From the Editor’s Desk - July 2009

Wow. There is so much going on in the world today that it sometimes makes me wish for NO INTERNET, NO TELEPHONE, NO COMPUTER, and NO TV. Radio would be okay, though. Don’t you sometimes crave the feeling of a quiet afternoon sitting on your porch with your only worry being how you will fill the time between dinner and bedtime? Or, being able to take a lazy stroll down the boardwalk with your hunny-bunny and not have your conversation turn to devastation, uncertainty, chaos and war?

Well, each month I attempt (and hopefully succeed!) to make this issue of the Valley Bugler just that! A comfortable journey away from all of the hub-bub of life and into the arena of good news, inspirational stories, funnies and even stories about people you may know, and things to do around the area. Be sure to check out CowlitzToday.com - the best online community calendar for our area.

Also online is the Valleybugler.com, our great web site that allows readers to comment on articles, and also to post articles on their FaceBook, Twitter or MySpace. You can also eMail articles to anybody you want. Pretty darn cool, and I have no idea how al the geek stuff works, all I know is that you can do all that from our web site!

In July, Independence Day is a time where Americans can take pause and let their chests swell with pride. We celebrate our Independence Day - as a Sovereign country who received its independence not too long ago in the history of things.

It is only fitting that July also be National Ice Cream month AND National Hot Dog month, as you will see on page 11. Turkey doggers unite!

Great ice cream info, the history of the hot dog, as well as an inspiring local ice-creamery will surely have you drooling in anticipation of your own “recognition” of this special month! I also want to make a special plug for Fireworks Safety.

I always get nervous when I see idiots, oops, I mean people lighting firecrackers or other fireworks in their hands and trusting their gut instinct on when to throw them, or other dangerous actions like playing around with M-80’s etc..

Don’t be stupid. Please. Other people really care for you! Please be safe, and think before showing off in a manner that could really get somebody hurt. (Especially KIDS!!!!)

July is also the month that my hunny and I celebrate our 11th Anniversary, and we will be on vacation in Eagle Crest, Oregon with my parents for a couple weeks. It’s been a while since we were able to leave on a real REAL vacation, but I hear that your ‘self’ remembers how to vacation without too much trouble! I am certainly looking forward to riding bikes, hiking and exploring, sampling ice cream and splashing in pools with the kiddos. AND maybe getting a chance to lay in a chaise lounge and read a book in the sun. With no kids around. By myself. Ahhhhhh, the true anticipation of my vacation surfaces! Hee hee!

You’ll be able to ‘experience’ Eagle Crest from our vantage point in the next issue, complete with great pics to boot. We even have a little travel trailer for the baby to haul behind our bikes. I mean Dad’s bike….

The Valley Bugler is also happy to announce this is our TENTH year of business! Yes, we have reached double digits and will be celebrating accordingly in August with our clients - who make this paper possible! Look for some fun reader participation scheduled in the next three issues as we count down to the actual month - of October! Ten years is a loooong time, and we’re happy to celebrate with you!

So, as we are probably cycling somewhere around Bend, Oregon while you read this, we wish you happy lemonade dreams and popsicle giggles. Take time to turn off the “boob-tube” and enjoy your life as it is. I know you probably need no large encouragement to get outside and enjoy this time of the year - as true Washingtonians are known for flocking to the outdoors during the “off-hibernation” months.

Enjoy your summer, shop local and get those berries at the Farmers Market before everyone else does. (P.S. They are also selling blueberry and huckleberry bushes this year!)

Until our next “off-hibernation” month - have a good one, and Happy Fourth of July!

Michelle Myre
Publisher / Editor
Valley Bugler Newspaper
editor@valleybugler.com
360.414.1246  x2