Events and activities:

• Tour the 1906 farmhouse, 1910 dairy barn and community gardens
• Cedar canoe carving, song and stories with the Snoqualmie Tribe
• Music by John Lewis and his band
• Paper making demonstration
• Use the two-man saw
• See the wetland restoration and hedgegrow projects on a wagon ride around the farm
• Learn about sustainable farming practices
• Celebrate the 100th birthday of the barn with the Tolt Historical Society and Soundfalls in the evening

31523 NE 40th St., Carnation, WA 98014
www.carnationtreefarm.com

Like other Snoqualmie farmers 100 years ago, Norwegian immigrants Andrew and Bergette Hjertoos devoted their lives to building a successful dairy operation. They constructed a handsome farmhouse, put up a massive, timber-frame hay and dairy barn and played leadership roles in local schools and dairymen’s associations. Thirty years ago, the Hjertoos’ great grandson, Roger Thorson started a “choose and cut” Christmas tree operation on the farm to adapt to changing markets.

From the Fall City-Carnation Rd (Hwy 203): Cross the bridge toward Carnation. Look immediately to your left for the big while barn and sign for “Carnation Tree Farm” and parking area.

From Remlinger Farms: Head west on NE 32nd St toward Snoqualmie Valley Trail. Turn right at Fall City-Carnation Rd NE/WA-203. Turn left at NE 40th St The farm is on the right.

On November 18, 2006 arrived my baby girl, born on my birthday less than one hour after I turned 31. I had registered to donate her cord blood, and didn’t think about it again for about three and a half years. On April 13th, 2010, my phone rang while I was at the office. It was a local number, but one I didn’t recognize. It was a call from the Puget Sound Blood Center (first thoughts- they need donations and it has been so long since I gave!).

I can’t even clearly remember what the woman on the other line said, but I had the facts: 4 year old boy with Leukemia. Her cord blood is a match. He will get a transplant! I didn’t know then that what I did in 2006 could one day become the donation of a lifetime for a little boy.

That one small act of filling out paperwork to give my daughter’s cord blood that cost me nothing, took very little time and didn’t even hurt (!) would now hopefully be saving a life.  It would give the most weary mother and father, waiting for some sort of miracle for their little boy, the great dream of an earthly future for their son.  I hope that they have had at least one sigh of relief and one night of sleep now that the option of a stem cell transplant is indeed going to be a reality. 

Their road ahead is long, and the courage and will power required of this little boy will be beyond what most of us can ever comprehend,  but I am so grateful that he has this chance, and so grateful to the Puget Sound Blood Center’s cord blood donation program.

This has given me some sort of closure in a circle that hasn’t fully been completed for eleven and a half years. We didn’t get to finish Dad’s transplant, but someone else will get one.  It represents so many things, but in summary, it is one life taken and one life given to continue the circle.  I’ve had something taken and I’ve given something away, and what am I left with? Hope, wonder and pure amazement at how life ebbs and flows.  I am left with such gratitude for all that I have been given.

I am left with the image of a little boy, just barely older than my little girl, who I will never get to meet, and will never, ever forget!

http://www.psbc.org/cordblood/

J.P. Landscape is hosting Wine and Lights, an event to highlight the beauty of energy-efficient outdoor lighting on Friday, April 16^th in the Taylor’s Ridge community of Duvall.  This event will feature an outdoor lighting display as well as information on the latest in “smart” irrigation technology.  Wine and cheese will be served, along with tremendous discounts and rebates on the latest green lighting and irrigation technologies.  J.P. Landscape will also be offering a drawing for a free $2500 outdoor lighting package.

Event Time and Location:             Friday, April 16^th, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
15624 278th Ave NE, Duvall, 98019 (in the Taylor’s Ridge community)

J.P. Landscape is committed to helping their clients save resources through the latest in environmentally responsible landscape solutions.  J.P. offers a variety of low-voltage lighting options for adding ambiance as well as safety and security to any outdoor living space.  They also offer the latest in rain-sensing technology and smart irrigation systems that can reduce water usage up to 30%.  J.P. is also promoting rebate offers available through Cascade Water Alliance.

For a double -whammy of Duvall fun, Chic Essentials is having a Girl’s Night Out event with Wine and Chocolates from 4-8 PM.  Stop by there first on your way to Wine and Lights!

There are three core values to the concept of buying local, and each is worth consideration each time we make a purchase.

ORIGIN
The first is the origin of the product. Was it made overseas or in the USA? If USA, how close to your hometown was it made? Did it contribute to your city’s, county’s or state’s economy?

LOCATION
The second is where you bought the item. How close to your house was the store? Was it in your hometown, a nearby city or town, or even your state? This could be particularly challenging when making purchases online, but numerous sites, like Etsy, bring local, handmade in the USA artistry right to your door.

TYPE
The third is what type of store it is. Is it a chain or independently owned? If it is a chain, is it a small chain with local (in your county or state) ownership, or is it a large national (or international/headquartered outside the US) chain?

If you really care about buying local, you should take all of these considerations into account.  In other words, take it to the next level!

This weekend I finally stopped in Chic Essentials, a boutique on main street in Duvall. There I bought a gorgeous made in the USA scarf, hand dyed in Seattle. If I were to grade that purchase, it gets an A (especially since it is for my Mother-In-Law)! It came from a local, independently owned shop in my hometown and was made within my state, and even within my county!

The Laurel Tree in Duvall features a variety of art from the Pacific Northwest, with special emphasis on artists right here in the Snoqualmie Valley.  If I bought a piece of art there made by someone in Duvall, now that would be an A+!

And what about dining experiences?  Do you make an effort to dine at independent restaurants that source local food?  We have many opportunities to take advantage of this in the Pacific Northwest, where the local and organic movement is thriving!  How about a small independent restaurant with Valley vegetables and local free-range beef or chicken (or Hempler’s bacon-yum), or NW seafood= A (I’m thinking  The Grange Cafe and Duvall Grill!)

What grade would you get for the purchases you make? Stay tuned for my grading chart coming soon, and bring on the Tree Top!  How do you like them apples?

Miss the first two in my Buying Local series?  You should read them!
Part 1
Part 2

For years, the Valley Girls, and girls all across America, have had our husbands and boyfriends ripped from our grasps by the world of fantasy. No, I’m not talking about naked ladies, I’m talking about fantasy sports!

These Valley Girls have spent hours alone and hundreds of dollars (that’s right, I pay the DirecTV NFL Ticket bill and I know about the $100 buy-ins for each sport) due to fantasy and we’re done! But because we are SO sweet, we have decided to adopt the “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” philosophy.

Last night, a group of Valley Girls got together with our beer, wine, and pizza (we even barbequed one) and we drafted! And while it might have looked comical to any outside observer, we did a manual draft in less than three hours to produce what is going to be one of the most explosive fantasy seasons in the history of humankind- and we even had a $10 buy-in.

Husband, don’t mind me when I plan girls-only football parties using our giant plasma TV with the NFL Ticket- I am sure you’ll find somewhere else to go!

TOP 10 things you’ll hear at an all-Valley Girl fantasy draft:

10. What? You have to pre-schedule to do an online draft?

9. Do I need this many Running Backs?

8. What is the defense?

7. How do the boys drink and do this. I need to pay attention!

6. How many tight ends do I need? I like “so and so’s” tight end!

5. Whose next on the rankings- I’ll take him.

4. Was that guy picked- check your lists- was he picked?

3. Am I up? I don’t know! Am I up?

2. I’ve heard of that guy I think.

1. Are you JERIOUS?

Watch out boys- it’s on!

If you read Part One of Buying Local, It’s Not Just for Produce Anymore, the focus was on the concept of funneling your money into places that make the most impact for those around you, and it highlighted the 3/50 Project.  Saturday morning, while dining with my family and friends over a yummy breakfast at the Grill with locally sourced bacon, produce and other ingredients, we were discussing the price of buying local, and it hit me what a conscious effort it is to make the choice to do it!

I know many of us are ingrained with the “simple, fast, easy and cheap” mentality.  It is our culture.  So I ask you, this week, next week, or sometime very soon, to stop the madness, the hustle, the bustle, and think, with the most conscientious effort possible, about a purchase you need to make and how you can funnel the money you intend to use on that purchase for the greater good to someone or something around you.

When making this decision you will say to yourself things like “so why do I really want to spend a little more money when I could get it cheaper at this giant super-store,” or “gosh, do I really want to park the car and make the extra stop to get one or two special things at this little shop here or there,” and I tell you, the answer is YES!  Why is it yes?  Read Part One!

If you had to spend $20 to buy an item down the street (that small store doesn’t have the buying power the big one does!), or $10 to drive 30 minutes one way to buy it, why is it that many, if not most of us, will take that drive?  If you tack on $3-$6 dollars in gas, plus your valuable time (how much money do you make an hour?), then the $20 purchase wins.

Yes, you have to change your way of thinking, and yes, I am still learning to do this too.  If you have to pick and choose due to numerous circumstances that might be going on in your life, try to choose 3 times per month that you make this effort to pay a little more, or search a little harder for that little treasure or gift that you could find in a cute little store that you have never set foot in yet.  It might be cheaper and more rewarding than you think!

And, yes, there will be a Part Three… because I already know what it is going to be about. Stay tuned.

I left the event inspired and motivated with the realization that the Valley is more unique than many might comprehend. I know this, but do you? Here is who I met: a handful of people who know my Mom, a sweet gal who I have only seen a picture of and her mother who was a great help to my family in a time of great sadness, the husband of the sweet gal who is the younger brother of former classmates, the friend of a friend, the owners of local businesses, the business who helps that customer, this customer who supports that business, that one who twitters with this one, and all those that twitter with me that I have never met face to face. We schemed and we planned and came up with so many ideas (all we need is money now) for the world’s most amazing town that resides in the Valley by the river in the country, just far enough from the city… but not too far.

And while there are many valleys with a great sense of community, I still hold steadfast to the fact that none are as cute as mine! So what did you do tonight? Did you walk the new sidewalks of the newly remodeled main street or dine at one of the numerous eating establishments? Did you shop here or visit a friend here, or help a friend here? If not, why not!?

Let’s all expand our perspective! Think of the town you live in as a funnel. Now think of all of the cities and towns around you, each with their own funnels of various sizes depending on the population. We make choices every day as to where we are going to spend our money. When I choose to filter my money into the small funnel of my small town, I directly impact someone in my community and contribute to the well-being of those around me. The $50 I spend at a local independent business could be just what they need that day to keep their doors open!

Each time I choose to go to the toy store, the drug store or one of the gift shops in my town instead of buying online or going to a mass merchant in the city, I am making a conscious effort to maintain and prosper someone and something that is tangible to me. It could be someone who lives down the road from me, or who has children who will eventually go to school with my child.

Last week, after I had already been thinking about this blog topic, I received an email on the 3/50 project. I was thrilled that someone cared even more than I did and started a movement for “saving the brick and mortars our nation is built on”. This is the answer to supporting small local business, and the answer to spurring local economies to spur this country. Yes, a resurgence of hometown pride and independent hard working businesses! So save your gas and spend a few extra bucks in the small gift store you always pass by and never enter; your town and this economy will thank you!

Spend $50 in three different local, independent businesses each month to participate in this movement. Please visit www.the350project.net.

This evening I was lying in bed with K trying to get her to sleep, which is no easy task of late. As usual, she brings up random thoughts or events from months past. “Pick up Momma’s ring at the store,” she states. “Yes, we did pick up Momma’s ring at the store,” I confirm (I got the prongs fixed about 4 months ago). “From Grandma”. Yes, it was the ring from my Mom, one of three diamonds from a ring her Grandfather gave her. It is now my right hand ring- bling bling! We talk about how that ring is from Grandma and the other ring is from Daddy. I am in semi-fetal position, lying down in her toddler “Big Girl Bed” and our faces are but an inch apart. “Me have ring,” she says, holding up her hand with her fingers spread out, and I don’t know if it is a question or a statement. “Not yet, but someday you will.” “Only Momma have ring!” she declares. “Yes, only Momma does, but some day you will when you are an even bigger girl than you are now!” I realize the magnitude of what we are talking about and my eyes well up. “Me no ring,” she says, and she seems just fine with that for now. I remind her once again that someday she will have a ring, and I think of what that means and how far we have to go until we get there, yet how quickly it is going to go by. Before I know it, she will be reading these blurbs I am writing for her and she will have a ring on her hand, and she will laugh, and I will cry.

For some reason K just does not want to go to sleep this night, and she keeps opening her eyes and playing with my hair like she has done since she could move her little fingers. She brings up the hair cut I got a few weeks ago and playing with her friends at school. She tries to read books in the dark but I make her put them down. She insists on holding them. Then she insist on holding her giant frog who she named “Two” as she names all of her stuffed animal (she is, after all, almost two-and-a-half). She is finally breathing deeply and semi-snoring. In my most impressive yoga/ninja stealth-ness, I wrangle my way out of her little bed and her little grasp and I look at her, sleeping, cuddling her books and frog, and I think one day she will be cuddling with some guy, some husband, with a ring on her hand. Her life flashes before my eyes, as I pray for a good life, good health, good friends, good husband. He better be a great man and, of course, want to live in Duvall the rest of his life!

A few seconds out the door she realizes I am gone. “Momma!” she screams. Most of me is utterly exhausted and cringes when I hear the cries, but then I thought, for now, at this very moment, I am the one she wants to cuddle with!

First on the hit list was our eye doctor appointment, but we got the call early on that she was sick. So no eye test, and no occlusion lense (which is a black contact lens because my daughter won’t wear her eye patch. Wears a patch to strengthen her other eye. In other eye wears a contact because she was born with persistant fetal vasculature which caused her to be born with a cataract, etc. etc.). So that was a bit of a bummer. We are supposed to patch 2-6 hours a day and she hates it! Missing the doc buys me some time and she and I take a bath in the tiniest bathtub in the world (no joke).

We are out the door at 9, which is rediculously late compared to the other days we leave at 7:15. First stop Jiffy Lube. Realize at Jiffy Lube contact is gone. Don’t want to search car since it is sitting over a giant pit. Head to Starbucks. By K a treat (apple juice) and I get a green tea latte (God made Starbucks because he wants us to be happy). She drops the straw on floor right in the main traffic zone- it isn’t like you can get a replacement straw for a juice box- oh well. I wipe it on my pants, try to stick it in, and I drop it on floor. The place is busy and people are watching and smiling. I go get napkin to really “clean” the sucker off, and finally we have juice. Then we head to potty- for Momma, since K refuses right now. I pee on the strap of my coat wait belt (or is that waste?) while hovering over the toilet. Just a splash, but still. Who needs the potty training here? I grab it and scrub it in the sink. Whoops! God made pee. It is natural.

We get the car- all is well. We head to the wine supply shop because we need to bottle our first batch of wine this weekend. There is a giant carboy sitting in our bedroom (FYI- our house is 877 sq. feet! We are trying to build something bigger… someday). Kassie runs around the store with corks and labels and I chase her around so we can pay. In an effort to get her quickly out of the parking lot I put her in her seat, which is a real mistake because she didn’t get to get in her seat “By Herself!” I bribe her with a ride in the stroller at the next stop. Strange- she LIKES the stroller again! At the phone store she pushes the stroller into the door over and over, and when I ask her to stop she yells “NO!”

We head to the toy store in Duvall- serious good fun there! We debate over and over about which small toy she would like for a treat. She has worn her patch the last 3 days- she gets a truck puzzle.

At home we tread lighly. I am on a mission to find the contact. K must stand by the door and not move. By some great miracle I actually see it, almost within the first minute. I know it is brittle- I have 2 years of infant/toddler contact experience even though I don’t wear them myself. I put paper by it so I don’t lose it. I run to the bathroom for the solution. I cover the contact- a puddle on the floor. I wait and pick it up with the edge of the paper. $180 save! Today was a good day.