Bob Pyle to read from new novel December 15

WET BEGINNING:--As the work week started, we got some more rain, which can be good or bad, depending on how you look at it. We are behind in our yearly rainfall amounts, which we need to have to keep things nice and green around here, as we certainly don't want a big burn like California just experienced! However, when the rain comes down hard, as in an atmospheric river, then it's not quite as welcome as that can cause flash flooding, erosion, mudslides, etc., so let's hope that things don't materialize in that kind of event here and that the rains weren't too bad where you were. A few miles can make a huge difference around here!

LIGHTING:--I know one thing, it sure was great to have the dry weather show up last Saturday for the Christmas tree lighting in Cathlamet, as well as the vendors market and the early appearance of Santa Claus, along with guest speaker, Miss Evelyn Clark, now Miss Washington USA! It was just perfect, considering we'd been having freezing weather and rain too, so having everybody able to walk around town and enjoy the festivities was definitely terrific! I couldn't believe how many vendors there were in the Hotel Cathlamet building, which made use of the lobby, upstairs hallways, and even the dining and living room areas. Truly awesome!

Of course, the place has a special meaning to me, as my mom and stepdad owned it, and I lived there and ran it for awhile and had even lived in all three apartments that used to be in it, so it's changed a lot since those old days! After it was renovated and changed into an assisted living place, my Mom even returned there and her room was actually one of my kids' bedrooms from back in the "old days." When I told the little gals at one of the booths that the room they were currently standing in had actually once been Room 114 and rented out for $6.50, they could hardly believe it.

SPECIAL DAYS:--Those celebrating birthdays Nov. 29 through Dec. 5, are Hank Bassi, Tom Webb, Menoka Martin, Mike Linn, Joyce Ower, Maria Snow, MacKenzie Allen, Trace Tarabochia, J.R. DeBraie, Johnny Burdick, Terri Slape, Mark Slape, Matt Helm ll, Samantha Wright, Mike Paulsen, Dominic Diaz, Shane Souvenir, Dylan Cothren, Jennifer Hoven, Hollie Burns, Drake Cook, Steve Finkas, Kendra Finkas, Kevin Palmer and Mark Pedersen.

Those celebrating anniversaries this week are Tom and Rosalie Webb, Rick and Jenny Benfit, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Clark and Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Holland. Here's wishing all the birthday and anniversary couples a wonderful time on their special days!

FRIDAY MOVIE:--The last free movie of the month showing at the Community Center in Cathlamet will be an adult documentary, so stop by the center to find out more about this movie, as I don't have any other information on it. All movies begin at 7 p.m., and you can bring in your own goodies if you want, as well as enjoy the free popcorn that is always provided.

THIS SATURDAY:--For another venue of vendors for the holiday, it's time to head down here to the Youth Building at the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds, as the Third Annual Holiday Bazaar will take place beginning at 10 a.m. on Dec.1. If you missed buying a wreath or swag from the Wahkiakum Fair Foundation at the hotel this past weekend, they will be here selling those things, and more, so come on down and check it all out. They will also have bake sales and a decorated Christmas tree auction.

NORSE HALL THIS SUNDAY:--Calling all parents: Don't forget to bring the little ones, under 10, to the Norse Hall this Sunday afternoon from 2 to 4 p.m., for the annual Childrens' Christmas Party. They can see Santa and tell him what they want for Christmas, and the parents can use this time to get that special holiday picture with Santa. They will also get a goodie bag and they can take part in some kids' games and cookie decorating and more. We hope that the kids will take part in writing a letter to Santa as well, just so he doesn't forget what they asked for, as for each letter written, Macy's actually donates a dollar to the Make A Wish foundation which does such wonderful things for children who are dealing with serious health issues. To top it off, the grown ups can purchase some wonderful Norwegian goodies for their upcoming holiday events, so, it's a win-win deal. Hope to see you there this Sunday.

REDMEN HALL/BOB PYLE:--If you didn't get a chance to come to the Redmen Hall/Central School this past weekend for their Holiday Open House you can still come on Thursday through Sunday from noon to four and check out all their special goodies. Remember, "shopping small" or "shopping local" is a great movement which we should try to adhere to all year long and not just at Christmas time, so I hope you'll try to support our local artisans and our local businesses.

On top of the holiday bazaar, the Friends of Skamokawa are also featuring our local author, Robert Michael Pyle and his new novel, "Magdalena Mountain" on Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. He is the author of 23 books and has discussed everything from Bigfoot to butterflies. In this book he seems to be combining three different Magdalenas, so you need to come down and get your signed copy and see what this new book is all about. He will read and visit at the RiverLife Interpretive Center on the second floor. You can contact the hall at 360-795-3007 or by email: fos1894@gmail.com. If you'd like to contact the FOS Bookstore Manager, Jill Semlick, you can reach her at 503-789-7701 or email her at: skamokbooks@gmail.com.

NEXT SATURDAY:--The monthly Flea Market in Skamokawa will take place at its usual time, the second Saturday of the month at the County Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dec. 8.

TRAVELERS RETURN:--A few folks I know got to travel a little bit over the Thanksgiving holiday and enjoy some nice sunshine and warmth while we were down in the mid-20s in West Valley last week, so coming back might have been a bit of a climate shock to them. You see, Tom and Rosalie Webb, as well as Nicole McKinley, got to travel to a couple of different areas "south of the border," and Felicitie Knight headed out to Texas, so they definitely enjoyed a warmer holiday than we did here. From the sounds of it, and from all their pictures, they definitely enjoyed soaking up that warm sunshine, which was certainly in short supply around here.

DIFFERENT:--I know many folks got to gather around the table at mom's house or grandma's house, but that wasn't the case for us this year. Unfortunately, I've been a bit under the weather for most of the month with various problems. My get up and go had got up and went, so for the first time in forever, we didn't have any gathering here at our house, nor did we go to someone else's house. Instead we went out with a couple of the boys, Brandon and Brian, and while it was nice not to have to do a lot of cleaning and cooking, I sure missed having the house all warmed up and smelling good from having made pies and cooking a turkey in the oven. Hopefully, next year will be better. I trust you all had a good day.

STILL STARS:--There are star trees here and there around our area, and we hope that you'll be able to take one of those stars and fulfill the wishes of a young person who is in need this Christmas. They almost always ask for clothes and shoes, so you know they are sincere in their need as they aren't asking for spendy, frivolous items, so here's hoping they get the things they need and if possible, maybe a special treat as well.

LONG LASTING GIFTS:--A couple of gift ideas for those people who have everything: how about getting them a membership to the Friends of Skamokawa, or maybe to the Wahkiakum County Historical Society? Or if you don't think they'd want to be a member of a group, you could even just donate cash to these important, historical places in our area, in their name. There are a lot of good groups around and they all need our support. Address for these two places are: FOS, P. O. Box 67, Skamokawa, WA 98647 and to the WCHS, 65 River Street, Cathlamet, WA 98612. Some groups don't have buildings that need to be kept up, so their needs are more easily met but the above mentioned do, so your support is truly vital to keep them open and functioning in our community. Another one you might consider is the Skamokawa Grange #425, as their building at 18 Fairgrounds Road is also a historic building. If you'd like to give them a hand, send donations to them at P.O. Box 123, Skamokawa, WA 98647. Here's to giving gifts this year that really make a difference and enhance our community.