Salvation!

Bless his heart, a neighbor volunteered to clear our driveway for us Sunday. Until Rob came by, the snow was deep and treacherous. Good neighbors are worth their weight in gold.

We took a trip into town. The surroundings were gorgeous. The highway was clear. Local roads? Not so nice. Sanded slush and more slush. Packed snow and melt. And I’m sure there’s more ice by now.

We picked up provisions we hadn’t gotten before the storms started. And now we’ll stay in until the weather people stop repeating “snow likely,” “snow showers,” and “chance of snow.”

KSQM-FM

Two of my CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training classes last month met in the new offices of our local radio station KSQM-FM. There was a wonderful array of antique radio equipment on display including the microphone, above.

KSQM recently moved into offices that previously housed the Sequim Police Department. The space now is all about radios and music.

Many of the radios were from the very early days when a radio was a major piece of furniture in a home.

I can imagine either of the radios above with a family gathered around, listening to a Franklin Roosevelt “Fireside Chat” or one of the early entertainment programs staged for radio.

KSQM-FM is a non-commercial volunteer station. It plays music from the 1940s, 50s, and 60s and provides local news and weather reports.

Doodlebugs

When I moved to Sequim I was newly retired. I hadn’t really done any kind of craft since childhood. The next spring a visit with my sister-in-law changed everything. I learned just enough to be dangerous and ventured into the craft supply store Doodlebugs for the first time. It felt like I’d walked into Nirvana. I was hooked and Doodlebugs had my drug.

Doodlebugs taught me all the basics. They had every tool I needed and demonstrated how to use them, one-on-one. They had “make and take” mini-classes that helped me start making handmade greeting cards. And they had top quality paper and supplies to keep me going. If they sold it it was good quality, it worked.

Cathy, shown here, her mom Mary, and their niece/granddaughter Kayla have provided the best customer service in a town filled with helpful people. They remember names, take time to talk, help solve problems. They are artists. And if they don’t have what you want they’ll order it for you.

They haven’t been able to compete with Internet competition and, now, the new Michael’s store. Since I learned they were closing I have spent hours wandering in the store. I’ve purchased more paper than I can conceivably use and then I purchased a couple of their paper rack fixtures. I stand around, talking, visiting with my friend Judy who keeps showing up, as I do, because neither of us wants to leave or let go. It’s a happy place, full of creative possibilities and good memories.

Doodlebugs will close on August 4th. They will strengthen their online presence so they won’t disappear entirely. If you’re local and they’ve helped you, brightened your day, or had what you needed, stop by and thank them. Stock up. And support them online if you can.

Am I sad? Yeah. That just begins to cover it.

Sweet Spot Preservation Society

Several of us civic minded citizens have formed a new ad hoc committee dedicated to the support and preservation of small business in Sequim. We are facing the closing of my favorite crafting store, Doodlebugs, as it caves from the pressure of internet and big box competition (more on that when I’m strong enough to take farewell photos). Though it hardly seems at risk, we want to avoid a similar fate for another favorite, our new frozen yogurt store, Sweet Spot. Thus the first official inaugural meeting of the Sweet Spot Preservation Society. I nominated myself the recording secretary. My first report is shown above. We’re considering weekly meetings convened around favorite flavors. And perhaps we’ll bring our book club here. It’s the least that civic minded, selfless, yogurt-loving people can do.