Enjoy family time this holiday season

NOT SO NICE--We had some cold, windy, nasty weather these last few days. It brought several inches of snow up on Beaver Creek and the surrounding hills and some thick rain down here on the valley floor, along with heavy hail to boot. On Sunday night, I could hear that freight train sound coming and that's usually not a good thing to hear! Sure enough, after the last whoosh went through at 2:04 a.m., there went the power! A tree had fallen on the power lines, Thankfully, a PUD crew came out and restored power to us by 3:45 a.m. Thanks for the repair job, guys! As of tonight (Monday), we are below freezing and it's all very slick around our place. Snowflakes are falling in higher elevations around here and also in Portland, so I hope we'll have gotten through this next batch of crazy weather without any nasty incidents! Remember that it is heading into winter on Friday. Hang on, and be prepared, as Old Man Winter may be ready to spread his arms and wrap us in a blanket of cold for awhile. Let's hope not!

GREAT TRAGEDY-- The nation was deeply saddened by the tragic and senseless killing of a multitude of children and adults in Connecticut this past week at an elementary school there. It behooves us to think of why someone would do such a despicable act, and one that we will probably never be able to fully comprehend. Certainly our thoughts and prayers are with all those families dealing with losses, as well as that entire community including the surviving children as they continue on in the face of such heartache and trauma. Our hearts go out to them.

SPECIAL DAYS-- Those celebrating birthdays this coming week are Alysha Twiet, Christina Helms, Jose Castillo, Shawn Deal, Gwen Gorley, Coral Linquist, Michele Smith, John Hoven, Billy Peek, Joey Gomes, Kimmie Wright and cousins Toby Bell, Ron Clement and Sherry Stewart. Happy birthday y'all!

Happy Anniversary wishes go out to Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hoven and Mr. and Mrs. Fred Stanley. Enjoy your special days, everybody!

ANOTHER ADDITION--We'll be adding another birthday to our list next year, as one of our Christmas cards came with the news that there will be a new little Pedersen in the family come June! Nephew Mark Pedersen will be a Grandpa next year when son, Adam Pedersen and his wife Samantha welcome a little one to the family. This means Ralph and Peggy Pedersen will have a great-grandchild to add to their family tree and I'll have a great-great nephew or niece. That's making me feel old! No news on whether they're expecting a boy or girl, so we'll all be taking bets on whether the trend toward boys prevails or not!

THIS FRIDAY--The Duck Inn will be holding an "End of the World Ugly Sweater Contest" this Friday night, so we hope you've been able to find that would-rather-not-have-it holiday sweater that someone gave you one year and you might just be the big winner Friday evening! I hope you'll be stretching your vocal chords in order to entertain the crowd with some great karaoke as well. It's fun, so come with a group and get your name on Glen Crown's list of singers!

FAMILY GATHERING--On Saturday afternoon, some of the Pedersen/Everest family members gathered at the Skamokawa Grange Hall for an early Christmas get-together. With snowy slush coming down on my windshield as I headed out of West Valley, I was a bit concerned that the weather would mean people would have to leave early to avoid being snowed in, but while it got a little thick and nasty at times, it didn't last long and we managed all right. Cousin Dave Pedersen and wife Ulana came down from Seattle with a score of pictures to share on a digital frame. Those were neat to see. Cindi Pedersen (youngest daughter of Frank Pedersen) and Jeff Nicol came from Hood River, Oregon, where the snow was more abundant. We were happy to see that they made it here all right! Due to illnesses, new businesses, being out of the area or other family obligations, we only had 15 of us to share the ham, pork roast, chicken and a ton of goodies, so we definitely ate well that day! We're thinking that maybe next year we'll do a Christmas in July party so then maybe we won't have to deal with weather-related issues!

NICE TURN OUT-- On Sunday, we headed to the grade school to join a good-sized group of people who came to support the Mike Phelps family at a sirloin tip and noodles fundraiser. Many tickets were sold for the various raffle items. From what I heard, they raised a decent amount of money thanks to the generous folks who showed up and the many hands that put this event together. Here's to all of you who came and helped the family and here's another get well shout-out to Mike and some extra prayers being sent heavenward on his behalf.

TAKE CARE-- When I went by the Oasis Tavern the other evening on my way to the Grange, I saw that it was closed. Later on, I found out that owner and operator Eileen Tietje had been feeling under the weather, so she was unable to open the "O" up. I want to send her my heartiest get well wishes. I hope she is feeling better and everything is back to normal by now.

COMING RIGHT UP-- Yes indeed, Christmas is coming up fast and while I seem to be saying "time has been flying by" a whole lot lately, I'm not the only one saying it, as it seems most of the Christmas cards I received have said the same thing. With the big holiday close at hand, I hope we all have a wonderful celebration. If you happen to find yourself without plans on Christmas Day, don't forget that the Duck Inn will be open for your dining pleasure. Give them a call at 795-6055 to make a reservation for ham or turkey dinner, which is being offered for $11.99.

SEND EARLY--With Christmas on Tuesday this year, I will need to send in my column by Monday at 10 a.m. That means if anyone has news to share, give me a shout no later than Sunday afternoon. I'll be shopping and cooking and writing as well, and will need a little time to get it together. Thanks!

MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYBODY--Well, here we are once again: Christmas time! May your holidays be a time to gather family close to you and enjoy every minute with them, and to remember with great fondness the family members that are no longer with you. While they may be gone from this earth, they will live forever in your heart. Have a fun and happy holiday and safe travels to you if you're going to be on the road!