The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Since moving to Waitsburg about 18 months ago, I've noticed the noun "gift" has morphed into use as a verb. The "gifting" started my first morning here. I clumsily made it through the obstacle course in my rented cottage, strewn with 40 boxes previously shipped here and the eight suitcases that I brought with me on the plane, to answer the front door. There stood Karen, with a smile, two bottles of wine, and invitations to a New Years' Day Brunch and a birthday party. Invitations to parties and a gift of wine, a perfect start.

As I walked through town and met neighbors, I consistently heard...