Grateful to live in the Pacific Northwest

So we started this new feature about 2 weeks ago. What Are We Talking About Here? It’s been challenging and fun to come up with a take every day.

Radio at times, though, can be a cynical game. It’s easy to tap into the emotions of anger and outrage. And to be frank, there’s a lot in our area that deserves to be called out. There are many things that legitimately incur outrage.

So what are we talking about here?

Despite all the challenges that face us now as Pacific Northwesterners, my God do we live in a beautiful place.

As I type this, I can watch sailboats float by on Lake Union. Seaplanes and kayaks buzz about. There’s one of the world’s most iconic skylines being reinvented as we speak.

What are we talking about here? I bet my weekend was a lot like many of yours. It’s the reason why we put up with the rain and the high rents and the constant construction.

Was there a better place on earth to be this weekend? Not a cloud in the sky. Baseball games and BBQs. Hanging out with friends, laughing, and a cold beverage as dusk fell on the Olympics.

I was tempted to pen a commentary on politics, or the parade of never-ending chronic problems that can sometimes seem all-consuming. But not on this Monday. Not after this weekend. I choose to flip through the photos of Don’s son being pulled behind a boat and hanging onto his inner-tube as if his life depended on it. I choose to put extra mustard on a hotdog and banter with the overly verbose New York Mets fans. I choose to hit pause and be grateful for this place.

It’s not perfect by any means. We should all put in the work to make it more fair, more affordable, and more just. But every once in a while, this area just takes your breath away.

We live in a beautiful place.

That’s what we’re talking about here.

“What Are We Talking About Here” can be heard every weekday at 4:50 p.m. and 6:50 p.m. on the Ron & Don Show on KIRO Radio 97.3 FM.