NOT SO NICE--As this week begins, it looks pretty nasty out there and if the forecasters are correct, we will get some snow as the temperatures fall. Fortunately, this is supposed to be a very brief snow event so I hope that’s correct. The rest of the week appears to be colder but drier according to most forecasters, so we’ll just have to wait and see how that plays out. I am a little bummed that the minute my “Snowdrops” bloom, it seems like we get snow and they get buried, but hopefully they will survive okay. If we do get some super cold weather, I hope you’re all prepared for it and with a little luck our power will stay on and we won’t have any major issues. However, it is winter, so you never know!

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from Feb. 16-22 are Nyomie Kuljis, Mac Johnson, Vickie Reid, Jade Mahitka, Allie Helms-Lampitt, Alysssa Stratton, Angel Thompson, Angela Stensland, Cindy Grasseth, Brody Brown, Koen Gibson, Christa Hoven, Ella Cothren, Melody Brown, Sara Buennagel, Rebecca Costillo, Ashellie Elfers, Todd Thomason, Milli Elven, Vicki Allenback, Logan Blain, Shari Gorman Parker, Morgan Spieth and David A. Pedersen Jr.

Those celebrating anniversaries this week are Mr. and Mrs. Mark Fladebo, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Leitz, and Mr. and Mrs. Victor Wiedermann. May all of your celebrations be happy!

SUPER BOWL--How about that Super Bowl? Did your team win? I know some folks who were sure that the Philadelphia Eagles were going to romp all over the Kansas City Chiefs, but it was a close game and those KC Chiefs really came on in the last half, so for all of you KC fans, I guess you were mighty happy they pulled out that win! Beings I wasn’t gung-ho about either team and just wanted a close game and not a trouncing by either one of them, well, I got my wish so that made me happy.

VALENTINE TIME--I have to have this turned in before folks enjoy Valentine’s Day, but I sure hope it was enjoyable. I’ll just be happy if we don’t have snow and my dinner plans don’t get ruined. I hope whatever you had planned goes great for you and your “happy heart” day was super enjoyable!

CRAB TICKET HOLDERS--For all of you who are holding tickets for the big Crab Feed at the Columbia River Ranch site on Puget Island, I hope you’ve checked out your time slot and arrive accordingly. It looks like it is a sold out event, so that’s great and the raffle prizes looked awesome too, so here’s hoping you have a wonderful Crab and Oyster Feed and you all have a wonderful time!

CRIBBAGE--If you don’t have plans to go to the crab feed, maybe you’ll be heading to the River Mile 38 Brewing Company for their Cribbage Tournament that starts at 6 p.m., as I’m sure they’d love to see you there. Here’s to a good turnout and fun time.

HALF A MONTH--Can you believe that a half of yet another month has gone by already? Wow, the way time is flying, we’ll be at the Elochoman Marina enjoying their big Farmer’s Market! Opening day isn’t until May 26 but you can never plan too far ahead for these things, so if you’re looking to be a vendor there, contact Mackenzie Jones at 360-849-9411.

SAD NEWS--We were terribly shocked to hear of the passing of a West Valley resident, Sheena Almer this past week, and we certainly want to extend our sincere sympathies to her family and close friends. Sheena was a WHS Class of 2002 graduate.

We also heard of the passing of Doug Madden, brother of one of my classmates, Truchet Madden Miller and we want to offer our heartfelt condolences to their family. Services for him will be held this Friday.

OUT OF THE PAST--Back in 1948, a very bad rain and wind storm hit Puget Island and tragically, a barn owned by the Charles Ostervold family collapsed and the headline read that two dozen dairy cows had been killed. Neighbors worked endlessly to help out with their tractors and trucks and those animals that survived and were injured were taken over to the Gibbons’ farm. The ladies in the community got busy and fixed and served food all day to all those who were working so hard to rescue the remaining lifestock. By the time Feb. 18 came along, the community was thankful for the wonderful dry day, but the following day it goes gray again and then the pouring rain and miserable weather returned clear through Feb. 22. On that last day, Inez Quigley Knopski gave birth to a baby girl. All this according to my Grandma Elsie Everest's diary.