The Star - News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area

“I don’t wanna go back to school!” This statement was heard echoing from home to home on Monday as kids struggled to get up and get out the door following the two-week winter break. It was also heard at my house with the same whine as the adolescents were using except this time it was coming from me.

A lot of fellow school employees said it was too long, but I say I needed about two more weeks and one other teacher said a few months would suit him fine. The worst part was when we were calculating the days till the end of school and realized we had half a year to go. (That sound you just heard was the whimpering of children and teachers taking a very deep breath.)

The first real snow fall of the year turned the Coulee into a winter wonderland for a few days. We snuggled in our favorite nest area and watched the beautiful mountains and the rest of the landscape turn white. We were mesmerized by the work of Mother Nature and Jack Frost as they picked up their respected brushes and painted whites and greys all over our world. Then as the old nursery rhyme said, “Out came the rain and washed it all away.” I guess we should cherish it while it lasts.

I have been reading a book called “Columbia” by Pamela Jerkel. It is a fictional story about the settling around the Columbia River. It starts with the Native Americans that were already here and then moves on to a family that crosses the Wild West looking for a better way of life. It is a fascinating look at the way our lives intermingle with each other and affect the way we socialize with each other and where our stereotypes my come from. When the author describes what the first settlers and the natives see when they look around themselves, I cannot help but look out my window and see some of the same country that they saw. It is a recommended read for anyone that lives in this area. Thanks, Jack, for giving me a copy. I read and then stare out the window at the rolling river and ponder just how things are different, yet the same.

Twelve pheasants visit us on occasions at the new home. I never really realized how gorgeous a bird they are. The bright red ring around their neck stands out against the prairie grass and makes them catch your eye as they move slowly across the paths on the hill side. Their golden feathers blend in with only the red neck and some green iridescent flashing in the sunlight. They work in a group as they spread out across the ground, like a military unit marching into enemy territory. Always watchful, a little skittish as they watch for predators.

Ok, so these were some of my ponderings for the last week. I hope it gives you something to ponder for a while. Happy New Year.