Today is the last day of winter, ending tonight at 10:14 pm.  I hope everyone had a Happy St. Patrick’s Day, on Saturday, 3/17/12.  It’s hard to get enough corned beef and cabbage…in my book.

And a bit of tooth trivia on this National Poultry Day, from the Spokane Regional Health District:  Every March 19^th, the swallows return to California’s Mission San Capistrano, after spending the winter in Argentina.  Swallows, like all modern birds, have no teeth.  They “chew” their food by swallowing tiny bits of gravel.  The gravel chews the food internally.  The last time that a bird-like creature could actually bite was about 90 million years ago.

My wife, son, and I went to visit Carroll College in Helena, Montana this past weekend.  As a graduating senior, he is in search of the perfect fit for his college education.  We were extremely impressed with the curriculum, professors, and campus.  Located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, the setting was more beautifully pristine than any campus I had ever seen.  The weather was clear and crisp and the students and faculty were warm and welcoming.

We toured the campus and visited all buildings.  My son is considering pre-med as his initial direction and Carroll has an unmatched record for placement in Medical schools for graduating seniors from Northwest US colleges.  The small size (1,500 students) and personalized student-to-faculty ratio (13:1) make it an excellent institution for higher education.  The Carroll College fighting Saints have won the national title in football for their division 6 of the last 10 years.  And, the ecumenical atmosphere in this diocesan college makes it appear that mental, physical, and spiritual growth is part and parcel of the learning process.

The six things that Carroll College and its faculty and staff aim to instill in its graduates are for them to:

1. Continue learn and search for truth
2. Develop and exercise thinking skills
3. Become and practice effective communication
4. Always see the connectedness in the world around us
5. Always keep a focus on physical, emotional, and spiritual strength building
6. Graduate with a sense of vocation and a willingness and desire to give back to the community.

I would encourage anyone seeking an excellent undergraduate education to consider Carroll College in Helena, Montana.

While in Helena, Montana’s capitol, we went to the Cathedral of St. Helena, the Capitol Building, and Montana Historical Museum.  Of course we saw Indian artifacts, gold mining maps, Charlie Russell paintings, and bronzes, dinosaur bones, and a white buffalo.  We also saw a giant mastodon tooth.  Elephants have teeth like mastodons but have only four, which re-grow six times during their life.

Happy Spring!

Keep brushing and flossing,

Dr. James G. Hood

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Dental Care Associates of Spokane Valley, P.S.
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Welcomes Patients
from Age 2 to 102!

James G. Hood, D.D.S., M.A.
507 North Sullivan Road, Suite A-1
Spokane Valley, WA 99037-8576  USA
Phone: (509) 928-9100  |  Fax: (509) 928-0414
Email: drhood@drhood.com

Websites: www.drhood.com
www.dentalcareassociatesofspokanevalley.com
Blogs: www.drjamesghoodblog.com
www.dentalhealthandnutritionblog.com
www.dentalcareassociatesofspokanevalleyblog.com
www.jamesandkarenhoodfoundationblog.org
www.sjogrensblog.org
Online Store: www.dentalhealthandnutritionstore.com

The Getaway Studio

The Getaway Studio Tasting Room and Bed and Breakfast is located in beautiful Greenacres, Washington near Spokane Valley. At Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc. away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we offer a completely furnished one-bedroom apartment to accommodate four, with a full kitchen and washer and dryer for overnight guests. Our bed and breakfast welcomes guests traveling alone, a romantic couple’s getaway, a group, or a family. Authors are welcome to come and write, cooks are welcome to come and cook, and weary travelers are welcome simply to rest and relax.

The Getaway Studio Tasting Room and Bed and Breakfast is nestled on the east side of Spokane Valley, Washington. You will find a completely furnished apartment decorated to reflect a country getaway and has the following amenities: a private bath, shower and tub; your own private entrance; and a complete kitchen with dishes, stove, cook top, microwave, refrigerator/freezer, toaster, electric pan, deck barbeque, coffee pot, and dining table. There is a comfortable king-size bed in a private bedroom plus a queen sleeper sofa in the living room, flat screen High Definition TV/VCR with movie channels, and electric AC/heat in addition to a gas fireplace.

Guests staying in the Getaway Studio are welcome to all the facilities at Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc. All guests are greeted each morning with our hot Getaway Studio breakfast featuring your choice of a breakfast casserole or quiche, fresh baked goods, cereal, old-fashioned oatmeal, fruit, juice, fresh roast coffee, and assorted teas. All this for $149.00 (plus tax) per night based on double occupancy and $15.00 for each additional occupant. Breakfast is included in this rate. The Getaway Studio guestroom is suitable for children. Our unit is family and pet friendly.

Getaway Studio is one of the few accommodations in the area that provide full concierge services. No matter what you are looking for, Getaway Studio and Dining Room is the ideal location for your small party, reading, or getaway. In-house massage is also available by advance appointment only.

The view from the Getaway Studio

In the morning, with a cup of coffee or tea in hand, walk along the country lane and enjoy the Icelandic horses, Nubian goats, Fainting goats, Babydoll Southdown sheep, geese, ducks, and chickens in the pastures. We offer a unique opportunity for our guests to enjoy premiere bird watching around our 30-acre farm, which is designated as an official Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary. In the babbling creek that runs across the back of our property, you can enjoy native plants and animals that come to visit for a cool retreat. Fall brings the orchard harvest and apple cider press. During the summer months, swim in our outdoor pool or relax in the hot tub. In the evening, stretch out on a lawn chair on the private patio and view the sky exploding with stars. Strolling on our property, one enjoys the beautiful gardens, panoramic views of Spokane Valley and Mica Peak, and the beauty of Washington’s quiet countryside.

Getaway Studio is in close proximity to many outdoor activities including fishing, swimming, horseback riding, hiking, skiing, and hundreds of miles of ATV and snowmobile trails. Spend your time here enjoying the great outdoors, or relaxing in a lounge chair under the orchard trees. A hot tub is also on the grounds for your enjoyment. We also have a 42 x 22 foot outside pool and a 10 foot spa with back waterfall.

In less than five minutes, you can be in “downtown” Greenacres to visit the quaint shops, or Spokane Valley to visit the Spokane Valley Mall. There are 76 lakes within 50 miles of our farm. Thirty minutes west is downtown Spokane and the University district. Be sure to see the Spokane Falls, a series of spectacular waterfalls that run through the downtown portion of the river, along with many other tourist attractions while in Spokane. Thirty minutes east is Coeur D’Alene, Idaho. Coeur d’Alene offers a range of activities, some designed to stimulate the urban escapist seeking extreme adventure, while other activities bring family members together for a vacation filled with fun and relaxation. Downtown Coeur d’Alene features over 100 merchants in a 6-block area, and 7 art galleries in a seven-block area. Owner-operators offer unique, eclectic treasures, which are truly a shopper’s dream. Culinary delights abound whether your tastes lean toward fresh Northwest salmon, Idaho potato pizza, huckleberry pancakes or a juicy Priest River buffalo steak. With award winning chefs and sidewalk vendors, there is something for every palate. What better way to cap your day in Coeur d’Alene than with a Northwest microbrew or a selection from a world-renowned wine cellar? It is well worth the short drive.

Overnight stabling at Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc. is available for guest horses. Our barn has four indoor stalls and four outdoor paddocks to rest and exercise your tired horses. Bring your horses to stopover and find some exciting trails through our nearby beautiful Inland Northwest Washington mountains. Ride from the property. We also have pet friendly facilities, and your pets are always welcome when you stay at the Getaway Studio.

Off in the distance, we have geese, ducks, and chickens and raise organic eggs for our guests. We also are proud of our goat dairy and delicious goat milk, goat cheese, butter, candies, and soaps. Throughout the year, stay with us for reading, writing, cooking, walking, biking, horseback riding, or just a quiet time away from home. Guests can relax in the sitting room with a good book, watch a movie from our video library, or warm themselves by the fire with a cup of hot cider. Stargazing is at its best when submerged in the outdoor spa.

Fall at Mountain Valley View Farm

Seasonal Activities

Spring: Winter snow gives way to lush fruit orchards and fresh farm foods. The Spokane Valley opens up to fishing, mountain biking, white-water rafting, and spring skiing and snowmobiling in nearby locations. Spring is beautiful in the Spokane area, bringing with it an abundance of flowering trees and lilacs. Visit Finch Arboretum or Manito Park to experience the best of Spring foliage.

Summer: Long summer days and warm nights enable backpackers and those on horseback to explore neighboring public lands. About 6 miles from our farm, you will find Dishman Hills Natural Resources Conservation Area which is a 530 acre area protected by a combination of public and non-profit groups located in Spokane County. A must see for birdwatchers.

Fall: In September and October, Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc. is at the height of fall foliage. A must for photographers. Fall also brings the time of year for our apple orchard harvest. Days are pleasantly cool, and there are many fun autumn activities in the area, including corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and hay rides.

Winter: Skiing and snowboarding from Mount Spokane and the area’s many other ski resorts. The Inland Northwest is a winter sports enthusiast’s dream, with five well-known and excellent ski peaks within an hour’s drive of the Getaway Studio. With so many options available, you are guaranteed to find a ski run to tickle your fancy, whether you are a beginning skier looking for lessons or an old pro looking for a challenge. Snowmobiling and sledding are also popular winter activities in the area.

Guest Information

* Horse Accommodations: Fenced turnout areas are available for guest horses. $10.00 per night per horse. Hay and grain is available for an additional charge.

* RV & Tent Camping: $25.00 per night. $35.00 per night w/electrical hook-up.

* Getaway Studio is suitable for children. Our unit is family friendly.

* Your pet is welcome with prior approval. There is a $10.00 per night pet fee, please check with us when making reservations.

* Check-In time: 3:00 p.m.

* Check-Out time: 11:00 a.m.

* Reservations are guaranteed with a Credit Card number for pre-payment of one night’s stay. Call 509-928-8900 for reservations.

* Cancellations require 7 days notice to receive full refund.

*Getaway Studio Dining Room and Supper Club can be reserved ahead for small groups. Call ahead and let us know how we can help you.

Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc.
Your Source for Northwest Farm Fresh Foods Shipped Worldwide

4301 South Chapman Road
Greenacres, Washington 99016-8732 USA
Phone (509) 928-1800 | Fax (509) 922-9949

www.mountainvalleyviewfarm.com
www.mountainvalleyviewfarmstore.com
Email: sales@mountainvalleyviewfarm.com

Blog with us at www.mountainvalleyviewfarmblog.com

Mountain Valley View Farm Hours:
Monday – Saturday (PST) 8:00 a.m. – Noon
Closed Noon – 1:00 p.m. Daily
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (PST)

Other farm hours by advance appointment only.
Please call (509) 928-1800 to schedule an appointment.

Getaway Studio and Tasting Room
Phone (509) 928-8900

Directions to Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc.

From I-90 East or West

Take the Sullivan Exit (291B) – South for about 3 miles
Turn left on Saltese (east)
Continue straight for .5 miles (east)
Turn right at South Chapman Road (south)
Keep going south (.9 miles)
The farm will be on the left hand side of the road – 4301 Chapman Road

by Karen Jean Matsko Hood

Dear Readers,

Today we woke up to more snow in Spokane, and it is simply beautiful! Of course, it is not such good news for drivers. There are always a lot of fender benders in this kind of weather, which is always worrisome, especially when there are young drivers on the road. The Weather Channel reports that a lot more snow is on the way over the next ten days, and temperatures will dip below zero on several days, creating icy driving conditions. So even as you enjoy all the fun opportunities the winter weather provides–whether you are skiing, sledding, or just frolicking in the snowbanks–do drive carefully, and be sure to check out the safety tips below!

Cheers,
Karen

Driving in Snow and Ice

Source: Weather.com

The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it.

Don’t go out until the snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination.

If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is prepared (TIPS), and that you know how to handle road conditions.

It’s helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot, so you’re familiar with how your car handles. Consult your owner’s manual for tips specific to your vehicle.

Driving safely on icy roads

1. Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
2. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
3. Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
4. Keep your lights and windshield clean.
5. Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
6. Don’t use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
7. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
8. Don’t pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you’re likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
9. Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

If your rear wheels skid…

1. Take your foot off the accelerator.
2. Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they’re sliding right, steer right.
3. If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
4. If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
5. If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

If your front wheels skid…

1. Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don’t try to steer immediately.
2. As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in “drive” or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

If you get stuck…

1. Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
2. Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
3. Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
4. Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
5. Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.
6. Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner’s manual first — it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you’re in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.