Just in case you're needing a reminding of what January looks like.

It's been dang hot up here in the Selkirks-and we are down about 3 inches on where we should be as firestorm season approaches. Hopefully the county will be spared any devastating wildfires.

We've had our first major Thunderstorm of the year-complete with 80 mph winds and although the storm occured over a week ago, many folks up in the Priest Lake area still are without power.

Lots of trees came down. Pictures to appear later in the month.

I have resumed writing my column for Stonewall News Northwest. Which means that paper is back in business with a new owner and only about six weeks silences. Expect it out later this week if you've been a fan of "Out in the Middle of Nowhere."

Sorry for the silence but things have been hectic and as I am moving into stage two of whatever the rest of my life is going to look like-change seems to be the key word. Although Pend Oreille County is still front and center, and hopefully will always represent "home".