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 ...