One of the things that struck me on our trip is the amazing diversity of this state of Washington. From the lush Puget Sound lowlands wherein we live, up to the reaching Alpine heights rich in forest and granite wall, to the fertile prairies and the deep, barren coulees of eastern Washington; we really have three states in one.
We also experienced a rich diversity of social structure. On the one hand, we left world-class Seattle and Tacoma, and spent time in Spokane, a grand city in its own right. On the other, we were able to spend three days about as far off the grid as you can get, up in the Yaak.
So perhaps variety was the theme of this vacation.
And, yes, it was a good trip, and we feel relaxed and refreshed, and, no, I'm not ready to get back to work yet.
Showing posts with label Washington State. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Washington State. Show all posts
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Thursday, December 18, 2008
A brief word for the scoffers
It is common for non-northwesterners to scoff at us Puget Sound dwellers and the way we respond to snow. For much of the country (think Chicago, New York, Denver), life goes on after the snow; whereas here in Seattle (as it is in Portland), the slightest dusting of snow paralyzes the cities. Schools close, the government shuts down, buses stop running. Cars are abandoned on the freeways and side streets, trash isn't picked up, everyone stays home or wishes they had.
"Ha!" say those who live elsewhere. "A bunch of ninnies who can't handle a little snow!"
If you find yourself in that crowd, let me explain a couple things.
1. Hills. Steep hills. Seattle has a lot of them. And a lot of roads that go up and down them. Chicago, Denver, Calgary. . .all those snowy cities are flat. But Seattle has virtually no flat ground. If you're not going up, then you're going down. Flat snow compacts under your tires while you go merrily on your way. But on hills, it becomes like little ball bearings under your tires, causing you to lose control and slam into things. That's not bad driving, that's gravity.
2. Temperature. It never really gets that cold in Seattle. It always hovers around the freezing point. Which means things begin to melt, then freeze again. During the day all that snow warms up and turns to slush, and then at night it freezes as a solid sheen of ice. It's not the snow that's a problem, it's the ice underneath. And if you take all this ice and put it on the hills mentioned in #1, it creates real problems. You hit ice, you lose all hope of control. Again, that's not bad driving, that's gravity.
3. It's not a big enough problem to make it an issue. If you live in a place where it snows 6 months out of the year, you have chains or snow tires or studs. If you live in Seattle, where it snows one or two days a year (if you're lucky) you're just not going to put that much time and money into buying chains and snow tires and studs.
4. Californians. They're the ones who move up here and then have no clue how to drive in the snow. Seriously. Or the midwesterners who assume that they can handle snow because they used to drive in Nebraska in the snow, but who don't take into consideration #1 and 2.
So quit your scoffing. It's probably all so much jealousy, anyway, since you all wish you could live here.
"Ha!" say those who live elsewhere. "A bunch of ninnies who can't handle a little snow!"
If you find yourself in that crowd, let me explain a couple things.
1. Hills. Steep hills. Seattle has a lot of them. And a lot of roads that go up and down them. Chicago, Denver, Calgary. . .all those snowy cities are flat. But Seattle has virtually no flat ground. If you're not going up, then you're going down. Flat snow compacts under your tires while you go merrily on your way. But on hills, it becomes like little ball bearings under your tires, causing you to lose control and slam into things. That's not bad driving, that's gravity.
2. Temperature. It never really gets that cold in Seattle. It always hovers around the freezing point. Which means things begin to melt, then freeze again. During the day all that snow warms up and turns to slush, and then at night it freezes as a solid sheen of ice. It's not the snow that's a problem, it's the ice underneath. And if you take all this ice and put it on the hills mentioned in #1, it creates real problems. You hit ice, you lose all hope of control. Again, that's not bad driving, that's gravity.
3. It's not a big enough problem to make it an issue. If you live in a place where it snows 6 months out of the year, you have chains or snow tires or studs. If you live in Seattle, where it snows one or two days a year (if you're lucky) you're just not going to put that much time and money into buying chains and snow tires and studs.
4. Californians. They're the ones who move up here and then have no clue how to drive in the snow. Seriously. Or the midwesterners who assume that they can handle snow because they used to drive in Nebraska in the snow, but who don't take into consideration #1 and 2.
So quit your scoffing. It's probably all so much jealousy, anyway, since you all wish you could live here.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Thursday, June 05, 2008
We Have a Winner!
Actually, due to the nebulous nature of the question, we have a couple winners in the "Biggest Hole in the Wall Contest Ever!" So, the envelope, please. . .
Erin was technically correct in guessing "somewhere in Washington, Oregon, or California." For that, I officially award Erin 2 mega-internet attagirls.*
Matt really nailed it as "Fort Casey on Whidbey Island," so he is the official winner of 25 mega-internet attaboys.* Way to go, Matt! (please keep your acceptance speech to 50 words or less)
Susan got it right, but she wasn't first, so she gets a lovely parting gift of the privilege of babysitting our girls next time she's in the area.
Cleaver (who around here we know as "Gene") get the "extra-effort" award, for naming not just the foreground ("bunker at Fort Casey") but telling us the contents of the larger picture as well - "the Strait of Jaun De Fuca/Admiralty inlet." (although nobody mentioned the Olympic Mountains in the back. . .). In addition, Gene gave us some history as well: "Used during WWII as a lookout point for possible enemy ships or submarines entering our coast." For that, Gene wins 15 mega-internet attaboys.
Thanks to everyone for playing; for more information on Fort Casey, check this out.
____________________
*Some may ask "what is the exact value of an internet attagirl or attaboy?" While holding no financial value, attagirls and attaboys are items of great prestige. Posting "Winner of 25 attaboys" on your website header is sure to garner esteem in the eyes of your visitors. Most arguments can be won simply by stating "But I have 15 mega-internet attagirls," unless your opponent should be in possession of a greater number of attaboys or attagirls. Those seeking partners on dating websites are encouraged to post their attaboys/girls, in order to impress any possible suitors.
Erin was technically correct in guessing "somewhere in Washington, Oregon, or California." For that, I officially award Erin 2 mega-internet attagirls.*
Matt really nailed it as "Fort Casey on Whidbey Island," so he is the official winner of 25 mega-internet attaboys.* Way to go, Matt! (please keep your acceptance speech to 50 words or less)
Susan got it right, but she wasn't first, so she gets a lovely parting gift of the privilege of babysitting our girls next time she's in the area.
Cleaver (who around here we know as "Gene") get the "extra-effort" award, for naming not just the foreground ("bunker at Fort Casey") but telling us the contents of the larger picture as well - "the Strait of Jaun De Fuca/Admiralty inlet." (although nobody mentioned the Olympic Mountains in the back. . .). In addition, Gene gave us some history as well: "Used during WWII as a lookout point for possible enemy ships or submarines entering our coast." For that, Gene wins 15 mega-internet attaboys.
Thanks to everyone for playing; for more information on Fort Casey, check this out.
____________________
*Some may ask "what is the exact value of an internet attagirl or attaboy?" While holding no financial value, attagirls and attaboys are items of great prestige. Posting "Winner of 25 attaboys" on your website header is sure to garner esteem in the eyes of your visitors. Most arguments can be won simply by stating "But I have 15 mega-internet attagirls," unless your opponent should be in possession of a greater number of attaboys or attagirls. Those seeking partners on dating websites are encouraged to post their attaboys/girls, in order to impress any possible suitors.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Friday Stuff
It's been unseasonably cool up here in the Puget Sound Area. They've already had an early snowstorm in the Cascades. This is what Mt. Rainier currently looks like:
The ski areas must be salivating. For the moment, we're just enjoying lighting a fire in the woodstove every evening, and curling up with a good book or DVD.
+++++++++++++
About 6 years ago I bought a guitar. It was the first guitar I'd ever purchased for myself. I told the guy "I use this for youth work, so I want one that sounds okay, but one I won't be afraid to take on a beach trip, or down to Mexico to play in the dirt." So he sold me the $100 special. And it served its purpose well, although I sure seemed to break a lot of strings on it. And it is impossible to keep in tune - usually after 10 minutes or so, it's no longer in tune. But I was using it for leading worship at youth group, where tuning is less important than loud. So, yes, it did what it was supposed to.
But, it's time for something new. I've developed as a player since then. And my desire to get better has only grown. So, like the day I turned in my $100 trumpet for the $300 one, it's time to upgrade.
Yesterday I went to my favorite online music store, and purchased this:
It's a Fender acoustic/electric, in case you can't tell. The Sonoran SCE, to be exact. Granted, it's not their top-of-the-line; the fender website still uses the word "Value" regarding this one. But it's certainly a step up, and, being a Fender, ought to be much better quality than the old Sunlight. So, yes, I'm excited.
Now, the day came when I traded in the $300 trumpet for the $1800 trumpet, so perhaps this won't be the final guitar along the road. But we'll let that day come of its own accord.
+++++++++
Friday Random 10
If anything, this list shows just how eclectic my music tastes are. . .a couple jazz standards, 1950s television, a hymn and a classical masterpiece, a folk tune and a pop song. Somehow, the bluegrass didn't show up this week.
The ski areas must be salivating. For the moment, we're just enjoying lighting a fire in the woodstove every evening, and curling up with a good book or DVD.
+++++++++++++
About 6 years ago I bought a guitar. It was the first guitar I'd ever purchased for myself. I told the guy "I use this for youth work, so I want one that sounds okay, but one I won't be afraid to take on a beach trip, or down to Mexico to play in the dirt." So he sold me the $100 special. And it served its purpose well, although I sure seemed to break a lot of strings on it. And it is impossible to keep in tune - usually after 10 minutes or so, it's no longer in tune. But I was using it for leading worship at youth group, where tuning is less important than loud. So, yes, it did what it was supposed to.
But, it's time for something new. I've developed as a player since then. And my desire to get better has only grown. So, like the day I turned in my $100 trumpet for the $300 one, it's time to upgrade.
Yesterday I went to my favorite online music store, and purchased this:
It's a Fender acoustic/electric, in case you can't tell. The Sonoran SCE, to be exact. Granted, it's not their top-of-the-line; the fender website still uses the word "Value" regarding this one. But it's certainly a step up, and, being a Fender, ought to be much better quality than the old Sunlight. So, yes, I'm excited.
Now, the day came when I traded in the $300 trumpet for the $1800 trumpet, so perhaps this won't be the final guitar along the road. But we'll let that day come of its own accord.
+++++++++
Friday Random 10
If anything, this list shows just how eclectic my music tastes are. . .a couple jazz standards, 1950s television, a hymn and a classical masterpiece, a folk tune and a pop song. Somehow, the bluegrass didn't show up this week.
- Room Song – Silers Bald
- Sanctus (from the Verdi Requiem) -
- Know My Heart – Sara Groves
- Sing to Jesus – Fernando Ortega
- Barney’s Hoe-Down – Original Television Soundtrack for the Andy Griffith Show
- Cheek to Cheek – Steve Tyrell
- Children of the Heavenly Father –
- Let’s Fall in Love – Diana Krall
- Michelangelo – Emmylou Harris
- Cold, Cold Heart – Norah Jones
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Wow, so much has happened
The last few weeks have certainly been busy. First our anniversary, then Olivia's birthday, and now we're back from our vacation last week - 4 days and 3 nights camping at Mt. Rainier (it rained most of the time), and 4 days and 3 nights in Wenatchee (it was sunny and in the 90s most of the time).
A couple highlights, for those who care about the life of Dan:
- While camping at Mt. Rainier, I took the girls over for an evening ranger talk. The ranger was talking about using all five senses to experience nature. Just as she told the kids to be silent and listen, a fox slunk through the amphitheater, climbed up on Cougar Rock, pooped (in full view of the enthralled kids) and wandered away. It was a nature moment par excellence.
- And Wenatchee was simply fun. We strolled through the enchanting Ohme Gardens, visited the Rocky Reach Dam and watched salmon swim the fish ladder, took the tour of Liberty Orchards in Cashmere (home of Aplets and Cotlets candy. . .free samples. . .mmmm). On Sunday we spent the day in Leavenworth, Washington's Bavarian Village high in the Cascade Mountains. We ate at a waffle house, hiked along the river, watched the kids romp around on a play structure, then wandered back through town.
- Which requires a bullet point of its own. About 8 years ago, we visited Leavenworth for the Christmas Lighting Extravaganza, along with an old high school friend and his (then) girlfriend (now wife). We entered a snack shop and saw one of those Hot Pepper displays. I made the mistake of sampling the Hot Sauce from Hell. One bite and the world spun out of control. I couldn't breath. I couldn't think. I ran out into the snow looking for relief, but even that didn't help. It's still a terrible memory.
So, we visited the same shop last Sunday. I thought "I've grown my palate since then. I've eaten a lot more spicy Mexican food. I've learned to enjoy Wasabi. I can handle it this time." I stuck a dollop of the Hot Sauce from Hell on my pretzel and took a bite. And my world came to an end. I couldn't breath. I couldn't think. The room started to spin. My eyes were watering. My throat was swelling. And all I could think was "pain." It came in waves - just when you thought "it's almost over now" it only got worse. I grabbed the girls and we ran out looking for a water fountain (they were oblivious to the fact that I was dying). Three minutes later we found the fountain, only to discover it was broken. It was like some sort of psychological torture. For 20 minutes it felt like I had a donut of flame shoved into the back of my throat. I couldn't talk, except to say "I'm in pain."
We made an agreement. If one of us ever even thinks about going back into that store, the other is supposed to step on their toe. Hard. Just to remind us of the pain. I still get agitated, just thinking about it.
A couple highlights, for those who care about the life of Dan:
- While camping at Mt. Rainier, I took the girls over for an evening ranger talk. The ranger was talking about using all five senses to experience nature. Just as she told the kids to be silent and listen, a fox slunk through the amphitheater, climbed up on Cougar Rock, pooped (in full view of the enthralled kids) and wandered away. It was a nature moment par excellence.
- And Wenatchee was simply fun. We strolled through the enchanting Ohme Gardens, visited the Rocky Reach Dam and watched salmon swim the fish ladder, took the tour of Liberty Orchards in Cashmere (home of Aplets and Cotlets candy. . .free samples. . .mmmm). On Sunday we spent the day in Leavenworth, Washington's Bavarian Village high in the Cascade Mountains. We ate at a waffle house, hiked along the river, watched the kids romp around on a play structure, then wandered back through town.
- Which requires a bullet point of its own. About 8 years ago, we visited Leavenworth for the Christmas Lighting Extravaganza, along with an old high school friend and his (then) girlfriend (now wife). We entered a snack shop and saw one of those Hot Pepper displays. I made the mistake of sampling the Hot Sauce from Hell. One bite and the world spun out of control. I couldn't breath. I couldn't think. I ran out into the snow looking for relief, but even that didn't help. It's still a terrible memory.
So, we visited the same shop last Sunday. I thought "I've grown my palate since then. I've eaten a lot more spicy Mexican food. I've learned to enjoy Wasabi. I can handle it this time." I stuck a dollop of the Hot Sauce from Hell on my pretzel and took a bite. And my world came to an end. I couldn't breath. I couldn't think. The room started to spin. My eyes were watering. My throat was swelling. And all I could think was "pain." It came in waves - just when you thought "it's almost over now" it only got worse. I grabbed the girls and we ran out looking for a water fountain (they were oblivious to the fact that I was dying). Three minutes later we found the fountain, only to discover it was broken. It was like some sort of psychological torture. For 20 minutes it felt like I had a donut of flame shoved into the back of my throat. I couldn't talk, except to say "I'm in pain."
We made an agreement. If one of us ever even thinks about going back into that store, the other is supposed to step on their toe. Hard. Just to remind us of the pain. I still get agitated, just thinking about it.
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