Work/Play Weekend

A few weeks ago, Chad and I had two work-related activities planned. Mine ran Thursday through Sunday, his Monday and Tuesday. Can you say six-day weekend? Thursday we went to McCall, Idaho for the 49th Annual Idaho-Oregon Fruit & Vegetable Association Convention. Filled with fun activities, meetings, and great people - the convention was a success! The Shore Lodge in McCall is absolutely gorgeous and there are plenty of activities around the lodge to keep you busy. From bike rides to canoe rides, dinners, late night drinks, and a big-time competitive softball game between the "Veggies" and "Fruits" (which we won - obviously) - Chad and I had a fantastic weekend! And yes... the winning team gets to drink a bottle of champagne from the trophy "cup"!Some places in McCall you don't want to miss (other than Shore Lodge):
-FoggLifter: I had lunch there Thursday and it was a-ma-zing. Turkey bacon avocado on a toasted bagel with all the goodness that goes along with it. Too yummy!
-Lardos Grill & Saloon: Another great spot for any meal - we went there Friday for lunch and it is right across the street from Shore Lodge.
-Steamers: A delicious dinner at Steamers Friday night - filet mignon served with port-cranberry demi-glace and topped with blue cheese crumbles along with creme brulee left me feeling as though I gained 10 pounds. Totally worth it though.

We got home Sunday just in time for me to change clothes and head to town for a bridal shower (seriously, I had to do my makeup in the car). Once I got home for good, we unpacked, did laundry, and repacked for a two-dayer in Baker City, Oregon. Chad was attending the Baker Workshop and I was planning a one person tour of the town!

What did I do while in Baker? Glad you asked!
Early Monday morning the workshop started and I immediately headed downtown and found myself sipping hot chocolate and gossiping with the local coffee crowd at Charlie's Ice Cream Parlor. Once the town woke up, I began strolling through the Historic District (downtown) and came across an art gallery with this (and more) jewelry for sale along with beautiful paintings, sculptures, and more. Wish I remembered the name of the gallery!
As I continued my Baker journey, I made a stop at Betty's Books and purchased two books: Beautiful Boy and The Hearts of Horses. After that, I made sure to swing by US Bank to check out the gold display. I wandered into Bella Main Street Market and immediately fell in love. I could have spent hours in there looking through the home good, local wine, and yummy food! Wish we had something like that nearby. While there, I asked where I should have lunch and the gal at the counter recommended Earth & Vine Art & Wine Gallery and I am glad she did! I had a yummy Greek salad with a glass of wine and enjoyed the sunshine while reading my new books! Sounds pretty rough for a Monday, right?

I continued on my journey and went on a guided tour of the Leo Adler Museum and if you enjoy history - this is a wonderful experience! More about Leo Adler and his legacy here. Trust me, it is worth reading! If you don't read it, just know this - the upstairs of his house still doesn't have running water or electricity and it has the original wallpaper (over 100 years old). He was a huge community supporter and created programs to assist those in need even after his passing.

Monday night, the members of the Baker Workshop got together for a "Stick Horse Rodeo" and BBQ. To say the least, it was hilarious - I just wish I would have brought shoes other than sandals so I could have shown those boys how it is done! Here are Les and Chad in the "Wild Cow Milking"!
Tuesday morning, I grabbed a muffin for breakfast and headed to the Baker Heritage Museum for a few hours. It is really big and I am sure I could go through several times and still not see everything. Two fun exhibits right now are showing the history of the Airstream - created by Wally Byam; and the Cavin Sisters Rock Collection. It is pretty impressive!

After the museum, I grabbed a Baker City Cafe favorite - spinach salad and I only wish I could have stayed longer the atmosphere was great, but I had to go pick up the boys at the workshop!

What did I do when I got home from six days away from home?
Took care of the plants, the dog, and the laundry - of course! I also made this - recipe courtesy of The Pioneer Woman: Pasta with Pesto Cream Sauce. I love basil and most herbs for that matter - but homemade pesto is pretty darn hard to beat! If you don't have basil, I would recommend planting some... I have a container on my front porch with basil, cilantro, sage, and rosemary to keep me company during the summer. Fresh herbs are the best! BUT, if you don't have any or don't have the time - my cousin Karen made the same thing with a few substitutions and it looks like it turned out just as yummy! Make it now - it is wonderful.