One A Day - Mostly Seattle

Birthday Surprise!

2009-11-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

Turning eleven is a really big deal. I don't remember that far back, of course, but I think my wife does. A couple of months ago my beloved got the great idea of flying to Copperas Cove, Texas, to surprise our granddaughter, Katie. As it happened, Alaska Air had some good fares for non-stop Seattle to Austin flights. I said sure! Let's do it. (After all, Katie and her mom pulled the same surprise stunt on me for my 60th, and a turn-a-bout is always fair play.)

A cover story was devised that our flight-attendant relative would arrange with one of her airline friends, flying from Seattle to Austin, to bring special cupcakes from Ammah to Katie. Katie and her mom would drive the 60 miles south from Copperas Cove to collect them yesterday, and then share the delicious and special cupcakes with her school class today, on her birthday. Many emails and phone calls went back and forth talking about these fictional cakes to be delivered by "a tall blonde stewardess" in time for Katie's birthday.

The ruse worked, and Katie was stunned to see her Ammah descending the steps to baggage claim at the Austin airport. So, we're here in the heart of Texas to help Katie celebrate turning 11.

Happy Birthday, Katie!! Eleven looks like a lot of fun!

Oh, we didn't actually bring cupcakes, but Ammah, Katie and little sister Carly did spend the evening decorating cupcakes baked by Katie's mom. Click here to see the process and the results.

Iphone Wednesday - The band plays on

2009-11-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

I was visiting my neighbor last evening and he was waxing nostalgic. Sometime back in the late 1940's or early 1950's he and his wife put together this collection of wind-up plastic toy animal musicians. I decided the way he placed them so fondly on the coffee table deserved a photograph. So, strike up the band! They are fun to watch; feet, arms and heads all move ... and not in unison by a long shot!

My friends Kim at Seattle Daily Photo and Ming at Bangor Daily Photo are also posting iPhone Wednesday photos today. Be sure to stop by and say hi.

Where's Dinner?

2009-11-10T00:01:00.000-08:00

A lonely Great Blue Heron in a farm field on Fir Island in the Skagit Valley near Conway, Washington. I had driven the 60 miles or so north of Seattle specifically to photograph the wintering snow geese, which I posted back in February.

I've been spending more time editing and processing images during the last few rainy days. So, every now and again I run across something that seems worthy of sharing ... especially given the fact I didn't make any new images yesterday. -:)

What do you suppose this bird is thinking?

Landmark Elephant

2009-11-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

Elephant Super Car Wash, a landmark at Battery and Denny Way in Seattle's Denny Regrade area. Elephant Car Wash started business in 1951 south of Downtown Seattle on Lander Street. The sign above on Denny Way began spinning in 1956.

So, do you take your car through a car wash, or wash it by hand?

Impressionistic

2009-11-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the simple and mundane can really shine -:)

I was testing a new Canon 7D camera earlier this week. I borrowed the body from Glazer's Camera Store long enough to walk around the block and make about 120 images in the space of 15 minutes or so. The fall leaves against the patched wall is just one of the photos I did on that short walk. Jury is still debating the merits of the camera, though.

Stormy Weather in Seattle

2009-11-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

I decided to have a bit of unusual rainy day fun yesterday. Our weather has turned wet and blustery. Wild, some might say. Most of the time I forget that I have video capabilities and this video was made with my Canon 5D MK II using a 100-400 mm lens. All was shot from the comfort of my living room, so I managed to stay warm and dry.

Fleeting moments

2009-11-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

Now that daylight savings time has ended, our days are noticeably shorter. Our weather is also due to change with a cold front and rain headed our way. So, as a reminder of how lovely it has been these last few days, Mother Nature put on a stunning show as she put the sun to bed last evening. This view is southwest, over Puget Sound from Magnolia.

Election Day

2009-11-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was election day across the United States. Washington state has recently changed the way citizens vote to an all mail-in ballot system. There are, however, still a few official ballot drop-off locations in the city. I took our ballots to the one at the Ballard library today, choosing to go for a scooter ride instead of paying 96¢ to support our postal system. I wasn't the only voter preferring to drop their ballot off in person. There was a steady line of people, like the man above, arriving to cast their vote in person.

Roy's BBQ - Columbia City

2009-11-03T00:01:00.000-08:00

Last Friday evening my wife and I had the pleasure of sampling delicious BBQ at Roy's BBQ - Columbia City. Located in the heart of the Rainier Valley, south of downtown Seattle, on Rainier Avenue in the Columbia City neighborhood. The reason for our visit was to take advantage of the "free lunch or dinner for two" raffle prize I won last summer at the Westender's Tour di Mari scooter rally. I was slightly concerned that too much time might have passed, but no, we were treated to two delicious BBQ sandwiches with cole slaw and potato salad ... and drinks, too. Delicious!

Roy's is easy to miss as you walk down the sidewalk. The address is 4903 1/2 Rainier Ave. So., and I suspect the reason for the "1/2" is because the restaurant space is barely 8 feet wide. If I had to guess, this space was originally an alleyway between two adjacent buildings until somebody got the idea it could be enclosed and rented. The cramped width is more than made up for with it's length, though, which I'd guess to be 70 or so feet. Plenty of space for a few tables in front of a small counter and an efficient kitchen. (For some interior views, click here.)

So, if you're in the Seattle area, are hungry for BBQ, and enjoy funky, kitschy surroundings, do check out Ron's. You won't be disappointed! I'm going back sooner, rather than later. Yum!!!

Scooter's

2009-11-02T00:01:00.000-08:00

So, where do you think you'd find a bunch of scooters? Well, Scooter's, of course! This burger joint is on 24th Avenue Northwest just a couple blocks north of Market Street, which is the main drag through the Ballard area of Seattle. I didn't order anything because I had a home-made pizza waiting for me at home, courtesy of my dear wife. But, from all reports, the burgers and shakes here are very tasty. And, if you've ever had a hankering for home-made "noion" rings, this is obviously the place to find them. (See the sign above ........)

Monthly Theme Day - Doorways

2009-11-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

I have many door and doorway photos in my file. The bulk of them are from Europe, however. So, I decided I needed to find something from a bit closer to home. A number of years ago I was out shooting winter snow scenes in the Cascade Mountains near Snoqualmie Pass and found this lovely buried (cabin) treasure. This winter scene has been used commercially a number of times over the years, as well as for one of the annual Christmas cards my wife and I make together. A fitting image for our City Daily Photo Blog monthly theme of "doorways", don't you think?

To see some of my other doors and doorways, click here on my Extra Depth ...

And, to enter the worldwide CDP doorway today, click here to view thumbnails for all participants.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

Five years ago I was fortunate enough to be in New York City and attend the amazing Greenwich Village annual Halloween Parade. I've discovered over the years that sometimes the best images are found behind the scenes in the staging area. Not having to battle with spectators is a real plus, not to mention that the costumed participants have both the time and inclination to give an itinerant photographer a bit of time and attention.

For a few more Greenwich Village parade images, click here.

Happy Halloween, everybody!

And, of course, this date also means that tomorrow is once again the first of a new month. As is the habit of bloggers participating in the City Daily Photo Blog circle, November 1st will be yet another International Theme Day. Our CDPB November theme is "doors". Should be interesting. I've yet to decide what to post ... so y'all come back, now, y'hear?

Fall Vibrancy

2009-10-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

Not much to say, except "Wow!" Maple tree leaves at Washington Park Arboretum, also known as the University of Washington Arboretum.

Fall does have it's benefits!

Byrnie Utz Hats

2009-10-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

Over the years I've shopped here from time to time. Byrnie Utz Hat shop began business in 1934, and I suspect the interior hasn't changed much over the last 75 years. All four walls inside are filled with glass-fronted doors protecting rows and rows of hats from dust and dirt. On top of the covered shelves are stacks of hat boxes. Near the door you'll find stacks of substantial and heavy wooden boxes that contain wool caps, berets, Greek fishing hats, and probably any other style you can imagine. Need a new top hat? How about a Stetson? Or, perhaps a golf cap? Go to Byrnie Utz Hats.

For a peek inside, click here.

IPhone Wednesday - This Little Piggy

2009-10-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

The Minimus-Maximus catering truck hangs out in the parking lot at 2nd Avenue and Pike Street in downtown Seattle. This porker specializes in scrumptious pulled-pork sandwiches prepared hot and fresh for the nearby office tower workers lunch-time dining pleasure.

My friends Kim at Seattle Daily Photo and Ming at Bangor Daily Photo are also posting iPhone Wednesday photos today. Be sure to stop by and say hi.

Dead End

2009-10-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

She seems to be moving from one "Dead End" toward another "Dead End". Hard to get anywhere that way, I suppose, but this woman seems to be walking with great purpose in her stride.

Post Alley, just south of Pike Place Market, and a few feet away from day before yesterday's Seattle Garden sculpture photo.

Happy Anniversary to US!

2009-10-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

Forty-one years ago today, we both said "I do".

And yes, we're still in love!

Happy Anniversary, Penny!

All my love, Chuck

Thanks to our friend Robert Morgan for taking this great photo!

Seattle Garden

2009-10-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

A very small portion of the metal sculpture Seattle Garden by Ann Sperry, created in 1988. This unique metal sculpture was designed by Sperry to top a 300+ foot concrete wall surrounding a Seattle City Light power sub-station near the Pike Place Market. Sperry was winner of the design competition for the project which needed to both beautify the neighborhood and provide an effective security perimeter around the electric sub-station.

Drum Roll

2009-10-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

A high school marching band was heading back to their bus today after practice inside Memorial Stadium at Seattle Center. Oh, the memories this brought back. October football games, rain, cold, uncomfortable band uniforms. Yet, the excitement of being in a special and essential group made those sacrifices seem more or less inconsequential. I don't imagine things have changed much for today's band from my experiences of several decades ago.

Winner Times Two

2009-10-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

These are the First Place Winners' gold medals from the Westender Scooter Club's first annual Pizza Throw-down pizza baking contest. On October 12th, I posted a picture and story about the winner of this event ... Westender "Team Salt & Pepper". The two members of this winning team were my wife, Penny, and me. (I'll let you and your imagination figure out who's "salt" and who is "pepper".)

While the three celebrity judges, Big Red, Ace-face, and Boots were tasting and deliberating, Westenders' Prime Minister, Roger-Tango, shared with the assembly the sad news that the medals provided by a wealthy, but anonymous donor, were temporarily missing. However, when said gold medals were located, they would be presented to the respective winners during a special ceremony at the Tiger Lounge in Georgetown. And so it was, for on the night before last, I solemnly accepted, on behalf of "Team Salt & Pepper", the two gold medals you see above, pictured with special signs describing our winning entries.

Thanks, R-T!

Eggplant Venus ...

2009-10-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

Sleeping on a bed of peppers, she's pretty hot stuff, don't you think?

One of the farm vendors pointed out this uniquely shaped eggplant to me, and of course I had to photograph her. Where? The Pike Place Market, naturally.

iPhone Wednesday - Whole Foods

2009-10-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

Whole Foods has opened a new store on 15th Avenue West in the Interbay area. This store was a long time in the planning, and eagerly anticipated by the many residents of Magnolia, Queen Anne and Ballard. The new store finally opened this past week, and when I stopped by on a recent evening it was filled with shoppers. Welcome to the neighborhood, Whole Foods. You make a great addition to our food shopping options.

My friends Kim at Seattle Daily Photo and Ming at Bangor Daily Photo are also posting iPhone Wednesday photos today. Be sure to stop by and say hi.

Grave and Local Yard

2009-10-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I alluded to seeing, or at least being aware of, more Halloween decorations in my neighborhood this year. Interesting that in this "recessionary economy" funds are allocated for this type of yard display. Does this say anything about our values? Any thoughts you care to share?

Birch Leaves Reprise

2009-10-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

Harking back to yesterday's "Fall Reflected" post, I've gone to my source for these delicate and lovely birch leaves. Some years ago my wife and I planted a four-trunk white birch tree in our back yard. I look forward to this time of year and to watching it's foliage change from green to a luminous golden hue.

One A Day - Mostly Seattle

Birthday Surprise!

Iphone Wednesday - The band plays on

Where's Dinner?

More Video Fun

Landmark Elephant

Impressionistic

Stormy Weather in Seattle

Fleeting moments

Election Day

Roy's BBQ - Columbia City

Scooter's

Monthly Theme Day - Doorways

Happy Halloween

Fall Vibrancy

Byrnie Utz Hats

IPhone Wednesday - This Little Piggy

Dead End

Happy Anniversary to US!

Seattle Garden

Drum Roll

Winner Times Two

Eggplant Venus ...

iPhone Wednesday - Whole Foods

Grave and Local Yard

Birch Leaves Reprise