Thoughts and Ramblings

December 17, 2011
This is the time of year when we all reflect on the previous year’s happenings.  This is also the time of year when we can help those who are less fortunate than ourselves.  Typically Dean and I write a short note to include with our Christmas cards letting all of our friends know what we have or have not been up to the past year.

I have been spending time while driving listening to CD’s produced by a well-known pastor from Texas.  This is unusual for me.  The CD’s were shared with me by a friend that I have known since coming to Bayview.  This morning occupation sets the tone for my day.

I got to thinking about Bayview and the beautiful small town where I live and wondered if everyone who lives here were first passionate about the place they lived?  I know I am passionate about my surroundings.  I enjoy this small mountain community and relish the surrounding beauty.  Where did your passion wander off to?  We all came here believing that this has to be the best place on earth to live.  What happened to us?

Last year around this same time the community came together to provide support for a family that experienced, some have said a tragic blow, I feel that a better word is horrifying, the incident has had far reaching ramifications for Yvonne and her family as well as the Bayview community.   While we were in Virginia visiting family, locals gathered together to support the Wallis/Heath family, one member of that family died because of the violence of that momentous day.  Throughout this past year members of the community have continued to pour out support and concern for Yvonne.  I believe each one of us should be proud of what was accomplished.  Bayview has the ability as a community to be great.

One member of the community has provided transportation for Yvonne back and forth from Bayview to Seattle.  Others have donated tires, time, and money to help alleviate some of the pain that the family is trying to re-cover from.

My husband and I helped gather canned goods for the Athol Food bank; others have donated to other causes and concerns.  We are a generous and giving community.

A luncheon has been started to help those in the community who need a hot meal.  LOU has recently been censured. I find no valid reason to harass or censure the folks doing LOU.

Why is it necessary to attack those who are trying to bring back a sense of community?  Who cares about who eats these meals?  Why is it necessary to foster ill will and negativity?

I have loved Bayview and still do.  To all of those who have so generously given time or money, may God bless you for your generosity.  You deserve His blessings

Koki

This Saturday we are taking a short journey to a small city in Washington. We think we have located another "Sibe" that needs a home. After losing Buddy, we decided that we probably needed to have another dog to drive us nuts. Wish us luck on this new endeavor. Hopefully we will be returning with a new pal for Chipmunk.

My dear friend in Sagle had to temporarily give up her dog rescue. She poured her heart into her dogs but at this time needs to take a break. My friend was involved in rescuing the Huskies from Alaska about a year. This was an extremely big project. I have learned through experience that there are plenty of four legged friends that need our help too. Adopt a rescue animal, they usually are very grateful.

The cats discovered the Christmas tree today. Dean came into the living room to find the tree on its side and the cats racing to hide. It is all a learning experience. Both Sugar and Bo have been a delightful addition to our lives.

Chamber is election is in December.

I have heard that the Thanksgiving function was a rousing success. We elected to stay home with our friends who joined us for a delightful afternoon.

Coming up will be the LOU. I believe this is a great function. I applaud all of those who are working so hard to make this a success and I wish them well.

Also if you read bayview.blogspot the author has a story about Eldon at Mr. Tire and Eldon way of giving back to the community.


Norma Jean

My Opinion

I have received several comments, some signed and one not signed but threatening me.
Three comments I removed and two are on a holding status. This is my choice.

I am not a reporter, do not want to be one. I use this blog for my own reasons. If someone does not agree with me that is fine, don't read the blog. It is a blog after all, not the New York Times nor is this the "Letters to the Editor" page. If you have an opinion you feel strongly about, start your own blog.

I reserve the right to not post comments if I want, this is my choice.
If you need to discuss something with me, most know my phone number or where I live, feel free to call, stop by, or if you have my email write a note.

Norma Jean

Thanksgiving and all of that stuffing!!

Dean and I just returned from an early Thanksgiving celebration with two friends from our Scenic Bay employment days. The food was fantastic, the setting beautiful, and the company interesting. The patriarch of the family gave thanks before we had dinner. I am as always reminded that I have plenty to be thankful for. I have a loving family, a roof over my head, a fantastic husband, and most importantly a job that I enjoy, I get paid too!

One of our very close friends finally returned from a five month stay in California. We are grateful that they are finally home. After many surgeries and close calls, Bill and Donna were finally able to return to Idaho just in time for the SNOW! Seriously I am pleased that so many folks are a blessing in my life, this includes Bill and Donna.

We will be going over to the Community Center to help with the Thanksgiving Dinner. The dinner is free to those in the Community, the meal starts at 2:00pm.

I am running for Member at Large for the Chamber of Commerce. Voting is December 13th, maybe I will be ousted by a write-in candidate again this year. Or with my luck I will be voted in.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving to all.

Norma Jean and Dean

Thought I would add a little note seems I have a follower who likes to take shots at my friends.
I removed their comments because I felt it was inappropriate.

My credibility shot, who cares?
I am just a resident in this lovely town.

And who is the mysterious writer?

By the looks of the posts on my blogspot there seems to be a follower who is trying to rattle me. Not exactly sure why but I am sure that he will explain himself or disappear.

Ho hum!

Norma Jean

I felt it was time for another post and I have been fishing around for ideas. Seems the other local blogspot has included all of the local news except the continuing issues between a local marina owner and a favorite local individual. I do not want to spend my time or lower my standards by going into the issue.

While checking my email today I found a posting from my sister-in-law concerning Christmas 2011 and decided I should share this thought with all who read my blog:

"CHRISTMAS 2011 BIRTH OF A NEW TRADITION

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor.

This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamin's on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?"

 

Food for thought in this really difficult time period, my best to all.

 

Norma Jean and Dean

Bayview Water and Sewer

Unfortunately I was busy at work while the Bayview Water and Sewer Meeting was happening, so I missed all of the fun that we manage to create here in Bayview.

PS Rose was busy at work too!