Mazama

My most memorable Fourth of July was in 2001. My good friend Kathy and I took kayaks out on Murtaugh Lake west of Twin Falls, Idaho. It must have been over 100 degrees that day — that dry desert heat that makes you feel like you are in an oven. We paddled around the cool lake, inching […]

If there’s one picture of Christmas that we have all seen over time, it’s that Thomas Kinkade Christmas Cottage — a movie was even made about it. You know, the “painter of light” whose cottages, lighthouses, gardens and gazebos always had an almost too saccharine an air about them in their portrayal of the idealistic, picture-perfect settings? […]

It’s been said that the opening of the North Cascades Highway on Sept. 2, 1972, forever changed the culture of what had truly been a rural valley at the end of the road. However, it wasn’t the first time the culture had changed in this environmental jewel of mountains, rivers and valleys. Thousands of years […]

We live in the land of the wild, and it is always thrilling to spot the great creatures. The majestic eagles are back in their perches by the river. Crafty coyotes have been spotted trotting across the fields between Winthrop and Mazama nearly every day. Leaving tracks in the valley snow, cougars are known to […]

There are times when I think we are walking wounded around here. Recreational activities and inherent repetitive motion, sprains and strains can be tough on the body. Not to mention falls, bike wrecks, ski wrecks, horse wrecks. Then there are the surgeries: back, neck, arms and hands. Bionic bodies with new knees and hips, plates […]

Every November, Splendid Table on NPR talks turkey. On one of my many trips between Mazama and Winthrop this past week with NPR playing in the background, a few words of the interview that was taking place caught my ear. Turning up the volume, I pieced together the story of Ann Kim, a Korean immigrant […]

On Nov. 12, Jamie’s Place residents gathered in their common area to listen to the Mazama Neighborhood String Band. Eyes glistened and voices joined in to the sweet string sounds of familiar melodies the likes of “Red River Valley” and “Amazing Grace.” This was a special experience for the residents and an opportunity for several […]

I have a very good friend in Seattle whose life was forever changed by a tree. He and his sons were walking home on a tree-lined path on a windy day when an ominous crack sent a giant tree crashing down on them. Fortunately, they all survived, but one child was severely injured and they […]

When an email from the High Plains Book Awards arrived on June 6, 2019, with the first word “Congratulations,” I was ecstatic. My memoir “Petting Tigers” had risen to the top as a finalist in the creative non-fiction category. Each of the 13 categories accepts entrants from seven high plains states and three provinces. My […]

The little red building on Goat Creek Road filled up quickly on Oct. 26 for the Mazama Community Club Autumn Potluck and Annual Meeting. Soon the former schoolhouse was abuzz with club members and curious others amidst the aroma of favorite potluck dishes.  I was one of the curious about the origin of the club […]