On our way back from dinner tonight, we stumbled upon some local fire spinners at work (play, really).  I happened to have my camera handy and snapped a few shots.   I’ll be back soon to shoot some more with my favorite lens.

It snowed today.   It certainly wasn’t enough to stick- it was really mixed with rain and slush.  Still, it was strange to see such chilly weather extremes in our region as we near mid-April.    I was reassured to see the sun make an appearance this afternoon, just in time to remind me that it IS spring and that warmer days are ahead.

It’s really hard to believe that just a couple of weeks ago, Sami and I were basking in the warm sunshine, feeling the warm desert breezes on our faces, and taking in the sights of our favorite western destinations.   We even got to camp ‘commmando’ one night- sleeping in our tent under a starry sky (without the rainfly).   Yeah…  Can’t do that often in the Pacific Northwest in March.

Chillin’ with the Death Valley news and a cup of tea.

Views like this are worth every mile driven and every dime spent. (And this wasn’t even close to the peak bloom!)

Tourists come from all over to catch a glimpse of these little flowers. (These were just a few inches tall.)

It’ll be a little while before we enjoy out next adventure on the road.  But if it’s even half as pleasant as this past one was, it’ll be worth the wait.

This evening we joined our friends and neighbors and hit the town for dinner, kicking off the opening night Corvallis Culinary Week.  Our choice was Zia, a small family owned restaurant that specializes in New Mexican cuisine.  I’ve been enjoying Zia’s scrumptious burritos at the Saturday Market for years, and visit the restaurant for lunch every now and then.   Tonight’s visit was my first dinner experience at Zia and the Sami’s first Zia meal of any type.    From her first bite, she was hooked.   Ah…  a new convert! 

Our ten dollar chef’s ’sampler plate’ featured Calabacita Enchilada (A new fave!), Coq au Vin a la Nuevo Mexico (OMG, SOOOO GOOD!) , Carne Adovada, Posole (Yummo!), and Green Chile Beef Stew (Actually, I think they substituted the chile relleno- whatever it was, it was DIVINE!).  They finished our meal with a sopaipilla (and local honey).  All I can say is “Yummo!”.  It was a real treat to get to try out several different dishes all on one plate- especially since I tend to find one dish that I adore and then never order anything but that one item.  (For Zia, by the way- it’s always been the Zia burrito.)   I now have several new favorites.  Sami does, too.  It’s going to be hard to choose the next time we’re there

For you Corvallis locals- if you haven’t checked out the Corvallis Culinary Week website, do yourself a favor and go.  Now.   Then, grab your friends and family and head out for a night on the town.  See what our little town has to offer.  You’ll be back for seconds.   I guarantee it.