Tag Archives: Cashmere WA

Jun4

What Happened to May?

Posted on June 4, 2017 by iamkaren23

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I left Mazatlan on April 29th and it seems like yesterday. May was a blur of traveling and suitcases until I arrived in Leavenworth on May 16th. Then it was finally time to actually unpack a suitcase and settle down for more than 3 or 4 days in one place.

I’m still in awe of the beauty of the mountains and the rivers and streams around here. Spring is here. The pungent aroma of budding lilacs fills the air along with the scent of pine from the towering evergreens. I went to visit my tree in Cashmere the other day and it is completely green with no evidence of the crimson glory displayed last fall.

A friend and I were sipping Mack n Jacks at Igloo in Wenatchee the other day when I remarked that I felt like I was at home, as though I hadn’t been away for six months. Everything was so familiar and very little had changed. It’s comfortable and relaxing and it’s good to be back.

I haven’t even pulled out my laptop all week. I’ve been out and about and too busy to write. I’m back volunteering at the church again and it’s so nice to be back with my church family. Vacation Bible School is fast approaching next month, and as a co-director I am only too aware of all the planning and organizing that needs to be done this month.

I also joined the Leavenworth Senior Center. I’ve met some lovely people and enjoyed lunch and an afternoon of bridge the other day. Next week I start an exercise program and I plan on attending some of the daily lunches at the center. There are other activities offered as well including a monthly trip to a casino.

I took Link Transit into Wenatchee and rode around on the trolleys to the various shopping areas. And I got an ID card as I’m at that wonderful age where public transit is now half price for me.

I visited Spirit of America in Cashmere. This tribute to 9/11 is a must for any traveler.

I’ve also joined a bible study group in Cashmere and am only too delighted to have yet another excuse to visit my favorite town in Washington.

The public library system in this state is amazing and I have been at both the Leavenworth and the Cashmere branches this week. I have lots of reading material to catch up on as John Grisham and Danielle Steel are difficult to find in English in Mexico.

Also on the agenda this past week was a walk in Walla Walla Point Park in Wenatchee. The path is alongside the river, peaceful and tranquil. A few people were in the water on rafts or in boats as it was quite a warm day.

I start a course next week from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. The course is titled Emotions: A Philosophical Introduction. It’s wonderful to have the time to take courses that are of interest rather than courses that are compulsory in order to obtain a degree.

I’m also indulging in another favorite pastime while in Leavenworth. I love to cook and bake and both the kitchens and available ingredients are certainly lacking in Mexico. I am overwhelmed when I walk into grocery stores here but I eagerly make my purchases and return home to bask in the glow of an American kitchen.

No wonder it’s June already!

May20

It’s Great To Be Back

Posted on May 20, 2017 by iamkaren23

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I don’t mind gazing up at the still snow capped mountains. Here in the town of Leavenworth it is sunny with a predicted high in the 70s today. I listen to the chimes outside my window. I glance over at the 17th hole and note that the golfers are all sporting shorts today. I plan to go out for a walk later today to take pictures of the blossoming trees. I miss the springtime when nature truly comes alive. In Mexico it always feels like summer, and there are no definitive seasons.

Yesterday my friend Ann drove me into Wenatchee. It was a tedious process, but I successfully got a sim card and had my phone activated. It’s nice to be able to call and text again and not to have to rely on WiFi to call on What’s App or Messenger. This number is now mine so that when I return next spring after wintering in Mexico, I’m good to go.

I had dinner with Ann at her home and had to share this spectacular view as we ate outside on her deck. The next best thing to ocean is the rippling water nestled among the trees. Peaceful and tranquil.

I have a “to do” list for the coming week that will keep me busy. I plan on going to Cashmere to visit my tree and enjoy an apple fritter at the bakery. Some shopping in Wenatchee includes Bath and Body as well as Walmart. A visit to the salon is in order as I have not found anyone in Mazatlan who layers my hair properly. I intend to check out the Leavenworth Senior Center to see what activities are offered. I have several books on hold at the library here and they should be coming in this week. My life group has a pot luck Monday evening and there is a meeting for volunteers at the church on Tuesday.

It was without saying that I want to renew acquaintances with friends I haven’t seen since I left last November. We do keep in touch on Facebook and What’s App, but it will be nice to get together again in person over coffee or a glass of wine.

Oct31

Halloween Then And Now

Posted on October 31, 2016 by iamkaren23

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I have always loved Halloween. As a child I eagerly ran from door to door collecting treats. Back then you looked forward to a neighbor’s popcorn balls or caramel apples. The streets were safe and all houses on the street were brightly lit.

By the time my kids came along, it was a different world out there. Adults now roamed the streets with their children. Pins and razor blades contaminated candies and apples. Teenagers would often taunt younger children and steal their bags of treats. I always closely checked all my kids’ candy and apples were always tossed in the garbage. Friends of my kids would often come back to our home for a party. There was always a spooky Halloween cake and colorfully decorated cookies, all homemade.

I haven’t been in Canada for Halloween in several years now. In Mexico, the big event is Day of the Dead rather than Halloween. Last year in Mazatlan I saw only a half dozen or so costumed children on the streets for Halloween and saw none at all in the years I lived in Guadalajara. However the influence from up north is spreading down gradually to those areas in Mexico closer to the USA-Mexico border.

This year I’m in the USA. And Halloween is BIG! We were out looking for costumes last night and ventured into the Spirit Halloween store in Wenatchee. I was totally overwhelmed by all the costumes, masks, accessories, decorations and displays. My friend informed me that the stores in Seattle were even larger. Here are some photos I took:

After about an hour, we headed for the checkouts with our selections. He had chosen a gruesome mask, and I had a colorful wig and makeup. This is what we looked like on Saturday night:

The first party was in Cashmere and was a combination birthday/Halloween party. It was cool out and the fire was most welcome.

The next party was back in Leavenworth and was from the Rotary Club.

We then headed back to Cashmere to Club Crow. The place was packed and there was a great live band.

The afternoon today was spent at church preparing for Light the Night, a huge carnival to be held tomorrow night. Last year approximately 1300 people attended. There will be games, food and even a petting zoo.

Sadly I will not be in Mexico for Day of the Dead this year for the first time in six years. But the kid in me is enjoying every single minute of Halloween this year here in Washington state.

Happy Halloween 2016!

Oct25

Scare-Crazy in Cashmere

Posted on October 25, 2016 by iamkaren23

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The month of October is spooktacular in the charming town of Cashmere, Washington. Fifty-five scarecrows adorn the streets in daylight hours. In addition, twenty-one have been given secret numbers and there is a contest going on to identify these scarecrows. Map in hand, my destination was Cashmere this morning. Here is the first scarecrow who greeted me upon my arrival.

I then made my was down to Cottage Avenue, passing a few more scarecrows along the way. Needless to say, I took way too many photos as usual. Here are just a few:

The Cashmere Library even got in on the action.

One of the churches had this one on display.

The delightful scarecrows more than made up for the gloomy, overcast day. Actually, the weather kind of added to the ambiance. But alas, I only had time to find thirty, so I will have to continue my search later on this week.

Sep11

Cashmere Museum & Pioneer Village

Posted on September 11, 2016 by iamkaren23

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The Cashmere Museum & Pioneer Village is operated by The Chelan County Historical Society, a non-profit organization. The 13,000 square foot museum features two levels. The upper level houses the Willis Carey Wing and the Congdon Wing. The lower level contains displays of natural history as well as pioneer history. An optional audio tour is available and group tours are most welcome.

I began my exploration in the William Carey Wing where I was delighted with the displays of beadwork, basketry, jewelry as well as artwork by local artists.

I then moved on to the Congdon Wing to view the tools.

Next I headed downstairs and was completely overwhelmed by this gallery containing everything from nature to artifacts to petrified wood.

Now it was time to venture outside. The Pioneer Village contains more than twenty original pioneer structures, most over 100 years old. These buildings house antiques, artifacts and furniture of the era.

The railroad was also represented. I walked through both the caboose and the station.

About three hours and some 400 photos later I arrived back at the gift shop at the entrance. My fervent hope is that I will somehow find the time to view this treasure again before returning to Mexico for the winter.

Aug27

So I went on a tour of a candy factory….

Posted on August 27, 2016 by iamkaren23

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So I went on a tour of a candy factory….

Thursday morning I boarded the Link Transit bus headed for the Leavenworth Library. I got sidetracked and found myself in Cashmere at Aplets and Cotlets, a candy store and factory. The library would have to wait.

This business was founded by an Armenian and an Englishman about eighty years ago. The first candy, aplets, was made of apples and walnuts. A few years later, the production of cotlets, apricots and walnuts, was begun. Other varieties of candies have been added throughout the years.

Approximately 80,000 visitors per year stop by for a tour of the factory.

The first room we visited contained vats of candy being cooked. The vats are then moved to a table and the candy is poured into molds.

In the main area of this factory, the candy is scored into pieces and packed into boxes. Weight is carefully checked as part of quality control. Have a look at all the people involved in this process. Slightly different from the drama of Lucy and Ethel in the chocolate factory on I Love Lucy.

This brief tour was most informative. And several yummy samples were scattered on shelves throughout the store. Now, if they only made chocolate………………

Aug13

A Morning In Cashmere

Posted on August 13, 2016 by iamkaren23

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Friday morning dawned clear and sunny and I decided to explore the quaint town of Cashmere, a town of just over 3000 located a short distance from Leavenworth. The bus driver recommended that I get off at the fire hall and then make my way down the Main Street.

Across the street from the fire hall I ventured into Weeds Cafe for coffee. This charming place appeared to do a bustling business in takeout as well as being a popular gathering place for the locals. There were a few tables outside, but it was hot and I opted for the air-conditioning inside instead.

Back out on the street, I was enchanted by the variety of shops and the ever-present American flags that lined the street. A dental center to an antique shop and everything in between is along Cottage Street. Here are a few photos:

I ventured into the tourist center and got directions to the 9/11 Spirit of America Memorial. I was totally in awe and mesmerized as I read the plaques and viewed the statues and the tree trunk.

In a somewhat subdued mood, I made my way back to Cottage Street. Along the way I passed the library, with this delightful statue.

Cashmere is also home to The Pioneer Museum and a candy factory that I intend to view on a future visit. A state fair is also coming up next month.

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