I'm here at the Tacoma Fall Home & Garden Show at the Tacoma Dome. Craig Sailor has flown the coop (he had an engagement he just couldn't get out of). I'm at the News Tribune booth located right next to the front door (look to your right when you get in). The embarassing photo of the Get Growing bloggers is set up for all to see (I might have to hide it).

A few things to guide you as you arrive at the show:

1. Parking. It's $6. Have cash ready! If the lots are full or too busy to get in, you can always try parking on the street down by the Best Western Tacoma Dome Hotel, although parking spaces are hard to find. There is a guy in a gravel lot across the street from the hotel who is guiding cars to a lot with a bright pink sign that says "Parking $3." Who knows what the story is there, but it looks like a good backup plan for parking.

2. When you walk in the main doors, be sure to check out the pretty container garden arrangements from Windmill Nursery in Sumner. I love the container filled with the pink dahlias. I want it in my backyard.

3. When you walk in, look to the table to your right where the programs are. Grab a blue bag when you walk in. It's the best way to gather all the pamphlets and H&G propaganda you'll want to grab as you peruse the booths.

See you at the show! I'll be here until noonish and will post some other tips and tricks for navigating the show. Also, check out our story in tomorrow's Home & Garden section about the five things you can't miss at the show.