Claire Lovell

Im truly enthusiastic with the idea of an outside mural for Holladay Drug. There are several in Washington and at least one in Warrenton. Murals have a great way of advertising our history and most of the paintings are excellent. The idea of having them put on panels which could probably be removed if the building were destroyed is an extra bonus. Most of us felt bad when there was no was to save Sally the Salmon on the old Safeway, although several things were tried.

A fellow from Alaska visited our church in July and he told us that Saturday, the 19th, made him feel right at home because it was so cold, not at all like last year when he visited. I know the wind just about turned me to a pillar of ice.

Although we never had spring this year, the regular spring happenings, outside of weather, were still going on. I already told you about the baby flicker. The little ones who should have been wrens are at the opening to their customized house. Their wide mouths are waiting to swallow big time as mama swallow doles out the big time meals. They even hang so far out the front door that its fairly apparent theyll soon fly the coop. And so goes the cycle.

At 11th and North Lincoln Street, there is an arrow pointing east. To most people that means that the barricade should be removed so they could drive through to Roosevelt and make a right turn. As it is, the obstruction merely encourages people to use the parking lot for all sorts of things after hours. Why pave the street if youre not going to use it?

Werent the clouds beautiful on Friday? For a while the sky was covered with all sorts of formations; rows of fluffy sheep; wind blown brushings painted by a master hand and separate groups of cotton ball softness. Then suddenly the overhead sky was clear blue and the large gatherings were borne on the wind to hover over the ocean for another gorgeous sunset. I took some pictures.

Gary called from Oakland on the 25th with a report that Seaside had made their local public television news. The story was about the school superintendent working to move our schools above the tsunami zone. I forgot who the lady politico was who had checked every school in Oregon for safety. Some, like Benson in Portland which had hollow columns, for instance, had them filled with cement so theyd be less likely to collapse in an earthquake.

There may have been 3,000 bikers here a couple of weeks ago, but they seem to have left quite a few behind. Either that or they had babies. I still find three or four wherever I go. Some riders with their helmets look like aliens from outer space.

There are signs on both sides of my street, North Lincoln, which advise No Parking on this side. Nevertheless, cars are routinely parking on both sides. Theres so much illiteracy these days, maybe they just cant read. Whats the solution?

Weve heard that the bees are in short supply and surely they are in some areas. It appears that I have plenty amid the blackberry blooms which have virtually taken over in my unkempt yard. In the spring, however, bees were not on the job. I have about 12 apples on my Northern Spy tree, although it bloomed profusely. The Gravenstein has maybe five. My mother always said it was bad luck to count the apples or you wouldnt have any! She was full of old wives tales and superstitions.

Quip: If a dried grape decided on a calling in life, would you say it was a raisin-detre?