Finally, the rains have stopped and the sun has come out. The rivers are swollen and cresting their banks. Some of you may know that Woodland is located on Lewis River, and we are protected by levies. The rains have been exhausting. Yet, we finally have some sun, and I was able to get out and run some errands today.

I took a drive up to the Lewis River Bed and Breakfast to visit with Barbara and noticed the harbor seals were in the river. Many of you may not know, but Horseshoe Lake is actually part of the Lewis River. It is unusual to see so many seals in the river. This year, the smelt are running up the river, and I guess that is unusual. So, the seals are following. Almost all Barbara’s rooms at the Bed and Breakfast overlook the river. So, you can watch the seals from your bedroom or walk down to the dock and be within touching distance.

On my way back to office, I stopped by Don’s Donut Depot to pick up one of his amazing Apple Fritters and he was sold out. So, I got a bismarck instead. Still very good, just not the Apple Fritter.

Tulip season is upon us, and its time to get tulips for the office. I swung by Holland Bulb Farm and grabbed four bouquets of tulips. What an amazing flower. I really love tulips with the white tulips being my favorite.

I missed sharing the Chinese New Year with you. 2014 is the year of the horse. The horse year is considered a fortunate year. As some of you know, horses are very important to me and this year has proven to be a very fortunate year for my boy Dutch Warm blood, Ronan. I’ve been waiting for him to come into his own, and this year he did it. He finally knows who he is and what he wants. I drove him down to Anna Collier’s farm, Vossenberg Farms, over in Ridgefield, WA and actually had time to watch her ride him. I was amazed. I knew he was coming into his own because I have been riding him. Yet, he really did it. A very fortunate year indeed.

The office had a great year last year and is off to a strong start this year. My “Acupuncture for Kids” practice continues to expand as more and more parents start experiencing the benefits of acupuncture for their kids and teens. Optimal time for really addressing and changing adverse emotional and physical habits is between nine and thirteen. Bed wetting is well addressed with Acupuncture as are angry, sullen moods or explosive fighting.

I’ve just started branching off into Auto Injuries. Dealing with Chronic Pain patients, auto injury was a natural segue way. Being the only medicine which can say it “speeds recovery” and with its strong history in pain management, acupuncture significantly improves recovery time. Added to an existing program of chiropractic, massage, physical therapy and the benefits are no longer additive, but exponential.

Hope to see you soon and enjoy the sun. This whole week is suppose to be great!