Happy St.Paddy's!!

It isn't easy being green, lamented Kermit the Frog. But today it  couldn't be further from the truth, unless one likes being pinched. Ran into this most lovely Ballower Bouquet ( yes, that is balloon parlance for a pocket full of air blown posies to you uninitiated) from Lulu's Balloons. Laura Lenzi of said business full of smiles and fun, made these especially for Jet City Espresso, corner of 2nd and Main Street and still the home of my  favorite cup of joe.

I am obviously out of touch with the art of balloons, as I find this bouquet quite amazing. I have never seen anything quite like it. Max the Wonder Dog is quite smitten with them as well. He's certain they have food potential, if not something to consider giving a chewing over.

Take it easy out there today, Renton. Live to drink another day, if you catch my drift. 

While you are still green and sober, shout a birthday greeting to the best mail carrier in Renton - our dear Barbara. Today is her birthday and I am certain she'll be seeing some of the wee folk before the day is through!

Renton - where the Shams do Rock

First thing to get proper Green in the town of Renton, you stop off for a bit of the real blarney - a cup of Mike's coffee at Liberty Cafe and a bit of a chin wag. That will set you right in the mood, as it were. Always someone around who wants to have a chat.

926 South 3rd Street  Renton, WA 98057  (425) 235-1400

Then, thinking you're up for the stronger stuff, you head off to see Jenna and Paddy at A Terrible Beauty Irish Pub for a pint and a giggle, You may even stop by their new Irish Market. It has all the tastes and wonders of the green isle herself for you to take home. I have my eye on some tea and a cool shirt me wee self, and it's open all the same hours of the pub. Now that's making it easy.

201 Williams Ave Renton, WA 98057-2106 - (425) 227-3396
Open Weekdays 11am-2am; Weekends 9am-2am

Then, you begin to cry into your cups, thinking of your Irish heritage and all. You think of  your dear ole Mum, whom you haven't called in ages, and head over to Cuigini's Florist Shop to buy her a bit of the green to help celebrate the day.

413 South Third Street  Renton, WA 98057  (425) 255-3900

By now, your head is aching something fierce from all that thinkin' and drinking, and you need a little TLC and a bit of primping. You've heard that a girl can get a great bit of pampering, maybe even a new "do" over at Bianco& Co Salon and Spa
231 Wells Ave South, Renton -(425) 282-5046

 

Maybe feelin' a tad maudlin and in need of reviving, a Pot O'Gold  Guinness chocolate cupcake with Irish cream butter frosting could cheer one up completely. Available right here in our little burg at Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes

900 South 3rd St # A  Renton, WA 98057-2710  (425) 235-1717

With a belly full of cupcake wonder, my brain begins to tingle from neglect. Old Renton Book Exchange is just the ticket to restoring some brain cell activity and honoring my Irish roots with a book or two on the homeland. 

227 Wells Ave. South  Renton, WA 98057  (425) 430-2665

One must ask - do I really have enough of the green for the day? For a little creative pick-me-up and a whole lot of fun in general, always head off to Happy Delusions, where Indie crafters are well represented.

924 South 3rd Street  Renton, WA 98057-2734  (425) 255-6078

And finally, a shout out to our resident a winner of a $1,000 math and science Carson scholarship for her college fund, Ms. Samantha Goetz-Granquist. Local Rentonite nominated by her school, with a high grade point average, an interest in geology and an active participant in her community, this lovely young woman is loved by all.

ALSO Look at the next best thing to sliced soda bread - AllRenton.Com - check it out!!

I sitll heart you, Renton

I got an email for Valentines Day from a faithful reader telling me that four months was too long to wait for a Picaroon update. And I am still late in saying, I still do heart you, Renton.

The walkers of Coulon Park have better holiday attire than most. Artfully contrived with Velcro and a few safety pins for good measure, these clothes are all made to order for each occasion by some costumer of witty talent.

Can you believe the blue skied wonderfulness of the day these photos were shot? The weather is a mix of Spring whipped up into an occasional Winter cool fest. I never know how to dress when I get up - unlike our statue strollers here, who can wear the hell out of anything.

I still think of the days of old, blogging away about the town I love. My Valentine to you, dear Renton. A photo of your winning colors.

Join the Renton Picnic today

Feel like a little picnicking and  meetin' the neighbors and that sort of thing? Join the North Renton Neighborhood Association and my wee self this evening between the hours of 5:30 - 7:30 pm at Jones Park on Wells Street for some free hot dogs and convivial surroundings. We won't frown at a little potluck activity from your kitchen, if so inclined. Norma is said to be collecting recipes of any dish that you happen to bring. So come along and share - whether it be just you, or you and a dish or two. All comers welcome.

My favorite part of the evening is seeing people from all walks of the City of Renton's many departments out cooking up dinner at the grill.Check us out last year.

While you are at it, check out the newly formated North Renton Neighborhood Association website, thanks to a local figure known to many as Renton Ben.

North Renton Picnic
Tonite! Jones Park on Wells Street
5:30 - 7:30 pm   FREE!

Hey! It's a Parade

Renton River Days Parade - an event I look forward to each year. Fry Bread purchased each year in front of the Eagles Club and a chair to bask on the sidelines while the kids (and adults!) hope to score a candy or two thrown their way. This is a slice of Americana and it is heavenly.

Light on text? Yep - off to play with my niece at the last day of the Renton River Days at Liberty Park. Hope to see ya'll there.

Here a duck, there a quack

As of today, all of the Renton rubber ducks, whose locations have been being mysteriously hinted at in the Renton Reporter since the end of June, have come to roost at Liberty Park. Man, my Mom had a great time tracking down every last one of those cleverly outfitted ducks in the hope of being the winner this weekend at Renton River Days.

Since I have been such a dilatory blogger as of late, here is a look back at some of these cute little yellow duckies in their recent environments. Pongi Bonsi at The Landing featured here.

Tricked out by Tor, tattoo artiste of Downtown Renton, this guy was seen at Happy Delusions.

Cute little reporter duckie found at Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes- he had, by far, the yummiest hang out.

Okay - so this one needs no explanations from me. Dude is hella cute, right?

Got some of your Duck Hunt bingo sheet filled out? Head over to Liberty Park and put your sheet with your name attached in for a drawing. Maybe this is your ducky, I mean, Lucky Day!

Renton River Days - Celebrating 25 Years of Rubber Duckies!

First Friday Block Party rocks again

First Friday Block Party tomorrow y'all - and the artwork is rockin'. Featuring the paintings of artist Dan Kevil, who will be at the party for a little meeting and greeting, this is when coming to hang out in the DTR really gets to be fun.

Firecrackers - Bork

Caroline Jones

Set your clocks for 7pm - when either DJ Phil Anthony or Floyd will be spinning some tunes to set the mood. Mike Moskowitz, our favorite conveyor of dark, caffeinated drinks, will be at the helm and neighbors and friends will certainly be inbound for this fun, Downtown Renton event.

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

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