Current Event Saturday - Hemmingway's Nitro Express

This post is straight from my brand new Garden & Gun subscription.  They have a newsletter on their website and this post about Hemmingway's Elephant Gun was up on Thursday. 

Even if you don't know a thing about guns you cannot help but see the beauty in this 1913 .577 double barrel Nitro Express hunting rifle that belonged to Mr. Ernest Hemmingway.  It weighs 16 pounds and he used it in 1953 to hunt the biggest beasts in Africa.  It will be up for auction on March 14 and as the article states will likey go for a pretty penny.  Read the article and check out the photo gallery of this amazing masterpiece.

(Photo Credit: Garden & Gun Magazine)

Current Event Saturday - Ellensburg: The Best in the West



(Davidson Building Ellensburg, WA
Photo: Courtesy of Cowboy Gathering.com)

I went to college in a small Central Washington town called Ellensburg.  I have a long list of reasons as to why it is such an amazing place to live.  I'll share a few:




(Ellensburg Location)

For one, its a small town with a strong sense of community.  The population is somewhere around 15,000 and Central Washington University enrolls approximately 10,000 students per school year.  It sits in the eastern foothills of the Casdade Mountain Range and is in the geographical middle of Washington State. 






Two, the weather there is mild, it experiences snowy winters, warm summers and has 300 or so day of sunshine annually. 


Three, the outdoor recreation opportunities are endless:
hiking
biking
horseback/trail riding
camping
ATV trails
4 wheeling trails
fishing
hunting
snowmobiling
skiing
snowshoeing
golf
canoeing
rafting
climbing
gemology
and the list goes on....

(Barge Hall CWU
Photo: Web)

Plus if you want to take a class you have the college right in town boasting over 50 different majors and hundreds of learning opportunities to take advantage of.  The Theater Arts department regularly features plays and performances, music department has concerts and the associated students and alumni groups bring in varying entertainments for all to attend and enjoy. 

(Ellensburg Rodeo Arena
Photo: Daily Record)

There are fantastic fun, exciting and entertaining annual events throughout the year that bring everyone together from near and far to partake in such as:










The Ellensburg Rodeo and Kittitas County Fair (I worked the ticket office at the Rodeo for 3 years in college)
Jazz in the Valley
Spirit of the West Cowboy Gathering
Miss Rodeo Washington Coronation Ceremony
First Friday Artwalk
Girls Night Inn Charity Event

(The Tav streetshot
Photo:Eburghotlist.com)

There are great local restaruants and a good nightlife with most bars and eateries all within walking distance of one another.













The Tav - The best bar burger in the West (Go give a Hungry Mother a try!)
Palace Cafe - Fantastic Salad bar and vague memories of many a night w/friends in the bar
Yellow Church Cafe - An old fave
Dakota Cafe - A must!
Starlight Lounge - A Classy small town bar
Arnie's Horseshoe Sports Bar - All I have to say is Sweet Caroline in harmony... yep the entire bar together
Winegar's - Best most awesomest Marshmallo Ice Cream Soda! HOMEMADE ICE CREAM Delish!
Campus-U-Tote-Em & Rossow's-U-Tote-Em - Old School Burger & Fries Drive-Ins
Valley Cafe - Mid Century Mod- Old Style cafe w/fine foods and wines
Rodeo City Bar-B-Q - Homestyle BBQ need I say more?
Morelli's Cafe Italiano - Haven't been there yet but hear about how great it is a lot (No website)
Los Cabos Mexican Restaurant (Formerly Casa de Blanca) - My vote for best salsa ever! (No Website)

(Safeway Wind Gauge
Photo: Daily Record)

The only huge drawback is something that is considered a four letter word around town, the wind.  It has been a point of humor among the locals about how windy it really is at times.  There is a 'wind gauge' in front of the Safeway which consists of a plywood board mounted on a post with a huge chain fixed to the top of it.  It has notes the difference between a 'slight breeze' and 'normal wind,' it offers a chuckle for the locals as they head in to buy their groceries.

What prompted me to post about Ellensburg... well a gal I knew back in the day that still lives there posted this article from American Cowboy where they named it as one of the greatest places to live in the Northwest.  Based on my review of it in the above paragraphs, I'm going to have to agree with American Cowboy on this one!  E-burg or The Burg as us current and former residents refer to it is even the very first town in the article.  Congrats E-Burg! What a great honor.

Current Event Saturday - Salmon, Steelhead and Dams

(Doe at Ice Harbor Dam)

Northwest RiverPartners

Columbia Basin Fish & Wildlife News
*************************
Here in the Pacific Northwest there is an issue that resurfaces itself every few years.  It is regarding the survival of salmon, steelhead and their ability to return to their upriver spawning grounds.  Many environmentalists believe that the Columbia and Snake River dams are keeping the fish from making their trek back up the rivers to reproduce.

If you aren't familiar with Washington State politics I'll break it down in a generality for you to better understand.  The eastern portion of Washington, is that lying to the east side of the Cascade Mountain range.  The range runs north and south through the middle of the state is the east/west divide.  Those on the eastside of the state tend to lean toward the conservative side of issues and those in the mid section of the westside being the Seattle vicinity generally lean to the liberal side.  Then there is the far north of the westside and the far south of the westside and they go either way but in the most recent elections went conservative.  

The population of the Seattle vicinity usually ends up choosing the executive leaders of our state because that is where the bulk of the State's population lies.  Therefore, Washington State's executive or national representation is dominated by liberal ideals.  It becomes unfortunate for those of us on the eastside to have our ideals governed by decisions of those on the other side of the state.

(Snake River Barge waiting to proceed through the locks at the dam)

It is frustrating for us who live, work and play around the rivers and who's livelihoods depend upon the rivers to hear the liberal voices in Seattle when they try to voice their opinions on the Snake and Columbia River dam breaching.  Those dams not only provide irrigation for the hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland on this side of the state but it also provides hydroelectricity as one of the cleanest and greenest power sources available and provides affordable bulk transportation of gross domestic product to travel by barge.

The liberal voices want to see breaching of several of the Snake River dams that they feel are inhibiting the salmon and steelhead from returning from sea to spawn and repopulate.  What they fail to realize is the fish counts have been higher the past couple of years than they have been in over 80 years.  80 years ago when fish first began to be counted in these rivers there were very few dams even yet built. 

With the current democratic Obama Administration the subject of dam breaching is back on the table led loud and proud by leaders elected in the legislative districts that hail from and serve the Seattle areas.  Thankfully us here on the eastside have elected officials on our side that believe in the value of the dams and the jobs, power, recreation and irrigation water they provide to not only Washington State but other neighboring states as well.



(The guys and their Springers May 2010)

Here is a link and this one too(same ones I put at the top of the page) to websites I visit occasionally to read up and gather current information on the state of the rivers and fish information.  We definitely believe in and want to keep the salmon and steelhead populations strong because we want to continue to fish these amazing waterways.  We also want to see the way of life we have come accustomed to thrive as well as the fish have been thriving.  As spring draws closer the fish will soon be returning to the upper portions of the rivers and you can bet Critter and myself will be out tossing a line or two trying to get some of those Springers on our line. 

(Columbia River Steelhead)

I may not know all of the information or have all of the answers, but what I do know is these dams are an essential asset to our beautiful state and as well as neighboring states.  To see them removed would not only be extremely expensive but it would destroy the successful efforts to restore the fish populations since their construction.  Spawning beds would be destroyed and would take decades to return to acceptable fish counts.  In addition we would lose the valuable irrigation, power and transportation resources their existence provides for our way of life.  I see the best option being to continually find ways to improve and assist the abilities of the fish to get to their spawning grounds and keep those numbers rising each year as they consistently have been through the years since building the dams.

Current Event Saturday - No Event At All

So I am a little behind on posts... sometimes that happens, time to play catch up so bear with me!

I like to post an event that is of interest to me that I think all of you may be interested in as well and for whatever reason I can't settle on something that isn't either too political or controversial.  I'd rather share something a little more fun.  But I'm scratching the bottom of the barrel with 'fun' events right now. 

Nothing has really inspired me enough today to post about it, so I think I will just leave you with a picture that I am drawn to.  The funny thing about this photo is that it is of something I don't really care for.  It is odd to me that I would find an out of focus photo of Christmas lights beautiful since other than the joy they bring during the Christmas season I am not all that fond of them.  I think sometimes it is the unexpected feel we have about something when we view it from a different perspective that creates the unsolicited inspirations we find in ourselves. 



(Photo Courtesy of Travel Wonders)



Current Event Saturday - Wine Tour

(Barrels in the basement)

The region in which I live is rich with wine.  I hear we have ideal growing weather for the wine grapes and it must be true because they are everywhere here.  Let me tell you, nothing is more heavenly than the smell of early September in Southeastern Washington!  The grapes are all ripened and ready for harvest and the evenings are still warm from the summer sun.  Its like the aroma just floats across the nightime air.  Its simply delicious. 

(Ladies on the Limo Bus)

Today was a birthday wine tour with the ladies.  Here are some photos of winter in wine country... and a group shot of all of the ladies.  Many think that wine invites the wine snobs, but the best part about Eastern Washington, its just one great big vast farmland and dressing up is wearing your best pair of jeans paired with a new dressy top.  I love this region of the country and really enjoy days spent with friends sampling the local flavors.  



(Winter in Washington Wine Country)

 

(High Desert Winter in Wine Country)

  

(Old Residence in Washington Wine Country)

 

(Patio View of Winter in Wine Country)

 

(Our Sweet Ride, the Limo Bus)

 

(Ladies at the 2nd Stop of the Day)

 

Current Event Saturday - Antler Velvet

Call me new but I saw this article the other day and was amazed that someone would even think of it. Here is the first paragraph of the article so you understand what I am talking about. 

'They harvest the so-called velvet antler (a soft coating that covers deer antlers) in New Zealand, freeze-dry it and then grind it into a powder. It then gets shipped to the United States, where it gets put into either capsules or liquid extracts that can become a simple mouth spray. You can buy it for $68 a bottle.'

Apparently professional athletes are using this as a performance enhancing drug? I guess I would have never thought about it so it amazes me.  The article goes on to state that since the velvet is a natural substance it is extremely difficult to detect in humans and can only be detected by blood testing at the exact right time.  So fascinating.

(Photo Credit: deerhuntingsuccess.com)

Current Event Saturday - TRAC Upcoming Events

If you aren't too late reading this you can make it to the Gun and Antique show being held at the TRAC (Trade, Recreation and Agriculture Center) facility in Pasco, WA today and tomorrow.  The doors are open today Jan 15th from 9am to 6pm and tomorrow the 16th from 9am to 3pm.  Admission is $6.00.

I also want to spread the word about the Tri Cities Sportsmans Show next weekend at the TRAC .  Usually its a pretty good showing. This year you can expect:

Retail outdoors merchants, factory reps, outdoor clubs and organizations, taxidermists, wildlife art, fishing boats, ATVs, and fishing and hunting guides who will be available to help you plan your vacations.

The latest outdoor equipment, trophy antler collection from Washington and Oregon, kids' fishing pond and casting contest, free air rifle range, hourly hunting and fishing seminars, retriver demonstrations and so much more!

Also don't forget:
     *Indoor 3-D archery shoot  - Set up and sponsored by Colyak Bowhunters
     *Outdoor cooking camp hosted by Cee Dub Welch
     * Door Prizes given away daily & the first 150 thru the doors each day receive a bonus prize

AdmissionsOne time daily admission gets you in all three days for one low price!

General AdmissionAdults: $8.00
Children 6-12: $4.00
Children under 6: FREE

Special AdmissionsFriday - Seniors 60+: $4.00
Sunday - Family Day: 2 adults, 2 children (6-12): $18.00

Current Event Saturday - Tragedy

I had something completely different in mind for my current event post today.  Funny how certain events are bothersome enough to derail our happy thoughts.  The two current event stories I have today are more than just, 'current events.'  The shooting involving Congresswoman Giffords and the deaths of innocent political function attendees in Tucson, AZ this morning and the unfortunate deaths of Seattle residents Jesus and Kate and 3 of his family members. 

These deaths are all extremely disturbing acts of violence by obviously unstable individuals that stole the lives of innocent people.  Why, why do people do the things they do?  Why are people so involved in their own feelings that their acts of selfishness have to take the lives of innocent people just living out their lives?  Regardless of political affiliation regarding the incident in Tucson, violence and killing is NEVER the answer.

I ask that you keep the families of those who have lost their loved ones in your prayers.  Not only the ones that are in the news but all of those around you who have lost loved ones for reasons unjust.  Take a moment to count your blessings and tell those close to you how much you love them.  It only takes a moment before unfortunate turns of events could change the very world in which you spend your precious days.

(Judge John Roll 2.08.1947-1.08.2011
Photo via: My Fox Phoenix.com)

(Christina Taylor Green 9.11.01-1.08.11
Photo via: My Fox Phoenix.com )

(Kate Donahue with fiancee Jesus Sanchez
Photo via: My Northwest.com )

Current Event Saturday - 3 Bucks Locked

This story is amazing!  The pictures alone are yeah, seriously, wow!  The photos are a little alarming at first and rather morbid but its like a train wreck.  Such an odd phenomenon when things like this happen in nature.



(Locked Bucks Drown)



Current Event Saturday - My Christmas Story

(A Christmas Story Gift Shop Tee Shirt)

The year that I first saw the movie 'A Christmas Story' was the year it came out on TV for the first time.  I was probaby somewhere around 5th grade.  That would make me, what, about 10 or 11-ish, yeah something like that.  I remember the gifts all wrapped and sitting ready to open weeks before Christmas.  I never was much for trying to figure out which ones were for who, but my sister was, so I always ended up knowing which ones were mine without even a slight peek here and there.

This particular year there was a long slender box for me.  I thought long and hard for weeks about what in the world could that possibly be.  Most years my dad has never been good at keeping a straight face when you guessed what your gift was. This time though, I never got that face from him.  So as Christmas drew closer our plans that year were that we were spending Christmas in Southern Californina with my grandparents, my mom's parents. 

Christmas Eve we all gathered around the big TV in Grandma's living room, a room that rarely was ever used, so that was exciting all on its own. The big show for the night, yep, A Christmas Story!  I was LOVING this show and about the time Ralphie opened his gifts it hit me, OMG, in the long slender box... it HAS to be a bebee gun, that seriously HAS to be it! Finally, I got that 'look' on my dad's face and wouldn't you know it the next morning, my dad got me my very own bebee gun.  It wasn't a Red Ryder but it was a Daisy.  I still don't know if this was a coinscidence or if my dad is that good. But it was the best hidden hint ever if that was the case.

I spent the rest of the day shooting pop cans out in the desert behind my grandparents house.  My story isn't the same as Ralphie's as I never asked for a bebee gun, but my dad just knew I would love it.  He was right.  It wasn't the first time he was right and I'm sure its not the last.  And as luck would have it I asked my dad if he still had my Daisy about 3 or 4 months ago and he said he couldn't find it, then low and behold last week he found it.  He even said he fixed up a little for me.  Guess its time I go pick it up from him!

Merry Christmas everyone!  I hope this year has brought you the most memorable of moments with you and your loved ones and that you may never forget the reason for this blessed day.  Happy birthday to Jesus Lord and Savior.  A King is Born, Praise be to God!

Current Event Saturday - Fat Olives

I am always proud to support local independent businesses.  Today there was an article in the Tri City Herald about Kennewick's newest restaurant, Fat Olives.  Not all that long ago Fat Olives opened a restaurant in Richland right near my office and I am thrilled to now have one not far from my dad's house in Kennewick.  Its a little spendy for my budget to frequent on a regular basis but I definitely try to make it there when I can because it is delicious!!  They have pizzas, salads, sandwiches and a great atmosphere.  I can't wait to check out their transformation of the old Country Gentleman location. Congrats Fat Olives Kennewick and welcome!!

Current Event Saturday - Illegal Deer

So this guy is an Oklahoma State Legislator that helped write hunting laws for the state.  Ooops!  The story says after bragging about his 'kill' he found out the piebold deer was illegal and turned himself in.  It caught my eye because it is an odd and young looking little deer.  Here's the link to the article, you can make your own conclusions on his honesty.  Piebald Deer News Story   

State Rep. Terry Harrison and his "illegal" piebald deer. (Photo: McAlester News-Capital)

Current Event Saturday - The Spokane Finger

I just had to share this with you, The Spokane Finger.  If you click the link you'll see the story from Fox News.  It just made me laugh, I bet you'll get a chuckle out of it too.

Current Event Saturday - Snow & Freezing Rain

For the past 6 days the biggest news around here is the weather.  There is a leading article on every news outlet in town having something to do with the forecast or something going on that is affected by the Snow & Freezing Rain.

Here are some photos I took on my long hour and a half drive home Monday night and some at work on Wednesday morning.  The fog was freezing to the trees and made for a beautiful wintery sight.  Not much fun in the way of driving however.... it took me that long to go 7 miles just to get home on Monday night! I think you can see why.  Devin, my friend and co-worker is pointing at the tiny snow flakes on the windows that you can't see in the photo.  Small wonders make me smile, the beauty in each one of those tiny unique flakes.

(Devin at work)



(My view from the window closest to my cube)



(Hanford Traffic out of Richland on the first day of snow)

(Freezing fog & snow)

Current Event Saturday - Favorite Things

Just in case you missed Oprah's very last Favorite Things Episode like I did... here's the link to the list.  Don't you wish you could've been so lucky to be in the audience that day?  Amazing...

Oprah's Favorite Things 2010