I want to give a shout-out to Martin Fugere and the crew at Shold Excavating!

I had an emergency during the holiday with a building I own. The sump pump(s) quit working and without them, the businesses could not operate during a critical time for them. Martin immediately responded to my call of desperation. He was able to order new pumps and get them installed in record time. I am so grateful for his concern and expertise. Thank you, Martin!

Also lending a hand were Good Man Sanitation, who had to pump out the sump pump, and Frederickson Electric who got the pumps wired up with short notice.  I appreciate you all!

On a side note, Shold also provides septic inspections, design, and installations.

I love the diversity of the holiday season. There are many different celebrations in December, one of which may reflect your own heritage and belief system. My father was a minister in a small farming community in Oregon when I was growing up, and our traditions rooted in Christian beliefs. I looked forward to participating in Christmas pageants at school and church.

I look back fondly on the memory of our youth group being transported by a tractor-drawn wagon filled with hay bales, scrabbling out to sing Christmas carols in front of homes throughout the rural community. I remember visiting Lipman’s Department Store lining up for a cookie from the Cinnamon Bear and hoping he wouldn’t recognize me as my brothers and I went back for seconds…and thirds. I remember trimming our fresh Christmas tree with colored lights and tinsel, which my mother insisted had to be hung individually.

What I don’t remember (except for a couple) are the gifts I received. As I have grown older, I have come to realize that what matters most are the traditions that come from the time we spend with each other. Time spent with friends and loved ones adds to the texture and richness of our lives. It is truly the greatest gift of all. This year, no matter what holiday and traditions you celebrate, my wish for you is the gift of time.

Thanksgiving has always been a special holiday for me usually gathered round a table laden with delicious food and cherished family. Since moving to Port Ludlow/Port Townsend, Thanksgiving has almost always included my father. ​​​​​​​My father passed away about two years ago at the age of 96. He spent the last half of his life writing poetry. It became a tradition for my father to read a poem he had written for that particular Thanksgiving. I would like to share one of the poems he wrote in 2018 that I have found especially meaningful.

Today, a symbol of our continuous gratitude, a reflection of the spirit of Plymouth and Jamestown, a giving of thanks for shared values and virtues, that sustained them then and sustain us now in the face of the unknown and uncertain.

Theirs more than a thank you for wild fowl and what could be gathered from the forest.

Ours more than stocks and cheap goods.

What sustained them then was kinship, friendship, and citizenship.

What today could we be thankful for more than these around this table? Family, friends, community.​​​​​​​

~Willard Aldrich

My husband, Laury, has dementia. We are very fortunate that, so far, he has been able to live at home. This is primarily because of his wonderful caregivers; Beth, Susan, and Katie. These three angels are dependable, caring, flexible, and unbelievably patient. They work together to provide Laury with expert care, creating meals, conversation, and diversions to help him fill his days with meaning and security. I never worry about Laury while he is in their care.

Thank you, Beth, Susan, and Katie. I am forever grateful for you lovely women who have become friends

… more like family, really.