Friday Five: "Laborless" Labor Day Weekend Events

When I think of the word labor all I can picture is toiling away in my yard working on my flowerbeds and sweating profusely while trying to rip out the weeds that seem to be overtaking my yard.

Instead how about a great round-up (really bad pun there, sorry) of events that require no labor at all!

1. The 66th Annual Seafood festival in Westport on Saturday the 1st is a tradition on the harbor for the better part of the last century.  If you are into salmon, white fish, shrimp cocktail, oysters, corn on the cob and clam chowder you just have to be in Westport this weekend!   Just $15 dollars gets you a full meal.

2. The Kelpers Day Parade in Pacific Beach is an all weekend event that ts also sure to bring a smile to your face.  What might Kelper mean you might ask?  The parade honors the Shake-rats who have a rich logging tradition in PB and kelp is just kelp.  The festival is a great chance to get out and celebrate the history of the area and watch some amazing demonstrations of log tossing!

3. If you are anything like this blogger, you adore the music of Journey.  Don't Stop Believing (DSB) at Quinault Beach Resort and Casino this Saturday evening is just the thing to get your Journey fix.  While the real band may be contemplating a reunion tour, you can enjoy their heart pounding music performed by DBS and have a few flashbacks of your own!

4. This weekend also marks the 4th Annual Salmon Bake in the Garden (Ocean Shores).  Staring at noon you can enjoy delicious roasted salmon at Garden by the Sea on Ocean Shores Boulevard.  What a way to enjoy the day on Saturday but with some delicious food and the ocean air.

5.  If vehicles screaming around a track and kicking up dust is more your thing, you will not want to miss the big rigs of  Rolling Thunder Big Rigs at Grays Harbor Raceway.  Saturday night will be the only time Rolling Thunder will be at the raceway in 2012 and is sure to bring a great show.  Saturday night $18.00 adult admission for raceway fun.

A Weekend in Pacific Beach

One of the best parts about living in Grays Harbor, in my humble opinion, is our close proximity to beautiful natural wonders like the ocean, the rainforest and dive bar karaoke.

Earlier this month I took a little weekend trip up to Pacific Beach to enjoy some of these uniquely Northwest activities. It seems to me that Pacific Beach and the surrounding area has gone mostly undiscovered by Harborites and I'm not sure why... maybe you just really prefer your beaches to be covered in mopeds. For me, I like the solitude of the beach and the opportunity to relax on the sand and spend some time contemplating life. And while I was in PB I got in some quality relaxation time.

I stayed at the Pacific Beach Inn, one of our lovely sponsors. Their rooms are cute and beachy, with an ocean view and very spacious. Nice, cozy rooms should be high on your priority list when planning your beach vacation because you might end up spending a decent amount of time inside since the weather is sometimes rainy. I love a good rainy day at the beach because then I can sip my coffee and take in the views while staying nice and comfy inside. 

Luckily, the weather was pretty good while I was in Pacific Beach. From the Pacific Beach Inn, it is just a short walk to get onto the beach. I spent some time walking along the shoreline and building a sand castle before the marine fog rolled in for the evening.

The Pacific Beach Inn is also a great home base for the traveler looking to see some of those natural wonders I mentioned before. The beach is just steps away, but the forest is also incredibly close. Drive just a few minutes North or South and you'll find plenty of wooded areas to hike around. And after a long day of hiking, you'll probably need to let loose with some local karaoke and a drink. The Seagate is  close by and will provide you with a nice sobering walk back to the Inn after the night is done.

"BUT DO THEY SERVE ESPRESSO?" you're probably asking... yes! In fact, I counted four locations serving up the good stuff within three blocks of the Inn. You'll also find a few gift shops and restaurants very close by.

So, what are you waiting for? Make your reservations today! Or check it out while you're up in Pacific Beach for the End of Summer Sand Fest!

LUNCH- al fresco, please!

 We have been busy this summer. Between less than reliable weather and mega packed schedules, we have barely had enough time to enjoy the sunny days as they come. With September sneaking up on us, I feel like I have to make an extra effort to enjoy the good weather as it comes.

So yesterday, I made time. My kids are currently obsessed with the "bumpy slide" at Sam Benn Park so I surprised them with an impromptu picnic. We grabbed lunch at LUNCH and hopped up the hill to bask in the beautiful weather.

I chose the Chicken Bacon Avocado with a salad this time around. Did you know pretty much everything is made-from-scratch at Lunch? Even the little things you wouldn't expect. Like the vinaigrette. My pallette isn't refined enough to be sure if it was finely chopped onions or shallots in the dressing, but even an "unfoodie" would notice the difference in freshness. It's the little things that really make the difference.

It's not always easy to get away for lunch time, but having to sit down and to eat a meal is a good excuse to take some time out and make sure I don't miss the last rays of Summer. Maybe if I keep paying attention and appreciating the sun (like I should have been all summer!) Mother Nature will take notice and keep on shining through, oh, say November?

We'll see. But worst case scenario, the word on the street is Erin is conspiring to dust off some hearty, seasonal, and satisfying fall menu items. And Lunch's dining room has plenty of chairs and giant windows I can sit behind and admire autumn.

I would like to point out the proper distribution of bacon.

But I can worry about that in November. Now is the time to notice it's still summer.

Wonderful food awaits at LUNCH Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4pm. 

Call (360) 537-6095 to reserve a large table or just stop by 1006 North H Street in Aberdeen. Don't forget your picnic blanket!

Hey There, Harborite: Barley Bennett

This weeks Hey There is a special request brought to you by The Salty Dog in Seabrook, Wa.

Name/Age: Barley Bennett/  One and 1/2 years old

Where Do You Live: Cosmopolis, in a doggy igloo that is all my own

Profession/Day Job: Bone chewer, hole digger, and face licker

Loyal To: my wobbly kong and if you dont know what that is you must click here.

Best Harbor Moment: My grand escape from my old house to run around in the snow on Cleveland Street all morning long.

Favorite Treat: My Tundershirt that I bought from Ann at The Salty Dog, did you know that I get a treat everytime I wear it?

Favorite Local Business: The Salty Dog, they have an awesome bath there that feels so good after I play in the sand!

Grunge, Metal or Country: Whatever my mom is listening to in the car, I dont really care it is all English to me!

Beach, Forest or River: All of the above! I can play in the water at the beach and the river, there are so many fun smells in the forest and I can play fetch anywhere so just let me bring my ball and I will be happy.

Favorite Outdoor Adventure: Pacific Beach. Have you seen all the sandpiper birds at the beach? They are so fun to chase and try to catch and run after.

Define the Harbor in One Word: Huge!

If You Could Change One Thing About the Area, What Would it Be: Can we get a Dog Park up in here people, I would build it but I don't have thumbs!

Grays Harbor's Best Kept Secret: Its loving homes for pets like me;)

There's a Jeanius Among Us

"Jeans for 1000, Alec."

"This store, known for its trendy take on the classic jeans and t-shirt look, is located in Hoquiam, WA."

"What is...Pure Clothing?"

"You are correct!"

Seriously, if you ever wanted to change your mind about the jeans and t-shirt fashion style that is oh so typical of Grays Harbor, you need to take a visit to Pure Clothing in Hoquiam. Shopowner JoKay has so carefully hand selected the items in her shop that I guarantee you will see jeans-and-tshirt in a whole new, very trendy light.

Hand selected, you say? Yes! If you meet JoKay in person, you will immediately realize that the store is an extension of her. Trendy, funky and fun, yet down to earth and instantly warm. Everything in her store must reflect the relaxed and hip, down to earth style that she embodies and that she has observed around the Grays Harbor area so she scours everything from garage sales to thrift stores from here to California to bring back unique versions of the style. JoKay says, "What are we as a community? We're a jeans and t-shirt community." But she says it with matter of fact pride, and gestures around her store. There's no shame in being a casual community, and her intention is to keep it fresh and unique. 

But what makes it what it is...is the jeans. Oh, the racks upon racks of killer jeans that are available! There are skinny jeans, flare jeans, capris, bellbottoms and men's jeans! 'Jean'ius JoKay's eye for quality denim means that you'll be getting pairs of fantastic jean labels (Silver, Levi's, Maurices and more) at affordable prices. Her expert eye ensures that she omits pairs with "unwanted holes" and keeps pairs that shout fashionista! and make you stand out in a crowd. In a good way. Start at the jeans, find yourself a couple of pairs, then move along to the t-shirts and accessories. You'll have no trouble finding your own style that's 'Purely' Grays Harbor at Pure Clothing.

Why shop out of town for trends that reflect Grays Harbor? Visit Pure Clothing at 317 7th Street in Hoquiam on Thursday, Fridays & Saturdays from 11a-6p.

Or visit pureclothinghoquiam.blogspot.com!

A colorful array of t-shirts are available at Pure Clothing

Gray's General Store: How to Craft in Real Life

My name is Jen and I craft whenever I get the chance. I feel like being a crafter/artist/maker gives me a VIP pass into a deviant subculture. It's edgy. Even if the last person you saw crochet was your grandmother, I feel rebellious and progressive when I fish a skein of yarn and hook from my purse in waiting rooms and coffee shops. I am not alone, either. There are people who glance over glossy pages and shiny window displays and say "I bet I could make that." There is a colorful underbelly in America, and it's crawling with cross stitchers. And extreme embroidernaires. And sassy seamstresses. Gray's General Store has landed in downtown Hoquiam to unite these often reclusive artisans, teach those with interest to learn, vend thoughtfully curated products and gifts, and tempt with cookies, chocolate, coffee and tea.

Judy and Britta are doing their best to lend to their community and build relationships that strengthen Grays Harbor.  They encourage those who know to teach, and support those with interest to learn in a cozy nook to collect new skills. I also know from experience that Judy is a great source for sewing guidance and reassurance. Gray's General Store also offers a unique place for local makers to purvey their wares. Sure, Etsy is nice, but there is something about passing a carefully crafted scarf through your fingers. Or feel free to take a quilt for a test snuggle, and pick up a new tote that just feels right. As exciting as it is to purchase a special handmade product in a real storefront, it's even more empowering and wonderful to see one's labor appreciated. In real life. Browsing the handmade items may even inspire you to create something all your own. On top of boosting the local economy, one of the best perks of sourcing craft materials here in the Harbor is the instant gratification of taking home a new stash of yarn that is exactly the right color. Sewists can attest that piling up a stack of fat quarters and fanning them out is a great way to see new projects come to life. If you get stuck, rest assured there is a fully stocked studio, comfy chairs, and friendly faces waiting to cheer on your progress.

Gray's General Store is not just a new craft/coffee/gift shop. It is a venue and a meeting place. Here, quality is important, conscious consumerism is normal, and if you can dream it, you can make it. With a little help from friends, of course.

If you haven't gotten a chance to wander through Grays General Store, you should stop in to 520 Simpson Ave in Hoquiam on Monday through Saturday. During the week they are open from 11am to 6 and on Saturdays.

Music Monday: Hot Rod Circuit- The Pharmacist

Rotary 10 mile bike for the arts

The GoGo team is a group that loves to bike. 

See our post on the Bicycle Revolution bike group we started!

So when we heard about the Rotary 10 mile ride today we were so there!

August 25-26 on 8th and Levee Street in Hoquiam

The Rotary 10 mile bike ride begins at 8th street landing, starting at 11:00 A.M.

Leaving 8th St. Landing ride through to the the farmers market. At base of Simpson turn right through police dept. parking lot and cross under bridge and out to 5th St. Extension to Airport. Once at the Airport, turn around and follow Paulson to Emerson, proceed to Endreson  and go on to Perry, take Perry to Lincoln and Lincoln to Grand - follow Grand past Elton Bennett Park - to Cleveland, follow Cleveland back to Emerson and Emerson back to Spencer. Follow Adams back to Airport Way and follow 5th St. Extension back to 8th Street.

http://www.cityofhoquiam.com/fest_otaf/

When you are finished go and enjoy the On Track Arts Festival with food and entertainment on 8th and Levee Streets going on all day!

Hot August Frights at 7th Street Theater

photo courtesy of 7thstreettheater.com

Hot August Frights is coming to the 7th Street Theather in Hoquiam this Saturday August 25th.

From noon to midnight you can curb your craving for Monster Madness with a line up of shows that is sure to scare. (if you like to be scared!)

$15 for whole day $5 for one show

This fright night is presented by our friends at AXB and Pure Clothing

The line up includes:

12:00- White Zombie (1932) 73 minutes
    a woman turned into a zombie slave!
1:30- Revolt of the Zombies (1936) 62 minutes
    destroy the ancient formula that turns mild mannered men into zombies!
3:00- King of the Zombies (1941) 65 minutes
    zombies with personalities that turn on their creator!

?ARE YOU NOTICING A THEME?

4:30- House on Haunted Hill (1958) 75 minutes
    a haunted house party gone oh so very wrong
6:00- Little Shop of Horrors (1960) 73 minutes
    giant man eating plants, oh my!
7:30- War of the Monsters (Gamera vs. Barugon) (1966) 77 minutes
    lizards with lazor breath and reptilian energy fields...hmmm
9:00- Last Man on Earth (1964) 86 minutes
    living dead and a reluctant vampire hunter!
10:30- Night of the Living Dead (1968) 96 minutes
    hiding from blood thirsty zombies in a farmhouse!

Discover Your Singing Voice

I have been what I will call an amateur singer for quite some time now.  I sang in elementary school,(while playing the drums mind you), and took choir classes in Jr. High School.  In High School I joined the concert choirs and the jazz choirs, sang in musicals and competed in singing competitions.  In Jr. College I joined the jazz choir and participated in the musicals as well, and at WWU I sang in the concert choir.  However nothing has ever scared me as much as private voice lessons.  Maybe it is the thought in the back of my mind that the teacher is going to be judging my voice! 

So when i walked into BVS (Bergey Voice Studio) to do a mock consultation with Kelsey Bergey, the owner, I was slightly nervous.  Kelsey's studio is on the second floor of the Rosavear building in downtown Aberdeen and is painted a cheery yellow.  The bay window has a lovely window seat and looks out to the bridge and the people passing by.  The room, while not large, is spacious enough for a piano, comfy chairs and Kelsey's office.  Music books are stacked on the piano top and stashed neatly in bookshelves, the decor is artsy and fun, a great learning environment that puts one at ease immediately.

The first piece of information that Kelsey asked for was my contact information, she tries to do most things electronically to be environmentally friendly.  She then handed me her studio agreement and her overview and polices brochure, told me there would not be a quiz and then asked me to sit so we could chat for a bit about why I wanted to take vocal lessons.  She has recruited students of a wide variety of ages from 9 to 73, and each one has a different reason for wanting to learn to sing, so getting to know your students from the first meeting is the key to success.  When getting to know her new potential students she wants to understand what gets them excited, what kind of music they love and stresses that they are not going to be judged for their ability, but coached to reach their goals. 

What many people might not know about a vocal consultation is that it is the teacher that is getting interviewed, not the student.  As a client, you need to find the vocal instructor that is going to have your vocal health in mind when teaching you to sing.  Kelsey says that her main focus is healthy singing.  She checks in with her students often to make sure they are not experiencing any discomfort.  The first rule of being a teacher she believes is "first, do no harm". 

After we had discussed why I wanted to have singing lessons, Miss Bergey gave me a rundown of how her studio works.  She teaches weekly lessons (1/2 hour, 45 min and 1 hr), and teaches throughout the year.  Kelsey is happy teaching at any level and it is not a requirement to be able to read music.  She does provide many opportunities for her students to perform in the public realm, but is it not a requirement.  If you prefer to keep your singing private she is great with that as well.

You can tell that Kelsey is a very passionate teacher when she speaks about the process of teaching vocal lessons.  When I asked about the challenges of being a teacher she mentioned, "Teaching is about thinking on your feet..its also a measure of experience, the more information you have the better",  "There is no rulebook, lots of resources but everyone learns differently", she says, however she has been a student for so many years that she understands that feeling of nerves and the scariness that comes with singing in front of someone new.  The 'great pile of unknown' goes away with familiarity, and as Kelsey says, "it is usually a positive experience getting to the comfort zone."

After we had talked for about a half-hour about her studio and what I wanted to get out of vocal lessons, we talked about the lessons themselves.  Kelsey claims she is not the best piano player, but that has benefited her students as she is able to focus on the technical aspect of singing as well.  She works on phrasing, breathing, vowel shapes and making the singing process healthy.  Her goal is to make the student comfortable singing the song at any level.  The best way to get your feet wet is to jump right in. Try the six week Seasonal Lesson Session and if you decide to continue BVS will waive the registration fee!

Bergey Voice Studio is Kelsey's passion and she wants to share that with students who are willing to learn and eager to sing.  She encourages questions during her lessons and makes sure that each student is able to track their progress and get excited about the upcoming lessons.  Get started today and while you will most definitely learn to sing, you will also feel a boost in your self confidence that helps each day begin on a high note.

Learn Something!

French braids! A major
accomplishment for me... at 28.

I have a confession to make that might cost me some girl points. I didn't know how to french braid until two weeks ago. Two weeks ago! I know, ladies, that's slightly blasphemous. Better late than never though, please forgive my tardiness to the braid parade. So, two weeks ago my girlfriend french braided my hair to keep it safe from the wicked beach winds (and to replace my pitiful braid attempts) and it inspired me to finally step up and take the braiding challenge. I went home the next day and after three YouTube videos and an hour in front of the mirror, I finally had two discernible french braids in my hair. Oh yeah, mission accomplished; hand over the braiding patch.

If you're wondering where I'm going with this, let me ask you a question. When's the last time you learned something new? My education in braids was simple but it still left me with that sense of accomplishment that comes from acquiring a new skill or gaining some new knowledge. And its kind of a slippery slope - once you learn something new, you kind of want to keep going. So I've been scoping out the learning opportunities for our area and I came upon this little quarry of opportunity: Community and Special Interest classes at Grays Harbor Community College.

These classes range from Fitness to Business to Family Life and more. Have you ever taken one? Or taught one? Almost anyone can teach one and they run from 1 day to 1 month long. Just browsing the Fall Quarter offerings, multiple classes are piquing my interest. Casino Board Games,anyone? How about So You Want To Start A Business (taught by the local SBA rep- a great resource for anyone looking to start a new venture), or Home Improvement & Remodel. There's also computer and keyboarding classes, business financial classes, yoga and more. These offerings are available to you for under $100 per class, and while the subject matter doesn't rival your university courses, they all offer recreational and lifelong learning opportunities for those of us who are done with our years of formal education.

It kind of makes me want to break out my notebook and trudge to class. Braids and all. :-)

Music Monday: The Captain & Tenille- Love Will Keep Us Together

Music Monday: I Can't Dance - Genesis

Friday Five: Places to Make a Splash!

Holy heat wave, Harborites! Have you all burnt to a crisp in this week’s hot weather?! Thank goodness this weekend’s temperatures will drop enough for us to want to leave the comfort of AC. What do you have planned to take advantage of the sunny and 70’s? Whether your family has a day free or just an hour, get wet relief at one of these five places:

1) Vance Creek County Park 

Babies love the Elma Ponds!

East county is supposed to be a bit warmer than on the beach this weekend which offers a great opportunity to enjoy the water and surrounding area of Vance Creek.  The Elma ponds are open year round for day use, and the perfect time to enjoy them is when the sun is shining.  Grab your family and head out for a day of swimming, boating, fishing or football.  The two ponds are bordered by small beaches which is ideal for a dip during hot weather, just be cautious as no lifeguard is on duty.  Eat lunch at the picnic tables and start a pick up game of football in the grassy fields.  Take your kayaks or canoes out for a spin around the pond, or stop along the way to fish for your supper.  When the weather cools down and you are done swimming your heart out, take a stroll along the walking paths that loop around the ponds and are shaded by the beautiful trees and grass.  However you beat the heat, make sure Vance Creek is on your list for this weekend and don't forget to bring your sunscreen!

2) Finch Playfield Spray Park

Blogger Alexis' daughter, Gabby,
squeals in delight!

Hands down one of the funnest Aberdeen parks in the summertime, Finch Playfield's spray park is a great destination for families with limited time since its conveniently located just off of Sumner Ave in West Aberdeen. Let the little ones explore with spray cannons, a water spouting dragon and stompable fountains - its the only shower they'll ask for! Bring a book, lay out a towel and catch some rays while they play.

3) Lake Aberdeen

Gabby contemplates Lake Aberdeen.

If you haven't been to the new Lake Aberdeen, you're missing out. Remember our post earlier this year about the new look? It's worth checking out. For a few free hours, pack up the family and a picnic and head out to enjoy casual swimming, rock climbing and probably even duck spotting or newt catching. If you've got a canoe, kayak or small boat, bring it out and float around. Don't let the fish nibble your toes!

4) The Beaches 

Diggin' a hole to China

Didn't we just remind you about these? Seriously, pick a beach and visit! These make a great half-day or whole day trips. Actually, we've written about them twice this summer already (and had a Go Go Grays Harbor retreat at one), so we might be a little beach-crazy right now. Check out these two earlier posts for ideas on where to go and what to do: Summer Weekend At Our Beaches and PNW Beaches and What To Do With One.

5) Wynoochee Dam

Its only serene until the
kids start splashing...

Ok, this one just begs for a full weekend commitment. Camping at Wynoochee Dam- I bet you've done it at least once. But we all know that as summer comes to an end, those first-come-first-serve camping scenarios are such a gamble. Who wants to drive up, fully packed for camping just to find out all the sites are already called for? So make a day trip out of it. The water of Lake Wynoochee seems to always be swim-friendly temperatures, and the swimming/day picnic area is so large that there's room for everybody. Plus, the kids will make lots of new friends when they all conspire to tip over the floating dock (Shhh... don't tell them it's anchored - the effort will wear them out good!). If you're family is the water-craft-enthusiast type, then bring your Sea Doo or Jet Ski too - there's a boat launch for this 4.4 mile lake.

Summer weekend at our Beaches

Westport is for surfers, it is a place for food lovers and whale watchers and summer fun.  This weekend it is the place to be for art and entertainment.  The 15th annual Westport Art Festival is August 18th-19th and with the weather promising to be in the 80's it should be a beautiful weekend to get a little culture and soak up the rays. Check out the list of vendors and juried art booths here.

If you happen to head to Grayland this weekend you are not going to want to miss the Jet Ski competition sponsored by Wishkah River Distillery.  The Grayland Open starts August 17th with a rider clinic and continuing with competitions throughout the weekend.  You are going to want to stick around for the BBQ, music and free entertainment.

When sipping wine is more your speed, visit Ocean Shores this weekend for

the Grapes, Paints and Prints Festival.  Sipping Serendipity and the Creative Light Gallery are hosting this vintage festival in their parking lot on Saturday, August 18th starting at 1 p.m..  Enjoy the wine and art while breathing in the beach air.

Sweet Summer Drizzles

I've been experimenting with home made ice cream this summer. Delicious! However, since I've really only ventured into vanilla variations, its been a little...basic. So I went on the search for some easy topping recipes to compliment my creamy concoctions. Here are the three delightfully delicious drizzles I tried out that, surprisingly, remind me of the harbor!

These first two come from the super cute blog A Beautiful Mess. I originally Googled "Red Wine Chocolate Sauce" to see if I could put the remainders of a bottle of Westport Winery's Night Watch red wine to good use, and create a modern twist on the classic chocolate. I found this, and its a total winner! This recipe is so easy yet decadent:

Red Wine Chocolate Sauce w/ Night Watch Red Wine from Westport Winery

Ingredients:

1/2 cup red wine (any kind you like or have on hand is fine!), 

1 cup dark chocolate 

1/4 cup light corn syrup.

Simmer the wine over low/medium heat until it reduces some. Mine took 10 minutes or so, but I have a funky stove. Turn the heat down (important! Don't burn your chocolate after adding it!) and add in the chocolate and corn syrup. After melted, take off the heat and continue to stir until its a cream pot of goodness. It will thicken after it cools.

This second recipe takes my absolute favorite sweet & savory combo of sea salt and caramel and makes it a nice soft drizzle. It reminds me of all of our coastal towns (with the sea salt and all).

Sea Salt and Honey Caramel Sauce

Lick-the-spoon delicious!

Ingredients:

 1 cup sugar 

1 tablespoon honey 

2 tablespoons water 

6 tablespoons butter 

1/2 cup cream (whipping cream)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 

1/2 tablespoon coarse grain sea salt (I used Himalayan Pink Salt - YUM!)

Combine the sugar, honey and water and cook over medium heat. This will be thick - keep stirring it up until it becomes a liquid texture and continue stirring for about 5 minutes.Add the butter, cream and vanilla until melted and smooth. Let it come to a low boil, stir for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. I found that after mine cooled it was a little grainy (but still so yummy!!!), so I might have wanted to keep it on the stove a little longer in the beginning before adding the final ingredients.

The final ice cream drizzle could actually be a drizzle or a mix-in for your ice cream. I chose to mix it in like a ribbon, as the original David Lebovitz's recipe calls for in The Perfect Scoop but I think it would make a nice spoon-on topping too. I used frozen black berries from last season and it turned out excellent. Blackberries are almost in season so pick a few for this recipe!

Blackberry Swirl

1 1/2 Cups blackberries (I used the big Himalayan blackberries)

3 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (you can also use vodka or whipped cream vodka)

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Yum!

Smash all ingredients together until all are mixed in and the blackberries are muddled, at least. 

The original recipe calls for vodka, but I found this variation which substituted the BV instead. I'd be interested to hear how the vodka changes/enhances the flavor, if any of your try it!

So there you go! That's a few fun and easy ice cream enhancements that you can whip up at home.

Music Monday: Chet Atkins- Mr. Sandman

The Saturday Shopper: Blind Dog Books in Seabrook

Owned by Patty Whitney, Established 11/11/11

21 Laurel Lane

Pacific Beach, WA in Seabrook

206-920-0559 

www.blinddogbookswa.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blind-Dog-Books/246984488699627

           

Hours: M,T,Th,Fr 12-5; Sat, Sun 10-5     

      

All About The Business: Located in the first floor of BlueSpa, we are an independent bookstore that focuses on a unique selection of best sellers, local area interests, mysteries, kids books/activities, kites and gifts.          

What Makes Your Business Unique: Every book is hand-selected by Blind Dog Books staff. Come on in and talk to us to find out more about our books recommendations.  Or schedule your next book club event at the store for your private event.                 

Advice for First Time Customers: Come on in and talk to us!  We love to share our love of reading and our passion for books!

Friday Five: The T-Shirt Profiles

Since I am a t-shirt quilter, I see an awful lot of t-shirts. Here's what I've learned: there are a lot of t-shirts and I've almost never come across the same t-shirt twice, people love and are proud of their t-shirts, and t-shirt quilts always end up having some theme.

So, I was thinking about what t-shirts I might most commonly find in Grays Harbor and here they are!

The Pirate

This t-shirt is most likely worn by someone living in Westport... possibly a fisherman... or maybe just someone who likes to drink rum and look out over the marina in their spare time.

The Sci-Fi Nerd

They are most often found wearing t-shirts that only their nerdy friends would find funny. Their weekends and evenings might be consumed by Star Trek marathons or hanging out at the Comic Book store on Simpson Ave (you know the one).

The Logger (or The Hipster)

It seems difficult to tell the difference between loggers and hipsters these days... full beards, flannel shirts, axes... wait.

The Performer

The performers often travel in packs... singing and dancing packs (think West Side Story). They loiter around the Bishop Center and 7th Street Theater waiting for their big break. Or you might see them late on Friday night at Billy's... still in full makeup celebrating another successful show.

The Sports Fanatic

Most often sporting their team t-shirt, you'll find them at the baseball fields or the football stadium cheering on their favorite players. The most serious fans, of course, belong to the Bobcats or Grizzlies... (I didn't want to seemed biased so this picture contains both team colors - hah!)

My very first t-shirt quilt was made 8 years ago of t-shirts I picked up during my years at Aberdeen High School. I'm excited to bring this business back to Grays Harbor and I hope you'll be proud to sport your Queen B Quilt at the next pirate festival/movie marathon/logger's playday/musical/soccer game!

Summer Music Festival

So much music, so little time!  End the summer on a high note out at the beach!

Seabrook is bringing the music to our warm summer nights. 

Friday, August 10 - Sunday, August 12

Seabrook's is hosting their first annual Summer Music Festival!

Starting with music at Mill 109 on Friday evening and continuing with live music on every street in Seabrook on Saturday. Saturday performances include Tom May, Jim Sanders, Oliver Mulholland, Peter Jordan, and John Basker.

The Dusty 45s from Seattle are the headliners on Sunday and will be playing on the Village Green.

Mill 109's wonderful food is the highlight of a cookout with hot dogs, burgers, and a Beer Garden!


photo courtesy of Seabrook Blog

Saturday

Event Stage

12-1:30pm - Oliver Mulholland

1:30-3pm - Jim Sanders

3-4:30pm - Tom May

4:30-6pm - Peter Jordan

Mill 109 Restaurant & Pub

6:30-9pm - John Baker

Sunday

Mill 109 Restaurant & Pub

11-3pm - Cronin Tierney

3-5pm - The Dusty 45s