Music Monday: Lost Lander - Cold Feet

Friday Five... Reasons to Love your Public Library

National Library Week has come and passed... April 8-11 this year, but that does not mean that we cant love our public libraries all year long.

1. Free Downloadable Ebooks.  Timberland Library even gives free classes on how to use the Adobe software and how to move the eBooks to your eReader of choice.

2. Save money by borrowing hardcover bestsellers, nonfiction, fiction.. whatever suits your fancy. 

3. Book reccomendations from Novelist.  What is that you say? You have never tried Novelist!  Well I am a huge book nerd and this is one of my favorite tools to help lost bibliophiles find their next novel to read!

4. View art exhibits in lobby.  I love walking into the Aberdeen branch and seeing the unique pieces in the display case, not to mention the Gigantic Owl that makes me smile, even at the age of twentyseven!  The only image I could find of the owl is here. (photo courtesy of dave ward photography)

5. Update Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Blogger, and any other social media your little heart desires.

Timberland has so many branches in Grays Harbor, including Aberdeen, Amanda Park, Hoquiam, Westport, Elma, McCleary and Oakville.

FYI...I have a list of about 100 reasons to love our public libraries and might just have to make this a recurring post!

Grays Harbor Outdoor Adventure and Travel Expo

This weekend is the second annual Outdoor Adventure Expo.

April 28th-29th.

Crew members from the deadliest catch.

Prizes and fun for the family.

Grays Harbor County Fair Grounds.

Eva Shockey of “Jim Shockey Hunting Adventures”.

Glen Hall of the fishing and hunting show “Hawg Quest".

Expo tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for youths 6 -13, children 5 and under free.

Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday and

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Children are welcome to cast for prizes at Cabela’s Fishing Pond.

Having lived on the Harbor for most of my life, it is hard to convey to people who are not from our beautiful area just how important the surrounding wildlife is to our outdoor experiences.

I would even go as far as to say that most of us either are a hunter/fisher-person, or know someone who is, which usually translates into a freezer full of yummy fish and meat to smoke, grill and fry!

flyer courtesy of www.ghcfairgrounds.com/OutdoorExpo.

And don't forget to visit Local Magazine Horns and Hooks booth!

Al Fresco is in at Lake Aberdeen

My husband and 3 year old daughter enjoy
our first picnic of the season at Lake Aberdeen

My family and I took advantage of the nice weather we had last weekend and used the opportunity to break out the picnic basket for our first family picnic of the season. When deciding where to enjoy the sunny afternoon my husband suggested Lake Aberdeen and I'll admit I forgot they had revamped the Lake of my youth last year. Of course it's always at the forefront of his mind, because he's a fisherman and the hatchery is always an attraction he enjoys.

The new playscape integrates seamlessly
into the natural park setting.

It ended up being the perfect lunch spot and I have to wonder how many other harborites may not realize that, with its face lift complete, these days Lake Aberdeen is a beautiful recreation area that still features all of the same classic outdoor activities. There's still the "H" shaped dock that outlines the gravel-beached swimming area, the aforementioned hatchery to explore, the boat launch, the stocked fish, the eagles soaring above the stocked water and the countless newts to catch. But there's also a brand new, "natural rock" facade playscape for kids, fresh picnic structures and a lush green grass lawn that will most likely make you resentful of your own lawn.

View of the manicured picnic area from the dock. My daughter
(bottom right corner) peers curiously into the water.

If you've never been before, here is Google Maps to tell you all about how to get there (visually). The exit that will get you there is right across from LeMay in Central park if you're looking for a landmark.

View Larger Map

Hey There, Harborite: Kelly Hogaboom

Name/Age: Kelly Hogaboom, 35

Where do you live: Hoquiam

Profession/Day Job: Homeschooler / Stitcher, Tailor, Artisan / Freelance Writer / Volunteer


Loyal To: My Family


Best Harbor Moment: It's hard to pick from so many years' worth of wonderful experiences. One that comes to mind: when my then-7 year old daughter and I took a bike-camping trip from Hoquiam out to Westport. We each rode our own bikes and packed our own gear. We had so much fun and met so many surprised but supportive people on the way! 


Favorite Coffee Stand: I'm partial to Tully's in Hoquiam for the convenience. Lunch at Lunch makes the best cappucino and tea latte. And I got a soft spot for Britta at Gray's General. Having a pour-over coffee while talking craftivism - you can't beat it.


Favorite Local Business: Taquería El Jalapeño - delicious, amazing, homestyle food at wonderful prices.


Grunge, Metal or Country: I've got a soft spot for grudge - I graduated in 1995 for crying out loud - but my musical predilicitons are most influenced by my husband Ralph, who writes and records his own. He's always bringing all sorts of stuff home. Currently listening to: CocoRosie, Florance & the Machine, Peaches, Hank Williams (the original), the Shirelles, and M83.


Beach, Forest or River: When it's hot out, I mean blazing hot, you gotta hit the river. The forest is good in any weather - perhaps best on a chilly and spooky fall evening. The beach is perfect when you're feeling a bit lonely and like you want to experience the glory of Creation.


Favorite outdoor adventure or day trip: In the last week of the Ocean Crest the kids and I took a trip to Point Grenville and we ran around for the day, the kids getting to ride in the back of the pickup truck. We then had a fancy meal at the Ocean Crest while being waited on by a friend. My children were so impressed with the view and drinking water out of wine glasses, they behaved like they were wearing tux and tails!


Define the Harbor in one word: verdant


If you could change one thing about the Harbor, what would it be: Nothing. It's perfect. Our difficulties keep us busy and keep us caring for one another.


Grays Harbor's best kept secret: The most wonderful, kind, hilarious and exhilarating weirdos live here. :-)

Music Monday: Pixies- Debaser

Music Monday: Sarah Vaughan - Can't Give You Anything But Love

In honor of Record Store Day which just happened this past Saturday, I'm playing records all day! This one is currently on rotation.

 

Music Monday: Pocketful of Sunshine by Natasha Bedingfield

Sometimes I think that a "pocketful" of sunshine is all we get around here. I hope everyone enjoyed the weekend's delightful weather! I don't look at weather reports because they just ruin the fun, so here's to hoping that more sunshine is in store for us!


 

Friday Five: Life Can Be So Taxing

I don't know about you, but I am so happy tax day has come and gone. Now I can stop waving to that statue of Liberty every time I end up driving downtown. Seeing a smiling man in a green dress and a foam crown does not make tax season any more pleasant, just saying. So hopefully you filed your taxes on time and hopefully you got a good chunk of change back from the government. Here are a few ideas about how to spend it. 1. Put in that swimming pool you always wanted.

2. Take a family vacation to some exotic location... like Leavenworth or Spokane.

3. Quit your day job and start that cake decorating business you've been dreaming about.

4. Splurge on a professional photo shoot with your family... or just you and your pet.

5. Cry because you didn't actually get a tax return and now have to find a second job to pay off the money you owe.

What will you do with your tax return?

The Hills Are Alive!

Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens, Bright copper sleigh bells and hot yellow mittens, Round paper geese that fly with a string........ these are a few of my favorite things.... or something like that.

Haven't you just been dying to tear those old curtains off the window in your kitchen (ya know, the ones with the ducks looking at each other underneath a heart) and make some flashy new dress to wear out for a night on the town? ME TOO. The musical nun/nanny in my family got all of our clothes at Lamonts.

I'm sure you've been wondering exactly when you would finally be allowed to sing along in a public setting about your favorite things and some rare German bird called Eddelwiess... or is it a tree? Regardless, now is the time!

Or maybe you've always wondered what the heck happens to that musical Austrian family because, like me, you always stop watching the movie after the nun sings Climb Every Mountain because things kind of get a little dark and sad.

Well, the sad part is still in the movie BUT it won't be so bad when you've got all dressed up and stuffing your face with buttery popcorn at the theatre this Friday and Saturday night! Come out to the 7th Street Theatre for what will surely be an entertaining evening. The movie starts at 7:30pm both nights and Saturday will also include a costume parade and the Hoquiam High School to help lead everyone in singing along. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for youth. For more info on where to get tickets or to find lyrics to all of the songs, check out the 7th Street Theatre's website.

National Park Week 2012

It's a place to walk the dog, to have a picnic, to play outside and spend time with your kids, your family or just by yourself with a book, a fishing pole or a pair of running shoes.  (except for the kids part... sounds like many of my springs and summers here on the harbor!)

Photo courtesy of Nationalparks.org

National Park Week 2012 starts this, yes I repeat THIS, weekend April 21 and runs through the 29th.  Lucky Grays Harborites have so many parks to choose from, you could visit one a day and it would still take you more than a month to visit them all. 

State parks that usually require a Discover Pass are free all week.  Great news for those of us (ie: ME) who have not taken the short amount of time required to buy the $30 pass when we renew our tabs.

Even if the weather isn't the best, (which it is supposed to be sunny this weekend), our areas 9 state parks, 9 wildlife conservations, and the national park are still great places to visit in the drizzle and fog.  The natural beauty of each park is breathtaking no matter the weather.

Not to mention the hundreds of local city and township parks that are sprinkled in and around our homes and workplaces. 

A few years ago, my mom and I took advantage of one of the many National Park Weeks held throughout the year and hiked our local parks.  It not only felt great to be outside but it made me appreciate the beauty of the area so much more. 

A few suggestions for your exploration week:  If you happen to be headed out to the beach check out Griffiths-Priday, Bottle Beach, and Westport Light.

My personal favorites are Lake Sylvia and Friends Landing in Montesano.  But don't forget about Makarenko Memorial  Park in Cosmopolis.  The memorial park has trails that are perfect for running and soccer fields that are great for a quick pick up game! 

Heading to East County?  Shaffer State Park is beautiful and free this week!

I could continue to tell you about all the local parks we have, and the list would be long, but what I really want you all to do is to Picture yourself Outside!

Hey There, Harborite: Claire Bruncke

Name/Age: Claire Bruncke/19

Where do you live: Currently Portland, OR - Grew up in Aberdeen

Profession/Day job: Program Leader for Multnomah Co. Outdoor School

Loyal to: (bobcats, grizzlies, whatever) Bobcats Grad, but I'll cheer for any Harbor team

Best Harbor Moment: Performing in Logger's
Playday Parades with the marching band, while the whole community cheers you on!

Favorite Coffee Stand: Anywhere with a familiar face!

Favorite Local Business: Jay's Farmstand

Grunge, Metal or Country: The occasional country reminds me of the county fair on a sunny day.

Beach, Forest or River: I love tall tress and waterfalls

Favorite outdoor adventure or day trip: Quinalt Rainforest or Grayland Beaches

Best way to stay dry on rainy days: Columbia Raingear!

Define the Harbor in one word: Character

If you could change one thing about the area, what would it be: The way people perceive it

Grays Harbor's best kept secret: The view looking east from the top of the big hill in Hoquiam before you cross the bridge. You can see all the way to the Satsop towers on a clear day/night & the Miss Grays Harbor Organization!

Wine, Dine & Shop All in One Place: Westport Winery

Six years of marriage? That's a cause for celebration! As someone who always thought she was too independent to settle down and start a family, every wedding anniversary is a delightful notch in my proverbial belt of marriage. This last Friday my husband and I decided to spend our celebration for two at the Westport Winery, one of my favorite local places. 

Outside of the Winery, by the gardens. 

I promise I'm grimacing at my finicky phone, and not the fabulous company.

Every time I go to the Winery, I remember how much I love it. This was our first time eating dinner there, and the food was simply devine! In fact, I ate it all before I remembered that I should have taken pictures for this blog. Call me impatient. Really, the food was just too incredible to stop eating. And when I did stop eating, it was to drink delicious wine, not reach for the camera.

There's also a lunch menu. This patio seating
will be perfect for Saturdays in the summer.

As far as selections go, my husband and I are both steak fans when we're eating out. My husband had the Prime Rib and I had the Garlic Tenderloin, both served with sesame sauteed broccoli and mashed potatoes. As we both took our first bites, I looked up and it was like looking in the mirror- the savory pleasure I felt was mimicked in the expression on his face. My husband's first words, I believe, were a declaration of his new favorite restaurant. We've been on the search for a new favorite local restaurant ever since Saginaw's in Elma closed up shop (which is a shame - it really was a fantastic restaurant and I hope the proprietors will pop up elsewhere for us to enjoy again), so imagine how ideal it is for me, wine lover, to have this little culinary jewel right in the middle of my favorite winery. Someone pencil me in a standing reservation, please.

Speaking of wine, I paired my dinner with a glass of Fleur de Lis Pinot Gris then a glass of Bordello Blonde. My husband opted for Elk River Reisling (I suspect due to the elk we spotted on the way out). All were delicious, but my favorite still stands at the Fleur de Lis. Pinot Gris and I are just meant for each other. After dinner and a delectable dessert of 4-layer coconut cake, we stepped over into the gift shop & tasting area. I love the selection of local products & goodies! From chocolate to canned vegetables to cook books and wine accessories, the gift shop is categorized by color and makes for a fun shopping experience. Makes me want to throw a wine party. 

 

Some of the fun, Washington-specific goodies for sale at the Winery.

I also did a tasting to get some more Westport Wines under my belt. For $5 you can taste 5 wines. The fee is even waived if you buy a bottle! And since I was definitely going to buy myself a bottle of Fleur De Lis Pinot Gris, I took advantage.

Wine tasting station & by-the-bottle purchases 

in an elegant color coordinated display.

Overall, it was the perfect backdrop for our anniversary celebration. If you're looking for a place with good atmosphere, great food & wine and a true local touch to celebrate a special occasion or take a hot date, this is the place. It's romantic and sophisticated without forgetting where you're at. You don't escape Grays Harbor at the Westport Winery, you just get to see the classier side. Cheers!

Evening twilight at Westport Winery.

Music Monday: I'm Only Happy When It Rains - Garbage

Rain. I suppose it's return was inevitable. While I enjoyed the last few days of lovely sunshine, I don't fret too much about the return of raindrops. As a lifetime Grays Harbor resident I know how to keep a smile on my face even if I'm hunched under an umbrella. Here's my favorite rain anthem from my all time favorite band. Happy Monday, everyone!

Friday Five: Superstitions

In honor, or maybe in fear of Friday the 13th, ( a day this year that will occur three times.. all of them thirteen days apart ) I thought that today's Friday five would be a fun time to showcase superstitions and myths that go hand in hand with our natural world around us.  More specifically, the beach, the river and the forest.

Myth #1

Grays Harbor thrived on the logging industry for many years as our forests provided the highly valued timber.  I won't take the time to reflect on how that resource was depleted, and instead share with you the myth of the spirits of the forests.

Legend says that when walking through a forest, always ask permission from the spirits first or you will be lost forever!  (Must have been what happened to Dorothy and the Scarecrow in the forest of apple trees, they didn't ask the trees first!  Wouldn't you throw apples at someone who didn't ask you permission? ) Anyway... this myth makes me think that we would have had entirely too many lost loggers if it was true, or maybe we just had a lot of men stopping at the edge of the forest talking to themselves... you decide.


Myth #2

River myths might just be my favorite type of superstition.  If you grew up in Grays Harbor.. or spent anytime as a teenage here in the summer, you spent a lot of time tubing our rivers.  Had you grown up with parents believing the next myth though you might have thought twice about jumping into the Wynoochee or the Humptulips river. 

A Grindylow is a water demon with long fingers that snatches children in the river and drags them down to the deep.  Supposedly this creature was invented to discourage kids from falling into the cold rivers in Britain, but seriously, if my parents had told me that particular story there is no way I would have been able to enjoy any of my endless summer fun! 

Myth #3

When you research Fishing Myths in Google... the computer crashes.  Well, not literally, but there are so many fishing myths and superstitions out there that it boggles the mind.  With the abundance of fishermen and women on the harbor I knew that including a few of these fishing gems was a must!

Shall we begin with the hat?  A whirlwind of myth surrounds the hat of the fisher-person, and I do not even want to tell you what happens when you set a hat on a bed!  Bad luck and enough said;)  Also, please don't bring your fishing pole in the house if you plan on catching a fish that day!  Fishing on a Friday is extremely unlucky, and if you don't catch a fish all day it is because "you were not holding your mouth right".  No idea yet if I can use this particular excuse in my everyday work life but you can bet I am going to try!

Myth #4

Ah the Ocean.  We are so lucky that we have ocean views so close.  There is nothing quite like living on the coast.  What is so lovely and fantastic about the ocean and the beach is also appreciated by sailors, of which the Pacific Northwest has had their fair share.  Which brings a basket full of sailing superstitions and myths.

My favorite fondly reminds me of our resident wine expert, but instead of consuming the wine sailors would pour the spirits on the deck to bring the voyage good luck! 

Myth #5

Speaking of the beach, the water, a picnic?  We have all heard the superstition that those who do not wait an hour before swimming can drown in the water because of cramps. Hahahaha.  More than likely this should be filed under the "can't swim" category!

Enjoy your Friday the 13th!
Let us know which superstitions and myths that you take part in!

Hey There, Harborite: Lisa Smith

Name/Age: Lisa J. Smith/27

Where do you live: Cosmopolis

Profession/Day job: Office Manager-Imperium Grays Harbor

Loyal to: (bobcats, grizzlies, whatever) Bobcats

Best Harbor Moment: The winter storm of 2007. Almost any storm on the Harbor is a memorable moment for me as I have always been fascinated by weather. I know that some people who read this may think I am crazy but that storm was so exciting. I am always fascinated by Mother Nature's
power, it is never to be under estimated.

Favorite Coffee Stand: Coffeeman! I've been going to them for the past 5 years almost every morning!!

Favorite Local Business: Herbig Jewelers! I love going into Herbig Jewelers to shop and sometimes I swing by just to say hi and have my rings cleaned. From fine jewelry to candles, they have a bit of everything. Owner Mark Herbig and his staff have come to know me quite well over the years and I always feel like I am well taken care of by all the staff. They've even helped my mother pick out a Christmas gift for me that was perfect because they knew exactly what I liked.

Grunge, Metal or Country: All of the above, just depends on my mood. During work hours I actually listen to classical piano.

Beach, Forest or River: Forest! I'm a logger's daughter and I grew up in the forest and have great respect for the beauty and bounty that our forests provide.

Favorite outdoor adventure or day trip: My favorite outdoor adventure is out in North River where I grew up. There is a logging road that I like to adventure out on when the weather is nice. There is a spot where I can see Mt. Rainier, the Olympic Mountain range, the wind turbines on the coast, the nuclear towers at Satsop Development Park, and forest for as far as the eye can see.

Best way to stay dry on rainy days: I don't bother trying to stay dry! I've grown to accept the rain over the years. Getting a little wet doesn't dampen my day!

Define the Harbor in one word: Home

If you could change one thing about the area, what would it be: Unemployment. I believe that higher employment numbers for this area would have a positive compounding effect on Grays Harbor.

Grays Harbor's best kept secret: Imperium Grays Harbor! And that's not because I work there! We have been at the Port of Grays Harbor for over 5 years now and I still have people from Grays Harbor asking who is Imperium and what do we do. And for those reading this that may not know, Imperium Grays Harbor is one of the largest bio diesel manufacturer's in the United States. The fact that we are producing a renewable fuel right here in Grays Harbor makes me very proud of where I work and what I do for a living. I absolutely love talking about what we do at Imperium as I am very passionate about my job. As our industry continues to grow, I hope we won't be the best kept secret in Grays Harbor and that our community can be proud to have such a unique and amazing manufacturer right here in Grays Harbor!

Music Monday: Newgrass Revival- Can't Stop Now

Music Monday: Anna Sun by Walk The Moon

Some songs just go with a certain season. I can already tell that this catchy little diddy is going to be part of my summer soundtrack - it just sounds like sunshine to me. The random, mostly single-shot video only helps to solidify this as a fun new favorite of mine! I wish I had been invited to that party.

 

Music Monday: Miike Snow - The Wave

This is probably the weirdest music video ever and I want to apologize for it's creepiness, but it's a really good song.

Friday Five: Creative Eggs

It looks like Spring is finally here, Grays Harbor! Yes we can look forward to at least another five weeks of tempermental bipolar weather, but at least the sun will continue to show it's face occasionally!

Anyway, Easter is this Sunday and I'm sure those of you who have tiny humans in tow have been busy knocking over other parents at Wal-Mart in search of some Peeps and Easter basket grass, both of which you will likely find wedged in the back of the couch sometime around Thanksgiving. Other things you might find around the house in the off-season? Easter eggs. That did actually happen to me once. Found an Easter egg behind a picture frame in the middle of summer. I was pretty excited... not gonna lie.

Anyway, again... let's dye some eggs, you guys! Or, rather, let's just make some eggs look kind of cool and then probably not eat them. Here are five ways to do it that you may not have tried before!

1. So, modern!

Drip rubber cement on the eggs and THEN dye them. Brilliant.I have many fond memories of rubber cement and elementary school... I'll tell you about it some time after a few drinks at the 8th St. Alehouse.

2. Chalk it up.

Paint your eggs with chalk board paint then write secret messages to your relatives at Easter brunch about how much you love quiche.

3. Keep it Natural.

Use these natural dyes to make eggs that will probably make your children a little bit sad on Easter morning.

4. Decoupage!

For those of you with absolutely nothing planned for the next 48 hours, this one is for you!

5. Nerd alert.

If you are really talented and think that a single egg will be plenty for your Easter celebration, you should try this.

I hope you all have a very happy Easter and if you need any more creative Easter ideas, just visit me at Gray's General Store!

Dreaming of a Seabrook Beach House

If I could live anywhere in the world it would be Seabrook, WA.

 images from seabrookwa.com

Ok, maybe that's stretching the truth a bit. But not by much. I can definitely see myself in the mornings relaxing on the porch of a little whitewashed beach cottage affectionately named the Sandpiper Shanty, coffee mug in hand, watching the beach crud receed into the distance to reveal the summer sun reflecting over the gently lapping ocean waves. Ahhh... the scent of salty sea air wafting by in the breeze, little birds chirping as they fly towards the sandy dunes and children's laughter coupled with the playful ding-ding of beach cruiser bells in the distance. It would be the life to be a Seabrook resident, wouldn't it? Yeah. Oh yeah.

 images from seabrookwa.com

 If you're anything like me (nosy curious), then you do things like investigate the cost of making your dreams come true. And then, you laugh at yourself. I'm in no position to buy a beautiful piece of Seabrook at this point in my life. But what I am good at is trying to get lucky. I love contests, lotteries and opportunities to get something for nothing in general. I might just be lazy, but I'm pretty sure undeserved good fortune is the secret American dream. So imagine my extreme delight at Seabrook's Win a Beach House For A Year contest.

This is THE beach house!

image from seabrookwa.com

Here's what I love so much about this contest (besides the fact that you can, you know, win a beach house for a whole year or a number of 2-night stays): in order to gain entries you must take 7 weekly quizzes. Each quiz consists of 6 questions, which each earn you one entry when answered correctly. You can also earn entries by "Liking" the Seabrook page on Facebook, sharing on Twitter and +1 on Google Plus, and also by sharing your weekly quiz results on the three social media outlets. But the quizzes are the most brilliant part of this contest... all the questions are about Grays Harbor.

This excites me to no end! Seabrook is effectively requiring people to learn a little bit about the great things in our community in order to enter this fabulous contest. I love this tactic for showcasing some of the rich history, exciting attractions and interesting facts about Grays Harbor to others outside our community. And this contest is actually quite a big deal around the Pacific Northwest. Have you seen the billboard in Fife? Did you watch the Evening Magazine segment that aired last night at 7pm on KING 5? With the hype it's generated since it began 4 weeks ago, there's no doubt that entries are coming in from all over Washington, Oregon and beyond. I'm tickled inside to think that all these people are learning some amazing things about Grays Harbor.

Kudos to Seabrook for putting some genuine thought into their contest and promoting not only their fabulous beach community but also the Grays Harbor area as a whole. I can't wait to win.

Have you entered the contest yet? It's not too late to get started! Sign up HERE.

You can explore all things Seabrook at their website. Just be prepared to get sucked into the magic of this idyllic community surfing through the pictures & descriptions of all the beach cabins available for rent. I promise it will happen, it's inevitable.

You should also visit Grays Harbor Tourism's website. They are partnered in the contest and their impressive website will help you experience all things unforgettable about Grays Harbor (and there's more than you think!).

Hey There, Harborite: Don Stone

Name/Age: Don Stone / 41

Where do you live: Cosmopolis

Profession/Day job: Co-Owner, Rosevear's Music Center

Loyal to: Bobcats (but in my heart I'll always be a Cosi Termite too!)

Best Harbor Moment: Tough question. Since I've lived here my whole life there's been quite a few, but today I'll go with the day my folks took me down to Rosevear's so I could buy my first electric guitar. I started playing guitar when I was 15 and got fairly obsessed with music. I'm thankful that the majority of my professional life I've been able to be involved with music some how. I'm as goofy about guitars now as I was then, and I can still remember everything about that car ride over to Rosevear's and picking up that Strat. That was a Good Day. ;)

Favorite Coffee Stand: I don't like coffee... can we talk cheeseburgers?

OK Favorite restaurant to get cheeseburgers: well there are so many that do a great job, how can I just pick one from the group? It'd be like a parent saying they had a favorite child.

Fine... top 3?: well... it probably changes from day to day, but right now I'll say (in no particular order) Clark's, The Crow's Nest, and Humdinger (and I can't help myself here, I have to give Honor and Remembrance to my Grandparent's restaurant Stone's Cafe in Hoquiam, and Privatski's up at AHS. Best burgers that no longer exist in this world. Excuse me... *sniff* I need a moment to compose myself.)

Favorite Local Business: well for obvious reasons I'm gonna have to go with Rosevear's. Outside of the Home Team though I'm gonna have to go with Dennis Company. 

Grunge, Metal or Country: I kinda like it all. I'm not a huge fan of grunge, but if there are guitars in it, generally I can find something I like.

Beach, Forest or River: Depends on my mood on any given day. Around here they're all great!

Favorite outdoor adventure or day trip: taking a Jeep ride in the woods

Best way to stay dry on rainy days: finding a cozy spot to sit and play guitar.

Define the Harbor in one word: damp

If you could change one thing about the area, what would it be: I would love to see downtown Aberdeen get back to what it was like when I was a kid.

Grays Harbor's best kept secret: Viet Hoa restaurant in Ocean Shores. Best Chinese food ever!

Best Of? You Better Believe it!

Something I ran across while browsing the Internet this morning, yes at work! 

Reaffirming that where we live is one of the best places on earth. 

The Website Official Best Of. com solicited votes on their site, scoured travel sites and tourism bureaus and chamber of commerce websites.  They talk with experts and find the pulse of the area to determine if the nominee is truly a BEST Of.  This video is courtesy of Media World USA based out of Hollywood.

Music Monday: The Lumineers - Ho Hey

I'd like to think that, even though I am not a fan of your every day average country song (gasp!), we can bridge the gap in our differences with amazing folk songs like this one.

Their album is set to release TOMORROW!