Sound of train was really just the wind

DECENT BEGINNING--As this week begins, the weather was pretty decent, some dry spells and sunshine; a nice relief from some nasty, wet days last week, except for Thursday morning, which was gorgeous. By that evening, the rains came and so did the wind. Wow, it sounded like a freight train coming down the valley about 11:05 p.m., but luckily each burst of wind didn't last long and by midnight, it was just breezy. Most people I talked to missed the whole thing as they were all sound asleep, but this night owl was one of those who thought we were going to lose power for sure.

We've started another month and all those New Year resolutions are beginning to seem like distant memories rather than current goals. With time seeming to go by faster and faster, if you're planning on doing something, start now; it will be too late before you know it!

MISSED IT--My fellow columnist, Trudy, talked about the magnificent view of the eagles along the Grays River a couple of weeks ago when the smelt were providing some fine dining for big birds, and I have to say, they were truly gorgeous. We made a stop just behind Duffy's and saw 10 in just one tree and there I was, no camera. Doggone it; they would have made for a great picture. Many more were lining the stream along the way, but that was the most I saw in a single tree. They are always a spectacular sight to see.

WAY TO GO--By the time you read this, the first game of the girls state basketball tournament will be over, as they played yesterday (Wednesday). I wanted to be sure and say congratulations to them for their big win last Saturday in Chehalis/Centralia and becoming District Champs. Good job Lady Mules! I hope that today's news is good!

MORE BB NEWS--Granddaughter, Tessa Sechler and her 7th Grade Hoopaholics won the semi final game on Saturday, to go into the finals on Sunday morning and took the Championship in a come from behind game in their win over an 8th grade team, so they are Hoopaholic Champs once again. Coach Pete Sechler said he was pleased with his players and with that being the last game of the season, he could now take a little time to rest and relax. Pete said that Tessa made some crucial free throw shots in the fourth quarter and she was very instrumental in helping them win this game.He was a pleased coach and dad! This grandma wants to send our congratulations to her and the team. Good job, girls!

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from March 4-10 are Audrey Petterson, Jessica Hoven, Maiya Exum, Karyn McKinley, Katy Goble, Mary Johnson, Abraham York, Sara Fletcher, Micaela Sause, Sandy Wirkkala, Tyler Hoven, Danielle Cooper, Ryan McNaly, Teah McNally, Rhiannon McNally, Quin Bassi Sr., Curtis Lindsey, Betsy O'Conner, Ian Turner, Evadell Beard, Jean Wallen, Karalin Reynolds turns seven this coming week and Avery S. Elliott turns one year old this Saturday. Happy anniversary wishes to Carol and Joe Abeyta, Frank and Cynda Webb, Jerry and Evadell Beard, Brandon and Debbie Chamberlain. Here's to all having wonderful celebrations.

THIS IS IT--Yes, this is the weekend to head to the Rosburg Hall for their annual Crab and Oyster feed. This annual fund raiser is sponsored by the American Legion Deep River Post 111 and features drawings for prizes and a dance, so bring a few extra bucks and buy some tickets and maybe you'll go home a winner! Next Saturday, March 13, will be the crab and oyster feed at the Norse Hall on Puget Island.

MUSIC, MUSIC--Willapa Hills, a group with some of our own talented Skamokawa musicians, will be at Redmen Hall March 12, at 7:30 p.m., performing a concert entitled, "Springers and Springboards." The group is featuring songs that they wrote as well as other favorites. The cost for adults is $10 and $5 for youth, with those under 10, free.

If you miss them on Friday night, you can catch them at St. James on March 14 at 2:30 p.m.

DUAL SPONSORS--The Skamokawa and Grays River Granges are co-sponsoring a dance at the Skamokawa Grange Hall on March 19 from 8 to 11 p.m. They'd like to invite you to take part in this "made for a grange" type of event. While this style of dance is called contra dancing, there will also be squares and circles being performed and a few good old-fashioned waltzes. Don't know what any of these are? Come at 7:30 p.m. and you'll be given some free basic step lessons. The cost is $8, children under 12, free.

OUT OF THE PAST-- From March 1-10, in 1960, the big headlines concerned the weather, as bad weather plagued the entire nation it seemed and snow was burying the Northeast. Sound familiar? On March 2, the snow began falling in our area and by March 3, it was a very white world here as well. Luckily for Grandma and Grandpa Everest, grandson, Gene Healy came by to clean their sidewalk as well as Gertie Healy's. Later, Gene and Hap Anderson brought in an extra pile of wood and got them stocked up. Luckily, the snow didn't stick around long here, like it was back east, and with the rains, came a messy transition of slush, but by the 6th, things were pretty much bare and back to the typical pattern of some sun, some rain. However, on March 8, Grandma's 68th birthday, it was a mixed bag with rain, hail, wind and even some more snowflakes. Grand-daughter Donna Healy Palmer baked Grandma a nice cake and many family members came to share her day. Earlier in the day, it was city and school election time so the Everests voted before coming home and baking some bread, and then visiting with Kathleen Wright over tea. The grange hall was full as they held a Father and Daughter Girl Scout banquet, which Krist and Kay Pedersen attended. After Mr. Bunn left Red Cross material at the Everest home, Grandpa Everest spent several days out collecting for them.

In 1965, the weather was totally different as it was dry and beautiful and by March 10, it was still dry, with the last rain being on February 27. The midwest was not so fortunate however, as they had been experiencing severe weather in the form of snow and cold, which had killed 30 people already. Basketball season was going strong and Cathlamet won a tough game on a Wednesday by six points and then on Thursday, they beat Davenport by just one point in overtime. But that was nothing compared to the next night, when Cathlamet beat Skykomish by a score of 74 to 72 in double overtime so doubly thrilling. Grandma spent her 73rd birthday at the home of daughter, Carol (Krist) Pedersen on Puget Island, where she enjoyed a great dinner and many family members and their gifts. Grandpa had made brownie points with his gift of pink rose buds. It was gorgeous the next couple of days and so the doors were all wide open and the Everests were pruning the holly and doing other yardwork. Concerning world affairs, Grandma said that things were in such a mess that she couldn't write anything that wasn't a worry.

All this according to Grandma Elsie (Walker) Everest's diaries.