Say CHEESE!

Reading has branched out to be a great social activity. Just join a book club.

The Glam Girls Book Club meets monthly to compare reactions and ruminations over the Southern Vampire Mysteries by Charlaine Harris ~ Sookie Stackhouse 8-copy Boxed Set (Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood) .

The latest gathering was hosted at Cheese Louise in Richland. Whatever your reason, Cheese Louise is a warm and open venue for nibbling cheeses and topas style munchies while sipping wine (bring your own for $5 corking fee or select from the house menu), water, or sparkling juice. You can even order goodies for get-togethers at your home or office! The platters are spectacular.

Nibble, bite, suck ... flow with the current in Tri Cities.

Catch the CRUSH!

Catch the Crush. What a wonderful opportunity to share the treats of Tri Cities with family & friends. And to catch up with some new wines.

We visited the Anelare tasting facility in Southridge ... My hubby likes Nona Viola while my fave is the Ciel du Cheval Syrah. Of course, membership has its priveleges ... so we signed up to indulge ourselves. This private, limited edition winery is sure to please; joining the "club" means never missing out on a "tasty" opportunity.

Catch the Crush that is currently running through Tri Cities!

Hanging up a handbag at Picazo

Kim's birthday. Another life event to celebrate ~ and enjoy!

For this occasion, we headed to a haunt called Picazo 7Seventeen in nearby Prosser. The setting entices with rich color, a display of art, and a variety of wines. We started the evening with cocktails at the bar while admiring the glass display ~ especially the stunning chandelier which came from Owen Adam.

The menu provided ample opportunity for flavor sensations. We started with clams & mussels, crab cakes, and shrimp stuffed with chorizo & wrapped with ham. Then the table was topped with Lamb, Chicken, Pasta, and Halibut dishes that were sure to satisfy.

After tasting a Daven Lore Red Tail at the bar (one of the featured wines of the month), the food was accompanied by Meritage and Syrah wines from Cañon de Sol, and a Cabernet Sauvignon from Gamache. A toast to friendship and good times!

We presented Kim with a birthday gift from Heaven Sent Jewelry ~ a purse holder to host any one of her famous bags! Before dessert, Picazo Chef Frank Magaña stopped by to visit, and to say Happy Birthday to the celebrant.

The road home was a wonderful route through rolling hills and a starry sky, currently carrying traffic through Tri Cities.

Cañon de Sol Winery Celebrated 10

After ten years in the sunshine of Washington state and the Columbia Valley, Cañon de Sol Winery celebrates with a weekend of events.

Friday, the 28th of August, the winery hosted an Anniversary dinner featuring a multi-course meal especially prepared by Castle Catering to pair with Cañon de Sol wines. Appetizing shrimp were paired with Viognier while guests gathered. The first course was a Beet & Goat Cheese Salad with Fried Green Tomato. Merlot was paired with Salmon Nicoise and Duck Breast with fruit salsa. Meritage accompanied Chorizo with Fig and Chicken Apple Sausage. Finally, Syrah was paired with Shredded Lamb Tamales. The group moved to the barrel room to taste Library Wines and enjoy a variety of desserts.

Victor Cruz was presented with a champagne Saber to commemorate his achievement. As his wife, Kim, cheered him on, Cruz quickly learned the art and demonstrated his new talent - practicing on a bottle of Veuve Cliquot before adeptly opening a bottle of Dom Perignon. The evening was accompanied by the music of Dean Backholm. "It is an honor to be part of the joy and success that Victor is sharing in this celebration," Backholm says. The dinner, limited to 75 guests, sold out early.

In a touching presentation by the Cruz children, Ciara and Nicholas, many an eye teared. The evening blossomed with games and cherished wine giveaways. Trivial Pursuit enveloped Victor's pursuit of Cañon de Sol excellence. His first bottle of Syrah sold for $30 (not $28), and he has zero acres of grapes (for he hand selects his fruit for each vintage).

On Saturday, the 29th of August, the winery hosted a party for 300 guests. Food was catered via the much loved Taqueria Los Toritos taco wagon; and the music of Curtis Nettles stirred the crowd. Many were moved to dancing the night away.

Embracing a tradition passed to America from Mexico, the evening featured a piñata filled with corks. This gave attendees a blow at the ever-popular party game - and when the corks fell, many guests found discounts on Cañon de Sol wines.

"It was a treat to taste the Cañon de Sol library wines!" says Melissa McAloon, Member Services Director for Tri City Regional Chamber of Commerce. A special opportunity to sample limited availability Cañon de Sol library wines was offered to tasters at the event.

To commemorate this milestone, Cañon de Sol Winery offers limited edition etched magnums of Cañon de Sol Syrah and Cañon de Sol Meritage. Only 250 of each were made available, signed and numbered by winemaker Victor Cruz. Magnums are priced at $375 each, and special requests are being accepted for select numbers in the sequence (requests honored as available when received).

Victor Cruz has a passion for making good wine. As he says, "Good wine should be for everybody."

What's next? Cañon de Sol will open a tasting room in Woodinville to better serve a growing clientele. For more information, call the winery at 509.588.6311, eMail wine@canondesol.com, or visit the website http://www.canondesol.com/.

PHOTO: Rich Breshears ~ Breshears Professional Photography

Get Your Bass Out Here ...

The weather is sunny and fishing is fine. The rivers are full of opportunities. And, if that doesn't bite you, boating is an adventure in itself. From kayaking to motoring - not to mention water skiing, there is plenty to do on the water.

If you want an adventure in fitness, there are many options in this arena of outdoor activities! Consider a hike up & down Badger Mountain. There are a few trails from which to choose so you will never get bored. And, the views are stunning.

Or you can run/bike/skate a trail along the river. Breathtaking in more ways than one.

For the swingers out there, golf provides a long walk and plenty of arms! Ya gotta have balls to play this game. Public and private courses abound.

When the weather is not inviting you to hang with nature, then consider it time to hit the gym. Among the many gyms (Keene Fitness, The Court Club, Columbia Basin Racquet Club) you can find one nearby that offers a delightful array of machinery to kick your behind ... or, for those of the female persuasion, Bethel Church offers FFF ~ a fitness fellowship that works up a sweat Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 9:15.

Bella ... Bueno

It was a Wine Bar Wednesday evening at Bella an Italian Deli. Wine Bar Wednesday gave us a chance to try various Red Mountain wines by the glass and splurge on tasty appetizers before select dinner choices. We had a lightly chilled Kiona Sangiovese with a spice-steamed artichoke dipped in aioli butter. Salad with warm steak. Chicken ziti. Must return for dessert.

This charming eatery provides the most personal touch to deliver a delightful dining experience. The limited menu enchants with a constant stir of new dishes to savor. Multi-course private party dinners are especially engaging! For lunch, dinner, or on the go, there is always an opportunity to indulge your palate at Bella an Italian Deli - consider Bistro Night on Saturdays, boxed meals or picnic baskets perfectly packed for your wine tasting outing, linger at lunch!

Get on the eMail list for all the possibilities. Valerie Brown & Tracy Tudor host your visit to Bella an Italian deli. Call for information 509-588-3354 or show up for a visit at 502 Ninth St. Benton City, WA 99320

Enjoy the weather & the local events currently coursing through Tri Cities.

Roll with the GGGGGood Times ...

Thanks to the fine planning of girl friends, I enjoyed a celebration of another year gone by (too quickly, I must admit). We started off our gathering in the new tasting room at Goose Ridge Winery. At the bar, we sniffed and sipped through the Merlot, Syrah, Q3 Red Wine, Vireo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sol Duc! Then we purchased a bottle (just try to guess which one - yes, it was red) to savor while lounging in overstuffed chairs near the fireplace.

Here I was presented gifts from some of the most fun places including a French style bonnet with netting that I immediately placed upon my noggin to help keep my thoughts from flying all over the place!

Having worked up an appetite, we headed for Katya's Bistro and Wine Bar. Saving room for desserts (chocolate decadence and lemon cake), we each ordered a Strawberry & Asparagus Salad, then we shared crab cakes and stuffed mushrooms and Chicken Marsala.

T'was an evening of gulping, gabbing, giggling, and gracious gobbling among great girlfriends. GGGGGood Time had by all.

Currently going with the flow in Tri Cities!

A Divine Date with the Dust Devils

We traveled in light traffic and found a reasonably close-to-the-arena parking spot. Arriving through the not-so-pearly gates at Gesa Stadium, we received a bamboo back scratcher, courtesy of Back to Basics Chiropractic (remind me to get adjusted sometime soon).

The air was alive with the scent of various Lamb Weston French Fries - and, of course, we indulged. Our first batch were Fajita Fries - with a south of the border sass that went well with beer (lite or root). Next, we enjoyed the seasoned Tasty QQQ's spiral fries... after which, we were enticed by the fresh Kettle Corn.

The Dust Devils played a losing game, but still we rocked the stadium in hope and cheer. And, the children were invited to run across the outfield during the 7th inning stretch - something I never experienced at a Dodgers, Twins, A's or Mariners game!

In the end, there was a short fireworks show ... and we were given a game ball and a game bat - a Louisville Slugger, none the less! Went to the game, had a ball, got a bat ...

What's current ... catch it in Tri Cities!

Get Your Game On!

Golfing with God: A Novel of Heaven and Earth by Roland Merullo.

This is the "bible" I embrace to guide my steps this summer. And it is quite an interesting read. As I struggle with my golf game, and with the meaning of life, I find lessons that interweave the dirt and divine. Patience, Trust, Humility, Service. Fore!

Took me a while to get along with the golf lingo - much because it is an unfamiliar jargon that I am working to understand (much like God). So, step into the tee box and join me ... "marching straight toward the great battlefield at the outer edges of who I thought I was."

Find your self in the current that runs through Tri Cities.

Was My Face Red! Thankfully I Made the Green.

Yes. It was one of those days. I had sent the golf cart away with Northwest Golf Cars due to running the front tire amok on a jutting retaining-wall stone resulting in a tilt on the right. This just after my husband returned with news that his golf days would be interrupted with more than one surgery anticipated for his neck and for his spine. Thankful for great facilities at Kadlec.

As the evening set in and the day came to a soft close, we came up with the brilliant idea to pitch and putt on the green outside our home. A little golf is good for the soul. Being members of The Club, we were mindful to ensure no one was playing the hole before marching out there to practice with a bucket of balls. Yes. A. bucket.

Once we had peppered the green with mostly well-hit shots (finally, I am learning to use my wedge), a gent marched over to holler at us for misusing the green. As I looked at the scene from his perspective, I realized that we had been quite excessive. And the flush came over my cheeks. We told him he was right to let us know, gave our apology and assurances that we would not let it happen again.

While we picked up the balls, limiting ourselves to one each for putting, we noticed eyes still looking our way. I walked over to apologize again to find that they assumed, by our behavior, that we were not members. I assured them we were full-fare devotees who lost our heads. Yes, if we had seen us doing this, we would have hollered at us too. I gave our apologies again, and then took our son to play the hole with just one ball each as my hubby instead gave his customary attention to perfecting every divot so the green remains true.

The lesson: even adults attempting to be good role models make mistakes; and need to say "sorry;" and must fix anything that was disrupted. Oh, and, today I can hit the ball consistently with my irons while my putting still needs help.

Currently running through Tri Cities ...

Green Green Grass of Home

We are living out our dream ~ living on the golf course.

Golfing Meadow Springs is habit forming. Hitting the ball right once brings you back a thousand times ... just to experience that sweet spot again.

So, we are getting closer to the hole thing. Leaving our view home at the base of Badger Mountain, we hunkered down in a comfortable condo on the front 9 while we made plans for our house on the back 9 (they are only a few blocks apart).

The house began as a remodel, morphed into a renovation, and turned into a rebuild. Deep breath. Follow the dream. And that we did. Now, as the house re-emerges at the capable and caring hands of Jim McAloon Construction, we are counting the strokes of time till we can make our way home, there.

Follow your dreams along the current running through Tri Cities.

Pink Current Runs ... or Walks Through

Driving down George Washington Way this morning, I encountered a sea of pink stretching along the sidewalk. Upon closer inspection, I realized that this was a mob of people walking or jogging their way to raise awareness for breast cancer. It was a reminder to grope my chest and to be thankful for no lumps. Just another current event happening in Tri Cities.

Delight Your Senses Daily

Okay, we take out selves for granted often. And, I have found a cure - at least one. Take it from my girl-friend! We attended the CAbi fashion show previewing the season's latest attire. After shopping samples and booking a spring show, we enjoyed chocolate dipped strawberries while catching up with familiar faces.

On the way out of town, we stopped at River House where my friend immediately gravitated toward the Caldrea products. She selected a fine scented selection of kitchen and cleaning products as I realized that this is one of those - things - that smells so good when I visit her very welcoming home. I was fortunate to receive a sample of the Sea Salt Neroli dish soap, and am now hooked. "Dishes can be a bore; but - no more!"

Style runs with the current that runs through Tri Cities.

Bistro Nights in Benton City

What can I say about a quaint dining room where you can gather with friends for a five course dinner that never ceases to stimulate the imagination and the taste buds. Bring your favorite wines to accompany the artful dishes. Dine in or dine al fresco in the garden ...

Bella, an Italian Deli at 502 Ninth Street in Benton City, provides lunch or dinner most days. Bistro Nights are a special treat. Find out by getting on the email list ... contact Valerie Brown at valerie@belladeli.net or call 509.588.3354.

Let the current carry you around Tri Cities ...

A Day in the Life

I usually have a plan for my day. Sometimes I go to great lengths to secure the schedule. And, most often, life takes me by the reins ... enjoy the ride.

Today was like that. I sent my son off to school (love the big yellow school bus) and joined seven girl friends for lunch at Thai Spice, a favorite for Thai food in Tri Cities! Though I am not typically a fan of "trough" style dining, the buffet here was fresh and fun. Every dish was delightful, especially when washed down with the decadent Thai Iced Tea!

As I departed to run some errands of choice, I was called to the school where my son awaited stitches. He took one on the chin when falling from the monkey bars. Thankfully we were near KGH Walk-in Care where we were treated immediately and well. He is all sewed up, and very brave.

Now, I am confronted with life's two absolutes. Death and taxes. Our accountant of, well, let's just say many years, died. Meanwhile, we had the great fortune of meeting Tom O'Brien of LeMaster Daniels at a charity auction, and so signed on with this local firm. A beautiful office was comfortable while I completed the new client paperwork. Then, in what can be considered enjoyable when dealing with taxes, I spent about an hour going over the numbers. It always feels better getting past tax season. Now one year is behind and another ahead of me.

Finally home, I relaxed with a glass of Vireo from Goose Ridge. As I enjoyed the aromatic influence of this blend, I amused myself with recollections and comparisons of the days - the one I planned and the one I had. My son is proud of his new scar - we have learned that almost every guy from 5-80 has one similar on the chin.

Catch a current in Tri Cities.

Campy

Lunch today was off the beaten path at a roadside haunt called Sage Port Grille. Truly a haven for H.O.G.s and others with an appetite for breakfast or lunch ... or an occasional dinner while enjoying camp and circumstance.

Memorabilia and memorable statements are sure to amuse when the conversation lulls. A fun place to gather ... right on the river.

While chewing on a Reuben, I contemplated my design for a Mardi Gras mask to be auctioned at a benefit for the Hanford Reach Interpretive Center. I opted to theme it for the regional wine country, utilizing colors inspired by New Orleans (purple, green, gold) and adding a touch of platinum to highlight the piece. Entitled Quin du Vin (Harlequin of Wine), the mask is one of my favorite creations. May it fetch a fine fortune for the cause. May I find more opportunities with the local group 509 Artists. UPDATE: The Mardi Gras event reportedly raised $11,000!

The current runs wide and deep ~ catch it through Tri Cities.

Ahhhhh... a Spa

It was time to gather with girlfriends for a day of "we" time. We met at Nouveau Skin Spa to pamper the flesh and the refresh spirit. It wasn't easy pulling up to the commercial-looking complex and believing that I could be whisked away, but the minute I opened the door to be greeted by deep color and a water fall, the journey was on!

First on my agenda was the Nouveau Facial where my mug was anointed with essential oils and brushed with unguents. I was especially blessed to be treated by the founder, Sunny, herself. Next, I was "rocking on" with a Medistone massage at the caring hands of Stormy. Heated stones pressed upon my skin, relieving every tension. I floated to the makeup vanity to get dusted with mineral powder and ready for the rest of the day.

More relaxing was on the agenda ... The Gathering Place at Bookwalter Winery for a bottle of Protagonist - the feisty red blend with a Merlot star! We enjoyed the wine with a plate of five artisan cheeses (my fave was the Rogue Creamery Smokey Bleu). After joining the Book Club to enjoy the privileges of membership, we selected a case of wines to take home.

Get carried away on the current that runs through Tri Cities.

Hot Italian Nights ~ A Runway Hit

Evenings are great time to venture to the airport ... especially if you are not leaving town! Florentyna's restaurant located in the Pasco airport brings a history of local flavor to treat your palate, thanks to the talent of Cindy Goulet. Always of interest are the themed menus such as the current Hot Italian Nights (which is rumored to be repeated for Valentine's Day). Our selections fascinated us with flavor.

And, the crowd is fascinating too! This evening, winemaking legend Charlie Hoppes, designer of Fidelitas wines, visited tables to chat about wine and share stories of Tri Cities life. We were enchanted with the tale of his m100 wine being named in honor of his grandmother (Mary, who lived to be 100).

Food and wine, family and friends ... all are embraced in this place of coming and going. Let it be wind in your wings. Come catch the current.

Uncorked | Unplugged | Unforgettable

Gathering for an evening out is always fun. Begin with a table for eight at The Cedars on the river. All raved about the salad bar. And the beer soaked steak was a fave. Of course it was all the much better paired with Canon de Sol wines! Meritage to start. Merlot with salad. Syrah with the main course. Viognier with dessert.

Conversation enlivened with every course!

Then a trip to Roxy Wine Bar fed our Saturday night fever for entertainment. Sunk in to soft sofas, we gathered around a table to enjoy a bottle of Fidelitas m100 (the featured flavor) while enjoying the strum and hum of Brian Holbrook. Catching the beat while catching up with life stories ... then while we strolled away from the evening, we all waved and wished "let's do this again."

Unleash the current that runs through Tri Cities.

Jammin' at Tea-time

Looking for an enchanting experience? Try High Tea. The Victorian Tea Garden in Richland serves a traditional English Tea almost daily. Enter the cozy parlor and enjoy fine cups and saucers in a variety of styles. Select your tea, hot or iced, and enjoy an array of delicacies ~ crustless finger sandwiches, sausages, scones with jam, tiny cakes and crisp cookies.

Sometimes the currant catches the current in Tri Cities.

White Pass, Sore ...

SUPER SUNDAY took on a whole new meaning as we went to White Pass (elev. 4500 ft.) with snowboards! We were outfitted with gear from Sporthaus where you can find almost everything for almost every sport - Rent or Buy!

Upon arrival, we enlisted in a beginner's lesson. This was key to making headway on the hill. Then, after spending the better part of 7 hours in "down" time, I was doing the "skid" and the "falling leaf" over the mountain and through the snow.

Exhausted, we returned home to become couch potatos just in time to catch the best of the Superbowl (second half). Now, I am searching for a good massage ...

Everything is here or near! Enjoy the current that runs out and about Tri Cities ...

All Americans

Winter calls us to the ice for skating and hockey. And, all the excitement of slapping and sticking come together at the Toyota Center when the Tri City Americans meet opponents within the Western Hockey League. It is beautiful to see the deft maneuvers that push the puck past the goalie and into the net. Unfortunately, many a game is interrupted by a barbaric brawl while the crowd cheers it on ... usually things are tempered before a stomach turning bash draws blood.

And after Sunday home games, fans are invited to skate with the Americans. Call ahead to reserve your spot on the ice. A good time is guaranteed, especially after a win.

When the appetite strikes, every sports fan's favorite snack is available to tempt indulgence. Lots of souvenirs let you support your team, and your country. How great is that?!

The current runs through us. Catch it.