Mazama

Elsewhere in the newspaper you will read about the Let’s Paint Winthrop project to freshen up downtown’s murals, signs, and buildings. Learning about this project reminded me of a time probably about 12 years ago when I was driving through Winthrop with my daughter, who was then around kindergarten age. We had to wait a […]

“I was dancing and whooping at the end of the day,” Dawn Mueller, Mazama massage therapist, exclaimed regarding the first time she went heli-skiing. Still exhilarated, “I went out dancing that night!” Backcountry skiers who are ferried to remote mountain areas by helicopter all seem to share the same enthusiasm for this unique ski activity. […]

Driving one hour and 45 minutes from Mazama, a pit stop is usually in order. Most Methow Valley residents know the beauty of Lone Pine Fruit & Espresso 4 miles south of the Beebe Bridge. If you have never stopped there, make it a point next time traveling to or from Wenatchee or all points […]

https://methowvalleynews.com/2023/03/15/73909/

Word and idiom origin resources all seem to agree that the phrase “bucket list,” a list of things to accomplish before one’s death, is of uncertain etymology. However, 2006, a year before the release of the popular movie “The Bucket List,” is the most stated year of origin. Bucket list is derived from the phrase […]

My mom was a great conversationalist. She could talk to anybody and always asked the best questions. One of her classics was, “What do you do for fun?” Recipients of that question loved to answer it. Another query that dug a little deeper, “When did you lose trust?” Not everyone has lost trust, but, when […]

Mazama and Aeneas Valley have some things in common, first of which is mispronunciation of their names. Muh-zaa-muh (not muh-zah-muh). EE-knee-iss (not ay-nuhs). These two unincorporated Okanogan County communities are in company with numerous Washington cities, towns and communities that even fellow Washingtonians and newcomers, especially, struggle to pronounce correctly: Swinomish, Puyallup, Wahkiakum, Naches, Colville, […]

Ice is a cagey character — sometimes friend, sometimes foe. The clink of ice cubes in a glass is a welcome sound when you want a refreshing drink. There’s a reason grocery stores post “Need ice?” signs on the checkout counter and exit doors. It’s easy to forget the essential bag until the big blue […]

If you have a weather app on your phone and follow different cities, you no doubt have at least one city that consistently shows a bright yellow sun on more days than not — maybe Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas, or Sacramento. No surprise that these cities are among the top 25 sunniest cities in the […]

Socializing is good for your mind and body, so researchers have concluded. In fact, not only does socialization help lighten your mood and reduce loneliness, but there is evidence that connecting with people boosts brain health, lowers the risk of dementia, and promotes a stronger immune system. During the dark days and nights of winter, […]

I learned a new word this week. It has a cool sound to it, but if it’s used to describe this column, I’ll know now that it’s not a compliment. Jejune (ji-joon): without interest or significance; dull; insipid (first of four adjective definitions). Each week I contemplate what will be stimulating to readers with an […]