One of my favorite experiences is hearing about Sanders County from someone new to the area. If you grow up here, you tend to take for granted the mountains, fresh air, daily wildlife sightings and outdoor opportunities.

One of the most memorable of those experiences was when a friend from Pennsylvania visited in 1998, the year I moved home from Texas. He was just amazed at the beauty of the area and how we could fish almost literally out our back door.

Most recently, I met someone at the fair who had just moved here from Spokane. She immediately fell in love with Sanders County after visiting this past summer and decided to move here. She's been here a couple of months and has been trying her best to participate in all types of community activities. She attended the county fair, goes to fundraisers and is constantly taking drives and finding new hiking spots.

Last weekend we went to the Paradise Center to take in the Paradise Players' production. At lunch my friend kept talking about how much she loved the area and how everyone has been so nice and welcoming. She is grateful for every new experience and for all of the opportunities here. She found a great place to live, works from home and spends her free time exploring with her dog Tater.

Hearing about our area from someone new reminds me about how lucky we are to live here. As the holidays approach and everyone is busy shopping and visiting and going to concerts and parades, take time to stop and smell the pine trees. Remember how fortunate we are to call Sanders County home.

— Annie Wooden