It's proper to pause a few times each year to contemplate the moment, the time of year. Perhaps it's my nature to reflect more than most.

This happens to me maybe at least once a month. Could this be an indication of growing older or put another way, by putting on more years of experience.

Each year I actually write about my ponderings as two important milestones are attained. The first is the end of the calendar year, when the column is published near Dec. 31. This allows me to openly discuss the happenings of the past 52 weeks.

The second is the end of my outdoors column year, the second week in February. This acts as an annual review of the column, my own self-assessment, where the columns are openly scrutinized and evaluated.

Next February this column will complete 22 years of existence.

There will be other reflective columns throughout the year. These are usually structured around what is happening at the time, such as "Thoughts about June" or "Important summer activities."

Last year a column near Thanksgiving was appropriate. I've decided such a column would be suitable each year, but not just limited to the thankfulness of the season. General outdoor thoughts, tips and lessons learned are also fair game.

The column last year began with the statement, "Simply put, I'm thankful to be alive." A heart episode put me in the hospital where a stint was placed in my heart to open an artery, restoring proper blood flow. Making the statement will be suitable each year, until the time comes when ... Well you know.

This brings up another point about the column. My goal is to continue writing this column, bring outdoor educational topics to my readers in order for them to better enjoy the outdoor activities of their choice, through my 60s, 70s, 80s and, with a little luck, beyond. Time will tell.

OK, time to proceed on a lighter note.

I'm thankful the outdoors column has spawned three other weekly columns that I write for the Columbia Basin Herald.

The gardening column runs each year from the first Thursday in March through the last week in June. It enables me to pass along gardening tips, and also guidelines about controlling weeds, with the help of the Noxious Weed Control Board of Grant County.

Growing vegetables and other plants in a home garden has become more popular in recent years, perhaps because of the economy. No matter the reason, when a gardener picks a tomato, carrot, or beet she/he planted and serves the vegetable as part of a meal, the act is special indeed.  

Another column is titled "Bits &\ Pieces" and is centered on the history of the greater Columbia Basin, but is not limited to history. Any interesting happening is appropriate for the column. Many thanks are due to Central Bonded Collections for being a long-time sponsor of this column.

The fourth column is a weekly hunting and fishing report. The idea is to let readers know what is happening in the fields and waters of the Basin and Eastern Washington. My wife, Garnet Wilson and I co-write this piece. We try to provide as much current information as is available.

There is a fifth column in the works. This will be in novel form. Imagine a man walking into the Big Bend Country; generally what we now call the Columbia Basin, in the 1870s.

This person will interact with the people of the area, the first pioneer families, the German/Russian immigrants, the Native Americans and others who settle in or are passing through the area. This person will tell of the daily life of a pioneer and be a witness to the history of the Basin as it unfolds. We need a sponsor to get this column in the Herald.

A couple of months after writing a weekly newspaper column, the manager of KBSN-AM 1470 called me. He proposed a weekly outdoor radio show because I was writing a weekly outdoor newspaper column.

Columbia Basin Outdoors started as a two-part taped show aired on Thursday and Friday mornings. The show has evolved into a two-hour live show called Columbia Basin Lifestyles which airs Saturday mornings from 9 to 11 a.m.

The combination of four and maybe five newspaper columns, and one live radio show tend to complement each other. I'm proud and honored to provide what I consider educational, and what I hope is valuable and instructive outdoor information.

The final paragraph of last year's Thanksgiving column is appropriate this year also, and it may be the last paragraph in all future Thanksgiving columns:

None of us know how much time we have left on this earth. I intend to make good use of every minute. I am indeed blessed and am indeed thankful for everything involved in my life; past, present and future.

Garnet and I wish you and your family the best Thanksgiving ever.