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Hello Publisher and Editors,

I’ve now read v.5 n.3 from cover to cover. It’s beautiful, it’s a service; thank you. This issue best reflects the present group as it’s solidified. I noted added clarity throughout, particularly about the LLC. Lots of distribution locations!

Herbie’s poems seem to always hit the right spot. And such a cute illustration by Avis!

Jim’s Mother’s Day tribute describes someone truly wonderful, yet I can’t help think it’s not what many of us experienced…

Pat B. did a nice write-up about Jen’s book. Congratulations, Jen! It’s been a long road.

I loved Karen Wickham’s wonderings – a real favorite! Nice to see new offerings from Janine Margiotta, too. Such a talented poet.

I liked Pat B.’s column – observation without all the politics. I also liked reading about Jo-Brew.

And I was so glad Rhonda’s poems appeared. “Pines of Madrid” is one of my favorites of hers.

Beth Robinson inspired me to look at bread tags with new eyes – just my kind of fun. And such a lovely illustration by her for this issue.

Carolyn Carney shared the wondering of many a writer. It was also good to see more from Millie Graves about her family. I admire them! And, that was a cute piece from Avis Rust. (Congratulations on their anniversary)!

Lloyd Counts’ story is heartbreaking and very important. You did great work here, Pat, and it’s the star of the show – the very essence of the whole endeavor. Thank you!! The timing was crucial, as it turned out. Lloyd is truly a hero, by sharing his experiences and what was in his heart. Very important. Sonny thought so, too. (Note from Pat: Lloyd Counts passed away on March 30, 2009, just two days before the April issue appeared in print. Fortunately, Lloyd had previewed the article and was quite touched that he was allowed to share his story.)

Like Norm and Sande, Sonny and I stayed at the Crater Lake Lodge for our anniversary after it was last renovated. It’s nice, but discomfort inspired us to leave early in the morning – which was a wonderful time to see the park, we discovered! We never took the boat ride and always wondered about that, so welcomed the great description. The depth of the water is scary to think about…

Jim Miller’s story of the old car really tugged at my heartstrings; sad and sweet. Good addition to the other authors.

Millie already remembers more jump rope rhymes than I do! Very fun to try, though.

It’s an interesting poem, but I’m still wondering about the W of the PV, too.

William Crutchfield’s poem certainly reminded me of Fern Ridge Reservoir. Another great addition to the group. Having heard of Palmer Vilagi, I was interested to see his writing, as well.

It would be wonderful if Sue Pike and others saw your Zebrafish article… (I remember Judith fairly well, of those named). Funny, I spent a good amount of time around those labs during the same period, being friends with the research students, never knowing what would evolve later with the dept. secretary!

Anyone who’s cleaned after their parents can relate to Norm’s piece about the family’s junk, but it sounds like his plate is quite full!

“Lullaby” by new poet Jane Capron is lovely.

I liked Jen’s cooking instructions; truly helpful hints.

Uncle Don is indeed a poet. He should have more published. We hope to see Marj’s Diary produced as a book, at least for the family, sometime in the future. And I hope to read the rest of her papers soon.

I was struck by the truth of Vallee Rose’s poem. I’d wondered what happened to her. I totally relate; reminds me of my own and others’ experiences. A deeply frustrated type of wonderment…

The puzzle is always fun.

Loved Jen’s piece about Central Little School. I hope they keep up the good work. And I sure miss Sam Konnie. (He would have been featured, of course. And I’m fairly certain that he and Bobbie would have enjoyed Groundwaters).

Nice observations by Bridgett Johnson-Elliott. I hope she keeps writing.

I wonder…who is that Grandma of “Linneybugs”?

I especially liked that Tavia Ames wrote “The Heart of a Champion” as “tribute to a much-admired competitor.” And the title of Heidi Ramp’s poem is best described by the lines that follow it. Well done.

I most enjoyed the quote by Rachel Carson. Impressive, particularly because she worked so hard on behalf of life itself.

Riley Chambers is really growing into quite an artist. And, boy, is Nick D. talented!

Krystle Rodriguez captured the essence of spring. Another good addition to those published in GWs. And I liked the photo and caption for A Look Back… I like seeing a bit of local history there.

Have fun at the art & wine festival! Sylvia Beltran’s art, among others, has been featured there in previous years. Sounds like a good event for you.

Seems to be working very well without me! Best people for the job! I’m very grateful for all of you. Onward!

After a short hiatus, we are now back on-line with our blog. It was necessary for us to restructure the blog on our own website instead of on Pat’s Sawdust and Cider site where it was set up. The former blog entries are not lost, however… if you want to read all of what went on previous to this entry, please go to http://sawdustandcider.com/blog1/