

In the meantime, I've been exploring a few other ideas I gained from my Pinterest community.

Idea #1: Vinegar Weed Killer - Result: Fail - According to this "pin," spraying vinegar on weeds will kill them in a day or two.

For my first attempt, I diluted two parts vinegar with one part water and sprayed every weed in sight. The result was a slight browning of the edges of the weeds.

After a little more research I tried full-strength vinegar with a bit of soap to help it stick to the leaves. The result was the same. The weeds did not relent but I developed a craving for salt and vinegar potato chips.

Idea #2: Bleach Weed Killer - Result: Fail What can I say? Bleach doesn't kill weeds either.

I suspect that the pinners who initially posted these ideas must have really wimpy weeds. Clearly they're not the industrial strength, ten-foot root varieties that we are so blessed with.

Conclusion: I guess I'll just use Round-Up. It seems like it's the only thing that really works. I will, however, welcome any clever weed-busting ideas from the seasoned gardeners out there!

Spring Fever

As of last week, I officially have Spring Fever. What a gorgeous jumpstart into the season!

I took advantage of the beautiful weather and ran around Waterville Monday and Wednesday evening. It felt so great to soak up the sun and smell the spring smells. I was a little surprised that more people weren't out and about, but by the weekend, nature's memo must have gotten out because there were people all over town, walking, preparing gardens and chatting on front lawns.

Oh I love spring! ...almost as much as I love summer! Almost.

The only downfall of this particular season is that it's a little harder to motivate myself to go to work! The kids are feeling it too, for sure. It's amazing how dramatically their behavior changes when the weather starts warming up. They don't want to be inside any more than we do! I may have to arrange to do a rhythm and dance unit soon that will allow me to take some of my classes outside!

Easter Egg Hunt Madness

I read a story, recently, about an Easter egg hunt in Georgia that had to be cancelled because of agressive parents. These so called "helicopter parents," were apparently so concerned that their children weren't given a fair shot at finding eggs, that they crossed the barrier and began forcibly collecting eggs on their children's behalf. It threw the hunt into chaos. Many of the kids whose parents didn't intervene ended up eggless and, if you can believe it, some kids were even trampled!

The story made me think of Waterville's annual egg hunt. I didn't get to see it this year, but last year I was so impressed with how organized everything was. The park was sectioned off by age group. The littlest kiddos got to go first (if I remember right) and their eggs were conspicuously "hidden" on the grass, under tables and near tree trunks. The oldest group started last and were given a more challenging course.

I remember that everyone was polite, smiling and having fun. I don't recall anyone being pushy. In fact, I remember that parents were really just hanging out, talking amongst themselves, and were seemingly unconcerned with the possibility of eggy injustice.

I suppose it could be the small-town atmosphere that really makes an event like that work, but kudos to the organizers of the Waterville Easter Egg Hunt for a very well-executed event.

After all, who would have ever thought that an Easter egg hunt could incite violence?!

Garden Take 3

The snow has completely melted from my little corner garden which means it's time for me to begin thinking about what I'm going to plant. I think, after two years, I finally have a handle on the types of veggies I'll actually use, so that's a start.

This year, my number one mission is to successfully grow peppers. I have yet to have a single pepper plant grow large enough to actually yield fruit. I suspect that I've been planting them a little too early so I'm going to do a little bit more research this year to make sure my timing is correct.

Lately, I've been getting some great gardening ideas from Pinterest, an online social site in which people share interests and ideas on virtual pin boards. The first "pinteresing" idea I'll be implementing while I'm waiting for my soil to warm up is the use of toilet paper roll halves to start my plants. Just fill them with dirt, plant your seeds, then when they're ready, plant the whole thing in your garden, roll and all.

I'm determined to master this gardening thing this year. I'll let you know how it goes.

Are we there already?

I've always loved books, but as a child, I really struggled with reading comprehension. It wasn't until adulthood that I realized my problem was not due to a lack of understanding of the text but rather my inability to remain focused. Even now, for this reason, I struggle to sit down and enjoy a good book. It is extremely frustrating to have to reread entire pages after discovering that, yet again, my mind has wandered.

Enter the audiobook.

Since discovering audiobooks I have had the opportunity to "read" countless books that I had started but never finished.

I suppose I can't exactly call it a discovery. I've always been aware that audiobooks were available, but, for some reason, it felt a little like cheating, like it was "against the rules" so I never felt compelled to try one. Silly me, clinging to the old, restrictive fundamentals of my school days.

The most awesome thing is that Adam loves audiobooks too and we have the same taste in literature. We listen to books together during our commute and also when we travel. Sometimes we even take drives just to have an excuse to listen.

If you're a commuter and you've grown weary of the drive, grab yourself an audiobook. You might just find yourself wishing the journey was just a little bit longer!

Sick and Far from Home

Monday, I received a harsh reminder that I have yet to internalize the following lesson: If you're not feeling well when you wake up and you're concerned that you might feel even worse as the day progresses, get a sub and stay home!

This is an especially important lesson for one who carpools and commutes to Wenatchee. Once you're there, you're stuck! You can't exactly decide, half-way through the day, that you're going to head home, leaving your fellow carpoolee behind.

I realized, shortly after arriving in my classroom, that it was going to be a long, miserable day. I began to feel chilled and achey and it wasn't until students began filing into my classroom that I discovered... I was also grumpy! I spent the day in survival-mode, doing my best to exude enthusiasm and kindness while counting the hours until I would finally be able to go home.

Isn't it amazing how long the drive from Wenatchee to Waterville seems when you feel miserable?

Random Childhood Memory

I just had a fond memory:

I was semi-obsessed with jets when I was a kid, (knew the names of just about every military aircraft) and my dad and I always went to the Yakima Air Fair.

One year, they advertised that the B2 Spirit (Stealth Bomber) would be performing a fly-by and I was SO excited. I remember the anticipation and the excitement as the announcer said something like, "We just received word that the B2 is about to fly by!" Shortly thereafter he shouted, "Wow! There it went! Did you see it?!"

...a horrible prank!

I was bummed out and many Air Fair viewers were royally peeved. Needless to say, Yakima had to make it up to the audience and the following year they really did have a B2 flyby. It was "TOTALLY RAD!" There was even a small sonic boom (which I heard the pilot was scolded for!)

Coyote Pass Cafe

I feel bad that I haven't written a review of the Coyote Pass Cafe, considering that it was one of the first places we ate after moving to Waterville. I started to write one several times, but was always diverted into writing about something else.

The first time we went to Coyote Pass was for breakfast. The first thing that struck me was the atmosphere. I immediately loved the modern, vintage touch that the owners had created inside and out. The rich paneled wood ceilings combined with ruggedly beautiful floors and lots of woody antiques make the restaurant feel both warm and inviting. The owners were friendly and super talkative and they succeeded in quickly making us feel welcomed and our patronage appreciated.

Adam and I both ordered the eggs benedict, my favorite breakfast and let me tell you, it was yummy! The eggs were fresh, the hollandaise was real and the potatoes were just perfect! I remember the coffee being great as well, but honestly, it's been a little too long to give a good coffee review. Adam and I don't eat breakfast out much and I, unfortunately, no longer drink coffee.

It was probably a year before we went there again, my dad and his wife in tow, and as soon as we walked in, the owner said, "Where have you been?!" I was completely shocked and a little impressed that he had remembered us!

Again, we had a fantastic breakfast dining experience, with lots of friendly conversation. My dad, who is a big breakfast critic, was even impressed.

The next time I went to the Cafe I was by myself and I didn't actually see the owners. I popped in for lunch and ordered a patty-melt, which was just as fantastic as our breakfasts had been, but I'll admit, I did miss the cheery greeting and the chit-chat. I was excited to see how busy the place was, though. The store-front is quite attractive, so it is not surprising that many passers-through feel compelled to stop there.

In my opinion, the Coyote Pass Cafe is yet another excellent choice if you're looking for something to eat in Waterville. It still amazes me that we have so many great eateries in this tiny, little town.

Yet Another Lesson Learned

I, apparently, take for granted that our roads are so well maintained. I imagine that this is probably the reason that, even though I knew there was a "Winter Weather Advisory" looming last Friday, I didn't think twice about us taking the car to Wenatchee instead of the Jeep.

We hit Pine Canyon that evening at the heaviest part of the storm. It was rain-snowing quite hard from Wenatchee to Orondo, but nothing was sticking on the roadway. I was certain there would be snow in Waterville, though, and I was excited to get home to see just how much. My excitement lasted until we hit the slush pile midway up the hill.

It became clear, very quickly, that we might not make it home at all that night. The tires began spinning and we immediately lost momentum. Adam geared down, flipped on the emergency flashers, and tried his best to inch the car up little by little. Our little car's tires spun wildly as Adam avoided sliding into the guardrail a couple of times and even attempted to use the rumble-strip to gain a little traction; all to no avail.

Finally, he made the decision to turn around, as the wife's nervous babbling came to a peak, and down the hill we went, contemplating our overnight options.

I really just wanted to get home to sleep in our own bed, so we waited in Orondo for a little while to see if a plow would drive by. Adam, feeling less optimistic, began calling family members to secure a place to stay.

Eventually, we did go back to Wenatchee but at my urging, instead of staying overnight, we bought some chains and headed back to the canyon to give it another go. Thankfully, by that time, the plow had gone through and sand had been spread so we were able to traverse the hill without the use of chains.

I remember Adam saying, "I sure wish we would have known there was going to be a snowstorm! I would have taken the Jeep instead of the car." I sheepishly replied, "I knew..."

I really didn't think it was going to be that big of a deal. I guess I was wrong again!

Improvements on the Block

I remember when Dave bought the duplex and property next to us, I got a little nervous. I told him that he couldn't improve it before we fixed up the exterior of our house because it was the only property on the block uglier than ours!

Thankfully, this never became an issue because even after we roofed and painted our house, the property next door remained... well... dumpy.

After that, our fear morphed into, "Honestly, what kind of people are going to want to buy that place?!" Dave joked that he'd do his best to ensure that it would not become a meth lab, but as more and more time passed, we began to wonder if it was a realistic promise.

You can imagine our concern when the "For Sale" signs disappeared one day.

Our fears were completely unfounded! In a very short period of time, the place has been transformed from the outside in! There's a new roof, new siding and new windows. The interior was gutted and is now in the process of being completely renovated. We're pretty impressed!

(...and so grateful that we don't have a meth lab next door!)

The Pied Piper

Missoula Children's Theatre is coming to Waterville School next week with their own, probably quirky version of the story "The Pied Piper." If you've never seen a Missoula Children's Theatre performance you should really go check it out. It is amazing what they do with the kids in such a short time!

The entire production is produced by two actor/directors who come to town in a truck loaded with props, sets and costumes. On Monday they hold an audition, which I think is almost as fun to watch as the final production!

First, the students are organized tallest to shortest in a square surrounding the two actor/directors. Then they are guided through a series of fun exercises designed to isolate individual skills and levels of confidence. For example, students may be asked to say their name out loud loud in a very angry way, or mime a scenario like sneaking a cookie from a forbidden cookie jar. After each activity, students are shifted around the square and it starts to become clear who the directors have chosen for the lead parts. In my school, so many students audition that many end up being cut, which is always a little sad. I imagine they don't have that problem in Waterville; just one of the benefits of being a small school.

Once auditions have been completed, cast members are given a rehearsal schedule and rehearsals for the lead parts begin immediately.

Over the course of the week, magic happens. By Friday students have memorized songs, speaking lines, dance steps, costume changes and stage transitions. It is totally fascinating.

Performances of "The Pied Piper" are at the Nifty Theater at 7pm on Friday and at 1:30pm on Saturday. More information regarding auditions can be found on the Waterville School website: http://www.waterville.wednet.edu/

My Not-Exactly-New Look

I figured it was about time that I change my photo since I've lost some weight and quite a length of hair since the last photo was taken. I've received some puzzled looks from people in town who seem to be trying to figure out if I'm the one who writes the New Local column.

Over the summer someone actually stopped by while I was gardening to ask if it was me. He said, "I thought it might be you, but I wasn't sure. What happened to all of your hair?"

Here's the story: I had this "pixie" style years ago and loved it, but after a couple of years I decided to grow my hair out, thinking I'd enjoy playing with different long-hair styles. Unfortunately, when it is long, my hair is very straight and bodiless and since I really don't like spending that much time on my hair, it was almost always pulled back into an unfancy ponytail.

Side story: When I got married my active lifestyle slowed significantly. I got used to hanging out, relaxing and eating with Adam, which resulted in a thirty pound weight gain! I still loved the idea of having short hair, but I just didn't have the confidence anymore to pull it off.

I decided that if I was ever going to enjoy short hair again I was going to need to lose weight. That, among many other reasons, inspired me to hop on the WeightWatchers bandwagon. Twenty pounds later I rewarded myself with a haircut!

Adam and I have drastically changed our day-to-day habits. We eat healthier foods (and less food), we work out four to five days a week and we feel better than ever!

The short hair isn't just great fun for me. It also represents reclaimed confidence!

"Pioneer Woman"

I think I've written before about how living in Waterville has inspired me, somehow, to get "back to my roots." For two years I've had a mildly successful vegetable garden, I've learned how to make my own soap and I bake all of our bread fresh. A few friends have even begun calling me the "Pioneer Woman" which I think is really funny.

My latest obsession, something I never thought I'd try, let alone fall in love with, is knitting. Several of my friends have been knitters for years and I've always loved seeing the beautiful scarves, gloves and sweaters they create. They were always inspiring to me and I really did want to know how, but knitting seemed like it would be impossibly hard to do and, to be perfectly honest, I had resolved that it must be a skill reserved for super-feminine, mommy-types.

All it took was a picture of a sweater that I absolutely HAD to have to knock me out of my comfort-zone. I jokingly posted the picture on Facebook with the command, "Someone knit this for me!!" and very quickly received the response, "Looks like you're going to need to learn to knit!" Accepting this as a challenge, I bought the pattern.

Now, two months later, with lots of help from the "Knit Witch" on YouTube, I have one completed, then frogged (too big) sweater, two new sweaters in the works and a beautiful, completed pair of fingerless mitts which I wear every day!

I absolutely love knitting! I am so glad I took a chance and gave it a try. Does this mean I'm becoming the super-feminine, mommy-type?

How's the wheat?

I just knew as soon as I put my weather woes in print everything would change.

Finally, real winter weather!

I've been wondering, though. How has the winter wheat fared though these unusually dry winter months? I remember a conversation I had with a friend, some years ago, regarding an early spring snow melt on the Plateau and how it exposed the little wheat shoots to potentially damaging frost.

Has this odd winter weather had an injurious affect on the wheat? If so, what happens in the spring? When wheat crops are wiped out by frost, do farmers replant with a different species of wheat or plant a different crop altogether?

I guess it's time again for me to do a little curiosity satiating research.

I do hope the little wheat-lings are hanging in there. Adam's family are orchardists. I understand how crop damage can make for a very tough year.

Disappointing Winter

I am so disappointed in the weather this year! It seems like every year the winters get more and more mild. Where's my snow?!

Every day I check my weather app, hoping to see a winter weather advisory but day after day after day the forecast is... sun. Don't get me wrong, I love the sun, but my philosophy is that if it's going to be cold, it should be snowing.

I really hope this winter doesn't pass us by without at least one good, heavy snow (...that doesn't melt the next day.) I have a pair of skis to try out this year. Come on Old Man Winter! Don't let me down!

Catching Up!

It had been since August 30th since I posted my column submissions on this blog! My apologies to those who actually follow me here. I just posted all of the missing articles up to last week!

A Huge Loss

Mitchell's hardware, to me, has represented the epitome of small-town life. I was saddened to learn that it has become the latest victim of a struggling economy. How many towns these days can tout a hardware store, gift shop, ice cream parlour, pharmacy and liquor store all in one?

There was something special and nostalgic about being able to grab an ice cream cone from Mitchell's and take a seat on the bank steps to watch cars drive by on a summer afternoon.

How many times have we run to Mitchell's to grab tools for odd jobs or pick up emergency supplies for things like broken pipes? I'll admit, they didn't always have everything we needed but somehow we always seemed to leave with something we weren't actually shopping for.

Mitchell's, a huge piece of Waterville's history, will be sorely missed.

Not a Ghost Town

I love the cowboy painting next to the barbershop downtown! It's encouraging to me when people do things like that to make this town seem a little bit more alive.

I don't know how many people have told me about their first drive through Waterville on their way to Spokane and how it made them think of a ghost town. First impressions really do mean a lot and It's little things like well-maintained sidewalk gardens, restored downtown business fronts and that awesome mural that help passers-by realize that there actually is a vibrant community here.

The Daily Chase

"Oh! You live in Waterville? I used to go up there a lot! It's a cute little town. I never really liked the drive, though. It seemed like every time I travelled down the canyon I had some huge truck on my (bumper)!"

Adam told me about this conversation last week and we shared a good laugh! "It's so true!"

Has anyone else experienced this? It really does seem as if no matter how fast we happen to be traveling, and regardless of the time of day, more often than not, we find ourselves being followed and eventually passed by a large, hustling pickup truck. It has become somewhat of a joke to us.

Until we heard it from someone else, we thought it was an isolated phenomenon. Clearly it is more widespread than we had assumed!

Happy Veterans Day!

Every year I have the honor of planning/organizing my school's annual Veterans Day celebration and I always try to come up with new ways to teach my students about the significance of Veterans Day while offering a meaningful and heart-felt thank you to the veterans visiting our school.

This year has been particularly exciting because I'm preparing a special slideshow tribute which includes photographs of veterans who are family members of our students and school employees. I have loved seeing the pride in the faces of the kids (and the adults, for that matter) as they deliver photographs of brothers, sisters, fathers and grandfathers, accompanied by countless stories and memories.

Don't forget to take the time to thank a Veteran this week. Take some time to dig out the old family photos and share some stories with your kids, and don't forget about the Veterans Day parade in Wenatchee!

Thank you veterans for your service to our country.

Ready for Winter

Winter is on its way! The new wheat is greening the fields, the leaves are finally beginning to turn and we experienced the first traces of frost on our windshield this week.

It's always nice to roll up the hoses and stow the sprinklers for the season. It releases me from the guilt I feel every time we water the lawn. Now we can trade our bloated water bill for a huge electrical bill. I don't anticipate that it will be as bad as last year, though, as we we've been much more proactive; installing our storm windows BEFORE the freezing weather hit.

Last year we never actually got the storm windows up! It wasn't until the first snow flew that we decided we should probably drag them out of the garage, and then we discovered that most of the plastic had split. We figured we could probably get by without them but quickly learned our lesson after being slapped by a shocking electrical bill.

I'm happy to say that our home is all buttoned up and cozy! Bring on the snow!

Still Here!

Last year, when I reduced my column submissions to bi-weekly, some people asked why I wasn't writing for the paper any more. I suppose they must have been purchasing the paper on the weeks I wasn't writing. I was surprised and, I'll admit, a little honored at their concern. I honestly didn't think, when I gave into the idea of writing a column, that anyone would read it, let alone find it interesting.

It was the spring of 2010 when I received a message from a friend, "Do you want to write for the paper?" My initial thought was that she had mistakenly sent it to the wrong person. It was completely out of the blue. Why on earth would she think I'd want to write for the paper? I hadn't written anything aside from mandatory writing assignments in Language Arts classes and a few letters to my representatives, but it was through Facebook, if you can believe it, that she decided she "liked my style."

It took a little coaxing, but I finally agreed to give it a try and I've discovered that writing a column, though challenging and sometimes a little intimidating, is actually a lot of fun! It turns out that there are other people out there who like my style. I've even acquired a few fans! How crazy is that?

My apologies for forgetting to write last week. The beginning of a new school year always leaves me a little frazzled. I'm still here, though; just on the opposite "bi-week" now.

On a completely different note, how many of you were happy to see the new curvy road warning sign at the top of Pine Canyon? The old sign was a little... weird.

Douglas Creek Hike

Last year, I learned from a friend that there was an interesting place to hike just outside of Waterville. He described a long, remote drive down a wheat field road to the south and a trail in the floor of a canyon. Looking out over the wheat fields, I couldn't imagine where they had been. There are no canyons in sight, but I put it on my "need to explore someday" list and then forgot about it.

Recently, though, I got the bug to go on a hike and since Adam and I have hiked most of the trails in Wenatchee and Leavenworth, I began searching the Washington Trails Association website for something different, maybe something a little closer to home. To my surprise, there were several reports for a trail in an area called Douglas Creek. Reviewers described a drive down road H, through the wheat fields into a canyon (sounds familiar) and a trail which followed an old railroad bed through pretty wildflowers, abundant wildlife and cool waterfalls. This time my curiosity was definitely piqued.

Adam and I decided to try the Douglas Creek hike in August, against our better judgement, which was a huge mistake! Not only was it scorching hot with minimal opportunities for shade, but the creek was almost completely dried up and there was no sign of life except for the masses of grasshoppers that flung themselves wildly all around us.

We endured the heat for about three miles before we decided to turn back, and while the columnar basalt and rocky basalt bubbles in the walls of the canyon were fascinating, there really wasn't much else to see.

I do look forward to exploring Douglas Creek next Spring. I think we'll shoot for May next time. I'm sure it will be beautiful then.