As some of you may have noticed, I consider Mike Moscowitz of the newly opened Liberty Cafe at the top of South Third Street to be a good friend - and if you have ever met him yourself, you would recognize as well that he is just good people. SO, Happy Birthday, Mike! from all of us that have the pleasure of knowing you.

The Vital Volunteer

Last night at the Renton Senior Activity Center it was crowded and filled with vital, giving souls.

The heart of any city is it's people - and if they choose to share of themselves with others, to help more than just themselves to thrive, then that city becomes a true home to many. Renton is lucky in it's citizenry - they volunteer in the stewardship of our town with their time, experience and wealth of ability.
I have never lived anywhere that hosted an Annual Volunteer Recognition Banquet. This is the second year that I have had the honor of attending. The MC was fellow blogger and Council President, Randy Corman. The factoids he delivered concerning the volunteerism in 2008 for Renton was mind expanding. Over 5,000 individuals, logging in close to 65,ooo hours at a total savings to the city of 1.3 million dollars in wages. Wow. The most salient point he made was that most of these "jobs" could never be filled by regular workforce - years of experience is required for some posts and others have people "on call" all the time.

There were those that have volunteered for so many years, that the number eludes them - like Ron Regis (yes, the guy the park is named after) . He volunteers for - you got it, the Parks Dept. and has for over 40 years.

Joe, who sat at my table has been the go-to man for the Baccy Ball Court at the Center for the last 19 years. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morn at 9:30 am - weather permitting.
John Springer met Linda Woo (pictured directly above) after he left years of washing dishes at the Center, and got front and center on the dance floor and met his love, Linda. He now volunteers at the Piazza during the Farmer's Market, and hasn't stopped dancing since.

Shirley Phinney brought along her daughter, Debbie to enjoy the night. Shirley has been working for the Renton Historical Museum for years. No telling the number - Shirley just doesn't know and it doesn't really matter. She just enjoys going and that is all that really counts. Shirley embodies the city's new call for assistance through Volunteering - Now More Than Ever! without even being asked.




Larry Sleeth and Don Persson are often to be found in the kitchen at these events, hustling up the food and doing all the catering. Larry worked for the city for years and is on the board with the museum. It is just a natural for him.

The evening had some lovely moments. It was made all the better by a really good performance by the Lindbergh High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble. There was a little Latin flavor in their song selection and a lot of heart in their delivery.

If you want to donate any amount of time - be it one afternoon handing out fliers to finding a more regular niche for your abilities, you can go the City of Renton's website, scroll down to the heading of Volunteers and a whole list of opportunities will present themselves, from ham radio, to the library, Renton River Days, etc.

Randy Corman , Master of Ceremonies and Rich Zwicker, Volnteer Server

When looking across the room, I saw many seniors who have been active for longer than they have raised their kids. The city can always use an infusion of new blood. If those volunteers say anything to me, it's that they were raised with the notion that to give is to receive. I hope future generations will represent as well as they have.

Things in motion

I love the implication of this bike under the heavily blossomed tree. Take a load off, stop pedaling too fast ... otherwise, you'll miss the season, the spring.

The fountain near the library started to flow again when we had that deliciously warm weekend just before Easter. And now the ground is covered in a flurry of flower petals.

Smalltown, USA - where you can sit on a bench on the high street in downtown and casually watch the train roll by. I love the train, it's whistle warning us of it's approach and the traffic stopping. A moment is made where we all look together in one direction and breathe in the passing commotion.

Les Fleurs

More lovelies are beginning to bloom - and with such wonderful comments that the photos of the flowers, you are just encouraging me to indulge myself. The colors, the textures - it isn't hard to see why I might be won over by Spring.

The Book of Answers

Times are tough - we have all admitted that to ourselves and others within the last couple of months. Sometimes the right answers, the best direction to take, it can be elusive. Enter The Book of Answers. So easy, it's foolproof (?). Just close your eyes, and make a wish - I mean, think of your pressing question and then open the book to the corresponding page. Within seconds, life has become simpler. There, in black and white print, you will find the answer you have been looking for. Maybe even an answer that you didn't ever imagine receiving. Anyone can use this method of clarification when the road to life gets full of rocks and stones and you need to clear the way.

Here is our dear friend and local artist (here), Mike Ferguson, demonstrating his easy technique of divination with the book. Remember, levity is always part of the answer when using the book. I mean, if we can't laugh now - when will we ever be able to?

Unfortunately for all of us - Mike didn't get the "no, you can still stay and live in Renton" answer and it seems that he will have to move to Tacoma. Now, I don't like the book for that - but I can't stand in the way of the fate. Mike, we will all miss you. Please consult the book again - and think of our fair city. Are you sure it's time to leave the place that professes to be "ahead of the curve"? I think Tacoma just has some sort of dome thingy...

Uncle Mo's

The Best of Renton has to include a bar or two - not a pub with an area for kids, not a swanky place that has wine that comes from a bottle instead of a box, but a tried and true bar. Uncle Mo's Snappy Inn is just that place.
My Mom and I have been here a couple of times. The staff is good and the regulars always seem to want to talk. There is a pretty extensive menu serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. All in all, the best seems to be the breakfasts for us. You can get the "Hair of the Dog" with your a.m. meal, if you catch my drift. Last time in, there were some good looking breakfast specials. We will be heading back.
One of the best attributes has to be this cute outdoor seating area. This is gonna come in real handy when we have a few more of those sunny days. Uncle Mo's always has some cute flowers planted and you can watch a bit of the world go by from your stool, and relax in the shade. This way you can be out of harms way should the Karaoke start without you. Or the five televisions screens all placed directly in a line over the pull tabs and beer taps, sports and gambling stations ever on, start to get on your last nerve.
The eight beers on tap are really regular (Blue Moon being the height of specialness), and there is lots of liquor, but you don't come here for anything to crazy or out of the ordinary. You come to here to have an easygoing, down to earth moment. Probably to just drink - if we are going to be honest. And you can honestly do a lot of that here - then walk to a couple more watering holes if you are still able.

Uncle Mo's Snappy Inn (425) 917 - 3130
321 Williams Ave. South Renton, WA

Renton is one big garden

It is still amazing to me to see what I can find in the way of beauty when I go for a walk about our little town. These lovely views are all out there - waiting for any of you to discover. Amazing, really. Renton is just one big garden.

Noooo! Is that really your final color choice?

Okay - I am going just come right out and say it. When Mucho Bueno was sold, and I noticed the new paint job going up at the building, I thought "Good". I always thought that huge block of a yellow and orange was just a bit hard on the eyes. But the other day, when just one windowsill had a rim of fluorescent puce green newly applied, I visibly winced. I mean, my eyes grew sore and initially refused to recognize the color. But I gave the owners the benefit of the doubt. Just one window and a couple of days pass by. Just trying it out for size, I figure. No harm, no foul. Couldn't be serious with that tone of green, now could they? I mean, I get that it's Seahawk country, it's a Northwest Sports Bar in the making.....but, really - is this your final decision guys?
Please - let me help. I know a friend - she does murals, has great artistic sense. She can lend a hand. Before this gets to far out of hand, please let's talk - 'cuz this color scheme is hurting me. Really. Maybe not just me, if you know what I mean...

Please Sir, may I have a bit of awning, please?

There they are - three lovely examples of awnings on the top block of South Third Street, our main thoroughfare in the DTR (Downtown Renton, that is...). Aren't they a helpful? They let us know the name of the establishment when we glimpse them through our car windows. They stop the rain from all but drenching us at the door when we ready our umbrellas to make a mad dash for the safety of another dry spot.
Mike of Liberty Cafe would love to have one of those - what do you call them? Awnings, yeah that's it. Could you please consider letting him have one of his very own, like his neighbors have? It would be so nice of you, City of Renton.

If you did let one of those handy dandy sunshades be installed, then we could all do a happy dance - like Frostie here does - when he hears good ole Ray Charles sing some good old fashioned tunes...

Wags 'n Wines tonight my firends!

I have been meaning to finish this posting about Vino's at The Landing for sometime, and I have been computer challenged as of late, so unfortunately, been remiss. If you have been like me, missing your initial chance to check out this new hang in town - a place that is completely local, completely Renton homegrown - with great lunch specials that are easy on the wallet and tasty for the palate and Happy Hour with appetizers that are a couple of bucks cheaper and a wine list that is notably good - now is your time to kiss and make up.

Vino's is the site for tonight's fundraiser for the Renton Off-Leash Dog Park. It begins at 6 pm and runs until 9, tickets will be $35 bucks at the door and there will be a silent auction with some fab gifts, which is slotted for 8:30 pm. More information can be had at rentonoffleash@gmail.com or visit www.rentonoffleash.org What a great boon this park will be for both furry and other Rentonites. We will all benefit to break ground on this new project.

Right there at the Cedar River Trail

Coolest window in town

Caught at the Comic Den, 234 Wells Avenue - this image of Wolverine is tops on my list as the Coolest Window in town - whew! I love the Wolverine....

Renton Peeps on a Sunday Afternoon

I ran into the Corman/Jones Clan as they were parading out from the Common Ground Coffee and Cupcake Shop - Randy and Cathy are now one my blog in a photo - ha ha, got you now! Damn, does their whole family have to be photogenic?!!

This is Spike and Wookie - two of my furry buddies - they belong to the Chinese Crested Clan. Wookie is a hairy hairless, while Spike is, well, primarily hairless....

This is the ubercool new artwork that mysteriously appeared overnight at the Liberty Cafe. Whoever the artist is needs to step up and take credit - we are all loving it!

The Newly Departed

Mt. Olivet Cemetery is the final resting place of Renton's Pioneers. It has tombstones from the mid 1800's - entire families sharing plots side by side for generations. But there is always room for new generations to come to rest on this grassy knoll above the city - and so it is that a large Asian community has begun to place their ancestors just outside the front gates at Mt. Olivet.

Having lived in Asia myself for sometime, I can say that the feng shui of Mt. Olivet is regarded as highly auspicious and sought after - water in the front (a wonderful view of Lake Washington) with a green hill/mountain behind the graves. This rather new development of tombs is beginning to fill up.

Above are some photos of a recently departed soul's flower arrangements and offerings. The belief is that the afterlife is modeled on our life here on earth. The newly dead will need food and money in the other world, so fruit and meat are placed at the grave, and the red metal urn is for burning paper money and other paper effigies of items that might be of use to the dearly departed. I have even seen paper cars created and sent through the flames to the other side.

You'll be feeling the pain if you take a walk up the hill to see the view - but the workout is well worth it. Our Pioneer Cemetery is a beautiful shrine to our yesteryears and now, our new tomorrows. We'll all end up, hopefully, somewhere just as lovely. I would love to imagine my relatives coming to picnic on the hill, partaking in the lush green and blue hues of this preserved piece of Renton.

Tuck it away at Tommy's Today

Something about breakfast out on a Sunday morning never stops feeling just right. I relish the thought of having some traditional egg dish and a cup of regular coffee and watching a bit of the town walk right by my table. If you head to Tommy's, that is exactly what you will see. If you go often enough, the waitress will greet you by name and remember your ordering preferences. It's a friendly, familiar place that has enough chairs to hold quite a few citizens and has decent enough fare to keep you wanting to go back for more.

The morning I went, I saw the Rosa family along with the newest edition - cute little baby Julia. The whole family was glowing. That is exactly what Sunday mornings at their best is all about - some quiet time with the family and/or a friend, shooting the breeze and watching the sun fall across the table as the day slowly starts to hum.

Tommy's Cafe 74 Rainier Ave. S. (425) 227 - 9910

Eye Candy

My friend calls these photos of mine "eye candy" - and I think she may be right. I can't stop popping them into my blog, nor stop myself from compulsively clicking the shutter on my camera. There are never enough pretty pictures....

I'm Back Online Again!

We have all been bitten by bugs - and it's always nasty, uncomfortable and can look rather unsightly. There are also the virtual bugs that naughty little hackers write in the webworld to increase their cash flow and send some of us little Internet Missie's, like my dear Laptop, into a royal tizzy. The onset was slow, like any other sickness - first, it became hard to hold onto the Internet connection and the board would freeze, making blogging feel like swimming in a puddle of intergalactic GOO. Next, the driver was taken down and bitten off completely - leaving me and my laptop high and dry.

In the world of computer geeks, there are some that venture outside their cozy den of wires and monitors to help the wee folk like myself. Though he will not call himself any sort of computer wizard, I do want to send my heartfelt thanks to Steve Waters, without whom I would have had to have "rebirthed" my entire machine and started again from scratch. There aren't enough baked goods I could make to express how happy I am to be at my computer this very night, playing catch-up with my blogging. Thank you.

You'll also note that I began a new list of links at the side. Now you can go directly to The Redhouse or The Dog and Pony and look at their coming events or updates (ahem! Jay - a little beer list action, if you please). I also included an interesting blog from Seattle, Washington Bus, that might be of interest to some. Keep your eyes on that spot - I will be adding to it regularly.

That's it - except to say that I appreciate the die hard readers that have kept with me through the trying week of little posting and library blogging with all of it's lousy spelling and curiously kept on their sides photos. You rock and don't you know it.

We're giving you an award Pabla - you deserve it!

I was off at Pabla again last week - enjoying the tremendous buffet lunch that runs Monday through Sunday from elevenish until 3pm for the most excellent price of $9. 99. I have blogged about this before, but I will take any excuse given to mention their incredible curries and pakoras, and luckily I was given one. Just a couple of weeks ago this venerable establishment celebrated eleven years of serving us great food and providing us with a store that stocks all the spices and whatnot to cook Indian cuisine at home for ourselves. Better yet - they have a full selection of tasty bakery items that are made on site and available for purchase. If buffet style dining is not your thing, simply mosey on over during the evening and order ala carte from a very diverse menu. Remember, this is vegetarian dining. Though, after sharing a table with seven other hungry diners last week, one whom had never gone "meatless" before - there really will not be a problem. Our new diner was more than happy to discover that he wasn't missing out on anything - taste, texture or that good ole feeling of belly satiation. Not that we're trying for converts here - that boy will still love his animal proteins, but at least he won't shy away from the other culinary options in the future.

Another reason for this post is that the results from the Renton Reporter's Best of Renton came to my notice today. The options for restaurants only offered Asian and Italian - what!!!!???? So, had there been an "Other" or ethnic food/restaurant category, Pabla would have been a winner - for sure. Our whole downtown community thrives on it. So here it is, Pabla - from all of us - we award you this Best Of Renton Award for going above and beyond the call of duty in providing all of us with excellent food for the last eleven years - we thank you!

Pabla Indian Cuisine 364 Renton Center Way SW #C60 (425) 228 - 4625
www.pablacuisine.com
7 Days a week Lunch 11- 3, Dinner 5 - 10 pm

Garage Sale Season Begins

The season of good weather starts the season of cleaning and subsequently, Garage Sales. Your old junk becomes a treasure for someone else. If you are like me, I downsize just to make room for the new treasures I am certain I am unable to live without. Ahhh - the cycle of shopping bliss, when you can get a bag full of goodies with just a hand full of dollars and some change.

This weekend, get ready for two great Garage Sale opportunities. One lesser known sale is an annual event over on Garden Ave. North. The family at 223 Garden Ave. N. have a yearly garage sale that reaches nearly epic proportions, as they plan year round for the event, the proceeds which go to help raise their handicapped grandchild. So big, the neighbor's house will be used this year as well. This begins Saturday, April 25 - but you might consider swinging by today to see if there is any action earlier than that.

The second is the Annual Community Garage Sale at the Renton Community Center.This goes from 9 am - 1 pm on this Saturday and hosts table after table of goodies and of course, entrance is free. You never know what new, slightly used, vintage must-haves you might find. With this good weather (maybe? still holding?), what an excellent morning outing it will be. Support a local barrista (Mike's Liberty Cafe or the the still in business Jet City come to mind ) and with your caffeine securely in hand, go and get your shopping groove on!

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In My Neighbor's Garden

You must excuse me - I am predisposed to like, nay, love the TULIP flower. It has been my favorite for years - it's simplicity of design, vibrancy of color and multitude of petal shapes holds me in it's springtime grasp. In the Netherlands I hear that in the 1600's the tulip bulb was a currency, likened to gold. I am so glad that everyone can now afford the pleasure of planting these wonders - I merely have to walk the neighborhood and I see a fortune's worth of them.

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Don't forget to Run and Nibble

This Sunday is a great day to work off a few pounds while intentionally planning to then put some back on - The Landing is having it's first 5K Run followed by the 2009 Taste of The Landing, which will showcase tasty nibbles from the eateries right there. If you are interested in running, log onto TasteofTheLanding.com and see if it's not to late to start working towards a bigger, better lunch appetite. They plan on seeing anywhere from 800 - 1,000 participants and hope that this inaugural run will become habit forming.

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Cedar River Heron Sighting!

Yesterday, while at the library (blogging, ahem! - read below as to why) I leaned over the handrail and saw the majesty of what is known as the Great Blue Heron, just upriver from the library. I love to see them so close - so if you aren't able to head over to the riparian forest that I blogged about last week, you just need to keep your eyes peeled when in the vicinity of the Cedar River, especially up near the library looking to the East. The building at the side of the photo is where the Renton Reporter lives - maybe Dean can just look out his window and take a good photo for all of us. You would have to be very clever to see the bird in this shot- but in fact he/she is there - on the far righthand side bank.

These are birds that deserve said excitement and reverence - if you have seen them, then you know of what I speak. If not - what a treat for you to experience the wonders of what living in the realms of Renton is truly all about.

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My Computer World is all turned 'round!

This is me, taking a photo of the computer terminal at the library. My new blogging refuge since a nasty little malware bit into my registry and took my little lovely laptop baby offline! Thank goodness for my other technology - I am taking photos with my Blackberry phone, and then emailing them to my Blogger account while at the library. I then, within the mere half hour I am given - try to write quickly and semi-coherently to all of you.

SOOOOoooooo - if you aren't getting the tasty photos from me that you are accustomed to or the earlier blog posting that I try to get going for those of you following me online while at work - please bear with me. I hope to be up and going soon. I really miss my laptop - I have also come to realize just how often I DO use it. Some personal scheduling and boundaries around laptop accessing may have to come in play here, upon reflection. I just have to look in the direction of my laptop, and I am sucked into the virtual vortex!

Most of all - I miss the photo taking and the liberal creative license it gives me on a day to day basis. That is what I can hardly wait to return to - for this blog has allowed me to take all the photos my little heart desires and give them exposure, purpose and reason for being.

So please, hang in there with me - I will be back in full form soon.

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A Bank's work is never done

I don't know about you-but I always thought that First Savings Bank (on Second btw Wells and Williams Street) had some pretty good looking buildings that they could be proud of, but no. One of them is getting the shaft - made redundant (too many of us know how THAT feels) and is getting torn down, brick by brick today. The banner near the construction site states that all this demolition work is to make way for a new "Loan Center". Wow - I guess that makes it a little more clear. With the crappy economy, the previous building was certainly not going to be big enough for all of us to fit into when we start gathering at the doorstep for the "loans" we will all be needing to replace our lost incomes.
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Happy Earth Day!

Okay, it's Earth Day and my computer is completely down and I really am appreciating the fact that I should be celebrating a return to my roots here. So, I can't treat you to all of the lovely photos I have of found - but I can tell you of a place that embraces the ideals of Earth Day every day - Earthwise.

Talking outside of the zip code, Earthwise is located in nearby Georgetown and offers a cornucopia of building materials and such that are scavenged and brought in. Some vintage and others not, when I was here the other day I found some incredibly cool finds. You don't have to be redoing the house to wander in, for there are things for any one's nesting needs inside and out.

The tagline is "Good for you, Great for the Earth". Many materials that would have been destined for the junkyard or a landfill now come to rest here, in hopes that the budding designer within all of us will see the diamond in the rough that abound here. The staff will also offer bids on a remodel or salvage project if you have want to start anew and don't know what to do with your original materials. This is such a cool place that you have to go check it out when in the neighborhood and for certain consider it when looking for unique materials when finishing a project around the house. Then go to SmartyPants and have a beer - and have one for me, too.

Earthwise Architectural Salvage Buy*Sell*Trade

3447 - 4th Ave. S. Suite E Seattle WA 98134

206-624-4510

http://www.earthwise-salvage.com/

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Massage those aches and pains away

She is petite, and lovely in demeanor - but don't let that fool you, when it comes to giving a massage, Rachel packs a good wallop. Recently joining the Cedar River Day Spa in North Renton, Rachel Rourke is hanging out her Massage shingle and looking for some new clients. Rachel specializes in Women's Massage, and does Swedish Deep Tissue, Relaxation and Pain Management, body scrubs and wraps. After which you are free to make use of the onsite sauna at the spa. With EARTH DAY coming up this Wednesday, it's the perfect time to get realigned and spend time with yourself.

The best news today is, that if you mention The Picaroon - you can have a one hour massage for the great price of $45. Just in time to get the kinks out before you get tied up in knots thinking about when you are ever going to get that gardening done...

Cedar River Day Spa & Massage 912 N. First Street Renton, WA Rachel Rourke (425) 430 - 4542

Traveling within the zipcode - Nishiwaki Lane

You don't have to go far to enjoy yourself- just follow Nishiwaki Lane to it's end and your at both river and lake's edge. Pull up a bench and a book, take your bike and cruise, pick up your pole and fish or just gaze in wonder at the incredible rays of SUN...

Brewer's night at the "Dog"

What could be tastier in this wonderful Spring climate than to throw back some totally big and bold beer from a microbrewery? The Dog and Pony will host Speakeasy Ales and Lagers, a brewery straight from San Francisco, and the largest microbrewery there, in a Brewer's Night this Thursday at 7pm. Usually what this means is that besides all of the great brews the Dog and Pony has on tap, there will be at least 3-5 brews that are especially from the brewery of choice that night, in this instance Speakeasy, and a rep from the brewery that will introduce the beers to you as well as a few give aways and free glasses.
One of my very favorite beers is in fact from Speakeasy, it is their Double Daddy - a Double IPA that is just big (ie high in alcohol content) and in flavor. Speakeasy has been brewing since 1997 and is located right in downtown SF at 119 Evans Ave. They don't do foodor have an eatery attached, so when you go down San Francisco way just look to have a tour on a Friday, if you must, or just swing by and imbibe - which is what you should be doing at The Dog this Thursday night.

Good day for Gardening in dear ole Renton

These blooms are from a house on Wells Street, here in the DTR (that is Downtown Renton to all of you - the new Renton lingo ringing through!)

Aren't they just gorgeous! It's not to late, you know - to add the daffodil, tulip color into your life. Just head to McLendon's today - you'll see the parking lot is full of gardeners today!

This sweet little ensemble was in front of The Feathered Nest on Third Street the other day - now, doesn't that just inspire you to get right out there, pull some weeds and start creating that special little corner in your world to enjoy some fleurs and partake in our lovely Spring weather we are finally having...

Spring Photos at the Festival

Springtime weather for the Spring Festival, hallelujah and can I hear an Amen!
Who could pass up a pair like this? The pooch was dressed up like a pirate = a picaroon! Photo worthy in my book...
This is Cheryl and Poodie herself - the inspiration and namesake of the latest pet grooming parlor to enter the realms of Renton - otherwise know as Poodie's Pet Palace, at 123 Mill Ave. S. (425) 228 - 8225. Poodie owns Magenta, the mistress of the Diamond Tattoo Parlor just around the corner from Poodie's. Both are hardworking lasses, but never let that get in the way of looking good and vibrantly, well, magenta.
My favorite find at the Spring Festival was this vendor, Wacky Crayons, nontoxic coloring bits in all shapes and sizes, with lovely colors at every corner. The urge to sit down and start creating was hard to pass up. http://www.wackycrayons.com
Brian Larson is always at the helm of any gathering, microphone in hand, spinning some tunes and introducing the entertainment. Committed volunteer - rain or shine.

I leave my favorite for last - John, the resident DANCER at any downtown event. Equal opportunity dancing partner, makes anyone look good in a spin on the Piazza floor. One dance and you are all smiles again - I guarantee it!

Renton Show for Women, About Women

by thinkjose

Today, at the Piazza there are plenty of "play" options open - Spring Festival, Poker Run and the Renton Women's Show.
50 Vendors, Demos and Calendar Firefighters, Fashion Show by Via Lago, Speakers, Raffles, Pampering (ohh!)
All proceeds will go to a Women's Scholarship Fund to deserving Renton women / $10 suggested donation
Piazza at Burnett Ave. S./ Spirit of Washington Event Center. Today, Saturday 12 noon til 5 pm.

This event is hosted by the Renton Business and Professional Women's Organization (www.rentonbpw.org), in honor of equity for women in the workplace and equal pay. BPW is one of the oldest and largest national women's organizations . Founded in 1919, the BPW was one of the first to endorse the Equal Rights Amendment (1923). Even today, can you believe this!, the Equal Rights Amendment is still trying to be ratified and become our 28th Amendment. We've come so far and yet, we have still further we must go.

Celebrate Spring with a Festival and a winning Poker Hand

Tomorrow, Saturday April 18th Arts and Crafts Vendors Kids Entertainment Music Hot Dogs Corn on the Cob Piazza Attic Rummage Sale Henna Purses Sandals Soy Candles Psychic Readings FUN

Free Entrance Piazza at S. Third Street and Burnett Ave. S. 12 noon - 5 pm
Poker Run Sign Up at Booth at the Piazza Noon to 4 pm Suggested Donation $1 or food for Salvation Army 33 Downtown Businesses to visit to try to get the best Poker Hand No Experience required $1000 worth of prizes See the city through your winning hand!

Here's some beer, what's your hurry?

Here's some beer for you - fresh from the ever growing selection at The Redhouse - the beer of the moment - Northern Lights Crystal Bitter Ale. At $4.50 for a nice 22 oz. bottle, that is some lovely beer for a great price. This is out of a brewery in Spokane and the style is an English Bitter - crisp, malty and hoppy.

Redhouse Current Beer on Tap:
Leavenworth Dunkelweisse
Elysian Immortal IPA
Hales Tripel
Chimay Tripel
Hale's Pale Ale
Redhouse Red (Irish Red brewed by Big Als Brewery and named for the Redhouse)

Beer Pairing Dinner with Big Al's Brewery
5 courses, 4 Draft beers and one cask, $40 per person
April 19th, 5 pm, call now for reservations
(425) 226 - 2666 410 Burnett Ave. S. http://www.redhousebeerandwine.com

It's the people that count

Here is a dear soul, know to all of us as "Pinky" (that is her friend, Eric, on the right) and she has lived in Renton her entire life. But soon to be no more. Tomorrow we all bid her a fond adieu as she goes out into the world, moving away from her roots here to seek adventure in another cool town. Goodbye Pinky! We will all miss you.

If you ever take secret pleasure in reading certain columns in the Stranger and The Weekly newspapers, and we all know just what columns those might be... there is nothing more enertaining than having a great cup of coffee at the Liberty Cafe and having someone read them aloud to you - in public. Stephen Klanieki's voice adds an element of flair to the whole experience.

Mary Clymer (of Happy Delusions fame), adds color to our downtown in so many ways - but my favorite has to be this Lifesaver colored scarf that has to bring a smile whenever you see it wrapped around her. (Thank you Mary for giving a shout out to The ole Picaroon, here)

Someone brought sweet offerings to the hard at work student who sits endlessly near the entrance to our downtown library. Hoodie wrapped around his tired shoulders and a bunch of posies at his feet - he must be in need of a Spring Break. Aren't we all!!

3 Feet Under: Digging Deep for the Geoduck Clam

This is a documentary film about our own favorite, the GEODUCK clam. I say our own, as this special long necked lad can only be found in our area throughout the entire globe, And though this clam may not have much in looks, it is extremely tasty to some of us - my favorite being sauteed in fermented black bean sauce at a local eatery in the International District!

This film shown today at the Carco Theater at 4:30, has won some awards and has created a devoted following. This is part of the Key Ingredients: America by Food program at our Renton Historical Museum that lasts through May 9th. If you like food and all aspects of eating local, this is a must see.

Carco Theater 1717 Maple Valley Hwy.
Today 4:30 pm
Adul$10 Students $5

Jones Park has some mighty interesting trees

Sorry, but this orange tree "wrapping" just peaked my interest. Gotta hand it to the Parks Dept., but that is some mighty colorful work they are doing. And the trees don't look half bad themselves.

Tax Day - Ugh! But a free taco could be good

Here's hoping that you already have your taxes filed and in the mail, or efiled via something like CompleteTax, or went somewhere and got some help. But if you didn't, remember that you at least should get a copy of the Income Tax Extension Form, as shown above and get that out by tonight midnight.

Public Libraries are one of my favorite places on a normal day, but today they are as good as gold for all of you. All of the forms that you need can be found there. The library computers are also set up to download and print the forms from the IRS website.

Renton Main Library
library.rentonwa.gov
100 Mill Ave. South
(425) 430-6610
Open until 9 pm

Renton Highlands Branch Library
2902 NE 12th Street
(425) 430 - 6790
Open until 7 pm

Only ONE post office will be open in our in our sortof immediate area until midnight to receive the tax returns. It is as follows:

Riverton Post Office
15250 - 32nd Ave. S.
Seattle (SEA TAC) 98188

Directions to get there: Take 405 South as if going to the airport. Take airport turn off, but take the Highway 99 at this point instead. Stay left and go straight. There will be a stop sign ahead and directly in front of that is the post office.


All other Renton post offices are only open until 5 pm today!!!

Hey - if you want a treat after all of that - you can have a TAX TACO for free! from Taco del Mar. TAXES SUCK, TACOS DON'T!! They are giving away free tacos to anyone who gives them their email address and then you can print a coupon and take it in for your tax treat. Get started by clicking on this link here.

Taco Del Mar
4004 NE 4th
(425) 271-8836

Great Blue Heron

Heron Nests, Black Riparian Forest
Approx. 120 active Great Blue Heron nests in Black Cottonwoods trees along the Black River in Renton, WA
Photo by Brewbooks

Right here in Renton you can find a small bit of forest land that has been set aside for the nesting of Great Blue Herons. It is called the Black River Riparian Forest, and is just off Grady Way with a left swing onto S.W. Oakesdale. But don't count on me for the directions, check out this site, http://www.heronsforever.org/, which offers a couple of different approaches to take and a list of reminders for you when you head out to the trail (ie - take your cell and binoculars).

Friends of mine have been heading over for the last week or so to see if they could catch a glimpse of the birds. This area hosts not only the Great Blue Heron, but also a pair of bald eagles. This began back in the 90's. At first, the pair of eagles ate a lot of the heron eggs and all but chased the big blue birds away. Then in 2000, the Herons returned and I am guessing a mutual habitat must have been formed.

In the summertime, there are a couple of Great Blue Herons that can be seen on the Cedar River. One likes to come in the late afternoon in the bushes just below Jones Park on Wells Street. The other I often saw further downstream near the bridge from Boeing that crosses the Cedar. Such a large and graceful thing of beauty, I am always simply stunned when I am honored with a sighting.

To look at some lovely photos of the birds themselves, feel free to check out this link here. I have also noticed that the author, Dan Streiffert, of this link lead a bike tour through the auspices of the Sierra Club to the forest at the end of last month. Wouldn't that be fun!!

Renton is still such a wondrous place with many natural treasures to find and explore. I hope you head out soon to check out this one.

The Beauty that is our town

The colors of Spring are indeed letting themselves be known, even if between the raindrops...

Sometimes the clouds part and the secret of the sky peeks through to all of our delight...

To sit beneath the arbor of this tree is to feel the breath of beginnings and of neartime happenings...

Another hardy soul ventures into business

Just over the last couple of days Mucho Bueno, a family mexican restaurant, changed it's color and announced a new change of owner. When I went today, I couldn't get any more details, but it looks like another hardy soul is entering into the restaurant fold with a Northwest Bar and Grill.
I recall seeing that the owner of Mucho Bueno at N. Third St. and Park Ave. had his business listed for sale on Craigslist last summer because of "family" issues that made him want to sell. Maybe he finally got the buyer he wanted after all.

Stay tuned as I look to see when and how this bar and grill will open as we approach our "summer" - ah, summer, what a lovely, dry and warm prospect....

It rains here in Renton, but then we get Rainbows

It must be something written down, agreed upon and signed, but honestly, against the collective Renton will, that it should always happen to rain on Easter. Egg hunts be damned, and cute little dresses with matching Easter bonnets to be drenched. But what we do get are some pretty spectacular Rainbows - like this baby, that came out for a few minutes last night. That, my firends, was our collective Easter gift.

Happy Easter, Renton!

May your holiday be full of "chickie" joy and silly hunts that yield golden eggs

May you find every egg that gets hidden and run across the few that you couldn't find from the year before...

Be sure to share with anyone whose "basket" this year is less full or promising than yours...

This wonderful tray of goodies was Jeanette Ward's Easter Gift to her friend, Deb (of Girlfriend's Antiques, Gifts and Florals). I just happened by when the gift giving occurred. Happy moments are made special by friends like this.

Happy Easter Everyone!

Outside the Zipcode - Tulip Festival Parade

Today is the annual Tulip Parade for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. It is slated to begin at 2pm with John Curley of the King 5 Evening Magazine as the Honorary parade "PooBah" (my word, not theirs). This parade has been going on for 20 years and our family has been heading up that way to look at the fields for at least that long, if not longer.

Right now, the Tulip Fields are just beginning to show their lovely colors, though there are many bright and brilliant Daffodils to keep your eyes entertained. RoozenGaarde (15867 Beaver Marsh Rd.) and Tulip Town (15002 Bradshaw Rd.) have lovely gardens to walk in and have tulips that are "just" opening. Due to the weather, this year things are starting a little later.

These photos are ones I took another year - but should inspire you to go take a look. There are fields that are in color right now that you can view just by driving by on your way to the lovely town of La Conner. The brewery there has the best pizza in town from their wood burning oven, excellent salads, and of course, some really good beer of their own on tap. This is a great day outing for the family.

Check http://tulipfestival.org for any of the latest news. The next couple of weeks it will be just gorgeous up there!!

Meet the Artist

Origami papers, 4th grade class and Brielle Creaser - they all came together and produced this batch of colorful artwork featured this month at the Carco Theater through our local Arts Commission. Brielle Creaser has goals beyond just having her first hung art show, entitled Origami Quilts. She wants to go to Washington D.C. next Spring for the Young Leader's Conference. But before that date arrives, she has to complete her goal of raising $3,000. So come today from 3 to 5 pm at the reception area in the Carco Theater, and meet this aspiring youthful leader and artist.

Meet the Artist Reception
Carco Theater Reception Area 1717 Maple Valley Hwy. Renton, WA (425)430-6707
ArtsCommision.rentonwa.gov

Refreshments will be served

Easter in Renton

Deb of Girlfriend's Antiques, Gifts and Florals always has her windows done up for all of the holidays. Her windows are a true reflection of the woman herself - fun and full of charm, and always with a bit of interesting "story" attached.
Right next door is the Country Antique Station, and Rod has some adorable signs out to show you just where to look for this year's Happy Easter.


Don't these chairs just look so inviting? I could have shown you the cute painted windows or the gorgeous cupcakes that Crystal has been designing this week for the holiday, but the position and color of these chairs at Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes just was too good to be true. What unintentional holiday flair!
Next stop, holiday heaven at Cugini's Florist Shop. Fresh scents, vivid colors and an incredible selection of gift possibilities. This is where adults should come to fill their special some one's basket. At least, in my dream world, that's where my Easter Bunny goes to shop!
Finally - a little look at what is cooking up at the old chez Lady P for Easter. I am making chickies - knitting them up by the dozen, currently adding pom-pom allure to them all, for my family and extended family members. It is craftmadness over here and the dash is on to be done in time for the egg hunt on Sunday!!

Girlfriend's Antiques,Gifts, Floral 920 S.Third (206) 261-2802
Antique Country Station 918 S. Third St. (425) 235-6449
Common Ground Coffee and Cupcake 900 S. Third. St. (425) 235- 1717
Cugini Florists 413 S. Third St. (425) 255 - 3900

Renton Peeps talk about work and taxes

Have you had the pleasure of seeing this smiling face before? He is one of Renton's finest. Pedro Hawkins is one of those people out making a difference in our daily lives. He is the UPS guy with the best attitude around, who is usually in a continual state of "jogginess" and wears his shorts through any season. I love this guy. I have almost fallen on the street, running in pajamas 'cuz I missed him at my door with a package I was waiting for, and he stops and smiles and makes it all right. People who work in the public realm, enjoy their jobs and take the time to pass that along are becoming a rarity. Pedro can make you see things in a brighter way. Order your package today - and, with any luck, they will send Pedro your way.

Tax Time - and some of us get to go shopping with our tax returns. Michelle Klanieki has a penchant for BAGS. With her tax return, she bought this beauty at Happy Delusions on S. Third. She did, however, have to clean out at least a dozen old purses in order to secure this baby - husband's orders.

Ngan Huyhn has informed me that her tax return went to paying rent. Hummm, keeping the ole "roof over your head" tactic during times of economic hardship. Nice move, Ngan. I must divulge that that is exactly how I am spending my own tax return.

Samantha Goetz-Grandquist would just like her parents to remember her fondness for things Princess Leia-like. If she could, that would be how she would help spend her parent's tax return. But it's not happening - so we took the picture for posterity, and hung the cool yarn hair dreads back up and walked, rather glumly, away.

Beauty to be found even if our sun has run aground

Stop and look - our town of dear Renton is chock full of the wonders of the season. Even if we don't exactly know what season that may be from day to day. I notice that some of you only look at whatever the most recent post I have is - never scrolling down or going to that little indication that says "older post". Sad, really - sometimes you are missing out on something lovely to consider during the busyness of your day - like our lovely blooming town.

The bounty of the sun

There is nothing more beautiful than the bounty of the sun - if not the for the golden growth that it inspires. The plants are blooming, the river is fuller, and the streets and trails are filled with pedestrians and anything with wheels. Hurry - I here tell that that was just our summer - in its entirety.

SOoo Pho good!

Pho Saigon, at the corner of Bronson Way and S. 2nd is like a second home to many. It gives the entire neighborhood an option not to cook at least once a week. Whenever you happen by, Dang, the owner, always has a ready smile for you and her food is fresh, fresh, fresh. They also serve Bubble Tea and are a wonderful place to stop and get food "to go" when ambling off to a picnic bench with your name on it. This is a combination Vietnamese and Thai restaurant, with some basic Chinese dishes thrown in for good measure. Many love the Pho here and are religious about returning to get their fill of that noodle soup dish.

With all of the new places going in, it's nice to remember who has been happily feeding us for years - and that is what Pho Saigon is all about. My favorite on-the-go food to order are the Spring Rolls, pictured above. Comes with a little carrot salad and that delicious peanut dipping sauce, which I will drink if there is any left at the end of the meal - it's too good to waste.

Pho Sai Gon Vietnamese and Thai Restaurant 924 Bronson Way S. (425) 917 - 0305

Head to the restuarant with the best view in town

We are indeed lucky to live in the Pacific Northwest. Abundance of blue water and green foliage to be had at every vista. Minutes away from our downtown you can have a seat on the water, watching the boats cruise by and pay a fraction of what it would cost to dine anywhere else with such an impressive waterfront view - Ivar's.

The sun is out, so you may have to circle the parking lot a moment. But it is so worth the effort. Ivar's large glass windows are open to the elements and Ivar's does serve up some very mean fish and chips, topped of with my favorite tartar sauce.
Ivar's is right out on the end of the pier - so you have a full 180 degree view from inside.

Just one of the views you will be treated to if you go and treat yourself to a meal at Coulon Park.
Couldn't pass up this photo - here comes the baby brigade! Take a walk to work up your appetite or to assuage you guilt after one too many fries. Either way, lunch or dinner at Ivar's this Spring is a taste treat that is as easy on the budget as it is on the eyes.

Ivar's Gene Coulon Park (425) 255 - 3951 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N. Renton

For the "magically" inclined in Renton

Tonight, and every Monday night all of you Magic fans have a chance to come out and play. The magical Elko, who hails from the Netherlands, is the man in charge and for $15 you can play and go home with at least that much or more in magic cards. Starts at about 6pm, all welcome. For more information on Magic: The Gathering, try here http://www.wizards.com/MAJIC/

The Liberty Cafe at the corner of Main Street and S. Third

Things I like about Renton...

Do you know your mail carrier by name? That is one of the perks in living in a downtown area like North Renton with it's small town feel. This is Barbara. She is wonderful, full stop. She remembers all of those that are lucky enough to be on her route. Barbara can indeed be seen working hard rain or shine. Since there has been a lot of the former, it took us awhile to find a day when she could get a photo in without her rain hat. Thanks, Barbara for 2 decades plus of dedication. We still all need the "snail" mail, whatever may be happening in the realms of computerland.

Jimmy and Jen thought long and hard before they dared paint their front door this boisterous shade of purple. But why they worried so much, I will never know - they have such flair. The pots always have colorful plants, the flowers out front fresh and colorful - it is a treat to see every week as Spring becomes more sprung.

Renton in the Sun

Things were definitely happenin' at Liberty Park today - the place was hoppin'. Families picnicking, ball games in play, bikes being pedaled. There wasn't a quiet corner to be found. It was as if the lights had been switched on in a room too long abandoned - you could see everywhere clearly. Smiling faces and bared arms and shoulders - all willingly soaking up the sun.

Eggs in the Grass

I love an Easter Egg Hunt. This one, held Saturday at Jones Park by the Seed of Abraham Church at the corner of N. Third and Wells, even had some golden eggs. Kids were out running, hard boiled eggs were being discovered and nibbled upon (the dog was ever so thankful for those). My Mom was with me when we happened upon the happy event. She's a good looker - many unclaimed eggs caught her eye. After our morning coffee, we had to swing back by the park, just to make sure all of the eggs had made their way home. Sorry to say, for my Mom that is, they had. She loves an Easter Egg Hunt too.

When newspapers and mail mattered

These photos were inspired by our latest talk of blogging, the possible loss of our downtown Post Office and the sad devolvement of the printed word via newspapers. This old home whose back door looks out onto Burnett Ave., still boasts a mail box that has a crook to rest a paper in and an old orange plastic box for a publication out of circulation. Will we ever return this way again, I wonder? It all feels just a tad sad - a time soon to be forgotten. Ink stained fingertips, papers that were iron pressed and hung on wooden racks at the local hotel or men's club, the rustle of the paper at the breakfast table and the fight over the funnies. Are we really ready to say this goodbye?

Talking about Food

Closing The Food Gap - Resetting the Table in the Land of Plenty with Mark Winne, author
Fascinating topic on how we as Americans get our food, and the disparity in this "land of plenty" between those who have and those who do not. Mark Winne is a proponent of finding a way for all citizens of this lovely land to be able to eat well, eat enough, eat organically, eat fairly. As of today, this is still not the case. Compelling ideas to hear about in a time when our economy is feeling even more stressed and the soup kitchens and food banks have record high needs and less than ever on the shelves to give.
This is also a book signing - how fun! Here is a link to Mark's book.

Saturday, April 4th 3:00 pm Carco Theatre 1717 Maple Valley Hwy. Tickets: $10/$5 students FREE with nonperishable food donation/or grocery gift card
(photo courtesy of Flickr/ Faeryboots - thanks!)

Tidy up Renton

Tomorrow, meet at the Piazza on South Third St. and join in to help keep our streets clean and graffiti-free. Volunteers will be given everything they need to help begin the process of tidying up our town and afterwards will be given a Thank You Certificate. The Kiwanis Club is one of the sponsors. If you hate the way trash always seems to be drifting and lurching around the downtown bus stop, now is your time to weigh in with your sweat and effort. Get off that couch! They'll be serving refreshments, we got you covered. Put in a little time, put in a lot - it is all welcome.

Saturday, 9 am - 12 noon Piazza, South Third Street

Special thanks to McLendon's, Lowe's, Target,Parker Paints and Metro Transit for lending a hand as well.

Now hear this - the Renton Reporter has spotted us

It seems that the gig is up - local Renton blogs have finally hit the Renton Reporter's radar. It was in print today, so it must be true. But I will tell you how the story truly goes. We have the lovely Liz Stewart, Renton Historical Museum Director, to thank for bringing us all into focus. Seems that while the latest museum exhibit was having it's key open house, there were two local bloggers on hand to report the event, and only that. So Liz "tweeted" as such to the local rag, got a kinda "Huh?" response, and cleared the confusion by listing off some of the local bloggers that she knew. So, now it seems that maybe that the Reporter will have a blog as well ? (Oh, or maybe just have us "log" on). I, personally, remain steadfastly independent. My comrade-in-arms are listed in my blogroll to the right. Let the fun begin.

Give me a little of that cupcake love

You know it's been awhile - I have been sooo out of touch with my cupcake luv. I even lost a little of my baking edge. Overfilled the cups, got all sloppy with my frosting delivery. Tropical Storm on the cupcake front, you might say - these are, after all, little pieces of paradise infused with fruits from the islands. Gooey goodness - sorry you missed it!

La Hacienda and the happy belly

Beans and Rice - together they form the perfect protein. Mexican cuisine is smart like that. It is comfort food to me - so satisfying, so tasty and just a little bit picante - the spice that makes eating interesting! LaHacienda has become one of my all time favorite haunts. Food is great - fresh and fast and the whole place just vibes with an easy, down home friendliness that makes you feel welcome to stay. Javier and Pily Babadilla, owners, are always there to greet you and after 13 years, are still going strong and are a committed part of our downtown area and the greater community at large.

Everyday, the sandwich board outside declares the lunch (11 am - 3 pm) and dinner specials. Sundays, there is a buffet meal - a Mexican version of brunch. There is a full bar, with some beer taps, and the requisite amount of TV screens hosting at least 2 different sports at a time.Banquet facilities are also available, and be assured, the same friendly, prompt service comes with that too. Hours are 7 days a week - 11 am to 10 pm

La Hacienda 811 S. Third Street (425) 228 - 0882

Spring showers and it's flowers

Cast away your worries and just "float"

It may still be the first of April, but this boat deal is no hoax. My buddy Fred is downsizing. So here is your chance to make a break for the high seas (not too high, anyways, let's not get carried away now, shall we?) and live the dream. Got spare time cuz ya lost a job or two? Put some elbow grease and a motor into this baby and you are set to take that vacation you always wanted - and now miraculously have all the time in the world to plan. Happy Boating Days are here again! Call us when you get out of the harbor!

(At least Fred didn't just let his craft go adrift in the Puget Sound - Check out this article in the NY Times - amazing!
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/01/business/01boats.html

Puddle jumping

The Final Chapter

Nothing to look at here, folks, move along....