Whenever I travel to new places, it’s amazing all the things I find out that I never knew before. The cultures all have their own unique twist and eastern Washington state has a few of its own that I encountered when I first came to Leavenworth in 2016. It’s 2023 and I’m still learning new things.

The other day I was having lunch at the senior center and the topic of bears came up. A retired taxidermist informed me that bears are attracted to clover. Someone else told me that the refuse containers are available with bear-proof lids. The problem is that when the trucks arrive it’s all automated and it can’t open these lids. The driver isn’t going to get out of the vehicle to open them either. That means that overnight bears often get into the garbage.

Speaking of garbage. People here have three separate bins. One is for the usual garbage, one is for recycling and one is for yard waste. Bins have to be rolled up to the street for collection. When I lived up the Icicle it was a walk up to the highway. Here in East Wenatchee it’s just at the end of our driveway, much more convenient.

Do you have to go to the bathroom? Then you have to go potty here. I haven’t heard that expression since I was toilet-training my kids back in the eighties.

Pest control is big business here. All kinds of unwanted creatures live in the mountains and forests here. And they often find their way into people’s homes or destroy the structures. And let’s not forget those big black flying ants or the creepy spiders either.

Speaking of forests, wildfires are a real danger here. Thunderstorms are dreaded as lightening often causes these fires when careless humans don’t. The strong winds don’t help either. I often get alarms on my phone but I’ve never had more than a level one alert so far this year.

With fire there’s smoke. Over the years I found myself sporing an n95 mask long before the arrival of Covid. There were days where you couldn’t see anything more than a block away. This is problematic for everyone but especially those with respiratory issues.

Washington state is one of the most expensive places in the USA to live and boasts the highest gas prices.

Washington was also one of the first states to legalize marijuana and there is an amazing variety of items available here. You can also trip over all the outlets or have it delivered by ordering online if you’re so inclined.

Then there’s the jargon. Attorney instead of lawyer. PCP instead of doctor. Physical therapist instead of physiotherapist. Etcetera.

Amazon Prime. A staple here. You can order anything and everything and have it delivered pronto. No need to go browsing from store to store in search of treasure. Nope! Those days are long gone.

There’s lots more but that’s it for today’s post. A week from today I’ll be traveling to Canada and still have lots to organize.

Have a marvelous Monday!