BLUE MOUNTAIN LAVENDER FARM-ENCORE

A Little Bit of Provence

Three years ago I was motoring through the poppy and lavender fields of southern France. Then last July, I discovered this little piece of Provence right in my backyard. I vowed then to return the following season which I did on Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. What a treat for the spirit.

While the lavender fields themselves weren't open for U-Pick quite yet, there was still enough to see and to smell to bring me back. But I wont have to wait long, as the fields should be ready for picking by June 1.

In addition to U-Pick lavender, the farm also sells a variety of lavender plants to bring a bit of fragrant Provence to your own home garden.

While the lavender plants grow best in full sun, there are plenty of shady areas like this for visitors to relax or enjoy a picnic while taking in the view or listening to the owner's eclectic playlist of French and American tunes.

The farm also has a lovely Farm Boutique of lavender related products including fragrant soaps, sachets and bouquets as well as packets of the dried lavender lemonade which is served as a complimentary sample on the shaded patio.

For more information or driving directions, find the farm on Facebook or follow this link:  www.bluemountainlavender.com

MORE THAN A CONVENIENCE

Walla Walla's Hidden Gem

I may be a little late to the party, but I finally tried the food at Andrae's Kitchen @ the Farmers' Co-Op. It's now my favorite place. As most locals already know, Andrae's is located inside the local Cenex gas station and convenience store and does not offer your typical convenience store fare of corn dogs, broasted chicken, or greasy Jo Jo potatoes. 

Oh no! Instead, customers have their choice of dozens of fresh, made-to-order items off the extensive menu including a variety of tacos-- grilled cod, shrimp, veggie, Al Pastor, Tinga-style, short ribs, or brisket; or Halal Style Chicken, Poutine or Voodoo fries; or a host of sandwiches such as a gyro, Cuban, Po Boy, or Carolina-style pulled pork--just to name a few.

Brisket tacos with pickled red onion, Oaxaca cheese, chipotle aioli and charred salsa verde.

Chipotle braised short rib tacos with pear salsa, Cotijaa cheese, and pickled carrot and daikon. 

In case you forget where you are, these farm implements parked on site of the Farmers' Co-Op remind you that you're in rural southeast Washington, not in Seattle or Portland, OR.

And if you're out and about on Sunday morning, stop by for their fresh beignets that are always sold out by noon, 

or so I am told.

For more, Follow this link: www.andraeskitchen.com

SPRINGTIME & SANGRIA

Did Someone Say Sangria?

What a great way to welcome spring in the Walla Walla Valley than the season's first Sangria Release Party at Castillo de Feliciana Vineyards. The weather couldn't have been better to enjoy the views, the sangria, and the food offered by The Happy Wanderer Mexican Food. Can't wait for the next party.

THE ITSY BITSY SPIDER(S)

Gardening 101

 In the time it took me to run inside and grab my camera, 

the tiny ball of spiders I had spied tucked into the corner of the handrail had burst open, 

and the race was on. 

I wonder where they all ended up.

CDP THEME DAY-MAY, 1--LAUGH

Titter, Giggle, Chuckle, Snicker, Guffaw

Okay, I confess. I went for the easy shots for this month's theme day--LAUGH. Out of creativity or desperation, I usually try to think outside the box for City Daily Photo's theme day topics. But I just couldn't pass up these photos of my grandchildren (and my daughter-in-law) in full out laughter. 

See what other CDP bloggers posted by clinking on this link: http://cdpbthemeday.blogspot.com.au/