Seattle Daily Photo: November 2007

Friday, November 30, 2007

Blades & Needle

This is the Needle in dark November a few nights ago before the Christmas tree lights were rigged up on the top. The tips of the Grass Blades sculpture by John Fleming wave below as if this were a giant dandelion perched above some lawn. To see what it looked like just last night with all the holiday trimmings click on my More Seattle Stuff page and read my salute to Cooking Light Magazine who chose Seattle as the number one city of the top 20 cities in America for healthy living and contacted me with a few questions for the article.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Silver Bells

It's all about light in this season of long nights and chill winds. I feel like I need to capture it wherever I can, wherever it turns up least expected. I had to wait a while for the cold breeze to die down enough to "see" this. Sometimes there's illumination in the wet and cold and still places, even a gutter along Alaskan Way.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Verticle Horizontal Thin Thick

Shopping is in full swing below Seattle's downtown skyline. The city's variety of eras of architecture often combine in view to create wonderful patterns and abstractions. Here I'm guessing it's stripes from the 60s and 80s, thin and thick that caught my eye. Because of the high contrast, this color shot comes off like a black and white from a distance.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Warm & Dry Under Robertino's Sky

It was cold enough to snow just north of the city last night, and the cold rain in Seattle made getting out and around less than appealing. To the rescue, the cheery hand painted blue skies and warm espresso specialties of Robertino's, a tiny beverage shop on NW 80th (next to Zaggi's Pizza which we find is worth the drive across town to sample their amazingly yummy specialties). The owner has displayed photos of the sunny village in Italy where he was born, a nice contrast to the first cold winter storm outside. He makes foam deco on steamed beverages an art form. Of course if you'd rather have something cold to drink, their iced drinks are ever present on the menu.

Monday, November 26, 2007

The Decks Are Decked

A few boats along the Elliott Bay waterfront have strung Christmas lights along their lifelines and rigging. That trend will be seen more and more in the next weeks in most marinas. The air was windless enough to capture the lights in the water and the sky, backdropped by the work lights of Harbor Island and the hills of West Seattle beyond.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Red 2CV

A Citroen 2CV in absolutely mint condition pulled out of a parking space in front of me and I just had to capture the perfect red charmer. I'm sure the people within must be used to this kind of reaction as they waved that little perfect Queen Mum sort of wave and the woman gave me a quick knowing wink. I love just seeing her look at me in this shot. Eric posted a wonderful shot of an old classic car at Paris Daily Photo today (albeit covered in graffiti and definitely not mint, but running) so I thought we'd start a classic French car theme for Sunday. To see the whole car, please visit my More Seattle Stuff page. Anyone else care to join in with a car photo today, please do! Have a restful Sunday everyone!

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Star Awaits 50th Anniversary Lighting

This star was not the first to be placed on the side of the Bon Marche (now Macy's). It is about the third incarnation created by the Bon's display designer, and it is this particular star's 50th anniversary of being put in place and lit on the evening after Thanksgiving, along with the downtown Christmas tree, the the light tree atop the Space Needle, and a broadcasting tower on Queen Anne Hill. As the star was illuminated last night, fireworks were set off atop the edges of the building while thousands of people crowded in the plaza and intersection below looked on. I took this shot at about 2:30 AM the night before when the star was still awaiting its lighting and tech crews were getting things set up for the annual morning parade. For a photo of the illuminated star and carousel, see my More Seattle Stuff page.

Friday, November 23, 2007

Moon at the Top of Seattle's Christmas Tree

Poor big ol' Seattle Christmas tree! It was so sparse and bare and limp that people seeing it being put up said it was worse than Charlie Brown's Christmas tree. A lot of branches have been added to fill in the 60 foot city giant, and lovely ornaments were added. It still needs a little something, though. Tonight at 5:20 PM or so it may look a lot better when thousands of lights will bring the tree into its fullest possible glory. A huge crowd will gather downtown at Westlake Center to watch as it and the tree at the top of the Space Needle and the giant star at the top of the the Macy's (the old Bon Marche) building will all be lit simultaneously.

But right now, this giant is still a little under done. Seems the moon took pity on the much criticized tree and added it's own gift by perching right at the top when nobody except me was looking at about 2:30 AM. Now, that's a special tree!

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Thanksgiving Morning

Here's what's doing on this bright, beautiful holiday morning in Seattle. I came across this laughing couple who'd just been to the market, a father and child out for a neighborhood walk and trike ride, a men's and women's flag football game, and a turkey balloon at the local florists. A relaxing morning for those not cooking! Wishing all my American visitors a happy Thanksgiving, and wishing everyone good health, wonderful family moments, and fun with great friends.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

La Medusa

When friends and family arrive in town on Thanksgiving Eve to spend the holiday weekend together, its good to get away from the Thanksgiving dinner prep for a bit and catch up on the news in each others' lives. Great neighborhood restaurants await exploration in all sections of town. This one is La Medusa in the Columbia City historic district. It's warm, friendly, serves great fresh food, and is always packed with interesting people.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Gabe Charming the Blue Bins

He wasn't quite the Piper at the Gates of Dawn, but this trumpeter was off in his own solitary world late at night on the grounds of Seattle Center, playing a steady stream of wonderful tones to the blue bins in front of him. I imagine when you live in a Belltown condo and get the urge to play your horn in the night, this is one place you might resort to undisturbed (except for the odd photographer or two ;^) ).

Monday, November 19, 2007

1 AM Reflection

Lots of daytime commitments of late prompted a late night shoot. It had been a long while since I'd taken any shots at Seattle Center. I'm trying to understand night exposures and not come home as disappointed with shots as I have been in the past. Seeing the Space Needle reflected topsy turvy in a rain puddle prompted this shot. Luckily, the breeze cooperated and didn't disturb the water until after the shutter closed. And, I hear things will remain dry here through Thanksgiving. That will be nice for the big parade and tree lighting downtown on Friday! Happy Monday everyone!

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Do You Know Where Key Arena Is?

That's what these guys asked me as they passed by on their way from a night spot across the street from the Space Needle through the Seattle Center campus.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Art Glass Windows

An old church on Capitol Hill, now converted to office space for a bioresearch firm (I think). There are beautiful period details, and the windows remain lovely and unifying throughout. I took this shot in an alley/parking area on the south side of the building.

Friday, November 16, 2007

Snows Return

The recent rain storms have dusted the Olympic range with snow again. I took this early morning shot looking west from Seattle over Puget Sound toward Bainbridge Islan d and the Olympic Peninsula.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

El Diablo, Everyone Studying

Full of students reading, studying, working on their laptops. The cheerful interior of El Diablo Cuban Coffee Co. chases away the gloom of a cold, gray day.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Church of the Immaculate Conception

These bell towers are from the oldest standing Roman Catholic church in Seattle. Church of the Immaculate Conception with its double copulas visible from all over the Central District neighborhood that it has called home since 1904.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

On the Passenger-Side Window

Wind and rain plastered small Japanese maple leaves to our car. There is a house upside down in each raindrop on the window. Trees that were aflame with bright color just a couple days ago are bare now. The 30 to 45 mph gusts of wind we had with this recent storm have done their job.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Obsolecence?

It's like that Dylan song on Time Out of Mind. . ."Things Have Changed." She found the city trees along the boulevard too much to keep up with and borrowed an electric blower to round up piles to put in the compost bin. He, on the other hand is vacuuming his leaves into a bag that he will empty into his yard waste can. Meanwhile, rakes aren't big movers down at the hardware store. Ah, postmodern life. . .
1. Not Ur Granny's Raked Piles, 2. Sign of Autumn, 3. He's Vacuuming Leaves

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Sunday Breakfast Stroll

When friends come into town its fun to go out for breakfast and stroll around the neighborhood, pick up a Sunday Paper, find a warm cafe to relax with a coffee and converse. Afterward the chill autumn air is perfect for a slow walkabout punctuated with laughter. This stroll was in the Wallingford neighborhood. Have a great Sunday everyone!

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Freeway Close Retreat

Within view of the 520 bridge and its offramps to the University District, the arboretum and the Montlake neighborhood is a Lake Washington inlet frequented by kyak and canoe enthusiasts (and waterfowl). This pleasant autumn afternoon, people had beached their crafts and gone ashore to explore. The ducks are bottoms up. The city of Seattle's current slogan is "Metronatural," and in this case it fit! Hope your Saturday included some restful pleasures!

Friday, November 09, 2007

Cioppino Pacific Northwest Style

Hey, its Friday. I know this isn't a foodie blog, but lets go out to dinner anyway. There's a long history of cioppino lovers in our family, starting with my parents who spent many a Friday night back in the day at The Gold Spike on Columbus in San Francisco for it's cioppino special. This was the first time I'd experienced an abundance of salmon in the mix of lovely seafood. This presentation is from Ray's Boathouse which offers a sweeping vista of Puget Sound. Uh, please pass the crab cracker. . .

Thursday, November 08, 2007

More Than a Feast for the Eyes

Here in the States the fall and winter holidays typically include lots of feasting and sharing time with extended family and friends. Shopping at farmers markets at this time of year is a feast for the eyes. Throughout the year shoppers in Seattle enjoy an abundance of fresh, healthy, beautiful foods. I thought I'd share with you not only this photo of the variety of fruits sold by this Pike Place Market vendor (and a peek at what prices are like here), but also bring your attention to an opportunity in my sidebar to the right. When we lived in Berkeley, our next door neighbor, Jim, used to fast all day every Thanksgiving to remember the hungry. Instead of his family sharing a meal together, they would take a lovely hike in the hills or a bike ride and try to be mindful of all they enjoyed and how they might use their time and resources through the year to work for longed-for change. So, this is in the spirit of what Jim does every year. Oxfam is a worldwide organization I trust and support that involves regular people like you and me in effective efforts to end poverty and injustice. I hope you'll click on the link and consider this invitation to skip a meal on November 15 and share what you can. It could be a feast for somebody.

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

A More Interesting Design

There are so many multi-unit housing developments going up in all areas of Seattle it is head spinning. This two year old project in the Wallingford neighborhood caught my eye because is was so refreshingly different in its design elements than most. The materials seem of better quality generally, and the detail of design shows some brains and thoughtfulness within a simple, relatively affordable small footprint. Hopefully it will age more gracefully than some of the larger slapped-up monstrosities I've passed in the U-District, Belltown, Ballard, West Seattle, Capitol Hill and South Lake Union neighborhoods probably will. JMHO, your mileage may vary, of course ;^)

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Dr. Seuss Goes to Market?

At least it looks like a drawing from a Dr. Seuss book to me! Another mystery for you to ponder today. Are they vents? Down spouts? A stationary horn? Well, two things I know for sure: these act as planters for flowers and grass; these are used as nesting places for birds. Post Alley, Pike Place Market. . .inventive PVC sculpture or drainage? Leave a comment if you have a guess. Have a great Tuesday, and Seattlites, don't forget to cast your ballots today!

Monday, November 05, 2007

Mystery

Can you solve the mystery? I was shooting some photos by Lake Washington in the Montlake neighborhood when something blue caught my eye in some nearby branches at the water's edge. When I came near, this is what I found: what remains of a blue and white ceramic cup that says Made in Japan upon it. Nearby on another branch was an old and similarly broken creamer with a shiny lavender glaze and faded flowers hanging by its handle on a limb that had grown quite a bit since the handle was slipped onto a branch, because it couldn't be slipped off the grown branch now. You can see another photo on my Flickr page (in the sidebar to the right).

Sunday, November 04, 2007

Reflected Building Face

Here's another Seattle reflection for you, ths time fully urban, looking up to a high glass facade that is mirroring the colorful condo building across the street from it. I took this photo in the Fremont district at sunset. The autumn colors of the reflection mimic nature down on the street. In this photo can you find a red ladder, an American flag, a telephone pole?

Saturday, November 03, 2007

Freeway Offramp Over Reflective Water

An offramp from the 520 bridge cuts through a small park in the Montlake neighborhood. I loved the reflections in the still water. Have a great weekend, everyone!

Friday, November 02, 2007

Wine Tasting

Northeast of Seattle in the Sammamish Valley lies the small town of Woodinville. There are a number of wineries there, and especially in autumn during crush time people enjoy touring the facilities and visiting the tasting bars. Here a foursome is trying five wines of their choice from the ten to twelve available on the menu. The charge for tasting is $5 at the two largest and most well know of the wineries, St. Michelle and Columbia. These are located across the road form one another and are easily reachable by bicycle from Seattle, making a very pleasant day trip. The atmosphere is relaxed and there is much besides wine to enjoy looking at in the large gift shops. There are places to picnic on the grounds, and the autumn colors in the valley make a beautiful backdrop. It might interest you to know that the vineyards are not located near the wineries, but over on the eastern side of the Cascade range. The grapes are harvested and brought over the mountains to the wineries for crush and fermentation. Wine barrels are purchased from France and American makers according to the type of oak best for each type of wine made. Wine making in Washington state is relatively new. . .only 40 to 45 years. The industry is expanding and the products coming into their own. Washington's growing regions share similar latitudes to some of the great wine regions in France and the climate is apparently ideal for several grape varieties. I'm used to the wineries of Northern California, so it was fun to become more familiar with the varieties of wines being produced locally.

Thursday, November 01, 2007

CDPB Theme Day: Blue Seattle

Which is your favorite photo from the mosaic? Can you guess which neighborhoods these were taken in? Today 121 City Daily Photo Bloggers from around the globe have the blues to share for the November first of the month theme day. Start your journey by clicking on the links below, and be sure to leave a comment at each site you visit. We really enjoy hearing from you!

Boston (MA), USA - Cleveland (OH), USA - Philadelphia (PA), USA - Arlington (VA), USA - Cape Town, South Africa - Portland (OR), USA - Sequim (WA), USA - Selma (AL), USA - Arradon, France - Petaling Jaya (Selangor), Malaysia - Stockholm, Sweden - Singapore, Singapore - Wassenaar (ZH), Netherlands - Phoenix (AZ), USA - Seattle (WA), USA - Toulouse, France - The Hague, Netherlands - Moscow, Russia - Fort Lauderdale (FL), USA - Kyoto, Japan - Tokyo, Japan - Saint Paul (MN), USA - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Stayton (OR), USA - Maple Ridge (BC), Canada - Detroit (MI), USA - Crystal Lake (IL), USA - Port Angeles (WA), USA - Cottage Grove (MN), USA - Nelson, New Zealand - Bandung (West Java), Indonesia - Greenville (SC), USA - Hyde, UK - Radonvilliers, France - Albuquerque (NM), USA - Nashville (TN), USA - Manila, Philippines - Port Vila, Vanuatu - Saarbrücken, Germany - New Orleans (LA), USA - Bellefonte (PA), USA - Melbourne, Australia - Hobart (Tasmania), Australia - Forks (WA), USA - Wichita (Ks), USA - Barton (VT), USA - St. Louis (MO), USA - Joplin (MO), USA - Chandler (AZ), USA - Quincy (MA), USA - Setúbal, Portugal - Inverness (IL), USA - Christchurch, New Zealand - Toruń, Poland - North Bay (ON), Canada - Le Guilvinec, France - Chateaubriant, France - London, England - Minneapolis (MN), USA - Naples (FL), USA - Norwich (Norfolk), UK - Sydney, Australia - Austin (TX), USA - Mumbai, India - Boston (MA), USA - Santa Fe (NM), USA - Menton, France - Monte Carlo, Monaco - Paderborn, Germany - Montréal (QC), Canada - Jackson (MS), USA - Stavanger, Norway - Orlando (FL), USA - Grenoble, France - Cheltenham, UK - Forks (WA), USA - Mexico City, Mexico - West Sacramento (CA), USA - Silver Spring (MD), USA - Weston (FL), USA - London, UK - Jefferson City (MO), USA - Ocean Township (NJ), USA - Belgrade, Serbia - Paris, France - Shanghai, China - Montego Bay, Jamaica - Montpellier, France - Saint Louis (MO), USA - Wailea (HI), USA - Rabaul, Papua New Guinea - Auckland, New Zealand - Evry, France - New York City (NY), USA - Nottingham, UK - Las Vegas (NV), USA - Oslo, Norway - Minneapolis (MN), USA - American Fork (UT), USA - Cypress (TX), USA - Haninge, Sweden - Trujillo, Peru - Trujillo, Peru - Melbourne (VIC), Australia - Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation - Durban, South Africa - Brussels, Belgium - Anderson (SC), USA - Budapest, Hungary - Wellington, New Zealand - Prague, Czech Republic - Saigon, Vietnam - Ystad, Sweden - Miami (FL), USA - Seoul, South Korea - Hong Kong, China - Melbourne, Australia - Baziège, France - Greensboro (NC), USA - Sharon (CT), USA - Kajang (Selangor), Malaysia

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