jimgermanbar - A Must While in Walla Walla

Jim and Claire's "jimgermanbar" in Waitsburg is a must see while visiting Walla Walla. On a recent visit, I captured a few pictures that I wanted to share. While known for classic cocktails such as Gilligan's Batida, Gin Rickey, and The Terrorist, perhaps not everyone knows that Jim and Claire offer more. Seasonal selections are posted on butcher paper and feature etruscan snacks and entrees. Also, don't forget to ask for Claire's famous cupcakes. Enjoy!

If You Have A Door Like This, Please Don't Throw It In The City Dump

Why is it that Walla Walla doesn't have a method for reusing highly sought after building materials. I need a front door like the one pictured and it disturbs me that there are probably a bunch of them, along with other vintage treasures in the city dump. Having a resale store for building materials and architectural salvage run by a non-profit is a win-win situation for Walla Walla.

First of all, it makes sense. Our community is supportive of sustainability and is promoting greener practices. We need to lessen the amount of waste and recycle, especially when there is a secondary market for the highly sought after usable products.

Secondly, if Walla Walla had a non-profit willing to run a reuse center, as other communities have, contractors and homeowners could donate these items. The benefit of tax write-offs is substantial.

Thirdly, a non-profit reuse center could provide employment and job training. Retired tradesmen could be enlisted to mentor and offer their talents in such ways as appliance repair, electrical rewiring, woodworking and more. This project would be perfect for The Sustainability Center if supplied with some sort of grant for start-up costs.

And finally, there are people like me in Southeast Washington that treasure the quality and uniqueness of vintage architectural salvage and would welcome a local source.

Unfortunately, I passed up this beautiful door from The Restore in Ballard because I was unsure of the size; and my SUV could only hold two interior doors and several ceiling fixtures. By the time I got back to Walla Walla and rethought the idea of trekking back to Seattle, the door was gone. I'm still looking for my solid mahogany period door to grace the entry to The Haven. Both of my current exterior doors are cheap, cheesy, non-wood products purchased from a local big box supplier before my time. If anyone knows of a door available, stop the truck headed to the dump, and send them my way.

Springtime Is Upon Us

Springtime in Walla Walla is like no other. The blossoming trees and blooming bulbs in most every yard are a sight to see while walking the beautiful neighborhoods around downtown. On my travels, I continue to shake my head in acknowledgement that I finally get it. Coming from a land that has no major temperature changes throughout the year, I never understood those that said they loved seasons. Praise the Lord - I now get it.

It was about four years ago.... I was sitting at the bar at Whitehouse Crawford contemplating moving to Walla Walla, but fearful of the weather. I asked the bartender friend of my daughter, Jenna how he had adapted to "seasons." His philosophical approach about seasons having more to do with just the weather got my attention.

Now that I have been in Walla Walla for several years, I know that there is a cycle to the year and we are part of that. To me, springtime represents a renewal after a winter season of quiet contemplation. Projects happen and new ideas are put in place. Summer for me is a time for casual simple pleasure. Fall is a time to wind down, celebrate our bounty, and to prepare.

While enjoying the seasons in Walla Walla, I still find myself struggling not to be barefoot year-round. I suppose that you can take the girl out of Southern California, but you can't take Southern California out of the girl. But that is a story for another time. Now is the time to get busy.

Airline Regulations Discourage Wine Purchases in Walla Walla

I've noticed that the recent airline policy that charges for checked baggage discourages wine purchases in Walla Walla and wonder if the Wine Alliance is addressing this issue.

The airline policy really hit home with me when I traveled to Napa Valley this past weekend. I was really there for a family event, but being a wine lover I felt the urge to do "a bit of tasting." Unfortunately, I thought twice about the "real cost" of buying wine when traveling. I came home, luggage in tow, empty-handed.

Tourists that fly into Walla Walla for a weekend generally carry on their luggage when flying on Alaska Airlines or Horizon. Whether they do this to avoid a $15 charge to check a bag or not, I can't say. But what I do know is that I've witnessed winery guests opting out of a purchase because they would then have to check a bag because of the regulation not allowing liquids in carry-on bags. This is unfortunate.

This policy is not just affecting tourists, but local residents who want to take a sampling of Walla Walla wine when traveling. Numerous times in the last few years I have wanted to take a few bottles in my carry-on bag or travel with a case of wine, but I change my mind because of airline policies. If I am deterred because of airline policy, I wonder who else isn't sharing Walla Walla wine when traveling.

Not only are we losing sales in town, but we're also losing an opportunity to promote Walla Walla wine outside of our region.