August Suduko Challenge

Check out Page 19 of the August Valley Bugler for the answer to this Suduko Challenge.

Baby Overload!

Three men were waiting nervously outside the delivery room at the hospital.
The nurse comes out and says, “Mr Smith, your wife just gave birth to TWINS!” Mr Smith says, “Oh wow, what a coincidence! I sell TWIN blade razors!”
A second nurse comes out and says, “Mr Jones, your wife just gave birth to TRIPLETS!” Mr Jones says, “Oh wow, what a coincidence! I sell TRIPLE Action Sudafed!”
The third man falls onto the floor and begins weeping and wailing and pounding the carpet. Everybody looks at him making a scene and finally a nurse says, “What’s the matter with you?” The man looks up at her with tears in his eyes and says, “I sell Seven Up!”

A kids View of Love

“What does love mean?” These are answers from 4 to 8 year olds:
‘When my grandma got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her toe nails anymore. So my grandpa does it for her now all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That’s love.’
Rebecca – age 8
‘When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouths.’
Billy – age 4
‘Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.’
Kari – age 5
‘Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your french fries without making them give you any of theirs.’
Chrissy – age 6
‘Love is what makes you smile when you’re tired.’
Terri – age 4
‘Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him to make sure the taste is OK.’
Danny – age 7
‘Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.’
Bobby – age 7

Adorable Adopt-ee of August

Angel is an extremely social girl. When she greets you, she nuzzles and cuddles and tries to get as close to you as possible. She loves everyone she meets. In addition to her friendly personality, Angel has a gorgeous silver tabby coat that is pure heaven to pet. Miss Angel would be a great addition to any family.

If interested in cats, dogs, or other pets available for adoption, please contact:

Rescued Paws
1105-D, 15thAve., #118
Longview, WA  98632
www.rpaws.petfinder.org
360-673-7373  also on FB

When it does not make sense to fix your car.

During these hard economic times, we are all trying to stretch a dollar by keeping our cars longer. That means making repairs to a car we would have replaced a few years ago. So, when does repairing the car fall into the category of throwing good money after bad? The answer depends on a lot of things and is different for everyone.
Obviously, one major contributor is the cost of the repairs. If the cost is more that the car is worth, it makes no sense to fix it. If the repair costs are less than the value of the vehicle and you are handy, you can save the labor costs by doing the repairs yourself. If you are not handy and your car has high mileage, is very old, has been giving you a lot of trouble or is generally in poor condition, it simply it is not worth it to repair it.
If you do decide to replace your car, you then have to figure out what to do with it. You can trade it in. However, most car buying guides suggest that you are likely to get a better deal without a trade in. Also, the car dealer will probably not give you much for it. For the same reason, it may be hard to sell it privately. Most car buyers do not want to purchase a car if it needs repairs, particularly if it does not run.
You can sell it to a junk yard for a couple of hundred dollars for it. They will sell all the workable parts for a lot more money than you got. You can dismantle your car and sell the parts yourself. That will cost you a lot of time along with some money for advertising. Then you have to decide what to do if someone claims the part you sold them does not work. You also have the problem of disposing of the left over parts.
Another alternative is to simply donate your car to charity. If you donate car, you will get a tax deduction of the greater of $500 or the amount the charity sells your car for. Cars4Charities will gladly assist you with your car donation. Just call them at 866.448.3487 or go to

http://www.cars4charities.org

This informative web site will help answer the many questions you may have regarding donating your vehicle to Cars 4 Charities.

FREE MODEL SEARCH AT THREE RIVERS MALL

Calling all models ages 4 to adult. Are you Three Rivers Mall next top model?  Three Rivers Mall is holding a model search sponsored by fashion experts, NFI Productions, on Saturday, August 13th, at 2pm at Center Court. The event is FREE and open to the public. Don’t miss your chance to walk the runway. Register the day of the event beginning at 1pm at Center Court. Please bring a non‑returnable photo for the judges. Prizes for the top
Child, Teen and Adult models will be awarded. The first 50 to register will receive a free gift.
Models selected at the search will appear in Three Rivers Mall Back to School Fashion Show on August 20th!  For more information call the Management Office at 360.577.5218, or visit www.threeriversmall.com.  Three Rivers Mall Model Search is sponsored by NFI Productions
About NFI Productions: The Northwest Fashion Institute (NFI) is one of the leading fashion show producers in the Northwest. NFI experts also work with people who want to improve their image through image, fashion, etiquette and style. NFI has served as Seventeen Magazine’s fashion stylist at area malls. Find out more at www.makemeamodel.com.

Why is trusting GOD so difficult?

By Paddy Burrow
It’s been many months since I’ve been able to sit at my own desk in my own house and have the pleasure and convenience of being online. All I can say is – take nothing for granted!
You never know when God will allow a situation to come along that will challenge every resource you think you have until the only resource you realize you TRULY have – or need - is HIM! I have been going through that kind of situation forever, it seems!
God simply won’t allow me to depend upon anyone or anything except HIM! But then, when I get to that place of utter dependence upon JUST HIM…AGAIN… He comes through with flying colors, of course, and I wonder why it took me so long to get back to just trusting Him – for everything. Can you relate?
One reason it’s hard for me to trust God is that I forget He is different from all the human beings I’ve ever met.Unlike the best-intentioned people in my world, God keeps His Word 100% of the time. Children, parents, teachers and even preachers have let me down. I’ve even let myself down.
A lot.
I make a decision followed by a commitment, and then, before long, I’m off on a rabbit trail until I’m lost in an unfamiliar place and can’t find my way. Days, weeks, months or sometimes years go by before I wake up and smell the coffee… I have drifted away from God! HE hasn’t changed! Or moved. I have.
So with resolve and determination, I pick myself up and trek back into His arms of love. Exhausted from my own wanderings, I rest there, marveling that He is always willing to receive me and comfort me and care for me – His repentant child. In the first few seconds of that reunion, all the pain and frustration of the previous trial of any duration melts away, and I am safe. I am loved and forgiven. I am home again.
Our nation needs to come home again. CNN and FOX News don’t have the answers. Our leaders in Washington DC don’t have the answers. The sports and entertainment industries distract us temporarily from the problems we’re facing, but they don’t have the answers. But there is One who not only HAS the answers, He is HIMSELF the answer. And that would be Jesus, of course.
One of our grown children confided to me several years ago that he wasn’t sure God even existed. I challenged him to talk to God about any issue as though He WAS real, and to give God a chance to answer him. I don’t know all the details, but my son is now a believer. I trust God answered him and they now have a relationship, because God promises we’ll find Him when we truly seek Him.
I challenge you to do the same, my friend. If you’ve been allowing alcohol or drugs or TV or work or play to be your comfort and escape from the problems you’re facing, try this instead: find a quiet place, calm yourself down, have a heart-to-heart talk with Jesus about any topic that’s on your mind, and LISTEN and WATCH for His answer. The timeline is HIS, so be patient. His promises, clearly outlined in the Bible, are for “WHOSOEVERS” like you and me – for anyone choosing to believe them… for that is how they are activated – when we mix them with faith. (Hebrews 4:2-3)
I know what you’re thinking… “But you don’t realize what a crisis I’m facing. I’m in a mess so big that not even GOD can fix this!” Yes, my friend, He can. ONLY He can. Turn to Him. Focus on Him. Humble yourself before Him. Trust Him. Believe in Him. If you will just give Him a chance, He’ll make something beautiful out of what’s left of your life. Nobody loves you like He does. Remember He died for you. What have you got to lose except your fears, doubts and worries!
Trust God.
Do you have comments to share? Let us know and you will be entered to win $100 cash! Send via eMail, online or through traditional mail.

Open Season – Try Something Different

Aaaaahhhhgust is finally here! This is almost the start of that all-glorious season collectively known as autumn. The salmon will be entering all our local tributaries this month, as will the hungry and hard fighting fish that locals call Harvest Trout. These are Cutthroat Trout that were born in fresh water, spend time in the Pacific Ocean, then return to their river of origin to complete their life cycle. Their cousin the Steelhead — which have been in our rivers all summer – are now taking on their most vibrant rainbow colored markings.
Those who are fortunate enough to spend time on the river in pursuit of Chinook, Coho, and Steelhead usually have a favorite method of fishing for them and tend to use that same method throughout the year. Whether the method is throwing spinners (Blue Fox with silver blade), back-bouncing or slow-trolling Wigglers (Blue Pirate, Bubble Gum Pink, and Green/Silver are favorites), plunking with a Spin-N-Glo and bait, or fishing a gob of eggs on a long leader, most fishermen tend to use the same method day in and day out.
I would like to encourage people to try something different.
If you usually pull Wigglers then try casting spinners or fishing eggs. Try those plugs or spinners that have spent most if not all of their life in your tackle box and not at the end of a line. In the rivers of the Olympic Peninsula the most common plug for fishing fall Chinook is the Kwikfish.
How often do you see people on our local streams using Kwikfish for fall Kings? Hardly ever. In Alaska – especially on the Kenai River – 90% of the people fishing those monster Kings are using wrapped Kwikfish.
It is true that the only human who welcomes change is a baby with a full diaper, but for the fisherman (or fisherwoman) willingness to try something new could mean the difference between just having a nice day on the water or taking home a prized Pacific Northwest salmon for the barbecue.
If you choose to go after those elusive sea-run Cutthroat trout, you will have good luck from either spinners or bait. If you choose to use bait, remember that the best bait known for harvest trout is the meat from a fresh crawdad tail. Peel the outer shell off the tail and use just the meat portion.
I like to fish this on a bait holder hook that has 10-12 very small red beads above it, topped with a small silver Colorado blade. Use just enough weight to get this unit down to the bottom, much the same as if you were bouncing eggs for salmon or steelhead. Fish the tops of riffles as the fish will swim up the swift water and then rest directly upstream of where the riffles begin.
We are now just a few short weeks from the opening of early archery season for both deer and elk. By now your equipment should be all dialed in and you should be practicing regularly. Be sure to confirm that all your clothing and hunting accessories are in good condition and working properly. Maybe pick up a couple extra game bags and a roll of parachute cord. New bottles of odor masking spray are a good idea.
With the increasing numbers of fish in our local rivers there will be increasing numbers of people fishing. Please be courteous to others even if they are less than courteous to you. Keep pets and children under control and have children wear some type of flotation device and footwear when they are anywhere near open water. Pick up any garbage you may find, especially discarded fishing line.
Until next month, good luck and good fishing!

Experience the “Tartan side” at the Kelso Highlander Festival 2011

September 10th & 11th
FREE ADMISSION!!!
At beautiful Tam O’Shanter Park on Saturday, September 10th, 2011 the festivities begin with a fun run/walk 15K road race, Highland Dance Competition, Highland Games and Piping Competition.  At noon will be the Welcome & Parade of Clans.
Kelso Highland Festival Shortbread Contest: The Shortbread Contest will be held in the Covered Area at Tam O’Shanter Park.
Throughout the weekend there will be entertainment by The Wicked Tinkers and Tempest.
Experience a whole weekend of Scottish & Celtic culture, with the Avenue of Clans, Scottish craft & food vendors, Scottish music & competitions, Scottish Shortbread Competition and on Saturday there will be a Silent Auction to help support the Festival.
Saturday September 10, 2011, 10:00 am please join us for the annual Highlander Festival Parade.
There will be a Golf Tournament at Kelso Three Rivers Golf Course on Sunday.  Tee off is at 10:00 AM.
On Sunday, September 11th, there will be a Kirkin O’ the Tartan Worship Service at Tam O’Shanter Park at 8:30 AM and again at 10:30 AM at the First Presbyterian Church in Kelso.
The Highland Games will begin at the park at 9:00 AM with those hardy lads and lasses tossing the caber and throwing the stone.  There will be entertainment in the afternoon at the park.
The Kelso Rotary will be holding their Annual Duck Race in the afternoon raising money for charities and scholarships.
Get your Hilander Festival Buttons, on sale July 5th, for only $1.00 each and you could win one of the many prizes that have been donated from various merchants in Kelso.
Don’t pass up a whole weekend of Scottish and Celtic fun at the park!

We Get Letters

Comments abound! Virtually or through traditional pen and paper – they come! Here are some thoughts from your fellow readers: (Which consequently entered them in the $100 drawing of “Let’s Chat”, just for sharing! Enter once per day for more chances to win.)

via eMail:
“Good morning, I discovered your paper maybe 3-4 years ago and always look forward to finding a copy of it. It is always upbeat, interesting and provides an outburst of laughter with your humor.
I just noted in the July issue on page 19, a neat sounding place called Lynn’s Ice Cream, with a coupon. However, there is no address or phone number provided? Hope you enjoy the 4th.”
- Bill Downey, eMail
**Editor’s Note: Thanks Bill! The coupon for the ice cream come notes in very small print that it is on Commerce Ave, and it is just down the street from Las Rocas Mexican Restaurant in Longview. There’s another coupon this month, on p.11, thanks to Mosby Insurance! Enjoy your ice cream!**

via FaceBook:
“I love the bugler…i cant wait to read an article on the upcoming squirrel day…what a fun idea those sandbaggers came up w for longview n the next bridge looks neat…”
- April Flanders, FaceBook

“I really appreciated the “Blue Rose” story in the latest issue! It doesn’t say who wrote it, though. Was this written by someone local?”
Amanda Kodall, FaceBook
**Editor’s Note: The Blue Rose story is an story by an anonymous author. ☺

“Thanks for putting out a good read every month! Especially enjoyed this month’s article about Project Joplin. Looking forward to updates in upcoming issues about this outreach and the restoring of Joplin.”
- Wendy Liasjo, FaceBook
**Editor’s Note: Thanks Wendy, me too!**

Heard Inside WINCO:
“Your paper is so refreshing! There are lots of positive and uplifting stuff inside!”
Joanee, WINCO
**Editor’s Note: Thanks Joanee! You should send that to us online or in an email or letter to enter the chance to win $100 in cash! **Spoken comments can’t count because we have no way to contact you if you win! So what are you waiting for, readers? Let’s Chat!**

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