On June 15th 2020 the U.S. Supreme court ruled in a 6-3 decision, that “an employer who fires an individual merely for being gay or transgender defies the law.” The ruling dealt with three LGBTQ employment … [Read more...]
Top 20 reasons why Wearing a Face Mask is Good
June 24, 2020 by
On June 23rd, Governor Jay Inslee issued a statewide face covering order. On Friday, June 26th, it will be mandatory when out in public spaces. I’ll admit it. I detest wearing a face mask. I get hot, my … [Read more...]
Understanding the Snoqualmie Valley’s cat of many names: the cougar
June 9, 2020 by
I live and walk my dog on a tree-lined road. Occasionally we see wild animals along our way: deer, elk, bears, bobcats, birds, and small mammals. One recent day during our morning stroll, two deer … [Read more...]
Adventures in Pandemic Unemployment
May 25, 2020 by
You may know me as a contributing community writer for Living Snoqualmie, but by day I am a small business owner. Sixteen years ago, I started my own business working as a dog trainer/dog walker. Like many … [Read more...]
Hiking in the time of Covid-19: North Bend locals ask for more thoughtfulness
May 12, 2020 by
I have fond memories of attending Seafair as a child. My Grandmother lived five blocks from Lake Washington Blvd and less than a mile from the hydroplane pits at Stan Sayres Memorial Park. It … [Read more...]
How the 1918 Flu Pandemic changed history, improved women’s rights and saved my life
April 30, 2020 by
What do modern public health, the World health Organization, women’s rights, Edward Cullen and myself have in common? All, in part, owe their very existence to the 1918 flu pandemic. In the midst of this … [Read more...]
One of the Snoqualmie Valley’s most visible wild animal residents: the prolific Lagomorph
April 25, 2020 by
This time of year the pesky Lagomorph tortures my dog, tears up my garden, reproduces freely and poops indiscriminately….which the dog promptly eats as if it’s a delicacy from a five star … [Read more...]
Ghost Town Experience: the (mostly) Abandoned Streets of Seattle
April 14, 2020 by
Before the official ‘Stay home-Stay healthy’ order was put into place, Washingtonians were still being encouraged to stay home but taking a drive was an allowable activity to combat boredom. So, one day Mark … [Read more...]
As people ignore Stay Home order, road closure begins near Rattlesnake Lake Area in North Bend
April 9, 2020 by
North Bend residents living along Cedar Falls Road near Rattlesnake Lake have again taken to social media to express frustration as they witnessed many people ignoring the statewide Stay Home order and … [Read more...]
Zoonosis: Contagion without borders
March 26, 2020 by
What do you do when there is a worldwide pandemic and you have too much time on your hands? Well if you’re me, you research zoonotic diseases. A zoonosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria, viruses, or … [Read more...]
Of Mice and Me: One animal lover’s struggle with rodents
March 2, 2020 by
John Steinbeck took the title “Of Mice and Men” from a poem by Robert Burns. The poem: To a Mouse, was written in 1785 and is about being tolerant and appreciating all forms of life, big and small. I try to … [Read more...]
NORTH BEND QUARANTINE: Much Ado About (almost) Nothing
February 6, 2020 by
UPDATE | February 7th The Public Information Officer from the Department of Health got back to me regarding my question regarding health care workers coming and going from the facility. They say “Health … [Read more...]
Kayakers Capsize on Cold Fast Rising Snoqualmie River
February 1, 2020 by
At 11:25 am this morning, North Bend resident Forrest Smith was walking his dog on the Snoqualmie Valley Trail across the river from Camp Waskowitz when he saw something in the river. Said Mr. Smith “I was … [Read more...]
Grizzly Bear Recovery in Washington State: The Good, the Bad and the ‘Horribilis’
January 20, 2020 by
A "verry large and turrible looking animal" was how William Clark, of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, described the beast they encountered shortly after crossing into the Northern Rockies. The pair … [Read more...]
I don’t kiss dogs, why you shouldn’t either
January 13, 2020 by
I started my own dog business in 2004. I moved into a friend’s 250 square foot Mother-in-Law apartment and had very little money at first. I wore many hats and had many different jobs. In addition to being a … [Read more...]
Resolutions for 2020: more clarity, less ‘rightness’
January 3, 2020 by
It’s that time again when I start to think about what I will do to improve my life in the coming year. This New Year is particularly special because not only does it mark a new year, but a whole new … [Read more...]
Battle at the North Bend Safeway and The Kindness of Strangers
November 21, 2019 by
UPDATE | NOVEMBER 22, 2019 We found the kind stranger! His name is Rich and he recently moved back to the valley to take care of his aging parents. His girlfriend, who lives in Goldbar, saw the article and … [Read more...]
Multiple lost dogs in Washington wilderness is important reminder to use a leash on local trails
November 18, 2019 by
As someone who lives in the place where many in the Seattle area choose to recreate, I have to say, you all make me sad. First off, this is NOT about any lost dog in particular. I do understand that there are … [Read more...]
Dog Review of a Salish Lodge & Spa Pampered Paws Room: “The Ultimate in Doggie Relaxation”
November 4, 2019 by
Bee is my 4-year-old Schnauzer/Poodle and typically would NOT be described as relaxed. Unlike my last dog of the same breed, Bee moves through life as if her tail is on fire and only speed and noise will put it … [Read more...]
Snoqualmie Valley Animal Misconceptions, Inaccuracies Debunked and Explained!
October 24, 2019 by
Everyone loves a good story. Before recorded history, storytelling began with visual communication in prehistoric cave drawings, progressing to tales told by word of mouth. Mythology had practical purposes in … [Read more...]
