Dog Day Afternoon

It was a canine party at the Walla Walla Dog Park today and all shapes, sizes, ages, and breeds converged with their owners in tow to take part in a summer afternoon of fun and frolic.

A dog park is an interesting concept, and for some pets it can be a little overwhelming. The owners all seem well-behaved by adhering to the rules, and being mindful of poop and such. But once your pet is off the leash you never know if your dog will mind their manners. Everyone was having a good time, even while sharing the refreshments. But unfortunately, when it came to sharing attention with the other dogs, Jessie didn't do well.

I'm sorry to say that today my dog Jessie wasn't the ideal party guest. I took her to the dog park for her benefit - she loves to run and play; and this was a perfect opportunity to mix and mingle and make a few four-legged friends. However, she hung pretty close to me, giving a little growl to those that came near. She's really a friendly fun-loving dog, but why does she get so jealous when I pay attention to another pup. Needless to say - Jessie and I left the party early. We'll be sure to work on a little "doggie etiquette" and give it try on another day.

The Walla Walla Dog Park is a great addition to the community - if you haven't done so already, take your pup and give it a try.

Summer Dining - It's Officially The Season

It's that time of year to enjoy outdoor dining. What could be better than a casual dinner with a friend at WhoopemUp in Waitsburg. The drive up-valley through rolling hills of farmland set the tone for a relaxing evening. The patio was the perfect spot to enjoy our summer meal.

Everything looked so appetizing that we had to share. I highly recommend the ravioli, which is not my usual summertime meal of choice, but it was light, lovely, and passing it up was not an option.

We savored every bite of The Whoopemup Ravioli - housemade filled with fresh Monteillet Farm goat cheese, leeks and herbs and topped with fennel creme sauce and preserved lemon. AND The Slippery Tail Lobster Ravioli with reggiano parmesano and sweet peppers. We also shared, and devoured The Sunday Best Lemon Chiffon Cake - with strawberry mascarpone, frozen mousse, and seasonal berry compote.

I encourage all to make the drive from Walla Walla, or anywhere in the valley, and enjoy a delightful summer dinner at The WhoopemUp.

American Legion Post Building Becomes Public Art

The American Legion Post Building in Waitsburg recently became a conceptual art piece overnight when painted as a black and white image of a flag.

The painting of the American flag was intended to honor the military while provoking thought about the future - it was commissioned by owner, Charles Smith. Smith is the owner of K Vintners in Walla Walla and is known for his whimsical black and white wine labels.

This new addition to Waitsburg has garnered its share of controversy amongst the townfolk, but as a public art piece and expression of free speech I think it is worth experiencing.

SuperHost Training Given by Tourism Walla Walla

Recognition was given to local businesses in Walla Walla this week that had completed SuperHost - a customer service training program.

Tourism Walla Walla brought the SuperHost training program to town to train local businesses so that each visitor receives a Warm Walla Walla welcome, friendly service, and an invitation to come back again.

SuperHost is an internationally recognized program created in British Columbia in preparation for the 1985 Expo.

Sue Bicknell, owner of Haven Walla Walla - a lodging and tourism business, is one of the recent recognized SuperHost businesses. She is pictured at the ceremony with Michael Davidson and Chris Erickson of Tourism Walla Walla.

Up, Up, and Away - Balloon Stampede 2009

May 10, 2009

What an amazing site I witnessed on Mother's Day soaring over Walla Walla with 30 other balloons. The flight with Captain Crystal was my first and was an experience I'll never forget.

Having conditions suitable to fly is not often a given - the pilot is at the mercy of the weather. And it all can come down to the last second whether to fly or not. My flight was supposed to take place last year, but wind left the balloons grounded on the day we were to launch. This year, Thursday was too windy, Friday the currents where we were to launch could have led to an emergency landing at the city dump or an off-limits wheat field, so our day to fly was scheduled for Sunday.

A lot is involved in leading to "a thumbs up" from the launch director, but the seasoned crew clearly had a set routine to ensure a safe trip. Everyone pitched in to get us airborne.

After soaring high above the crowd below, we were off across town, drifting over Walla Walla at daybreak. The view of Walla Walla from above provided another perspective of downtown and our beautiful valley. Neighbors waved from below and dogs barked as our fleet made its way towards the airport - our destination for the morning. One by one the balloons touched down, and it took a seasoned pilot like ours to successfully land without incident.

Thank you Captain Crystal and crew for my "Up, Up, and Away Special Mother's Day."

Earth Day 2009

It is Earth Day and like all of us, I have been examining my business practices and am trying to be more "green." Yes, I am trying to do my part by thinking locally, having more insulation, installing a heat pump, using environmentally friendly products, growing veggies, and recycling. But I've realized that I am doing something more. My purchasing habits have been environmentally responsible because I am reusing and recycling furniture, accessories, and building materials.

The Haven of Dayton was built in 1870 and I used ebay, Craigslist, estate sales, antique stores, and thrift shops to outfit the home in vintage style.

At The Haven in Walla Walla, I just completed a new bathroom and searched out interesting vintage pieces to make the new addition unique. I brought in an old built-in hutch taken from a building in Seattle, an old glass door and hardware from a salvage yard, a Craigslist Empire Style dresser for a sink cabinet, and various ebay light fixtures.

The result is a win-win for all involved. I offer environmentally friendly vacation properties that provide "an experience" that guests may not have at other lodging facilities.

In honor of Earth Day, there are many ways to do our part to be "more green" and the first step we can all make today is to look at how we live and how it affects our planet.

Ending One's Life in Walla Walla __________ a tribute to my mom

LaVone Joyce Satzinger
January 21, 1925 - January 2, 2009

Mom was only a resident of Walla Walla for less than a year, but during that time she enjoyed all the valley has to offer.

LaVone came to visit from Santa Barbara last year for Easter and I thought it would be better if she stayed. Her Alzheimer's Disease had reached a new level and it was clear she needed constant care. Within a month her belongings were shipped to Walla Walla and she settled into Wheatland Village.

During LaVone's stay in Walla Walla, she jumped right in to assist with Haven Walla Walla, helped out with The Sustainable Living Fair, and for a short time, she sang with The Walla Walla Sweet Adeline's.

She partook in Spring Release '09, even though she later swore she didn't taste any wine. She received the basics of growing grapes at Cayuse Vineyards, but couldn't recall the importance of "the stones."

She loved Pioneer Park, and continued to review pictures to remind herself of the experience. She loved the local dining, but couldn't remember that Saffron was her favorite. Out-of-town family and friends were eagerly welcomed, but unfortunately the visits left her memory the moment they left town.

But one thing she did always remember is that her Walla Walla daughter, granddaughter, and greatgrand dogs Arnie & Jessie were here to love and support her.