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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 20, 2003)
The INDEPENDENT, November 20, 2003 Bits & Bites By Jacqueline Ramsay Golly gee whiz. I knew because someone told me so, there is a pair of Bald Eagles at the lake. I finally saw them on Oct. 28th, atop a pair of very tall cedar trees on the back side of the lake – no field glasses either – their heads shining in the sun. Then, on the 29th, one of them was hunting a fish, no luck, so he perched on the high pole in the middle of the lake. He was still around later in the day – oh, what a sight is our bird. Oct 31st, 9 a.m., 32°. Shad- ow says, time to go to the lake, so, we went. Oh, the beauty of the first freezing frost. Lake like glass, reflecting clouds, trees, and birds. Sun shining brightly. The back side of the lake was in deep frost, almost like snow. Big leaves and small, cascad- ing down and crackling as they fell. Yes, it was not cool but cold under the trees. Birds squawk- ing and calling; the river, fuller, rushing and gurgling along, and, so was my step. One mile in 20 minutes. I usually poke along at about 27-35 minutes per mile. The Scooters (Coots, to most of us) are back enmass today, a couple of Mergansers, also three geese flying south- west and a few ducks braving the cool water. The sun was making quick work of the frost on grass and picnic tables. Bill’s garden was a sad sight, now he can scatter bird seed on the remains. Thanksgiving is coming and so is Christmas Bazaar time, are you ready? I thought I was seeing things Oct 31st but, yes, there are two white birds on the lake. A duck and a snow white swan. It’s no goose. Nov 2 – snow. Additions to the bird popula- tion at the lake, (remember, years ago, the song “I’m a little white duck, swimming on the water, a little white duck, doing what he otter...) well, there were about ten little white ducks swimming on the water on the 10th, cute. Are you, like me, beginning to pull yourself indoors with popcorn, cider and a good book? Where have all the good, entertaining shows gone? I don’t watch farce shows. Now, my personal Bite – If you did not bother to vote Nov. 4th, I hope you never have cause to even think about dial- ing 9-1-1. For those of us who did take the time to think and know what a God-send 9-1-1 has been, I pray we will some- how overcome your lack of car- ing for self and others and pray there will be a solution to keep it on its feet so all who call for assistance can receive it. Here’s your trivia for the week. Crickets’ ears are on their front legs. Page 9 Annual Christmas bazaar Dec. 6 – 7 The 25th annual “Christmas in the Country” bazaar will be December 6, from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on December 7, from 12 to 5:00 p.m. in the Washington Grade School gym. Santa Claus will be avail- able for pictures and there will be crafters from all over north- western Oregon. Among the many items to be sold will be wreaths, toys, ornaments, ce- ramics, home decor items, foods, jewelry, quilts and sta- tionary/cards. All items must be hand- made. Raffles must be ap- proved by the Bazaar Commit- tee and will be limited to non- profit groups or youth organiza- tions. All raffle drawings held at the bazaar will take place near closing time on Sunday. All profits from concession space rents will help fund activ- ities of the Vernonia Booster Club. The cost of a table or space is $20.00 for both days. Advance registration is re- quired and space is on a first- come, first-filled basis. Food and beverages in the cafeteria are sold by the Ver- nonia Booster Club. If a vendor wishes to sell food other than cookies, candy, jams or jellies, Bazaar Committee. approval is required. There will be wonder- ful homemade soups with fresh hot rolls, piping hot cinnamon rolls, pizza, and a large variety of pies and desserts available. Come for breakfast, lunch and/or an early supper. For more information, call Rietta Behnke at 503-429- 6975 or Nona Skinner at 503- 429-8401. CHRISTMAS SHOPPING?? DO YOUR GIFT BUYING IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME!! NEW PRODUCTS – GREAT SALE PRICES EVERY 2 WEEKS AVON CALL TODAY FOR YOUR BROCHURE JANIE 503-429-8133