In recent years I’ve noticed several houses in Walla Walla have moss on the roof. Deferred maintenance? Certainly, but I sense something else is also in play: more moisture in the atmosphere. Most people think of southeastern Washington (if they think of it at all) as...

If you’re like me, you’ve been stuck in a funk of grey winter COVID-y restricted yuck for some time now. Not surprisingly, this can have an effect on one’s outlook. Today I had a revelation: don’t let this stuff get to you. Close your eyes and repeat after me: I am...

The search for Nellie Gilliam Day continues! This week I’ve queried three county courthouses, the Washington State Archives, the Log House Museum in West Seattle and a blogger who wrote about West Seattle's Kenney Home where Nellie briefly lived. I've also attempted...

One of many things I enjoy about writing is research- -learning about unfamiliar topics through reading, site visits and talking to experts in pertinent fields. Research is an important part of portraying historical figures, too. Lately I’ve been digging into the life...

Lately I’ve been shoveling down my meals, aware of the nutritional components within but giving no attention to taste, texture, temperature, etc. Unless I’m eating something indisputably awful (which occasionally happens given my “what in the refrigerator needs to be...

This year I’m honored to be part of the Walla Walla County Rural Library District semi-centennial celebration. The District is hosting a year-long program of speakers as part of the festivities- -authors, artists, scientists and musicians. I am tickled to be part of...