Making the memorial memorable

Memorial Day Monday - the official start of the summer season and the commemoration of all those who have helped and are helping to serve and protect our country. During these last few years, the war our country is in has been a bone of contention. Regardless of your views on our country's involvement overseas, the one thing we should all hold fast to is our unreserved support of the troops that risk life and limb and the families that wait for their safe return with baited breath and a prayer.

Ken and his team of workmates were out in force the other day tidying up the Veteran's Memorial Park on the corner of Main and South Third for the ceremony on Monday.

George and Dale were on loan from the Cedar River Parks Dept. to help get the park looking spiffy. Thanks guys - it was looking just lovely.

Dave was helping put a coat of black paint around the edge of the plaques listing the names of all those who have served our country through military service.

This holiday comes around and we forget why we have time off, what the meaning or spirit of the day is all about. What better way than to come together with other members of the community to take a moment and appreciate the efforts to preserve our right to live in the relative peace that America has been blessed with for many a year. Then take a poppy or flag to the grave of a family member that proudly served in a war on lands so far from home. We are all so fortunate that our days can begin without the threat of bombs or gunfire from invading troops. My brother lived in a generation that did not have to go to war - I can't imagine what it would be like waiting to hear if he was going to be one of the lucky souls to make it back.

Memorial Day Service
Veteran's Memorial Park
corner of Main and South Third Street
(523 South Third St)
Monday 2 pm - 3 pm

Wanna decorate cookies?

Cookies - yum! Bring the frosting and the sprinkles, the cookies will be on hand to decorate at the Liberty Cafe tomorrow, Sunday, from 10am til noon. Of course, what better place to hold such a tasty event, but at the cafe with the mostest. Have your coffee and then nibble on your creative cookies. Great pairing.

The community will be out - a great time to wish everyone well during the season. Hope to see you there.


Liberty Cafe
926 S. Third Street
(425) 235 - 1400

Photos with Santa

Santa was poised and picture perfect ready in the Piazza today in Downtown Renton where free photo taking was available for all ages and members of the family. Hear tell even some furry ones made their way to Santa's lap this afternoon between the hours of 1 pm and 4.

Raya had no problem walking up and bending the big guy's ear about what she would like for Christmas. Full of smiles, she was ready for the photo shot.

Tanya became Santa's photo helper this Saturday, decked out in antler ears and layers of warmth to brave the cold. Can you believe this cool weather Renton has been having? There is even the "S" word being thrown around for tonight and tomorrow. Tanya requested mocha's as her guard against the encroaching cold. For all her volunteer efforts, I hope she got a few of them.

Jessica and Noona Rose stood outside while sister Raya had her moment with Santa. Not all kids are as enthralled by the red suit. From what I could see, Noona was having none of that sitting on Santa's lap stuff- regardless of the candy incentive.

Hey, and you still have two more days of visiting Santa's House and having a photo taken with Santa. How does it work? You get a card with a number and go to the indicated site and download your photo.

Friday, December 18 5pm - 7pm
Saturday, December 19 1pm - 4pm

The Piazza
233 Burnett Ave. South
For more information, contact Alecia Rivas at 206-619-1101.

Free Santa Photos

Have your photo with Santa - today for free, from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Piazza, Downtown Renton at South Third Street and Burnett. Just look for Santa's little house - you can't miss it!

The Piazza
Downtown Renton
South Third Street and Burnett

Holiday Stories - come listen and remember

Ballads and tales of the great Hans Christian Andersen will be told by Alan Hirsch tomorrow at 11 am at a free program at the Renton History Museum. Allan told the story of toys to a rapt audience last year - so this is not the same program as before, so make sure to come hear him perform such classics as The Tinder Box, Five Peas in a Pod, The Wild Swans and more.


Renton History Museum
235 Mill Ave. South
Renton, WA 98057

Your pet loves to see Santa too, you know

Yep, that's right - Santa Claws wants to take a photo with your beloved furry one and tomorrow at Poddie's Pet Palace is your last day. This particular Santa is a good one and all of the proceeds for the mere $10 donation go to Friends of King County's Animals. Any additional prints are very reasonable as well.

Saturday, December 12th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Sheryl, the owner of Poodie's Pet Palace, says that the turn out this year on the three days the photo shoot has been held so far has been very good. With every penny of the photo fee going to the animal rescue, that is great news to hear.

Poodie's Pet Palace
123 Mill Avenue S., Renton
(across from the Renton Public Library downtown)
425-228-8225

The Christmas Tree

The Picaroon loves to get into the spirit of things early - so off to The Christmas Tree Lot we went today in search of the prettiest tree within our measly budget. 10 minutes from Downtown Renton will put you in the neighboring city of Newcastle and at a lovely place to purchase this year's tree, Newcastle Fruit & Produce Company.

There is a tree for every budget - from the Douglas Firs for a mere 20 bucks (nothing Charlie Brown like about them) to the Frazier and Noble Firs that are about 50. They even have the type of trees that a high cathedral ceiling calls for - and those babies started at $130 on up.

Mistletoe anyone?

This tree lot is large, with ample parking and signs to guide you to your special greenery of choice.

Three women, three Christmas trees, a handful of dogs and kids - the staff took it all in stride with great service and a smile. That's all of our trees strapped to the roof of the car right there. It's so nice to go where your trade is so welcome.

Last year The Picaroon happily shopped at McLendon's for the tree, but missed this years one day sale yesterday 'cuz her lazy butt just couldn't crawl out of bed early enough to beat the crowds. The word is, that McLendon's sold through 800 Christmas trees yesterday and was down to just a few today. As I still have some extreme male Christmas shopping to do for the holiday, I will be making some trips there soon.


One final view of the hood of the Suburban, roof full of tree, before heading on home. Ah, the season is looking good this year!

Newcastle Fruit & Produce Company
13013 Newcastle Way
Newcastle, WA 98059
425-227-8400

Renton's bright lights and Santa sightings

Tonight Renton's Piazza was aglow with sparkling lights and visited by Christmas royalty - no less than Mr. and Mrs. Claus themselves. The lights will be up throughout the month, so include a trip down South Third street in Downtown Renton on your schedule of Holiday Destinations. It will warm the cockles of your heart, though you may feel the need of mittens and a warm coat if you decide to walk and take in the sights.

No bush or tree left unlit.

All the colors of the light rainbow.

There was music being played by the group from Harambe - our own Matt Topping leading in song. The Salavation Army Band followed up next and everyone was encouraged to sing along and crone to the carols, whether off key or not.

Mayor Denis Law was on hand to help two children throw the special switch that lit the tallest of the trees. Magic!

Here is that very tree. A Christmas Tree. That's right - isn't very "PC" of me. Oh well.


Volunteer Pat Roland stands at the ready in the Santa House where children are free to come and sit on Santa's knee, have their photo taken, and receive a candy cane and an opportunity to bend the big guy's ear with their wish list. Each weekend there will be hours posted on the Santa House so that all will have other opportunities to visit Mr. Claus.

Santa and Mrs. Santa arrived not in a sled, but in a big, red shiny firetruck. They even had a faithful elf, Suzzane, in attendance. Santa is usually fashionably late - and the tension builds and the kids begin looking for the signs of his arrival - like the blast of a fire horn and the blinking of lights.

Oh, the wonder of seeing Santa.

Even though the reindeer stayed at home, Santa had some bells on hand to remind him of his favorite sleigh friends.

The Schlegel family all bundled up, walked down to share in a cup of warm cider and a handful of cookies that are given out each year.

Council member Marice Palmer came all decked out in the season's best color. It seems she has recovered from that nasty cast she was in for so long - yeah! at last.

Jennifer Davis Hayes of the City of Renton's Economic Dept. was there with her kids waiting for the big guy to show.


Councilman Randy Corman's family always have great community spirit - here are his wife Cathy Corman and his youngest, Susie. Susie has already been baking up her holiday cookies, and the 11 or so members of the household eat them up as fast as she can turn them out. That's a house I would like to be visiting soon.
Could the Cookie Fairy come visit me soon, do you think?

Oh the pretty lights

Downtown Renton's Piazza during the holidays last year

Pretty Holiday Destinations - Gene Coulon Park hosts the 16th year of the festive Clam Lights. Today, December 4th from 5 - 9pm and there will be lights and a parade of decorated boats with music - you get the picture. But these lovely babies will be up until the new year, so you can always go another night to look and then head on over to Ivar's for dinner to round out the evening, which is exactly what The Picaroon intends to do.

The Piazza Tree Lighting and Santa Fun begins Saturday at 3pm with Dickens Carolers, local crooners, roasting chestnuts and warm beverages - and all of this before leading up to Santa's arrival at 5. It is a great time to cruise Downtown Renton getting into the spirit of the season. The Piazza is located at South Third and Burnett.

These are FREE events - just the way the holiday fun should be so go and enjoy.

What I saw today in Renton

This hat peering out on the street full of cars and pedestrians had me laughing - looked like Santa's helpers were already prowling about to see who has been "naughty or nice". Found this bit of fun in front of Rod Stewart's Antique Country Station where he has window full of cool gifts for the taking.

Antique Country Station
918 South 3rd Street
Renton, WA 98057-2734
(425) 235-6449
Get directions

I just love the sentiment behind this sign - new is not always the best, and cool cannot always be equated with where you got the gift or how much you spent. The best gifts of all are the ones that are given with that special person in mind and given with the heart.

As you know - the Downtown Renton Antique Mall has gone to South Third Street and become the Cedar Chest Antiques - so stop on by. They have a lovely window full of holiday treats.
Cedar Chest Antiques
916 South Third Street
(25) 271 - 0511
11 - 5pm Tuesday - Saturday

Renton Wreathes Up and Holiday Parties begin

Wreathing up the downtown Renton corridor - that is what Stefeny Anderson was up to yesterday. Just thought I might see what all the decoration fuss was about - and me likes. Many store fronts on South Third Street bore the lovely holiday mark of a wreath and a red bow. Great work there, Stefeny.

If you see this bright holiday postcard in your daily travels - snag it up! It is an invite to the Holiday Party at Happy Delusions, the store for all your handcrafted gifts and treasures, this Saturday December 5th from 4 - 8pm. The card entitles the bearer to $5 off any purchase of $30 or more - so well worth the effort of picking it up.

And before I go, let us look at some of the festive decorations that are beginning to brighten our early winter nights here in town. Mary Clymer, owner of Happy Delusions, has gone garland crazy and I love the retro colored tinsel trees. I stopped by on my early evening stroll to get the photo in the twilight - full festive effect. There is nothing like the lights on a tree reflecting out into the dark ambient air to make one think of hot mugs of cocoa, warm winter socks and the smell of snow.

Happy Delusions
924 S. Third Street Renton WA 98057
425-255-6078