WAS GORGEOUS--The weather at the end of the work week last week, was just like Summer, sunny and warm and just plain gorgeous. The weekend began cloudy however and by evening time, we wound up being quite wet. On Sunday we had a little more dampness and we started the work week the same way. Conditions are still supposed to be "drippy" most of the week but with a little luck, maybe we'll have some dry times in between the showers.

THIS IS IT--Here's hoping the Grays River Covered Bridge Dinner that is happening this Saturday, at 4:30 p.m., will be graced with nice, dry weather as, while it will surely be a big hit no matter the weather, it will just be a little more enjoyable without any raindrops. So, here's to a good turnout and a good day. This event helps our local 4-H and county extension programs, so it's a very good cause. Tickets are sold out.

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from Oct. 4-10 are Deb Gribskov, Matt Helms, Justin McClain, Jeff Baldwin, Kylee Montgomery, Jessie Havens, Richard Robinson, Patti Bergseng, Sandra Gibson, Lauren Brockway, Kevin Vik, Holly Luthi, Collin Montgomery, Breanna Lorenzo, Cindy Turner, Lisa Frink, Doug Manary, Cheryl Nelson, Ron Britt, Kari Good Martin and my only grand-daughter, Tessa Sechler. Belated birthday wishes go to Marissa Asperson, Jesse Ellison and Robert Blain, who I inadvertently left off of my birthday list last week. Sorry about that!

Happy Anniversary wishes this week go out to Mr. and Mrs. Jerry DeBriae Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Frank Schubert and Bruce and Deanna Dachtler. Hope your anniversary celebrations bring you much happiness! Belated annivesary to Frank and Beth Corbin who celebrated their big day last Friday.

FRIDAY NIGHT MOVIE--The "cheap date night" is coming up once again this Friday night, Oct. 5 at the Community Center in Cathlamet, with an adult drama being shown at 7 p.m. As always, the movie and popcorn are free and you can also bring in your own snacks. Please remember, no children under 12 are allowed to attend without being in the company of an adult.

MULES PLAY--Congratulations to the Mule football team who had a very happy Homecoming game last week with their big win over Mossyrock! This Friday night, they will travel to Toutle Lake and we wish them good luck and safe travels. The Lady Mules will play in Adna tonight and then at home on Tuesday, Oct. 9 against Napavine, so we wish them the best too. On those same dates, the Mule Cross Country team will be away at Ilwaco and Mossyrock, so again, may our teams do well and may their travels be uneventful. Good Luck to all!

COLUMBUS DAY--The second Monday of October is always celebrated as "Columbus Day," which celebrates the coming/discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. Of course, for those of us in our area, Columbus Day is more reminiscent of the "Columbus Day Storm" that hit here on Oct. 12, 1962, and was the remnants of typhoon Freida, will go down in our memories as one for the ages. We hope that this coming Monday remains calm and serene and nothing at all like that day back in the 60s!

FLEA MARKET--Next week, on Oct. 13, it will be time to visit the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds, when their monthly Flea Market event takes place. There is new and used stuff in the Youth Building, as some are selling their things and some are selling the things they make, so to find your treasure, head down here between 9 a.m., and 3 p.m., and check it out. Tables are available to rent for $10 each.

FOS/NEW EXHIBIT--If you come down to the Flea Market, you'll be just in time to catch the new exhibit here at the historic Redmen Hall/Central School building in downtown Skamokawa, that very same day. This is a new art exhibit by Beth Bailey, called "River Wanderings" and the Friends of Skamokawa are happy to present it to you. This exhibit will have an opening reception that day at 1 p.m., so you can meet the talented artist who will have many unique pieces and some that also feature Skamokawa. The exhibit is held on the second floor of the hall in the River Life Interpretive Center and will run until Nov. 11. If you have any questions, the hall is open Thursday through Sunday, noon to four and you can contact them at 360-795-3007.

BINGO--It seems the second Saturday in October is a busy day, as besides the other two events mentioned above, there will also be bingo at the Norse Hall that evening. Sons of Norway lodge members welcome you to come and have some fun and maybe you'll be a lucky cash winner! Doors open at 5:30 with the games beginning at 6 p.m., and cards are $5 each.

SCC--With the Fall and Winter months coming on, there are new hours now in effect at the Ship Channel Coffee trailer located just inside Skamokawa Vista Park. They will only be open on Saturdays through the month of October from 8 a.m., until noon, and whatever food items they currently have in stock will be available until they are sold out.

LOTS OF TALENT--Sometimes I can hardly believe how many talented people there are in our small area, it's amazing! It wasn't long ago and Kerrie McNally put out a new CD and has been featured with other singers on the radio, and involved in various groups as well, so that's pretty neat I think. The multi-talented Andrew Emlen seems to always be in demand as he plays several instruments in various genres of music and is always a delight. Not far from my house is the wonderful singer, performer, Greg Parke and he's about to release a new CD, so while he's already been keeping busy doing gigs here and there, I'm sure he'll be keeping even busier when he starts touring to promote his newest round of music. Jerry and Becky Ledtke and their friends like to sing and play and have a good time pumping out music, and you can catch them at the Skamokawa Grange during Open Mic nights with VIBES, so keep an eye open for those nights when you too can come in and play and sing along. We've also got others here that I don't know that seem to come to the jam sessions and play their guitars or fiddles, etc., and really have a good time, so I think it's just great to have these folks here in our little village. Kudos to one and all for following their passion and blessing us with your talent!

SUDDEN LOSS--I believe that everyone was certainly shocked in regards to the sudden death of business owner, Paul Gragg, 63, on Sept. 23. In case you didn't know, he was the owner of PJ's Cafe and Gragg's General Store, both of which are located along SR 4 in Cathlamet. We want to send our condolences to his family members, as well as to all his friends and employees. Services were Oct. 1st in Longview.