The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

My father's family is the epitome of a blended family. The "blending" began around 1939, before the description "blended" became common. The "cliff notes" version of the blend: My father's parents had...

The other day, while Daniel and I were about to walk out onto the deck, Mugsy went a little crazy, whining and scratching at the door jam. Daniel said, “There must be a mouse or rat in the wall....

Occasionally, when I sit down to write this column, I feel like I'm having a panic attack, which I attribute to writer's block. I sit at my computer and stare into space or at an empty screen. I try...

We changed the clocks last night or officially at 2:00 a.m. Does anyone set their alarm at 2 to change their clocks and watches? I know I don’t. Thank goodness most things are automatic these days....

Mother Nature and I are sisters in contrary behavior. On October 19, it was 76 degrees, and I have no complaints as I enjoy this contrarian weather pattern. My Irises are blooming. I've got a new mini...

Living in Waitsburg, I’ve adjusted to the fact that, for every season, there is a bug or two or more. It’s early fall, and the blue gnats are invading every bit of air space. I’m sure I’ve...

“Hitting the wall” is an expression runners use when they have exhausted themselves and can go no further. Over the years, I’ve heard this expression used for other situations; in my case,...

In the past six or seven months, I noticed that I lost the ability to read my phone without wearing my glasses. I have worn glasses for as long as I can remember. I am near-sighted in one eye and...

Daniel has completed the deck. The Trex is laid, the trim is finished, the furniture is back, and we are enjoying outdoor dining again. The old wood planks (some still with nails jutting out) are...

Each spring, I learn a bit more about what and where to plant and what and where not to. This year was no different, a continuation of lessons. This April, before he left for Europe, Daniel built a...

The deck that extends from our back door is in dire need of repair. Initially, I had a contractor build it out of pine and leave the finishing to us. Daniel was sure it didn’t need to be sanded, as...

I returned from Europe earlier than Daniel, and I couldn’t wait to see the garden’s progress (or lack thereof). I was greeted with a few ripe tomatoes, two lemon cucumbers, onions, a few tiny...

Hello, fellow Porschephiles. Would you believe me if I told you I just spent four days in the cockpit of a 1974 Porsche 914, covering 3200 miles of American and Canadian highways and byways? Well, I...

Daniel woke from his Amsterdam sick day feeling human, barely. Off to the train station, on to Paris, our next and last stop! Traveling on the train has become my new favorite way to go; with...

Insanity always rules at the California DMV, and this time was no different. I wisely scheduled an appointment, only to find it didn't show on the DMV system. After a tortuous three-and-a-half hours,...

I recently returned to L.A. for the sole purpose of renewing my California driver’s license. I hope this will be my final foray into the famous (or infamous) California Department of Motor Vehicles...

It’s a rare day when I admit I am so tired I feel fried. I hit the wall on Monday, made evident as I was too tired to drive to Walla Walla for my morning tennis game. My mind and body just went on...

For those parents who have the thought of their children going to college, I would like to share 10 of my immediate recollections over the last four years of my son attending Boise State. While this...

We're off; the time is now. Daniel is heading to Portugal. Our first stop is Seattle. As always, traveling with Daniel presents the stress and challenges I've come to accept as just something that I...

Time has flown by, and Daniel’s trip to Portugal is rapidly approaching. As we did last time, we will drive to Seattle the night before his flight for a nice dinner and an easy trip to the airport....

DAYTON-Spring break allows many children to travel with their families, visit distant relatives, or relax without worrying about school. At The Club of Dayton, a nonprofit organization providing...

I recently saw a New York Times headline: "The Finnish Secret to Happiness? Knowing When You Have Enough." For the past six years, Finland has had the distinction of achieving the top ranking by the...

My garden awaits Spring, and I am back from my trip to Los Angeles. Daniel worked diligently to assemble the new patio furniture and did a great job. So, what should I write about now? Daniel...

Will the weather cooperate? That is the million-dollar question. If my trip to Los Angeles today is any indication, it’s not great. I will leave Walla Walla in the rain, only to arrive in Los Angele...