Fun Monday - The Blues Define Us

There are many things I thought about sharing that could tell you so much about my little corner of the world. When I first moved here 38 years ago, the local growers of Italian descent were famous for their sweet onions. They still grow them, but the wineries are now the tourist draw. Perhaps people grab a bag of onions when they are in season to compliment their wine purchases. That thought makes me giggle.

The rolling wheat fields are picturesque and for many years the backbone of our agricultural economy.

There's the state penitentiary on the hill that houses many guests who would prefer to be somewhere far away.

One university and two colleges keep the town filled with energy in learning, music, and art. One can't walk down the street without being influenced by the culture of youth.

But, the one thing that stands tall above them all are the beautiful Blue Mountains. They are the arms of the seasons that wrap us in their ever changing embrace. They are the giver of streams of living water flowing through the lush valley. They roll their foothills out as a green carpet entrance to any and all who would venture up and in.

The Blues define my valley.

I present to you slide show of photos I've taken over the past few years.


The Blues from pamela on Vimeo.


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If you want to play - sign up on the post below.

And DO WE HAVE A VOLUNTEER FOR NEXT WEEK?

Comments

Desert Songbird said…
Absolutely lovely. Thanks for sharing your corner of the world.
Anonymous said…
Bluetiful !
Love the one with the birdy.
May I come over for coffee and enjoy your "bliews?" (That's blue+views)
karisma said…
Lovely! Onions or Wine, Hmmmmmmm, I know which one I would rather! haha! Thanks for hosting, Im looking forward to visiting everyone!
Gattina said…
I didn't know that Washington (or is it the State) has such a beautiful landscape and mountains around ! It looks like a vacation place to me and if the Italian descendents are growing wine now .... hic !
Peter said…
Great post about a nice place to live, unless you are one of the detainees!!
Beckie said…
Wow - they look a little different up close. We can see them on a clear day, but it's not quite the same.
bichonpawz said…
Very beautiful pictures....what gorgeous views you have!! That is awful....about your poor little kitty!
Hootin Anni said…
Hello Pamela! First, thanks for hosting this week...and such a wonderful theme you've made for us. It's going to be delightful visiting the Fun Monday'ers!!

Love the mountain scenes you've shared.

My photos of the 'culture' and scenery is posted for my area now if you'd like to stop by.
Jientje said…
Wow, how beautiful!! Those mountains ARE really blue!! Stunning!
You're blessed to live in such a beautiful corner of the world!
Mine is up now too, enjoy!
Anonymous said…
Beautiful pics! Blue is my favorite color.

And thanks for your lovely and insightful comment on my post! Even though I didn't say it, YES! You are right! Cabin fever sets in in earnest round about now (though Mother Nature has given us a few days' respite) and I am indeed feeling trapped in snowy, freezing DC. (Trouble with DC is, it rarely snows enough to really shut everything down. We usually get enough snow so that traffic is a mess, but we're still expected to get out and get to work. Blah!)

Finally - my apologies, I signed up in a hurry and didn't realize that you were using Mr Linky. Thanks for adding me anyway!
Molly said…
Lovely, those mountains do look blue in some of the pictures. Even though I have not been that far west, I did imagine that you live in a beautiful part of the country with varieties of birds.:)
Sayre said…
I want to live there!!! Breath-taking!
MarmiteToasty said…
Wow Pam you live in the most gorgeous of places.... fanks for sharing....

x
Shelby said…
WOW!!! Stunning place. I have never been to Washington. But I will.

I'm in awe. I'm so glad you posted those.
Hayden said…
wow, such calm and majesty! wonderful!
Anonymous said…
Thanks for giving us a glimpse of such a beutiful part of the U.S. I have never been to Washington state, but would love to visit sometime. Thanks again for hosting FM this week.
Jan said…
Great post about your area. I love all your photos, yes, it does seem a "blue" region. You should really be getting a commission from the tourist board.
Jill said…
I have lived in a college town and know the vibrancy and trouble it brings! I think with wine and onions you could make a great saute dish! It's so interesting to hear about where other people live!
Junebug said…
Absolutely beautiful! We also have a penitentiary here.
I'm pretty sure that is the reason the song says "purple mountains majesty."
Anonymous said…
I miss the Blues....especially on those days when they just have a slight dusting of white on the top.
Susie said…
Gorgeous photos! Can't choose just one favorite..
It looks like such a scenic area in which to live!
xo
Anonymous said…
I'd love to live near mountains. Great pictures.
ChrisB said…
Lovely slide show. You live near to some beautiful scenery. I had to come and take a peep.
I'm still hoping to get this one done later in the week (when I get home).
Jenni said…
This is beautiful, Pamela!

I've finally got my post up. Better late than never, I guess.
LadyStyx said…
Ok, Im officially jealous now. Love the pix!
willowtree said…
Great pics Pam, but that music had me waiting for someone to try and sell me either a funeral plan or a pack of Depends.
Anonymous said…
Wow Pam! thanks for hosting. I am sorry that I was too late to participate, over the weekend i had military duty and then Monday I had to take Henry for his cardio check up I apologize
Anonymous said…
Great photos Pamela. We have mountains near us called the blue mountains, they look blue because of the eucalyptus oil in the trees.
Unknown said…
Pamela, I can totally see why you stay there! Beautiful!
Kaytabug said…
Simply magnificent!!! Beautiful!!!
Anonymous said…
Beautiful photos, thank you for sharing your neck of the woods, err, hills!

Our area is defined by Lake Winnebago, the nation's second largest inland freshwater lake, at 28 miles long by 11 miles wide. This coming weekend there will be a sturgeon spearing season on the lake, one of few places in the world where it is possible.
Hilary said…
Lovely photos of a beautiful place. You did a great job of combining them with the music.
darkfoam said…
beautiful! i love your blues ..
i live in the foothills of blue too ..
the blue ridge mountains ..
BlondeBlogger said…
I hope this doesn't come off as sounding sappy, but I just have to tell you what I come away with after seeing your pictures.

I love how you see the beauty in everything that surrounds you. That's what jumps out at me when I see your photos. It's things that we would normally take for granted or just walk by and not notice.

But you obviously see the bigger picture and the beauty that God's creation holds. It shows in your photos, and by sharing it with us, you open our eyes to that beauty. I love that about you!
Wendster said…
Amen, Blonde Blogger ... amen!!! And shall we add how much is added to the scenery by Pamela's most excellent writing skills?

That makes you the "total" package, Pamela. :>)
Anonymous said…
Gorgeous photos and wonderful slide show. Makes me want to come for a visit.

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