Julianne Crane

"To my mind one does not put oneself in place of the past, one only adds a new link." – Paul Cézanne A major new exhibit under way at the Seattle Art Museum sheds new light on the painters of light – that incredibly popular group of artists known as the impressionists.

Karen Nelson was devastated early last year when her husband of 37 years died. Not only was she faced with a huge emotional loss, she was worried about having to sell the home they had lived in since 1973 because she could no longer maintain it.

If there is one guy in the Highland Estates area west of Otis Orchards who might have the right tool for just about any kind of home repair job, it is Les Portner. "Les is always busy doing projects," said neighbor Pat Bliss. "He must have one of every tool in the world. Whenever we need something we just run across the street and borrow it." A longtime "Mr. Fix-it," Portner, 59, has accumulated quite a few tools over the years.

Roger Repp is one of those guys who just can't help helping people. "I don't know what I would do without him," said Jeanene Powers, 72, of Spokane Valley.

With all this snow and cold temperatures, it's only natural to daydream a little about warm, summer getaways to secluded beaches or clear mountain streams. If you don't own a cabin on the lake or a cottage on the coast, don't despair. There are numerous recreational vehicles that offer many of the same amenities.