Seattle Daily Photo

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Summer on Lake Washington

Today was an absolutely perfect summer day here in Seattle. I had a work meeting, but our boss helped us mix business with pleasure by holding our staff meeting at the home of a member's on Lake Washington. Sitters watched the children while we had a fall planning session, then it was lunch by the dock and enjoying watching the children explore and splash about. Seattle schools don't begin until after Labor Day, so I'm wishing all the kids lots of days like this until then.

Monday, August 17, 2009

We'll Leave the Light on For Ya, But Don't Park Here

This made an odd silhouette as I was coming from a sheltered portion of Post Alley into the light. I realized the sharp spiky things were to keep pigeons from roosting. I had never noticed it before (maybe because I'm short and don't look up enough :-) ). It was fun to see that lamp light against a blue daylight sky. Hope you are having a good Monday!

Sunday, August 16, 2009

They Never Come Off

You can meet artisans of all kinds at the Market. I was intrigued by all her silver bracelets, any one of which was awesome, but taken together the effect was stunning. My personal fave was one featuring a variety of sea mammals. The producer selling from one of the day stalls looked so colorful in her sunburst tie dye shirt that I asked to take this shot isolating her bracelets against that intense color. Now I regret that I didn't chat with her more and ask her name. She told me that she never removes the bracelets, and I was impressed. I did that with a little silver band my dad brought me from a trip to Mexico when I was 7 or 8. I wore it night and day for so long that dad finally had to cut it off with tin snips because my arm had grown and it was tight around my wrist. She is very much enjoying wearing her artful creations.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Sweet Time of Year

A lot of folks have a strategy for dealing with the crowds of summer at the Market: go early in the morning. There is always something new to try. An heirloom tomato, a white nectarine. I have learned to not let my eyes run away with me, but to just get one or two of something to take home and savor. The selection shifts a bit each week as the seasons progress and different offerings are at their prime. Always beautiful to behold and even better to taste something never tried before and discover new favorites. Like other cities, Seattle has a variety of locations of neighborhood farmers markets, some year round, others from around May to October, all with great vendors, beautiful food, and a feeling of community. But, there is just no place quite like Pike Place Public Market, a colorful city favorite for over 100 years.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Skywatch: Local Business Owner's Perspective

The owner of Seattle's popular Cupcake Royale sent me this email yesterday. With all the fearmongering and distortions around healthcare I've heard being disseminated as "talking points" by the strategists and lobbyists in big money's corner of this debate, I thought this local business person's perspective as shared with NBC Nightly News, CNN, and NPR was pretty candid and refreshing. I hope you'll check it out. . .it's brief where I tend to be wordy :-).

Many of you know my family faced the sudden onset of a nasty brain cancer that took my husband's life two years ago. A year and a half before this bad news struck, both of us had left full time employment and its attendant healthcare benefits in order to move to Seattle, return to school full time for 3 to 4 years, and launch into meaningful service work afterward. We each took part time jobs which offered no healthcare benefits, but we didn't risk going uninsured. We had purchased self-pay coverage for $560 per month/ $6720 per year for catastrophic insurance with a local HMO for our family of 3 thinking we'd be back to full time work with healthcare benefits offered by our new employers. Having catastrophic coverage meant we paid in full for all doctor or ER visits, pharmacy, labs, etc., but insurance would start covering hospital costs if catastrophe struck. Well, it did, without warning. Thankfully 90% of the neurosurgery and hospital costs were being picked up by insurance, but pharmacy was not, and chemo is not cheap. The cost worried my husband much more than facing his own mortality. He envisioned leaving us with no means to live on if he had to fight his disease for very long. He thought it a godsend that in his case chemo was for palliative measures with no hope for cure. What a thought for a dying man to be strapped with: die sooner so your family won't face financial ruin on top of your loss. Our HMO and doctors and nurses were fabulous, even working with a drug company to donate chemo pills, which brought my husband some peace of mind in the midst of his turmoil. We were absolutely blessed to have that catastrophic coverage. I know families with young kids where both parents have been laid off in this economic downturn, they can't afford COBRA, they are going without insurance, asking grandparents to help out with their kid's medical bills. We are talking two workers with master's degrees that own their own home. How much sharper must the edge feel for folks with a lot less margin for loss.

An ill friend of mine being treated right now shared recently that one of his monthly shots alone costs $1,400 each injection, and that's not even his main chemo med each month. He's in his 30s, has a wife and 3 kids, and thank goodness his small size employer offers healthcare coverage. They also have family and friends that would chip in if their co-pays became unmanageable. He is blessed. There are a phenominal number of people in this most highly resourced nation on the planet who will lose everything they have worked for when a family member becomes ill. I still work part time, go to school, and pay $402 per month / $4824 per year for my child and I to continue to have catastrophic coverage through our HMO. We pay $118 every time either of us walks into our doctor's office and for all medications and labs. Doctors' and nurses' salaries continue to decline nationwide, hospitals continue to be challenged by costs, but insurance companies never stop turning a ridiculous percentage of profit for their shareholders. They wield enormous power over all American's lives. I invite you to become better informed and do one small thing that you can do to help bring about the reform that will cover every American with affordable healthcare. CALL CONGRESS 1-877-264-4226, visit your congress person and senators' offices while they are home from DC this month and let them know your concerns. Take part in the genuine national discourse and stop shouting slogans at each other. Talk with your friends and family, listen thoughtfully, write letters to the editor, make your wisdom be heard above the din of the irrational misinformation and sensationalist talking points written by lobbyists. This is not a partisan issue, this is an issue America has because rampant greed has not been checked and balanced in the halls of our democracy. We must bring it into line. We only ever have now to do something meaningful for the good of the country and each other. I hope we all will do our parts.

It's Skywatch Friday, and the first gray rain clouds in two months have been giving Seattle nice showers the past couple days. Visit here to see the skies around the world today.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

He Can Park Wherever He Wants

Chuck, our favorite scooter aficionado and photographer extraordinaire from One A Day - Mostly Seattle commented on Tuesday's shot of the motorcyclist and pedestrians on the sidewalk that motorcycles and scooters definitely are not allowed to ride on the sidewalks like bicycles, but parking them on the sidewalk was not as clear--sometimes you might get ticketed, sometimes not. Well, no sooner had he said it than I found an example of someone who won't be having to worry about being ticketed, and thought I'd show it to you. A motorcycle officer needed to help some other officers direct a particularly tangled couple of intersections worth of bumper to bumper traffic on 5th Ave. There were no on-street parking spaces to be had, so he parked his huge, pristine HD up on the sidewalk. Here's a close up for you, too.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

iPhone Wednesday #5: Some Pig

Maximus/Minimus is the name of this pig, and it's one of Seattle's new innovative rolling gourmet street food vendors, with a chef and culinary crew cooking things up and dishing things out curbside. As you might guess from the way they've outfitted their rig, their specialty is pulled pork sandwiches. People rave about their slaw and their fruit drinks, too (take a look at the menu here). Their focus is on making their minimal offerings over-the-top in quality and flavor that will keep patrons looking for them. Most weekdays at lunchtime you'll find them parked here at 2nd and Pike, a block up from the Market. They also roll up for special evening events around town and games at the stadiums. I always feel happy when talented people who have a creative idea can make a fun venture like this a reality. I'm sure it's a lot of hard work, but doesn't just looking at a catering truck decked out like this make you smile? (And it doesn't even have its giant sunglasses on today!)

It's my iPhone Wednesday shot, where the photo and editing are are made strictly with the iPhone and iPhone apps. Sometimes they work, and other times they are so-so, but always a fun way to give you a new instant slant on Seattle.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Sidewalk Trio

Three friends heading out together down the sidewalk into the summer afternoon. Most of Seattle's shopping streets are experiencing transition and this storefront was receiving a makeover. Might have made a more fun photo to see their reflections in a window as they passed. It might interest you to know that it is legal to ride bicycles on the public sidewalks here in Seattle; I'm not so sure about motorcycles, though. :-) (Don't worry, it wasn't running).

Monday, August 10, 2009

Lines & Curves Abstract

I thought we might start the week with an abstract of these interior surfaces and colors of the EMP's architecture that caught my eye. Just walking through the spaces created by all those undulating walls is mind bending.

Sunday, August 09, 2009

Remember When?

Continuing our look at some vintage signs salvaged and reused by the shops in West Seattle's Luna Park area, this one reminds me of so many Googie style coffee shops and diners from my California childhood. I just love it. Makes me think of my parents, brother, grandmother and me all piling out of the car, sitting in a booth and having breakfast or pie and coffee, (or in my case, milk). My grandmother dunking her toast in her coffee, the klink of the spoon on my mom's cup as she added sugar and cream, my brother eating everything sequentially clockwise around his plate, my dad's smile as the good grub was delivered to our table by a cheerful waitress, just like he used to do as a teen helping his uncle Ritchie at his cafe in Atascadero. Amazing what a vintage sign can say, eh? :-)

Saturday, August 08, 2009

Java Bean "20 Years Baby!"

Java Bean coffee shop in the Luna Park area of West Seattle had "20 Years Baby!" posted on its sign. They also have a shop in the Ballard neighborhood and are very popular, so happy anniversary to them. The vintage sign "The Shack" graces their red building, and I suspect it was salvaged from somewhere else by the owner of the Luna Park enclave of buildings that house restaurants, shops, and apartments. That lettering on The Shack sign shouts "60s" to me and is fun to see.

Friday, August 07, 2009

Vintage Avalon

The boulevard that runs along the shore of West Seattle's Luna Park and Alki Point areas is called Avalon. I saw this wise old Scott owl sign had been salvaged from somewhere and placed appropriately on a cafe facing Avalon Blvd. It would be fun to know where the sign was originally perched, and I am glad to see it continue to add it's whimsical charm at Luna Park.

Thursday, August 06, 2009

Luna Park Cafe

If you've followed this blog for very long, you know I love old signs. Recycled vintage metal and neon signs abound in the little enclave of buildings, restaurants and shops just south of the West Seattle Bridge in the Luna Park area, once home to a popular beach side amusement park. The Luna Park Cafe's sign is seen here with the brick wall of the Boysen Apartments.

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

iPhone Wednesday #4: Drinkin' With the Devil #2

Art is where you find it in Seattle. Mine happened to be when I ordered an espresso drink from Cuban inspired El Diablo Coffee Co. on Queen Anne Hill. I looked into the cup to see an incredible little two horned devil grinning at me (to see that shot check my More Seattle Stuff page). The barissta dude looked pleased when he saw me instantly grab a shot of it when I picked it up. The shot you see here was taken after I'd had a sip and set the cup down on the counter I was sitting at, which was also a work of art. For this 4th iPhone Wednesday I took the shot and edited it with applications right on the iPhone. Now I've got an ear worm going so I'll pass it on to you, "shake it like a Polaroid picture. . .hey ya. . . " :-) To see 2008's Drinking With the Devil #1 , go here.

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Real Good For Free

. . .is how this one man band was playing. On his back is his rhythm section, controlled by ropes to his dancing feet, around his neck are a harmonica and kazoo, and in his hands is a banjo which he played very well in a funky groove that I gave a "10" to because it was way easy to dance to :-). Street performers abound in summer, and this guy had an ingenious rig and was really talented. I've seen him use other instruments, and you can view this (poor sound quality) Youtube clip to see him in action.

Monday, August 03, 2009

Grillin' in the Streets

It may have been hot enough a few days ago to fry an egg on the asphalt, but that's not the sort of street cooking pictured here. This is a street level shot of how an alder smoked salmon barbecue is mounted right on the pavement in the Ballard neighborhood during its annual summer Seafood Fest. An alder tree is cut down about a week beforehand and the wood split. The wood is lit on fire right on the street and then surrounded by a four sided steel cooker with a grill, made by locals and manned by experienced cooks from Ballard businesses (such as Pacific Fishermen Shipyard and Ballard Oil). I took this shot when they were finished cooking and had removed the cookers from over the fires. In the neighborhood that brings you the TV show "The Deadliest Catch," seafood is not only popular eating but a major economic factor in the community. Right now the Salmon Fleet that harbor's there is out in the coastal waters of Alaska, and a lot of Seattle area residents that enjoy fishing head up to the Strait of Juan de Fuca to try their luck at reeling in a salmon. A summer cookout with salmon and some veggies on the the grill is one of the real pleasures of a Pacific Northwest summer.

Sunday, August 02, 2009

Illusion

A colorful abstract for you on this sunny Sunday. I liked the illusion of the floor line of the back wall continuing through reflection on the red wall and line of stall doors.

And, hey, I've got to ask you: is YOUR grout this clean? Look at how white it is even in the corners and around the stall supports. Ever seen a public restroom this clean? No, this isn't new construction or barley used space. This restroom has been actively in service for years in the high traffic Experience Music Project. The design, vivid colors and abstract qualities of the scene appealed to me while I was waiting in a long line for one of those doors to open (sigh). I went back later with my camera and it was then I met a person on the cleaning crew changing the trash bins. I asked her how the grout was kept so clean. She said it was due to the daily routine of the maintenance staff who literally hand wipe every inch of the floor, walls, counters and stalls every single day. Wow! As someone with only a couple human's and a couple feline's foot traffic on my tile kitchen floor, I was really impressed. You might not want to eat off the floor, but I assure you, you could!

Saturday, August 01, 2009

Theme Day: Night

Here is an example of late night hunting. The guys out after a show elsewhere playing "buck hunter" on the Big Buck Machine at the back of The Sloop Tavern. I loved the colorful reflections on the ceiling from all the neon signs around the walls, and the sense of place the Space Needle Bud Light sign gave this. Our CDPB Theme Day for August is NIGHT, and you can enjoy seeing creative views and interpretations from wonderful cities around the globe today by clicking here to view thumbnails for all participants.

Friday, July 31, 2009

Skywatch: Sunset Hill Summer Sunset

I used to glimpse the sunset nearly everyday from Sunset Hill Park when my mom lived a block away and I would walk her dog. This is looking northwest over Puget Sound and Bainbridge Island toward the Olympics, the boats of Shilshole Bay Marina just visible in the foreground, and the bouy often populated by barking sea lions bobbing to the left of the sunset reflection. It's and you can see the skies around the world today by clicking the symbol.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Hot Fun In the Summertime

Ooooooo yeah! With the hottest temperature on record in Seattle yesterday afternoon (103F at SEATAC airport--104F in my kitchen, and no I wasn't cooking!), people are looking for ways to stay cool. Chuck and his wife had a cool idea for that here at One A Day, Mostly Seattle. And this sk8tr at Seattle Center was definitely cool, effortlessly creating a breeze of passing air for himself. The Muppets seem convinced of an immanent collision, though. Aahhhhhhh! :-) The Jim Henson's Fantastic World exhibit is at the EMP through August 16, and is a slam dunk smash hit (and it's COOL inside one of the coolest museums ever).

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

iPhone Wednesday #3: Hot Evening @ Zak's

Can you believe it is 95F in Seattle? Our warmest time of the day comes right at dinner time, so you can bet a lot of suppers are being enjoyed outdoors in the breeze or at casual restaurants open to the outdoors. Here is my 3rd iPhone Wednesday shot for you in which I not only take the photo with the iPhone camera but also edit it using iPhone apps. For this I used Dark Room and then combined two shots using Juxtaposer (and not very well, but it was fun and took some time, so I'm throwing it out there at ya :-). And click this link to More Seattle Stuff cuz I've ordered up a virtual veggie burger and cool one for you, too, if you'd care to join me at the outdoor table. Keep cool!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Seattle Summer Sunrise

I took about a bazillion photos of various sunrise scenes looking back on the skyline from West Seattle. Boats on the water, fishermen on the dock, a couple on a bench. Most of them I set up with bracketing to finally try to put together an HDR image. I figured out about halfway through that moving objects probably were not going to look very good. . .or maybe be an interesting effect. We'll see. Wish me luck as it will be my first time trying out Photoshop, which I hope to start using before the end of this year. In the meantime, I thought you might like to enjoy the early view the easy way: virtually. This shot, one of my last from the beach at Seacrest Park, was taken at 5:09:05 AM. Okay, you can go get that second cup of coffee now. I'm taking a snooze. :-)

Monday, July 27, 2009

Thick-O-Licious

I noticed last month that some of my posts from previous years were all of a sudden receiving many visits each day. Folks were landing on them after a web search for the term "gum wall." Turns out that Trip Advisor published a list in June of the top five germy places on the planet to visit. Seattle's little sticky spot is now globally famous as second only to the Blarney Stone in the "ew!" factor of tourist attractions. I started photographing the Market Theater gum wall in Post Alley in 2006 and have shared several views of it here and on More Seattle Stuff and my Flickr page over the years. I've given updates like this one before, but since interest is so keen right now, I thought it was a good time to give you an update and popped down Post Alley Sunday. I wasn't prepared for the amazing increase in the number of people wandering down the alley looking for it and the pretty noticeable thickening of the layers since my last visit in May. In the 20 minutes I was in the area I counted over 60 people go by and a number of disgruntled drivers who had to wait for them to pass like so many sheep on a country road. It used to be mainly patrons of the Alibi Room and Market Theater, workers from Pike Place Public Market, people who lived nearby, interested photographers, and the occasional tourist telling their kids not to touch it. I'm thinking the increased notoriety is not the best thing that could have happened. We'll see. . . This guy was making a video. Perhaps San Luis Obispo's "Bubble Gum Alley" should have made the list instead, since it's much larger and has been notorious since the 1960's, long before the little trend started here. A few more current views of this ever changing de facto interactive public art work are in a clickable mosaic at More Seattle Stuff.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

The View From the Bench

Here is the view the people on the bench yesterday were enjoying to the southwest. That is the end of Pier 70 and the outdoor dining area of the Waterfront Restaurant. You might be able to make out the figures of two photographers who were out there photowalking like me. And of course you can see the Washington State Ferry on its way back from Bainbridge Island. The ferries run so often it's like Elliott Bay is a set of lungs breathing them back and forth, back and forth. Very relaxing to sit and take it all in.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Enjoying the View

This family looked so colorful in their summer outfits as they were taking in the view of Elliott Bay from that white bench on the promenade that connects Seattle's waterfront along Alaskan Way with Myrtle Edwards Park and the Olympic Sculpture Park. Behind them you can see the Seattle Post Intelligencer's spinning globe (The P-I recently stopped publishing their newspaper), a terraced building that reflects wonderful light, and the sculptural installation, Love & Loss. Tomorrow I'll show you what these folks were looking at.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Barefoot Afternoon

A couple relaxing in the tomato-red chairs that say "that shot must be from Seattle," just as the green ones in le Jardin du Luxembourg or Les Tuileries instantly say "this must be in Paris." Wishing you a barefoot kind of start to a great July weekend. Seattle has its 60th Annual Seafair Torchlight Run and Parade downtown tomorrow; the giant 35th Annual Ballard Seafood Fest (street fair, live music, beer & wine gardens, 2000 lbs of fresh alder smoked salmon barbecue dinners cooked by authentic Ballardites who chopped down the alder tree a week ago and fabricated their own street cookers years ago--these guys know what the heck they are doing, the best you'll find anywhere and only $9!) takes place on a 3 block stretch of NW Market St. Sat & Sun. Please eat some for me, as I will be attending a Better Photo Summit and shoot at the EMP. Ah, summer pleasures!

Thursday, July 23, 2009

BNSF Seattle Noir

A train was rumbling by at the close of our Worldwide Photo Walk at the Olympic Sculpture Park & Waterfront. It was a very long train and we had to wait quite awhile before we could cross Alaskan Way. BNSF stands for Burlington Northern Santa Fe.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

iPhone Wednesday #2

As prmissed, here is a photo taken with and edited in my iPhone. This taxi was headed toward the Convention Center, marked here by the giant arch that spans Pike Steet which runs through it's center.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Nightime Stroll on Pier 70

Summer evenings invite people to linger outdoors. Here is a night photo I took of the walkway down the south side of Pier 70, the pier furthest north on Seattle's long, easy to stroll waterfront. It's the one that Uptown Espresso and the popular Waterfront Seafood Grill both call home and a great place to walk or just sit and enjoy the breeze while watching the ferries and ships come and go.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Bloggers Meet At Revo

I had a non-stop photo fun weekend. On Sunday Bibi from a Yankee in Belgrade and I went to the Luna Park area of West Seattle to meet Chuck of One a Day, Mostly Seattle at Cafe Revo. Wonderful food, wonderful place, wonderful staff! We got to meet Robert from Chuck's scooter group when he happened to come by on an errand and that was fun as we'd seen photos of him before. We got to talking over lunch how we all had become friends before we'd ever met face to face, and how we'd become acquainted with others and their work through our blogs. It was then that Joni came up in conversation and how much we liked her art work and blog which we had discovered through Chuck. So Chuck whipped out his handy iPhone and gave Joni a call and she joined us a few minutes later. What fun! The world really IS a small place in the daily photo community, and we all treasure the relationships and experiences our involvement has brought us. From left to right is Cafe Revo's mural, Joni, Bibi, and Chuck.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

July 18, 2009 Worldwide Photo Walk, Seattle Olympic Sculpture Park

Yesterday I had the treat of hosting one of the Scott Kelby Worldwide Photo Walks here in Seattle. Fifty people signed up to explore the Olympic Sculpture Park and waterfront with their cameras and each other. Here you see most of us, eight or nine others came and found us after this shot was taken. The weather turned out to be perfect, the light was great, company was fantastic, and we closed the day with dinner together on an outdoor terrace overlooking Elliott Bay. There were 900 locations around the world where photo enthusiasts gathered for fun and maybe a world record of some sort for the number of people photowalking in one day. Participants are eligible to enter two photos in a contest, and hosts like me get to choose the one photo from our group to enter into the world wide contest for some amazing photography equipment prizes. I'm wishing my group much luck. They are an amazingly talented bunch with many pros and adventurous image makers among us, as well as hobbyists like me who just want to get out there and walk our cities and explore them through our lenses. I know a few other City Dialy Photo Bloggers participated in walks near them, and hope many more will check out this fun event next year. You can see some of our shots at this Flickr site, with more to come in the next few days.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Which Hand Defines

When you see white hair, do you see what's underneath it? I started asking myself if I really see older people, or perhaps look past them, not take in the details? It struck me that in his right hand this man carries a guitar, indicating one of his abilities, talents and interests in life, and in his left hand he grasps a cane, indicating a possible loss of ability. Is he able? Disabled? What did you first notice about him? This shot was taken in the heart of old Ballard. (Sorry for this very delayed post. . .modem problems for days and posting from the library when I can.)

Friday, July 17, 2009

Penguins!

They are on the march! Be on the lookout for them, because they are everywhere you turn these days. Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo is celebrating its recent opening of a penguin exhibit and all sorts of local artists and businesses are in on the fun.

" In celebration of community art and inspired by Woodland Park Zoo’s all new Humboldt penguin exhibit, Woodland Park Zoo and The Greenwood Collective joined forces to spread art and conservation awareness throughout Seattle. Woodland Park Zoo provided artists, amateur and professionals alike, with 22-inch fabricated penguins. The Greenwood Collective managed artist submissions, providing workshops, materials and artist guidance for this project." All the penguins were exhibited at Seattle Center in June and now can be seen at many locations around town. I spotted this one with hand knit hat, jacket made from map pieces in the shape of feathers, and little green suitcase in front of Snoose Junction, a popular pizzeria on NW Market Street.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Mailbox for MB

Whenever I see horses I think of fellow blogger MB just north of Seattle at Small City Scenes of Stanwood. MB has and loves horses and is very knowledgeable about them. She has shown us great photos of horses in action over the years. So, I was thinking of her when I posted yesterday's photo of the mounted patrol. Then today I came across this shop window display of a perfect mailbox for MB. Can you believe it? It's a horse trailer mailbox with a horse rearing up as the delivery flag. So, this is dedicated to MB.
Sorry for the late post. . .intermittent internet connection problem again, sigh.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Mounted Patrol

A downtown mounted patrol officer riding her beat cut behind a passing taxi. I shot and edited this with my iPhone. I'm thinking I will post one iPhone shot a week on Wednesdays. What do you think? Anyone else game?

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Bastille Day Greetings

Wishing all our friends in France and of French ancestry here and around the world a happy Fête Nationale. America owes so much of its beginnings to the aid and friendship of the French, an alliance that continues to today. Seattle Center held its own Bastille Day celebration complete with Bal des Pompiers, and many French restaurants and cultural enclaves around town are hosting festivities and special menus. This is the window of Ballard Avenue's newly opened Bastille Cafe & Bar, and judging from the happy faces of diners within, it is being well received. With a staff like the one Bastille has assembled, people who have been with Campagne, How to Cook A Wolf, The French Laundry (Yountville, CA), Union, Stars and more. . .and a rooftop garden where they grow their own greens, a gorgeous, comfortable, welcoming interior (yesterday's photo) and spacious patio dining, it is no wonder it is off to a great start.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Les Fleurs

A beautiful floral and curly willow arrangement caught my eye in the entrance to Seattle's newest restaurant. More on that tomorrow. . .

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Just a Taste

Many people enjoy dining in the revolving restaurant, Sky City, at the top of the Space Needle. I don't think it occurred to any of them that they might become a menu item themselves while enjoying the 365 degree view. This dragon, straight out of the mists of Norse myth, would just like to take a small taste. Just playing with ya. . .this dragon adorns the prow of a Viking ship replica that was on display near the Needle. Hope you had a great weekend.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Dog Days of Summer, But No Slacking

This dog works hard. In fact, this dog is actually the owner of a men's clothing store which carries his name, Oslo's. I had passed by many times and thought the name referenced the capital of Norway. But no, that is this fellow's name. Here he is seen on the job, showing a friendly interest in helping customers. For another shot of him outdoors with one of his employees, click here. Have a great relaxing Saturday, and happy vacation to Eric who started his three weeks off yesterday. Oslo will mind the store, go ahead and take a day off yourself. :-)

Friday, July 10, 2009

Skywatch: Crescent Over Greenwood Seafair Parade Route

Incandescent blue evening light is a good foil for a sliver of moon and street lights. On June 22 this corner will be lined by throngs of people gathered at the turning point of the 59th annual Greenwood Seafair Parade, complete with Seafair Pirates, Clowns, and Commodores, floats, bands, drill teams, horses, and thousands of spectators enjoying this traditional Wednesday night event. We are nearing the peak of Seattle's summer long festival season when the 60th annual Seafair begins and dozens of events take place in nearly every neighborhood, body of water, and even the skies above when the Blue Angles flying squadron performs. But for right now, all's quiet on the northwestern front of the city.

It's tomorrow you have to worry about. Seafair takes off with a bang when the Seafair Pirates (you remember these guys?) will storm Alki beach a probably detonate a wee bit of gunpowder in the process. Then at 10 AM Greenlake will host the exciting and hysterical Milk Carton Derby (started in 1972, it's Seattle's answer to the homemade boxcar derby. . .we apparently can make any kind of conceivable vessle out of milk cartons and race them and do so every year to win tens of thousands of dollars in fabulous prizes, fame, and glory!). Then will come the 60th annual Wallingford Kiddie Parade and street fair at 11 AM. Phew. . .can you keep up?! That's just the first half of the first day! In 60 years Seattle has had the chance to perfect its festival. In days to come there will be parades, runs, and community events in nearly every neighborhood, including the big Torchlight Parade through downtown on July 25. There are also the Bite of Seattle and the Ballard Seafood Fest, hydroplane races, Wooden Boat Festival, fireworks show. . .well, I'm tired just thinking about all the possibilities for fun. As if Seafair wasn't frenetic enough for our perfect long summer days, we cap it all off at the end of August with Bumbershoot, the amazing, awesome, cool 3 day music and arts festival. Okay, so rest up today. It's your last chance and you are going to need your strength. Oh, and be sure to watch out for the pirates. They are everywhere. Argh!

It's Skywatch Friday and you can see skies all around the world by clicking here.

Thursday, July 09, 2009

Looking for the Sun

Thanks very much to everyone for coming by yesterday and leaving such nice greetings for SDP's 3rd blogoversary. That was fun!

I spent part of the afternoon at a meeting in which they turned on the gas fireplace for warmth. That was quite a change after nearly two months of gorgeous sun. It was a tad chilly with the cloud cover, but it should clear up and warm up to 75F today with plenty of sun breaks. That's a good thing as painters are planning on painting my house today. This vintage metal lighted sign on 45th is one of my favorites around town and I hope the rain clouds cooperate with what it suggests :-). Here's hoping.

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

And Now We Are 3

Seattle Daily Photo is three years old today. I want to extend my thanks to the many supportive friends in the CDPB community and to the over 250,000 unique visitors from 182 countries and the nearly 1800 subscribers that have come by to share the view through my lens. Probably the most challenging three years of my life with the illnesses and loss of my brother, husband, and mom in close succession, yet the routine of photowalking and posting daily to SDP gave me a small space of creativity and beauty to focus on each day. And little by little I have been trying to become more competent with camera and lenses.

I thought I'd celebrate SDP's 3rd Blogoversary by indulging in some of my favorite chocolate with you. You can sample as much as you like. I promise, no calories! :-) This stop continues our tour of some of Seattle's finest chocolate specialty shops. Bibi from a Yankee in Belgrade and I enjoyed a photowalk together the other day and stopped in Chocolopolis on Queen Anne Ave N (which is celebrating its own one year anniversary). Although I'm watching what I eat, I did savor every bite of one housemade chocolate fig (my favorite, 2nd shot top left). Chocolopolis carries amazing chocolates from dozens of makers from around the world, as well as wonderful local makers. It is a great place to leisurely explore, learn about growing areas, manufacturers, and artisans, and sample the unusual and the amazing. While we were browsing and enjoying the figs, a regular customer came in and spoke with the staff about a purchase he wanted to make. Seeing us clicking away with our cameras he pulled one of his own out of his bag, a film Canon AE-1 Program (my very first camera!) and acknowledged he understood our addiction to taking photos. As we chatted I realized I knew his work through being a Flickr contact of his for quite some time. Always fun to meet fellow shooters! So, what will you try? The heart in the corner expresses my special love for those who started CDPB in 2005, joined it and linked the rest of us up one city at a time, work so hard on their own blogs and keep our community connected through technology, helpfulness, and friendship. The gift boxed pears in the center are for you, dear reader, with thanks for your many visits and kind comments.

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Volterra

One of Seattle's most well-received chef-owned restaurants is Volterra near the top end of old Ballard Avenue. It is named for the hilltop town in Tuscany where the owners were married and from where they derive inspiration for the heart of their Italian menu. I have loved the food, of course, but especially the great wait staff and the artful touches of the very welcoming interior design, like the handmade art glass windows along the top of main dining room's back wall. It's a place for people to gather and enjoy each other's company and good food. The bright citrus drew my attention to this couple wearing the cool hats at the counter. I would have zoomed in for a more tightly composed shot, but I had a fixed lens and I liked the feeling of spaciousness it conveyed and the way the elements running left from the pendant lamps to the large framed piece to the three framed pieces to the panel door drew my eye, and the fan telling me its a hot day in Seattle. This was after lunch time but before the dinner hour, so seating was easy to come by indoors or out. . .not usually the case!

Hey, I just looked at the calendar and realized Seattle Daily Photo turns 3 years old tomorrow. Come back by to help celebrate!

Monday, July 06, 2009

Puerto Rican Lunch in the Heart of Ballard

A favorite Yankee is visiting the area, and while hanging out and enjoying photowalking in the summer sun yesterday, we sampled some of La Isla Seattle's fare. It is the only restaurant in Washington State featuring Puerto Rican cuisine. The sidewalk seating and interior tables were packed for Sunday lunch, and now we know why. This was a chicken and rice dish with a side of plantains and fresh garlic sauce. Would you like a bite?

Sunday, July 05, 2009

Moonrise Over Thomas & Boren

Like so many cities seem to have done, Seattle purchased street signs that were supposed to be able to be read at night because of their reflective quality. . .but in reality one can't read them at night, or by day (one of my pet peeves. . .but I'm not bitter). To follow up on Friday's moon shot, here the moon was rising on this street scene in a light industrial area of the Cascade neighborhood.

Saturday, July 04, 2009

4th of July Sky

It is Independence Day in the States, a summer holiday much celebrated with neighbor and family gatherings, cookouts, fireworks displays, and remembrances of a great nation's birth and a people's costly struggle for freedom. Before the dark fell and the fireworks above Lake Union began, we were treated to a warm sunset full of pink clouds and fiery glow on a perfect summer evening. Happy Birthday, America!

Friday, July 03, 2009

Skywatch: Moon Over the Mountain

Sorry for the late post! Summer life is turning out to be busy. It is Skywatch Friday again. As the moon rose and the ferries came and went, a fire boat on Elliott Bay was spraying water, I know not why. Tomorrow, for the first time since its inception many decades ago, there will be no 4th of July fireworks display over these waters. Ivar's seafood restaurants announced they are discontinuing the sponsorship of the display their founder started. The fireworks over Lake Union will be the only display this year. Sad for us and our neighbors, as we would just put our lawn chairs in the street (we're on a hill) and watch the Elliott Bay display in the distance. Well, here the moon is on display. Click here to see other Skywatch Friday shots from all over.

Thursday, July 02, 2009

The Counter at Geraldine's

After yesterday's emptiness I heard a lot of you saying, "This is weird. Bring back the people!" So here's some Seattle morning life at the fullest. Geraldine's Counter is a Columbia City neighborhood breakfast favorite. There is seating at comfortable tables and booths, but on a stool at the counter you can get lost in your reading or you can feel like you're in the middle of the action as the staff serves up its great contemporary American fare and a good cuppa joe. More pix and a peek at what we ate at More Seattle Stuff.

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Theme Day: Empty

The CDPBlogger's first of the month theme for July is EMPTY. I thought I'd show you that all that coffee Seattlites drink doesn't necessarily keep us awake deep into the night. The java jive subsides at some point and the sidewalks roll up all over town. Even Pike Place Market rests, empty of goods, merchants and shoppers. All is quiet until trucks start arriving for the next morning's work.

To see how cleverly City Daily Photo Blog authors have interpreted the theme, click here to view thumbnails for all participants. I must warn you, though, it may seem as if the world has become deserted. Perhaps you'll find a trace of life somewhere, but it may seem a bit like scenes from an episode of the Twilight Zone, I'm afraid. You know, the one where a neutron bomb has gone off and left everything perfectly intact except the living things :-).

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