Life In The Pacific Northwest
My son discovered this film festival hosted by the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum
Smithsonian Air and Space Museum Film Festival
Now I’m wondering, with such amazing institutions like Boeing, the Museum of Flight, the Future of Flight and the Museum of History and Industry, why we don’t have a similar film festival here in Seattle. I really think we’d get great traction on something like this.
What do you think? Would you go?
Let me know!
Darkened right angles
Laden with myriad stars
The lake’s reflection
It’s pretty funny. Seattleites have a very narrow band of comfort, temperature-wise. Looks like the range is about 65 to 72. Today hit about 75 in places, with complaints about the heat ensuing. 80 brings about fears of heat stroke, and 85 is the realm of demons.
For me, I’m delighting that I’m finally able to wear shorts and flip-flops. And, well, that my taekwondo school is air -conditioned. Yeah, I’m not immune to Seattle’s proclivities.
Yesterday we went to Everett’s Farmers Market. I’m quite fond of it, especially with the “new” location. It didn’t move far, if you don’t know where it moved to.
My first love is the Edmonds market. It’s great to have s Saturday and a Sunday choice, though.
This weekend had perfect market weather, though above the temperature band. I heard many complaints about the heat.
For though of us adapted to Western Washington, decent weather brings us outside. Even amidst our complaints and discomfort. Between the markets and getting my Fitbit steps in, I got my outside time in.
For that I’m grateful. And glad. I do adore this region.
Oh, my dearest Seattle
A few days ago
I wore a coat
Today? Sandals
Adorn my feet
My legs
Bare, delighting
In the sunlight
Spent the evening with my folks celebrating Mothers Day. I love that I’m physically close to them, so can keep an emotional closeness. Though, at times, it’s surreal to be back in Lynnwood, within sight of the home I grew up in.
Many, many memories can and went. Stories told with my son, developing the generational connections. So much of my life took place right here, within a short drive of my folks’ home. So many transformative memories flowed through my mind today.
Most of the day I slept. Fighting some kind of virus, wakefulness was elusive.
Yesterday we went to the Reptile Expo at the Monroe Fairgrounds. Then down to the old Woodway highschool for the Edmonds Heights production of Addams Family. The reptile expo was cool, opening my eyes more to herpetological fans, and what they see in their fine scaled friends. And I thought the kids were wonderful.
Now I’m on my couch listening to St. Mark’s compline service on KING FM. So many rich memories here. I was a member at the cathedral for many years. I’ve so many memories of the halls there. And many evenings, sitting in the darkened gnave. Surrounded by this microcosm of Seattle. Wealthy socialites, broke college students, street kids, the roughest-edged folks, all crammed into the cathedral every Sunday evening.
The tranquility I’ve felt there has rarely been equalled. Someday I need to take my son down and introduce him to this ancient worship style. It holds deep meaningfor me.
Spent the day running errands. One of them had me at the City of Lake Stevens’ planning offices as two manufactured “portables” were delivered. Quite the tight squeeze along the tree lined street. But the drivers were skilled and nothing was injured save a few stray leaves.
This got us talking about change, growth and the area. Our region’s density has changed dramatically. I remember coming out to Lake Stevens, way out in the country. Waaayyy out there. It seemed quite the excursion to go up and enjoy pizza at Up The Creek (the business is gone, but the building remains). That was something I always looked forward to, and something I remember years later.
As the region grew, as decent paying jobs were getting created by the dozen, people started flowing into the region. Housing prices climb through Seattle. And affordability pushed outwards. Add the addition of the Everett Navy HomePort, which brought additional bodies to Snohomish County. Lake Stevens amenities make it a charming and desirable place to live. All of that pushed people out there. Adding traffic, the need for stores and transit.
I expect the demand for homes there to grow boldly over the next few years. Prices in Seattle and Bellevue are extreme, livability collapsing. Snohomish county offers great living with ease of access to Seattle, which will get better as light rail builds out.
Of course, I’m biased: I’ve lived in the region most of my life. And I don’t intend to live anywhere else.
This is an exciting time for the region. I’m pleased to be part of it all.
I grew up reading Emmett Watson (a key part of Seattle’s literary history), and decided to revisit some of his writings. Currently, I’m working my way through Emmett Watson: “My Life In Print”
The ideology of this came as a counter to the relentless boosterism for growing Seattle. If you loved the city, imagine how annoying it would be to continue to hear how to “fix” what you cherish.
Now, to be fair, the global city that Seattle is today resulted from that boosterism. But there were elements of that growth mindset that were truly mindless. Growth for growth’s sake is not wise or healthy, in my view.
Change is a part of life. It’s crucial to evolve. However, I find deep value in spending time assessing:
All three are important. I can’t imagine anything more sad than “evolving” into someone you hate.
The same is true for cities, and any type of community.
“Know thyself”, a line I’ve heard bantered forth occasionally, seems apt here.
With communities, a challenge: dealing with divergent answers of those questions. Democracy can get ugly at times.
Let’s explore all of this, shall we?
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This is fun news for Seattle foodies: Canlis Takes Home Its First James Beard Award. (Seattle Met Magazine)
I’ve not dined at good ol’ Canlis. Mainly, I’m a northend guy, and making my way down there is a bit challenging. And then there’s the price tag…
Anyway, all the best to good folks at Canlis!
Came across this article and thought it worth sharing, even though I won’t be going into the city and sharing in the misery.
onthemove.seattle.gov – Sue Romero – Apr 27, 10:17 AM SDOT advises travelers that on Monday, May 1, a number of demonstrations and rallies are expected to significantly impact traffic around the city throughout the day. Please plan ahead for delays due to larger than normal crowds along demonstration… |
