DAMP--This past weekend was a bit damp off and on and a little blustery too, but considering some areas were still dealing with snow and ice, and other parts of our nation suffered through a multitude of tornadoes and flooding, I'd say we fared pretty well. We cooled down Sunday night, so it was freezing here Monday morning, and it looks like we'll have those kind of tempertures just about every evening this week. However, I am enjoying this sunshine that showed up as the work week started, so I hope you did too.

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from Jan. 26-Feb. 1 are Ronda Rose, Brandon McClain, Becky Thacker, Sam Tarabochia, Kaylyn Kaattari, Sherry Ostling, Francis Boldt, Margie Moore, Annelise Vik, Gary York, Emma Rose Lindsey, Morgan Castillo, Bob Garrett, Troy Gorley, Nicolas Kubacki, Mike Nollan, Pamela Everest Priestly, Cindi Pedersen and my youngest grandson, Luke Sechler, turns 17; my how time flies! Enjoy those special days everybody!

Happy Anniversary wishes go out to Mr. and Mrs. Hoby Thacker.

THIS FRIDAY--The movie at the Community Center in Cathlamet is an adult film once again, only this time it's a drama and not a documentary. The shows always begin at 7 p.m. Next month, all the Friday night movies are rated for all or PG 13 so a little more to the liking of the younger community members. Remember, all children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy the free popcorn or bring your own snacks, and as always, you can also order pizza from Sharon's Pizza Mill to be delivered to the center at 6:45 p.m, just call ahead, 795-3311.

BASKETBALL--Also this Friday evening, there will be a Mules game in Toledo for the boys, and then on Saturday, they will be at home against Toutle Lake. Next Wednesday they will play ball in Kalama, and then their last game will be at home the following Friday, Feb. 3 against Mossyrock. Go Mules!

The Lady Mules are also playing Toutle Lake at home on Saturday, so I'm not sure how that's going to work but you can call the school to find out. Then on Tuesday, Jan. 31, they will be at Kalama and on February 2, which is next Thursday, they will be in Mossyrock. Keep up the good work!

THIS IS IT--If you are a Crab and Oyster Feed ticket holder for the event in Rosburg, put on by the American Legion, Deep River Post #111, this is the Saturday to make sure you have your claw crackers and pickers and oyster shucking knives ready to go, as it is now time to enjoy the feast! I was told it is sold out, so if you missed buying tickets for this feed, watch for the ones being sold for the feed at the Norse Hall next month. They have three seating times, so you should be able to get into that one.

SYMPATHIES--We want to offer our sincere condolences to former residents, Phil and Nancy Corbin, as they lost one of their grandsons this past week. Kyle Corbin lost his life in a terrible car accident, and was just 17, so this makes his passing even more heartbreaking. His parents are Jerry and LaDonna Corbin, and Kyle leaves behind many family members, including a twin brother. Our condolences to the whole family on their tragic loss.

GET WELL WISHES--I have been hearing people talk about being sick, their babies and older children being sick, and lots of people feeling lousy. I'm also hearing about a lot of very high temperatures, which can be life threatening, so you may not want to delay in seeking medical attention for the little ones when temps are 102 to 104. I won't name names, as I don't want to leave anybody out, so I'll just say, "Here's wishing all of you and yours, a very speedy recovery from whatever may be ailing you."

NICE TURN OUT--Last Saturday was my brother, Ralph Pedersen's Celebration of Life gathering, and there was a real nice turn out, so a big thank you to all those that came out in spite of the rainy conditions. I talked to several later that said they were not well, so that's why they weren't there and we were thankful that they stayed home, as that's one time that sharing is not a good idea. Those that were there loved the picture boards that depicted Ralph's life, and with Tim and Peggy's decorations, made it a real nice presentation, which included everything from netting, to ropes, to boots and a Captain's bell, which was used to start off the gathering with a welcome and a prayer by Pastor Beryl Curtis of the Skamokawa Methodist Church. The family was so pleased to see many of their friends from Cordova, Alaska, or who knew them from there but came up from California and elsewhere to pay their respects, besides all the locals, so that was truly special to Peg and the boys. Making the trip from the tri-cities area, was the newest member of the family, Luke Pedersen, three week old son of Gabe and Annie Pedersen. Gabe is the oldest of Mark's three boys, and he was pretty tickled to add a little boy to his list of grandchildren, which includes two granddaughters, Bailey and McKenzie. Great grandma Peggy was extra pleased to meet this latest addition to the family and the newest Pedersen baby didn't seem to mind getting all snuggled up by his great grandma and others at all!

Having this gathering at the Norse Hall was really awesome as well, and everyone commented about how nice it's looking, with fresh paint, new windows, a covered area and a new entry door to the downstairs area, so with our Norwegian roots, having that available was really nice.

COMING UP--Speaking of the Norse Hall, don't forget that the second Saturday of the month will have the Sons of Norway members putting on their usual bingo night, which will be Feb. 11 at 6 p.m; doors open at 5:30. The following weekend, the hall will be the site of the Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce Crab and Oyster Feed, so be sure to check with them about tickets, or stop by the Bank of the Pacific.

Unless there has been a change I don't know about, it will be time for their Flea Market during the day on Feb. 11.

CONGRATS--The building by the fairgrounds that most of us have known as The Oasis, is now the Roadkill Saloon and they celebrated the buidling's 99th birthday this past week. Kudos to them for recognizing that historic moment and we hope all of you that were able to attend the celebration, which included live music, had a great time. In case you didn't know it, the Saloon is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, but they do have dinner specials the rest of the week if you'd like to try them out. They will also be having a Valentine doings, which you can read about in their ad, but suffice it to say it sounds like fun and will be held on Feb. 11 from 7 to 10 p.m.