How about a little inspiration to begin this week?

“If you can put cauliflower on pizza, YOU CAN DO ANYTHING!”

Now that you are inspired, I hope, you should know a little about an inspiring place in Port Townsend called Gatheringplace. It is a privately funded nonprofit organization providing enrichment programs for the community with an emphasis on adults with developmental and other disabilities. It strives to encourage and nurture creativity, independence and self-expression. There was an article in a recent Leader about Gatheringplace featuring our friend Craig Rogers. They celebrated their twenty-fifth anniversary with a fundraiser and concert at the Pourhouse a week ago Sunday. It was to be a Hawaiian theme so I dug out a well-used Kauai t-shirt with a chicken on the back while BJ dressed up nicely in a Hawaiian shirt. Great music was provided by the Micaela Kingslight Band with some special guests playing Hawaiian melodies. An inspiring afternoon with some good beer and tunes.

We have belonged to a number of wine clubs over the years enjoying, at least for the short time we were members, some wines from wineries we have visited. Typically a member is committed to buying a couple of bottles each quarter at a discounted price. One time I even got a free ball cap! We only belong to one of these clubs now, Camaraderie Cellars out in Port Angeles. They are typically only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the nice weather so one can regularly deal with tourist traffic issues to pick up wine. As a result, I call them and ask them to set my quarterly allotment on an outside bench when I am going to be in the area during the week. Not the last time. As members we were invited to an inspiring jazz music concert with paella, wine and dessert. In addition, the weather was fabulous sitting outside on their patio. Since it was an hour drive from home, we checked into getting into a B&B or a hotel. However, It was Lavender Festival weekend and only Jeff Bezos could afford a room so I drove home. The drive was fine as BJ stayed awake talking and singing with me in the cause of self-preservation.

If you need a different slant on dinner, take a tip from the Yacht Club with their recent “Breakfast for Dinner.” The interesting meal included corn bread pudding, quiche, muffins, yogurt, roasted potatoes, meats, cheese and cinnamon rolls. I included a gin and tonic with my meal. If that is not inspiring, what is?

Two big events this weekend! The Hadlock Block Party and Parade is Saturday in, you guessed it, Port Hadlock. The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. but there are vendor booths available even before that. Pete Tallerico will be hawking his inspired metal creations and Steve Gross will be alongside with his inspiring wood creations. That is just a couple of the reasons to not miss this event. The other event is BJ’s birthday tomorrow!

If you need some inspiration, I urge you to consider that fact that doing nothing is very hard to do. You never know when you’re finished so you might as well do something.

Love a curmudgeon and have a great week!

(Ned Luce is a retired IBM executive who is no longer required to wear a white shirt and sincere tie.)