No one expected this, not the farmers, the gossips, the know-it-alls, the young, the old, the grandmas or grandpas, the introverts, the extroverts, the fearful or bold, the meek or brash, the spouses or spinsters, the Almanac or the weatherman. The Maple Valley Christmas blizzard swept in like a phantom monster and buried the entire …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 43: A Christmas Blizzard Miracle
Ever since Sylvia Meisner disappeared nearly three years ago, Maple Valley folks have been waiting for the other shoe to drop. Tourists arriving in Maple Valley do not feel the dread that lives in this delightful place. All the happy visitors believe the notions they have about this dreamland where there are no worries, unpaid …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 43: All Is Calm, All Is Wrong
I want every square inch of the Maple Valley Short Line Model Railroad to be a story in a scene. I am way beyond watching two trains travel on a continuous loop through trees, mountains, and buildings. I want to know what people are talking about as they stand outside the Ya'll Sit Cafe. Maybe …
Happy villagers in Maple Valley are preparing themselves for the wonders of Christmas. Music of the season is blaring loudly on the streets of town so visitors know Maple Valleyers are fully into the spirit of Christmas. Quintin O'Dillmotte has, at least for the moment, been strangely quiet. The O'Dillmotte Funeral Parlor is pleasantly adorned, …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 42: The Wonders of Christmas and Other Stuff
Mom had a gift for making everything wonderful, no matter what holiday it was. Thanksgiving and Christmas were the two best because her cooking and baking skills were legendary. I learned how to make coffee cake by watching mom. By the time I was fifteen, I had taken over the task of creating the favorite …
What historical event fascinates you the most? I was ten years old. It was during Geography class when the principal of Mackinaw Middle School in Saginaw, Michigan, made the announcement President Kennedy had been shot. A few minutes later he told us the president was dead. Here is a list of books I have read, …
Stress lives in Maple Valley, and the onset of the holidays kicks it into high gear. What would Thanksgiving be without worrying whether the turkey is big enough? Or if there's enough stuffing? Or potatoes? Or antacid? As if worrying about food isn't enough, there is always the possibility of uncomfortable situations. Every Maple Valley …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 41: Dear Doctor
From the time I was old enough to recognize the people around me, there was one person who was my favorite. He held a place of love and admiration throughout my life that made every opportunity for me to be near him a delight. He was my Uncle Dick Lambert. In this photo I was …
Continue reading To Honor the Memory of My Uncle Dick Lambert
Village council meetings in Maple Valley are generally docile. Minutes are read, dates approved, reports adopted, motions to adjourn bring meetings to an end. Last week will stand out in the history of Maple Valley council meetings, as Quintin O'Dillmotte's shocking and outrageous plan to change the name of Maple Valley resulted in a high …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 40: The Railroad and the Church General
"That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard, but coming from you I'm not surprised!" Sheriff Pete hollered into the phone as he slammed it down. Meanwhile, the mysterious calls from someone identifying herself as Sylvia Meisner suddenly stopped after Pete held the special meeting at the Ya'll Sit a few months ago. No …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 39: O’Dillmotteville
A Coffee State of Mind 