A few years ago Bill Moyers created an excellent program that focused on how our culture responds to people at the end of life, often making the quality of death a lower priority than the quality of life. With that program and a few others, there is finally emerging the very beginnings of the willingness to look at what has been a taboo topic. But if we don’t embrace the end of life with love when our parents and friends are dying, who will there be to teach our children and friends to comfort us with love when we, too, must approach our own end?

In other words, can our society learn to face the reality of human mortality and provide greater support for a dignified death? Moyers asks, “How can we built a system that will help us tackle the social, financial, spiritual, and physical challenges of dying so that we can have confidence that our experience of it will be on our terms and will reflect the values we hold most dear?”

I believe we can change our way of looking at death the same way we have been able to affect change for many problems in society - one family and one person at a time. I hope I will be an agent of change. Will you?

We can begin by being willing to talk about topics that are often hard for both children and parents to initiate. Yet these discussions can smooth out the rough spots associated with the dying process. And here are some of the things you can talk about, according to a good friend of mine who is the chaplain in a retirement community.

• Talk, talk, talk about what you want done at the end of life, especially when you are incapacitated. For example, what does “life support” mean to you? Hospitals love feeding tubes and if you don’t want a feeding tube, be clear about it.
• Be sure to sign a document, such as Five Wishes, and let your family know where you keep the paper.
• Since older parents often don’t question the orders of a doctor, even though they would like something different, be sure you know what your parents really want and make sure others know what you want.
• Remember that a Durable Power of Attorney may be seen as having precedent over a Durable Power of Health Care, so be certain the person to whom you give the rights to make legal and financial decisions is someone who agrees with your views on medical issues.
• If you have a “do not resuscitate” card or other information about your durable power of health care, carry that card with you at all times. You never know when you may need it. Keep this important information behind the driver’s license because paramedics will look there.

In the magazine Aging and Spirituality, Rev. Donna Schaper wrote an article entitled, “Parents and Children: The Last, Best Gift.” This “gift” is the willingness of parents to discuss with their grown children topics that have often been taboo, often for no other reason than that they are simply uncomfortable. But as she points out, discussions about money, estate planning, and health care can either be done when it is convenient and the decision-making process can be collaborative, or when parents are feeble and ailing, time has run out, and children are scrambling to pull together pieces of information that are hard to uncover.

Jung said that we ourselves should become whatever we want our children to become, a statement that summed up his ideas on child-rearing. If parents want children to become fully mature adults, parents themselves need to be fully mature adults throughout their lives - including in their final years when, predictably, their health will fail and they will die.

Parents who give the gift of final preparations and directions to their children give a gift beyond those of childhood. Parents who take charge of their own aging and dying will produce children who can do the same. When we take care of ourselves, we prepare the way for others to take care of themselves. That kind of care is adult. It is mature. It is the kind of care that the ancient sage Maimonides referred to when he decreed nine ethical laws, in descending order of importance. The first law? Take care of yourself so as not to become a burden to others.

What happens when parents wait until their health fails before making decisions that must be made by someone? At the very least, they force their children to make difficult decisions that are not the children’s sole responsibility. However, in making those decisions, children may unintentionally decide to do something the parents would not have wanted.

Further, making decisions early is especially critical when without the specific instructions from the parents, siblings resurrect their old rivalries in the process of trying to sort out their parents’ wishes. The quarrels that result from an estranged child suddenly coming in to demand certain “rights” (including the right to continue medical interventions beyond the time his siblings believe the parent would have wanted, to say nothing of demanding certain possessions) can go on for years after the parent’s death.

Is that what you want as a legacy? How much better to talk now with calm deliberation about what is in your will, how you want your possessions distributed, how you’ve planned your estate to avoid taxation, whom you’d like notified in case of illness or death and how, what will happen if one parent precedes another in death, and what you’d like done for a funeral, burial or cremation. Most of all, by talking about “delicate” subjects now, you can collaborate with your children and get their input, demonstrating your willingness to encompass their wishes, including those of estranged children if possible.

Just as love was the gift you gave your children when you brought them into the world, love can be a vital part of leaving them when the end of your life draws near.

©2002, Arlene Harder, MA, MFT

Arlene F. Harder, MA, MFT is Founder and Editor-in Chief of the websites http://www.Support4Change.com and http://www.ChildhoodAffirmations.com
She has been a licensed psychotherapist for more than 20 years. Her speacialty is using healing imagery and reflective meditation techniques, and is certified by the Academy for Guided Imagery. She is a co-founder of The Wellness Community-Foothills in Pasadena, California, and the author of the book Letting Go of Our Adult Children: When What We Do is Never Enough.
Arlene can be contacted at arlene@support4change.com and found at her blog, support4change.squarespace.com

Situated in the New England region of the United States, Connecticut represents the northeastern part of the country. Often, the area is grouped with New York and New Jersey as being part of the Tri-State Region, but this destination packs a variety of unique characteristics that can make a Connecticut-themed gift basket shine on its own. Thanks to major cities, such as New Haven, New London, Norwich, Milford, Bridgeport, Waterbury, and Danbury, tourists are never at a loss for a distinctive cultural exploration of the state.

To trace a historical link for a gift basket theme, you can look all the way to the beginning of 1614 when Dutch settlers first set up shop in Connecticut. By the time 1636 rolled around, the state became a British Colony. When the Thirteen Colonies led a revolt against British control during the American Revolution, Connecticut was one of the memorable participants. Connecticut residents eventually earned the nickname “Yankees,” which came with its own set of cultural characteristics.

The emphasis of education was strong among the Yankees, which led to the establishment of well-respected learning institutions, such as Harvard College and Yale College. Advanced schools for medicine, engineering, and law also flourished. Thousands of proud parents have been known to purchase gift baskets for their children attending these esteemed institutions. Instead of sending a care package, a beautifully decorated gift basket in school colors further exemplifies college pride. Inside, brain food and other gourmet snacks are sure to bring a smile to the face of a student in study mode.

A large amount of boarding schools also call Connecticut their home, meaning there are a lot of students needing a pick-me-up when away from the comfort of their family. Newly arrived attendees of Miss Porter’s School and Choate Rosemary Hall would certainly benefit from gift baskets showcasing the warmth and inviting nature of Connecticut with a variety of city-related items.

As far as nicknames for Connecticut go, the official moniker for the state has been “The Constitution State” since 1959. Unofficially, it has also been known as “The Nutmeg State.” This particular spice holds a historical significance due to the connection of the spice with the voyages that took place during the 18th and 19th centuries. In New England, nutmeg was viewed as a prized possession. A gift basket containing products showcasing the spice is a real treat to discover. For example, Indian cuisine utilizes nutmeg in their sweet treats, while Europeans add the spice to their processed meats, soups, sauces, and baked items. Some varieties of Japanese curry powder contain the spice. Mulled cider and wine, as well as eggnog may contain nutmeg. All of the above items can be placed into an interesting edible arrangement, sure to please tourists and locals alike.

Wendy Wood is the owner of Seek Gift Baskets, an online gift basket directory.
For more information on gift baskets Connecticut visit http://www.seekgiftbaskets.com/directory/search_result/Browse/Connecticut/

Tapan Dash’s reputation as one of India’s most significant young painters is based on a consistent and prolific output of work over more than one decades. His disciplined practice is characterised by oeuvre attests to a constant interchange of ideas and motifs. No single painting tradition has evolved in isolation; so this body of contemporary work burgeoned from hybrid seeds, incorporating diverse aesthetic influences into an extremely vibrant, mobile genre…at once inspired and original.

Allegorical and surrealist, his works, based on drawing and rhythmic line, reveal the imagination and zeal of the artist’s consciousness. There is a freedom of expression, a release from techniques of classic, material traditions of art, resulting in a dynamic dialogue of intersecting and tangential facial features and limbs.Characteristically, many of his portraits have multiple visages, , Cubism and German Expressionism. The figures are never immobile, highly vivid reflecting the intensity of their moods, effected through exaggerated features and body positions and possesses a vital inner life. Certain contemporary elements are derived from traditional art forms and motifs found in Tapan Dash’s art, the form is used to establish relationships and is varied in both positive and negative forms so that an ambiguity between figures and ground is created. This gives the painting life.

Rhythm, repetition and symmetry play an important role in Tapan Dash’s work to establish this optical pulse of life and movement. Similarly, his judicious use of colour creates harmonies and contrasts that recall the inner sensual organs active and steps forward towards a rhythmatic peaceful jurney.

Fine Art Review:Ashok Art Gallery

Successful artists know that marketing goes far beyond postcard mailings to galleries. Great marketing puts your artwork in front of customers who would like to purchase it and keeps them coming back for more. And that requires forming relationships. Here’s Ashok Art Gallery, the people you need to know and how to make connections that will lead to sales.Include an “artist pack” (information about Artist and hisr art) with every painting they sell. Invite collectors to all of their important shows. Hosts collectors-only open house or party. Invite collectors to a special preview the night before their exhibitions. Send handwritten thank-you notes after they come to one of their shows.we believe in using the technology of the future to help you access the treasures of the past.We are looking on developing in the very near future, a fully online art auction facility enabling you to place bids from the comfort of your own desk.
Ashok Art Gallery: Visit Our Art Gallery
http://www.ashokartgallery.com
Visit Our daily art blog

Quitting smoking doesn’t have to be a horrible thing. Most people condition themselves to believe that quitting smoking is going to be more difficult than trying to swim upstream in a set of class uit,four rapids with their hands tied. Quitting smoking only seems like it will be that difficult because that’s what they’ve conditioned themselves to believe. Basically, they’ve bought into the hype.

Kevin Eubanks said, “The belief that we are what the media says we are, what people perceive we are, is soon to be what we think we are. We are treated based on this warped perception. It is hard to get away from it.”. That quote is exactly what happens in the battle to stop smoking. You see, most everyone that you hear from about the subject of quitting smoking are either smokers themselves or companies trying to sell you something to help you quit. You must realize this truth. The people that smoke themselves don’t really want you to q so ant information that they provide is bogus and the companies simply want your money. They don’t really want you to quit either. It’s better for them if they’re help kind of helps you and you keep purchasing their product time and time again.

At this point you may be asking yourself how in the hell I know all of this? Well, because I smoked for more than 15 years and walked away from smoking forever without the aid of drugs, patches, gum, or anything. Once I realized the things I’m sharing in this article, it was simply walked away. I realized that smoking was all in my head! It is completely, 100%, mental!

Change the way you think about smoking, and the act of smoking will change. It’s exactly what I did. There was no magic. No pills to take. No gum to chew. Everything that I needed for quitting smoking was right inside of me the entire time. In some ways, I think that’s why I started smoking. To come to that realization, and maybe that’s the reason that you started smoking as well. To come to exactly that realization for yourself?

Trevor Kugler is co-founder of http://www.jrwfishing.com/. He has more than 15 years of business experience and 25 years of fishing experience. He currently raises his 3 year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country…..Montana.

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If you are looking for something for your kids to do in Poughkeepsie you are in luck. The city is home to a number of different children friendly attractions. One of the best and most popular is the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum. Its a great place to take your kid for the afternoon or just for a few hours. Keep reading and learn a little more about this great attraction.

The Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum is designed to be an educational destination for Poughkeepsie area kids where they can explore and learn in a fun and exciting environment. They do this by providing a number of interactive and hands on experiences for children. One new exhibit at the museum is the “Hudson River Dive Bell”. In this exhibit kids can go into a simulated diving bell and pretend to descend into the Hudson River. Kids can view fish that live in the Hudson River and later they can even catch replicas of fish with a robotic arm. Your kids will love it. Some other exhibits at the museum include “Dinosaurs and More” in which kids can meet a 15 foot stegosaurus, the “Health Center” where kids can learn about the human body and “Morse Telegraph” where they can learn about Samuel Morse and his famous invention. This is just the beginning though, there are many more permanent exhibits at the museum as well as a number of temporary and traveling exhibits. There is always something new to see or do at the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum which is why you should definitely go for a visit.

If you would like to visit the museum while you are in Poughkeepsie you can find it at 75 North Water Street. For more information about current hours and special events call the information line at 845-471-0589. Have fun.

Learn about your local Poughkeepsie carpet cleaners at the authors website on carpet care in Poughkeepsie.

One of the most prevalent crimes in America right now is identity theft. The victims of this crime can attest that taking the time to prevent the thieves from stealing your identity is far better than trying to clean up the mess after the fact.

These thieves are very clever so you must constantly be on guard with all your personal information. There are very few people that need to have all your information. So keep it heavily guarded.

There are a few extra precautions you can take to prevent online identity theft. For instance, many credit card companies will now issue you a one-use credit card number for online purchases. What this does is protects your main account number. If someone steals the one time number, it will be of no use to him or her. When you are doing your shopping, shop with better known vendors. They are more likely to have safeguards in place to protect your information.

Installing a security system on your computer that has a firewall is also a good deterrent. If you have security in place, it makes the task of hacking into your information much harder. Most identity thieves are looking to do the least amount of work possible, so if you have a firewall, they will be more likely to move on as there are plenty out there that don’t.

Phishing scams are used with only one goal in mind. Stealing your identity. The thieves using these emails are getting very good at duplicating letter heads from all major lenders and banks. What generally happens is they send out an email stating that they are from the customer service department of a specific bank. They usually claim to need to update their bank records. They will ask you to verify your bank account numbers, your pin numbers and your social security number. NEVER give that type of information to anyone through an email. You should call your bank and see if they in fact need that information. Once you call them, you will find out that you were a potential victim of identity theft.

When eating out and paying by credit card, make sure that you always retain a copy of the sales slip. This will help cut down on the chance that someone may steal your account number. One tip that I also use is the name on the card and the authorized signature is not the same. For instance the front of the card may have the name Lisa Smith, but the signature authorized to sign for it may be Lisa Ann Smith. Most thieves do not take the time to check this information. It will also be very easy to prove your case if someone does use your card.

One sure fire way for thieves to steal your identity is by getting information off a check you have written. Never under any circumstance write your social security number or a credit card number on a check. Then a thief will have every bit of information they need to successfully steal your identity. They not only have your bank account number but your address, social security number and your signature. They will not need to do much work to be successful.

The best advice, when it comes to minimizing your chances of become a victim, is keep all your information to yourself. There is absolutely no reason for any vendor to need that much information from you. Shred all documents that have your personal information on them and check your credit report frequently.

Fabiola Castillo is an online marketer for the website NinjaCOPS.com. This virtual store specializes in personal defense products where you can buy Mace pepper spray, kubatons, cell phone stun guns, nunchaku, Taser stun guns, expandable batons, and many other self defense products.

Auto theft happens all of the time, everywhere in the world. However, there are vehicles that are more of a target to auto thieves than others. You can take several measures to protect your vehicle from getting stolen and it does not take much effort or money. Just like your home, your car could be an easy invitation for theft of various types. Thieves do not normally just randomly walk up to a car and steal it. The smart ones search for the easiest vehicle to steal so they will have less chance of getting caught. In this sense, they work in much the same way as home thieves. You can take several simple steps to make your vehicle safer and hopefully make a thief pass your car (and unfortunately for the other person’s vehicle) move on to another more accessible or valuable vehicle.

Take These Steps to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Auto Theft -

1. Lock Up: Make it a habit to lock your doors before you leave your vehicle for any reason, even if you are just running in a store for a minute. It only takes a minute for someone to steal your car. And never, ever leave your keys in the ignition. Anyone could look into your car’s window, see the keys dangling, and drive away with a new car.
2. Remove or Hide Valuables: Some auto thieves are not actually looking to steal your car, but the items you have in your car. Remove or hide the following various items (preferably remove): MP3 players, expensive car stereos, cell phones, sunglasses, radar detectors, money, credit cards, checkbooks, cigarettes, etc. Some of these may sound like common sense to not leave out in the open in your vehicle, but they do need to be mentioned.
3. Keep it Simple: Do not add fancy accessories to your vehicle. This will draw attention from fellow auto lovers, and auto thieves alike. Things such as fancy paint jobs, spoilers, expensive rims, body kits, and more can easily attract an auto thief. If you own a show vehicle keep it in storage when not in use.

Various Security Systems You Can Install -

An auto thief, one skilled enough anyway, can usually get through nearly any type of security device. However, some security systems can thwart auto thieves and scare them away.

A simple alarm system can help by creating a loud sound when someone plays with the lock or even touches the vehicle too much. However, someone could act as if it is their vehicle and still get in if you do not notice in time to call for the police.

Fortunately, there are a variety of auto security systems to choose from. Here are a few:

Door Security Sensors - A door security sensor is a simple way to thwart thieves by sounding an alarm if the door, hood or trunk of your vehicle is opened.

Shock Security Sensors - A shock security sensor will sound an alarm if your vehicle is moved in any way such as shaking it.

Window Security Sensors - This one sounds an alarm if your window is broken.

Pressure Security Sensors - Pressure security sensors are set in motion when the air pressure inside the car is changed such as happens when a window or door is broken or opened.

Tilt Security Sensors - Tilt security sensors will help you not get your vehicle towed. If someone tries to get your vehicle on to a tow truck (or another way of tilting) an alarm will sound.

If you really need or want to keep your vehicle safe from auto theft you can use all of the steps above as well as all of the security systems outlined above. You can make certain choices with your vehicle that can easily prevent auto theft.

Fabiola Castillo is an online marketer for the website NinjaCOPS.com. This virtual store specializes in personal defense products where you can buy pepper spray, kubatons, wholesale stun guns, nunchaku, expandable police batons, Taser guns, and many other self defense products.

Throughout history, Chicago has been known as the “Windy City,” among other well-known nicknames, including “Chi-Town,” and “Chicagoland.” With tons of residents, commuters, and visitors, the metropolitan area of Chicago has earned the third-highest ranking spot as the largest in the United States. Situated on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, Chicago has long established a reputation for providing a major hub for booming industry, transportation, politics, and higher education. Overall, in the Midwest, Chicago is king when it comes to business, finance, and culture. So, how can you capture the essence of the city within a gift basket?

The city is home to a variety of main attractions that pull a large amount of tourists to the area on a yearly basis. Internationally, landmarks like the Sears Tower, and the Art Institute serve as reminders of the allure attached to the city. Some sights about Chicago are more colorful than others, which supply great inspiration for a gift basket creator.

Let’s take the John G. Shedd Aquarium, which once served as the largest indoor aquarium in the world. Today, 5 million gallons of water and about 25,000 fish decorate the interior of this amazing sight. Annually, two million visitors stop by this main point of interest. A Shedd Aquarium gift basket can preserve a visit in time with an assortment of stuffed animal critters that your customers may have encountered. You will have 2,100 species of creatures to choose from, including a wide-range of insects, snakes, birds, and marine mammals.

Creating an Adler Planetarium gift basket for children could bring in the business for those who wish to bring the glow of starry skies and planetary dreams home. Glow-in-the-dark astronomy related items, mini-telescopes, planet stickers, and a space mobile are just some of the ideas to consider. The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago offers a day filled with cultural and anthropological exhibits, such as the largest and most complete T-Rex skeleton. A gift basket to commemorate this popular museum may include dinosaur-related items, Egyptian themed jewelry, or insect-collecting kit items for kids.

In Chicago, infamous gangster, Al Capone became an international name during the 1920s. Gangsters, average locals, and the law were all bumping heads during the Prohibition, which took away the freedom to drink alcohol. The Gangster Gift Basket theme may include cigars, fine alcohol treats, sample bottles, imported beers, champagne, and gourmet snacks, such as crackers, sausages, and cheeses.

Whenever you are at a loss for creating a Chicago-themed gift basket, you can always tap into the power of exorbitant shopping sprees that take place on Magnificent Mile, the amusement found at Navy Pier, or the red, black, and white color scheme of the raging Chicago Bulls.

Wendy Wood is the owner of Seek Gift Baskets, an online gift basket directory.
For more information on gift baskets Chicago visit http://www.seekgiftbaskets.com/directory/search_result/Browse/CITY-Chicago/

If you’ve found this article you’re probably looking for help, information, resources and tips for the best, discount and cheapest quality vacuum cleaner you can find - and save money on your purchase too. Shopping for a good vacuum cleaner can be overwhelming for a lot of buyers. One general rule is that newer features usually drive up cost.

Some vacuums may actually put dirt back into your home. Some vacuums rely on bags or filters to trap the dirt; they can clog up and lose their suction. Many full-sized models come with more features buyers are looking for.

Vacuums with replaceable bags can add up each year adding significant cost to your initial purchase. You may want an ‘after motor’ ‘true HEPA filter’ in a sealed system. Vacuums can lose suction when the filters or bags get clogged and blow dirt back into the air.

When shopping for a new vacuum cleaner you want to buy a high quality vacuum cleaner and save money too. Some canister vacuum cleaners do offer HEPA filtration. Do you really need a deluxe model?

Canister vacuums range in price anywhere from $150 to $1500. If you buy a unit with a bag, you’ll need to change bags frequently to cut down on the possibility of dirt, dust and other particle leakage. Though they may not be more powerful, higher priced uprights have a lot of gadgets that may be handy for your home, providing you use them.

Once you feel fully informed, if you can, go to a local store to get a look at those you’ve picked and try them out. Find out how often belts, filters, and other items will need to be cleaned and/or replaced. Lower end uprights may have headlamps and/or bumper protection for your furniture.

It’ll cost more buying a unit with a bag because you’ll be buying bags ongoing. In the lower-end of uprights you will find a few models that have an additional feature, like bagless models or models with bags and a full bag indicator light. Make sure attachments are easy to put together and take apart and that they stay together and are airtight.

It’s important to find out exactly what kind of maintenance your new vacuum cleaner will need. Of course you want to get the cleanest possible ‘clean’ for your carpets. Consider where the vacuum cleaner will be stored to make sure it will fit the space.

It’s best to get a vacuum with a good filtration system and protect your lungs and overall health. You might consider one of the lightweight models if you have physical issues. HEPA is an acronym for “high efficiency particulate air”. Considering your health when it comes to vacuum cleaners is important; you don’t want to create or worsen respiratory, mobility, back problems or anything else needlessly.

Check out the vacuums with the patented internal filtration system. If possible test air-tightness; you can do this by vacuuming for a little bit with a floor model and see how much dust has collected on the outside of the vacuum. You want to get rid of as much dirt, dust, mold spores, fungus, bacteria, dust mites and allergens as possible.

Choose a vacuum with the features you want without the extras you don’t need. Don’t be totally dazzled by a complete array of attachments. Read how vacuum cleaners rank and compare to others. Then do your research to find quality discount vacuum cleaners online.

For more information on saving money on vacuum cleaners and best buy shopping for vacuum cleaners online and offline go to http://www.SaveMoneyOnVacuumCleaners.com Helen Hecker R.N.’s website specializing in vacuum cleaner tips, advice and resources, including information on vacuum cleaner ratings and vacuum cleaner reviews

Named after the first president of the United States, the state of Washington is often confused with the nation’s capital, but located in the Pacific Northwest, it is situated halfway across the nation, possessing its own unique flair and character. With Oregon, the Columbia River, Pacific Ocean, the Canadian province of British Columbia, and Idaho, there are a lot of beautiful natural surroundings associated with the lay of the land in Washington.

Since edible gift baskets seem to be one of the most popular arrangements when it comes to the gift basket business, you might want to turn your attention to some of the crops that make up the economic profile regarding Washington. An assortment of popular fruits and vegetables accounts for most of the exports from the state. In fact, most of the U.S. production of cherries, pears, grapes, apples, and red raspberries (a whopping 90%) hail from the Washington. Cranberries, apricots, plums, and strawberries are also strong crops in the area. For gift baskets, skies the limit when it comes to preparing dried fruit, fresh fruit, jams, jellies, spreads, butters, candies, beverages, and other tasty treats for a Washington State-theme.

Sports enthusiasts for Washington teams represent their state in the professional football, baseball, as well as men’s and women’s basketball scene. The pacific blue, navy blue, neon green, and white ribbons flaring from a Seattle Seahawks gift basket may include a stuffed animal hawk or colorful football in the mix. In the American League, the Seattle Mariners proudly wear their colors as they hit the baseball field at Safeco. As part of the National Basketball Association, bobble head dolls of Seattle SuperSonic players like Ray Allen could make great gift basket fillers. Make sure to stock up on green, gold, and white ribbon, bows, and wrapping paper to decorate NBA-themed gift baskets.

State symbols are a great way to dig deeper into the history and culture of Washington as you present the heritage to tourists, as well as to locals who may not be familiar with their past. An Apple a Day gift basket theme may include flavored applesauce, apple candy, apple tart mix, apple corer and peeler, dried apple rings, and apple juice to honor the state fruit. Additional Washington State gift basket ideas to consider may include the following subjects: American Goldfinch (state bird); square dance (state dance); rhododendron (state flower); onions (state vegetable); Steelhead Trout (state fish); the Orca whale (state marine mammal); and dragonfly jewelry (state insect).

Wendy Wood is the owner of Seek Gift Baskets, an online gift basket directory.
For more information on gift baskets Washington visit http://www.seekgiftbaskets.com/directory/search_result/Browse/Washington/