Shopping Walla Walla

Lotus Clothing and Jewelry Design, 19 S. Spokane St.            © Diane B. Reed

After an enjoyable and stress-free shopping trip to downtown Walla Walla on Black Friday, I'm reminded that holiday shopping can be a festive experience. No unruly crowds and no lines, just a bevy of happy people (some wearing Santa hats) greeting folks they pass on the street. And we're lucky that we have wonderful small businesses that carry a wide range of gift possibilities including one-of-a-kind items, vintage, and hard-to-find items. With competitive prices and generous discounts, what's not to like?

Jessica Valentine of Door No. 2, 32 S. Colville  © Diane B. Reed

     In the interest of full disclosure, one of the other hats I wear when I'm not blogging is writing a column about new businesses for Walla Walla Lifestyles magazine titled "What's New in W²." The magazine comes out monthly except for January and February. 

     One of the things I really enjoy about writing the column is the business people that I meet when I cover their new endeavors. To a person they are enthusiastic, friendly and are opening their businesses here because they just plain love Walla Walla and they see opportunity. I hope Walla Walla will love them back so they'll be successful. 

Vintage Pyrex at Pickers Paradise, 37 W. Poplar             © Diane B. Reed

     
These new businesses join a growing WW retail community that includes wonderful bookstores, wineries, clothing boutiques, jewelry stores, and places to buy records, toys, games, home decor, baked goods, and gourmet foods. And there are lots of restaurants and pubs where you can take a break from shopping. 
      The holidays can be stressful if you focus on fighting the crowds to buy the latest fad item. Thinking outside the box (stores) is a wonderful way to enjoy shopping and pick up some gifts that are sure to make a hit.  
     Hope to see you in Walla Walla!  Come on by, the shopping's great!

Migrants and Mink

Canada Geese at Lions Park Pond                © Diane B. Reed

Fall is winding down at Lions Park Pond. The Canada Geese have been hanging out for a few weeks, and the American Wigeons have arrived. A small flock of Wigeons will stay over for the winter, mingling with the resident Mallards. The geese come and go most of the winter, often fanning out to graze in the grass around the pond.

American Wigeons and Mallards mingle on the pond             © Diane B. Reed

There are few people at the pond these days. The weather has been blustery and changeable, with sun followed by ominous clouds, rain, and even a bit of graupel. Graupel are little pellets of snow (also known as soft hail). I always wondered what that grainy stinging snow was called until I heard the weatherman on our TV station explain that it is called graupel. You learn something new every day!

Mink heading for Garrison Creek                                      © Diane B. Reed

We've seen quite a bit of our muskrats this fall, but it's been a long time since we've spotted our resident mink. We were afraid he might have disappeared for good, but the other day we spied him walking along the sidewalk around the pond, dipping in and out of the water before he scurried over the bridge and headed up Garrison Creek.

Everyday we're thankful for the ever-changing panorama of nature outside our windows.