Gretchen & Mel Ahrens

Wordless Wednesday - Oregon Red-Tailed Hawk

Mel took this photo near The Dalles, Oregon (about 20 miles east of Hood River) of what I believe is a young red-tailed hawk. That's one of the things I love about living here... all the wildlife, particularly the abundance of hawks and eagles, as common here as robins and pidgeons were where I grew up. I love the contrast against the white winter sky.

Hood River Valley Youth Basketball Season Underway

Girls and Boys, 3rd through 6th grade basketball league play officially started yesterday with the league's first game of the season. The opener was delayed by a week due to inclement weather and massive power outages last week. The teams began practicing the first week of January, although a week and a half of practices were cancelled due to the weather, too. But things are back on track.

Our son, Ben, plays on Parkdale's 5th and 6th grade team and they won their first game with a score of 26 to 24, with the winning basket made just 3 seconds before the end of the game. It was truly nerve wracking.

The basketball league is run through the Hood River County School District's Community Education Department, which offers a huge variety of sports and classes for all ages, all year round, through the valley.

Zumba-Thon! For Mid-Valley Elementary School

The Mid-Valley Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization is proud to present its Zumba-Thon, next Friday, January 20, 7 - 9 p.m. What a great way to help raise funds for the school and get out of the house and have fun with the whole family at the same time.

If you don't know, Zumba is the new exercise phenomenon sweeping the nation. It is a Latin dance inspired fitness program, including dance elements combined with aerobic exercises. It's high-energy and fun, a great way to really get your blood pumping.

Experienced Zumba instructor, Sarah, from the Sports Club will lead. Childcare will be provided for kids aged 2-6. The cost is $7 per person or $15 per family.

For more info call the school at 541-354-1691

Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament At The Mt. Hood Town Hall

The historic Mt. Hood Town Hall stands approx. 15 miles south of Hood River in the small community of Mt. Hood, Oregon. Originally built in 1914, the hall has recently undergone a rejuvenation as many classes and programs have been established in support of its small coummunity.

Now here's your chance to win some cash and help out this local historic landmark at the same time!

Next Saturday, February 4, 2012, 1pm

$50 Buy In Up to $2,500 in Prize Money

Free Lunch (and beer) for all players

Pre Register by calling Jenelle McCleary at 541-380-1656 or email jmccleary@prestigecare.com

Missing Her Owner Who Passed Away, This Lady Needs A New Love... Meet Priscilla!

Reading about this gorgeous girl, just broke my heart. Her long-time owner recently passed away and there was just no place else for this sweet pup to go, but to the shelter. She's missing her owner and it shows as she grieves and seems a bit lost. Thank goodness the great shelter folks are helping her get over her grief and move on. Now she desperately wants another home to call her own.

Priscilla is an older lady and is a border collie. She is very gentle, but a bit shy, especially with new people, but she'll warm up quickly with plenty of love. She enjoys walks and loves a good rub down or brushing. She could stand to lose a few pounds, but otherwise seems to be in good health. She is fine with the other dogs at the shelter and she's housetrained