Chrismas is coming soon; shop local

NIPPY OUT THERE--This past week has been mighty cold with temperatures dropping in the low 20's in West Valley, so while the clear blue skies are welcome and the sun is shining brightly, it's not exactly warm and toasty when you step outside, brrr! The frost has been so thick at times that you could swear it snowed and even after a week of freezing temperatures and dry days, we've still got plenty of moisture in the air to cause us to have thick, heavy frost every morning. Needless to say, it's been a trying time for some of us as we try to keep our pipes and water systems from freezing up. I hear we're supposed to warm up a bit this week though, so that should be helpful with the holidays showing up soon.

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from Nov. 27-Dec. 4 are Danny Silverman, Maris Snow, Mike Linn, Tom Webb, Mackenzie Allen, Menoka Martin, Linda Ostervold, Mike Paulsen, Jennifer Hoven, Trace Tarabochia, Joyce Ower, Shane Souvenir, Dominic Diaz, Joan Mathis, Nancy Good Garcia, Drake Cook, Robert Kyle, Steve Finkas, Kevin Palmer and Mark Pedersen.

Celebrating their anniversaries this week are Rick and Jenny Benfit, Tom and Rosalie Webb, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Havens and Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Holland. Enjoy your special days everybody!

WINNERS--There were a lot of folks who won their main dish for Thanksgiving last Friday night at the turkey/ham bingo put on by the Wahkiakum Fair Board, and they all seemed quite happy. Some were first time winners, so they were really thrilled. Others were carting off a variety of gifts that they won from the various items donated for the event and all those who donated something were certainly appreciated. The big raffle prize, a Kindle Fire, was won by Patty Calvert and the large wooden planter box was won by Bill Chamberlain. The next big event being planned by the board is the Valentine Diamond Dinner in February, and held at the Skamokawa Grange Hall.

START SHOPPING SMALL--Now is the time to "shop small" as our local folks are counting on us to help support them during this crazy, big "retail chain shopping blitz" time. You can begin by heading out to Kyle Gribskov's workshop at 123 Middle Valley in Skamokawa and get a wonderful, unique hand-blown glass item for that special someone on your Christmas list. Kyle will be having all of his inventory at 20 percent off from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

While you're in the area, head to Redmen Hall and enjoy a cup of cider and a treat while you shop amongst the many items they have available from our local artisans. With the countdown to Christmas less than a month away, we hope you're chipping away at your Christmas list by buying gifts and gift certificates right here in our area. Don't forget the Skamokawa Methodist Church will hold their Holiday Bazaar on the following Saturday, Dec. 7.

MUSIC--Also this Friday evening, you can head to the Duck Inn where you can enjoy some live music and a chance to win a couple of great prizes. They will be giving away a 32 inch television and a Kindle Fire, so come on down and start the weekend off by enjoying some great music and maybe being one of the lucky winners as well.

FLU SHOTS--Also during this busy time, folks are out and about even when they shouldn't be, so now's a good time to get that flu shot if you haven't already gotten one. The Wahkiakum Co. Health Dept. will be giving the flu shots up at the Congregational Church (by the Cath. grade school) on Dec. 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you are on Medicare, the cost of this shot is covered, and if not, then the charge would be $25; certainly cheaper than getting sick and missing work.

SAD TIME--Last week the Westend folks lost one of their residents and all around wonderful person, when Thea Pyle left this world after a decade long battle with cancer. Her husband, author Dr. Robert Pyle, is clearly devastated by the loss of his amazingly talented and loving wife and we offer him our sincere condolences.

BELATED--My belated condolences to Vicki (Anderson) Reid, as she lost her sister Sue Anderson Cotter Sullivan recently. Sue was instrumental in helping Susan Kuhn and others in putting on the all school reunion at WA-KI-HI a couple years back. Her pictures and poster boards were truly enjoyed by all that attended. Our sincerest sympathies go out to Sue's husband, Michael of Kelso and the rest of her family members as well. She was a warm-hearted person and we could use more people in this world like her. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

NICE CHAT--Just about every year at this time, I get a call from former Puget Islander, Evelyn Blix, and we have a nice chat. Just recently, it seems she was going through some old pictures and found one of herself and my cousin, Elinor (Ellison) Bridenhagen swinging on a swing that Marvel Blix had made, and it brought back many memories of times long past. This in turn lead to the question of "How is Ellie?" who now lives in Portland, so I updated her on all the latest news I had about her. It is always great to talk to Evelyn and reminds me of visits to the Blix family way back when I was an Island girl. Great times!

EXTENDS BUSINESS--Sue Kuller, who we claim as a Skamokawa resident, has moved her business in Cathlamet from one side of the street to the other, and expanded it from being just "Kullerful Boquets, to also include "Koffee Kafe" in what was formerly "Howie's Corner" or "Tall Tree Cafe," so we wish her well as she delves into another branch of business. Back in the good ole days, that spot used to be the liquor store. Back even further, it was a Safeway store.Imagine that?!

SKAMOKAWA GRANGE--As mentioned last week, there was no regular meeting at the Skamokawa Grange Hall last Monday, but we will have a meeting and gift exchange/party at our next meeting date, which is Dec. 9. We did elect officers at our last meeting however and those holding the main positions for the coming year are President, Kay Chamberlain; Vice President, David Blalock; Treasurer, Jessica Fletcher; Secretary, Carol Blalock; Lecturer & Family Living, Donna Moody and Chaplain and Musician, Sheran Parker. The group is busy getting ready for their big holiday dinner and basket giveaway on Dec. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m.

THIS SUNDAY--If you're over on Puget Island on Sunday, Dec. 1 from 2 to 4, be sure to stop by the Norse Hall with your kids whose ages are between 0 to 10 and have a visit with Santa, get a gift and decorate some cookies.

THIS IS IT--Yes indeed, this is the wonderful holiday that joins family and friends together around the table for a bountiful feast. For many folks, this is a tough time but I know a lot of folks have generously donated to our food banks so that others who are less fortunate could have a great Thanksgiving dinner as well, so kudos to those who actually put the "give" in Thanksgiving. As you travel to and fro, I do hope you'll have safe travels and that all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday wherever you may be!

OUT OF THE PAST--This week back in 1948, the weather was just terrible with a huge storm arriving at the end of November with thunder and lightning and strong winds added to it on the first of December. By Dec. 3, it began to snow and was truly a nasty beginning to the busy month of December. It was also a sad time as Peter Carlstad passed away at the age of just 38. He left behind a brother, Elvin of Cathlamet and a sister, Helen Mueller of Wisconsin. Also, Jerry Sonners passed away that week. On the brighter side of things, a new baby girl graced the home of Irvin and Martha Ackerson on Nov. 29, and they named her Janice.

Back in 1958, the month of November ended wet and pretty nasty, but warmer than it had been earlier on in the week. The first few days of December were a mix of rain and wind and sun. The Everests' good friend, Mayme Johnson, lost her brother, Joseph Hanhela, 70 of Rosburg on Nov. 29. He also left behind sisters, Mrs. Hilda Kauppi of Astoria; Mrs. Martha Thompson of Astoria and Mrs. Hilma Evernham of Portland and two brothers, John of Rainier and Henry of Clatskanie. Rev. John Havernen officiated the service that was held at the church in Seal River. A thank-you note from grandson, David Pedersen, made Grandma Elsie Everest very happy. Seems he thanked her for sewing on some shirt buttons for him.

Back in 1963, Thanksgiving was on the same day as this year, Nov. 28, it was a beautiful day. Four generations met at the home of Krist and Carol Pedersen of Puget Island to enjoy a grand Thanksgiving dinner, with great grandchildren, Mark and Timmy Pedersen joining their uncle, Marshall Pedersen (just a year older), in saying the blessing. On the first day of December it was a lovely day, although below freezing. In the evening, the Everests traveled to Longview where they attended the blessing of great-granddaughter, Lori Ann Pedersen, daughter of Frank and Carolyn Pedersen. On Dec. 4, the Everests headed to the grange meeting, where Grandpa Ralph was installed as Gatekeeper and Grandma Elsie was installed as the Chaplain. All this according to my Grandma Elsie Everest's diaries.