CHRISTMAS WINDOWS #2

Call them Christmas, holiday, or winter windows . . . it doesn't really matter as they all light up the downtown shops as we approach the darkest and longest day of the year. Personally, I decorate for Winter which allows me to leave my decorations up well up to February's Valentine's Day. 

While most stores typically remove their decorative Christmas trees, many will leave up their white lights to brighten the dark winter days.

Enjoy today's collection of windows with more to follow as we tick down the days to the Winter Solstice and Christmas.

McDonald Zaring Insurance Agency

Falkenbergs Jewelers

Falkenbergs Jewelers

Falkenbergs Jewelers

Marla June's Clothing Co.

Midnight Oil Soap Co.

Brasserie Four, French Restaurant

HOLIDAY MARKET

This time of year there are many holiday fairs and markets throughout the area from Milton-Freewater, Oregon to Dayton, Washington which sell handmade craft, clothing, and food items. On Saturday, the Walla Walla Valley Farmers' Market hosted one such market. 

Admission is free, so come on in and take a look.

 It takes patience to glue each bead one-by-one.

 I bought two of these, and they really work!

 No, I don't know the legend, but apparently there is one.

 Very colorful and inexpensive. I'll take a dozen.

 An angel for your Christmas tree, perhaps?

  Can cozies for your soda or beer.

 Barbie clothes.

Among my favorites, whimsically hand-painted wood items.

CHRISTMAS WINDOWS #1

Sweetwater Home

Besides tasting rooms and restaurants, Walla Walla has its fair share of home decorating/gift shops. One of my favorites is Sweetwater Home and its sister store, Sweetwater Paper. Obviously, they must be doing the right thing to have two stores within the same downtown area.

Regardless of the season, their shop windows are always a feast for the eye. See for yourself in these captures from my latest visit to the Home store on Main Street. Look for photos of the Paper store in a future blog.

#sweetwaterhome

THIS IS WHAT DEMOCRACY LOOKS LIKE

 #trumptaxscam 

aka "Donor Relief Bill"

Under a crisp blue sky and the shadow of the American flag, +/-60 protesters gathered along Main Street in downtown Walla Walla to express their deep concern about the proposed tax cuts. The demonstration was loud at times with call and response chants, but overall it was peaceful and lasted about an hour.

DECEMBER 1, CDP THEME: GIFT

Life is a Gift

It's been seven months since Doug's post-surgery stroke on May 2, 

and with every passing day I am personally aware how life is a precious gift. 

He's come a long way from not knowing his own name or who I was, 

to taking Bear on walks, exercising independently at the gym, 

raking leaves, and even driving.

Doug is my best friend and partner of 16 years, 

and his recovery is the best gift ever!

For more "Gift" theme photos from other CDP bloggers around the world, follow this link:

http://cdpbthemeday.blogspot.com.au/