Silent Saturday - Happiest New Year To All! - 12/31/11 02:41 PM
 
Silent Saturday - Happiest New Year To All!
 
We cannot believe that another year has already passed and it's time to move on to 2012! Here's wishing all our Active Rain friends and collegues much success, happiness and love in the new year. Thanks for the enrichment and encouragement you add to our lives! Best always!
 

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No Excuses! Don't Drink And Drive! - 12/30/11 08:09 PM
No Excuses! Don't Drink And Drive!
On New Year's Eve, the quintessential party night, it's especially important to remember to not drink and drive. And don't drive with anyone who does! Now there is simply no excuse: AAA is offering "Tipsy Tow" and you don't even have to be a AAA member. Just call AAA from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on New Year's Eve/Day and they will take you and your car home for FREE. Save this number: 800-222-4357. This is available nationwide!
Remember, for most people more than two drinks is too much to drive after. For smaller folks … (2 comments)

A Lovely Lady Just Looking For a Comfy Lap... Meet Mini Pearl - 12/29/11 04:13 PM
 
A Lovely Lady Just Looking For a Comfy Lap... Meet Mini Pearl
 
Mini Pearl is a beautiful Chihuahua mix with gorgeous, unique markings. She is about 3 years old and maybe 10 pounds of calm, patient, dignified pup. Mini Pearl just loves people and always enjoys a good walk. She would make such a sweet companion for someone who would be content to nap the afternoon away with her, or have her settled happily in one's lap.
Just look at those soulful eyes... this sweet gal just can't wait to find her forever home.     Mini Pearl is spayed, current … (3 comments)

A Taste Of The Columbia River Gorge at the Springhouse Cellar Winery, Hood River - 12/29/11 04:03 PM
 
 
A Taste Of The Columbia River Gorge At The Springhouse Cellar Winery, Hood River
 
The Springhouse Cellar Winery is yet another great example of the many exquisite wines produced in the Columbia River Gorge. Quickly becoming better known in wine circles, the Hood River Valley in particular boasts dozens of fine wineries.
Springhouse Cellar Winery, produces ten award-winning, handcrafted, small-lot Northwest wines each year, right in the heart of downtown Hood River. Wines include Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir etc. Springhouse is especially proud of it's environmentally sensitive packaging which is in short "less packaging, more wine" … (0 comments)

Ring In The New Year On Board The Mt. Hood Railroad! - 12/29/11 03:46 PM
 
Ring In The New Year On Board The Mt. Hood Railroad!
 
 
This is one unique way to ring in 2012... onboard the Mt. Hood Railroad. The evening features popular local band "Straight Up", jamming out classic rock throughout the trip. Dance or mingle through the train and don't miss a variety of hors d'oeuvres, incredible holiday desserts and a full service bar. The train departs the Mt. Hood Railroad yard at 8 p.m. then winds its way through the Hood River Valley, returning at 10:30 p.m. The party will continue onboard the train until the New Year arrives.
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Merry Christmas To All And To All A Good Night! - 12/24/11 06:56 PM
 
Merry Christmas To All And To All A Good Night!
 
Just wanted to take a quick moment on this Christmas Eve to wish all our Active Rain friends and collegues a wonderful Christmas. May your holiday be filled with love and peace and your new year with much happiness and success!
And here's our son, Ben, decorating our sugar cookies this morning... a Christmas Eve tradition at our house since the kids were born. Admittedly, the boy just may have had a tad too much sugar today or be a little overly excited about tomorrow. But just look at … (6 comments)

All Aboard The Polar Express! At The Mt. Hood Railroad - 12/23/11 06:50 PM
 
All Aboard The Polar Express! At The Mt. Hood Railroad
 
 
What better way to experience the spirit and wonder of Santa than onboard the Polar Express? Children of all ages will be entranced as you read along with the classic story as the train makes its way to the "North Pole". Sing along with Christmas carols, enjoy cocoa & cookies and even meet Santa himself, who will present each child with "the first gift of Christmas", their own reindeer jingle bell. Kids are encouraged to wear pajamas.
 
No Christmas season will be complete without making this magical journey. It's … (3 comments)

G. Willikers! A Whimsical Store Full OF Holiday Toys! - 12/21/11 05:26 PM
 
G. Willikers! A Whimsical Store Full OF Holiday Toys!
 
G. Willikers, in Hood River, is the ultimate store to shop for holiday toys. It stocks a lot of the standards, like legos and such, but is full of creative and unique finds, as well. Browsing the store is half the fun. There is also a huge book section that also includes arts and crafts supplies. Take a turn on a trike, try out a game or two or even explore an intricate doll house. This store is full of whimsy and fun. It's the perfect place to finish up … (1 comments)

Wordless Wednesday - Best Spot In The House - 12/21/11 05:15 PM
 
Wordless Wednesday - Best Spot In The House
 
Last night we discovered our cat, Cashew, settled happily under the Christmas tree in the family room, practically buried in presents. What a happy boy he was.  The camera flash woke him up and he seemed annoyed to be bothered in his private little hideaway.
 

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Speechless Sunday - It's Never Too Early To Start - Little Guys Wrestling - 12/18/11 03:14 PM
 
Speechless Sunday - It's Never Too Early To Start - Little Guys Wrestling
 
Yesterday our boys wrestled in the Hood River Wrestling Club's December Tournament. While there I loved watching the really little guys wrestling. These photos aren't super clear since I took them from all the way across the gym, but they were just too, too cute to not share Our boys are 11 and 12; these guys can't be over five.
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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This Guy Just Needs Some Love & Devotion... Meet Pupper! - 12/18/11 12:41 PM
 
This Guy Just Needs Some Love & Devotion... Meet Pupper!
 
This poor guy was abandoned when his owner unexpectedly moved. Luckily a neighbor stepped in to take care of him, but can't keep him long term so Pupper is looking for a new forever home. Pupper is about three years old and is a lab mix. He's about 45 pounds, is neutered, housetrained and current on shots. Pupper is a little shy around new folks, but warms up quickly and he gets along well with other dogs. He shouldn't be around cats, however, as he chases them every time. … (3 comments)

Camp Jingle Bells! Hood River County School District Community Education - 12/17/11 09:47 PM
 
Camp Jingle Bells! Hood River County School District Community Education
 
Parents looking for something for younger kids to do during winter break need look no further. The Hood River County School District Community Ed. Department presents... Camp Jingle Bells!  Register your child now for camp on December 19, 20 and 21st, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Hood River Valley High School. This innovative three day camp is for kids in kindergarten through 5th grade and will include great holiday games, crafts and activities and even includes snacks. Bring your own lunch. Visit the Community Education website for more information or … (2 comments)

The Skylight Theatre in Hood River Presents FREE Christmas Movies! - 12/17/11 07:12 PM
 
The Skylight Theatre in Hood River Presents FREE Christmas Movies!
 
 
Now that the kids are out of school for Winter Break, take them to free Christmas movies all next week in Hood River. Starting on December 19th at noon, the Skylight will show "The Santa Clause", followed by "The Polar Express" the next day.  Then the two movies will alternate days through the 24th. Get out of the house and get into the Christmas spirit and all for FREE. You can't beat that deal! Located at 107 Oak Street, Hood River.
 
 
 
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Lifechanging Holiday Gift Suggestions - 12/17/11 07:05 PM
 
Lifechanging Holiday Gift Suggestions
 
I came across this list of holiday gift suggestions and couldn't help but be impressed. How wonderful our holiday, and entire year would be if we could give these more intangible gifts that are so much more meaningful.
 
Holiday gift suggestions- By Oren ArnoldTo your enemy, forgiveness.To an opponent, tolerance.To a friend, your heart.To a customer, service.To all, charity.To every child, a good example.To yourself, respect.

 
 
 
 
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Friday's Foto - A Frosty Morning - 12/16/11 07:27 PM
 
Friday's Foto - A Frosty Morning
 
This week brought the coldest weather of the winter (so far) to Parkdale, Oregon, dipping just below 20 degrees. It snowed on Wednesday night, but that morning, before the snow, we woke to a white frosted world. I love the intricate designs of frost on... well, anything. Here's a branch in our front yard.
 

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Friday's Foto - Snow Angel - 12/16/11 07:21 PM
 
Friday's Foto - Snow Angel
 
What is it about freshly fallen snow that simply beckons a kids to plop down onto his back, flap his arms and legs and make a snow angel? This is our 11-year-old son, Ben, doing just that on our back deck just after it snowed here this week. Remember how exhilerating that felt when you were little? When was the last time you made a snow angel?
 

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Speechless Sunday - The Duck in Hood River... The Season For Giving - 12/11/11 06:49 PM
 
Speechless Sunday - The Duck in Hood River... The Season For Giving
 
"The Duck" is a clothing store in downtown Hood River offering clothing and accessories for the whole family. The store is located in a classic Victorian home built in 1893, but dressed up for the holidays, it becomes downright magical. For more information, visit The Duck Website. Located at 504 Oak Street.
 

 
 
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Speechless Sunday - Oak Street Hotel All Decked Out For Christmas - 12/11/11 06:23 PM
 
Speechless Sunday - Oak Street Hotel All Decked Out For Christmas
 
The Oak Street Hotel is a classic Victorian hotel in downtown Hood River and they really go all out decorating for the holidays. Built in 1909, the hotel has been impeccably restored to its former glory and is situated in the heart of downtown, walking distance to shopping, galleries and restaurants. For more information, visit the Oak Street Hotel Website. 610 Oak Street, Hood River.
 

 
 
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Hood River Warming Shelter Open Now Through March - 12/10/11 07:40 PM
 
Hood River Warming Shelter Open Now Through March
 
Hood River's warming center is now open nightly, through March, from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. Guests receive a warm bed, a light dinner and breakfast for free by showing up between 6 and 8 p.m. If there are no guests by 8 p.m. the shelter will be closed for the night. Location changes weekly, rotating among local churches... see schedule below.
The shelter is staffed entirely by volunteers and coordinated by HRWS, a coalition of community members who came together to offer the homeless a safe shelter for the winter. … (0 comments)

ColumbiaGorgeFSBO - Another Owner SOLD! 1706 Avalon #40, Hood River, OR 97031 - 12/10/11 03:11 PM
ColumbiaGorgeFSBO - Another Owner SOLD!
1706 Avalon #40, Hood River, OR 97031

 2 Bedroom, 1.5 BathMt Hood View
                                                                                                                                                                   
 
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If An Older Lady Is Your Style... Meet Sandy! - 12/10/11 01:57 PM
 
If An Older Lady Is Your Style... Meet Sandy!
 
This sweet lady finds herself at the shelter later in her life as her owner's living situation changed and she had to be given up. Sandy is about 11 years old, about 15 pounds and an AKC registered poodle. She is very smart, playful and bouncy. Sandy has lots of tricks in her repetoire, loves to go for walks and is quite the cuddler. The only signs of her age is the need for a good dental cleaning and the possible start of a cataract in one eye. She is … (1 comments)

Friday's Foto - Ready To Ring In The Holidays - 12/09/11 07:11 PM
 
Friday's Foto - Ready To Ring In The Holidays
 
This is our 11-year-old son, Ben, in his Christmas hat and Gretchen's chihuahua, Jessa, in her new Christmas dress, ready to head to the Hood River Christmas Parade last Friday. We just love this time of year and I think Ben's eyes are just shining with anticipation. Jessa seems to be thinking "Can we just get this over with?"
 

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Good News Gardening Helps Dress Up The Holidays - 12/08/11 07:18 PM
 
Good News Gardening Helps Dress Up The Holidays
 
Preparing for the holidays brought another visit to our favorite Hood River nursery, Good News Gardening. Offering a huge variety of fresh Christmas trees, the nursery brings in fresh trees weekly in every shape and size imaginable. They even offer local delivery of trees up to 12 feet tall. Be sure to browse their other decorating items and ideas to help deck out your house.
Nursery Hours: Mon-Sat: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sun: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Garden Cafe Hours: Everyday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
1086 Tucker … (3 comments)

Last Chance Holiday Bazaar! This Weekend At The Hood River County Fairgrounds - 12/08/11 07:07 PM
 
Last Chance Holiday Bazaar! This Weekend At The Hood River County Fairgrounds
 
Just in time to finish up that Holiday shopping and decorating, the Hood River County Fairgrounds is hosting its annual Last Chance Holiday Bazaar. This Saturday and Sunday, December 10th and 11th, from 10 to 4, shop local vendors for handmade arts & crafts, other gifts, baked goods, fruit, jewelry, decorations etc. Also indulge in yummy food and wine tasting of local offerings. Parking and admission are free. The variety is huge and there is sure to be something to fit everyone's need!

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Speechless Sunday - Do You Follow Or Leave A Trail? - 12/04/11 06:59 PM
 
Speechless Sunday - Do You Follow Or Leave A Trail? 
I love this quote by Emerson. It inspires me to find my own way, think outside the box and figure it out for myself! Without this inclination, how dull life would be! Where would we be if others had been complacent to just follow?    
 
 
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
 
 

 
 
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Just Raring For Fun & A Family To Love... Meet Buzz! - 12/04/11 06:44 PM
 
Just Raring For Fun & A Family To Love... Meet Buzz!
 
The folks at the shelter named this little guy Buzz because he is always ready to "fly into infitity and beyond". He is really fast and lots and lots of fun. He could just play all day. He's very loyal, cuddly and would make a great companion. And have you taken a look at that face? How adorable is he?! Buzz is about two years old, a chihuahua mix, is completely housetrained, has all his shots, is neutered and microchipped. He is so ready to go!
Buzz's adoption fee is just $180, … (3 comments)

Speechless Sunday - "Bella Bliss" in Hood River, All Dressed Up For Christmas - 12/04/11 06:36 PM
 
Speechless Sunday - "Bella Bliss" in Hood River, All Dressed Up For Christmas
 
Bella Bliss is a beautiful little store in downtown Hood River and when I passed by on Friday night, I loved their Christmas decorations so just had to take a picture. Bella Bliss is a wedding planner and wedding supply store, located at 311 Oak Street, Hood River.
 

 
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The Dalles Wrestling Club Hosted The Gorge Wrestling Tournament Today - 12/03/11 07:42 PM
 
The Dalles Wrestling Club Hosted The Gorge Wrestling Tournament Today
 
Ten wrestling teams, from throughout the Columbia River Gorge and from Oregon and Washinton, met today in The Dalles for its annual tournament. Represented were novice through advanced wrestlers, ages five through 14. Both our sons (Sam, 12 and Ben 11) wrestled as part of the Hood River Wrestling Club and it was Ben's first tournament as he's just taken up the sport this year. Although neither won their matches, both fought hard so we are so proud of them.
We've enjoyed being involved in the wrestling program not only for … (0 comments)

Hood River's Christmas Parade Rings In The Holidays In Style! - 12/03/11 07:20 PM
 
Hood River's Christmas Parade Rings In The Holidays In Style!
 
Last night, Friday December 2nd, was Hood River's annual Christmas Parade and tree lighting ceremony. The weather cooperated by being clear and wind-free, the temperature a "balmy" 35 degrees. Local groups and businesses particpated as hundreds in the community lined Oak Street to watch. Small towns just seem to offer an especially "homey" feel and as carols blared and lights twinkled, it truly felt like the holidays had officially arrived.
I must say my favorite was the alpacas... I don't know, I just always get a kick out of … (4 comments)

 
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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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