Thursday, July 30, 2009

Summer in Bend / July 2009

A Note from Joe

WOW !! 2009 is half over. It's certainly hard to believe. As we head into the second half of the year we should take a couple of minutes and reflect on what's happening out in the world. We started the year with declarations of the coming of the next Great Depression that forced fear into the eyes of people everywhere. As we sit here in August of 2009 we now see glimmers of Light, glimmers of Hope and a feeling of non-dread. We at AZU have spent this time in the 'Great Recession' in trying to steady the boat and keep sailing forward. We would also like to take the time in thanking our great friends and clients in supporting not only us but our neighbors. We in Bend know the value of supporting 'Local' and keeping hard earned dollars within the community - where the 'Boardroom' just happens to be our own living rooms.
We just need to remember that the sky is actually not falling.
As we move toward Fall and Winter, we have some really great stuff coming through the store and our website. Our featured product this month are SteadySticks from Australia. Excellent for those nice Summer Concerts and picnics. With SteadySticks you will never spill that nice bottle of wine into the grass again.
This issue is the first of our new newsletter and each month we will try to bring you info on great products as well as fun stuff going on in Bend and of course an excellent recipe from one of the gourmets that work at AZU.
Have a great rest of the Summer and remember to shop and eat local.

Joe Shrum
Owner & Plethorian

Steady Sticks...What????

Have you ever had laid out a beautiful spread for a picnic or concert in the park, relaxed with your delicious food and company, then poured yourself a glass of wine in the sunshine...only to try and figure out how to hold your plate, eat your food, sit cross-legged, all while holding your glass of wine in one hand like a balancing act? Solution; Steady Sticks. A simple, weather resistant wine glass holder that sticks in the ground and holds your glass of wine comfortably and allows you to do all the things you need to do while dining or relaxing outside. They're even great in your flower pots for large parties or simply while sitting on your porch in your favorite deck chair. Don't forget to check out its partner...the Steady Stick Wine Bottle Holder! Both are available in-store or on our website. Click here to visit our online store.

Steady Sticks Wine Glass Holder (set of 2) $12.95.
Steady Sticks WIne Bottle Holder $16.95.


What's Up in Bend?

Once again, the 4th of July brought everyone Downtown (with the annual Pet Parade being a huge success). The floating dog was back this year! Summerfest, the Cascade Cycling Classic and the Downtown Sidewalk Sale all filled the streets of Downtown Bend with the fun energy that reminds us why we live in Bend. Listed below is a calendar of events Downtown for August and September:

  • August 1; Classic Car Show / Flashback Cruz 2009
  • August 2; USA Cycling Nationals - Downtown Criterium
  • August 7; First Friday Art Walk Downtown (5p-9p)
  • August 20; Third Thursday Ladies Night Downtown (5p-9p)
  • September 12; Best in Show - Drake Park Dog Show
  • September 13; The Duck Race
  • September 25 & 26; Oktoberfest Downtown Bend

You can visit the Downtown Bend website here for more information on the events listed above.

Easy Key Lime Pie

Summer heat dictates cool, simple, quick and delicious treats. Here's a fun and yummy Key-Lime Pie recipe. Enjoy!

1 graham cracker crust
1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup lime juice
2 cups Cool Whip

Mix milk and lime juice until combined. Chill until set. Top with Cool Whip, either entire pie or a dollop for each slice.Recipe can easily be doubled for a fuller pie.

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