Seattle Daily Photo: December 2006

Sunday, December 31, 2006

Have Fun Out There

. . .but, whatever your New Year's Eve plans, keep safe. There will be fireworks shot from the Space Needle tonight to usher in the New Year, and Seattle officers will be helping manage the festivities. From Seattle, I'm wishing all the City Daily Photo family and our readers around the globe peace, health, and happiness in 2007! Seattle+street+scene Seattle+night Seattle+New+Year's+Eve Seattle+Police Seattle+safety Seattle+downtown police safety+officer

Saturday, December 30, 2006

Conference Call

Their kid sister might be miffed that she's not in on the conversation. Perhaps kids don't ask for walkie talkies for Christmas anymore?! Seattle cell phones walkie talkies Seattle street scene Seattle kids conference call

Friday, December 29, 2006

McCaw Hall Kreielsheimer Promonade

This is the last week of the Maurice Sendek-inspired Nutcracker performances at McCaw Hall. If you look through the glass doors to the lobby you can see the nutcracker in larger-than-life form. In this view you see the top of the Needle adorned with Christmas tree lighting through the mesh screens of the grand promenade designed by Gustafson Guthrie Nichol These gigantic sheer metal curtains catch light and connect the completely refurbished hall with the adjacent performance space. For more information check out this and this.
McCaw+Hall Seattle+McCaw+Hall promenade +Seattle+Center Nutcracker+Seattle Seattle+Ballet Seattle+building Seattle+exterior Seattle+space+needle Seattle+Christmas Kreielsheimer+Promonade

Thursday, December 28, 2006

Prayer Flags on East John

I liked the details of this Capitol Hill apartment house, and enjoyed seeing some holiday decor that is good for all seasons. Many of the Seattle apartments built in the early years of the 20th century have character and charm, and most seem well-maintained. Seattle+apartments Seattle+Capitol+Hill East+John+apartments prayer+flags Seattle+prayer+flags Seattle+building+exterior

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Updraft

Both light and wind show their effects in this winter night view of the the old Coliseum Theater on Pike Street at 5th Avenue (now a Banana Republic store). Leaves caught in an updraft have perched on a lower ledge of this lovely 1916 facade, while wonderful light fixtures illuminate the cornice and other richly detailed architectural elements. To see a view of the entire building then and now, click on the link above. Seattle+architecture Seattle+Coliseum+Theater Seattle+Banana+Republic Seattle+5th+and+Pike Seattle+building Seattle+exterior night+photo+Seattle Seattle+downtown

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Free Hugs

Distracted shoppers pass up a good deal.

Update 10:53 AM: After Kate's comment about this being a world-wide phenom, I Googled and found indeed it is a global campaign. More info here. Seattle+street+scene Seattle+shopping Free+Hugs Free+Hugs+Seattle Seattle+downtown free+hugs+in+Seattle

Monday, December 25, 2006

A Child's Christmas in Seattle

A child was quietly playing with this colorful toy display in a toy shop window. How pleasant to see the engaged concentration of one who is transported in play and his own inner thoughts. Best wishes for your own inner peace and contentment this Christmas day, as many around the world celebrate their hope in the birth of a special child. Seattle+Christmas Seattle+toy+store Seattle+child Christmas+play Seattle+street+scene child's+play play

Sunday, December 24, 2006

New Holiday Doo

A Belltown stylist and her client seen through the salon window late in the evening. Seems like everyone is working hard right up until the last minute. . .maybe that's why I so love the empty, quiet streets of Christmas morning and the sense of peace and calm that the lack of motion and sound creates. Hopefully you aren't feeling frenzied this Christmas Eve. Wishing everyone peace tomorrow and each day through the coming new year. Seattle+hair+salon Seattle+hair+stylist Seattle+hair+cutter Seattle+ hair+dresser Belltown+Seattle+salon Belltown+streetscene

Saturday, December 23, 2006

Festive Banners, Tree, and Star in Downtown Seattle

This is the huge Christmas tree at Westlake Center in the heart of Seattle's downtown shopping district. It is lighted each year on the evening after Thanksgiving. The giant star is affixed to the top of the old Bon Marche (now Macy's) building. Shoppers enjoy the festive atmosphere. Across the street is a popular children's carousel and all around there are street musicians and performance artists. Seattle+Christmas+lights Seattle+Christmas+tree Seattle+shopping Seattle+downtown Seattle+street+scene Seattle+Macy's Seattle+Bon+Marche Seattle+Westlake+Center Seattle+Christmas

Friday, December 22, 2006

Suddenly I Was in Paris

It was a welcome treat on a cold, cold afternoon to come across this wonderful sidewalk crepe stand under the huge glass arch near the Seattle Convention Center. The indoor restaurant we had planned on near the theater was too crowded to make show time. La Creperie Voilà to the rescue! Delicious menu twists featuring Pacific Northwest fare served Breton style (I enjoyed the salmon, and everything was fresh, fresh, fresh!). It brought great memories of my friend Emeryville Amy's 'Mes Amis Creperie' before she sold it, and of coming across similar stands after long walks in Paris. What is it about walking in the cold that makes hot crepes soooo satisfying? With nearby indoor seating and great company, it was a movable feast. Seattle+creperie Seattle+crepe sidewalk+cafe crepe+stand La+Creperie+Voila Seattle+fast+food Seattle+food Seattle+cafe Seattle+convention+center+food gourmet+crepes+Seattle Seattle+catering

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Seattle Christmas Time

Strolling the downtown streets at night in December is a bright affair. This street scene is further illuminated by a lighted clock in front of Caroll's Fine Jewelry at 4th near Pine. There are many such interesting public clocks in front of various retail shops all over town (although few as rich in detail as this--click their link for a great daylight view). You can find more information on their locations and a self guided walking tour by clicking Clock Walk. Seattle+clock+walk Seattle+Christmas+lights Seattle+clocks street+clocks public+clocks Seattle+street+scene Seattle+night+photo Seattle+downtown clock+walk

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Hot Cider & Santa: a Seattle Tradition

I passed this Nordstrom employee on the sidewalk as he was serving free hot cider to patrons waiting in line outside the downtown Seattle store for their turn to visit Santa. Santa is on duty today, and just visible through the store window posing for a photo with some children. To see him with the kids visit my More Seattle Stuff page. Seattle Nordstrom Christmas Santa Cider Seattle+Santa Seattle+downtown+Christmas

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Off-Duty Santa Sighting in Seattle

Apparently when he's not driving his sleigh, he uses a red PT Cruiser to get around. I caught this glimpse of a Santa look-alike as he let his dog out to stretch its legs. Those Ray Ban's definitely hide a celebrity's eyes from a curious public. . .

12/22/06 Update: today while driving on Capitol Hill I spied this gentleman again, standing outside a cafe and wearing the same hat. Parked nearby was the same red PT Cruiser, and to my delight, on the window was painted Ho Ho Ho & Company (click the link for more info). So, he is a professional Santa, after all!

Seattle+Santa Santa Santa+Claus Seattle+St.+Nick Off+Duty+Santa elf ho+ho+ho jolly Ho+Ho+Ho+&+Company Seattle+Santa+for+hire the+memorable+Santa

Monday, December 18, 2006

4 Hours Sleep in 3 Days

These power company workers had been on the job night and day for three days when I took this shot Sunday morning. Poles snapped and wires went down over a wide area. These exhausted men got power back to this neighborhood near midnight on Saturday, then installed new poles and ran new cables. Many Seattle neighborhoods and other communities are still without power since Thursday night's windstorm that damaged homes and took lives. Hats off to those working so hard to restore and repair the damaged system. Seattle+City+Lights Seattle+windstorm+damage Seattle+2006+windstorm restoring+power downed+power+lines power+poles utility+workers+restore+power

Sunday, December 17, 2006

You Couldn't Get Lost Here Even If You Tried

You might want to lose yourself walking in lovely downtown Seattle, but you'll find it hard. Even inebriated people could find their way with street names in giant bronze letters embedded in the sidewalk. Given Seattle's colorful history as a port town full of taverns, it was probably a good idea ;^). Even in residential areas one can find charming tiled street names in the sidewalks at corners (often older street names that have since changed to the numbered and directional ones used today). Seattle+streets Seattle+street+names Seattle+corner Seattle+street+scene downtown+Seattle Seattle+downtown

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Windswept

75 mile an hour winds swept through. Buildings shuddered, rain pelted, trees fell, overhead lines came down, traffic lights went out, things went bump in the night, trash cans tumbled down streets, shingles blew off, bridges were closed, traffic was a nightmare, and many areas lost power. Some communities are still without power. Kids got a "wind day" as schools were closed. In our neighborhood we noticed a downed tree covering our roadway and a garage that apparently caught on fire when a tree fell near it. Really scary. Upside: I no longer have leaves to rake. :-)

Seattle+wind+storm Seattle+wind+damage Seattle+wind Seattle+skyline Seattle+landscape Seattle+space+needle Space+Needle

Friday, December 15, 2006

Have Lunch Over Seas

This distinctive advert on an aging brick facade urges us to enjoy the Washington State Ferries. They ARE relaxing. Something the routine of queuing-up, driving aboard, going to an upper deck for a bite and to read or converse with friends. Students will tell you it's a great place to study! There is something about the throbbing hum of a ferry motor that puts folks at ease and lulls some to sleep. Except in stormy weather. And in the gale force winds we have just had all around the Puget Sound, eating on board a ferry would not hold its normal appeal! Washington+State+Ferries lunch+over+seas Seattle+ferries Pueget+Sound building+advertisements Seattle+murals ferries ferry

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Green Moss Pillar: Headquarters Back Alley

Seattle Fire Department Headquarters. The building's NW corner boasts this decorative moss-covered pillar with metal firefighter sculpture atop. I liked seeing fire escapes out the back alley windows of the Fire Department. This is dedicated to my younger brother. Seattle+Fire+Department Seattle+Fire+Department+Headquarters Seattle+Firefighters SFD+sculpture firefighter+sculpture Seattle+alley fire+escape

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Land of Green Moss

Some days are so grey that the only vivid color one might notice comes from moss creeping up a stone wall toward a beautifully detailed arched window. Seattle+Capitol+Hill Seattle+stone+church Seattle+exteriors art+glass+window church+window arched+window

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Seattle Citroen Sighting

Several Daily Photo Bloggers in a tip of the hat to Eric in Paris have caught classic Citroens driving along their streets. There is a two-toned 2CV that I see in my neighborhood frequently which I have never been able to capture. . .however, my daughter snapped this DS (thank you Olivier!) as we were in morning traffic. It was in perfect shape. Seattle is a classic car aficionado's dream town. We see fully restored models of 1920s-1970s cars and trucks driven all the time. This shot is dedicated to Eric, Manu, Tomate, Olivier, and Rodney! Seattle+classic+cars Seattle+Citroen Citroen+DS Seattle+traffic

Monday, December 11, 2006

Keeping It Together

She and her companion were walking so rapidly in the cold weather I had no sense what the flash of red was near her ankle until I could look at the uploaded photo. Click the photo to enlarge and better see how a quick mend for a failed boot zipper apparently got her on her busy way on the streets of Capitol Hill. Seattle+walking Seattle+boots Seattle+shoe+repair Seattle+street+scene Capitol+Hill+Seattle+sidewalk

Sunday, December 10, 2006

No, It's Not St. Nick

You've seen this colossal fellow here before. Who knitted him a red mitten and bedecked him with lights and a shining star on top is unknown to me, but it happens every year at this time (although the mitten may be a brand new touch this year). Stumped? Click More Seattle Stuff to see my more complete photos of who this is.

Saturday, December 09, 2006

Cinema Deco

This movie theater on 45th Street has wonderful art deco lines, including elements of the marquee and lights. I always think of the Jean Harlow era of movies when I see period features like this. Seattle+theater Seattle+Guild+Theater Seattle+Wallingford Seattle+art+deco Seattle+movie+houses Seattle+cinemas

Friday, December 08, 2006

Seattle Sights in Miniature

This small tableau sits atop the entrance portico of Rain City Video in the Fremont district. Visible in miniature version are many Seattle landmarks. Click on the photo to enlarge for a close look. Be the first identify the familiar structures depicted and I'll send you a postcard of one these Seattle sites (provide your email contact). For another view of this storefront, click my More Seattle Stuff page. Seattle+landmarks Seattle+sights Seattle+model Rain+City+Video Fremont+Seattle Fremont+Troll Seattle+Hammering+Man Space+Needle

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Opening Shop

I saw two merchants head into their respective businesses mid morning near the University District. The tattoo parlor is the sister shop of the one in yesterday's photo. It looks like he's bringing in a pizza. The convenience store must stay open late. Someone forgot to change the door sign to "closed" last night . . .but they turned the neon "open" sign off. Seattle+convenience+store Seattle+tattoo Slave+to+the+Needle Seattle+University+District Seattle+storefront Seattle+street+scene

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Decisions, Decisions

Be sure to click on the photo for a larger view of these patrons looking for the perfect design idea at a tattoo and piercing shop. This is a popular art form here, and Seattle has some incredibly talented practicing artists. I liked the color of her boots and purse and the stool tops, as well as her striped skirt, the stool stripes, floor pattern and the reflection in the steel counter. Seattle+tatoo Seattle+piercing Seattle+Slave+to+the+Needle decisions

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Pacific Science Center Exhibit

The Pacific Science Center began as the US Science Pavilion of the 1962 World's Fair. Click on the photo to enlarge this night view. The buildings and distinctive arches were designed by Seattle native son and NY World Trade Center architect Minoru Yamasaki. The PSC is an active and thriving science museum, currently hosting the popular Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit. Pacific+Science+Center Dead+Sea+Scrolls Seattle+Dead+Sea+Scrolls Discovering+the+Dead+Sea+Scrolls Imax+theater+Seattle Seattle+Center

Monday, December 04, 2006

A Seattle Tradition Since 1954

Photo & Text copyright 2006 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

Dick's sign decked out with holiday lights. There is always a crowd in front of Dick's Drive In restaurants. I've seen all 5 of them during strolls of different neighborhoods around town and had wondered what the attraction was. They are unique among any fast food joints I'm familiar with; for instance, employees who work slightly more than half time receive 100% paid health care insurance and partial dental coverage, earn at least a buck more per hour at entry level than other burger flippers and are encouraged by company paid scholarships and childcare aid to attend college. If you click on the photo to enlarge it, you can see that their menu is small and their prices extremely cheap. Dick's Dick's+Deluxe Dick's+Seattle Dick's+Drive+In Seattle+fast+food

Sunday, December 03, 2006

Hang Up And Skate

Seasonal pleasures in Seattle include ice skating at a small rink in festive Seattle Center. This is a wired and WiFi wonderfilled city, so I guess it should have been no surprise to see the cell phone in action here, too. For a view of the rink at Fisher Center, click my More Seattle Stuff page.

Saturday, December 02, 2006

Blue Christmas

This was shot last night on the ground floor of the Space Needle, looking up at the glass ceiling. Each of the elevators in the Needle are named for a color, and outside the doors to each is a beautiful display in that color theme. My point of view was near the floor beneath the tree. The other displays are in red and orange.

Friday, December 01, 2006

City Daily Photo Theme Day: A "Bob" Shot

53 City Daily Photo sites are featuring photos "a la Bob" today. Bob is a Barcelona photographer in our Daily Photo community whose work we all admire and whose penchant for featuring unique shots of humans in motion from the waist down inspired this theme day tribute. For my own offering today, here is a Seattle skateboarder beginning his drop into the bowl of a local skate park. To see several other of my own "Bob shots" (as Sally of Sydney has dubbed these waist-down shots), click on my More Seattle Stuff link.

You can see 52 other theme day shots from around the globe by clicking these links. (Remember there are time zone differences among these cities). Enjoy your tour!1 (Porto ) -2 (Greenville ) -3 (Evry ) -4 (Queens ) -5 (Seattle, WA, USA ) -6 (Stayton , OR, USA ) -7 (Albuquerque, NM (USA) ) -8 (Joplin, MO (USA) ) -9 (Singapore (Raymond) ) -10 (Guadalajara, Mexico ) -11 (Santiago, Chile ) -12 (London (UK) ) -13 (Jakarta (Indonesia) ) -14 (Bandung (Indonesia) ) -15 (Melbourne, Aust (John) ) -16 (Phoenix, AZ (US) ) -17 (Twin Cities, MN ) -18 (Newcastle upon tyne(England) ) -19 (St. Paul, MN (USA) Carol ) -20 (Szentes (Hungary) ) -21 (Tuzla (BiH) ) -22 (St. Paul Kate ) -23 (Dubai (U.A.E.) ) -24 (Nelson (New Zealand) ) -25 (Sharon, CT USA ) -26 (Tenerife (Spain) ) -27 (Auckland (New Zealand) ) -28 (Budapest (Hungary) ) -29 (Sydney, Australia (Sally) ) -30 (Sequim, WA ) -31 (East Lansing, MI (USA) ) -32 (Vantaa; Finland ) -33 (Singapore (Zannnie) ) -34 (Paris (France) ) -35 (Kuala Lumpur ) -36 (Shanghai, China ) -37 (Sydney Aust (Nathalie) ) -38 (Hyde (UK) ) -39 (Akita City, Japan ) -40 (Tokyo (Japan) ) -41 (Rotterdam ) -42 (Manila (Philippines) ) -43 (Not Strictly Seattle ) -44 (Stavanger (Norway) ) -45 (Hong Kong ) -46 (Chattanooga, Tennessee ) -47 (Barcelona (Spain) ) -48 (Trujillo (Peru) ) -49 (Naples Florida ) -50 (Delta Colorado ) -51 (Buenos Aires, Argentina) -52 (Cheltenham, England) -53 (Saarbrücken, Germany)

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