Winter is here; are you prepared?

ANOTHER YEAR BEGINS--Here we are saying it's a "new year" and we keep wondering where the last one went! But here we are in 2020, which means you'll probably be scribbling off 2019 from a few checks before you get used to this new date.

NIPPY--As last week's Eagle came out, we were shivering a lot in West Valley, as we dipped down to 27 degrees and things were mighty icy on parts of the roadways and naturally, those shady spots with standing water, were nothing but ice.

For you newer folks, watch your temperature gauges carefully, and please realize that when it gets cold, it can mean it might be clear in one spot, but black ice on that shady corner, so always err on the side of caution when traveling around on these winter days and nights!

AUSSIES--Those in Australia are hoping and praying for some cooler weather and most importantly rain, as the country is dealing with massive amounts of wild fires. I have a cousin there who sends me a lot of pictures, and it's truly devastating, as well as super scary for those who are on alert and are ready to evacuate on a moment's notice. One of our former local gals, Kelly Nettles Recupero, says she is safe but is having to deal with the thick smoke that makes breathing for many so difficult. So, if you are one of those people who believe in the power of prayer, now's the time to say a lot of them, as they could truly use some divine help/intervention right about now.

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from Jan. 2-8, are Bob Stewart, Brooke Luthi, Jaxon Hoven, Taleah Wallin, Andy Lea, Joe Montgomery, Scott McClain, Renee Rose, Don P. Wages, Renee Zacher, Stephanie Leitz, Larry Rose, Marlena Silva, Josh Moonen, Trynity Mendez, Carol Hadley, Becky Elliott, James M. Blain and Mike Moore. Belated birthday wishes to Larry Fancher. Here's to wonderful birthday celebrations as this new year begins!

We'll be wishing Milli and Jon Elven a very Happy Anniversary this coming Sunday; hope they have a great day!

MTGS. COMING UP--On January 7, there are three groups that have meetings that day: the Kiwanis Club will meet at the Hope Center in Cathlamet, and the VFW folks will meet at the Cathlamet Fire Hall and the Skamokawa Grange #425 members are meeting during the next couple of months at 5 p.m., instead of the usual 7 p.m. So, if you belong to any of these groups, be sure to make note of that and spread the word around your circle of members and friends, as all groups welcome new members these days and would like to see more folks show up to their meetings.

BUSY DAY--January 11, which is not this Saturday but the next one, will find folks heading to the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds for their monthly Flea Market in the Youth Building, from 9 to 3, so let's hope the weather is half-way decent, so folks will feel like getting out and about and checking to see what treasures they can find. As always, you can also purchase a table for $10 and sell your own things as well. Your contact person is Patty Dursteler: 360-795-3480.

Also on January 11, but in the evening hours, the Sons of Norway will play host to the monthly bingo games at the Norse Hall on Puget Island. The doors open at 5:30 with games beginning at 6 p.m. Cards are $5 each. Contact Jan Silvestri with questions: 360-432-1705.

DOUBLE CHECK--Beings we had super early deadlines this week, it is possible that there were changes or delays or cancellations in the above mentioned events that may have occurred after I had already turned in my column, so please double check with someone in that group just in case.

BIG CRAB FEED--The last I heard, the tickets were selling out fast for the annual VFW Crab and Oyster Feed put on by the Deep River Post 111 at the Rosburg Hall on January 25, so if you're wanting tickets, you'll need to contact the usual folks like Ken Elliott, Larry Rose, Danny Eaton or any others that you know of in that group, real soon. Doors open at 6 p.m., and it's always a packed house and a real good time, so bring your oyster shuckers and some crab picks and any other dipping sauces that you might like besides the one provided, and come on down!

ANOTHER ONE--If you miss the crab feed listed above, there's still a chance for you to enjoy that yummy seafood, as there's also the Crab and Oyster Feed put on by the Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce the following month, on February 15. This is an anniversary event, as this is their 35th year; wow! You can contact the chamber at 360-795-9996 for more information about tickets for that, or you can get them at the Bank of the Pacific in Cathlamet. They are holding it at a different location this year, so be sure to head down West Birnie Slough Road on Puget Island this year to the Columbia River Ranch and Cattle Co., which is located at the old Emerick Farm (or Toste's) for us old timers!

WAH. 4-H--There is a deadline coming up at the end of the month that you may not be aware of, but if you want to get re-enrolled into the Wahkiakum 2019-2020 4-H program, you need to do that by Jan 31. The extension office is open Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m., to 3 p.m., so if you have any questions, head that way or give them a call during those hours (360-795-3278). The office is just east of the PUD building, on that lower level of the Charlotte House.

FIRST CHRISTMAS--Tom and Rosalie Webb and other guests headed west to their daughter, Lorie's house, where she and hubby Steve Smith, held their first Christmas in their new home, so that was pretty special. With a marvelous tree and stunning decorations, the family enjoyed a wonderful Christmas in their spacious and lovely new home, complete with a new dog!

NICE BIG GROUP--Frank and Carolyn Pedersen held a big gathering at their home this past Christmas afternoon, and so being I just had to bring a dessert, I didn't have to do any cooking that day, which was certainly nice! With ham and turkey and yummy side dishes and a huge table of desserts, the 20 or so people in attendance were able to share a great meal and several hours of good gab with one another!

SPECIAL HOLIDAY--For Felicitie Knight and sons, it was holiday time in Park City, Utah this year, where she and son, Bryce met with his big brother Austin (Nicole), who traveled from Wyoming for the holiday gathering. The two brothers had a great time skiing along with the visiting and the Christmas celebration, and all are excited for this coming Spring, when Austin and Nicole welcome a new baby "Good" boy into their family!

CHECK IT OUT--On Dec. 27, an article about our local ferry was written in MYNorthwest by Feliks Banel, and can be checked out on their website: mynorthwest.com. This was a great article about the history of the town of Cathlamet and of the last ferry crossing on the lower Columbia, and makes for a very interesting read. (There are two other ferry crossings but they are in the upper regions in North Central Washington.) At any rate, be sure to check that out, as you may find out some things you never knew about this area and for the new folks who have just moved here, would be more than a bit surprised about some of it!

GREAT JOB--Often it seems we get overwhelmed with bad news and it seems to sour our outlook on life, but I have to tell you, I have seen, heard or read about a whole lot of folks who have been doing terrific, generous and super kind deeds this holiday, and it truly warms one's heart. From the person who bought someone's groceries for them, to paying money down on folks' power bills, to food truck owners sharing meals with the less fortunate, to others who paid off their layaway gifts and many more, doors open and letting others cut in line and on and on. I have to say, it was real nice to be on the receiving end of many of these acts of kind.Year, everybody!