Digging It ... Here & There.

This week was an adventure in getting to know the neighbors!

First, a road trip to the state next door - Idaho - for rockhounding! Just a drive out of Tri Cities through Pullman (Cougar territory) and past Clarkia (as close as one can pinpoint it on a map), the road leads to the Emerald Creek Garnet Area where Star Garnets are tucked in the soil. These 12-faceted gem stones look like dried raisins covered in cocoa - if you can find them. Clean 'em up and you will see the deep burgundy and purple hue in the light. One lucky digger came up with a golf-ball sized gem that might likely host a star inside, thus fetching thousands of dollars! Our take was more conservative. However, the quest for treasure unearthed priceless fun.

Returning home, we were beckoned to a block party & barbeque! Sweet summer sizzle as families gathered in the cul de sac to share dishes, swap stories, and play. Karaoke, step aside! The center of attention was the Wii Rock Band Special Edition and, since three neighbors own Wii sets, we could Wii, Wii, Wii all the way home.

In the Tri Cities, the current is strong ... go with it!

One Affair After Another ~ FUNdraising Tri Cities

The buzz around town is usually alive with the latest philanthropic affair. These events are unique opportunities to gather, imbibe, socialize, and ... bid, buy, beget.

There are many memorable opportunities in which to indulge while giving to a worthy cause. An example is the New England Clambake we bid for last spring. On this particular weekend, we enjoyed an exquisite and exclusive feast for twelve, brought fresh from the coast to our local Cañon de Sol winery!

The chefs were wearing "new hats" as the team from Henager, Black & Ciabattoni Dentistry donned aprons and concocted the brew of shellfish, potatoes, corn, onions, and spices. A dozen diners were treated to a feast of cool hors douvres, an array of wines, a whole lobster accompanied by oysters and clams, plus all the sides. For dessert, barrel tasting and cigars ... next time, we will bid higher!

Create a current in that which runs through Tri Cities.

Tri Cities Treasures

The Pasco airport is definitely a destination when I am headed out of or in to Tri Cities. Greeting me either way is Florentyna's offering regional flavors and refreshing savors for all travelers! There is a full restaurant in the airport (that offers catering, too!) and a snack bar once on the inside of security. I have had lattes & muffins in the morning and margaritas & nachos in the evening ~ and I have always been delighted.

Traveling and taste buds are not the only reasons to visit PSC (the airport code for Pasco) ... now there is another inspiration to swing by ~ finding local treasures to treat one another, here or there, with the finest gifts from the Tri Cities area. The goodies are all displayed neatly in the River News & Gifts store presented by Florentyna's. My personal favorite, of course, the t-shirts! Eat My Dust, Drink My Wine © ... and Atomically Correct © tell a tale of Tri Cities spirit and culture. Get one on. And, grab a mug, some sassy Blue Q gum, Chukar Cherries, plus MadHatter Munchies for the road! Remember to get a good book or magazine, too!

Put together your own gift selection to capture the current running through Tri Cities ... Pass it on!

Looking Out, Looking In

One of the pleasures of the Tri Cities is the theater of skies. Ranging from clear blue to billowing clouds to multi-colored reflections of the setting sun and more, there is always a breathtaking view. Mine was hindered by spotty, dusty, smeared windows to the world.

Yes, I had become behind in my spring cleaning efforts and the window washing task was daunting in light of all my tasks. Thankfully, I enlisted help from Brian Kinnaman's Window Washing Service. I recommend the service and the refreshing outlook!

Having this done, I could return to other pressing matters ... preparing for my Master Mind meeting. This monthly gathering inspires development and enlightenment as we look within to identify and address the behaviors and emotional habits that create barriers to achieving happiness. Some inspirations that guide our current endeavors include the works of Eckhart Tolle (A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose, The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment), and Wayne Dyer (Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao), and Marianne Williamson (A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles"). Looking in can help one understand the world, thus giving one wisdom in our responses and reactions.

A current runs through us ... and through the Tri Cities ...