Yesterday morning, Bubba the snowman underwent a transformation to become "Bubba-ette"! This snowgal beauty with her diamond headband, Hawaiian lei and pipe (she's quite a lady!) was the lucky charm to lead the Seahawks to their wildcard victory over the Vikings.  Wonder who will grace our meadow this week with the new falling snow?  

New Year's day dawned cold and crisp on the mountain!  This photo was sent to us from long time guests.  They shared: "From your old patrons and admirers..rogers,cook,clough and jella!. Thank you again for the magical hospitality and gift of friendship. Please extend this to your entire mth family including Erma, Carlos and Chef Ron...& ms. Millie!" 

With some fresh snow and a little handiwork we now have Jorge gracing the Lodge meadow!  Come build your snow person this winter!

The fun has begun!  December snows are here with close to 2' on the ground!  We had 15" last weekend and another 8" in Thursday-Friday am's storm.  This is my new pal Gordon made by our guests M&M here a few weeks ago celebrating a special birthday!  Come join us and make me more snow pals - Love, Millie Vanilli 

Check out Brad's first seasonal video.

The Cascades are getting their first snows the past week...elevation is dropping and we are hopeful to see snow here at the lodge any day now.  Morning temps are cold so I have my winter coat on now.  The drone was up to capture the early morning frost in the meadow and the impressive Cascades in our front yard over the weekend.  Thought you might enjoy a sneak peak as winter begins to arrive here at Mountain Home.  Brrrr... it's cold!  Warmth of the sunshine is welcome to me and the guests!  The village is socked in with river fog while we enjoy a bluebird day!  Paradise is pretty darn nice!  Love, Millie Vanilli 

Autumn 2015 

Dad's (Brad) drone shot of the autumn lodge earlier this week... then yesterday the clouds rolled in and we are having a great rain!  A pretty fall... 

From blog Food52 by Brigide this salad is perfect for fall and winter holiday menus..

Arugula,  Pear and Pomegranate Salad  Serves 6-8  

Vinaigrette:                                                                                                                                        

 1 large shallot, halved and thinly sliced                                                                                             

1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses**                                                                                                

2 tablespoons sherry or apple cider vinegar                                                                                    

 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt                                                                                                                  

 1/4 teaspoon black pepper                                                                                                              

 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

For the salad:                                                                                                                                    

 4 cups arugula, lightly packed                                                                                                            

 4 cups romaine, torn into bite-sized pieces                                                                                          

2 ripe pears, cored and cut into 1/2" cubes                                                                                      

 1/3 cup pomegranate seeds                                                                                                                   

3 ounces fresh goat cheese or feta, crumbled                                                                                   

1/4 cup pistachios, toasted and coarsely chopped

Directions:

1.  In a small bowl combine the shallot, pomegranate molasses, vinegar, salt and pepper and whisk until the salt is dissolved.  Whisk in the olive oil and let vinaigrette stand at room temperature until salad is assembled.

2.  Combine the arugula, romaine, pears and half of the pomegranate seeds in a large bowl.  Crumble half of the goat cheese over the ingredients in the bowl (this works best if the cheese is very cold).

3.  Whisk the vinaigrette until uniform and add all but 2 tablespoons of it to the bowl. Gently toss the salad with your hands or salad tongs, coating the ingredients well with the vinaigrette. If the salad seems dry, add the vinaigrette in small increments until it is dressed to your liking.

4.  Crumble the remaining cheese over the salad and sprinkle the remaining pomegranate seeds and the pistachios over the top. Serve immediately.    

 ** This is a syrup, not really a molasses.  You can purchase it or make your own by making a reduction of 100% pomegranate juice, sugar and lemon juice. 

Mom and Dad took me for a ride up the Icicle Canyon this week where we enjoyed a beautiful fall hike on the Icicle Gorge river loop trail.  It was an easy 4-mile loop stunning with fall color and sunshine.  A perfect afternoon!