An afternoon at the family farm

My sister's graduation party was in Stanwood yesterday. It was so fun even if it was raining the entire time. We had good company, amazing live music, and great food. It was relaxing to sit in canvas chairs and listen to the rain on the metal roof above us. The country air was refreshing too. Here are some of my favorite photos!

I love this sign that my parents found at a country fair.

How sweet are these pink peonies in the pole barn, in a grain bucket?Congrats Janie and Chris on graduating from nursing school!!

Thoughtless Thursday...Pictures from college

This is Mr. F and me, our senior year of college. We were so cute and baby-looking, at 22! 

It's  !!!

If you're not familiar with Thoughtless Thursday, check out Katie's cute blog!

Back in the day, life was full of fun exercise, like flag football and ballet. There were awesome costume parties, like when we all dressed up in togas. Or Winnie the Pooh and Piglet!! It was full of silliness and good friends. I do miss sorority teas and many excuses to dress up. I love looking at old pictures of college and having fond memories. My five year reunion is coming up and it's intimidating that it's already been that long. What are your favorite memories of college?

(My favorite statue at Whitman, "Stix" by Deborah Butterfield.)

Walla Walla Wine Tasting Suggestions

Mr. F and I are dreaming of a three day weekend to Walla Walla. If you're interested in visiting the area, here are my suggestions!


I would skip over the awesome but more commerical Walla Walla wineries that you can find in grocery stores, for example, Tamarack Cellars, Northstar and L'Ecole. While some of my old favorites, they're not as special as the smaller boutique wineries that are not easy to find in Seattle. (Although Northstar and L'Ecole have beautiful and delicious Reserve tastings!) Our top three favorite wineries in Walla Walla are Dusted Valley Vitners, Mannina Cellars and Flying Trout wines. (We joined all three of their wine clubs!)

Since it's hard to visit all of my favorite wineries in one weekend, I'll break them up into four main regions. (Yes, we are big wine nerds.) 

In the airport area, there are many good ones like Syzygy and Five Star Cellars, but make sure to taste at Mannina Cellars and Buty. (We joined the Mannina Cellars wine club because their entire lineup of wines are amazing and consistently great.) In the summer, I really enjoy the Buty Sémillon, Sauvignon and Muscadelle.
 I also highly recommend trying Rose of the Stones, part of the second label for Buty, called the BEAST.  Even if you're not a fan of Rose, taste this and it will totally changed your mind. 

Dusted Valley and Saviah (in Southern Walla Walla/Milton Freewater) are phenomenal. If you get a chance, enjoy the Walla Walla Valley Reserve Syrah and Grenache at Dusted Valley. They have a huge lineup and most of it is fantastically excellent. (We love being part of their wine club, Stained Tooth Society!)  Flying Trout, in Milton-Freewater, is a must taste BUT you have to call ahead, 541.938.8376. It's worth it. I promise. They have a fantastic Malbec, one of the first to grow in Washington. The winemaker went to school with us and she spends three months of the year in Argentina. 

Lowden Hills is one of my absolute favorite wineries, particularly their See You There Syrah and it's to the West of Walla Walla, near Highway 12. I've blogged about them in detailed before, please check out this link to the previous post!

Downtown Walla Walla is easy to walk around and to wine taste at night. DaMa has a fun tasting room. I'd also suggest Ash Hollow. Although, I'd skip Sleight of Hand, because it doesn't stand out. Yellow Hawk Cellars can be found easily in Seattle but their "port" is delicious. 

Overall, if the grapes are from Ciel du Cheval vineyard or from any Red Mountain vineyard you can't go wrong.  

If you like Mexican food, go to the Worm Ranch on the way to, or from, Highway 12. It's a fish and tackle store, with unbeatable authentic Mexican food made by four cute little old grandmothers. Merchants is also a great place for a spaghetti dinner with lots of local wines. A more upscale option with an amazing local wine list would be Creektown Cafe! 

Feel free to ask me any other Walla Walla questions!!

Thoughtless Thursday...

Kute Katie at Life in the Fulmer Lane started a cute tradition of Thoughtless Thursdays. It's such a great idea, especially since I'm having trouble coming up with a good blog topic tonight!

I've decided to post some fun favorite photos of senior year in college! Enjoy!

Ecstatic at graduation! 

The Senior Kappas during the tea event at Three Rivers Winery!

Best Halloween costumes ever! Winnie the Pooh's outfit was all found at Goodwill too! 

One of our best buds, Beav, and my favorite dog, Shorty!

Mr. F and me going to a dance! 

Cheers!

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