Columnists | The JOLT News Organization, A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

Dear Lexis, I find that I'm angry or depressed a lot lately but I'm not really sure why that is. I know that there's a lot of good in my life, but that doesn't seem to matter. Any ideas on what I … more

By Alexis Rae Baker | 6/28/21

The easy part is over

In the spring and early summer, the world is full of perfect leaves, fast growth, and healthy, vigorous gardens. But now the solstice has passed, the heat’s been turned up – way up this … more

By Jill Severn | 6/25/21

The Growing Problem of Elder Abuse: Part 3

Now that you know what constitutes elder abuse (or see previous stories) whom do you contact if you suspect someone is being abused? Getting Help: There are three main entities in our … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 6/23/21

I’m grateful for the struggles in my life

Dear JOLT Reader: Life can be hard sometimes; it certainly has been for me lately and I don’t really know when things will start to turn for the better. My new husband and I have been … more

By Alexis Rae Baker | 6/21/21

Dishing on dirt

Back in the day, some farmers used to test their soil by tasting it. If it was sour, it was too acidic; to sweeten it, they added ground limestone or wood ashes. These days, the Thurston … more

By Jill Severn | 6/18/21 | 1 comment

The Growing Problem of Elder Abuse: Part 2

Here are five actual examples of elder abuse that I have personally witnessed. Senior # 1 – Non-ambulatory/bedridden senior. Has a caregiver during the day. Her daughter stays with her at night. However, her daytime caregiver sleeps on the couch all day because she works all night. more

By Kathleen Anderson | 6/16/21 | 2 comments

How to overcome the fears that hold you back

Dear Lexis, I’ve been trying to start a business for years but, whenever I think about working on it, I find myself exhausted and depressed. I know I should work, I know I should try to … more

By Alexis Rae Baker | 6/14/21

The difference between yard work and gardening

Some garden promoters claim that growing perennials (they mean flowering plants that come back year after year) is an easy, low-maintenance alternative to planting annuals. As former President George W. Bush might say, they misunderestimate what perennials require. more

By Jill Severn | 6/11/21

June is World Elder Abuse Awareness Month

Unless you live under a rock you are probably aware and may take part in the celebration of Pride Month each June. But did you know that June is World Elder Abuse Awareness Month? In … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 6/9/21

Figuring out where to start is often the first step in reducing stress, says Lexis.

How to support husband who has ADHD?

Dear Lexis, My husband has ADHD and has serious issues accomplishing tasks. Instead he assigns tasks to me to accomplish between my jobs. It has been extremely disheartening to constantly have … more

By Alexis Rae Baker | 6/7/21

The marriage of gardening and cooking

We are entering the season when gardening and cooking get married. Already the world’s best salads are at hand. Now, before the tender lettuce plants bolt and go to seed, is also the time when … more

By Jill Severn | 6/4/21 | 1 comment

Youths Logan and Jonny visit with elders Dottie, Ethel and Bill.

Finding joy in intergenerational engagement

I recently spoke with Linda Terry, the Founder and Director of STEP, (Sharing Time with Elders Project) and the first thing that struck me was the joy in her … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 6/2/21

Who are you and what do you want?

Dear JOLT Readers, I know it’s been a tough year for a lot of us and that we’re all trying to find a way forward from here. Who knows what the new normal will … more

By Alexis Rae Baker | 5/31/21 | 1 comment

Saving the planet, one clover seed at a time

I am perennially perplexed about my lawn. The more I read about lawn, the more I have thought that getting rid of it might be the environmentally responsible thing to do. But I like it a lot, … more

By Jill Severn | 5/28/21

On Memorial Day the flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon only, then raised briskly to the top of the staff until sunset, in honor of the nation’s battle heroes.

Memorial Day Memories…

For many Americans Memorial Day is a three-day weekend with family gatherings, bar-b-ques and camping trips to local lakes and oceans. For many seniors it is a time to remember… Thoughts … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 5/26/21

Shirley poppies are one of several annual flowers that reseed themselves; they grow well in Thurston County and come up in a variety of colors.

Easy flowers to grow from seed

Once I was sent to the hardware store to buy nails. I knew nothing about construction. When the clerk said “box or common?” I just felt ignorant and incompetent – which, of course, … more

By Jill Severn | 5/21/21

Happy New Year!

Well, folks, the end is in sight. A little over a year in lockdown is about to end. We can choose to go maskless in public. We can dine out, attend a movie and shop in stores instead of having our … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 5/19/21

The challenging Law of Attraction

Dear Lexis, I’ve never really believed in the whole Law of Attraction thing, but it seems to be a belief that you recommend. I wondered why that is and how you can justify holding such a … more

By Alexis Rae Baker | 5/17/21

Whom can you trust?

I once had a neighbor who earned a Master Gardener title by attending a series of classes. She had never grown a single broccoli plant, but she was quite free with gardening advice. After one … more

By Jill Severn | 5/14/21

Read any good books lately?

Here’s a little fun history… Did you know that, in December 1896, the Women’s Club of Olympia established a library service with “reading matter” donated by … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 5/12/21