Weekends in Dundee

Join us as we explore Willamette Valley Wine Country one weekend at a time!

Country Driving ~ Alpacas

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As a kid, my family did a lot of traveling…we never flew places, we always drove…lots and lots of driving.

So as a passenger, I’ve always loved to look out the window and let my imagination run wild with the things I see along the way. We were out wine tasting over Memorial Day Weekend with a car full of friends, and in between wineries I caught myself getting wrapped up in the scenery. It’s hard not to…we live in such a beautiful place!

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I did my best to capture these alpacas as we went driving by in the car. Such beautiful creatures out sunning themselves on a lovely day in wine country…country driving is simply the best!

Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde: 2015 Focus Culture

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May 1st was exciting!!!

We celebrated the Opening Ceremony of the Chehalem Cultural Center 2015 Focus Culture in downtown Newberg. The focus culture this year is The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, which is near and dear to my heart because The Renaissance Man is a tribal member.

The ceremony started with a drum song given by tribal members and was followed with a welcome speech given by Rob Dailey, the Director of the Chehalem Cultural Center. It’s so neat that the Chehalem Cultural Center decided to reach out to The Tribe and feature them as a focus culture. The story of the Willamette Valley and Newberg is also a story about tribal members. Bob Andrews, The Mayor of Newberg, was also part of the ceremony and he gifted The Tribe a “Key to The City.” The Renaissance Man then gave a short speech about the importance of this collaboration and the healing it helps to facilitate within the community.

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Praying Mantis Cocoon…why not?

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It’s not every day that you find a Praying Mantis Cocoon at the grocery store…or in your shopping cart. But then again, not everyone goes grocery shopping with The Renaissance Man. His keen ability to find the most interesting items is superb!

I was in the garden section scoping out a trellis, and the next think you know I looked down to find a Praying Mantis Cocoon in our shopping cart sitting normally among the strawberries, frozen spinach, eggs, and shampoo.

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Hiking Harvey Creek Trail to Purple Hands Winery

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Last Sunday we went on an adventure! The weather was beautiful with temperatures in the mid to low sixties and not a cloud in the sky. We were trying to figure how we wanted to fill our day, when I simultaneously got a phone call from my Mom and a text message from our Neighbor. Everyone wanted to get outside and do something!

Our neighbors wanted to do some wine tasting, and they also just rescued a little dog named Ginger, so we decided to take Ginger and my parent’s dog Cooper on hike together over to Purple Hands Winery via the Harvey Creek Trail.

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Celebrating Cupid!

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Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Have you purchased your flowers, roses, and chocolates for your loved ones? It’s important on this day, and every other day that you spread love among family and friends.

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When I was a single lady…way back in college, I will tell you my favorite gifts came from my girlfriends. We’d pretend like we were in grade school again and everyone would send cards to one another. So I encourage you all to think about the people you care most about in life, and perhaps you pick up the phone or send a note to wish them a Happy Valentine’s Day.

XOXO,

Kristen

Winter Daffodils & Honeybees

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Yesterday was a beautiful day, it was the kind of January Saturday that you dream about! The sun was out, the temperature was in the mid-60s, and I could feel the hints of Spring almost everywhere. Despite having our fair amount of rain this winter, the temperatures have remained mild and I’ve been slowly watching my daffodils peak out of the ground.

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Winter Colors ~ Black Cap Raspberry Vines

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This time of year the ground is wet and the weather is cold. Most of the trees are bare and everything just seems to be in a muted shade of brown or green…hibernating through the winter preparing for the summer months ahead.

Although, if you find yourself driving through the country this time of year, you might just spot a beautiful field of purple. And if you squint your eyes and forget how cold your fingers are while taking a picture along the side of the road, you might even convince yourself that you’ve found a lavender field!

The rows upon rows of lovely purple vines are in fact black cap raspberries! Beautiful don’t you think?

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Celebrating in Carlton: The Horse Radish

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On a late Saturday night in mid-December we were coming home from a holiday party in Portland. As we drove down the street toward our home, I asked The Renaissance Man, “Did you check the mail today?” He shook his head no, and so I stopped at the mailbox before heading to our house. Not everyone checks the mail at 11:45pm, but when you’re waiting for a letter from the Oregon State Board of Examiners for Engineering & Land Survey (OSBEELS), you make a point to stop at the mailbox.

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Dungeness Crab to Kick-Off 2015

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Hello friends and Happy New Year! Sorry I’ve been absent for nine. whole. days. 2015 came in like a lion! We’ve had all sorts of things going on, many of which I’m excited to share with you in the come days. But before I get too far down the road, I wanted to do a quick recap on our New Years celebration!

The New Year for us means spending time with family and friends while sharing traditions. Growing up in a very strong Croatian family means that I have some pretty unique recipes that not everyone knows about. Those recipes have become our traditions and a way to embrace our heritage.

Are you ready to learn all about Croatian Dungeness Crab? Roll up your sleeves, layout some newspaper on the table, and get your hammers!

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