Monthly Archives: July 2019

Summer Surfing Love in San Diego

Ocean Beach in San Diego, we meet again.

This time, for only a couple days after the annual San Diego Comic-Con for my 25th year. I have much to share in that story on, but for now…just appreciate the peace at the end. Details later…

But for this round, I partake in the best of this wonderful piece of California, where I enjoy the amazing Mexican food, embrace the tropical warm summer weather, take a long walk on the Ocean Beach Pier, smile back at the hippy culture vibe. Such are some of the better reasons I love San Diego as one of the best California coastal experiences a visitor could have.

But even better of that experience is to surf the mighty waves, something I wish I could take time to learn (along with swimming, and getting over my fear of drowning), and engage. San Diego seems ideal for such, as Ocean Beach is one of many known for its big waves, and large sandy fronts. I shall return, again and again with a renewed dream to ride the waves.

– Orion T

 

 

Cotton Candy Cheer

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From this last weekend’s annual Seattle Street Food Festival, I love the cotton candy faces!

I think cotton candy is joyful yet surreal. You enjoy it, then the stick leaves a weird residue on your fingers and lips that dissolves back into the dream that created it.  Did you know sugar is the only ingredient in cotton candy, and it’s fat-free? Not much has changed about it since it was invented In 1904, by two Nashville candy makers introduced at the St. Louis World’s Fair.

Here are other treats at this festival I wanted to savor, but too full from excessing on mac and cheese with bubble tea.  I will perhaps go for these at the next Street Food Festival…

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– Orion T

Rainer cherries, adding sweetness to the this summer

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Rainer cherries are back in season!

I love these little tasty tarty things..often ignoring the slightly higher cost at the supermarkets for a good bundle. Rainer cherries are perfect for snacks, best when shared with good friends, and makes the summertime in the PNW a little more special. I also highly recommend them for any Fourth of July get-togethers.

Rainer cherries weren’t always a PNW thing, or anything at all until development in 1952 at the Washington State University by Dr. Harold Fogle, a research scientist of horticulture studies. He crossed two red cherries, the Bing and Van, to create this slightly larger variety with a fiery color blend.

They have a special sweetness and tougher skin, but very sensitive to temperature, wind, and rain. Birds also love the Rainer cherries, almost a bit too much as they pick at large portions of local orchards. Through what’s left, picking good ones can be tedious and require extra care for their soft interior texture in transport. Good results lead to high costs from that extra effort. Yet, locals do appreciate and many are sold.

If you can, go get some!

– Orion T