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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 1, 2009)
The INDEPENDENT, January 1, 2009 Page 9 Bits & Bites By Jacqueline Ramsay Pictures from the 1968/69 Vernonia winter snovfall, es- timated by residents at about four feet. Top; a full size 60’s era Ford all but disappeared. Top, right; The Drip’s place (Gene & Mary) on Wilson Cutoff road (they built the Sunnyside Restaurant). Right; Marty Christensen, 4- 1/2 years old, stands in the snow at the Drip’s place. Photos courtesy of Joyce Vaughn. Winter is non-flowering tree pruning time Winter brings snow, ice, and frigid temperatures, but it also brings the perfect conditions for pruning most non-flowering trees. In winter, trees go into their dormant season. Cooler weath- er causes leaves to fall to the ground, making the tree’s branch structures easier to see. With trees free from leaves, it is the ideal situation to spot bro- ken or damaged branches that could easily snap under the pressure of snow and ice in the winter months. Deciding what and where to prune involves an understand- ing of basic tree biology, sharp tools, and an artful eye. Where you make the cut is as impor- tant as knowing what to re- move. There are a few simple principles to understand before you prune: • Always have a purpose in mind before you cut. Removing dead or diseased wood, provid- ing clearance, or improving structure are most common. • Proper technique is essen- tial. Poor pruning technique can cause long-term damage. Learn how to make proper cuts. • Small cuts do less damage to the tree than large cuts. Un- like people, tree wounds do not heal, they close. Smaller cuts close quicker. • Make cuts just outside the branch collar for quick wound closure. • Avoid leaving stubs. • Keep tools sharp and clean. “Proper pruning can be an important part of tree health maintenance,” said Jim Skiera, Executive Director of the Inter- national Society of Arboricul- ture (ISA). “Just be aware that each tree is different, and prun- ing at the wrong time or the wrong way can injure a tree or make it susceptible to disease.” If pruning your tree cannot be done without using power equipment or leaving the ground, then it should be left to a professional arborist. You can find more tips on how to prune trees, or how to find a Certified Arborist in your area at http://www.treesaregood.com. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), headquar- tered in Champaign, Ill., is a nonprofit organization support- Please see page 16 First and fore- most – Thank you to every- one who kept in contact with me by phone and by slogging through the snow and ice to my door. How did you spend your snow and ice-olation? I sent out a S.M.L. (Save My Life) to a friend who had 4-wheel drive. Of course, your medical pre- scription runs out when you can’t get out of the house. I spent my time watching the weather, shoveling snow, cleaning off my carport top. Made it to the mail box three times (fell down once), read a 500-page book, crocheted a lap robe, started knitting a sweater. And ate much mush, poached eggs, hot cakes, home-made goulash, chicken veg soup, chicken – in many forms. Yes, thank you, I cook with gas, also have hot water on tap. Life may be quiet but it real- ly isn’t dull. Lonesome some- times, I did miss the Golden Oldies on Wednesdays. I made it to the Senior Center for Christmas Dinner. Thank you, Bill James, and family and the Sr. Center for making it possi- ble to eat and greet other snow-bound folks. When the lights went out Christmas Eve I fled my coop. Went to a friend’s that has wood heat. I’m now home again. I hope to stay. All that beautiful snow has sud- denly become a “dirty thing” to be reckoned with. Consider the ducks at the lake. Their water hole looks to be the size of Grandma’s old washtub. I didn’t go to the gatherings at the Middle School mainly be- cause I’m not too foot-sure in snow and ice. I also didn’t think it wise to expose myself to all sorts of coughs and sneezes – as I’m prone to pneumonia when I catch cold. Maybe, just maybe, 2009 has a surprise waiting for us in the Spring. There isn’t much we haven’t dealt with in 2008 so keep smiling, and helping your neighbor when you can. Happy New Year. Sunday, Dec. 28, 8 a.m.: A special P.S. I don’t know your name but I’ve seen your face – God Bless You and Thank You for spending time Saturday to plow out and rescue the Mobile Park folk. Yes, I’m speaking for all of us. You are appreciated. So are the folk who squired my- self and many others through the muck and ice. Also, the men who worked to get our lights and heat restored. I know you say, “It’s my job”, but that is beside the point at a time such as we just had. Again, Bless You. H a p p y N e w Ye a r ! ! W N E H RS OU Wednesdays - Fridays 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. and some Saturdays 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. Your Painting & Interior Specialist Vernonia, Oregon 503-830-6057 CCB# 159353 10 am - 7 pm Mon. - Fri. 10 am - 6 pm Saturday Closed Sundays VISA/Mastercard Accepted Also open by appointment, call Camrin @ 971.998.2223 725 Madison Ave. Vernonia, OR