Fraser's temperatures warm up
By Norma Brand and Cathy Walker
The report in last week’s column was the Fraser’s Groundhog did see his shadow, but the temperatures in Fraser and the surrounding area have started to warm up. The wind still caused the snow to drift in the sheltered areas during the middle of the week. Over the weekend we received rain showers so we can actually see bare ground in places. The first day of spring is over a month away so don’t put your snow shovels away yet.
Buck Armitage visited with Norma on Tuesday, Feb. 5. He brought along his photograph album about his recent trip to the San Diego area. He was accompanied by his friend Angie Griswold and her teenage daughter, Gabriele. They enjoyed touring the aircraft carrier, Midway, which is docked in the harbor area, the zoo, wild animal park, and the botanical gardens. They also spent a day in Tijuana, Mexico. One evening they took Gabriele to a Fall Out Boys Concert which is one of her favorite bands. Buck enjoys Ozzie Osborne’s music and the three were able to attend one of his concerts. This concert also featured Rob Zombie. They had a great vacation and flew back to Lewiston on Dec. 7.
Marie Green reported the physical therapist has been given the okay by the doctors to add walking to her therapy sessions.
Elvita Judd spoke to Norma by phone on Sunday, Feb. 10. Her granddaughter, Toni Smith from the Washington, D.C. area, is flying into Spokane on Tuesday, Feb. 12. Elvita’s daughter, Loretta, will pick Toni up at the airport, and then the three will drive to Fraser for several days. They will return to Spokane on Thursday to catch their flight to Boise on Saturday, Feb. 16. While in Boise, they will visit with her nephew, Steve Green, and his wife, Carol. On Monday, Feb. 18, the family will attend a memorial service which will honor Claud and ten other members who had served in the Idaho House of Representatives and four members who served in the Idaho Senate.
Claud will always be remembered for his dedicated efforts for the people of Northern Idaho and Clearwater County.
On Sunday, Feb. 10, Mike and Linda Beard and Wes Stuart had brunch at the Brand Ranch. Reggie and Peggy Ball drove to Weippe for breakfast at the Timberline Café and stopped in on their return trip to their home. Everyone enjoyed the food and conversation. The birds at the feeders put on a special show for everyone.
Large flocks of house finches and American Gold Finches and Juncos were joined by eight Red Crossbills. Wes commented that it had been a long time since he had seen crossbills in this area.
Remember the 11th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count will take place on Feb. 15-18. Anyone can help collect vital stats for bird conservation by counting birds wherever they are. You can enter your tallies on line at www.birdcount.org. Participants are to watch birds for as little as 15 minutes on one of more days of the event. Then enter the highest number of each species seen at one time on the GBBC website. Let’s hope the weather is good so the birds will visit area feeders for the big count. Good luck.
The Fraser Grange held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, Feb. 11. A delicious potluck was enjoyed by everyone before the meeting. Declining membership and low attendance were discussed during the meeting. Grange members have been involved in many community projects and it is their interest that these projects continue to be supported. Discussion was held on a possible solution, more information will be available soon.
Janet Kingen reported she has kept in touch with Pete’s niece, Leslie Isbelle, during the past weeks. They live in Pierce, Idaho, and are finally getting shoveled out after all the snow storms, thanks to their sons. The snow was so deep it was within two feet of their roof. Spring can’t come fast enough for them this year.
To make sure you don’t get left off of the birthday calendar, you need to reserve yours now; the FCCLA group from Timberline Schools is taking orders. The calendars are $6 and which include listing your family living in your home and $.50 for each additional listing. The money raised will help to purchase accelerated reading prizes for the students. You can contact Timberline Schools at 435-4411 or for Fraser area call Jonathan Walker at 435-4814.
Happy Birthdays go out to Bill Jackson on Feb. 17 and Christina West on Feb. 20.
Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone from Cathy and Norma.