Shelton-Mason County Journal - Dedicated to the citizens of Mason County, Washington since 1886

Every couple of months, I go to the Bloodworks Northwest office in Olympia to get a vein tapped.

I enjoy these visits. I get to check the “no” box to the extensive list of circumstances that can befall humans, including “Have you ever received a dura mater (or brain covering) graft?” and “Have you ever had a positive test for babesia?”

Before the blood flows, you get a little medical check — an employee tests your blood pressure and the iron level in your blood, and feels your pulse to ensure your heart isn’t going clickety-clack. Then, after you’re done, you get all th...