Oh Christmas Tree

This Christmas I was spoiled when both Tara and Pedro came to stay with me.

Leavenworth in December

In the steep peaks of central Washington is an unexpectedly European-looking Alpine village.

Boise for Christmas

While my kitchen, living room, and dining room are torn up for the remodel, I haven’t been able to enjoy Christmas in my own home. I mean…sort of. Tara came home from college and insisted we get a tree and decorate the TV room a little. It was good for my soul. I love Christmas […]

Mt. Angel Hazelnuts & German Market

Marlene, who keeps a blog at insearchofitall, likes German things, and has a special affinity for German Christmassy things. It was a no-brainer that when I heard about the Mt. Angel-Silverton Hazelnut Festival with a German Holiday Market, the person I wanted to share the day with was Marlene. The hazelnut (also called the filbert) […]

Rainier Soap & Christmas

I was delighted to discover that one of the largest original industries in the town was the Rainier Soap Factory

Goodbye Tree

Next the tree will be eaten by goats.

Lighthouse and Sea Lions for Christmas

{Our trip begins with Day one.} I had told Arno the night before that I wanted to be on the beach Christmas morning for sunrise photos. It helps to tell someone else when there’s a good chance I’ll blow off my own plans. “Sunrise is at 7:52,” he announced as soon as I started moving. […]

SeaQuest Inn Bed & Breakfast

I’d like to take the time to talk about our Christmas lodging before I continue on the journey. If you are interested, click here for Day one and here for Day two. Arno found the SeaQuest Inn Bed & Breakfast online for us, and reserved three nights. The closest town is Yachats, seven miles to […]

Christmas Eve on the Oregon Coast

I don’t know how close I came to not seeing this amazing sight out of pure unromantic stubbornness, but thank goodness it didn’t happen.

Christmas 2011 – Part II

A deep river of lava poured through the valley following a volcanic eruption around 100,000 years ago.