Enjoy some of the Columbia River Gorge’s finest! Gorgeous weather, beautiful location, amazing food, music, and brews! What could be better? Bring a friend! This Saturday, July 17th at the Balch Hotel Spruce Baugher will be jamming with acoustic, folk rock, and roots music. You can relax on the patio and a great brew from Clock Tower Ales while listening to some fun music!

At 5:30 Jamie Snell, owner of the Lamb’s Table catering, begins to let you in on the magic. She has been creating marvelous Supper Club Menus every month at the Balch since April 2009. She has created quite a following! Her creativity continues to amaze our palate! She hand makes everything from sauces to salads, to magical dipping concoctions.

Here is her menu for Saturday!

July 17th  Supper Club
Lager, Leeks, and Ladybugs

Walla Walla onion and emmentaler cheese empanadas with fresh zucchini pickles. Emmentaler is baby Swiss; empanadas are buttery little turnovers.

Smoked chicken, Edelweiss sausage and shrimp paella, with grilled farm stand vegetables. Served with sourdough baguette and butter.
paella (pie-a-yah) is a spanish-style rice dish, with saffron rice, meats and vegetables.

Chocolate-hazelnut torte cakes with whipped cream and apricots.

Dinner served with Fresh Baguette, iced tea and coffee

Call for reservations! There are only eight open spots!
541-467-2277

“The Supper Club is always a treat and what a great way to showcase the beauty and amenities of Dufur, a special gem in North Central Oregon. Jeff and Samantha it is so fun to brag on you to others and they are never disappointed when the meet you and visit The Historic Balch Hotel. I have confidence in you guys and the culinary skills of Jamie and crew to impress and “wow” my friends. Thanks for all you do for the hidden treasure known as the Dufur Valley.” ~ Rob Carnahan

Heidi and Kevin walked into the hotel after a full day exploring. They were looking like they needed some special care! After breaking out the Black Butte and nursing them back to consciousness they told their story. I STILL crack up when I think about it! Oh, the imagery. . .

I follow Heidi’s blog (one of the BEST caramel corn recipe’s around came from her) and secretly wish I was as witty a writer as she. I hope you become a follower on her blog and enjoy it every bit as I do!

~ Samantha

The road trip to remember

June 29, 2010
By Heidi von Tagen
Gorgeous Bits Blog
Portland

I want to throw my stuff in bag and drive away.

Shorts, tee shirts, sweatshirts, old canvas tennis shoes with holes in them, 80 SPF sunscreen, and bags and bags of soft red licorice…I want to put my hand out the window of the Dodge Polera and let it surf the wind blowing past on the the highway, drink truck-stop coffee, and look out the window at the open road.

I want to buy ridiculous tiny spoons that have the name of the cities we’ve driven through on them, and collect paper napkins from diners, compare pancakes, pie and BLT’s at small town cafes. I want to forget about regular life. Just for a weekend.
Freedom. Junk food. Bad coffee in paper cups. CD’s with 80’s classics burned onto them, wrinkled maps spread out on the dashboard, a rare sense of adventure and good company… these are the trappings that make up the ideal Road Trip.

Last year, to celebrate our fourth anniversary, Kevin and I packed the car and escaped to Eastern Oregon.

We had a cool and relaxed adventure in the Gorge, Eastern and Central Oregon, but not everything went as planned. By default, it turned out to be perfect, BECAUSE of imperfection. The absolute fun was in the flaws. Stories emerge from close calls with disaster, and I believe, on a road trip, you don’t want just roses and sunshine. Intrigue makes it memorable.

It makes it an adventure.

During the drive to take photos of the Painted Hills in John Day, we were lost for hours on a narrow unmarked dirt road. I imagined our romantic drive would end in something of a Cohen Brothers film plot when we asked two local guys in a graffiti covered truck with covered windows and plates for directions.

We ran out of gas in Shaniko. The locals who had just completed a staged gunfight at their annual Shaniko Days suggested we see Clive. He was the guy who owned multiple RV’s, horses and the largest modular home who sold us a gallon of gas for $7. The sight of him in nothing but a coral Speedo bathing suit, all leathery-tan with white curly chest hair that resembled a mess of fishing twine burned itself into my mind. I couldn’t take my eyes off of him.

I still wish, of all the photos I took that trip, that I had the wherewith all to take his photo. But, he stunned me to silence and I was frozen in awe, unable to document his leathery coral Speedo-d physique.

As we left, he threw out his arms and yelled “I’m sixty years old and I’m livin’ like I’m dyin’!”

We barely made it to our hotel room that night, a fabulous little Bed and Breakfast in Dufur. The Historic Balch Hotel. We walked into the cool sitting room, sweaty, coated with dust, and stressed out from a day of being lost. Our eyes had the look of crazy, fed-up tourists high on truck stop coffee. The smell of warm chocolate chip cookies beckoned us and the hip young couple playing scrabble near the check in desk made us feel as though we’d found a serene oasis.

Samantha and Jeff greeted us warmly and insisted on bringing out freshly made Greek salads and ice cold Black Butte Porter Ales from the back kitchen even though it was well past dinner. They sat with us and laughed at all the right parts in the story of our adventure and especially loved the visual memory of Clive, the coral Speedo wearing philosopher in Shaniko.

We slept hard that night on crisp white linens in our little antique western hotel room under fluffy white down comforters and 500 count sheets, we gorged ourselves on a delicious breakfast with the other guests who’d spent the night at the Balch, and then relaxed in the hammock for a while in the back.

It was everything. Romance, adventure, intrigue, old men in bathing suits, new friends, and U2 God’s Country blasting through the stereo speakers.

I want to go back.

Are you engaged? Do you know someone who is (or might be soon!!)? If so, you don’t want to pass up checking out this auction item from Semlor Images.

Jim Semlor is one of the most talented photographers I know - very sought after for his eye for angle and his incredible ability of storytelling through photos.

He has generously donated two photography packages to the Roger’s Adoption on-line auction that I’ve (Samantha) been involved with. In a previous blog on the Balch site you can read about Bob and Cheri’s adoption journey and their calling to adopt a little girl from Ethiopia. It’s a very moving story. Check out their latest blog post! They are traveling SOON!! It’s so very exciting!

We have a great team of folks who have been working on the auction, from web design to receiving/soliciting donations for the auction. This is where Jim Semlor comes in.

I called Jim hoping that he’d be willing to donate a photography session. He’s so sought after I wasn’t sure he’d have time! Not only did he donate one, a family (or senior) portrait session, he donated another – an engagement shoot. I found out from talking to Jim that he himself was adopted! We spoke about the differences between international adoption and costs, then and now. Jim has such an amazing heart. I get to see it over and over again reading his Facebook postings, working with him and our brides, and just our neighbor type interactions (we’re in Dufur, he’s in The Dalles).

You really don’t need to bid on the family portrait session because Jeff and I want to win it. HA!! Oh, that’s selfish of me. Bid away! You’ll be glad you did. Besides the Adoption Fund is a GREAT cause!

I do want to spread the word about the engagement shoot. Go to Jim’s site and you can see engagement shoots and how he captures individual style! If you are engaged, or know of some surprise on the horizon, bid on this. You’ll LOVE the results. Come to think of it, what a fantastic engagement gift to give to a child or friend!! How fun to give an engaged couple a photo session to capture their excitement!!

You only have two more days so hurry! The auction ends THIS SUNDAY.

Happy bidding and have a wonderful week.

Our Daughter Is in Ethiopia, and We Are Bringing Her Home.

There are approximately five million orphans in Ethiopia today. Soon there will be one less. We are  bringing a new daughter home. Our story is one of paperwork, patience, and providence.

The adoption call came on a Sunday morning in August of 2008 as we stood singing with fellow believers at Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Hood River.

That’s when I first saw her. She was between 12-18 months old, in a white tank top. Her hair was in pigtails, tied with pink ribbons. I could see her from the waist up. I heard God say, ‘Bring them home,’ and instantly, I knew. I knew she was in Ethiopia; I knew she was our daughter; I knew we needed to go get her. I shared my vision with
Bob, and he readily agreed that this was God’s plan for our family.

Seventeen months have passed since that morning, and many forms, interviews, and a hefty dossier have brought the adoption near fruition; but the seeds of adoption were planted even before the our wedding day, over  twenty years ago.

I remember talking with Bob about having our own children– as well as adopting.  We currently have three boys; Brennan, age 14, Noah, age 8 and Joshua, age 6.

Monday, April 12th, we received the referral and photos of Magdalyn for the first time! She was 7 weeks old at that time. Our Ethiopian count date is May 26th when they review her case, our paperwork, and hopefully approve us for adoption! We are hopeful that we will be traveling to Ethiopia to meet our daughter and bring her home this June! In the meantime, we are praying for the Lord’s continued financial provision, the safety of the children at the orphanage, and the African families impacted by adoption.

By the time all fees have been paid, an Ethiopian adoption can cost between $25,000 and $30,000. To keep the community and supporters informed and provide them with a way to share our journey, we have a blog at BringingLoveHome.com with current information and opportunities for people to dialog, donate, or purchase ‘Just Love Coffee‘ fair-trade coffee varieties.

Samantha has helped us form a fantastic team of people and we are organizing an on-line auction! Stay tuned! It’s coming up the first of June.

Please visit our blog for updates, stories, details of the adoption process, as well as pictures of our family and our daughter (when available) at: http://bringinglovehome.blogspot.com .

Cheri Rogers

While looking for some fun, unique items to give to the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic riders in June (a FUN pit stop for amateur riders is here at the Balch), I found a site with some great personalized items for your wedding!

Jeff actually hand delivered our invitations to Bridal Veil post office so they’d have the Bridal Veil stamp on them. His idea! How about creating your own save the date stamp?

On this site, Zazzle, you can customize stamps, magnets, t-shirts, and much more! What a fun gift for your bridesmaids to go out for your shower in cute, customized T’s.

Happy Shopping!! There is so much out there to really personalize your wedding. It’s an event.  Make it be remembered!

May 8-9th

Husbands! Sons! Daughters! Sisters!
It’s time to treat your mother/wife/sister/girlfriend.

Overnight stay, two tickets to Maryhill Museum, four course dinner Saturday evening, a-la-carte chair massage/pampering foot soak or facial, and top it all off with a three course breakfast Sunday morning!!

Jamie’s Menu:
Grilled Portobello Mushroom Cap with Spinach and Goat Cheese
Freshly Smoked Salmon, Avocado, and Citrus Mache Salad
Chicken and Prosciutto Ravioli with Asparagus Beurre Blanc
Bittersweet Chocolate Cake with White Chocolate Mousse and Strawberry Coulis
Iced Tea and Coffee
$29 + Gratutity

She’ll feel like a queen and you’ll be beaming.

Call for reservations
541.467.2277

Two of my MOST favorite wedding forums/resources are on The Knot and Martha Stewart Weddings. They aren’t just for brides!

When Jeff and I were engaged and in the FUN time of planning and figuring out what we wanted, I came about the Martha Stewart weddings forums and it was FABULOUS! I asked all sorts of questions from etiquette to invitation wording.

Unbeknownst to me, my fiance went incognito onto the forum because he had a question of his own! He was looking for the best planning book out there. This lead him to The Knot. It was GREAT! I highly recommend getting a planning book, downloading a guide, or simply hiring a planner to be your “book”. It gave us a realistic idea of what we needed to do and by when. It made us even more thankful for our planner, Stacy!

I suggest you click on the links below and have a BALL on the sites. Your mind will be swimming with fantastic ideas.

Do you have a favorite site of your own? Leave us a comment with your recommendation!

Here’s to years of wedded bliss.

How fun it is to get together with your girlfriends for makeovers, pampering, massage, spray tans, the works!! Spa treatments are SUCH a great way to celebrate AND get looking fabulous before your big day.

Beautiful, healthy skin takes time and planning. For picture-perfect skin on your wedding, Erika, owner of Columbia Laser Skin Center in The Dalles and Hood River, put together this fantastic timeline for preparation!

Six-twelve months before the wedding:

□ Complimentary consultation with skin care specialist.

Begin Treatments For:

• Acne • Rosacea • Sun damaged skin

• Excess brown pigment (melasma, sun & age spots)

• Laser hair removal • Skin tightening procedures (Titan)

Four months before the wedding:

□ First Botox treatment to relax those fine lines and wrinkles

□ Laser facial and leg vein treatments

□ Begin Latisse treatment for longer, darker & thicker lashes

Two-Three Months Before The Wedding:

□ Juvederm: fills deep lines & wrinkles; enhances lip volume; corrects under eye circles

□ Begin series of 6 facials (includes microdermabrasion & chemical peels)

□ Brow wax, shape and tint

One Month Before The Wedding:

□ Pre-wedding Botox treatment

Two Weeks Before The Wedding:

□ Pre-wedding facial

Three- Four Days Before The Wedding:

□ Book final waxing and/or tint appointment

□ Massage and body polish

One-Two Days Before The Wedding:

□ NovaLash Lash Extensions

□ Mystic Spray-On Tan

Day After Your Wedding:

□ Relaxing couples massage for the Bride & Groom

Columbia Laser Skin Center is having a special on May 6th from 4:30-7:00.

A perfect time for you and your girlfriends to visit and enjoy an evening out!

This Saturday is Supper Club and I just got 4 openings at the 5:30 seating! Lucky You!!! Erin Glenn winery will be here to compliment Jamie’s delicious menu. Call quick to get your name on the list! 541.467.2277

April 17th
Siskiyou Spring

Creamy Wild Mushroom Bruschetta
Chicken Piccata (pick-ah-tah) with Capers, Asparagus, and Pearl Couscous
Poppy Seed Shortcakes with Tangerine Curd, Strawberries and Whipped Cream
Iced Tea and Coffee
(chicken piccata is an Italian-style preparation. Breaded, baked chicken with lemon and white wine sauce.)

We just love that Jamie NOT ONLY prepares delectable dishes every month, but that she gives us cheat sheet information including pronunciation. Hey, we love the tidbits!!

Call 541.467.2277 to grab your place and have some fun!

When I reminisce about past weddings I think about all the small details that make the day so great and so much fun for all of the guests. I am not naïve to think that a wedding is a day for the bride and the groom but being somewhat of a realist (and somewhat of a people pleaser) we want all of our guests to have a great time! I guess it wouldn’t be selfish of you to think that you want the day to be all about you… oh come on it’s your wedding, everybody should be thinking about what they need to do to make you happy! So how do you give your guests a great time and still be focused on the real task at hand? Well that is what I hope my tip will help you accomplish.

Planning the day is already a daunting task so a little part of me feels bad that my tip includes a night of additional planning. Close your eyes and imagine seeing old friends and relatives that you haven’t seen for some time. When you first see these people there may tend to be what I might call a “catch up” period. This is the time when people are getting familiar with one another again and breaking the ice while learning more about Aunt Ida’s varicose veins and the guys she thinks are cute on dancing with the stars.

While the rehearsal dinner is a great pre-cursor to your big day and does take the edge off of people breaking though the ice it usually is meant for a just a small group of people.  A separate gathering the night before for out of town guests might be just the ticket to seeing more guests, getting time to catch up, and if you’re lucky another chance for a bridesmaid to become a bride.

Regardless of the size of your wedding a night of mingling with out of town guests and visitors may be another great chance to get introductions out of the way and time to thank guests for celebrating your big day. The extent of this get together is up to you. I have seen this type of event put together as a separate event all together, catering and all, to a simple cocktail hour in the hotel bar.  This tip is not meant to give you an additional event to plan or even another budget item but rather a better chance for your guests to have a great time and make a weekend of your wedding celebration!

Mari-Beth
Gorge Events!