Movies at the CUB, Pullman Washington

One thing I have always loved about living in Pullman is the movies at the CUB. There have been times the movies have been free to everyone and at one time they showed movies for the community through the summer. I remember watching Dances With Wolves in the middle of a summer storm and the power went out. Another time they showed The Adventures of Baron Munchausen and my cousin, brothers and I had known every line much to the dismay to the person in front of us. Ach - it was free and we were bored (and loved that movie).
The movies still go on. They are free to students with a Cougar Card but only $2 for everyone else, so much cheaper than any other. The movies run Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They are pre-DVD release movies so it's a great opportunity to catch them in the theatre.
For current information go to the SEB film website.

WSU School of Music Concerts and Recitals

On a weekly basis, you can find a free concert or recital from the WSU School of Music. In the past, I have overlooked these activites but last night we saw Chris Dickey perform on the euphonium and tuba. That seems like a strange introduction to the performances from the School of Music but my grandfather played the euphonium so it felt like a chance to get to know this man who died before I was born.
It was an interesting recital. The songs were entertaining and the event was short (only an hour with an intermission). We were captivated.
Most events with the School of Music are free, with a few that sell tickets. The calendar can be found here. They are at odd times from morning to afternoon to evening.
For those not real keen on sitting through classical music, try picturing the smurfs while listening. That image entertained my 14 year old son through the entire thing. However, smurfs led to visions of dancing hippos and alligators (ala fantasia). I thought the Pink Panther cartoons fit better in places but it was all good giggly fun and I want to apologize to the group sitting behind us. We didn't mean to have so much fun.

Neill's Flowers and Gifts

The third business that shares space with Daily Grind and Lick's is Neill's Flower and Gifts. Neill's has been a landmark in Pullman for generations. They are the place to go for flowers and cutesy little things for home or gift. I love just wandering the store after getting a cup of something hot from Daily Grind.
The inventory rotates on a regular basis so you never know what you are going to find.
Neills is open M-F 9-5:30 and Saturday from 9-5. Check out their website for more information.

Pah-Loots-Pu Pow Wow

Tonight we're heading to Pa-Loots-Pu, the annual WSU/Pullman Pow Wow. This year the festivities are at SEL's event center instead of the Coliseum. I look forward to the change and really participating this year. At the coliseum, the dances were on the floor and a long walk down (and then up for the return) from the rest of the activity. We've always enjoyed watching but I've never been able to convince my family to actually participate.
This year, we are participating. I look forward to seeing all the vendors and hope that more of the native crafts have returned (last year it was more home-based sale businesses like Tupperware than native crafts). Stop in for an Indian taco or just some amazing fry bread.
The event is free. Activities are tonight and all day tomorrow.

Lawson Gardens, Pullman WA

I know I have mentioned Lawson Gardens before but I thought it deserved revisiting so that my readers can have a chance to see the gardens before they close for the season. The Pullman Parks Website says the park is open year round but I know they close off the road/parking lot when the weather turns icy and cold.
Lawson Gardens have become my favorite place to walk with my husband. It's the best of nature that the Palouse has to offer. Until recently, I hadn't taken the time to really explore the gardens because I love the gazebo and it's always been my destination to enjoy the park.
My husband and I have decided that we are going to walk on Wednesdays when our son is at scouts. Lawson Gardens was our first destination and quickly became our favorite. I can't say we get a lot of exercise since the paths are not all that long but they weave around beautiful vegetation and lovely views of newer houses in Pullman.
Getting there is not hard and it's never crowded. The park is located at 705 Derby Street across from Kruegal Park and next to the Scout House (just down the block from the Charlie Brown Water Tower on Spring Street).

Laird Park, Idaho

Laird Park is one of my family's favorite destinations. The federal part of the park is open year round while the small campground is open during the summer months (there is year round camping on the federal land). The park starts just after the entrance to the Boy Scout's Camp Grizzly. The land twists around a mountain offering a variety of fun activites. We go up to hunt for berries and mushrooms while others go up for hunting and riding ATV's. You get up high enough and the view is spectacular. The area is all lush native vegetation and home to several species of animals (and some cows). It's really worth checking out.
To get to Laird from Pullman, go to Moscow and head north to Potlatch. Follow the road east through several small towns and look for the signs on the right. Laird Park does connect with Emerald Creek (home of summer garnet digging).
For more information on the campground go here.

Latah County Fair, Moscow ID

This is a short post today because it's been a long time since I've been to the fair in Moscow so I can't really tell you what it's like.
The Latah County Fairgrounds are located north of the Eastside Mall with the Quilts and needlecrafts at the mall next to Dollar Tree.
The hours are 10-10 Friday and Saturday and 10-5 on Sunday. There is no admission fee and I saw a fry bread truck so you know where I'll be.
Aside from all the exhibits, the fair promises to have interesting live events and lots of rides.
For more information go to the fair website.