We had some crazy weather on Saturday

UNEXPECTED--We certainly had a crazy weather day last Saturday and it depended on where you were as to just how violent it was. We started out the day with fairly decent weather, then we got some sun breaks and folks were posting some awesome pictures of a "straight line rainbow," which was certainly unique, so there were a lot of "that's neat" comments on Facebook about it. The bad news about that particular phenomenon, according to the weather forecasters, is that it means a storm is coming; who knew? But I have to say, while forecasters aren't always correct, they were spot on with that prediction, as within minutes, we went from a relatively calm day, to a tree bending, branch blowing, yard art scattering kind of day; it was crazy! Then on top of the wind, the rain opted to join in the fun, and it came down in buckets and just pummeled my poor plants. Thankfully, it didn't last too long!

In other areas, like Kalama, Lee Tischer said he watched things "fly" as those sitting outside enjoying their meal at McMennamin's suddenly found themselves scurrying inside as the wind hit and started blowing things everywhere, including one of those large covered sun shade tents; not good! Parts of Oregon saw lots of lightning strikes and even a tree was set on fire and came crashing down and thousands were without power, so at least that didn't happen here. At any rate, it was sure a fast and furious weather event, that I am glad didn't stick around for very long!

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from May 23-29 are Bryson Havens, Mitch Moonen, Elle Britt, Scarlett Engle, Keil Charles Parker, Wes McClain, Devin Helms, Jon Peterson, Natalie Emery Wise, Bonnie Bigler, Bill Faubion, Julie Black, Kelly Hammond, Kolbi Robinson, Patti LaBerge, Marilyn West, Asher Frink, Serene Snow, Jeanne Paulsen, Jeff Vik, Chad Marsyla, Arnie Good, Tiernan Cochran, Mary Jo Brown, Katrina Pedersen Freeman, Lisa Sechler and 67'er Linda Holland Toste.

Those celebrating anniversaries this coming week are Bill and Linda Mahitka, the John Fitzpatricks, the Pete Ringens, the Tylor Nortrups and the Tony Dankers. May you all have a wonderful time on your special days this coming week!

NEW ADDITION--Arriving on the anniversary of the famous Mt. St. Helen's volcanic eruption, was our own "not so little" explosion, as James Harry Pedersen showed up weighing in at nine pounds and one a half ounces and was 21 inches long! His folks, Gabriel and Annie Pedersen, welcomed his arrival in the late afternoon hours on Saturday, May 18, and of course, made them both very happy! This is the couple's second son, so James will join his big brother, Luke who is almost 2.5 years old. I'm sure that when James is old enough, they'll both have fun playing in the sand on the beaches of California, where they currently live. James' arrival made his grandpa, Mark Pedersen mighty pleased as well and now Mark has two grandsons (via Gabe) and two granddaughters (via Adam) to spoil, and well, that's what grandpas are supposed to do, right? James just so happens to join a very long list of May babies in our family, so welcome to the club, baby boy! A hearty congratulations to Gabe and Annie and all their family members.

FRIDAY MOVIE--The film at the Community Center in Cathlamet, situated at 101 Main Street, will be shown on May 24 at its usual time of 7 p.m., and comes with free popcorn. It is an adult drama and rated R.

OPENING--Don't forget, this Friday (May 24) at 5 p.m., the grand opening of KCC Treats will take place at the Elochoman Slough Marina. Also, in that area that day is the first of the season Farmers Market from 4 to 7, so there's a couple more things to do this Friday!

GRANGE/MUSIC--This Saturday night, May 25, it's time to head to the Skamokawa Grange Hall at 18 Fairgrounds Road, and treat yourself to some great music. The Slough Rats will be there, along with The Mutineers (Austin & Emlen duo) as well as Wanderlodge from Portland. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the show beginning at 7 p.m., and the cost is $10 each.

BIG WEEKEND--Memorial Day weekend often means a lot of folks have a three day weekend. I'm beginning to think that some folks are color blind as red means stop; not go faster! Definitely look both ways when your light turns green, as I'd have gotten plowed into three times in one day had I gone when I was legally allowed to, so be wary out there everybody! I am hoping that all the red light runners that I've seen lately, will either change their ways or stay home, so we can have a safe and sane holiday.

LAST CHANCE--The Friends of Skamokawa would like to remind you that the current exhibit at the River Life Interpretive Center at the Redmen Hall/Central School is coming to an end on May 26, so the next few days are the last chance to check out the "Farm and Flower" photography display. The hall is open Thursday through Sunday from noon to four, so come and check out the photos and check out the book and gift store while you're there. Call 360-795-3007 for more info.

MUSEUM IS OPEN--The Wahkiakum Co. Historical Society would like to remind you that the museum in Cathlamet is now open on weekends, from 1 to 4 p.m., so stop by if you have a bit of time and check them out. There is a small fee for getting in and donations are always welcomed, as this "keeper of history" is not funded by either the city or the county and it could use our help to keep the doors open. If you'd like to make a donation, you can mail it to WCHS - 65 River Street - Cathlamet, WA 98612. Your donation would truly be appreciated. If you'd like to help man the museum on weekends, contact Kari Kandoll at 360-849-4353.

CARS NEXT SATURDAY--Next Saturday will be the first "Cruizin' to the Fair" Car Show at the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds, so they hope to see you there. Breakfast and lunch will be available and there will be vendors and cars, and hopefully some sunshine too. Here's to a good time and a fun event!

WHS 50TH REUNION--The Wahkiakum High School Class of 1970 is planning their big 50th reunion for next year, so if you want to get in on all the details, contact one of your classmates, like Judy Marsyla, or mark September 21 down and plan on attending a meeting to discuss this milestone reunion. The potluck meeting is going to be held at noon at the Heron Point Community Center, so it's a ways off yet, but it wouldn't hurt to get that down on your calendar so you don't forget. The HPCC is in the trailer park on the right of Ocean Beach Hwy, just as you pass the first stop light going into Longview.

NICE PITCH--One of our favorite local gals and Wahkiakum celebrity, Evelyn Clark, who is the reigning Miss Washington, did not get to see her dreams of becoming Miss USA fulfilled recently, but I hope she knows, she'll always be the true winner to all of us! She is still Miss Washington, and has several months of her reign left, with duties to fulfill in that compacity so you'll still see her out and about. We got to see her in great form recently when she threw out the first pitch of a Mariners' game in Seattle, and while it took a hop, it still went right over home plate, so the announcer said she threw a "perfect pitch." We hope the remaining time as our state's representative brings you another batch of wonderful memories to hold in your heart forever.

WRAP UP--Last Saturday was a pretty great day for those taking part in the 35th annual Great White-Tailed Run in our area, so I'm glad that they were able to finish that prior to the wind and rain storm that showed up later on. They had a nice turn out and we even had family members come clear from the flooding lands of Spokane over here for the event, so kudos to Deanna Healy Ahrndt and her family for taking part in this event. Another group that joined in the fun was Kelly Hammond and her daughter, Vanessa with her hubby and their two kids and even their dogs, along with Kelly's Mom, so it was neat that they were all able to come together and continue this family tradition!