Get ready for Valentine's Day

SOGGY--As this week begins, it's definitely a cloudy, drippy and dreary day, which might be the forecast for most of the week, while the weekend is looking a little nicer, but then, we all know how these forecasts can change on a dime. One can hope the drier but chillier forecast materializes, as I think some sunshine about now would do us all some good. However, considering that the Midwest and the East coast were getting hammered with a huge amount of snow and wind that has even shut down part of New York City, I won't complain too much about the rain! Fingers crossed that our first weekend of this new month will be a nice one.

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from Feb. 4-10 are Alyssa Montgomery, Bob Montgomery, K.C. Garrison, Kathy Tarabochia, Ed Stornetta, Terry Ostling, Bailey McKinley, Delaynee Whittle, Alecia Mosteller, Jessica Vik, Bret Hart, Alivia Lindsey, Blaine Cochran, Ron "Chink" Cothren, Tyler Havens, Wendy Peek, Ethan Havens, Lucas Havens, JoAnne Nortrup, Darrel Corbin, Kim Jones, Ann Pedersen, Kennedy Ann Rusk, Troy Kyle, Carlie Freeman, Alexyss Baldwin, Aunika Taylor, David Pedersen, Scott Pedersen and Annette Healy Miller.

Those celebrating anniversaries this coming week are Jason and Jami Rainey, Mr. and Mrs. Randy Montgomery and Ryan and Breanna Lorenzo. Here's hoping all of you get to celebrate your special days this year doing something extra special in spite of all the current conditions. Time to kick those imaginations into high gear!

GREAT TURNOUT--This past Saturday was the pet food and more fund raiser/event for WAAG at the Puget Island Fire Hall and the gals in the Wahkiakum Animal Advocates Group, were just floored by the generosity of the community! As we all know these are tough times, but still the turn-out far exceeded their expectations and by golly, the good people of our area came through with flying colors and not only donated a whole lot of food and supplies but some much needed cash donations to help with vet bills and such, so way to go, Wahkiakum, you rock! If you missed it and would still like to donate some money/check, you can just drop it off at the Bank of the Pacific, so that's pretty handy.

NEXT WEEK & NEXT SATURDAY--Don't forget, there will be several things going on next week, like the one for three days at Emmi's Cottage from Feb. 11-13 located between Cathlamet and Skamokawa (1054 W SR 4) with hours 9 to 6 the first two days and 9 to 1 on the last day. There will be all kinds of cute things to add to your Valentine decor or gift bag, and other homemade items for you to choose from, so they hope to see you there!

Also the usual monthly Flea Market will take place in the Youth Building at the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds in Skamokawa on Feb. 13, from 9 to 3, so here's hoping you'll stop by and check that out. You can also rent a table if you'd like for only $10; just call the fairgrounds at 360-795-3480. Remember to wear your masks and practice social distancing.

VALENTINE'S DAY IS COMING UP!--Feb. 14 is on a Sunday, so be sure to check and see if your favorite restaurant is open that day for meals to go, or just celebrate a day early, as most local places are open Saturday evening and they are bound to have a special for you. In the meantime, how about giving Daisy Chain Floral a call and order some flowers for your special someone at 360-849-4400. She can make deliveries but it's best you call as soon as you can to make arrangements, as waiting until the last minute on this busy holiday is never a good idea! Owner Nicole Emery also has flowers at the Cathlamet Pharmacy, so if you are by there on the Friday before, you can pick up a bouquet a little early, as the pharmacy is not open on Saturdays or Sundays.

During all this "inside time," we could all use a little pick me up, so don't forget, there's nothing wrong with treating yourself to a nice basket or bouquet of flowers for absolutely no special occasion at all, as lifting our spirits in any way possible right now is a good idea!

LOTS OF PRAYERS--There are lots of folks asking for good thoughts and lots of prayers right now as their various family members deal with a wide variety of health issues so we want to send all of them our sincerest "Get Well" wishes. There are those who are still reeling with the effects of Covid as well, so we hope they will start seeing some improvements real soon, as it's been a long battle for some. Others however seem to have such mild cases that it's hard to imagine they even have it, while others wind up being hospitalized and are dealing with some very serious and life threatening issues, so we definitely want to send positivity their way.

SYMPATHIES--I failed to pass on my sympathies to another local person last week, as Kitty Conlin Speranza lost her Mother to Covid-19 last month, and of course, losing our Mom just seems extra tragic, especially due to some horrible virus. Kitty says her Mom raised nine siblings and she sounded like a wonderful woman who passed on her gift of welcoming people and hospitality to her daughter, as if you didn't know, Kitty and Don operate the "Inn at Crippen Creek Farm" and have had rave reviews from all that have stayed there. Again, sorry for the delay Kitty, but please accept our sincerest condolences on the loss of your dear Mother.

OUT OF THE PAST--This week back in 1946, it was absolutely pouring down rain for the first three days of this week but thankfully it cleared up and the next four days were very nice. On Feb. 4, the Pocahontas Lodge met and they all had a good time and really enjoyed all the good homemade breads and other goodies. It was decided that their big fund raiser, a card party, was going to be held on Feb. 18. Sadly that day, Mrs. Elliott, who was 85, was laid to rest.

In the Columbia, due to the extremely bad weather, a lot of boats and ships were being battered around pretty bad. Off the coast of Alaska, one ship was breaking up and over 400 people had to be rescued. In Oregon, rock slides were affecting highways and the railroad lines.

On a lighter note, Elsie Everest, along with daughter, Marian and good friend, MaryAnne Risk, went to watch the Mules basketball team after having lunch at Bozeman's and it was a good game to go see, as the Mules beat Washougal 38 to 25.

At the end of the week, on one of those nicer days, Ralph and Elsie spent a good part of the day cleaning Redmen Hall and then it was off to Janice Aker's for a committee meeting. The following day, it was off to the Rebeccas Lodge meeting, which went great with the drill team practicing their routine and installation taking place and it was the "best time in ages!"

Her clip for the week said:

FOR A FULL LIFE

Do more than touch....feel;

Do more than look....observe;

Do more than read....absorb;

Do more than hear....listen;

Do more than listen....understand;

Do more than talk.....say something!

All this according to my Grandma Elsie Everest's diary.