I love this idea. It’s the perfect gift for those that like experiencing the beauty, nature of the Pacific Northwest. The WA State Parks Gift Card can be purchased online and used for camping, cabins, The Discover Pass (see restrictions), and more. #pnw
Author: dkaltenb
Record Heat Wave in the #pnw
As June comes to a close, here in the Pacific Northwest, we’ve had record high temperatures. Higher than Miami, Dallas and other cities ever recorded. This is unprecedented as it is often hard to get tan lines before July. An example is:
Portland, OR – 116 degrees
Seattle, WA – 108 degrees
Pasco, WA – 118 degrees…since 1961
Many households do not have air conditioning here. I imagine that will slowly increase going forward. A common sense expense I think. And many will think ahead. Businesses closed, nature/plants and infrastructure took a beating. Can anyone say climate change?
What did you do to stay cool? The #pnw states are opening up! Options included being on the road, shopping in an air-conditioned store, movie theater, took a dip in the pool, bbq, a refreshing beverage, and more. I found a hand mister to be very handy, refreshing.
What will the rest of the summer bring? May our natural beauty be spared. And may the energy of #pnw thrive as we celebrate a bit of normal.
Nature’s wake up call
As May is coming to a close, the thing I remember most is the early wake up call from the Junco’s in the area. The Junco is my favorite bird, makes me happy and we’ve seen more this Spring than any other I think. The American robin has been plentiful as well. Funny… even though I may not be ready to be awake at 4:15 am, they like to sing their song and let us know they exist.
May is a good month to experience a spring in your step, baseball, flowers, out with the old and in with the new, the festival season, self-care, catching up with friends, and planning for the Summer ahead. There is hope. Let’s do this!
Check Out Washington
Check Out Washington has been expanded to include most WA libraries. Borrow a Library Discover Pass for one week to explore the beauty of Washington State…the birds, the trees, the landscape, the Pacific Northwest.
For more information, see https://www.discoverpass.wa.gov/ or https://parks.state.wa.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=689 or https://www.sos.wa.gov/library/libraries/projects/checkoutwa.aspx
Spring has Sprung
It’s the first day of Spring. March 20, 2021.
It’s a welcomed day among.
In the Pacific Northwest, it’s in the air.
While on a walk or a #pnw drive.
Trees, leaves are a budding.
I see Crocus, Daffodils, Primrose, Pansies, and Hyacinthus.
The Juncos and a variety of birds, bees are making their way to feed.
Rain, Clouds, Sun. A welcomed site.
We hear frogs making their song… especially in the evening light.
The crescent moon and stars are shown.
Spring has sprung.
Latin Vibes
Need some Latin in your life? I did.
Twisted Cuban Cafe & Bar in Woodinville, WA. The tunes and art bring the ‘flavor’ and then there is the great selection of tasty dishes and specialty cocktails. The Fillete de Pescado was enjoyed and then the Twisted Cuban Sandwich with Yuca fries. Think Havana. https://www.twistedcubancafe.com/
And, if you don’t want to step outside, within 4 hours reach, but need a pick-me-up, get your steps in with Rick Bhullar Fitness on YouTube. Move to the Latin music workout.
A Winter Walk
on this last day of the month
a winter walk
the time was had
to get out and about
to move the body
the mind is clear
to see the leaves
many trees are bare
the seasons are appreciated
nature rules
2021…some options for getting out and about from Western Washington
- Take a Winter walk or hike
- Lake Crescent on the Olympic Peninsula
- Attend a social distance festival, concert or theater production
- Visit Canada (when the border opens)
- Mount Rainier – re-visit it and see the renovated Paradise Inn
- Stay in a Yurt
- Golf, Fish, Ski, Snowshoe…somewhere
- Takeout from Deru Market in Kirkland, WA
- Take the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island for brunch outside
- Northwest Trek
- See Silver Falls in Oregon
- Spheres at the Amazon corporate office (when they re-open for tours)
- See the renovated Space Needle, glass floors
- Check out the updated Asian Art Museum
- See the movie Top Gun / Maverick (due out in July), especially if you loved the first one
- Take the portable fire pit out to the street and meet up with the neighbors for happy hour
- Travel outside of within 4 hours reach
- Go somewhere new; try something new
- Go somewhere that you haven’t been to in a number of years. Support the smaller businesses too.
- Go somewhere that you love, that makes you happy; one of your favorite places
- Do something notable EACH month of 2021 #mightnotsuck
Your One Word of 2021
What is your one word of 2021? Instead of a New Year’s Resolution, try one word. This one word will drive your decision making and intentions throughout the year. Who could have predicted what happened in 2020. #choice. My essential word = energy, it determines my contentment, balance and how I move through life.
My one word for 2021? Dynamic
Cheers!
Happy New Year 2021!
Happy New Year 2021! Do you have a New Year’s Day tradition? Pork and sauerkraut maybe? noodles? Participating in the Polar Bear Plunge? Football? A Rose Parade viewing? A new outlook with many possibilities?
These recipes, dishes look tasty. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/g1960/good-luck-foods/?slide=3
Within 4 hours reach... 