Benton County Candidates

Candidates for the position of Benton County Commissioner and Sheriff came to the Alsea Library to speak to members of the community. It should have been at the Grange so more people could have attended, especially since the meeting room at the library wasn't used.

I came to support Linda Modrell for County Commissioner and Diana Simpson for Sheriff and I expressed my support.

A few months ago, I went to a County Commissioners meeting in Corvallis for the first time. I was impressed with Linda Modrell as the shining star on the board. I came to the board meeting with my expressed need for safe walking trails, a community center gym with exercise equipment, a skateboard park for young people, a pool, and a wide paved trail that would allow roller blading, running, walking, and bikes. I want to see a trail similiar to Green Lake in Seattle here in Alsea. Yeah, I know....a pie in the sky dream with low budgets and no money for such ideas, but Linda Modrell took me seriously and called me. We talked on the phone a couple of times and she encouraged me to proceed to find support. A meeting was scheduled at the library and I was the only one there.

Last year in November, I wrote a mystery novel for National Novel Writing Month. Diana Simpson was generous and kind enough to offer to read it to critique for law enforcement details since she enjoys reading mysteries. She also met with me in an interview as I asked her questions. I wanted to get to know her a little better to understand this strong woman who came to Alsea last year to meet the community. Diana has the law enforcement background in parole and probation, and experience as Under Sheriff to be Sheriff. She stands for integrity and accountability, things that I believe in too.

I learned some new things last night as I listened to all the candidates. I learned how vulnerable Alsea is in a disaster in emergency preparedness. I learned that deputies from the Sheriff's department do not always have contact with Corvallis on their radios. We need a cell tower or a radio station in Alsea.

Some community citizens expressed desire to build houses on their acreage. Some expressed concern that people are moving away and it's hurting the school. I expressed the opinion that unless clean industry comes into Alsea to provide jobs, who would buy the houses? I suggested that the proposed Benton County Jail be here in Alsea or a Casino since the Alsea Indians used to live here. We need some kind of a big box store distribution center to provide jobs here. County Commissioner Candidate, Wright (no literature was handed out so I think that's right) expressed a plan to open the old lumbermills in the area to create biodiesel out of the brush collected and cleared in the forest. Interesting idea but I would have to understand the bi-products and what it does to the environment.

I was impressed with all the candidates--good people who are stepping up to take a leadership role to serve.

Wal-Mart

Way to go, Wal-Mart!

Wal-Mart sets the standard.
Wal-Mart does it better.
Wal-Mart has a heart and cares about bringing low prices to those who need help stretching a dollar.

Yesterday, I went into the bedroom to hang up some clothes and my husband was watching Fox News on television. On the news, it said that Wal-Mart is going to test market in one of its Florida retail stores selling generic prescription drugs for $4 to help those in need. Wal-Mart is a leader with compassion.

I watched a couple of television specials about Wal-Mart and was impressed with the business model of efficiency and smooth opperation. The positive energy at its conventions and the drive to keep finding ways to do things better was impressive. My son works for Wal-Mart in Kissimmee, Florida. He tells me about how he sings marketing jingles over the loud speaker to sell his products in the garden department. He enjoys his job and I know he's good at it.

Sam Walton created Wal-Mart to bring low prices to rural America. Alsea, Oregon 97324 is a village of 600 to 1000 people. We are one hour from the coast and 45 minutes away from Corvallis. Alsea needs a Wal-Mart for the jobs, for the low prices, and to create hope. I know I would enjoy a job in the fabric and yarn department. How about it, Wal-Mart? Please come to Alsea.

The Stupid King

I wrote a fairy tale this morning that I will share with you.

THE STUPID KING WHO LEARNED A LESSON

Once upon a time in a kingdom far away, there was a little princess with long golden curls without any friends. The princess had one major flaw. She spoke her mind, had opinions, and wouldn't keep her mouth shut. The little princess was smart with great ideas.

The King gave power to the Royal Smart Person's School to follow the princess around with video cameras and tape recorders to record her every word without her knowledge. They had to be sneaky and not let her know what they were up to but she knew something was amiss. Everyone was afraid to be a friend to the princess because they had to be very careful not to tell the princess the truth.

The people in the kingdom were sick of paying taxes so the King wanted to make money from the ideas of the little princess. The King discovered there were other ways to make money to buy the Queen all she wanted. He listened to all the tapes, hour by hour, of the words of the little princess. The King was able to fund several trips to Tahiti for the Queen based on invention ideas of the princess.

After several years, the King discovered that the princess had lost her spirit and she was no longer happy because she had no friends. This didn't bother the King but it stopped the flow of saleable ideas since the princess was sad. The King decided to send the little princess to a spa to pamper her from morning till night for a month. Then she would be happy and would think up new money-making ideas to make the King rich beyond measure. This new idea didn't work because no one could make the princess happy. The little princess knew that no one was a friend unless they told her the truth about what was happening to her. This no one would do.

The little princess with the golden curls tried to get help and people to listen in other Kingdoms. The King had contingency plans in place so no one learned the true identity of the princess with the great ideas.

The little princess with the golden curls grew sadder and sadder until she started to get sick with symptoms that needed pills and a doctor. The King called the Royal Smart Doctor with all the answers. "Oh, Royal Smart Doctor, you must make the princess happy again." The Royal Smart Doctor said, "I can do it. I have a little pill that works magic." The Royal Smart Doctor gave the little princess the pill and she died from the side effects.

The King said to the Royal Smart Doctor, "Just look at what you have done! You killed the little princess with the golden curls. Now my source of money has dried up. I'll sue you in court and take all your pennies."

The Queen heard of the calamity and told the King that maybe the little princess only needed a friend and someone to trust who wouldn't betray her. "I wouldn't have needed trips to Tahiti, if I had a true friend who was kind. Maybe the little princess could have been my friend." The Queen looked sad and was disappointed in the King.

The King looked down into the Royal Garden where the Queen sat by the Royal Timber Bamboo that was a cash crop to be made into flooring in the Royal Kingdom, one of the ideas of the little princess. "My Queen, yes, you might be right. Maybe we all made a mistake. We should have been kind. We should all have been a friend. We should have invited her to the Royal Palace for a feast. We shouldn't have been greedy and used her ideas without her permission."

The King decided to mend his ways and try a different path. He commanded the Royal Smart Person's School to find the way to happiness, friends, and peace. The King realized that maybe if people were happy and had friends, there would be enough great ideas to make every dream come true in the Kingdom. Although the little princess with the golden curls died a horrible death being isolated and alone without any friends, her life served a purpose because it changed lives for the better.

THE END.

Wedding Photo

This is sure fun to add photos to my blog! Here is the wedding picture of the beautiful Amanda Label Haber married to my son, Benjamin Leslie Haber next to her. Amanda is an RN. Ben works for Zymo Genetics in Seattle and graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in biomedical engineering. He's also a great runner. On my dining room wall, I have a plaque with a photo of him coming in 174th with a time of 2:44:05 on October 11, 1998 in the Chicago Marathon. Next to Ben is me in my dress that I received lots of compliments that I bought at a bargain price at the Fashion Bug in Corvallis.

Gretchen is the oldest and Ben's sister. Gretchen is with her husband, Christopher Bennett next to her with my two beautiful grandchildren, Jack and Lizzy. Besides being a great Mom, Gretchen is the Executive Director of Liberty House in Salem. Chris is a Senior Mortgage Specialist with American Gold Mortgage Corp in Salem.

Right in front of Ben is the Amazing Alexander Haber who was the ring bearer. Alex is my handsome grandson who makes films. We created one together when we were in Seattle. I am the film editor. Alex was the Director, Actor, and Producer. The title of the film is "Good Side, Bad Side." I'm editing the film and working on the credits.

Next to Alex is Daniel, the youngest Haber and the brother of Ben, Gretchen, and Joe. Daniel works for Battell in Mountainview, California. He's a project manager with Battell working with NASA and the airline industry. Daniel graduated from Oregon State University and plans to go on to graduate school for his MBA. He went to Copenhagen Business School in Denmark during the summer of 2003 and then worked for a pharmaceutical company in Berlin, Germany for six months.

At the far left of the photo is Joseph or Joe, Alexander's father. Joe went three years to Mesa State College in Colorado and majored in music. He's written over 20 original songs and lyrics this year. He's so talented on stage and I have yet to hear anyone not love his strong, clear, and powerful voice. Joe lives in Florida and is a garden manager at Wal-Mart in Kissimmee.

Next to the beautiful Amanda, is Leslie, my husband of 34 years. Leslie went three years to the University of Illinois in Chicago before I met him. He's a Mensa.

I love my family. I wish we could be together more often. No one goes for my idea of everyone living on the same street. Maybe if I can ever make it with my writing, I can hop around and visit everyone often. I would also pay for a family cruise each year.

Married for 34 Years

I've been married to Leslie Haber for over 34 years. We eloped on April 17, 1972. We didn't go to one of those cheesy wedding chapels in Reno, Nevada. We settled for the Justice of the Peace in City Hall.

I didn't have a fancy wedding. My family wasn't gathered around. I got one wedding gift from the people I worked with--an international cookbook.

Why did I marry Leslie? I married Les because he looks like Jerry Lewis, has integrity, personal courage to do the right thing, and we were attracted to each other right from the first moment we met.

This photo was taken a couple of years ago. Les is 56 and I'm 58.

Over the years, we've been through a lot of tragedy and hardship. We've also had some great times when we've had money and had opportunities to travel.

We have the best kids in the whole world. I'm proud of every one of them. They're amazing. Gretchen, Ben, Joe, and Daniel. Aaron died in 1995.

Les was right there to help with homework, drive kids to and from school, and battle with teachers who were unfair. Les let me stay home because I wanted to be with my kids even when we didn't have a lot of money. Most men would have booted me out the door to get a job. I loved reading stacks of books, playing games, and teaching my children.

I haven't always agreed with Les about things. He doesn't dance. He does respect my right to speak my mind and is supportive. Most men wouldn't do that, if I said something they disagreed with. We agree on almost everything.

When I have ever been in the hospital which has been very little (birth of children, cancer, and bleeding ulcers), Les has been right beside me.

Now Leslie is in pain most of the time. He sure has done a great job this last year of cutting brush and making our 3.68 acres look nice. He does what he can, when he can, as much as he can. We've lived here in Alsea now for five years and I am finally adjusting.

Every morning when Les wakes up, I start coffee and we sit down at the kitchen table to play canasta. I usually win, which makes it fun for me. Les won yesterday and the day before. Oops!

We love watching the wild birds outside. The Stellers Jays have left us. So have the American Goldfinch. Where are they? The trees used to be filled with song.

Les is the one who fixes everything. He's the one I call when I have problems with the computer. He's the one I call when I need something put together. He's the one who reads directions.

Les loves watching Fox News and tells me what's going on in the world. That's his area.

I make frozen TV dinners so I don't have to cook all the time. Then I know Les gets his vegetables with his meat that he loves so much. Yesterday I made him German apple pancakes for breakfast.

Les has been my best and only friend for a lot of years now. I'm worried about him. It's sad when he goes out the door with his pruner in hand and says that he'd rather die cutting brush than in a hospital room. I told him that nothing can happen to him because I need him. I love you, Leslie.

Please God watch out for Leslie and keep him safe. Please heal his body and make him painfree.

Health Care

Millions of Americans are without health insurance. I am one of them. It's a bit scarey. I deny symptoms and try to prevent problems. I try to eat healthy out of my garden and to exercise.

What does it say when basic care isn't provided? It says that there is no safety net when something goes wrong. It says you are not of value and that you don't matter.

My husband is having problems right now. He suspects a heart condition. When he goes to see a doctor or a nurse, he said they don't use a stethoscope. Why is that? If you don't look for a problem and record evidence, then you can pretend it doesn't exist. Is this what is going on? When one of the millions without insurance keels over, no fault is found. Then there is no evidence of not providing the proper treatment because no problem existed in the first place.

I guess the medical community who is afraid of malpractice law suits have discovered a way to protect their rear end. See no problem. Hear no problem. No evidence. No problem exists. No fault found.

Maybe this is the New No Fault Insurance for the medical community.

Meet the Candidates

Republican candidate, Jim Feldkamp who is running for a seat as a U.S. Congressman came to Alsea on Wednesday evening.

I forgot to put this event on my calendar. I didn't realize that I made an error until I saw the Jim Feldkamp sign in front of the Alsea Hope Grange on Thursday on my way to the library. When I got home, I looked at my copy of the Alsea Valley Voice, our community newsletter. Yup, I'd missed it. It was the night before.

What should I have done? I should have highlighted this on my calendar. It's a great idea to meet candidates, ask them questions, listen to what they have to say and see how they field questions. It's unusual that candidates come to Alsea, which is out in the middle of no where, 45 minutes from the nearest city with bargain shopping.

I know I have been interested in politics less and less. I used to subscribe to the Congressional Record years ago when I first got married. It came in the mail every day. Over the years, I have enjoyed watching C-Span to see live debate in the House and Senate.

I am concerned about the election process. I am concerned that nothing is being done about the integrity of the election process to make sure that each vote counts and is protected. When evidence was brought forward to show that voting machines have been tampered with so that a vote for one candidate will register a vote for another candidate and nothing has been done, something is very wrong. The voting process should be of utmost concern by all people in the United States.

I remember watching BookTV on the weekend on C-Span2 when the author spoke who wrote about this very issue. His book documented evidence that the election process was tampered with throughout our nation starting with the Presidential election between Bush and Gore and then again in the last election. Something is wrong when attorneys don't come forward to protect the law and the integrity of the vote. People in power remain silent as if powerless. Why?

Until this matter is fixed, we can not be sure that our vote counts. Is the American electorate in a state of denial, marching forward anyway going through all the formality of an election process? I am worried about the integrity of the voting process.

Oregon has paper ballots. I'm grateful for that. I want my vote to count. Each vote should be guarded and protected. Each vote needs to count in every election, especially the national election.

DirecTV

Just as my husband and I were leaving the Consumers Power event in Corvallis today, I noticed a man with a navy shirt that said DirecTV. Of course, since I enjoy talking to almost everyone I see, I asked if he was from DirecTV. He said yes, so I said that I LOVE DirecTV.

I met Matt Webb, the owner of Global Communications at 2323 NW 9th Street in Corvallis, Oregon 97330. 541-754-9931. Matt's a nice young man who gave me three of his cards to pass out to people who want to connect to DirecTV.

Why do I LOVE DirecTV? I love it because of the great service, price, variety of programming, and my TiVo. I couldn't live without my TiVo or DirecTV. I can't imagine people with a busy schedule who want to watch their favorite shows without a TiVo. With a TiVo, you can schedule your favorite shows to be recorded to watch at a time convenient to you. You can fast forward through commercials. You can back up and pause to write down a recipe or an address. You can take notes during science shows. It's amazing. You can watch shows recorded last week in the middle of the night, if you can't sleep. You can save up movies to watch. If you work odd hours, you can have all your favorite shows waiting for your off hours. I can't just couldn't tolerate watching television the old fashioned way by sitting down and turning on the television hoping that something good is on.

Think about it.............get a TiVo and call DirecTV.

Consumers Power Inc.

Did I have a great day or what! September 9th is my lucky day. I went to the annual Consumers Power meeting for all its share holders. Everyone in the area served by Consumers Power was invited. Last year I heard from some women at quilting how great it was so I was determined to attend this year. I'm so glad I did. My husband and I had a great time.

Consumers Power is a coop and gives better service than any we have experienced living in other cities. Last year Oregon had major weather problems. When an outage occured, they are right out there fixing the problem in the worst weather. You can count on them to get the job done right and done as quickly as possible.

Not only do you get great service from Consumers Power but they invite you to an annual free chicken dinner with all the trimmings. Yes, my mind constantly centers on good food. Two pieces of crispy chicken from KFC with cold slaw, baked beans, potato salad, and one of those melt-in-your-mouth biscuits. There was also cartons of cold chocolate milk, coffee, ice cream, and delicious white cake with nice people all around you at one of the large three long tables. Each family took home an aster. I got a purple aster. I've been wanting one. They served a lot of people. It had to have been over 200. Maybe more.

During the meeting, they gave out great prizes to anyone with a winning ticket. They gave out everything from a chain saw and brush cutter to a set of knives and a blow dryer. A bald man won the blow dryer so that got a laugh. I won the perfect gift. It was something that I have been wanting for a long time--a HoMedics Sound Spa with six nature sounds (ocean, summer night, rain, rainforest, thunder, and waterfall). It's a clock radio with an alarm clock. You can work, read, and go to sleep at night or wake up listening to the sound of a rainforest or a waterfall. Since I love the sound of water, it's the perfect gift for Wendy. Thank you Consumers Power!

Mark Parker spoke during the meeting, the Voice of the Oregon State University Beavers. He was fun to listen to, especially when he recapped the great moment when the Beavers won the National Baseball League Championship. It was fun to hear that at the age of seven, he was giving a play by play account of his friends as they played basketball and baseball together. It was cute when he said his parents encouraged him as he used a tape recorder when he watched the games on television growing up to record his own sports commentary. He's now living his dream since 1999 to give the play by play of the OSU Beavers. What a great guy and a nice person! The OSU Beavers have the potential to win every game, every year. They just have to work hard and believe.

The monthly magazine, the Ruralite, was also there handing out free coffee to everyone. It would be fun to write articles for the Ruralite.

What a great day! I met so many nice people. I saw Russ Sapp (a nice family from Alsea) up on the stage who represents Alsea. I won a great gift for which I am grateful that I will use every day. I had a great lunch with KFC chicken. They gave everyone an extension cord and four 60 watt eco light bulbs. The only thing I didn't get to do was ride in the bucket. Maybe next year....

Jerry Lewis

Just where is Jerry Lewis this Labor Day? I don't see announcements of a telethon or news about Jerry.

I've always loved Jerry Lewis. He's always been my favorite for all these years. When other kids were oogling over rock stars, I oogled over Jerry Lewis. Yes, I like the Beetles and Rolling Stones but no one comes close to Jerry on my list.

My husband looks like Jerry and that's one of the many reasons why I married Les in addition to his intelligence, integrity, personal courage, and many other attibutes.

Jerry has always made me laugh. He does anything for a laugh. He's the good guy on the screen and the one with the big heart.

Les took me to see Jerry in Portland, Oregon. Jerry starred in Damn Yankies, the Broadway play. I kept my eyes on Jerry throughout from my seat. After it was over, I waited outside and stood in his way so he had to brush past me. It was awesome. They said no one could talk to him so that was it.

I wrote him a letter once but never got an answer or a signed photo.

I would love to see him on stage someday in Las Vegas. He's the draw for me. I've never had the opportunity.

For all the years of telethons and hard work to help kids, Jerry should win some momentous award--like the Nobel Peace Prize for the millions and millions of dollars for muscular dystrophy research. Jerry Lewis is a hero.

I love you, Jerry. I always will. Please get better and listen only to the best doctors.

$5 Quilt Club

Oh the fun you can have at Grandma's Attic Sewing Emporium in Dallas, Oregon! I love Rachel Greco's monthly $5 Quilt Club and Rachel is one of the women I admire.

This is how the club works. August started the new quilting year at Grandma's Attic. If you bring in $5, you receive a quilt block with fabric and instructions. Last year the theme was "She flies with her own wings," and this year is "First Ladies of America." You receive one of the amazing redwork designs created by her son and you hear stories about the First Ladies at the White House throughout history. Last month was Martha Washington and today was Abigail Adams. Rachel talked about the inspiring example of Abigail this morning and how she was intelligent with strong opinions.

Rachel Greco is a natural entertainer. Her love of research and learning shows as she shares stories of women. She is a strong advocate of women. Rachel should have her own quilting show on national television. It would sure be popular. She would be great and loved by all who love to quilt. Everyone flocks to Dallas on the first Friday and Saturday of the month for five sessions. Last year were stories about pioneer women. Not only do you learn to quilt but you feel inspired and uplifted after listening to Rachel.

Abigail was a woman of strength and leadership. Interesting that in 2006 that in the United States of America, women do not have equal rights under the Constitution.

So You Think You Can Dance

Can you believe it? I still haven't watched the final show. I watched the first 15 minutes and then I speeded over to the end to see who won.

It's great that Benji won. He's a great dancer with heart and he will represent the show well. Heidi and Benji are great dancers who work hard and who live dance. All the dancers in the top 10 are deserving to win and I hope that all go on to major jobs that showcase their talent on stage.

I have been busy and haven't had time to watch a lot of television. That's one reason why I haven't finished the show. The biggest reason is because I just don't want it to end. I want to savor it, minute by minute. I love this show. It's my favorite show.

I wish I had dance in my life. I had a chance to dance at Ben's wedding but it's obvious that I don't get to dance. I dance only in my heart.

Tangletown in Green Lake

A few blocks from Ben's house in Green Lake, off the main roads and in the center of the neighborhood is Tangletown, an Elysian brewing company.

www.elysianbrewing.com
2106 N. 55th Street
1-206-547-5929

It's worth a visit for great food and great beer. You can buy a sampler of 5 beers to try. The waiter talked about a pumpkin beer that's popular in the fall that sounded delicious.

Boy, did I have a great breakfast with an Italian sausage and cheese omelet. Wow! That was good. I don't remember the name but it's delicious.

My favorite breakfast place in Seattle so far has always been the Rusty Pelican in Wallingford but now I also like Tangletown. A perfect start for any day in Seattle and then mozey on over to Green Lake and walk the 2.8 mile trail around this amazing manmade lake. How could life be any better than this?

RACHA NOODLES and Thai cuisine

After we rode the duck, Ben took our family over to Racha Noodles on Mercer Street to enjoy Thai food in the Queen Anne district of Seattle. Ben's taken me here before and each time I have loved each dish ordered. It's elegant dining with delicious food.

I remember another time when they had music on Thai instruments softly playing in the background. I love the sculptures of large glass and metal flowers.

My favorite dish is #68 Golden Cashew with bell peppers, green onions, celery, carrot, cashew nuts, and Racha special sauce.

Always the best food and the best jasmine green tea. www.rachathai.com
RACHA NOODLES and thai cruisine
23 Mercer Street close to the Space Needle
Seattle, WA 98109
1-206-281-8883

Ride the Duck

Anyone visiting Seattle needs to head on over to the Space Needle and ride the duck. It's a tour of Seattle's best spots with an entertaining account of all interesting highlights as you pass on land and in the bay.

One in eight people living in Seattle owns a boat. I remember eating at Ivars at another visit to Seattle and watching people arrive in boats to eat at this amazing restaurant that caters to an upscale crowd.

While our duck was touring the bay, we learned that Seattle allows a fixed number of houses in the water. Some multi-million dollar homes have a basement enclosed by glass windows with lights to attract the fish. One woman who retired early from Microsoft decided to start a rowing school. When told that her school on the bay was one too many and would have to be torn down, she added a motor. I would sure like to meet this amazing woman who is an inspiration to all. Now she takes her "boat" out each year for a huge fundraising event to circle the bay overlooking the Space Needle and downtown Seattle.

If you want laughter, fun, and to see the best of Seattle, Ride the Duck. I can sure highly recommend it. Thanks, Ben! www.ridetheducksofseattle.com 1-206-441-DUCK (3825).

A Fairy Tale Wedding

When your children marry, all you want as a parent is their happiness. This is all I have ever wanted for all of my children.

My son, Benjamin married Amanda on August 20th in the rose garden at the Woodland Park Zoo in GreenLake, which is part of Seattle. It was a fairy tale wedding in a beautiful setting. Ben's brothers, Joe and Daniel stood beside him in support as I looked on with pride sitting next to my husband, their father.

At the reception, Joe sang a song created by Joe and Sharon Label, Amanda's mother to the tune of "Going to the Chapel." It outlined Ben and Amanda's journey of love that brought them to the garden in marriage. It was cute. Joe also sang a selection from Andrew Lloyd Weber accompanied on the harp by Karyn Jones.

Daniel made a magnificent speech as the best man. He's always great in front of a group.

The food catered at the reception at the Zoo couldn't have been a better selection or variety. It was delicious.

Amanda and Ben are both happy and I'm happy for them both as they start their new life together. They are off to Tahiti for the honeymoon on the beach, surf and the sun. They have a beautiful home in Green Lake and the years ahead to share together.

Although it was only a few days of meeting Ben's new family, it was nice to meet everyone and get to know Amanda's family. The blending of families makes life much richer.

The garden wedding among the gorgeous roses makes me want to start a rose garden of my own here in Alsea. It sure was beautiful and I don't see how it could have been nicer.

Mel Gibson

I had a phone conversation with my Aunt Ellen who is 97 years old who excuses the behavior of Mel Gibson. I, however, cannot excuse his words so easily.

Alcohol may have released the words but they were in his heart.

I am always confounded when any Christian pours out hatred for ANY group of people when Jesus commanded that we love thy neighbor as thyself. Can one be an example of Christianity and feel hatred towards anyone? I think not!

God made everyone. We are all a little different so He can tell us apart. Some are different colors. We come in different shapes and sizes but we are all children of God. We should be kind to one another and get along.

So You Think You Can Dance

So You Think You Can Dance is ENTERTAINMENT in all caps! The high energy show teaches the spirit of dance. Nigel Lithgoe, the correographers, and other produces of this important show, my favorite show, should win major awards for encouraging dance at a time when obesity is so high among youth and adults in this country. I can think of no greater joy than dance.

I've learned a lot about different types of dance. I had no idea what krumping was and now I have a true appreciation for hip hop. I still have a lot to learn but this show is explosive with talent from the dancers and choreographers. Original routines are expected by Mia Michaels. Brian Friedman said, "I love when dance is art." So do I. The "dorktastic" routine, a phrase coined by Brian referring to Shane Spark's choreography tonight, was fun and unexpected. Gifted choreographers, the BEST of the Best are featured on this show.

The group pop routine at the end, choreographed by Wade Robson, was original, art, fun, and pure joy to watch. I love this show. It makes me want to get up and dance at 58. I dance in my heart with each one on stage.

Next week we will learn who America picks as the favorite dancer. Out of four gifted dancers, one will be selected by the vote. My vote out of the four is for Travis who I feel is the greatest of all as a technical dancer and performer. All will go on to major careers on stage, no matter who wins. They have all danced their hearts out, showing emotion from their toes, up through each part of their body with high energy and talent. They are all winners! Thank you, Nigel Lithgoe, for bringing So You Think You Can Dance into my living room!

My Garden

I measured my garden space last weekend and found out that I have 2500 square feet in garden. I have plans to dig more beds and to put more of my land in production. We have 3.68 acres. One acre can be used for garden. The other 2 1/2 acres is to be kept in timber.

I have big plans to add dwarf fruit trees, nut trees, more blueberries, thornless blackberries and raspberries, seedless table grapes, currants, hardy keewee, more corn, and more delicious fresh vegetables.

I'm not sure I want to sell much. I'm mainly doing this to make sure I have enough food. I know how to can and preserve since I took the Master Food Preserving course in Salem in 1999 at the same time that I went through the Master Gardening course. That year in Master Gardening, I volunteered 175 hours of my time in addition to the time with showing people how to can in demonstrations.

I've never had a garden this big before so I need to learn more about crop rotation, what vegetables work together, and I need to start a serious garden journal.

I also want to have a big dahlia bed with a large variety of dahlias. I love dahlias. They make such great bouquets to bring in the house and to give away.

This will all take time. Inch by inch, foot by foot, and yard by yard, my garden will get bigger and bigger.

Mail

I received a letter from my cousin in Sweden a couple of days ago. My cousins from Sweden came to visit me in Alsea three years ago. Although I sent letters and a package, I didn't hear back. I thought it odd.

Finally, I have proof that I'm not getting all my mail. In my cousins letter, she said she sent two letters that I didn't receive. So there it is in writing.

I try to make a formal complaint and was given a telephone number. I was told that my cousin in Sweden needs to follow up on this. No one wanted to know my name. I didn't get to sign a form. I didn't get to make a formal statement.

I sure wonder how much mail I don't receive that is sent to me.