Playing Tourist

I thought I'd better take my own advice and "play tourist" with an afternoon visit to Fort Walla Walla Museum before it closes for the season. What a find! No wonder the tour buses make this place a "must see" when visiting Eastern Washington.

Visitors view Indian and Military artifacts; explore early horse-era agricultural equipment; and experience life at a 17-building pioneer settlement. Volunteers serve as docents and give living history performances throughout the museum property.

What a delightful afternoon. Life in Walla Walla continues to be full of new experiences.

Tourist Buses Spotted at 26 Brix

Walla Walla is becoming a regular stop for touring seniors and 26 Brix is the designated spot for lunch. My curiosity led me to find out that this group were participants in a popular Elderhostel voyage along the Columbia and Snake Rivers that were studying Lewis & Clark.

This particular tour is a voyage, in a small cruise ship, that begins in Portland and heads East along the Columbia River, through the Gorge and ventures along the Snake River to Hell's Canyon. Hostelers learn about the natural forces that formed the region, the exploits of Lewis & Clark, and they explore the lives of early settlers of the region.

For their visit to Walla Walla, the ship docks in Burbank and the group takes a bus for the day. The morning is spent touring the scenic countryside, features a stop at a Lewis & Clark camp, and a visit at Fort Walla Walla. Guests are treated to a beautiful and leisurely lunch at 26 Brix before heading out to the Whitman Mission.

These "hostelers" from all over the country were delighted by their voyage and at what they were learning. I left intrigued by the notion of an Elderhostel tour and envious of the group as they reboarded the bus - off to their next experience. It makes me want to learn more about my new home - I'm going to have to "play tourist" and see the local sites.

Private Wine Tasting at The Haven

A wine tasting for guests at The Haven in Walla Walla proved to be a great time for a Seattle based book club. Luana McKinley led the taste and provided the group with an "insiders" view of the wine and restaurant industry in the valley. Luana works at Saffron, Walla Walla's food lover's restaurant; and is soon to be a "Dunham" of Dunham Cellars.

The group learned about the geological history of the region, the uniqueness of the terroir, and of the pioneers in the local wine industry. Guests were treated to a K Vintners 2004 Syrah, Tamarack Cellars 2006 Cab Franc, Amavi Cellars 2006 Syrah, Waters 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Cadaretta 2007 Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon, and a Dunham Cellars 2005 Trutina - plus a few selections from Luana's private collection.

The evening was peppered with personal stories, local wine lore, and tips on tasting and touring. The Haven guests were left with a sampling of Colville St. Patisserie desserts, a list of recommended restaurants, sites to see, and a map marked up with wineries to visit and vintages to purchase - all ready for the group's Saturday tour of Walla Walla Wine Country.

It's a New Day

What an amazing sight today as I stepped out my front door. We all need to remember to live each day as if it is our last. Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you and give praise.

God is good.

Feeling Far Away From Those I Love

A friend of mine died this morning and I wasn't there. We all knew it was coming, and have been awaiting this day for several years, but it is never easy. Because I now live in Walla Walla, I haven't been there with the others offering all the things a friend does for a friend and a family. And now I won't be there for the funeral. I won't be there with the others I love mourning our loss together - I'll be mourning alone.
May God bless my dear friend Resa.

Everyone Needs a Fresh Start...

Where does one begin?

I made a bold move and left the comforts of Southern California, a place I called home my whole life, and headed North on July 1, 2007 to Walla Walla, Washington.

It's been a year now and there is no turning back. They say once you sell your over-priced home in California you can never go back. With a glut of urban sprawl, tract housing, and over-priced McMansions on the market, maybe that's no longer true.

I did spend "the transition year" constantly in transit - college launch for son, holidays, birthdays, parties, daughter's wedding, and of course, a 2-week January respite on Balboa Island.

The first year in a new climate affected me in ways I did not anticipate. I mean, plants are even different; and you really need to know the difference between evergreen and deciduous. I am fortunate to have great neighbors that guide me through the new process of "what one does" in their yard. Maybe I'll babble on later about my garden adventures...

I wonder how many other California transplants are here? If someone asks you where you are from you have to whisper your response. Or at least I do. But... I'm finding more and more "question askers" respond that they too are from CA. Now that is a comfort. I don't really know why. Maybe it is because we are labeled as a state of "fruits and nuts." Whatever. I don't fit either category (maybe a bit of a nut), but for now I'll continue to be a whisperer...