WET AND WILD--We ended last week with some very strong wind gusts in our area, and after a couple of those hefty ones, a tree went down and “bleep,” there went the power. When the ground is soggy after having just thawed out and then having some steady rains come down, the trees have a habit of taking a tumble and one of those on Ingalls Road did just that on Friday afternoon and took the power line down with it. For those of us affected by it, this meant no water either as we country folks are out here on wells and springs and most of us need a pump of some kind to keep the water flowing. Lucky are those who are on a gravity system! Anyway, a big thanks to the PUD crew who were able to get us back up and running after several hours, as I’m sure it was a fairly big job. Once again, I am happy to have a generator set up for these kinds of situations and with winter just beginning, it may be just the start of the “fun” we have ahead of us!

NO INTERNET--As I begin this column, I’m once again without a phone line. I can only hope that by the time this needs to be sent in, that all will be well. However, this “no service” thing is getting very old!

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from Feb. 9-15 are Connie Shrum, Kevin O’Conner, Alex Vegvary, Sherry McCormack, John Thompson, Brandon Souvenir, Ronnie “Chink” Cothren, Wendy Peek, Wendy Havens, Ethan Havens, Lucas Havens, Austin Havens, Ryder Howell, Derrill Corbin, Bob Wegdahl Sr., Chandler Nortrup, James Hoven, Sean Brennan, Kim Jones, Mykall Stensland, Shawn Cortay, Derek Phipps, Hailey Blain, Carlie Freeman, Blake Hess and 67’er, Pamela Lazor.

Amanda Tover Chambers, former Island girl, said she was happy to announce the arrival of her new granddaughter, Piper Marie Chambers on January 23, 2023. The proud parents are Chris and Nicole Chambers so we say “Congratulations” to them and “Welcome to the world” little girl!

Happy Anniversary wishes this week go out to Ryan and Breanna Lorenzo, David and Julie Black, Christie and Ray Davis, Jerry and Linda DeBriae and the Troy Gorleys. Hope you all have wonderful celebrations!

THURSDAY BREAKFAST--If you happen to need a cup of coffee, or a bit of breakfast and would like to chat with folks in the area, then head to the Skamokawa Grange Hall on Thursdays between 10 a.m. and noon and you’ll be able to get all that for free! Donations are always happily accepted but if you’re a bit short on cash, no worries, just come on down and enjoy some time with other members in the community. Last week it seemed like there were lots of little ones and they certainly enjoy being able to get together with one another while their parents enjoy some time visiting with other grown ups! If you’re so inclined, bring a treat to share with others.

FLEA MARKET--This Saturday is the second Saturday of the month, so once again, it’s time to head to the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds here in Skamokawa, just off East Valley Road, and come to the big Flea Market from 9 a.m., to 3 p.m. There are sales in two buildings, so check them both out.

HUGE EVENT COMING--The fairgrounds will be the site of a very large and much anticipated three day music festival, which is called, “Smoke on the Water Music Fest.” Come September, you will be able to come to Skamokawa and enjoy a fabulous array of country music artists, musicians and bands and it’s going to be awesome! This is happening over Labor Day weekend. You’ll be hearing more about this soon, but there will be one, two or three day passes for sale. They have a site on Facebook already so you can check out prices and more info there. There will be vendors and camping spots available. Put this down on your calendar and don’t miss out on this very first musical extravaganza; it should be a blast! You can also call 360-795-3480 for more info.

BINGO--This Saturday, Feb. 11, it’s also time to head to the Norse Hall and play some bingo! Don’t forget, doors open at 5:30 p.m., and games will begin at 6 p.m. Enjoy those cash prizes, everybody!

UNDER THE WEATHER--I heard from India Dean that her grandma, my cousin Susan (Peterson) Shook, is not feeling so hot, so I hope that she gets to feeling better. Also, my sister-in-law, Carolyn Pedersen, wife of my brother, Frank, wound up making a trip to the hospital last week, so we want to send her our very heartiest “Get Well, Stay Well” wishes. Also recovering from surgery is Karen Lawrence; or surgeries, as is Tracy Tomlinson so we wish them both some progress and steady improvement with their health issues and for better days ahead.

BIG DAY ON ITS WAY--Valentine’s Day is almost here, as this holiday is in the middle of the month, next Tuesday, and that almost seems impossible; time is truly flying by. I think most of us are still trying to get caught up from Christmas! Anyway, I know our local eatery is opening up for the day which is usually a day they are closed, so that was nice but you need to make reservations.

Sadly, some folks make reservations and don’t show up, which is truly disheartening when those reserved spots are then left empty and another couple/group could have enjoyed the event, not to mention the lost revenue for the establishment. So, if you do reserve a spot, please show up or let the place know ASAP so they could let someone else enjoy the evening out.

Happy Valentine’s Day, everybody!