P5 garden. hg HOME and GARDEN · Hood view. Property has 3 homes, all currently rented. Land is currently a working hay ranch, previously a working dairy. Land is flat & fully irrigated

hgHOME and GARDEN

Columbia Gorge News MAY 2020

P5

Adventure | Design | Food | Real Estate | Trends

4 landscaping tips for a beautiful yardPlanting flowers and shrubs can enhance your property’s curb appeal and provide you with a backyard oasis. Here are four tips to help you beautify your garden and lawn.

1. Consider flowering times. Choose plants that bloom at different times between late spring and early fall. This way you’ll have flowers to enjoy all summer long. 2. Pay attention to soil type. When selecting plants, opt for species that grow well in the type of soil on your property. This will help your garden flourish and make it easier to maintain. 3. Think about the sun. While some plants thrive in direct sunlight, others prefer shade. Select vegetation based on the amount of light your yard gets. 4. Factor in yard work. All lawns and gardens require some upkeep, but certain trees, bushes and flowers need more care than others. Make sure to choose plants based on the amount of time you have to weed, prune, water and rake.

Finally, if you want to add planters or build a deck, find out what maintenance is required. Ask about weather-resistant options at your local hardware store.

Furniture sets the tone of a garden.

JANICE BELLArome

Muter, Momma, Maji, Mom, Makuahine, Mother. They are bosses, homemakers, employees and best friends. They set everything aside to help us to become better people, without asking for reward orrecognition. They are the real cream of the crop, the golden apple, and the cherry on top. This month let’s say thank you to all those moms out there and show them a little appreciation with these Mom-inspired stories and recipes from our staff here at Arome!

Nicole’s Recipe: Graham Piea delicious Quebecois dessert commonly found in French Canadian Recipe book! Meringue Pie

1 graham cracker pie crust

3/4 cup light brown sugar

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 1/2 cup milk

3 egg yolks, slightly beaten;

keep whites for the meringue!

2 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling: In medium saucepan, combine sugars, starch and salt. Mix well. Gradually stir in milk until smooth. Over medium heat bring to boil. Boil for one-minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir half of hot mixture into egg yolks, mixing well. Pour back into saucepan. Bring back to a boil stirring for 1 minute longer. Remove from heat. Stir in butter and vanilla. Pour immediately into pie crust. Preheat oven to 400 F.

For Meringue: In medium bowl, beat egg whites at medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add in sugar 2 tablespoons at a time (about 6 tablespoons all together), beating well after each addition. Continue to beat again until soft peaks form. Spread meringue over mixture, sealing the edges. Bake 7-10 minutes or until the meringue gets golden brown. Cool (away from drafts) for about 1 hour.

2 | Home and Garden Columbia Gorge News

FOOD

Carol [email protected]

OR & WA Broker

Parkdale

$2,900,000Rare, pristine farmland & huge Mt. Hood view. Property has 3 homes, all currently rented. Land is currently a working hay ranch, previously a working dairy. Land is flat & fully irrigated. Buildings include hay shed, feeding barn w/loft, 3 cattle sheds, milking shed, chicken coop, large shop w/equipment & grain silos. Total of 162.82 acres. RMLS 20358571

$450,000Cute 2 story cottage with finished base-ment: built in 1948. 4 BR, 2 BA, 2392 sqft on a little over quarter acre lot. Located right next to Westside Elementary School field so location makes it easy to get everywhere in town. Huge backyard with raised beds, irrigation rights, large perim-eter trees. Back deck off kitchen/dining area for entertaining and privacy. 2 car attached garage. RMLS 20049521

Hood RiverHood River

$570,000One level, newer, large home w/ 3 BRs, 3 BAs, 2166 sqft on a corner lot. Lots of top of the line upgrades: rainbow granite island, quartz countertops, pantry w/access from garage, built in desk & bookshelves in office nook , engineered wood floors, gas fireplace, tankless water heater, fully fenced, sprinkler system, double sliders to patio with gas firepit and lots more. RMLS 20108772

Hood River

SOLD

$1,234,000Classic turn of the century Farmhouse built in 1908! Mt. Hood & Mt. Adams view!!! Interior: high ceilings, crown molding, hardwood floors, basement for recreation & storage. Remodeled outbuildings: Cottage guest house, 2 car detached garage, work studio/office w/hottub & sauna, general purpose barn. 19.9 acres irrigable acres for cherry & pear production. 21.69 total acres. RMLS 19121902

PENDING

Home design

Happy Mother’s Day

Janice Bell, AROME

Save money . Live better 2700 Wasco Avenue . Hood River

541-387-2300 . HOURS 7 am-8:30 pm

Lawn & Garden Department!everything to create a backyard paradiseflowers, plants, patio furniture, pillows, colorful pots,

bistro lights, grills & accessories, lawnmowers, outdoor power equipment and so much more ...

SHOP THE

“The kitchen is where my mother and I connect. It’s

where I learned of family traditions and secrets. A place

where my grandmother shared stories and recipes from

her childhood, my mother shared from hers, and now

a place where I am creating my own.”

— Ryli, Store Manager

“I started collecting family recipes in high school in

a journal my great aunt gave me. In the early years

the recipes were pretty simple. These chocolate

scotcheroos were a favorite 4-H meeting treat that

my mom would make for us.” — Janice, Owner

“I have so many memories with my mom in the

kitchen. I remember every time we made cookies in

the house. We helped in ways that we were good

at like licking the spoon and propping up right in

front of the oven on this tiny bench to watch the

cookies bake! The super old sheet pan mixed with

the shortening-based cookies made for a burnt

bottom, crunchy cookie that I crave still to this day.

My mom is an excellent baker — unbaked chocolate

peanut butter brownies, zucchini crisp, graham pie,

apple crisp! Thinking back makes me want to be a

child again.” — Mae, sales floor

Columbia Gorge News May 2020 | 3

DESIGNA S K A D E S I G N E R

Ashley Hinkle, NEFF DESIGNS

Photos courtesy of Ashley Hinkle

ASHLEY NEFF-HINKLENeff Designs

If you are like me and you’ve been confined to your home for the last 30-plus days, you have

taken a good look at your home. I know I sure have. As the days start to blur together, I’ve made

a list of things I’ll do differently for our next new home. (It’s far out in the horizon, but still out

there.) What works for you? (Here are a few examples from my list)• I like my kitchen layout / design• Hardwood flooring• Abundance of windows What doesn’t?• A two-story layout. While I knew our next home would be a single level, this time at home as reinforced it more than ever. I hate constantly going up and down the stairs.• The fact that my office is right next to my baby’s bedroom. Since she and I are home together every day, I cannot make a phone call in my office if she is sleeping next door. She is a light sleeper and wakes every time. This makes working while she’s sleeping very difficult. The only thing harder is working when she’s awake.

Your list will look different than mine, but if you haven’t taken inventory of what you like and don’t like about your home, now is a great time. Most of us have rarely spent so much time in our houses. One way to think about it is our homes are being given a stress test. We’re finding all the “rough edges” and how they affect us. So, look at what works and doesn’t. Do you have enough storage space in your kitchen? Do you find yourself and your family staying in just a few areas of the house while staying clear of other interior spaces? Invest in your home. Some people may not have the resources to put a little extra into their home and that’s okay. These are weird times and it’s completely understandable. Others are continuing to build a new home or remodel. Everyone’s situation and experiences are different, but few of us are unchanged. This pandemic has shaped my design perspective.• One area I now consider more strongly is designing for multiple common areas. People can be home together and still be in different lounge areas. • It has also reinforced my continuing value to love your home. I’m very happy with the space we live in and I’m very grateful. If you don’t love your space, let’s create a space you don’t mind isolating in!• Family has always been my highest priority and this pandemic and strengthened that belief. Design a home that accommodates each member of your family. These are trying times. But we will get through this and we will move forward. In the meantime, put some thought into how this is affecting how you use your home and what changes, big or small, you may want to consider when we’re back closer to normal. Until then, I’m here if you need a virtual design consult or want to get on my calendar for an in-home consult at a later date.

Ashley Neff-Hinkle is a local White Salmon resident servicing clients design needs in new construction and remodeling. To learn more visit www.neff-designs.com.

Home design during isolation ...

STEVE WOLFSr. Mortgage Specialist

541.490.2897

OR NMLS-114305; WA MLO-114305

[email protected]

JEFF SACRESr. Mortgage Specialist

541.806.1556

NMLS-140302, MLO-140302

[email protected]

541.436.2662 directorsmortgage.com

102 3rd StreetHood River, OR 97031

ASK US ABOUT OURADVANTAGEPRE-APPROVAL!

This is not a commitment to lend. Information deemed reliable but subject to change without notice. Subject to credit approval. Restrictions may apply. Call for Details. Consumer Loan License NMLS-3240, CL-3240.


541.490.2897

OR NMLS-114305; WA MLO-114305

[email protected]


541.806.1556

NMLS-140302, MLO-140302

[email protected]






541.490.2897

OR NMLS-114305; WA MLO-114305

[email protected]


541.806.1556

NMLS-140302, MLO-140302

[email protected]





Photo by Jen Jones Co.

Photo by Jen Jones Co.


FOODT H E B E S T W A Y T O S T A R T Y O U R D A Y

rowan house | hood river

www.allensfinewoodworking.comFor information (541) 354-1800

Visit our showroom at:216 Cascade Avenue

Hood River, OR 97031WA #ALLENFW997JQOR CCB #129075

Family owned business for over 55 years

3745 Eagle Loop, Hood River541-354-1163 www.coburnelec.com

Residential, Commercial & Industrial

Coburn Electric services the residential clients with the same high quality of work that we provide our

commercial and industrial clients. We stress the importance of thinking safety in the home; if a problem

arises, never avoid the issue, thinking it will just go away. This can cause significant damage to your

property or worse yet physical damage to you or your loved ones. Coburn Electric will find the problem and

why it occurred, which is imperative, to preventing a shock, or even fire.

Where can I get a compost

bin?

Are my cleaning

chemicals safe?

What can I recycle?

How do I get rid of old

medicines?

how can I reduce waste

at home?

Questions? Ask! Your “Trash Talk” Headquarters

tricountyrecycle.com 541-506-2636

Hazardous Waste & Recycling Program

You’ve probably heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but have you ever wondered why? Here are some of the benefits provided by eating a healthy breakfast.

Restore your energy The time between dinner and breakfast tends to be the longest period that your body goes without fuel. Eating in the morning will help revive your brain and muscles and give you the push you need to go about your day. If you don’t eat breakfast, your body will draw on its energy reserves instead, which can increase your level of fatigue.

Improve your performanceEating breakfast has a direct impact on your cognitive and physical performance throughout the day. Numerous studies from around the world indicate that eating a healthy breakfast improves academic performance and enhances hand-eye coordination.

Maintain your weightSkipping breakfast makes it more likely that you’ll snack during the day and may consequently increase your risk for obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. Plus, studies show that people who start the day with a healthy breakfast have an easier time losing weight and are less likely to be overweight in the first place.

Eating breakfast should be a daily habit. In addition to restoring your energy, im-proving your performance and maintaining your weight, it makes it more likely that you’ll make healthy choices throughout the day.

Let’s dobreakfast

Granola and berry parfaitThis dish is wholesome, delicious and easy to

prepare. Serve it at a festive breakfast with

family and friends or any time you’d like to

indulge in a decadent morning meal.

Start to finish: 1 hour (10 minutes active)Servings: 6

Ingredients• 4 cups rolled oats• 1/4 cup hulled sunflower seeds• 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped• 1/2 cup peanuts, roughly chopped• 1/2 cup almonds, roughly chopped• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds• 1 teaspoon cinnamon• 1 teaspoon salt• 1/2 cup maple syrup• 1/2 cup olive oil• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract• 1/2 cup grated coconut• 17 ounces frozen mixed berries• 1/2 cup sugar• 23 ounces plain Greek yogurt• A few fresh raspberries• A few fresh mint leaves

Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 350 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, sunflower seeds, walnuts, peanuts, almonds, poppy seeds, cinnamon and salt. 3. In another bowl, combine the maple syrup, olive oil and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and stir well to incorporate. 4. Pour the mixture on the prepared pan and press using a spatula to ensure an even layer. Bake for 12 minutes. 5. Add the coconut and stir well. Press down again with a spatula and bake for another 12 minutes. Let cool completely on the baking sheet. 6. While the granola is cooling, combine the frozen berries and sugar in a small pot. Cook over high heat until the sugar has dissolved. Lower the heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes or until the berries have mostly broken down. Using a hand blender, puree the mixture until smooth. 7. Once the granola has cooled completely, break it up into chunks with your hands or use a wooden spoon. 8. Using six small drinking glasses, pour about half a cup of yogurt into each. Add 1/4 cup of the berry puree, followed by 1/4 cup of yogurt. Top each glass with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the granola and garnish with a few raspberries and mint leaves.

This recipe can easily be made vegan or gluten free by using vegan yogurt and certified gluten-free oats.

Columbia Gorge News May 2020 | 5

TREND

GARY AKIYAMA, CPIAAkiyama Financial Services, LLC

We are going through unprecedented times with the

volatility of the stock market, headlines of massive

unemployment not seen since the Great Depression,

possible deep recession, and, of course, a global

pandemic.

So the question is, how are you sleeping at night? That begs the question and concern of what is available in these uncertain times that can guarantee me that I will not lose any money, less what I may pull out. One should consider a fixed annuity. Fixed annuities guarantee your money will earn at least a minimum interest rate. Fixed annuities may earninterest at a higher rate than the minimum but only the minimum rate is guaranteed. The insurance company set the rate. Money in a fixed deferred annuity earns interest at a rate the insurer sets. The rate is fixed ( won’t change ) for some period

of time. After that rate period ends, the insurance company will set another fixed interest rate for the next period. That rate could be higher or lower than the earlier rate. Fixed deferred annuities do have a guaranteed minimum interest rate, the lowest rate the annuity can earn. It’s stated in your contract and disclosure and can’t change as long as you own the annuity. Ask about: 1) The initial interest rate — what is the rate? How long until it changes? 2) The renewal interest rate — when will it be announced? How will the insurance company tell you what the new rate will be?

Gary Akiyama was born and raised in Hood River and is a Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA) and a member of the National Ethics Association (NEA). For more information, call 800-620-0950 or email [email protected].

Does Guaranteed Income Make Sense?

Gary Akiyama, CPIA, AKIYAMA FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC

HAVE A CD RENEWING?

Offering Safety & Security... with options!

Product offered by Equitable Life & Casualty Insurance Company PO BOX 2460, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110-2460 888-352-5178 Fax: 888-352-5126 www.Equilife.com Surrender charges & market value adjustment may apply to withdrawals made during the guarantee period. Interest rates as of April 1, 2020 and are subject to change without notice. Equitable Secure Savings™ is a product of the insurance industry and not guaranteed by any bank nor insured by FDIC or NCUA/NCUSIF. Not a deposit. Not insured by a

federal government agency. Restrictions apply. Policy must be surrendered within 30 days following the guarantee period or policy will automatically renew. May only be offered by a licensed insurance agent. Available in all states except: CA, MN, NJ, and NY.

ELC-SS-HRN 042020

Gary Akiyama, CPIAAkiyama Financial Services, LLC

GUARANTEED FOR 5 YEARS! 800-620-0950or 503-504-7462

Don’t wait! Call today!

AFTER THAT, WALK AWAY, NO PENALTY!

2.852.85%% WINDERMERE REAL ESTATE COLUMBIA RIVER GORGETHE DALLES122 E 2nd St.

WHITE SALMON216 E Jewett

HOOD RIVER504 Cascade Ave

BINGEN106 W Steuben

HOOD RIVER315 Oak St.

STEVENSON220 SW Second St.

CASCADE LOCKS651 Wanapa

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT541-386-7368

REAL ESTATE: WWW.THEGORGE.WITHWRE.COM PROPERTY MANAGEMENT: WWW.WINDERMEREGORGERENTALS.COM

Extraordinary is our ordinaryAll in, for the Columbia River Gorge

Photo by Rob Radcliffe

Proud Members of the National Association of Realtors® Equal Housing Opportunity

360.909.9503neff-designs.com

• Start to Finish New Construction• Remodel Design• Furnishing

Professional and reliable service to help you craft high quality custom interiors.

Call to schedule your design consultation today!

360 909 9503neff-designs.com

G O R G E I N T E R I O R D E S I G N S E R V I C E S

Furniture sets the tone of a garden. It tells you what the space is used for. A garden without furniture is like a bedroom without a bed. To change the look of your garden, maybe all you need is to change the furniture. Replace a basic dining setting with a luxurious, outdoor lounge and you will find the entire backyard transformed. Many stores, provide a huge range of outdoor furniture to choose from. Some new chairs placed strategically could be all your garden needs for a complete makeover. HomeBunch

KIM CHAMNESSWindermere Real Estate

Well, spring is in full swing and with all the extra time

on our hands, I am sure your yard is looking amazing!

Typically spring signals the beginning of the busy real

estate market with many new listings coming online

everyday. When looking at March over last year Hood

River County listings are actually up 23.6%, pending

sales are up 12.5% and homes sold are up 13.3%. For

those of you that recall, the market was behind about a

month due to a late snow storm in 2019. I would liken

this pandemic to a giant snow storm. The snow started

falling and falling fast and businesses had to close

and people got “snowed in” much like what we are

experiencing now.

Unfortunately, this “snow storm” is having catastrophic effects on the economy and has put us squarely in a reces-sion. Of course when people hear the “R” word, they reflect back on the last recession which was devastating for so many and brings back a sense of fear about what is next. The last one was a tornado, not a snow storm, and it uprooted trees, flattened buildings and wrecked lives. It took years to rebuild and regroup. It is important to remember the last recession was caused by the housing market but the current recession is the result of a virus. With this pandemic, much like a snow storm, the snow will stop falling and will begin to melt and slowly we will return to work and life.

The real estate market likely will not be significantly impacted by our current situation other that we are getting a late start on our season. In fact, Economists believe that we will have a robust real estate market during the 3rd and 4th quarters and buyer demand will still out pace supply (listings) all driven by low inventory the past few years and record low interest rates. We will likely see rates at, and perhaps below, three percent going forward. So enough about the economy, let’s look at what you can do now to position your home to sell once “the snow melts”. For most of us, we have more time on our hands than we ever imagined and if your plan is to sell your home this year I have some suggestions on projects to ready your property. First impressions start at the curb. Tidy up the yard by edging grass, freshen up bark dust, add some color and get rid of debris and yard ornaments. Pressure washing walkways, porches and decks will bring the exterior of you home out of the winter doldrums and welcome potential buyers. Stand back and ask yourself if the front porch is welcoming, clean and bright or is it dingy and cluttered? Perhaps a fresh color on the front door and a couple of flower pots will draw visitors in. Now on to the inside to create a space that buyers can see themselves living in. If you are planning on selling your home, you are moving and what do you do when you move.....youPACK. Take this time to de-clutter, deep clean and pack away items you do not use on a regular basis. Neatly stack boxes in a corner of the garage or in a spare bedroom closet out of the way. When doing spring cleaning you move furniture, so save a step and look at your furniture arrangement and how it contributes to the overall flow of your home. Don’t forget to look up at ceiling fans and light fixtures for those winter dust bunnies and get down low and clean those baseboards. In The Gorge we have so many beautiful views and if your house appreciates a fabulous view, highlight this asset by cleaning

the windows inside and out. Last but not least, take in a deep breath and what do you smell? Think about having carpets, rugs and furniture cleaned to lessen possible pet odors or just a spring refresh on all of your soft surfaces. Real estate is in transition like many businesses and we are figuring it out as we go with the new way of doing business. Now that you have done your part to list your home, it is time to call your trusted real estate professional to discuss current market conditions, marketing plan and whether to list now or when we are a little further out of the “snow storm”. Timing is going to be important so contact your local real estate broker and create a timeline that will best position your home to sell.

GORGE REAL ESTATE

Kim ChamnessPrincipal Broker, OR / Managing Broker, WA

WINDERMERE REAL ESTATEColumbia River Gorge


GARDEN

[email protected] Annala

541-490-5099 BROKER-OR BROKER-WA

Home Improvement GuideGORGE

Do you offer home improvement services?

• Repair• Installation• SalesLicensed in OR No. 28228WA 6010535447

(541) 386-5250 • (541) [email protected]

Brandon Barnard

Mid-ColumbiaOVERHEAD DOOR

Advertise on our Home Improvement Page! Contact: [email protected] | Suzette, Niki P., Tom, Nikki B., Jody and Chelsea

COLUMBIA GORGE NEWS | The Dalles Chronicle 541-296-2141 | Hood River News 541-386-1234

OSU Hood River Extension Master

Gardener Plant Clinics to be held virtually

OSU Hood River County Extension Central Gorge Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who are available to help with home gardening questions. Master Gardeners have received training through the winter months from OSU professors and state-wide experts on topics of botany, entomology, soil science, plant diseases, pest control, weed management and more. OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers are now ready to research and offer suggestions for your home garden related questions throughout the 2020 growing season. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, Hood River County Master Gardener Plant Clinics will be held virtually. To receive help for your home gardening questions, go to extension.ore-gonstate.edu/mg/hoodriver to complete and submit the Plant Clinic Submission Form. If you prefer to call, you can leave a message at the Central Gorge Master Gardener Plant Clinic Office, 541-386-3343 ext. 39259 and a Central Gorge Master Gardener volunteer will call you back during Plant Clinics on Mondays and Thursdays. Central Gorge Master Gardeners provide Plant Clinics to home gardeners from April through October each year. For year round answers to your home gardening questions, contact OSU Ask An Expert at extension.oregonstate.edu/ask-expert. Master Gardener volunteers and OSU staff will gather information from you about your gardening issue, inspect the photo that you provide and do research before offering information about your issue and suggested solutions. Photos showing the extent of the disease/damage are helpful. For pest problems, photograph the pest for accurate identification and control suggestions. It may be necessary to search at night with a flashlight to catch nocturnal pests. Placing your pest sample in the freezer for 30 minutes before photographing it will keep it still for it’s portrait. Please provide top and bottom views and several angles of the pest. For easier identification, be sure that your photos are close up and in focus. For other pests, photograph leaves, stems and branches where the pests have collected on the plant. Place a tape measure or object like a coin or dollar bill next to the pest or sample

in your photograph for size reference. You can expect your question(s) to be researched and receive a reply with diagnosis and suggestions that will empower you to make an informed decision in about a week, possibly two depending on the volume of client questions that are being researched at the time. Common and seasonal questions are often answered more rapidly. Central Gorge Master Gardener Plant Clinics are a free service offered through the OSU Hood River County Extension Service and are a valuable resource for all home gardeners to help you to learn and grow as a gardener.

Sandi Rousseau demonstrates how a virtual plant clinic will run.Photo by Tom Rousseau

What type of fruit should you grow?Fruit-bearing trees, shrubs and plants are easy to grow and can add visual interest to your yard

with their vibrant foliage and flowers. Here’s what to plant based on various preferences.

If you want a harvest this summerTo enjoy your fruit within a few months, opt for fast-growing plants. A few examples include strawberries, raspberries, ground cherries, cantaloupes and watermelons.

If you want long-lasting producersIf you’re willing to be patient, plant a perennial tree or shrub that has a long life but only bears fruit after a few years. Apricot trees and blackberry bushes take about two years to produce fruit. For blueberries, pears and apples, you’ll need to wait three years. Plum trees take six years.

If you want unique but delicious berriesIf you want to plant fruit that’s a little out of the ordinary, try black currants, Arctic kiwis or Saskatoon berries. These berries are great for making mouth-watering jams.

Keep in mind that some trees and shrubs only bear fruit if there’s a second plant nearby to pollinate it. If you want to grow apples, for example, you’ll need to plant two trees.

Documents

P5 garden. hg HOME and GARDEN · Hood view. Property has 3 homes, all currently rented. Land is currently a working hay ranch, previously a working dairy. Land is flat & fully irrigated