Are you ready for some football?

COOLER/STILL NICE--As this work week began, a few clouds rolled in and we had a couple of spritzes of rain, but after a little of the same on Monday, we saw sunshine and it was a pretty decent day. It looks like we'll continue to have some decent weather this week. As a matter of fact, last weekend was perfect.

I heard from Kelly Hammond in Virginia and she and other family members had gone inland and were just fine, and even upon returning home, only found minor damages to the house. Jamie Kincaid was fine in North Carolina and didn't even lose power. Adam and Samantha Pedersen, who live in Virginia, were also just fine. We were truly grateful to hear that the folks/relatives we heard from had made it through Hurricane Irene okay. Although we haven't yet heard from all of them, we trust they are alright as well. We are keeping the families with losses in our thoughts and prayers as many areas were truly devastated back there. The pictures from Vermont were just mind boggling, as the torrents of water coming from the mountain sides there had a volume and force greater than that of Niagra Falls they said, so while the winds of this hurricane didn't do as much damage as many other hurricanes, the rains and subsequent flooding from it sure took its toll. We will be wishing them the best of luck as well.

BIG WEEKEND, CHILI FEED--School starts on Sept. 6, so here's to a great Labor Day weekend everybody! Head to the Elochoman Slough Marina on Saturday, as from 10 to 4 there will be all kinds of action going on for the Eighth annual "Buzzards Breath" Chili Cook-Off, always a lot of fun. For $7, you can take part in the chili tasting which begins at 1 p.m., and then you get to vote on your favorite and they in turn, get a chance to bring home the trophy for their cooking feat! While you're there, Columbia Crew will be providing the music for you and there will be other things going on as well, like the yellow ducky race, the beer garden and the raffles, so don't miss out on the fun!

SWAP MEET--Don't forget the Swap Meet in Naselle at the Appelo Archives Center September 2 and 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are bound to be some good things and great bargains. Hopefully you've already reserved a table if you want to take part in this swap meet, but if not, you'll need to call Anita Raistakka right away, at 360-484-3376 to reserve a spot. If they provide you with a table, it's $20 to set up but if you bring your own, it's only 15.

SCHOOL/FOOTBALL BEGIN--Football season starts this Friday, with a game at Adna and then the JV team plays Adna here on Monday. Schedules can change, so check out the website for the latest information and updates or if you don't have internet, call the school. Season passes are available at the high school, with special prices for those 60 or over. This pass allows you to attend all the SWWIA and Central B league events but does not include tournaments. There are other special rates, so check them out if you go to many games, it will be worth purchasing a pass.

The John C. Thomas Middle School Warriors will begin their football season with a home game on September 8 against Pe Ell at 6 p.m. Go teams!

BOOSTERS--It's not too late to join the Mules Booster team and all you have to do to join is to call The Wahkiakum Eagle at 795-3391. For just $66, you can have your name/business featured in 10 large ads (nine now) for the upcoming Mule season.

Also, the WHS Cheerleading Squad is looking for sponsorships. Your name will be posted in the gym in various colors, depending on the size of the donation. For more information about helping these girls call 795-3338. You can also check out the chamber website and get a form to fill out and drop off to Penny Paulsen at the Bank of the Pacific

EXTRA CAREFUL--With the beginning of school upon us, please be extra diligent, as the kids might not be street/car savvy just yet and we need to watch for them. Don't forget to maintain the speed limit in school zones. If you plan on going to the football games, remember to leave Fido at home. Dogs are not welcome on school grounds. Your co-operation is appreciated.

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from September 1-7 are Nanea Carroll, Carol Thacker, Quin Bassi, Jasmin Lindsey, Tristan Collupy, Fred Bennett, Orville Lindsey, Dave Hicks, Cora Irving, Shirley Rose, Nathan Rose, Brent Linquist, Troy Davis, Don Ostling, Thea Pyle, Paul Toney, Nathan Takko, Linda Cook, Scott Baldwin, Donna Peterson Bernard and Bill Chamberlain. Happy Birthday to all of you this week!

Happy Anniversary to Mr. and Mrs. Lee Tischer, Mr. and Mrs. Todd Souvenir, Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Linquist, Mr. and Mrs. Buzz Moore, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Doumit, Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Tracy, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Johnson and Mr. and Mrs. Brad McNally.

GREAT TIME--Those that attended the dance held by the organizers of the Celtic Festival group last Saturday at the Skamokawa Grange Hall, said they had a good time, with dance instructions being easy to follow and the music was great and atmosphere lively, so that was good to hear. The group says they'll be back next year and they look forward to their second event here. Next time we'll try to publicize it a little better, and I'll be feeling better so that I can do a jig along with the rest of them!

ANOTHER MONTH/WINE TASTING--With football games being played and school starting, it must mean Fall is here, hard to believe! The Friends of Skamokawa's annual Wine Tasting and Auction event takes place on September 10 from 7-10 p.m. The Skamokawa Grange Hall will be bursting with a Cornucopia of Wines, which includes some tasty appetizers and some wonderful items for you to bid on. Coffee and other non-alchoholic beverages will be served as well, so if you don't like wine, come for the food, the fun bidding wars and a chance to take home some great gift items! If you'd like to donate an item for this event, there is still time, so contact Redmen Hall at 795-3007 or stop by from Thursday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Your support is appreciated.

IN OCTOBER--As far as I know, the annual Harvest Fest will take place at the Covered Bridge in October, so put that on your list of things to do next month. If anyone says there's nothing to do around here, then they are just not paying attention! If you don't think so, give me a call and we'll put you to work as a volunteer on a committee or two and you will soon change your mind! Many out of towners who get the paper have contacted me to say how busy we are, so they are noticing where the action is and I'm proud to say that we are alive and kicking in this neck of the woods!

STILL NEEDED--Volunteers are still needed at the Wahkiakum County Historical Society Museum in Cathlamet, so if you'd like to pitch in, that would be great. The WCHS will hold their annual meeting October 29 at the Cathlamet Fire Hall on the corner of Una and 2nd street, at 11 a.m. Members of the WCHS are encouraged to come as there will be a guest speaker at this meeting, Mike Taylor, as well as a short business meeting to elect executive board members for 2012. Please RSVP Judy Brawn at 360-562-1925 before October 15 so they know how much seating they need to have.

SUPPORT LOCAL--We hope, if you need your hair trimmed, that you'll support our local gal, Christeena Bassi, at the barbershop in Cathlamet. I was happy to give up my scissors and send Bill there recently and we hope you'll all get trimmed up at her place in the months ahead.Christeena spent a lot of time going to school and computing back and forth in order to learn this trade, so she needs our support. Congratulations to her on her accomplishment and here's to a future full of clips, snips and trims for all you guys and gals too!

SYMPATHIES--One of my mom's dearest friends, Ora Eaton, passed away last week, but I bet they are having a good time in heaven right now, as those two were just the best of pals. Not only had they lived on Puget Island for years, but they'd gone to school together and they had both been active in the Assembly of God church, where they had spent time being Sunday School teachers in their younger years and faithful followers in the years to come. Ora was known to everyone as the lady who was always cooking or baking something and one of those people who opened up her home to one and all. Greg Lloyd remembers their home on "Moonshine Alley" as the place where he, Martin Ostervold and Danny worked on their Chevys and enjoyed the many goodies Ora prepared and where the coffee pot was always on the stove. We will always remember the kind and loving lady that was Ora Eaton. May she rest in peace. Our sympathies to her entire family.