Monday, December 31, 2007

Cafe Bambino

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Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

A popular NW 65th St. coffee house situated in southeast Ballard at the base of the steep climb up to Phinney Ridge, Cafe Bambino's huge cool plaster Buddha baby balancing a cup of espresso on its head is a neighborhood landmark created by artist and cafe owner Andhi Spath. Several artists live or share studio space in the surrounding neighborhood, and there is also a lively nightlife at several nearby bars when the Bambino is sleeping.

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Cyclist in View

Cyclist in View

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

This cyclist had just taken in the view from Queen Anne Hill and was taking off on his bike. My hat is off to any rider who can cycle up that steep climb, and by those calf muscles, it looks like he's no stranger to whatever terrain this city might throw his way. This photo is to inspire you to take just one step forward on your new year's resolution. . .whatever it might be. You have a couple days to think about it! ;^)

Saturday, December 29, 2007

An Artistic Fence

Not Your Ordinary Fence

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

This artistic fencing keeps pedestrians at the park near Pike Place Market. from falling below to the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

Friday, December 28, 2007

Farewell

Farewell

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

The Seattle morning sky echoed the shock and sadness I felt today. Murderers have taken lives suddenly and set in motion reverberations that take lifetimes to quell. Close by here in Washington three generations of family have been killed by one of their own, and half way around the world the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto has left the whole of Pakistani society reeling, and the world grieving. The ripples from such violence touch us all. May those who lost dear ones to violence here and in Pakistan be supported through their grief as they attempt to mend their shattered lives. Our hearts go out to all who are suffering personally from this violence. May love thread its way through and bind up the wounds in so many hearts with truth, justice, and peace.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Not Quite the Rooftops of Paris

Looking Toward Downtown from Capitol Hill

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

Looking from Capitol Hill southwest toward downtown Seattle, the golden onion domes of St Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral add a dash of spice to the flat rooftop scene in view. Rain today that wants to be snow, but isn't succeeding.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Paris Daily Photo Under the Tree

Paris Daily Photo Under the Tree

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

Here's a little something that was under our tree here in Seattle, much to my delight! Now I can start the new year off with Eric's wonderful images of Paris and not even have to turn on the computer! If you'd like to see a photo of our family's official gift inspector at work and a bit of our "white Christmas" snow, click on my More Seattle Stuff page. Happy Boxing Day everyone!

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

My Favorite Part of Christmas

My Favorite Part of Christmas

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

Wishing all who celebrate it in the Daily City Photo family a lovely Christmas, and to everyone, peace and good health in the new year ahead. This is my family's favorite Advent tradition. There is something so moving about a single flame being passed slowly, candle to candle in a darkened space, soft whispers of love echoing person to person as the light grows brighter and beautiful songs arise from the people illuminated by nothing but the flame. Christmas Eve, late at night, waiting in the dark among dear friends.

Monday, December 24, 2007

Death Cab for Cutie Christmas?

Death Cab for Cutie Christmas

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

A topiary trips the light fantastic. . .this giant bush in front of a nondescript Ballard bungalow has been sculpted into the shape of a larger than life-sized classic car, then adorned with Christmas lights. The rims, outlined in moving white lights, appear to rotate, just like spinners on the road. I thought of this band because one of its members was rumored to live on the same street as this ultimate example in green vehicles.

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Symmetry

Symmetry

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

These doors were so lovely that I focussed on them rather than the large and distinctive octagonal church structure behind them. This building, designed 81 years ago by one of Seattle's most notable architects, Harlan Thomas, was the home of the Seventh Church of Christ, Scientist until this fall. It was under threat of demolition until a 270 member Church of Christ congregation was able to purchase it this fall. The neighborhood is very glad that the structure will remain in lieu of four private homes that were proposed for the site.

Saturday, December 22, 2007

So Long

Crocodile Sign

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

Dang. I just noticed that the Croc is closed, just suddenly "lights down you up and die" gone. Big blow to up and comers in Seattle's thriving live music scene. I would have never guessed this would happen to this particular Belltown venue, which seemed to my untrained eyes and tuned in ears to be a way going concern. So long Crocodile Cafe.

Friday, December 21, 2007

First Night of Winter

New Business on Phinney

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

In the deep darkness of a cold night this cheerful interior beckoned to be noticed as I was on Phinney Ridge. I didn't see a business sign, but the proprietors of this new (maybe Greek?) deli/cafe seemed busy.

Thursday, December 20, 2007

New Orleans for Christmas

New Orleans for Christmas

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

No worries, you're still in Seattle. It's just that the Five Spot restaurant on Queen Anne Hill is featuring New Orleans style cuisine in its ever rotating lineup of regional American cooking. They've dressed their windows with New Orleans figures for the occasion, and added lighted nativity figures, Santas and Christmas lights outside as well. Just beyond is Olympia Pizza which sits where the old Counterbalance streetcar line reached the top of the steep grade.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Santa's Live Helper

Santa's Live Helper

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

I didn't see the pooch on the porch when I was walking by and took this shot. That pup blended into the seasonal display so well, I thought it was part of the decorations! It saw me, though ;^)

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

It's In the Details

Thinking of Guy

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

Everyone seems to be shopping in downtown Seattle right now. There are so many people and so much activity, one might miss small details all about in the rush leading up to Christmas. These are the door handles on the glass entryway of the upscale Saint John Knits store in downtown Seattle. I noticed the handles form the letters S J, and are reversed on the interior side. I probably would have walked right by myself, except that longtime friends of mine are in the family that founded SJK, so when the name registered, I stopped to take a look at the sophisticated clean lines of the store. It was only then that my eyes made sense of the handles. Wishing everyone small moments of discovery in this busy week!

Monday, December 17, 2007

Oaxaca Photo Wall

Oaxaca Photo Wall

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

La Carta Oaxaca (pronounced wa-HOCK-ah) serves a zillion kinds of tequilas and, wonderful regional cooking of this Mexican state. It's always jammed, and often has a line of folks outside waiting for a table. The decor features hundreds of quality photos on the walls, some illuminated (this is one of my faves). On historic Ballard Avenue near NW Market. You won't find grande platters of Americano-style Mexican combos with rice and refrieds, but you WILL have the opportunity to sample small plates of delicious regional specialties. Don't let your kids say "hockalugi" in there. In fact, leave them HOME--its a great date night or meet friends out kind of place.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Silence

Silence

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

From the few snippets of news I've heard, the Fun Forest amusement area at the base of the Space Needle will lose its lease and be closed in 2009. It has faced steady economic losses, and there has been a movement afoot to revitalize the area. Think 60s kitschy, tacky, noisy low tech fun for kids. Think bumper cars and tilt a whirls. Not only will the ferris wheel and other spinning delights be silent, they will become fond ghosts in the collective memory.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Blue Ridge Tree Deco

Blue Ridge Tree Deco

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

When lights are plentiful, but ladders are few, concentrating the bulbs on the trunks of trees alone can prove effective for the amateur home holiday decorator. I think these red and white bulb wrapped trees in the Blue Ridge neighborhod might be an attempt at Candy Canes. I liked the simplicity.

Friday, December 14, 2007

The Night Is As Bright As The Day

The Night Is As Bright As The Day

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

On the northeast slope of Queen Anne Hill I was passing the graveyard to my left and off to my right ahead by the beam of the streetlight I saw an extension ladder beyond the fence reaching up into the darkness, seemingly unsupported by anything at all. A ladder into the night sky, beckoning for at least a look.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Lamplit & Sparkley

Lamplit & Sparkley

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

Coming home to a classic 1920's Seattle apartment building at Christmastime has its charm. On gray days its been dark before five o'clock, so the cheery lights work a little magic.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Deja Vu All Over Again

Deja Vu All Over Again

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

A vintage 50s apartment building with a 40s classic car in the foreground (check out the "eyebrow"!) would almost look like a period photo if I threw it into black & white, if not for the uber typical present day Subaru w/sport roof carrier in the shot.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Alki

Alki

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

The peninsula of West Seattle is just a few minutes drive from downtown Seattle along the viaduct and over a bridge, but seemingly a world away. Here the beach and point at Alki are pictured in the midst of Puget Sound under a huge cloud structure. On a cold winter day, the beach along Alki is a great place for a run and a warm up stop at the very fab Alki Bakery.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Nutcracker Dancers Depicted

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Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

I thought visitors from other places might like to see a bit more of one neighborhood's 58 year old tradition. This year the residents of Candy Cane Lane (NE Park Road in the Ravenna neighborhood, near Ravenna and 20th Ave. NE) have a moving display of dancers from The Nutcracker gracing their village circle, and a giant Nutcracker with snapping jaws. There were many pedestrians when we visited, and many cars packed with adults and kids drove by, several smart enough to darken their headlights as they went to better enjoy the lights. It was fun to see a stretch limo try to maneuver around the circle and through the narrow lane, too. Tight fit! For more views, please visit my More Seattle Stuff page.

Sunday, December 09, 2007

Candy Cane Lane

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Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

Back in 1949, neighbors on a short looping street with a village circle, NE Park Road, in the Ravenna neighborhood, started a tradition that has been a Seattle favorite ever since. The neighbors all decorate their homes and yards with detailed Christmas displays, and the village circle in the midst of their curved lane has a themed display with moving characters on a carousel mechanism and music. It's all low tech, homeowner made, and much traversed by delighted visitors in car and on foot all of December. A home is for sale on this street right now (listed in the $800ks) which, considering the three weeks of constant passers by, seems like a good move on the real estate agent's part. Here is part of one home's display.

Saturday, December 08, 2007

Holiday Magic

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Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

Last night the main shopping street in the Queen Anne neighborhood sponsored its annual festive night of street life called Holiday Magic. Droves of people wandered shop to shop enjoying the special lights and decorations, hot cider, storekeepers in costume, special displays, live music and special activities for children's such as craft and advent wreath making at the little church. Here a couple, hot cider in hand, passes a Nutcracker-themed card and gift store display.

Friday, December 07, 2007

Two AM Delivery

Two AM Delivery

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

Nearly all is quiet after hours at the Market. Just a security guard and delivery driver are about. So many who truck freight and deliveries have been affected by road closures, people are keeping up as best they can. In the morning, all will be bustling again at Pike Place Market. Fish will be tossed, tourists entertained, unique gifts will be found, dinner menus will be planned around what looks good today, and flowers for the table will go home wrapped in PPM paper. Workers from surrounding businesses will duck in from the cold for happy hour at a pub and couples and groups of friends will trickle into the many surrounding restaurants for a warm meal and conversation above the lights shining on Elliott Bay. Have a lovely Friday!

Wondering how to help those in Washington State who were severely affected by the recent storm and flooding? Please click here for information.

Thursday, December 06, 2007

Dry Now, But Cold and Lots of Work to Do

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Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

The view from the road: that's Capitol Hill rising up on your right, and Lake Union and East Lake are to the left. . .of course you can't glimpse any of that because this wasn't a wide angle lens. ;^) It's dry, but cold now. You may have heard about all the road problems the flooding from the recent rain storm caused. Here in Seattle, Interstate 5 is fine. But, this main north/south corridor that extends from the Canadian to the Mexican borders had a 20 mile stretch in southern Washington that was still submerged as of last night. Freight truckers and other traffic have to use a very out of the way detour to get through. Hats off to all the workers from every agency who are working overtime in the cold to keep things safe, repair and clean up the wide effects of the storm's damage.

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Always Ready

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Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

Two tugs lashed to each other make their way up the Lake Washington Ship Canal toward their home at a Nickerson Street marina. The Stacey Foss and the Sandra Foss are part of a fleet of tugboats owned and operated by Foss Maritime, who are often called upon in emergencies. Their motto: "Always Ready." A crew member in blue gloves visible on deck is getting drenched in the steady rain as the boats make their way back under the Ballard Bridge during the storm. The rains have abated now, but have left many parts of Washington State devastated, including a 20 mile stretch of the main north/south artery, I-5, which is still impassable.

My apology if you experienced difficulty viewing SDP this evening. Some hacker with nothing better to do replaced some code in my sidebar. Peace.

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

32 Straight Hours of Downpour

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Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

Yes, it rains in Seattle, but it doesn't normally rain like THIS in Seattle. The most rainfall in Seattle's recorded history fell during a 32 hour period on Sunday/Monday. These rains followed the snow storm on Saturday. The Pineapple Express weather pattern was credited with the 5+ inches of rainfall in the northern neighborhoods of Seattle which overflowed creeks and sewers, flooding homes and causing erosion, landslides and street and freeway closures. The southern neighborhoods and SEATAC received slightly less rain. All of the Pacific Northwest was very hard hit by the storm. I'm wishing everyone affected by the storm a speedy recovery and clean up with as few snags as possible in recovering and replacing what has been damaged and lost.

Monday, December 03, 2007

She's Reading Over His Shoulder

She's Reading Over His Shoulder

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

Thought I'd start the work week with a little humor. Check out the little girl behind the guy with the laptop. ;^) Hope everyone is keeping warm and dry. Seems like the US and Canada are blanketed with storm systems everywhere. Maybe duck into a warm coffee house for a cuppa and to check your email. . .visit a few city daily photo blogs. . .let your mother know you're alive and stuff like that.

Sunday, December 02, 2007

Green Boots, Red Barn

Green Boots, Red Barn

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

Add a little snow and it must be Christmastime. . . How apropos that snow should take us unawares while we were up just north east of Seattle at a "cut your own" tree farm. It was a festive and crowded atmosphere with smiles all around, hot cider and cocoa in the office, and helpful people working hard in the cold to make a nice experience for people from communities all around. We even caught some big fat fluffy flakes on our tongues. Wishing you all a wonderful Sunday!

Saturday, December 01, 2007

Theme Day: Bridges

Aurora Bridge & Seattle Housboats

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

Most Seattlites call this the Aurora Bridge because Aurora Avenue (Hwy 99) passes over it. Its formal name is the George Washington Bridge and it spans the ship canal from the Fremont neighborhood on the north (where a giant troll lives under the bridge and snatches cars!) to the West Lake / Queen Anne neighborhoods to the south. No, you can't see Tom Hanks houseboat from Sleepless in Seattle in this shot, that's further south along West Lake, but you do see part of a small collective of some Fremont liveaboards and houseboats. The bridge dwarfs the nearby Fremont Bridge, and because of its height has been much too attractive to despondent people jumping from it.

128 Daily City Photo bloggers from around the globe would like to show you bridges in their areas, too. Just click on these links to see them. There are differing time zones, so if a photo is not up yet, you can check back later. Our CDPB community really appreciates your leaving us a comment when you visit. Thanks, and have a great trip!
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