Christmas Photo Contest - The Reason For The Season - 11/30/11 11:22 PM
 
Christmas Photo Contest - The Reason For The Season
 
This is probably my favorite of the Christmas decorations at our house... our nativity scene. Gretchen shopped long and hard to get the perfect set. I wanted it to be very simple (because His little family was), but beautiful and elegant. This sits in our living room where we can see it constantly through the holiday season to remind us of the true "reason for the season" in the midst of all the hype.
 

 
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Wordless Wednesday & Christmas Photo Contest: Nutcrackers Galore! - 11/30/11 07:59 PM
 
Wordless Wednesday & Christmas Photo Contest:  Nutcrackers Galore!
 
This is Gretchen's nutcracker collection. She gets a new one (or two) each season of various sizes and she's up to 14 shown here. There are an additional three or four smaller versions on the Christmas tree. 
They always remind me of when we took the boys to see the Nutcracker ballet for the first and last time about four years ago. Sam was nine and Ben was seven. Ben had been restless through much of the performance whispering things like "I'm bored" and "Is it almost over?". About two-thirds of the … (8 comments)

Gotta Love The Sparkle Of The Holidays - Christmas Photo Contest - 11/27/11 10:47 PM
 
Gotta Love The Sparkle Of The Holidays - Christmas Photo Contest
 
There isn't much about the holidays that I don't love, but one of my favorite parts is... the sparkle. I love twinkling, glittering, shining lights and ornaments. They are simply... magical! This is part of the Christmas tree in our living room, which is decorated in all gold. I wanted to photograph it close up to show more detail. Did I mention that we have five Christmas trees in our house?
 

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It's A Holiday Storytime & Candy Cane Hunt In Hood River - 11/27/11 02:43 PM
 
It's A Holiday Storytime & Candy Cane Hunt In Hood River
 
Little ones will love to ring in the holidays with this special holiday storytime and candy cane hunt at the Hood River Library. Please join us on December 3rd, at 2 p.m. at the library, located at: 502 State Street, Hood River. After the hunt enjoy hot cocoa and special prizes for extra lucky searchers. The library offers regular preschool storytimes weekly on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
The Hood River Community is pleased to have the Hood River Library back open since this summer after previously being closed for … (3 comments)

See Santa In Hood River At The Hood River Hotel - 11/27/11 02:24 PM
 
See Santa In Hood River At The Hood River Hotel
 Visit with Santa himself every afternoon from 11 to 3 p.m. December 3rd through the 17th at the Hood River Hotel. Then, while you're there enjoy a fresh, gourmet lunch or dinner, or better yet, check in a for a quick getaway.
This year, the Hood River Hotel celebrated its 100th year in Hood River. The hotel has been lovingly restored so it just oozes old world charm, but with all the modern amenities it should have. Located in the heart of downtown Hood River, the hotel is central to restaurants, … (0 comments)

His Name Says It All... Meet Sweet William - 11/26/11 08:03 PM
 
His Name Says It All... Meet Sweet William     This little guy may be just about the sweetest guy you'll ever meet. Just a baby at only seven weeks old, this tiny chihuahua mix could cuddle all day long. He's also a true puppy and wants to play and play and play. He's a little slow to join the fun as he watches his siblings first, but then when he sees all is safe he joins right in. Sweet William needs a home where he can be taught the discipline he needs, proper puppy manners and where he can … (1 comments)

Happy Thanksgiving From Our Family To Yours... What Are You Most Thankful For? - 11/23/11 10:25 PM
 
Happy Thanksgiving From Our Family To Yours... What Are You Most Thankful For?
 
As another Thanksgiving rolls around we can't help but find ourselves focusing on what's most important in our lives, what we're most thankful for. For us, that's family, now and forever. No need to even think about it. Everything else comes afterwards. We only wish we could be with the rest of our extended families, but they will all be in our thoughts and hearts tomorrow.
 
Here's hoping that your Thanksgiving finds you with those you love most. Have a wonderfully happy day!
 
These … (1 comments)

Ring In The Holidays At Hood River's Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony - 11/23/11 09:58 PM
 
 
Ring In The Holidays At Hood River's Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony
 
 
 
It's a tradition in Hood River that is worth joining. Gather with the rest of the Hood River Valley community on Friday, December 2nd at 5:00 p.m. for Hood River's annual Holiday Parade along Main Street (Oak Street) in Hood River.
 
Then follow the parade to State Street where the town's Christmas tree will be lit, officially ringing in the season.
 
Afterwards, be sure to browse the shops and galleries on Main Street to see the lights and decorations and indulge in … (1 comments)

Christmas Photo Contest - Look What's Under My Christmas Tree! - 11/23/11 09:49 PM
 
Christmas Photo Contest - Look What's Under My Christmas Tree!
 
This is Gretchen's chihuahua, Jessa, settled down under our Christmas tree last Christmas. Maybe it was the plush tree skirt, or the lights above, but it was her favorite spot to hang out through the holidays. At least until the presents crowded her out!
 

 
 
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Columbia Gorge Winegrowers Thanksgiving Open House Weekend: Nov. 25-27th, 2011 - 11/19/11 01:19 PM
 
Columbia Gorge Winegrowers Thanksgiving Open House Weekend: Nov. 25-27th, 2011
 
The Columbia Gorge Winegrowers present its annual Thanksgiving Open House Weekend November 25th through 27th.
 
More than 30 Columbia Gorge wineries in Washington and Oregon host open houses featuring special releases, great discounts and more. Some wineries will offer food, while some will even donate tasting fees to local charities. Shop for the holidays with special gift packages available.
 
These wineries span the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area through 40 miles of peaceful, open-roads running through double mountain views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams.
 
Stay the … (3 comments)

Wise, But Cool, This Guy Rocks... Meet Sage! - 11/19/11 12:54 PM
 
Wise, But Cool, This Guy Rocks... Meet Sage!
 
The folks at the shelter chose the name Sage for this sweetie because he seems profoundly wise and endlessly smart. And how gorgeous is he!? He's just about a year old, but beyond his years in pinache. Sage, a black lab mix, is picking up tricks as quickly as they can teach him because he's so eager to please and loves to romp and play all day. He's also a huge push over, sweet and loveable. He really likes other dogs, too, loves to fetch and is always ready for whatever fun … (4 comments)

Finally REAL Snow in the Hood River Valley! - 11/19/11 12:42 PM
 
Finally REAL Snow in the Hood River Valley!
 
 
Winter has finally arrived in the Hood River Valley with the arrival of real snow in the foothills over night. Timberline Ski Resort opened yesterday, followed by Mt. Hood Meadows today, so the mountain has been getting snow for the last couple weeks, but the rest of us finally have enough to truly welcome winter. It continues to snow as I type and we're expecting more through the day and over night.
 
The passes of the Cascade Mountains are under winter advisories through the day; snow tires are required … (1 comments)

Friday's Foto - The Hood River As It Reaches The Town Of Hood River - 11/18/11 07:40 PM
 
Friday's Foto - The Hood River As It Reaches The Town Of Hood River
 
I took this photo this afternoon from Highway 35 of the Hood River as it reaches the town of Hood River at Bridge Street. There is still some fall color left and a dusting of snow on the hills across the Columbia. The snow level is supposed to get down to almost sea level tonight so the town of Hood River itself should get its own dusting of snow tonight.
 

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Friday's Foto - First Snowman of The Season (Well, Kind of) - 11/18/11 07:33 PM
 
Friday's Foto - First Snowman of The Season (Well, Kind of)
 
Our 11 year old son, Ben, rushed home from school this afternoon to make this snowman, which is pretty impressive considering we only had about two inches of snow on the ground. He's been pretty anxious for it to snow. Sure, the snowman's a little... shall we say... creative. We're expecting up to 12 more inches of snow over night tonight.
 

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Goldendale FSBO 3 Bedroom, Mt Hood View 602 Elm Drive, Goldendale WA 98620 - 11/13/11 06:37 PM
Goldendale FSBO   3 Bedroom, Mt Hood View         602 Elm Drive, Goldendale WA 98620
$189,500

3 bedroom, 1.5 bathsClose to Schools, Quiet Goldendale NeighborhoodExcellent ConditionLarge .27 Acre Corner Lot
Looking for Goldendale Real Estate or Klickitat County Real Estate?
Be Sure to See 602 Elm Drive, Goldendale, WA 98620
                                                                                                                                   
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Hood River FSBO - 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath 2023 Sherman Ave Hood River OR 97031 - 11/13/11 06:11 PM
Hood River FSBO - 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath   2023 Sherman Ave Hood River OR 97031
$235,000

 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath1,504 sq ft, Large .24 Acre Corner LotWalk to School, Shopping, Medical, Downtown Hood River$2,000 Flooring Allowance
Priced at $235,000 (Recent Appraisal at $245,000)
Looking for Hood River Real Estate - Be Sure To See 2023 Sherman Ave, Hood River, OR 97041
 
   
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The Happiest Guy You'll Ever Meet... Meet Gustave! - 11/13/11 01:55 PM
 
The Happiest Guy You'll Ever Meet... Meet Gustave!
 
That's just the easiest way to describe Gustave... he's just happy, happy, happy. That tail is always wagging away, he's eager and excited for whatever is coming his way next. Nothing seems to get him down and he's just grateful for whatever attention he gets. He adores walks and car rides almost as much as he enjoys a nice long cuddle. You couldn't ask for a better lap warmer. This is one playful, spunky and loveable guy, sure to put a smile on any face he encounters. Gustave is an adult, … (1 comments)

Speechless Sunday - Looking Down The Line - 11/13/11 01:45 PM
 
Speechless Sunday - Looking Down The Line
 
I took this photo on Friday in the town of Parkdale, Oregon. These are the Parkdale railroad tracks, just next to the Parkdale Train Station, which are mainly used for scenic train trips from the town of Hood River. It was such a crisp, autumn day, unseasonably warm and sunny.
 

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Skating Nights Kick Off At Parkdale Elementary School - 11/13/11 01:38 PM
 
Skating Nights Kick Off At Parkdale Elementary School
 
Wonderfully popular skating nights have begun again at Parkdale Elementary School for the 2011 season. Every Saturday night, join the Parkdale community roller skating in the school gym, 4880 Van Nuys Drive, Parkdale, Oregon.
4:30 to 5:30 is a speed skating session,
5:30 to 6:30 is for slow/young skaters and
6:30 to 8:00 is regular skating.
The evening includes jamming music, games (with prizes!), dances, the limbo and more. Everyone comes, from toddlers to seniors, with the elementary school age crowd being the largest. Registration is $3 a person, then skating … (1 comments)

Friday's Foto - An Autumn Cottage in Parkdale, Oregon - 11/11/11 07:34 PM
 
Friday's Foto - An Autumn Cottage in Parkdale, Oregon
 
We drove by this cute little cottage this afternoon on the way to visit a friend in the town of Parkdale, Oregon (15 miles south of Hood River). It looks so cozy and so very "autumn" that I just had to shoot a picture and share. The house is situated on the grounds of the Parkdale train station, just behind the Hutson Museum. Autumn here remains unseasonably warm and sunny with the leaves staying colorful far longer than usual.
 

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Happy Veteran's Day To All Who Have Served! - 11/11/11 07:19 PM
 
Happy Veteran's Day To All Who Have Served!
 
There are simply no words to fully express our gratitude to all those who have and still do serve to ensure our freedom and way of life. Both of Mel's parents served; his father in the Navy in Vietnam his mother in the Air Force. Mel's uncle was a pilot in the Air Force and our own son, Sam, wants nothing more than to follow in his footsteps. My uncle, Terry, served in the Army and my nephew, Jonathan, is currently serving in the Army, heading to Germany just next week. We … (0 comments)

Let's Get Ready to Wrestle! Hood River Wrestling Club's Season Begins - 11/10/11 04:41 PM
 
Let's Get Ready to Wrestle! Hood River Wrestling Club's Season Begins
 
Last week brought the first practices of the Hood River Wrestling Club's 2011 season. On November 1st, the advanced group began practicing, followed by the intermediate and beginning groups on November 2nd. The team practices two evenings a week, with tournaments on Saturdays. A good part of practices are spent warming up and conditioning, then doing drills, followed by technique instruction and practice, then wraps up with games and relays utilizing the skills the kids are learning.
All wrestling through the Hood River Valley is coordinated as one program, … (1 comments)

Hood River Valley Reports A Successful 2011 Harvest - 11/10/11 04:09 PM
 
Hood River Valley Reports A Successful 2011 Harvest
 
A successful 2011 harvest is good news given the unusual weather 2011 brought and the concerns it raised for the harvest. Last fall, brought earlier freeezes before trees had gone dormant and winter in general included more hard freezes than usual, all of which can be not only destructive for harvest numbers, but for the long term health of trees. Consequently, volume varied from neighborhood to neighborhood, some apple, pear and cherry growers seeing average numbers, while others above average. Exact numbers will be in after the year's end, with the … (0 comments)

Occupy The Gorge - Mosier Occupation Nov 4-11, 2011 - 11/06/11 10:14 PM
Occupy The Gorge - Mosier Occupation Nov 4-11, 2011
During the week, I saw several Occupy The Gorge and Occupy Mosier signs throughout Hood River. Saturday morning, I made a special trip to see Occupy Mosier for myself.
Mosier has a reported total population of 430 - not your typical urban center being occupied.  And a long way from Wall Street.
It was an overcast, rainy morning with not much activity. A few campers were straightening signs.  I told them I was taking pics for our blog.  They invited me to have some coffee and join the discussion.  With my age, and my Audi parked … (4 comments)

Speechless Sunday - A Tree On Fire! Autumn At Its Best - 11/06/11 01:08 PM
 
Speechless Sunday - A Tree On Fire! Autumn At Its Best
 
I actually found this photo among some pictures I shot a couple weeks ago, but thought it was so vivid I wanted to share it anyway. Around here, colors like these are pretty much gone as autumn moves into winter. The higher elevations of the Hood River Valley even got its first dusting of snow yesterday morning.
 

 
 
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Hood River Middle School Presents... Warren Miller's "Like There's No Tomorrow" - 11/05/11 02:40 PM
 
Hood River Middle School Presents... Warren Miller's "Like There's No Tomorrow"
 
 
Don't miss the premiere of Warren Miller's 2011 ski film, "Like There's No Tomorrow", 4 p.m., Sunday night at Hood River Middle School.  The showing is a fundraiser for the middle school and the Hood River School District Community Education. The film features athletes like Jes McMillan, Daron Rahlves and Steve Nyman around the world to places including India, Chile and New Zealand.
In addition to the film, there will be prizes and swag, courtesy of sponsor Doug's Sports. Tickets are $11 for adults and $6 … (1 comments)

Don't Forget To FALL BACK Tonight! - 11/05/11 02:18 PM
 
Don't Forget To FALL BACK Tonight!
 
It's that time of year once again! Another sign that it's autumn! Be sure to set your clock back an hour tonight, Saturday, at midnight. And enjoy that extra hour of sleep Sunday morning!
 
 
 
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Bring Home This Curious Baby... Meet Kate the Great! - 11/05/11 01:54 PM
 
Bring Home This Curious Baby... Meet Kate the Great!
 
The shelter has nicknamed this little dynamo "Kate the Great" and with good reason. Kate is curious and brave, always the first to check out something new and she's ready for whatever adventure is ahead. Just seven weeks old, this chihuahua baby knows how to have fun and is also just as sweet as can be. A true puppy, Kate has lots of enegy and needs lots of lessons on manners and is only just starting housetraining. She's going to need some patience and a firm, but loving hand. She's … (3 comments)

Wordless Wednesday - Trick Or Treating Main Street In Hood River - 11/02/11 11:27 PM
 
Wordless Wednesday - Trick Or Treating Main Street In Hood River
 
Mel, our boys and I spent Halloween trick-or-treating Main Street in Hood River. It's such an awesome event... they close the street off, everyone comes and it's like a huge block party. The businesses that line the street lavish the kids with candy and there is every sort of costume you could imagine, on kids, adults and dogs alike. Gotta love holidays in small towns!
 

 
 
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Wordless Wednesday - Such A Sweet Little Witch! - 11/02/11 11:21 PM
 
Wordless Wednesday - Such A Sweet Little Witch!
 
This is Jessa, my sweet little chihuahua, all dressed up as a witch on Halloween. She was quite the hit at trick-or-treating down in Hood River on Main Street. She was also far from the only pup dressed up and hitting the street! I saw a pumpkin, bumblebee, cow etc. Note: This is Gretchen writing... Mel wouldn't want anyone thinking he'd dress up my girl!
 

 
 
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Gretchen & Mel Ahrens

Hood River, OR

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ColumbiaGorgeFSBO.com

Address: 4966 Hillcrest Rd, Parkdale, OR, 97041

Office Phone: (541) 716-4254

Cell Phone: (509) 540-1309

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