December 24 Valley Life column

December 24 Valley Life column

The growing feud we see this season between “Happy Holidays” and “Merry Christmas” reminds me of a discussion I had with my son and daughter-in-law over Thanksgiving.
We were discussing the word “squaw,” and as usual, we were on opposite sides of the fence. Like politics or religion, it was something we had no business discussing at the dinner table with three small boys.

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December 17 Valley Life column

December 17 Valley Life column

Brrrr, winter in Idaho. It can be beautiful, but it can also be treacherous. This time of year, when temperatures dip below zero, so cold fog freezes, I like to snuggle up with a book by the fire or sit by the window and watch birds huddle in the bushes. Often I gaze at frozen fields and trees, glad I’m safe and warm indoors.

The frozen fog that covers my trees this morning is beautiful. Payinappih, Native American Tribes called it and over the years that word has evolved to pogonip, which brings with it all kinds of connotations. "

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December 10 Valley Life Column

December 10 Valley Life column
Men like my husband never have enough toys. He has a "big red truck," snowmobiles, a pontoon and a travel trailer. Because my husband has so many toys, we moved to the country where he would have a place to park everything. Once we moved, I thought we were set. Little did I know this was just the beginning.

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December 3 Valley Life column

December 3 Valley Life column

Gloria Falconburg loves Christmas. This year she had her tree up and her house decorated the week before Thanksgiving. She even decorates her bathrooms and by next year, she vows she’ll have enough Christmas bedding to decorate her bedrooms. As far as Gloria’s concerned, you can’t have enough Christmas.

I like to decorate for Christmas too, but you couldn’t tell it by looking at my house.

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