Fern Ridge Review
Creswell Chronicle
Sweet Lorane Community News
February 1, 2018
By Pat Edwards

I can’t remember when the first day of February has been so encouraging. Usually, by this time of winter, I am sick of the rain and the mud. Historically, February has always been my least favorite month of the year and I’m usually ready to seek out some sunshine. We may regret it later, but this year we have been blessed with much less rain, more strings of dry—and sometimes even sunny—days. We’ve had some sub-freezing temps, but not an unbearable amount and no snow or electrical outages.

As I write this, a strong winter sun is shining through the trees on the hill outside my window. The winter blues have not set in this year, and I’m enjoying our lengthening days of daylight… and yes, I know—I may eat those words this summer.

This week, our grandson called and said he had just completed the first of two planters he is building that will reside outside our store in Lorane. He asked me if I would bring home some flowers from town to plant in them. My first thought and comment, was… “This is not the time of year to plant flowers, Kev. If we have a major freeze, they won’t survive.” But, then I thought of the hardy, tough primroses that seem to survive whatever Mother Nature throws at them in my own flower beds. And, even though it’s too late to plant my favorite spring bulbs—daffodils, tulips, crocuses and hyacinths—I found some sturdy-looking potted hyacinths in a garden shop that were ready to bloom. They were outside and looked like they would at least put up a good fight if we have another freeze. I came home with enough to fill the new planter, and we shall see…

So, for me, this is proof that I can feel positive in February. The winter doldrums that frequently rob me of a lot of possibilities are not present this year. I’m thankful for that.

Now, on to some Lorane and Crow news…

The Lorane Christian Church will be hosting its annual “Friendship Banquet” on Sunday, February 11, at 5:30 p.m. This year, it will be held at Izzy’s on West 11th in Eugene, next to Fred Meyer. Everyone is invited and encouraged to come and share a social evening with neighbors and friends.

The Lorane Bread Basket group wants to remind anyone in the community who is in need to contact them as they offer food baskets all year round—not just during the holidays. If you know someone who could use one, please call 541-520-3643 or 541-952-7752. They will be glad to help.

Next week, February 5-9, is Spring Homecoming Week at CHS. Each day will be assigned a theme so students can dress-up each day according to the theme. Thursday is going to be Dress as Your Favorite Staff Member Day, and it ends with Spirit Day on Friday; the Homecoming Dance is that night. I personally want copies of pictures from anyone who chooses to dress up like teachers, Michele or Brian Kau, especially. If anyone does, please send them to me at paedwards42@yahoo.com for a special project I’m working on.

The project is no secret, as I had to tell our daughter, Michele, about it earlier, but I’m working on a 50th birthday album for her and hope to have it printed in time for her birthday on March 7. Anyone who would like to send a birthday greeting, memory or photo for me to include, should get them to me by February 15. I know she’s got many friends and former students out there who have some fun memories that will bring her joy when she reads her book.

Happy February, all!