I’ve often wondered why our small town has such a large Veteran’s Memorial. Dayton is the county seat for Columbia County and has a population of 3,944. According to the US Census Bureau from 2012-2016 there were 480 veterans in Columbia County. The percentage of people that are veterans within Columbia County is higher than the state average.   Memorial Day is typically the official start of the summer season. Today, we take time to be with family. So celebrate, hug your loved ones and pause to remember those who gave everything for what we have today.   “Dayton” is Americana at i ..read more

Spring has arrived in the Blue Mountains. The Touchet river, once swollen and muddy is now getting back to its aqua green color. It is warm enough to walk my dog, Dixie and her dog friend, Shasta along the river dike without a jacket today. The fishing pond is full and stocked with fish. As I walked I took in the sights and smells of trees, plants, flowers budding, the excitement of a little boy catching a fish. Dixie searched for squirrels while Shasta was intrigued by this piece of art – a painted rock placed carefully on the trail. I reflected on the beauty of this treasure, then left it fo ..read more

A new year has begun. Everywhere I look, fitness and health have replaced indulgences of the holiday months. A soak in a tub has a very important role as we race to reverse the impact of a harsh winter. Hippocrates advocated the use of salt or sea water to heal diseases of the skin. The use of Epsom salts has been known historically to relieve pain, inflammation, and ease sore muscles. Oatmeal has amazing health benefits as well. Fine ground grains (colloidal oatmeal) have a wealth of vitamins, lipids, and minerals that assist in adding moisture to skin. It is anti-inflammatory and has antioxi ..read more

In college, Art and I studied environmental science. One of Art’s chemistry professors believed in teaching practical things that his students could take beyond the classroom. Art was so excited about learning to make soap he wanted to continue the practice at home. It was too plain and needed a scent. I insisted on adding herbs like lavender, rosemary, and essential oils. We gave our soap to friends and family. A coworker once told me our soap was the only one that helped relieve her husband’s eczema. Art liked how our handcrafted soap left his skin softer and we quit buying commercially made ..read more