Honeymoon Travel: How to leave your excess baggage behind–while making it through security.

With stories of lost luggage everywhere these days, we decided to pare down to the essentials for a smart, streamlined trip.
• Make a List
“A week before your trip, make sure to make a list of necessary items,” advises Karen Tina Harrisa, an NYC-based travel expert (who only carrys on her luggage). “Be a minimalist and pack only one of everything except for shoes and undies.” Our top suggestions? A silk or cotton dress that can be worn day or night, a cotton sweat, a long-sleeved tee for layering, plus one longer and one shorter skirt. Most importantly, make sure everything can be mixed and matched!
• Know Your Limits
The TSA (together with most airlines) allows one piece of carry-on luggage, plus one personal item (think your purse or his laptop). Most requirements state that the size of luggage not exceed  45 linear inches and weigh no more than 40 pounds. You’ll easily make the requirements if you stick to our list-making technique (outlined above).
• Accessorize!
Accessories are lightweight and can help you get lots more wear from your basic clothing. We love using costume jewels for an evening out or slipping on a skinny belt to turn a beachy caftan into a cocktail-ready dress. Shoes are bulky, though, so make sure to limit those to the basic essentials.
• Go Mini
Thanks to the TSA’s on-board liquid carry-on policy, there have been myriad sites and beauty lines devoted to creating an under-three fluid ounce iteration of their classics. Make sure to stock up on these (especially ones packaged as single-use products, like antibacterial wipes), but just remember: your hotel will have plenty of shampoo and soap, too.

A child’s perspective

A little boy was in a relative’s wedding. As he was coming down the aisle he would take two steps, stop, and turn to the crowd (alternating between bride’s side and groom’s side). While facing the crowd, he would put his hands up like claws and roar loudly.
So it went, step, step, ROAR, step, step, ROAR all the way down the aisle.
As you can imagine, the crowd was near tears from laughing so hard by the time he reached the front. The little boy, however, was getting more and more distressed from all the laughing, and was near tears himself by the time he reached the pulpit.
When asked what he was doing, the child sniffed and said, “I was being the Ring Bear.”

Permanent, Perfect, Precious & Practical LOVE!

I married my college sweetheart “back in the day” and since I didn’t believe in divorce, at least not as a good solution for marital problems, I never anticipated that we would end up divorced, but after ten years of marriage and four children, we did!
After the shock of that event wore off, I learned some valuable lessons! For one thing, no matter how much you love another person, you cannot make them love you back. True love can never be forced. True love is always a decision.
Secondly, “love” that is not founded upon something more permanent and durable than feelings is most likely not love at all, but “lust” or some facsimile thereof.
Thirdly, if someone truly cannot love you unconditionally, even after they’ve given it their best shot for ten years, and co-parented four children with you, sometimes the kindest gift they can give you is their absence and your freedom back – and that is exactly what my first husband did! It just took many years for me to realize that and appreciate it!
Thankfully, as that drama was unfolding in my life, something precious and wonderful was happening simultaneously. God, always ready to fill the void in our hearts created by a painful loss, was waiting patiently for me to call upon Him with all my heart, which I finally did during those painful days in 1977. As my human husband distanced himself from me and the children, God responded to our earnest invitation and moved into our lives and proved His presence over and over in practical, precious and perfect ways! Each of my children accepted the Lord as their personal Savior shortly after their Daddy moved out, and God met their needs, as well as my own, beautifully, day after day.
Our pantry cupboards stayed miraculously filled in ways too mysterious to understand or explain. Lacking health insurance, the children and I were witnesses to many miraculous healings in our own lives and the lives of others dear to us. God even healed me of cancer during those years, as well as delivering me from the fear of its return. A family member left me an inheritance that enabled me to care for my children’s basic needs despite their Daddy’s inability to pay court-ordered child support. I was able to stay home most of the time and work only part-time outside of the home, which was a blessing because the four children were young and needed much supervision. All in all, we learned first-hand that our lives don’t go unnoticed by God and no need is too big to prevent Him from meeting it nor too small to be considered insignificant to by Him if it pertained to our mental, physical, spiritual or emotional well being.
In short, we experienced Hebrews 13:5, which says: “ I will never leave you nor forsake you.” And He never has.
It was a hard way to learn that lesson, but what comfort to have finally discovered the permanence of God’s Presence and the durability of His love for each of us, His dear children. What a dependable and loving God is our Heavenly Father!
After two years as a single mom with four children under ten, I met and married my current husband, Rick, who loves the Lord, me, the children, and our 12 grandchildren unconditionally – a miracle I shall never take for granted! In November 2012, we’ll celebrate our 30th anniversary. God has truly “restored the years the locusts have eaten!”
I hope you, too, have discovered the absolute faithfulness of our God. And I hope you never have to experience the pain of a divorce or any other hurtful loss, but if you ever do, be quick to turn to the only One who can fill the void and comfort your heart. Only He can make good on His promise to never leave you nor forsake you. It may take time, but if you give Him a chance, He will turn your mourning into dancing, too, just like His Word says.
Paddy Burrows lives in Silverlake, Washington with her husband, Rick and their fine, furry friends: Pumpkin, Patches and Gigi. Paddy welcomes reader comments and can be reached online @ valleybugler.com or by calling 360-274-5231

2011 Black History Month

“African Americans and the Civil War” is the 2011 theme for Black History Month selected by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. One can imagine African American orator Frederick Douglass nodding his head in agreement. He was a vocal supporter of black enlistment believing it would gain African Americans respect and equality.
More than 180,000 African Americans served in 163 Union Army units, with others opting to serve in the Union Navy.These numbers of brave men actually made up 10 percent of the Union forces. Another 200,000 are said to have aided the cause in a service capacity.
Several African Americans won the Medal of Honor for courageous deeds, such as First Sergeant Powhatan Beaty, who took command of his company after all the officers were wounded or killed, and Robert Small, who piloted the Confederate steamer Planter to freedom on May 13, 1862.
Those that aided did not always join the military nor were they only men. Consider the case of Mary Elizabeth Bowser, a former slave. She had been educated in Philadelphia at the insistence of her former slave holder’s daughter, the abolitionist Elizabeth Van Law. Van Law recruited Bowser who, under the name of Ellen Bond, obtained a job as servant in Confederate President Davis’s residence known as the Confederate White House.  She played at being dim-witted and a bit crazy but performed her duties as a servant well. Bowser reported what she overheard in meetings about troop movements or read dispatches left on the president’s desk. No one expected a black former slave to be able to read.
This information ended up in the hands of General Grant. Davis knew he had a leak but never discovered the source. In 1995, Bowser was inducted into the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Corps Hall of Fame.

Fences for Fido – Unchaining local dogs for a better life

Submitted by Erin Fields & Cathie Myers, Fences for Fido SW WA
You may have seen us around town on any given Saturday morning; regardless of the weather, a group of dedicated volunteers working together to make an instant difference in the life of a chained dog and his/her family.
We are part of the new Southwest Washington Chapter of Fences for Fido; an all-volunteer nonprofit group based in the Longview/Kelso area.
Fences For Fido reaches out to families with dogs living outdoors on chains, offering a free fence, a new doghouse and free or reduced cost spay/neuter. This concept has touched the heart of donors and volunteers as they see first-hand the tangible difference one fence can make for one dog. And it is more than just a fence; it is life changing for the entire family.
Receiving a new fence, doghouse, dog bed and getting neutered: these simple acts make a profound contribution to the health and well being of a dog. For the family, it enables them to improve the relationship with their loyal friend without the guilt that comes from seeing their dog chained day after day, wishing they could do more.
Over the past year and a half, Fences For Fido has unchained more than 130 dogs, some of which had never known freedom before. Once released, the dogs are able to run, play and receive love from their family without the restraints of a chain. Fences For Fido was started in Portland, Oregon and has rapidly spread North and South. The Southwest Washington Chapter has unchained thirteen dogs in the past 6 months with many more in need of our assistance.
Would you like to be part of helping a dog in need? Come and join us! Make friends while making a difference. We are looking for compassionate volunteers to assist with our efforts.
No construction skills necessary; just a desire to improve the life of a dog in only a few short hours. In addition to help with building fences, we have volunteer positions for community outreach, fundraising, dog training, photographing, fostering and more.
We welcome your tax-deductible donations, which make this work possible. Want to learn more or make a donation? You can contact us by emailing:
swwa@fencesforfido.org
And be sure to look us up on facebook by searching for “SW WA Fences For Fido Volunteers”. There you will find pictures of fence builds, videos of dogs enjoying their new enclosure and photos of dogs waiting for their turn to run free.
Fences For Fido is changing lives forever; one fence, one dog, one family at a time.
“Fences For Fido changed my dog’s life and my life. I never knew how unhappy he was on a chain. Chopper is the most happiest dog in the world! And you have a major hand in that! I love my backyard even more now and chopper and fat cat loves it too! We spend lots more time together now! Never again a chain!”
- Keith, Chopper’s Family, Portland

Bridal Shower 101

A bridal shower is a party to outfit the engaged couple’s new home. It also allows friends and family a chance to spend time with the bride before she starts her married life.
WHO MAY HOST?
Friends of the bride who are in the wedding party, another couple, or even a male friend may host the shower. The bride’s mother, sisters, or close relatives of the groom’s usually don’t do the hosting, to avoid the appearance of asking for gifts. They may help finance or help organize, however.
WHO IS INVITED?
Usually, only those who will be invited to the wedding, with the exception of office or club showers. Traditional all-women showers include guests from the bride’s and groom’s families, but co-ed showers are becoming more popular as well.
WHEN IS IT HELD?
At least two weeks before the wedding. Mail invitations or call guests at least two weeks in advance of the shower date. A post-wedding shower may even be more convenient for some, and is also acceptable.
WHAT HAPPENS?
Gifts are the primary focus. Be sure to have someone on hand to help record gifts (for thank you notes). Ribbons and bows may be collected for practice bouquets for the rehearsal ceremony.  Themes make the party special, and can vary from a honeymoon theme, gardening, cooking, movies, patio party, picnic, or hobby themes.

Cowlitz Business Expo Friday • February 25th

The time to support our regional economy and position your business for a successful 2011 is now. On Friday February 25th the Cowlitz County Regional Business Expo, co-sponsored by 72 Degrees Air Conditioning & Heating and Prographyx, will host close to 100 businesses from the area for a one day, business-to-business networking event. It is easy for managers and owners to become busy with the everyday maintenance and upkeep of their businesses, leaving little time to make connections in the community that could benefit them substantially. The Business Expo will provide a place for you to step out of your business and into an arena with other professionals looking for the same growth and prosperity through face-to-face networking.
A variety of businesses are onboard and include flower shops, lawn maintenance companies, real estate agents, credit unions, technical support companies, physicians’ offices, insurance businesses, area ports, cities, chambers, media and many more. Booths and table spaces are still available and registrations are accepted through the day of the Business Expo. The event will be held at the Cowlitz Regional Conference Center in the Mount St. Helens and Loowit rooms from 11am to 4pm on February 25th. Prizes, including two grand prizes will be given away at the end of the evening, which feature a cruise for two to Alaska and a media package worth over $6,000!
Following the Expo is the regional Afterhours Reception. The chambers of Kelso Longview, Kalama, Castle Rock and Woodland have agreed to make this their afterhours event for the month of February. Tickets come with exhibitor packages and extra tickets are available to purchase online or at the offices of the Cowlitz County Tourism Bureau and the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce. Tickets purchased by February 18th are $20/person, then $25/person through the date of the event. The ticket is good for the buffet, desserts, one beverage…and more networking.
Sign up today to be a part of this historical regional event. In support of a more vibrant local economy, your competitors will be there and so should you. For more information go to www.cowlitzcountybizexpo.com or contact Megan Wells at 360.577.3137 or Amy Johnson at 360.423.8400.
(Come visit the Valley Bugler booth for special discounts on advertising!)

Educating on entry-level jobs in the health care or eldercare professions.

This article is devoted to educating the public on entry-level jobs in the health care or eldercare professions. Do you know anyone looking for a job: young, middle aged or retirees that are looking at supplementing their income? The Eldercare Profession is one of the fastest growing professions in the country. There is a high demand in Cowlitz County with wages ranging from $10-$13 per hour.
When you think of a caregiver, do you think of a nursing assistant overworked in a nursing home? There are many different types of work settings and many are stepping-stones to the nursing professions, which could pay $20-$35 a hour or more.
In-home care is often the easiest and most fun of the work settings. A caregiver can work with one or two persons in a private home, they can cook, run errands, take a senior or disabled person shopping, drive them to activities like the YMCA, or other community events. Simply walking the lake or a craft project helps the senior keep an active mind, body, and spirit. Some seniors need just a couple hours a day of assistance or once or twice a week. Its perfect for the 55+ age group that don’t want to get tied down to a confining job, rather they are looking for a rewarding activity.
There is a need for: 4, 8, 12, and 24-hour shifts in the home for medically fragile clients. These clients may have Alzheimer’s, cancer, or those discharged from the hospital. These jobs can be more challenging in terms of knowledge and training needed.
In the Eldercare Industry, a person can work one or more jobs to earn more than the standard 40-hour week limit, when they mix and match employers. Elder Options keeps a list of employers looking for caregivers and CNAs.
For people who want faster paced activities, working in an assisted living center or adult family home is the place to apply. A caregiver or nursing assistant will care for 20 – 30 residents, which gives a variety of personalities and situations to make the job interesting.
If you want to step up the career ladder, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is the next step. CNAs need to go through 85-100 hours of training and can work in most settings. Nursing homes, doctors offices, hospitals and the previously mentioned in-home care jobs all need compassionate CNAs.
These two-job classifications are the perfect stepping stone into any medical profession. It is important to learn if you like working in health care before you invest in college tuition to learn nursing, or various therapies.
Elder Options has provided caregiving training and job placement services for the past 15 years in Cowlitz and Clark Counties. Call us at 360-636-1000 or log onto www.elderoptions.org/caregiver-corner/ for more information.

Meet Nobel nominee, author Greg (“Three Cups of Tea”) Mortenson

Lower Columbia Community Action Program (CAP) is sponsoring Mortenson’s appearance in Longview on March 1 as part of Celebration of Literacy Week.
Mortenson, author of the best selling, Three Cups of Tea, and his new book, Stones into Schools, has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009 and 2010, in recognition of his humanitarian work, building schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
As described in Three Cups of Tea, Mortenson made an unsuccessful attempt to climb K2 in Pakistan. Upon his descent, he became lost and would have perished without the hospitality of villagers who took in him and cared for him. In gratitude for saving his life, Mortenson built 141 schools, and established another sixty temporary refugee schools in rural and often volatile regions in Pakistan and Afghanistan. For his work, he received Pakistan’s highest civic award, the Sitara-e-Pakistan (the “Star of Pakistan”) in 2009.
March 1st @ 7pm, RAL High Auditorium. Call (360)425-3430 for tickets or go to: lowercolumbiacap.org

Shop Talk – Steering, brakes and suspension controls.

Last month I wrote about some acronyms that technicians use daily (my wife calls “codes”) and thought I would discuss a few more of them. This time the “codes” have to do with the steering, brakes and suspension controls.
Most people know what ABS stands for, (anti-lock brakes) but most do not realize that there is both two wheel and four wheel anti-lock systems. If it is a two wheel system, only the rear brakes are affected. This is because when braking, the rear of the automobile tends to lift as weight is shifted forward and this unloads the rear wheels, which can then lock up. An axle that locks up no longer provides traction and thus the rear of the auto can then swing around due to the effective braking from the front wheels. This is a very dangerous situation so that is why anti-lock systems were developed in the first place. An improvement is to have anti-lock on all four wheels. Just like when the rear wheels lock, if the fronts lock, there is no steering control. By preventing the front wheels from locking up, even though it is a panic situation, you can still steer the car and possibly avoid an accident.
Building off the electronics / hydraulics that allow ABS to function, automotive engineers developed “TC” (traction control). What this system does is apply a small amount of brake pressure to a wheel that tries to spin thus transferring the torque to the wheel with the most traction. An example would be if your car is at the curb and one drive wheel is sitting on ice. Normally, that wheel would just spin if you tried to pull away, but with TC, that wheel gets a little brake applied automatically and the other wheel drives you away. Most owners of these cars are not even aware that this function works and has saved them tire wear, or worse, stuck against the curb.
Another fancy bit of electronic engineering is “EST” (electronic stability control). This system works by sensing “g” forces (the centrifugal force to the side when cornering) and then changing the dampening characteristics of the shock absorbers. For example, if rounding a corner a bit too fast, the car will start to lean which tends to lift the weight off the inner tires. This reduces their traction and could potentially cause a spin out. By resticting the shock absorber fluid transfer in the outer shocks, the automobile remains flatter in the corner and keeps

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