FAIL (the browser should render some flash content, not this).

Posts Tagged ‘family’

Summer’s End

Wednesday, September 7, 2011 @ 11:09 AM

Photo by the Spokane Symphony

On the Saturday before Labor Day, the weather was ideal for outdoor activities. The Spokane Symphony, conducted by Eckart Preu, performed a free concert from 6-8 p.m. in the open-air ampitheater at Pavilion Park in Liberty Lake.

The annual celebration, which was also the 10th anniversary of the incorporation of Liberty Lake as a city, had something for everyone. Many people drove over from the nearby golf course and remained in their golf carts as an alternative form of seating. We also saw that a number of them used their golf carts for a sort of modified tailgate party and picnic. By evening, blankets and lawn chairs covered the grass.

The concert began by bringing everyone to their feet for the “Star-Spangled Banner.” This patriotic opening was followed by a wide variety of musical arrangements from the Overture to Russlan and Ludmilla to ragtime numbers and a “Symphonic Portrait of Irving Berlin.” The kids commented most on the arrangement of Michael Jackson’s Thriller.

Sandwiches and chips tasted even better than usual with such a melodious accompaniment and fresh community atmosphere. The city of Liberty Lake provided free slices of chocolate cake for dessert to everyone in attendance.

Pavilion Park is a truly wonderful retreat for the citizens of this lakeside suburb. Walkways wind through the shady trees encircling the open-air theater. A baseball diamond and soccer field are located above and back from the stage. Playground toys and restrooms are conveniently available in this idyllic park setting. This park is a community-building gift to the people of Liberty Lake. Throughout the summer, there are many events hosted at the park, including movies after dark. For a full list of these events, visit the Pavilion Park website at http://www.pavillionpark.org/.

Great classical music like that performed by the Spokane Symphony is not usually available to everyone in a community, so this was a fantastic opportunity for the general public to enjoy. This evening was a welcome and relaxing way to end the summer holiday. Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture brought a dramatic close to this outdoor celebration, and was very fitting for the end of summer and the beginning of the Spokane Symphony’s 2011 season.

Labor Day 2011

Monday, September 5, 2011 @ 09:09 AM

Labor Day 2011 had gorgeous weather and was a most relaxing day. As a family, we went to “Pig-Out in the Park” in Spokane’s Riverfront Park. This food fest is a popular 5-day event with lots of food and drink vendors in the south side of the park and retail vendors over the river, on the north side of the park. It is always held during Labor Day weekend.

To avoid dealing with the congestion of downtown parking on Labor Day, we parked our van in the Gonzaga Law School parking lot and walked on the Centennial Trail, along the Spokane River, back to Riverfront park. Spokane is extremely fortunate that past visionaries brought Expo ’74 to Spokane. Spokane is the smallest city ever to host a world’s fair. After the fair, the grounds, which before the fair was a rail yard for the railroad, were then converted to a beautiful central city park. Riverfront Park is not only a positive natural environmental getaway in urban Spokane but a great place for events like “Pig-Out in the Park”.

Likewise, the Centennial Trail, which passes through the center of Riverfront Park is a phenomenal gift to the people of Spokane and surrounding area. The majority of the work on Centennial Trail was done from 1989-1991 right after the Centennial celebrations for 100 years of Washington becoming a state. The trail is a 37 mile paved path from Nine Mile Falls to the Idaho State Line. Most of the trail runs alongside the Spokane River.

All in all, experiencing the Centennial Trail from Gonzaga to Riverfront Park was a most enjoyable experience this weekend. I’ve entered the Centennial Trail at different trail heads in the Valley, but never in the downtown areas, whether on a bicycle or jogging the trail is an enjoyable experience. Often, we believe we must travel hundreds of miles to have a vacation experience but often right under our noses are mini-vacations to cherish and enjoy.

Keep smiling!

Dr. James G. Hood

Dental Care Associates of Spokane Valley, P.S.

Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Welcomes Patients from Age 2 to 102!

James G. Hood, D.D.S., M.A.

507 North Sullivan Road, Suite A-1, Spokane Valley, WA 99037-8576 USA

Phone: (509) 928-9100 | Fax: (509) 928-0414

Email: drhood@drhood.com | Blogs: www.drjamesghoodblog.com www.dentalcareassociatesofspokanevalleyblog.com www.dentalnutritionblog.com www.jamesandkarenhoodfoundationblog.com www.sjogrensblog.com

Websites: www.drhood.com www.dentalcareassociatesofspokanevalley.com, www.dentalhealthandnutritionstore.com


Mad will type (text must be 300 or more words), give to Dr. to edit, and email Beverly to post to all sites listed below. Beverly needs to use SEO scribe when posting.

Date to Post: 9/6/11

<head>

<title>

<description>

<key words>

<key phrases>

Labor Day 2011

Labor Day 2011 had gorgeous weather and was a most relaxing day. As a family, we went to “Pig-Out in the Park” in Spokane’s Riverfront Park. This food fest is a popular 5-day event with lots of food and drink vendors in the south side of the park and retail vendors over the river, on the north side of the park.

To avoid dealing with the congestion of downtown parking, we parked our van in the Gonzaga Law School parking lot and walked on the Centennial Trail, along the Spokane River, back to Riverfront park. Spokane is extremely fortunate that past visionaries brought Expo ’74 to Spokane. Spokane is the smallest city ever to host a world’s fair. After the fair, the grounds, which before the fair was a rail yard for the railroad, were then converted to a beautiful central city park. Riverfront Park is not only a positive natural environmental getaway in urban Spokane but a great place for events like “Pig-Out in the Park”. Likewise, the Centennial Trail, which passes through the center of Riverfront Park is a phenomenal gift to the people of Spokane and surrounding area. The majority of the work on Centennial Trail was done from 1989-1991 right after the Centennial celebrations for 100 years of Washington becoming a state. The trail is a 37 mile paved path from Nine Mile Falls to the Idaho State Line. Most of the trail runs alongside the Spokane River.

All in all, experiencing the Centennial Trail from Gonzaga to Riverfront Park was a most enjoyable experience this weekend. I’ve entered the Centennial Trail at different trail heads in the Valley, but never in the downtown areas, whether on a bicycle or jogging the trail is an enjoyable experience.

Often, we believe we must travel hundreds of miles to have a vacation experience but often right under our noses are mini-vacations to cherish and enjoy.

Keep smiling!

Dr. James G. Hood

Dental Care Associates of Spokane Valley, P.S.

Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Welcomes Patients from Age 2 to 102!

James G. Hood, D.D.S., M.A.

507 North Sullivan Road, Suite A-1, Spokane Valley, WA 99037-8576 USA

Phone: (509) 928-9100 | Fax: (509) 928-0414

Email: drhood@drhood.com | Blogs: www.drjamesghoodblog.com www.dentalcareassociatesofspokanevalleyblog.com www.dentalnutritionblog.com www.jamesandkarenhoodfoundationblog.com www.sjogrensblog.com

Websites: www.drhood.com www.dentalcareassociatesofspokanevalley.com, www.dentalhealthandnutritionstore.com

Life on a Family Farm

Wednesday, July 13, 2011 @ 11:07 AM
Author: Sibella

Cheyenne milking one of our Nubian dairy goats

Here at Mountain Valley View Farm, we feel continually blessed. Our farm is relatively small, encompassing only 30 acres here in the Spokane Valley, and is entirely operated by the Hood family. We are lucky to have a large family that enjoys helping out with all the chores and tasks involved in keeping the farm running. Last weekend when we harvested our first crop of organic rhubarb, everyone got involved–and a good thing too, because the haul was so large it would have taken forever without all that help! We are proud of our children’s diligence and cheerful helping hands, for they are growing up with strength of character and fortitude that will make them into wonderful adults.

Keisha and Rosy with one of our Icelandic horses

All of our children love animals, and we have taught them to be be respectful of all life and this great planet we live on. Growing up on a farm is a wonderful experience for them, and they learn so much each day about responsible, sustainable ways of living that are good for the earth and all its creatures. We have a great variety of animals on our farm, from horses and goats to chickens, ducks, geese, and even turkeys. The kids love interacting with all these different animals and are eager to help feed and take care of them.

Corbin feeding two of our baby Nubians

For our family, running Mountain Valley View Farm is not just a job: it is a way of life, one we take great pride and pleasure in. Although planting, harvesting, and taking care of our many farm animals takes a lot of hard work and can be very demanding at times, everyone enjoys seeing the fruits of our labor when we bring in a harvest or watch the goats and horses frolic playfully in the pasture. We also know that in providing fresh, nutritious organic produce and dairy to the public, we are filling an important role in our community and helping others enjoy a healthy lifestyle. We love getting to know the people who purchase from and support our farm, so please take a moment to stop by and see us at one of the local farmers’ markets–we’d love to meet you and tell you more about our family and farm!

You can find us at the following area farmers’ markets:

Spokane Public Market
32 W. 2nd Ave
Spokane, WA 99210
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Wed – Fri

Spokane Farmers’ Market
5th Ave between Division & Brown
Spokane, WA 99210
8:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. Wed & Sat

Spokane Northside Farmers’ Market
315 E. Francis
Spokane, WA 99205
Wed 3 – 7 p.m. and Sat 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Liberty Lake Farmers’ Market
1421 N. Meadowood Lane
Liberty Lake, WA 99019
8:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sat

Dad’s Are Super

Friday, June 17, 2011 @ 09:06 AM

Dads are models for our lives.  Dads teach children what to do and what not to do.  If your dad is still alive, spend time with him and let him know you love him.  This is significant enough that your expressions of love should be in actions and verbally.  Most of us say “actions speak louder than words.” That may be true AND words are nice too, especially if rarely conveyed.If you don’t have a father or never knew your father, you likely had a father figure in your life.  Contact this male mentor and express how much he meant to you. 

And, if all your male mentors are gone, mentor someone else with the talents you possess because of your male mentor.  Pay it forward. 

And, if you are a father, show how much your children mean to you in a personal way.  Time is the most valuable gift you can give your children.  Spend it with them.  Consciously create a positive memory of you with your children. 

Happy Smiles,
Dr. James G. Hood 

  Dental Care Associates of Spokane Valley, P.S.
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Welcomes Patients
from Age 2 to 102! 

James G. Hood, D.D.S., M.A.
507 North Sullivan Road, Suite A-1
Spokane Valley, WA 99037-8576  USA
Phone: (509) 928-9100  |  Fax: (509) 928-0414
Email: drhood@drhood.com 

Websites: www.drhood.com
www.dentalcareassociatesofspokanevalley.com

Blogs: www.drjamesghoodblog.com
www.dentalhealthandnutritionblog.com
www.dentalcareassociatesofspokanevalleyblog.com
www.jamesandkarenhoodfoundationblog.org
www.sjogrensblog.org

Online Store: www.dentalhealthandnutritionstore.com 

 

Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc. Farm Animals and Pets

Friday, June 10, 2011 @ 10:06 AM
Author: Sibella

Mountain Valley View Farm is proud to introduce our growing family of farm animals. We love our farm animals and take great pride in raising them organically, the way nature intended. Take a look at some of the farm animals you can expect to find on our family farm!

 

Birds

 

Chicken, Araucana

This unusual breed gets its name from the Indian tribe of Chile where they were first discovered. Araucanas lay beautiful, tasty eggs of blue-green shades from turquoise to deep olive.

Chicken, Plymouth Barred Rock

The quintessential American chicken, the Plymouth Barred Rock is an all-time favorite that was first bred in the 1800s.

Chicken, Red Star Hybrid

The Red Star is hardy bird that is sex-linked: that is, at birth, it easy to determine which chicks are male and which are female depending on their color. Females chicks are reddish brown and males are white.

 

Duck, Blue Swedish

 

This unusual duck has beautiful silvery blue, white, and black feathers and comes from the coastal areas of Holland, Germany, and Belgium.

Duck, Cayuga

 

Once the primary source of duck meat, Cayugas are an unusual and beautiful bird with glossy, iridescent black plumage that eventually turns white as they age.

 

Duck, Chocolate Runner

 

This is an ancient, hardy breed from Southeast Asia, and are sometimes called Indian Runners because they were originally imported to England on a ship from the Indies.

 

Duck, Gold Star Hybrid

 

Calm, even-tempered ducks that are excellent layers. Like Red Star chickens, their gender can be distinguished at birth by their color.

Duck, Khaki Campbell

 

A popular and famous breed, Khakis are some of the most reliable domestic layers. They were developed in England in 1901.

 

Duck, Welsh Harlequin

 

A beautiful, more recent breed with an excellent laying ability and unusual markings. They are quite popular.

 

Duck, White Layer

A lovely all-white duck that lays only white eggs, as opposed to the mixed blue and white eggs produced by the Gold Star that is its cousin.

 

Goose, African

 

Despite its name, this goose is actually descended from the wild Asian Swan Goose of China. They are active and somewhat noisier than other geese.

Goose, Brown Chinese

 

A smaller, lighter goose, the Brown Chinese has a more pronounced forehead knob than the other Asiatic geese.

Goose, Buff

 

A calm, friendly bird with coloring that is unusual for a goose. They were originally bred for meat, since the pinfeathers are easier to pluck.

Goose, French Toulouse

 

Hardy, commercial birds raised primarily for their meat. These Toulouse are directly descended from French birds.

Goose, Sebastopol

 

The gorgeous, unique Sebastopol comes from the countries around the Black Sea, and they have been around for hundreds of years. They were originally known as Danubians to the British or Danubio to the Spanish and Italians.

Goose, Super African

The Super African is a direct descendent of China’s Lion Head goose, including the pronounced dewlap on the throat. They are a fairly noisy breed, one of the best guard geese.

Goose, Toulouse

This popular goose originated in France, although nowadays many come from England. They are an excellent meat duck, a sturdy breed.

Goose, Tufted Buff

A hardy, pleasant breed that was developed as a cross between the Buff goose and the Roman Tufted goose.

Goose, Tufted Toulouse

A calm breed with all the characteristics of the French Toulouse, but with a tuft on its head like the Roman Tufted.

Goose, White Chinese

A pure white goose descended from the wild swans of China, although interestingly enough, the swans did not have the forehead knob. They are a sociable bird.

Goose, White Embden

A large white goose similar to the Toulouse, but orginating in Germany. The breed has been in existence for about 200 years.

 

 

Dogs

 

Cockapoo

The Cockapoo is a cross between the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle, making an intelligent and affectionate pet. Reggie & Ginger, our first generation purebreds, have already had two litters of sweet puppies.

Icelandic Sheepdog

Our two Icelandic Sheepdogs are quiet, mild-mannered, and sweet. The breed is sturdy and energetic, still used to herd sheep in Iceland today. They are descended from dogs brought to Iceland by the Vikings.

Newfoundland

 

Lily, our 6 month old Newfoundland, is an absolute delight. This large, strong breed is famous for rescuing sailors and fishermen from icy waters. Lewis & Clark were accompanied by a Newfoundland named Seaman on their journeys.

Rottweiler

Cocoa is still a puppy, but she is quiet and well-behaved. Contrary to popular belief, Rottweilers are not violent or dangerous. Rather, they are loyal and reliable, with an even temperament.

 

 

Livestock

 

Goat, Fainting (Myotonic)

These adorable goats are bred more as pets or for their meat than for milk. When startled, their legs will go stiff and they will fall over in a faint, a harmless condition called myotonia. For a full list of the fainting goats in our herd, please click here.

Goat, Nubian

The Nubian is an excellent dairy goat, known for its rich, creamy milk that is high in butter content and gentle on the stomach. Many lactose intolerant people discover that they can drink Nubian milk. For a full list of the Nubian goats in our herd, please click here.

Horse, Icelandic

A strong and sturdy breed despite its smaller size, the Icelandic is also friendly and docile. A truly beautiful and unique horse, we are thrilled to have a small group on our farm.

Sheep, Babydoll Southdown

This ancient British breed of miniature sheep makes a gentle, friendly pet, and their cute teddy bear faces are instantly lovable. Their wool is also excellent for spinning.

Sheep, East Friesian

The East Friesian comes from Germany and is known as the best dairy producing sheep in the world. They are polled, or naturally hornless.

Sheep, Icelandic

The Icelandic sheep has been prized for its meat, milk, and wool. It is one of the oldest breeds of sheep in the world. They are very sturdy and do well in cold environments.

This site uses the WP Chameleon WordPress article software to rewrite articles