Thursday, December 3, 2015

Desert Trail Column, December 3, 2015

If you’d like to see the gory details of the proposed budgets for the future operation of our fire station, go to bit.ly/wvfiretax2 or bit.ly/wvfiretax3. Prepare for a jaw-dropping experience.

Since the birthstone for December is the turquoise and the flower is the narcissus, we send out Rainbows-of-Turquoise-and-Narcissus to Cambria Fairweather who celebrates her special day this week. Happy birthday, Cambria!


On a sad note, two brothers, both long-time residents of Wonder Valley, have passed away. Richard Freeman Page, 58, passed away on September 26, 2015 at Reche Theraputic Rehabilitation Center in Colton. Richard served our community as a volunteer firefighter, and ran the road grader when needed.  Donald Wayne Page, Jr, 55, was found deceased on November 17, 2015 in Twentynine Palms. Donny served in the US Air Force, worked at the Wonder Valley Community Center and Park, and did handyman work for many local residents. The brothers were preceded in death by their parents, Donald Sr and Barbara Page, and a brother, James Page. They are survived by sister Dawn (Shawn) Page, nephew Cody Page, Richard’s son Jason of Long Beach and Richard’s daughter Sabrina of Oregon. Richard and Donny will be missed by many.

Karen’s Commentary: Well, the little elves are no longer whispering – not by a longshot! Black Friday is not my thing, and suddenly it’s December. How did that happen so fast? I did get the wish lists updated, but that’s about all I’ve done. Gift cards seem to be the hot item. Now if I could just get that darn printing press going so I could churn out some twenties to pay for those cards!

Darlene’s Commentary: Here’s another idea for inexpensive Christmas gifts. Idea #4: “Gift of Time.” This idea involves little or no money, and is especially good for grandparents and seniors on your gift list. Ideas include washing their car, walking their dog, reading to persons with poor eyesight or anything that’s difficult for them to do. Include in your card or letter what you’re offering to do, when and for how long. An instant personal Christmas gift!

The Food for Life Ministry prepares free delicious hot meals every Saturday at Little Church of the Desert. If you have a problem getting to the church, Reach Out Morongo Basin will deliver the meals to your home free of charge. Call 361-1410 for information.

Handy Hint: Frozen juice concentrates cost half as much as regular juice and are just as nutritious. Look for ones made from 100 per cent juice.

Thought for Today: An ounce of mother is worth a pound of clergy. – Spanish proverb

Until next time . . . remember to take time to enjoy the WONDERs all around us.

Wonder Valley sunrise, November 29, 2015. Photo: TSS