Remembering

There have been quite a few deaths in this past week and a half, and those are just the people I've heard of. In total, the deaths that have reached me are nearly twenty. One was a plane crash in Montana, killing 14 instantly. Another was the slaughter of a pregnant mother and her teenage son. Still another, the aging mother of two dear friends. I know thousands more have breathed their last on this earth, and I can't know them all. Perhaps many reading this post today have experienced a loss recently. Or maybe one that feels recent because the pain is so fresh. In memory of these loved ones lost until our Christ comes again, I post a shot of a memorial placed on Mt. Hope, a cemetery located on a hill on the western edge of College Place. I don't know who these adorable animals were placed here for, but may they represent the thoughts and memories all of us hold dear of so many we have had to bid goodbye. May they never be forgotten.

Yellow

I love this time of year! The daffodils are finally showing themselves after a long summer and winter of rest. These flowers don't last long...just a few weeks...so I enjoy them immensely while I can. They are often the second bursts of colour to announce the arrival of spring in the WWV. The first are crocus plants, which are usually different shades of purple, and tulips closely follow these yellow beauties. Then the lilacs will bloom, and the dogwood trees, and finally, at the very end of spring, as we dash right into summer, the roses. I'll make sure to capture each of these as they happen...welcome to Spring in Walla Walla!

Stately Homes 2

Another of the fabulous homes that have been here in Walla Walla for over a century. That may not seem old to some of you - those whose countries have been thriving since the years were only triple digits - but for us here in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, a hundred years is a long time! We're just little infants, but we enjoy our relatively recent history as well as you enjoy your ancient histories. For more information on this series, see yesterday's post.

Stately Homes 1

I hope to collect more photos of the beautiful homes around the WWV and post them here for you enjoyment. To begin with, we have this fantastically regal residence on Palouse Street, if I remember right. Isn't it gorgeous? And yes, real people still live here. It's not a museum, bed and breakfast, or law office. There are many houses of this sort around Walla Walla, built by affluent newcomers (mostly) during the 19th century.

Skywatch Friday

This is somewhat of a cheat post...it's not actually a photo of the WWV. All you CDP purists out there are cringing now, I know...but bear with me. I thought this was one of the most beautiful scenes I've ever seen, and it's not too far from the WWV - just a couple of hours. Husband and I were on a trip headed East, and as the sun flung its last golden cords of warmth toward Baker, Oregon. Baker isn't normally a place I enjoy, but this view is enough to change my mind. And for good. This photo proves that even if you get tired of fields and small hills, a relatively short drive out of the WWV will open up worlds of beauty to you.

Telephone

This old-school phone booth, complete with working telephone, resides in the lobby of the Marcus Whitman Hotel, one of the most iconic edifices in the WWV. If you look closely in the letters, you can see the telephone mounted on the wall inside the booth. I'll get an outside shot of the hotel up here soon, but for now, here is a glimpse at the inside. Perhaps I'll show more inside shots later, as well. Located in downtown Walla Walla, the Marcus Whitman Hotel is the number one place to stay when visiting the valley. It is luxurious, that's for sure, but their basic rooms are reasonably priced. They also have honeymoon suites and will give you package deals that include tuxedo strawberries (the berries are dipped in both white and dark chocolate to look like they are wearing tuxedoes) and champagne, or, if you prefer, sparkling apple cider. It's a lovely pampered night. Though the hotel restaurant doesn't have a reputation for the best food in the valley, it is gourmet, for sure! (Though vegetarians beware...you'll probably be eating either greens or pasta. The selection for herbivores is rather limited here.)

Spring in the Valley

The fields are turning green, the skies are bluer - when it's not raining - and the breezes are getting warmer every day. It's definitely springtime in the valley. This scene is the predominate view along the highway heading out of Milton-Freewater to the south. This road leads to the Interstate, which in turn leads one East to Boise, Idaho, or West to Portland, Oregon.