Cindy Hval

Folks wishing for a community festival don't have to wait for the heat of Hoopfest. They can head to Deer Park this Saturday for the 22nd annual Winterfest, sponsored by the Deer Park Kiwanis. Winterfest is perfect for those who prefer a "cooler" festival. Most activities will originate at Deer Park Civic Center across the street from City Hall. Filled with activities for people of all ages, Winterfest is a great way to "get rid of winter blahs," according to volunteer Flo Moore. She's looking forward to this year's ice sculpture demonstration.

The words "public housing" can conjure images of slumlords and rundown, squalid tenements in places such as Baltimore or Manhattan. The advisory board of Northeast Washington Housing Solutions (formerly known as Spokane Housing Authority), frequently encounters misperceptions like this.

Peta Countryman been a florist for 28 years and is currently a floral designer at the Five Mile Rosauers. Countryman, who says some customers like to call her the "Frugal Florist," says the secret to fabulous floral design is not in the money spent on flowers but in the balance of colors. She recommends a small arrangement called a "Fussy Tussy" as a great beginner's project. According to Countryman, a simple mixed flower bouquet from the grocery store can be transformed into an elegant gift.

Imagine trying to cut a 9-inch apple pie into 50 slices. Someone is going to be left hungry. The Human Services Advisory Board faced a similar task at its January meeting.

Breast-feeding made headlines in November when women around the nation staged a "nurse-in" at airports. They held the event to support a mother who was ordered off an airplane for nursing her daughter. I, too, am an ardent supporter of breast-feeding, having nursed all four of my sons. However, giving my children this healthy start has led to an unforeseen consequence. Many years after weaning, they still consider me as the fount of all food.

Recently, I awoke to find the left side of my face scored with tiny scratches. What had happened while I slept? I looked around the bedroom for clues and noticed it had snowed during the night. On the floor next to the bed was a scattering of soft, white particles. Not snow – feathers! I felt the top of my pillow, and sharp feather fragments poked my fingers. My pillow had silently exploded while I slumbered. No wonder I'd dreamed of fried chicken all night. It was time to go pillow shopping.

Steve Allen won $5 million on "Deal or No Deal" last Friday. Unfortunately, it was only a mock version of the show at Mt. Spokane High School. But it was good practice for Allen. The Mt. Spokane teacher is putting together his audition tape for the real version of the TV game show. What sets Allen apart from other game show hopefuls is what he plans to do with his winnings. He's pledged all of his winnings to help other families finance adoptions. He and his wife, Carrie, have five children, including three daughters adopted from China.