Autumn in northeast Oregon has been unusually warm and Thanksgiving weekend followed that trend. That meant lots of sunshine to entice people outdoors. It was a great weekend for walking, birdwatching, horseback riding and driving around Union County to sightsee. Grass is still growing in the fields and on the hillsides, drawing wildlife into the open on farms and at the Ladd Marsh wildlife area. Grab your camera and binoculars and head for the nearest country road or the public access area of Ladd Marsh on Peach Road. New signs at the public access area are the work of La Grande Eagle Scout,

The nice weather also made it fun and easy to Christmas shop in all of the wonderful specialty shops in La Grande, Union and Elgin.  The shops are bursting with an amazing array of holiday gift inventory. Come to downtown La Grande during Santa's Saturdays and join in the fun activities every Saturday through Christmas. For now, the snow is staying on the mountain tops, but the snow will fly in the valleys and the temperature will dive. So, get out and enjoy the warm and sunny days while they last!