Parkdale, OR

Thankful Thursday - Parkdale Little League Majors Finally Won!

Last night, our son, Ben's, Little League team won against the Odell Tigers, 21 to 8. I know most parents are pretty pleased when their son's team wins, but this goes a little beyond that. Last night was game number 13 of 14 games to be played this season and it was their first win. The thing is... they sure were not losing for lack of trying. These guys have been out there playing and practicing up to five times a week, two to three hours each time.

As parents we want to instill a good work ethic... to us, that's one of the reasons to support our sons in playing sports... but what message is it sending to our boys when they work and work and work and still never win? Our son has even said before a game "I don't want to go to just lose again!" So tonight I'm thankful that our advice to our son to keep practicing finally came through and he couldn't be more thrilled. They worked and worked and worked and finally won. Ben is the third from the left in the photo below.

Send Them To Camp... Cascade Pet Camp, Hood River, Oregon

This is an ingenious idea! Every community needs a dog kennel, but the Cascade Pet Camp took it a step further. They don't just "board" dogs, they entertain them, train them and lavish them with attention. It's a great place for tourists to leave their pups, for locals to board theirs while out of town, and even for the dogs to just spend the day.

Services include plenty of outdoor and indoor exercise, beds or cots in every room, a choice of staying in a "bunk" room or a private "cabin", soothing indoor music, group play sessions, grooming and even therapeutic massage! At check out, your pet receives a report card detailing how he did, what he enjoyed most and what new friends he made.

Training is based on a fun, trust and cooperation philosophy rather than fear and intimidation. Training can occur while the dog is boarding or with his owner, privately or in groups. Trainers are Certified Professional Dog Trainers. Click here, to enjoy a tour of the facilities.

3085 Lower Mill Drive, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Oh! And they take cats, too!

Thankful Thursday - Today I'm Thankful For The Sun

All right. Maybe it's not the most original idea... to be thankful for the sun... but we've seen so little of it here lately that when it does come out, it's very appreciated. Today was all blue skies, little wind and warm! Of course, in the next month or two I'll be complaining that it's too hot. I took this photo this evening in Parkdale, Oregon.

Wordless Wednesday - The Road Home

This is the road to our house in Parkdale, Oregon (10 miles south of Hood River) and this is our son, Sam walking with our dog, Tucker. After a longer and colder than usual spring, the leaves are finally coming out and we finally see blue sky. At least for now. It's supposed to rain again tomorrow.

Wordless Wednesday - Parkdale Little League: The View From The Concession Stand

Living in a small town and with our son playing Little League, I am expected to help out. At our ball park, that means running the concession stand on a rotating basis during games. Selling hotdogs, nachos, popcorn, candy, drinks, etc. is our primary fundraiser. One of my turns was last night. I was right behind home plate, but two fences were between me and the game. This is our son, Ben, going up to bat, going out to be catcher, then in the dugout. Unfortunately his team lost the game.