Feeling Festive

The finished product....covered in family/special ornaments and I love remembering the story behind each one!

With Rusty and Neana arriving from TX this week, we wanted to be ready to relax and celebrate!  So, we took some time this weekend to get our Christmas tree in place.

Of course we had to take the C10. Connor has been working hard on the interior - new carpet/paint/door seals.  And all new wiring for the engine. It is a very classy ride - especially for riding out to a local farm!

We have gone to this family owned you-cut before. The couple is in their 90s!! We love the barn and the farm layout; there are about 14 acres of Christmas trees.  We were lucky to have some sun and decent temps.  The farm wasn't even due to open until the day after Thanksgiving, but the couple graciously allowed us to take our pick.

Too many trees to choose from. We need short/skinny for our little space.  Connor loved the steely blue color of this Noble. I got to do the honors of cutting. I thought it would take forever...but a few minutes later I was done.

Connor has been sick all weekend, but he was a trooper for his over-zealous wife.

You can see that Lefty and Eno are thrilled with the holiday preparations. Actually, they are just waiting for the heater to come on and warm their fat asses. Don't you love how Lefty stretches his paws out to the next chair - maximum hot air exposure. Atta boy!

Now we are all just patiently awaiting the arrival of Dad/Neana.  We have so much to be thankful for this week.

Outing in the beautiful Backwoods

Backwoods is a new craft brewery in Carson, WA.  Connor recently started selling a few of their beers at the Pastime.  Unlike most craft beers, these have been selling really well.  His Coors-drinking logger customers can't resist beers called Logyard IPA and Copperline Amber.  So, Connor's interest was peaked and we made a date for adventure.
To get to Carson from Chehalis...you drive south to the Oregon border, then head east.  The mighty Columbia River Gorge runs between Oregon and Washington. 

July 2011...not such a pretty or warm day...but the company was fantastic!

We took a paddle-wheel boat ride on the Gorge with Max several years ago when he was here for a visit.  To get there, we drove along the Oregon side of the Gorge.  This time around, we took the Washington side.  The weather was absolutely gorgeous - unheard of here in November - blue skies and sunshine. 

Sunny and about 55... such a treat in November!

The views were amazing as we wound around the curves and bends. There were cows grazing in green pastures...and who knew that there were orange/red/gold leaves in the grey/evergreen PNW???  It was really a pretty short trip - only about 140 miles.  Took us about 2 1/2 hours.

There are some big trees in the backwoods.

Connor hung out and got the story from one of the owners before the pub opened. He also got to sample several beers - and his DD tried several sips and actually liked most of them! 

This salmon dip was so delicious...and we had a pizza too.

This brewery is family owned... started by a couple of brothers who liked to homebrew...and their parents invested in a brewery for them.  So far, it is doing great. One of the wives makes soaps/candles/lipbalms using their beers and natural ingredients.  They have tremendous community support and their theme is dead on for this area.  Some other beer names: Ridgerun Stout, Clearcut Pale Ale, Winchester Brown, Big Cedar IRA, Bumbler Honey IPA, you get the idea.  At 3pm opening, a young couple walks in, a middle-aged man, an older couple bringing grandma and her walker... It was uncanny to see all these different people coming to the bar for a beer and pizza. The place was packed within the hour. 
We got back on the road in time to catch a picturesque sunset over the gorge...and the paddle-wheel boat making an evening run.

Amicable Adventurers <3

We hope that you are taking time to enjoy a little adventure, nature, and tasty food/drink this November.  xox