Author Archives: brucesmith49

Yanah G. Cook running for Pierce County Council, District 3

Posted on May 6, 2020 by brucesmith49

By Bruce A. Smith Yanah G. Cook, a Democrat who resides in McKenna, is seeking the seat at the Pierce County Council for District 3, the region that encompasses all of South Pierce County. This chair is being vacated by … Continue reading →

Posted in Covid-19, Culture, Environment, Graham News, Health, Politics, preparedness, Self Reliance, Smoke, Spanaway | 3 Comments

Quarantining in New York – a personal account

Posted on April 28, 2020 by brucesmith49

Special to the Mountain News from our contributor, Rachel Holtzman, who has been in quarantine since early March at her home on Long Island, NY. ******************* Covid ala Altamont Avenue The red sweatshirt or the New York Liberty one? Mock … Continue reading →

Posted in Barbara Jean Heller, Covid-19, Rachel Holtzman | Leave a comment

A Covid Journal – Day 39 – April 18, 2020 – America prepares to re-open, or not

Posted on April 19, 2020 by brucesmith49

By Bruce A. Smith The big question pounding in everyone’s brain this week is: When can I leave my house and get back to my life? Politically, it is the dominant subject and two routes are emerging. One path forward … Continue reading →

Posted in Covid-19, Culture, Environment, Self Reliance | Leave a comment

A Covid Journal – Day 28 – April 7, 2020 Dark Days and Bright Sunshine

Posted on April 7, 2020 by brucesmith49

By Bruce A. Smith The US Surgeon General, Admiral Jerome Adams, and President Trump are calling these next two weeks our darkest hours, forecasted to be filled with death and suffering, and comparable to “our Pearl Harbor.” Their mortality estimates … Continue reading →

Posted in Covid-19, Culture, Graham News, Health, Self Reliance | 1 Comment

Mah nish tanu: Why is this night different from all other nights, (or days)? – Passover in Quarantine

Posted on April 3, 2020 by brucesmith49

Special to the Mountain News, from contributor Rachel Holtzman Editor’s Note: America may not be “raring to go,” as the President as hoped a few weeks ago, but Easter and Passover are upon us. Passover is a unique religious celebration, … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Family, Rachel Holtzman, Spirituality | 1 Comment

Remembering Wauwepex

Posted on April 1, 2020 by brucesmith49

By Bruce A. Smith Editor’s Note: One of the most pleasant parts of our current Covid Quarantine is strengthening old friendships. For me, that has been connecting with my ol’ Boy Scout buddies. Most of us met at our summer … Continue reading →

Posted in Boy Scouts, Covid-19, Culture, Environment, Folk tales and stories, Life Stories -For Mind and Soul, Stories from my Life, Stories from the Jounrey, Wauwepex | 7 Comments

A Covid Journal – Day 20 – “Hello in There” poignant testimony as singer-songwriter John Prine critically ill with Covid – Monday, March 30, 2020

Posted on March 30, 2020 by brucesmith49

By Bruce A. Smith Despite his chemo this week, my buddy James has recovered sufficiently to send me a missive informing me that sing-songwriter John Prine is critically ill with Covid-19. In addition, Prine’s wife, Jane, has also tested positive … Continue reading →

Posted in Covid-19, Culture, Eatonville News, Family, preparedness, Self Reliance | 2 Comments

A Covid Journal – Day 17, Friday, March 27, 2020: Dylan’s dirge strikes a chord in quarantine

Posted on March 27, 2020 by brucesmith49

By Bruce A. Smith Bob Dylan released a new song today titled, “Murder Most Foul.” It’s a studio production of Bob’s stream of consciousness review of all the dramas of the past fifty years, starting with JFK’s assassination. As such, … Continue reading →

Posted in Covid-19, Culture, Nature, Politics, Self Reliance | 4 Comments

A Covid Journal – Day 15, Wednesday, March 25, 2020 – Contributors come forward with songs, stories, and creative ideas to help us cope

Posted on March 25, 2020 by brucesmith49

By Bruce A. Smith As I go into my third week of selective self-quarantining, I am amazed at the outpouring of creative tips from around the world on how to stay safe and sane. These welcomed suggestions range from Neil … Continue reading →

Posted in Covid-19, Culture, Health, Politics, preparedness, Self Reliance | 1 Comment

A Covid Journal – The Great Calm: Day 13, Monday, March 23, 2020

Posted on March 23, 2020 by brucesmith49

By Bruce A. Smith As my second week in quarantine comes to a close, I feel a great calm emerging upon the land. Life is simpler, the world quieter. There is less traffic, less air pollution, less hustle and bustle. … Continue reading →

Posted in Bethel News, Covid-19, Culture, Graham News, Kapowsin, Mount Rainier, Nature, Politics, Self Reliance | 6 Comments