Get ready, the new year is just around the corner

A REAL MIX--On Christmas weekend, it depended where you were as to what kind of weather you had, but for those in the areas where snow was falling, they were totally excited to have a white Christmas! Seattle had the first white Christmas in 10 years, so for those snow lovers, the arrival of it was just perfect. For others, it came at a time and place that meant holiday plans were canceled, some flights were either delayed or canceled and some were stranded on highways and byways that were solid sheets of ice after the snow packed down, so not everybody was thrilled to see it come down. Out here in West Valley, it was sleet that turned things white, and it was slick on Christmas Eve but Christmas day for us saw warmer temperatures for a change, and it was just dreary and wet, so it wasn't too bad; not as pretty, but not as treacherous at least!

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from Dec. 28-Jan. 3 are Duncan Cruickshank, Terry Cleveland, Tony Danker, Lee Tischer, Greg Bain, Robbie Kerstetter, Brooke Luthi, Jaxon Hoven, John Hoven, Taleah Wallin, Mary Gustafson, Bob Stewart, Trynity Mendez, Kohl Bergseng, Rhonda Wright, Jim Blain, Ronnie Pedersen, Frank Pedersen and Luke Pedersen turns one. Happy Birthday to you all!

Those celebrating their anniversaries this week are Mr. and Mrs. Mark Helms, Mr. and Mrs. Orville Lindsey, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Jungers, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bigler and Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Thacker. Enjoy your special anniversary celebrations!

CONGRATS--I didn't get all the particulars, but I'll say congratulations to Jerry and Becky Ledtke, as their daughter, Valle Mae, recently got married. Becky flew down to Florida to attend the wedding, so I'm sure that was super special for her and we wish the newlyweds many years of wedded bliss! Once I get the details, I can add them to my list so we can say Happy Anniversary next year.

THIS FRIDAY--If you like to entertain folks, or just listen to those who like to, you're welcome to come down to the Skamokawa Grange Hall this Friday night, Dec. 29, where they will have an Open Mic Night and Jam session at the end. You can sign up to be part of the action at 5:45 p.m., and the fun begins at 6 p.m., and lasts until 8 p.m. They'll have some refreshments too, so stop by and tap your toes in time to the music, or maybe take part in all the festivities. Everyone is welcome!

FREE MOVIE--There will be another free movie this Friday night at the Cathlamet Community Center, so if you'd like to see that, remember that it starts at 7 p.m. There is also free popcorn, or just bring your own snacks. This movie is an adult drama.

CHECK IT OUT--The Friends of Skamokawa's historic school/hall/intrepretive center may be closed for the winter, but that doesn't mean you can't shop there, as all you have to do is go to: http://www.friendsofskamokawa.org and your order of their beautiful calendar and other gift shop items will be mailed right to you! The calendar is also available at the Skamokawa Resort/General Store.

RECOVERING--I found out that Sheryl Irving McMahon had a nasty fall recently, and while she didn't break anything, it still meant she was mighty sore and trying to heal up over the holidays. We trust she feels better soon!

Rochelle Mendoza Cothren continues to deal with some health issues after suffering a stroke earlier while in Spokane. We want to say our prayers that she will continue to improve and experience a full recovery real soon.

COUSIN CALLED--I had a nice surprise phone call from my cousin, Ronnie Pedersen, who lives in Vancouver. Unfortunately, we had been out of touch for awhile, so we had some catching up to do. Sadly, he informed me that his sister, Donna Lee, had recently passed away, but beings she had been plagued by a severe illness, her passing was really seen as a blessing. Still, it's sad to lose our loved ones and we send our sincere condolences to him and their other family members.

Ron also said he recently attended his 65th Class Reunion and sadly, there weren't too many there, so by the next one, he fears that all they will need to do is set aside a booth at a local restaurant. For most of us, this is getting to be our reality, as getting older also means losing a lot of the folks we have known our whole lives.

SYMPATHIES--We were sorry to learn of the passing of Donald Vog, and send our sympathies to his family members which includes Mary Cothren of Cathlamet and Ron Vog of Kelso. Our condolences to the entire family.

NICE EVENING--Many thanks to Logan Britt for having a "Customer Appreciation Party" at the Duck Inn last week, complete with appetizers and a band, so that was very nice. We also want to say how happy we were to hear that Logan had taken his last chemo treatment, as he's been through some rough times lately, but yet still kept his customers in mind, so we are all thrilled that he's received some good news.

NICE CHRIST-MAS?--I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas. I certainly enjoyed the cards and letters we received, as often this is the only time we get those catch up letters as to what's been happening with friends and family members all year long, so I truly love them. We had a few less at our house due to the weather but those that were here chowed down on ham and chicken and all the goodies that go with them. (We'll be eating leftovers all week!) Presents for the Good boys appeared to have been welcomed, as they included gas money, and there never seems to be enough of that, so along with some mens' stuff, like lights and first aid kits, etc., they seemed pretty happy. For the first time ever, Bill and I seemed to be a bit stymied as to what to get each other for Christmas, so after getting a together gift, we opted to buy ourselves what we really wanted. There were no wrong sizes or having to hassle with returning any gifts, so that worked out great!

The Pete Sechler Family in Seattle started out their holiday weekend by taking the whole family and their signifcant others up to the mountains to do a bit of tubing down the snowy mountain-sides. The pictures showed lots of fresh, white snow against blue, blue skies, so it was a great day to be up on the mountains. A huge crab feed was had by all when they returned home; a great way to end the day. A huge family breakfast ensued the next day, and of course there were many great gifts shared between the group on Christmas Day, followed by more great food and a trip to the movies was thrown in there someplace, so it was a busy but fun time!

WHS--The Mule Boys will be playing a lot of basketball in January, and their first home game in the New Year will be held on January 2 against PeEll. They play again on the 4th at Morton/White Pass, and then away again on Jan. 10 against Onalaska. Go Mules!

The Lady Mules will play PeEll away on Jan 3, with their first home game on Jan. 5 against Morton/White Pass and then another home game on Jan. 9 against Onalaska. Here's to successful games for everyone!

REMINDERS--I just wanted to remind you of the Red Cross Blood Drive being held on Jan. 5 at the River of Life Assembly of God Fellowship Hall located at 45 Main Street in Cathlamet as you come into town. The hours are from 1-6 p.m. Please call Patti Phillips to set up an appointment so they can fit you in their schedule and you won't have to wait in a long line. Call her at 360-562-5013. Why not start out the new year by giving the gift of life with your blood donation?

The Rosburg Crab Feed will take place on Jan. 27, so get those tickets while you can.

The annual Valentine Dinner held by the Wahkiakum Fair Board is happening Feb. 3, so buy your tickets while you can! $25 each.

THE END--It's hard to believe but as of Sunday at midnight, we will be celebrating the end of yet another year. I swear, this one flew by faster than the last, so here's to a Happy New Year 2018 on Monday! We hope you will support one of your local establishments by enjoying a dinner there or other NYE festivities!

Now, how long will it take us to write 2018 on our checks and letters instead of 2017? Whatever you do or however you celebrate the end of this year, here's hoping it's great fun, just be safe and sane, everybody!