Vacation trip wonderful, but return home is great

Vacations are wonderful, but it is always incredibly good to be home. So sorry that I didn’t bring warmer and drier weather back with me, but I must say I took much nicer weather down to southern California with me. The temps never got over 79 degrees and it was overcast most of the time - perfect. By the way, I hate the desert and would never live there. Family is important enough to visit though. Coming home to real trees and everything green is the best.

I spent time with two of my nephews and their families and was happy to spend extra time with my great nephew and his family before he deployed to Syria last Monday.

While there in Yucca Valley, I was able to see some beautiful spring flowers blooming, visited Joshua Tree National Monument with its many majestic rock formations, wildlife much different than we are used to and to top off the whole trip my nephew took me to the NASCAR race in Fontana. They have season tickets to the race and we were able to visit the garage area and the pits often catching up with some of the drivers. I had a great time and the weather was nearly perfect with temps in the 60’s and overcast all three days. Looks like this will be a yearly trip from now on.

News from Naselle:

Students are completing their week of Spring Break and will be returning to class on Monday, the 10th. I hope everyone had a fun and safe holiday break.

Sports calendar for the Naselle Comet teams this coming week include: Friday, fast pitch with Seaside in Naselle at 4 p.m .; Saturday, baseball with South Bend in Naselle at 12 noon and high school track at the Daily Astorian Invite; Monday, baseball at Mary M Knight at 4 p.m. and fast pitch at Taholah at 4 p.m .; Tuesday, baseball and fast pitch with Winlock in Naselle at 4 p.m .; Wednesday, middle school Home Track Meet in Naselle at 3:30 p.m. Go Comets!

Easter is fast approaching and the ESA Easter egg hunt will be held April 15 at 11 a.m. sharp in the Naselle High School football field for toddlers through grade 3. The Easter Bunny will be making an appearance on site to visit with the kids and share some candy. Bring a container to put the eggs in and dress for the weather, as this event goes on rain or shine.

Mark your calendars for a special treat later this month and early next month. There will be several performances of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. presented by the Naselle Drama Club on April 28 and 29 at 7 p.m., April 30 at 2 p.m., May 5 and 6 at 7 p.m. and ending with a Sunday matinee on May 7 at 2 p.m. Come, check out the talent of some of our local kids. The play will be performed in the Naselle Commons.

The 7th Annual Logger’s Reunion will be held on April 15 in the Naselle Appelo Archive Center. For more information please call 360 484-7103.

Need a nice relaxing break? Call for an appointment at the Naselle Massage Clinic and let Bryon make it all better with a soothing massage. Bryon is celebrating his 5th year in business. For more info call 484-3550.

Other news from the Westend:

It’s time once again to open your heart and give that life saving liquid to someone who probably needs it more than you do. The next Blood Drive at the Valley Bible Church will be held on Tuesday from noon to 6 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment please call Susan Burkhalter at 465-2264. She tells me that there are still quite a few appointment slots open. It only takes a few minutes out of your day to give life to someone who really needs you. April Williams’ sliders are also a good incentive to join your friends and neighbors for a great cause. Hope to see you there.

The annual Spring Chicken Dinner, sponsored by the Rosburg Community Club is on the calendar this month for May 23. This event is one you should not miss, delicious baked chicken, yummy salads and “to die for” desserts. Proceeds from this fundraiser help to maintain the Rosburg Hall and the many other projects provided for by the Rosburg Community Club. More details in next week's column.

The Rosburg Wednesday Senior Lunch Bunch meets every week in the Rosburg Hall for a delicious home cooked meal prepared and served by Pat Potter and her volunteers. Come enjoy some good food and good company with your local friends and neighbors.

On Thursdays, a senior lunch is also served in the Rosburg Hall and is sponsored by CAP. The meal is served at noon on both days.

Happy Birthday to Lance Gray, Norman Sotka, Jon Pakenen and Caleb Hazen. Wishing all of you a perfect day.

Happy Anniversary to Cody and Annie Strange. Wishing you many more celebrations together.

Looking forward to a visit from my sister, her two daughters and her two granddaughters this coming weekend. Even though they will only be here for a couple of days, it’s much needed family time that I love. Even though we are still experiencing a very wet spring, we have found several trilliums blooming, trees in bloom and hungry hummingbirds all around. It is so good to be home.