Happy New Year!

MERRY CHRISTMAS! As I begin to write, it is actually Christmas Day, a very wet and blustery one, so I hope my power stays on long enough to finish it up and send it in. There is a high wind warning for this evening, so I'm planning on “batting down the hatches” and hunkering down inside. I hope you're all enjoying the holiday and I hope to hear more about it once everyone settles back into their routine when Christmas is over. Christmas morning is only the beginning of the festivities for most folks; I hope all the dinner plans went well, your traveling plans went smoothly and your gifts were delightful. I'll catch up on all the good stuff that happened over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day next week!

ALSO SAD TIMES. Unfortunately, this past month has not been especially pleasant for some folks as they have lost loved ones. While we enjoy the holiday festivities, we often forget that not everyone is able to do so as they deal with the loss of a family member. To the families of Heidi Lynn Souvenir, who passed away on Dec. 15 and will be laid to rest on Jan. 6 at the Longview Community Church at 11 a.m., we send our sincerest condolences. And to the family of Summer Boldt, we send our sympathies. We also learned of the passing of long time Puget Islander, Ralph Kenner this past weekend. While Ralph lived a long life, his presence is no less missed by his family and dear friends. A reception for Ralph will be held at the Sons of Norway, Norse Hall, on Jan. 5 at 1 p.m. We also heard from Ruth Linquist about her husband, Carl, who is now under hospice care. Instead of a funeral, they they are holding a “living memorial” to him, so that folks may visit with him, give hugs, and say good-byes. Our thoughts are with Ruth and Carl and their families as Carl says his good-byes to those who are dearest to him. Many hugs to all.

SPECIAL DAYS. Celebrating birthdays this week are Duncan Cruickshank, Lee Tischer, Kohl Bergseng, Mason Davis, Don Cooper, Megan Elliott, Matt Kuhl, Jasper Laberge, Rhonda Wright, Josh Cochran, Skylor Grasseth, Adrienne Foster, Ron Wika, Tony Danker, Terry Cleveland, Dennis Mueller, Aubree Thomason, Greg Bain, John Hoven Debbie Zacher, Charlene Montgomery, Shane Burr, Mary Gustafson, Jody Baccellieri, Jessica Moore, Jerrod Johnson, Bob Stewart, Trynity Mendez, Robbie Kerstetter, Brooke Luthi, Kelli Souvenir, Adele Whittle, Jaxon Hoven, Taleah Wallin, Olaf Thomason, Jim Blain, Frank Pedersen, and Luke Pedersen. May you all have wonderful birthday celebrations. Happy Anniversary to Mr. & Mrs. Bob Jungers, Mr. & Mrs. Mark Helms and Mr. & Mrs. Larry Johnson....may all your special days be super special this year.

SHOEBOXES A SUCCESS. Once again, kudos to all those that made Shoeboxes of Joy such a success. It's never possible without a group effort, and comes from donating items for the boxes, assembling and wrapping them, and delivering them. A huge job! It's nice to see folks who really loved receiving a box. As always, the group is already looking ahead and would like to mention that they are out of wrapping paper for next year. If you see a deal on gift wrapping paper, would you please buy a few extra rolls and donate them for next year? You can store them at your house, or come to the Skamokawa Grange Hall on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon, where you can drop them off to Season Long. Enjoy a free community breakfast and coffee while you're there!

SHOP ALL YEAR. There seems to be a lot of folks who think they aren’t allowed to shop all year long. Why is that? Indeed, it's true you are allowed to grab those deals, stick them away, and by the time the rush of the holidays happens again, you'll be done with your shopping. This will make the whole holiday much calmer. You'll be done, when others are scrambling around! So, forget the rush and shop local all year long. Our stores and upcoming vendor markets offer a wide array of homemade items like soaps, quilts, hats, scarves, and gloves. The wonderful creations by Ruth Doumit, above the Cathlamet Market, with her fabulous array of designs, and wide selection of items, from cups to platters and more, are bound to inspire a special gift for someone on your list. Let's not support local shops just at Christmas, but all year long.

HAPPY NEW YEAR. We will officially say goodbye to 2023 Sunday night, but many of the New Year’s celebrations will be held Saturday. We hope you'll support one of your local restaurants by enjoying a dinner and some music, and celebrating this coming new year. Here's hoping that 2024 will bring you peace, health, and prosperity. Happy New Year.