Three minutes with… Darlene Riesland of Hermiston

Published 5:00 pm Tuesday, April 19, 2022

How long have you lived in Hermiston?

Since 1982, or something like that. I came here because of my husband. His mom lived here. I like it here.

Do you have any favorite hobbies?

I do circle-a-word and crossword puzzles. I have books for them.

Do you have any favorite restaurants?

Panda Inn (Restaurant & Lounge). I like the sweet and sour chicken.

Do you like to cook?

Yeah. I’ll make Hamburger Helper, or something like that.

Do you like to read, watch TV or watch movies?

I’ll watch TV. “Wheel of Fortune and “The Price is Right” are my favorites. I’ll watch “Jeopardy,” too.

During your time in Hermiston, what has changed?

A lot of people have moved here. I like small towns, though. They’re quieter, and you know more friendly faces. Once in a while, I’ll come to the Hermiston Herald office, but only when I don’t get my paper.

Are there things in the paper that you like to read?

I’ll read the front page. I see some interesting stories, especially stories about people.

What do you like about people?

I like to talk with them. I meet friends in person or on the phone. I like to go places with them, but I haven’t been able to lately. I had an accident.

What was your accident?

I fell. I was trying to get ahold of my husband’s walker. Then I fell in the Safeway parking lot. It hurts. I saw a doctor, he took x-rays of my knee and put a cast on my wrist.

Do you often have accidents?

No. That would be awful.

Who helps you when you do have accidents?

My husband. He helps me get my seatbelt on, stuff like that. He’s good. He likes to do crossword puzzles.

Are there any things you would like to do or places you would like to go?

I’d like to see my sister. She’s in Zillah, Washington. I haven’t seen her in a long time, and I like Zillah. I might like to see the dinosaurs in Granger (Washington). I’ve seen the murals in Toppenish (Washington). They’re nice.

Will you go there soon?

I don’t know.

What would help you get there?

I’d have to ask my husband. I think he would.

— Hermiston Herald