I love visiting Yamhill County, Oregon where picturesque farms, majestic vineyards, and quaint towns reside. Yamhill, one such homey town within this small county, nestles near the Coast Range between Interstate 5 and U.S. Highway 101. For decades, my destination to Yamhill has been the Flying M Ranch where I’ve camped, hiked, swam, ridden horses, and enjoyed quintessential ranch breakfasts. It also hosts a private airport and a popular wedding venue. Flying M Ranch is open all year, so pay them a visit and enjoy the county’s scenery along your way. Find them at 23029 NW Flying M Road, Yamhill, Oregon 97148, www.flying-m-ranch.com, flyingmranch71@gmail.com, or (503) 662-3222.
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My cousin recently brought Toadstool Cupcakes to a family gathering, and when I peeked inside the box, I saw the cutest variety of tiny cupcakes I’d ever laid eyes on. I’m not much of a cake lover and I never eat dessert first, but when another cousin prompted me to try one, I dove right in—before the potluck started! To my delight, the Toadstool Cupcakes tasted even better than they looked. They are topped with creamy fillings and hand-dipped in white or chocolate ganache, then finished with signature decorations unique to each flavor.
Whether it’s baseball season or not, the classic Big League Chew bubble gum remains popular as new generations discover this unique product. Although the traditional pink, original-flavored bubble gum expanded into a variety of colors and flavors (chocolaty candy bar, sour cherry, strawberry, grape, sour apple, watermelon, and cotton candy), its iconic shredded texture and foil pouch packaging stay recognizable across generations and around the world.
Americans will spend the next few months participating in various summer fairs and festivals around the country. Some will be professional city events while others will remain casual community affairs. Do you hold out for the grand, end-of-summer state fair or do you dip into small-town festivals throughout the season and soak up their unique cultures? Whether you prefer flashy or quaint, you’re certain to find one just your style. Be adventurous and discover something new this year!
As I share about the Pacific Northwest’s timely resources and places, I also simply recognize the gift of experiencing seasons. We’re deep into spring and transitioning from the rainy season to summer’s dry heat. This means that we enjoy hot, sunny days immediately followed by cool, damp ones and vice versa. When marine clouds drift in from the west, we know to protect certain outside items and perhaps, change course. These initial raindrops generate complaints from my outdoorsy children followed by my usual response of, “Free watering for the yard!” I’m still waiting for a positive reception to my statement.
The quilt came into my life upon marrying my husband. This colorful, multi-fabric square was his college graduation gift, stitched by an unfamiliar group of women. They composed a quilt for each graduate with the sole purpose of blessing young clergy as they set off for a life of adventure within their calling. The quilt was meant to comfort, a reminder that my husband and his fellow pastors and missionaries were covered physically, emotionally, and spiritually. My husband remained single for a decade after graduation, busy with church and missions work. The quilt resided in storage.
Rainbow trout are coldwater fish in the salmon family native to the Pacific Northwest. Some trout remain in fresh rivers and lakes for their entire lives, while others migrate to and from the Pacific Ocean. Migratory trout are called steelhead. Freshwater rainbow trout are smaller with a milder flavor and flesh color than their saltwater counterparts. They are delicious baked, fried, smoked, or grilled.