I awoke the other morning with the refreshingly soft pitter-patter of rain. Laying in my bed and thinking about what I might have left outside that could be damaged by the rain, I also thought about how refreshing it is to live in our coastal hills and not in a desert plateau. While the minimal rain over the last few days will do little for the major fire going on in eastern Oregon, I am sure the browning lawns will appreciate the short-lived moisture.

On behalf of the Hoskins-Kings Valley Fire Department (which incidentally is in need of volunteers), this is as good as time as any to remind everyone that effective three weeks ago, we have officially entered into wildland fire season and to encourage all to take extra care and caution around the farm and home.

It is also a wise idea to take extra caution while traveling the highways and byways. A new job of mine has me traveling to Salem on a regular basis. Aside from the unfortunate "carbon footprint" this commute has generated, I have enjoyed observing the landscape as I travel from country to city, steadfastly watching the curious driving habits of fellow commuters and summertime travelers, and listening to a lot of AM radio (my preference for highway driving).

'Black swan' moments

On one radio show, Nassim Nicholas Taleb, the author of "The Black Swan, the Impact of the Highly Improbable," spoke about the idea behind the title. Mr. Taleb noted in this book concerning financial markets that the most important events in our lives are unexpected and in many cases seemingly unbelievable. Up until the 17th century it was assumed all swans were white, until the discovery of black swans in Australia. The idea of a black swan, according to Wikipedia (an online encyclopedia), refers to hard-to-predict and rare events which are almost impossible to conceive. Events such as Pearl Harbor or 9/11 fall into this category, as do most major scientific discoveries.

We all have experienced black-swan moments in our lives, whether as a result of a major catastrophe, a serious life-threatening circumstance, or a shifting of awareness due to an "aha moment."

The other day, while returning from another successfully enjoyable Frolic parade, I slowed down to let a skunk cross the road by the KV Charter School. This in itself was not a black-swan moment. My realization that my driver's window was down and the skunk's tail was up as I slowly edged by it was one of those rare, hard-to-predict and, thankfully in this case, uncatastrophic events.

As I quickly drove away I began to realize how lucky I was, and how my life at that moment might have been altered.

Try a lecture

Black-swan moments are good when they improve our lives, increase appreciation for what we have, and perhaps help us learn a bit more about something useful.

One opportunity for an aha moment will be the "Science, Music, and Marshmallows" lecture gatherings every Wednesday in August at the future site of the Marys Peak Natural Resources Interpretive Center (located behind the Philomath Chamber of Commerce caboose (watch for signs).

The Aug. 1 lecture will feature Oregon State University climatologist George Taylor.

This is a fun, family learning experience, and other than the mosquitoes (hint: wear long sleeves and bring bug repellent), satisfaction is almost guaranteed.

Garden festival

On July 28, Dancing Oaks Nursery will hold its annual summer garden festival from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. as a benefit for the Luckiamute Valley and Kings Valley Charter School.

A silent auction will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with music provided by Ancient Ways and Los Incorregibles. Twenty percent of all plant sales will be donated to the schools.

While the nursery, located at 17900 Priem Road, Monmouth, is a bit of a drive, the variety of plants in this oasis tucked away on the edge of the Coast Range might very well be a black-swan moment.

To market

Finally, who can forget the Kings Valley Farmers Market every Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m., rain or shine.

As the summer progresses, so too do the produce and crafts. With music filling the air, laughter and chatter with old and new friends, simply taking a few moments to enjoy a day may be enough to create moments that will be cherished, not to mention the option of bringing home fresh, tasty produce.

Located on the corner of Maxfield Creek Road and Highway 223, this market, while no means large in size, is huge in good neighborly smiles. It is well worth a drive to the country. Just keep an eye out for the skunks.

Dan Hayes reports on news in the Hoskins-Kings Valley community and can be reached at 929-2356 or travelor54@peak.org.