Specials / Guest Contributor

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I love New York

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...

 

Feline Fury

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....

 

Writer's Tears

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...

 

Gains and Losses

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....

 

A Contrarian Cleans

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...

 

To Every Season…

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

“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,...

 

I can see clearly now!

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...

 

Deck done; next?

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...

 

How to Train Your Garden (more challenging than a Dragon)

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...

 

Deck, Deck, Zuke!

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...

 

Return to Reality and the Overgrown Garden

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...

 

How Far Would You Drive Your 914?

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...

 

The Next Leg (and other aching body parts)

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...

 

So Much Happening, So Little Time

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,...

 

And, back to Los Angeles….

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...

 

Waitsburg's Spring Recital highlights student performances and growth

WAITSBURG—The Waitsburg School’s Spring recital once again had the bounce and verve of Mrs. J’s direction. The K-5 students used the whole gym to move around with sweeping gestures, full voices, and lively dancing. They pulled all the stops...

 

Fried and Catchup (Ketchup) Time

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...

 
 By Paul Ocker    Specials    May 25, 2023

A note to parents with kids off to college

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...

 

Emojis, sometimes they're perfect

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...

 

Gearing up for Spring, Summer and the Single Life

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....

 
 By Jim Pearson    Specials    April 20, 2023

Springing into Fun at The Club

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...

 

How Much is Enough?

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...

 

Flexing my Tech Muscles (maybe)

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...

 

Whether the Weather…

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...

 

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