Willamette valley life magazine winter 2016 by Randy Hill

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WILLAMETTE TE VALLEY P L A C E S T O G O. . . P E O P L E T O S E E . . . T H I N G S T O D O

Volume 7 Issue 1 / Winter 2016 (Display until April 1, 2016) WillametteValleyLife.com

Beating The Winter Blues Page 8

Warm Your Bones Page 14

Pumpkin French Toast Recipe Page 20

Wine Notes Page 18

Winter 2016 • Willamette Valley Life

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February 10: Members Valentine Tea February 15: Free Community Day, Spring Hours Begin March 21-25: Spring Break Camps, Summer Camp Registration Opens

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W I N T E R

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PUBLISHERS Randy and Dawn Hill

SENIOR EDITOR Jessica Gardner

Beating the Winter Blues

Zip up your rain coat, step outside and check out some of these close-by ideas for beating the seasonal blues By Sarah Horner

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Erin Grace

ART DIRECTION Hill Design Studios

Warm Your Bones This Winter

DISTRIBUTION Profile In Delivery

Take a Daycation to a Hot Springs Near You. By Danita Cahill

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Danita Cahill, Sarah Horner, Ross Lewis, Kim Puffpaff, Ryan Reichert

The Youth of Aging

ADVERTISING SALES 503.507.1228

A Pictorial Focus on the Spirit and Vitality of America’s Seniors. By Ross Lewis

PHONE 503.507.1228

MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 17264 Salem, Oregon 97305

Capture Your Thoughts On Wine A tasting note cheat sheet. By Ryan Reichert

EMAIL publisher@willamettevalleylife.com

WEBSITE willamettevalleylife.com

Winter Yum

Pumpkin French Toast. By Kim Puffpaff

Willamette Valley Life Magazine is published quarterly. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Willamette Valley Life Magazine. This publication cannot be reproduced in any form without written consent from Willamette Valley Life Magazine. Although we have made very effort to insure the accuracy of the information in this publication, due to the passage of time and the anomalies inherent in the publishing process, we cannot be responsible for errors or incorrect information. Please contact the individual establishments to confirm information.

8 Cover photo by Jasperdo: flickr.com/photos/mytravelphotos/

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Happy New Year! As we enter our seventh year publishing Willamette Valley Life, I would like to personally thank all of our loyal readers and the wonderful advertisers that have made this publication possible. It’s always an honor and a pleasure to share what life is like here in this beautiful valley we call home. Winter is here and I am always bound and determined not to let a little cold and rain get in the way of discovering great new corners of the valley. This issue, we’re letting you in on some places that just might put a little

Willamette Valley Life • Winter 2016

Winter is here and I am always bound and determined not to let a little cold and rain get in the way of discovering great new corners of the valley. sun in your heart this rainy season. In “Chasing Away The Winter Blues,” Sarah Horner shares a variety of ideas that the entire family can enjoy this season. (“Glamping” is a new one for me – I think I I’ll give it a try soon!) There’s nothing better than soaking in a hot tub, so I can only imagine what it would be like in the cool winter

air! Danita Cahill points the way to some nearby hot springs where you can soak in to your heart’s content. Rounding out the issue, wine expert Ryan Reichert provides a wine tasting cheat sheet, food editor Kim Puﬀpaﬀ shares a delicious breakfast recipe and Ross Lewis introduces us to the wonderful art of Marilyn Smith.

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VA L L E Y F LOOR

Oregon Truffle Festival

Portraits of a People: 6th Annual Heritage Invitational Exhibit

ur history is made up of the stories of innumerable individuals and experiences. Learn more about these stories in the Willamette Heritage Center’s “Portraits of a People: 6th Annual Heritage Invitational Exhibit.” Heritage organizations from throughout the mid-Willamette Valley tell the stories of many of these individuals through photos, artifacts and sounds from their collections. Participating organizations include Bush House Museum, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Deepwood Museum and Garden, Oregon Black Pioneers, and the Willamette University Archives and Special Collections. The exhibit will be held at the Mill Building of the Willamette Heritage Center, at 1313 Mill Street SE in Salem. The exhibit is open Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., starting on January 22 until April 16. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors 55 and older, $4 for students with ID, $3 for children ages 6-17, and free for children 5 and under. For more information, call 503-585-7012, email kyliep@willametteheritage.org, or visit WillametteHeritage.org.

Northwest Horse Fair and Expo 2016

he Northwest Horse Fair & Expo has become an annual tradition for horse owners and horse lovers in the Northwest. The Northwest Horse Fair & Expo combines to the highest degree, ﬁrst rate education, entertainment and shopping. Whether you own horses or are a horse lover at heart, are a beginner or professional, are interested in dressage or trail riding, there is truly something for 6

everyone. It’s three days of fun the entire family can enjoy. Daring stunts on horseback, parades of horse breeds, strutting stallions, a star-studded list of clinicians and a huge trade show, all await horse lovers at the Northwest Horse Fair 2016. Now in its seventeenth year, the Northwest Horse Fair will run March 18, 19 and 20, at the Linn County Fair and Expo Center in Albany, Oregon. The expo provides a family-friendly horse festival, featuring a wide variety of equine entertainment and education for horse enthusiasts. For more information visit: equinepromotions.net

Willamette Valley Life • Winter 2016

or more than a decade, the Oregon Truffle Festival has been the leading voice for a burgeoning industry, and an exciting culinary festival that sells out its popular dinners and tasting events year after year. From James Beard award winning chefs to truffle industry experts to food journalists and food enthusiasts, many renowned culinary figures participate in the Oregon Truffle Festival every year. It’s the only event of its kind in the country, and the foremost wintertime culinary event in the State of Oregon. As the first truffle festival in the English-speaking world, and “one of the top 5 destinations in the world for truffle lovers,” the Oregon Truffle Festival offers a culinary experience that simply cannot be found anywhere else. This is an international event that joins truffle fanciers and truffle experts from all over the world in three days of celebration, educational seminars, and hands-on experiences. The 11th annual Oregon Truffle Festival has three elegant and unique Weekend Experiences to offer as we bridge the Old and New Worlds of all things truffle. As always, there will be new events, new venues and new faces to help us celebrate Oregon truffles,

culinary tradition, craft beer, artisan spirits, and the best of Oregon wine. The 2016 host hotel is the newly remodeled Hilton Eugene. The Hilton provides free shuttle service to and from all Eugene airport flights. And true to the spirit of the Oregon Truffle Festival, it is a dog-friendly hotel. Most weekend events are in and around Lane County, Oregon. Eugene, Oregon: January 29, 30 & 31, 2016 oregontrufflefestival.com

Corvallis-OSU Piano International Children’s Concert: Canciones Y Cuentos

orvallis-OSU Piano International Children’s Concerts — less than an hour long — are intended for preschool and school age children, but will delight adults, too. Programs revolve around music and include some combination of storytelling, drawing, movement, and dance. “Canciones Y Cuentos” Argentine pianist Alejandro Cremaschi introduces tales and music from Spain and Latin America, including the story of Francette et Pia, the musical tale of Francette from France and Pia from Brazil, who meet in France and become

good friends. Narration in Spanish and English. Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 11:00 AM. Corvallis Public Library. Free admission.

There’s something about the Pacific Northwest, the scale of it, and the fact that not so long ago people came here and died getting here, and then died the first winter they were here. There’s this breathtaking beauty, just a little bit of moss on the tree, just this little thread of danger, and the sinister. And I really like that.” –Chelsea Cain

january-february-march 2016 January

Marc Cohn at the Shedd Institute After his soulful ballad Walking in Memphis won him a Grammy Award, Marc Cohn established his place as one of this generation’ s most compelling singer/ songwriters. Mon, Jan 18, 7:30 - 9:30 pm Jaqua Concert Hall, The Shedd Institute theshedd.org

February

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JIM KINGHORN

Our top calendar picks for winter

Wurstfest-8th Annual Celebration Featured beers are Warsteiner from Germany and local Seven Brides Brewing. An array of German and regional wines plus non-alcoholic beverages are available. Select cheeses, baked goods, chocolates, roasted nuts and other delicacies round out the food offerings. German clothing and specialty items are also on sale. Non-stop music at Wurstfest features O’fest favorites including Mt. Angel’s own Z Musikmakers. Local dancing troupes, the Engelberg Dancers and the Kleinstadtlers, perform their lively dances both days. 21 and over entry $5 or $10 with specialty mug. mtangelwurstfest.org

Rhapsody in the Vineyard: Corvallis

January

22/23 March First Taste Oregon First Taste is an event of epic proportion, featuring the best in Oregon Wines, Craft Breweries, Hard Ciders, Delectable Eats and a one of a kind shopping experience. We offer live music both days in 2 locations throughout the First Taste event, featuring local music from talented artists all over the state of Oregon. First Taste offers a little something for everyone including luxurious art work from some of the states most renowned artists. firsttasteoregon.com

March 25 Through

May 1

“Rhapsody in the Vineyard” – a Downtown wine walk, presented by the Downtown Corvallis Association will feature some of Oregon’s premier wineries, offering samples of their finest vintages. Retailers throughout Downtown Corvallis will host Oregon wineries and distillers with representatives on hand to discuss their beverages and answer your questions. Downtown businesses will offer tastetempting appetizers along with music and/or artwork by local artisans. Beverages will be available for purchase by the bottle or case. downtowncorvallis.org

Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest The Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest is an invitation from our family to yours to enjoy all things that make spring in the Northwest. Stroll through 40 acres of stunning beauty, experience expansive views of vineyards, distant mountains, and a few mud puddles. Fresh flowers, food, and fun for the entire family! woodenshoe.com

Winter 2016 • Willamette Valley Life

There’s no doubt the Willamette Valley is a beautiful place to live, work and visit, but those who love it know that the short days and long nights of winter are often spent under cloudy, rainy skies. After awhile, Valley life can look downright gloomy. While it’s tempting to book a ticket to sunnier climes, zip up your rain coat, step outside and check out some of these close-by ideas for beating the seasonal blues.

Beating the Winter Blues by Sarah Horner

Photo by DRBURTONI: flickr.com/photos/84346589@N00/

Willamette Valley Life • Winter 2016

–Soak away your woes. A warm, soothing soak is a great remedy for chilly, gray days. Geothermal activity in our state means there is a wealth of natural hot springs, many just a picturesque drive away. Head east from Eugene on scenic Highway 126, through Lane County’s historic covered bridges, and enjoy the beauty of the Mckenzie River on your way to Belknap Hot Springs. This spot offers a natural 102-degree riverside pool and is open 365 days a year with a $12 day pass. Meanwhile, northeast of Detroit, an easy drive from Salem, you’ll find Breitenbush Hot Springs where you can soak in smooth, river rock-lined warming pools of varying temperatures. Children are welcome. There are numerous public hot springs, as well as other private pools around the state. Check out the many options at soakoregon.com to find the spot for you. –Musical exploration. The Vintages

FLICKR.COM-PHOTOS-IRMILLER

At the Shedd Institute in Eugene, you can enjoy a wide array of musical concerts. From well-known artists such as Lyle Lovett and Bela Flack to ethnic performances from the Balkans, Hawaii, Mexico and more, there are some truly unique shows offered here. Music lovers can enjoy a tremendous variety, from jazz to swing, from rock to folk and more. Find schedules and tickets at theshedd.org. –Step into the past. Rather than be stuck within your own four walls, check out some local historic homes and enjoy the grandeur of another time. The Shelton McMurphey Johnson House in Eugene was built in 1888 and is an elaborate example of Queen Anne style architecture. Enjoy a guided tour, have high tea or rent the space for your private event. For something completely different in style, tour the in Silverton. The only building in Oregon designed by this noted architect, the house was nearly destroyed in 2000, but was carefully dismantled and reconstructed in its current location. See smjhouse.org and thegordonhouse.org for information on both of these historic houses. –Go glamping. Winter camping might be fun for some, but if you’re a little more “indoorsy,” consider The Vintages, a vintage trailer resort located in the Willlamette Valley’s wine country, between Dundee and McMinnville. Beautifully refurbished and outfitted with attention to comfort, these cozy

The Gordon House at Oregon Gardens, Silverton.

The Shedd Institute

trailers oﬀer hotel-quality linens, cozy robes, gourmet coﬀee and beautiful decor. Choose your trailer and book your stay at the-vintages.com. –Cider Tasting. Of course there are hundreds of wineries and dozens of breweries in our rich valley. But cider is also becoming a big deal, and what sunnier way to beat the blues than with bright hard apple cider? Oregon now boasts more than 16 cideries and there are several right here in the Willamette Valley. Visit the 2 Towns Ciderhouse tasting room in Corvallis where you can enjoy taster trays, pints and snacks daily, or get a growler to go. Wandering Aengus Ciderworks in

2 Towns Ciderhouse

Salem is open every Friday and offers a tasting flight of their heirloom variety ciders for just $5. Bushwackers is Portland’s first cidery and is the country’s original cider pub, boasting their own small-batch ciders plus more than 350 ciders from around the world. Visit 2townsciderhouse. com, wanderingaengus.com and bushwackercider.com for information on these cideries.

Sarah Horner is a freelance writer, photographer and wine industry professional. She has lived and worked in the WIllamette Valley for 13 years and has enjoyed exploring the rich culture this beautiful valley has to offer. The sights, sounds, and stories of the region inspire her and she enjoys sharing her discoveries with readers. Sarah lives with her husband and cats, She is most proud of her two children who are both in college.

Winter 2016 • Willamette Valley Life

David chose an independent living studio apartment as his new home, and while it may have been Dallas Retirement Village’s scenic, 30-acre campus that drew him in, he says there are many other reasons he enjoys living here. “One thing I noticed right away is the positive atmosphere. Everyone who works here, from the housekeeping and kitchen staff to the management, is very helpful and friendly. There’s a good sense of service throughout the community.” We invite you to discover all that appeals to you at Dallas Retirement Village. To schedule a personal tour, call 503-623-9211.

377 NW Jasper Street - Dallas, OR 97338 DallasRetirementVillage.com A Non-Profit Community Founded in Christ Since 1947. All Faiths Are Welcome.

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WILLAMETTE VALLEY LIFE SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

MID-WILLAMETTE VALLEY

DINING & SHOPPING GUIDE

D A L L A S

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I N D E P E N D E N C E

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M O N M O U T H

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R I C K R E A L L

ust minutes outside of Salem you’ll ﬁnd dining and shopping destinations just waiting for you to discover! Wineries, dining, shops and businesses of every description await you in this beautiful section of the mid-Willamette Valley.

Mid-Willamette

Refer to this shopping guide over and over to help you ﬁnd just the right business to meet any need you might have, from gift giving to pet care, education to getting your car repaired...We’ve made it easy for you to ﬁnd just the right place.

Polk County

What’s there to

Polk County was officially created from Yamhill District of the Oregon Territory on December 22, 1845. On August 13, 1848, President James K. Polk signed a bill approving the boundaries of the Oregon territory, which officially separated the territory from England. Thus came the name Polk County. [Excerpted from www.co.polk.or.us]

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Winter 2016 • Willamette Valley Life

WILLAMETTE VALLEY LIFE SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Polk County The present courthouse was built in 1898. In an effort to develop a local building stone industry, early residents decided to use Polk County sandstone from a local quarry... Architect Delos D. Neer, of Portland, was commissioned to build the new building... A bronze marker on the northwest step of the courthouse indicates that point is 325 feet above sea level. The clock is 95 feet from the ground. The basement is 11 feet deep and the main superstructure is 44 feet high. In the early part of the century, the clock tower was used to launch fireworks until one backfired and caused spectacular results and $900 damage. [Excerpted from www.co.polk.or.us]

Willamette Valley Life â&#x20AC;˘ Winter 2016

WILLAMETTE VALLEY LIFE SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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Winter 2016 • Willamette Valley Life

DAYC AT I ON

Warm Your Bones this Winter Take a daycation to a hot springs near you.

B Y

D A N I T A

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he gray of winter can get us down – the damp cold seeps into our joints, and the rainy weather brings on cabin fever. What’s an Oregonian to do? Flying to a distant land of tropical sun and bluegreen seas sounds inviting, as does turning snowbird and heading for the desert climes of Arizona or Southern California. But imagine a solution easier on the pocketbook, without long ﬂights and airport security, and without hundreds of freeway miles droning under your tires. Imagine surrounding yourself with wild rivers, primal Oregon rain forest or lush gardens, and warming your bones with a dip in one of Oregon’s natural hot springs. Whether you’re adventurous or more reserved, there’s a hot springs to suit your taste. The rugged, uninhibited type might enjoy the hike to Terwilliger or Bagby Hot Springs. For the demure and modest sort, the more reﬁned accommodations of a resort might be the better choice, such as at Belknap Hot Springs.

bagby Hot Springs

–Terwilliger (also known as Cougar Hot Springs). These springs are located in the Willamette National Forest, approximately 53 miles east of Eugene at Cougar Reservoir Dam. It’s an easy 0.3 mile hike to the springs, which cascade down a tiered grade with eight pools to choose from. The top pool is about 108 degrees. Moving down the tiers, each pool is cooler than the last and they range in size from 3-12 feet

PHOTO BY DAVID BERRY

across and 2-3 feet deep. The pools are open daily from dawn to dusk, with the exception of Thursday mornings when they are closed for cleaning. Clothing is optional. A US Forest Service Day Pass is required.

Path to Terwilliger Hot Springs

–Bagby Hot Springs. Located in Mount Hood National Forest southeast of Portland, these springs were named after Bob Bagby, the prospector who discovered them in 1880. There are three bath houses at the site, each with cedar tubs or hollowed logs. Some of the tubs are set inside private rooms. The entire site is run by the US Forest Service. Like at Cougar, clothing is optional. The springs are open 24 hours. The $5 perperson fee can be paid at the trailhead, and children under 11 are free. Wear boots for the 1.4-mile hike to the tubs – although well maintained, the trail can still ﬂood and get icy in the winter. Directions for Terwilliger and Bagby

Willamette Valley Life • Winter 2016

PHOTO BY DON HANKINS

Imagine surrounding yourself with wild rivers, primal Oregon rain forest or lush gardens, and warming your bones with a dip in one of Oregon’s natural hot springs.

Belknap Hot Springs

Hot Springs are available at the US Forest Service website: http://www. fs.fed.us/ –Belknap Hot Springs. Located east of Eugene near the intersection of Highways 126 and 242, the site is set along the McKenzie River. There is a lodge and cabins for rent, several gardens, and two large pools for soaking. The springs are open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The fee – $7 per person for up to one hour, or $12 for all day – includes shower and bathroom facilities. Bring your own towel or borrow one for $2. Swimsuits are required. Only the lower pool is available to day-trip visitors; the upper pool is reserved for overnight guests. For directions and

more information about Belknap Hot Springs, call 541-822-3512, email info@belknaphotsprings.com, or visit belknaphotsprings.com. There’s no need to let the winter drab and drizzle get you down. Head to Hawaii … or take a daycation to a hot springs near you! Danita Cahill is a freelance writer, photojournalist and alpaca rancher. She’s written and done photography work for over a dozen newspapers and half a dozen magazines, allowing her to discover many interesting Willamette Valley people doing amazing things. Danita lives on a small farm with her husband, two young sons and many pets. Between magazine assignments, she writes books and photographs nature.

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Winter 2016 • Willamette Valley Life

B E S T Y E A R S Y E T

The Youth of Aging

B Y

R O S S

L E W I S

A Pictorial Focus on the Spirit and Vitality of America’s Seniors

“T

he Youth of Aging” is a series of essays about the ordinary – yet extraordinary – daily achievements of men and women who now live their senior years with a commitment to their never-lost spirit of youth and vitality. They are dedicated to life, health and self-realization. With that, they nourish themselves and, in the process, inspire all of us.

The farmer’s daughter Life was good for Marilyn on her dad’s farm in Lake Mills, Wisconsin in the late 1940s. “It was a small farm. I think we had 80 acres. You just learned a lot of responsibility and you had chores. I had to gather the eggs, drive the tractor and pick up bails and load those on a wagon and put them on a conveyor belt to put them up in the hayloft in the barn. We had a lot of chickens, so we had a lot of eggs. And we had to clean all of them and put them in these cardboard crates. My mother was constantly cooking. I can remember the wonderful cinnamon rolls which she made. Just had a lot of good family time and good neighbors and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” Art in the one-room school For Marilyn, the thrill for art was born in her early years as a child. “Even before I started school, I always had my mother draw things for me. I was learning the colors. I was always interested in drawing.” Marilyn’s passion accelerated in the one-room schoolhouse under the watchful eye of Mrs. Vein. “In ﬁrst grade I had more exposure to things. I had a fantastic teacher. She was determined that I was going to do something with my talent. … She would always ask me to create something for decorating the room as the seasons change. I remember doing the lions and lambs for March. I was really proud of it. For me, that was the highlight of my day. I could do art all day. “ The high school mentor In 1956, Marilyn’s family sold the Lake Mills farm and moved to Elkhorn, Wisconsin, where the family operated a local hardware store about 16

“As music is the poetry of sound, so is painting the poetry of sight.” –James McNeil Whistler

a job as a Human Resources Assistant at the Dean Medical Center. In the early 90s she displayed her paintings in a craft fair in the Medical Center and designed posters for the craft events. Her art, on public display, ignited the spark. “Before I knew what hit, everyone wanted a painting of their house or their mother’s house or their grandmother’s house. I had all these commissions and I was working nights in a little basement studio, and working [at the medical center] during the day.” Soon after, the administrators in the medical center asked Marilyn to design birthday cards for all the employees. “I had to come up with a design that they printed with a verse. They sent out cards to every employee. I did that for several years. I loved doing it.” The recognition continued as the medical center built new clinics in Madison. This time Marilyn was commissioned to do four watercolor paintings which “Agent’s Visit” (colored pencil)“This, actually, is an were exhibited in the old car that the guy next to our home owns. He has a new clinics. Marilyn collection of old Fords and he restores them. This one just fascinated me because I think it was actually a Texaco oil Smith, the artist, had truck or something way back when. But it said ‘Agent’ or been discovered in something on the door and then this building is from the Madison.

With the window light shining over her shoulder, Marilyn Smith, 73, creates “the poetry of sight” in her mobile home in Chandler, Arizona. For Marilyn, a dairy farmer’s daughter in Wisconsin, the love of art began “from the minute I could hold a crayon.”

arboretum, which is out near Globe, Arizona.”

“Lateral Pass” (watercolor) “It was Super Bowl XXX, which took place in Phoenix, and the game ball was delivered by Pony Express. That’s the game ball which they’re handing oﬀ. I was just impressed with it. Where else could you do that?”

45 miles southwest of Milwaukee. During high school, Marilyn improved her art skills with ﬁner techniques. Her new mentor was Mrs. Miller, who was dedicated to helping her students achieve excellence. “That was very exciting. I had never been exposed to the diﬀerent kinds of paints and styles until high school. I never had oil paints. The only water colors I had were in a little tin box. Mrs. Miller really gave us free reign. She furnished us with the techniques and the tools and made us familiar with the various mediums. She went around and helped us with things that you were struggling with. She was quite the lady.” Marilyn had built the foundation for the rest of her life.

Willamette Valley Life • Winter 2016

The artist for life Two years after high school, Marilyn married her sweetheart, Bill. The family moved to Merrill, Wisconsin and for the next ten years Marilyn was a busy, hard-working homemaker and the mother of three sons. Her art continued. “I still tried to do things when I had time. Doing the laundry and trying to paint. (laughter)” In 1976, she and her son Robin wrote and illustrated “Clyde The Lonely Cloud,” a children’s book. Art lived within her, despite her busy life in the house. Discovered in Madison The family moved again when Bill was promoted, this time to Madison, the capital of Wisconsin. Marilyn took

Spring in Tlaquepaque In the early 1990s, life changed again when Arizona captured the hearts of Marilyn and Bill. They became snowbirds and moved near Phoenix, returning to their home state of Wisconsin during the summer. Marilyn was again inspired. The beautiful community of Sedona and its Arts Festival became a new world of inspiration for Marilyn. “I fell in love with Sedona. It’s in the Red Rocks [State Park]. Beautiful!” Sedona became the catalyst for Marilyn’s new life. For several weeks she worked on her new painting, “Spring In Tlaquepaque.” The painting won an award in the Wisconsin Regional Art Show and traveled throughout the state for an entire year. Later it was sold at the Wisconsin State Oﬃce Building. Today and forever

“Lingering Spirit-Sedona” (watercolor) “This, actually, was a commissioned piece. The person that wanted this is also in love with Sedona and the little village of Tlaquepaque with all of the Spanish buildings and Spanish and Mexican tiles. So this is sort of a composite. As I was doing it, I put the modern aspect in there: the mother and child. But the person on the stairs was the Spirit of Sedona.”

The magic of pursuing our dreams is within us all. Marilyn Smith – the farmer’s daughter, homemaker, mother of three and grandmother of six – is a model for living our dreams. Her pursuits have always been simple; she did not seek grandiose accolades or strive for wealth. Instead, her dreams have always run side-by-side with her

“chores” throughout her life. Through the years she has exhibited and sold original paintings and greeting cards in Wisconsin and Arizona. “Clyde the Lonely Cloud” has been sold at the Wildes Art Gallery in Tomah, Wisconsin and the Sincerely Yours Art Gallery in Gilbert, Arizona. She also presents her art nationally on FineArtAmerica.com. Marilyn is an artist forever. “I don’t think very much has changed. I just love doing it. I try to spend a little bit of time everyday working on it. And some weeks I will produce two or three pictures. I want people to enjoy what I do. I do it because I love it and I’m always trying to improve and trying something new. But if someone else can look at it and say ‘Wow! I really like that!’ … That makes me happy.” You can see and purchase Marilyn’s work at http://marilyn-smith.artistwebsites.com. Ross Lewis, born in New Jersey, is a 1965 graduate of Rutgers University. He was an Associate Director with WCBS-TV News, New York (1968-1978) following two years as an Army Lieutenant and serving in the 7th Infantry Division in Korea. Following his ten-year career with CBS television, Ross launched an international photography career which included his being the NFL’s special assignment photographer. Today Ross’ FineArt photography can be seen and purchased through Ross-Lewis. artistwebsites.com.

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�� Winter 2016 • Willamette Valley Life

V I N EYA R D

Capture Your Thoughts on Wine: B Y

aking notes about wine can feel counterintuitive. Why would you add complexity by writing? Yet a tasting note doesn’t need to be complicated. It can help you hone your preferences or be a personalized reference for later.

The basic formula of nearly every tasting note is: —What’s it look like? —What’s it smell like? —What’s it taste like? These are three of the ﬁve senses you’ve used all your life, and in most situations you probably feel like you can easily perceive what they sense. But do you feel paralyzed when confronted with making judgements about wine? Here’s a cheat sheet to capture just enough about any wine you try, whether you’re in wine country or the comfort of your own home. The Essentials Start with the basics. When did you taste the wine? Who produced it? Where’s it from? What grapes are in it? The Environment Look around yourself. Place has a lot to do with wine, both where it’s from and where you enjoy it. Context matters: where you are, who you’re with, etc. As strange as it seems, these details impact your enjoyment. What do you smell?

R Y A N

R E I C H E R T

Everyone develops their own methodology for tasting and writing about their experience of wine. Start here and make it your own. Find the level of detail that feels right for you, and you’ll learn just as much about yourself as you will about what’s in your glass. Keep it basic. Think of things you know. (For example, you know what cherries and apples smell like.) Take a whiff of the wine. What comes to mind? Are the aromas light or do they hit you before you get your nose in the glass? You might think, “This smells like wine.” Start there. Wine is made from grapes, and amazingly can smell like other fruits. So what kind? You don’t need a fruit basket, just choose one. Maybe every red wine seems like cherry, and every white wine like apple. As you smell, ask yourself what makes this wine smell different than others you’ve smelled and you’ll start to discern “cherry” from “strawberry” and “apple” from “citrus.” What do you taste? Identifying flavors in wine is just like aromas. Repeat. Keep it basic. Stick to what you know. Beyond flavor, how does the wine feel in your mouth? Sharp, dull, rough,

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Willamette Valley Life • Winter 2016

RYAN REICHERT

A Tasting Note Cheat Sheet

smooth? You’re essentially touching the wine with your tongue, so think about the tactile experience and ﬁgure out which are pleasing or those you’d rather avoid. How do you feel? This might be the most important of all. Think beyond the wine itself. How do you feel? What would you enjoy doing while drinking this wine? Perhaps an elegant dinner party feels right, or maybe you picture yourself with this wine at a sunny backyard barbeque. Maybe it seems like it would be perfect for a quiet evening at home. These ideas will help you remember what’s special about a wine in the future. Jot down a few words in these ﬁve areas to get started today. Everyone develops their own methodology

for tasting and writing about their experience of wine. Start here and make it your own. Find the level of detail that feels right for you, and you’ll learn just as much about yourself as you will about what’s in your glass.

Ryan Reichert is a Portland-based strategic marketing professional who relocated from the Midwest in large part because of his passion for wine and food. He holds an Advanced certification from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust and is the Wine Ambassador for Travel Oregon. ryanreichert.com

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Winter 2016 • Willamette Valley Life

E AT

Winter Yum B Y

inter can bring out the hibernating bear in me, the cold driving me into a pile of blankets from which I don’t want to emerge until spring! I think the holiday goodies help (wink, wink). Breakfast being a favorite, I enjoy ﬁnding variations to try, especially when it includes one of my favorite fall and winter ﬂavors: pumpkin! This recipe never fails to please; it’s like having dessert for breakfast! It’s also easily multiplied, which is good if your family is anything like mine, where one serving isn’t enough. (I have to double this recipe to feed my brood!)

PUMPKIN FRENCH TOAST Start to finish: 15 minutes Servings: 3 3/4 cup milk 1/2 cup pumpkin puree 4 eggs 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

K I M

P U F F P A F F

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger Butter, for griddle 9 slices Texas toast (or whatever you prefer) Heat the electric griddle to 350 F, or heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. In a mixing bowl, whisk all ingredients together except the bread and butter. Pour mixture into a shallow dish. Butter the griddle. Dip the bread into the mixture, making sure to soak both sides. Cook until golden brown on bottom. Flip and brown other side, buttering the griddle again if necessary. Serve with butter and syrup. Kim Puffpaff is a wife, mother, homemaker, baker, singer, and artist of various handcrafts. Growing up with excellent home cooking and feeding her own family for over fifteen years, has given her the foundation and experience that she is happy to share with others. Kim lives with her husband, teenage son, two school-age daughters, and four yappy little dogs.

Willamette Valley Life • Winter 2016

KIM PUFFPAFF

Pumpkin French Toast

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�� Winter 2016 • Willamette Valley Life

PA R T I N G S H O T S

“Foggy Filbert Grove.” Willamette Valley Photo by Matthew Nenninger & Tracie Andrews flickr.com/photos/tracenmatt

Willamette Valley Life • Winter 2016

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Winter 2016 • Willamette Valley Life

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Willamette Valley Life • Winter 2016