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Quick Stop in Fremont

First time in Stickman Coffee. Above is the courtyard with a fabulous mural. Below is a double-tall-non-fat latte, my drink of choice. Excellent coffee, really. This place is right around the corner from Fremont Jewelry Design where we had our rings made/prettied-up. Very, very pleased with the results.

Rocket Leaves No Tail

This is Rocket, a neighborhood cat. She has practically no tail. However, she is an excellent climber and was spotted stalking the birds that feed at our feeder. I rapped on the window and she spotted me.

Island Life

Spent a couple days on Whidbey Island. The weather actually cleared and we were able to hike one of our favorite hikes, the bluff at Ebey's Landing. But not before a stop at Miriam's Espresso Cafe for the Morning Glory Muffin. I can't say enough good things about these muffins. Healthy? Not likely. Tasty? Off the charts. La Vie En Rose Bakery in Anacortes, WA creates these tasty treats and we look forward to treating ourselves.
On the hike we were treated to several fly-bys by a bald eagle and an osprey. This was the best shot of the eagle I could manage. Pretty good, I think. The temp was just barely 40 degrees and things were gusty on the bluff. But once the sun came out it was really nice. It was snowing the next morning, however, but back home the sun shone again.

Signs of Spring?

I thought it was Spring. No matter. Snow is pretty and we don't have to deal with it too often.

Signs of Spring

In spite of the snain (snow + rain) falling last night, Spring is coming. The giant ornamental plum tree in the front yard is in bloom. And it smells wonderful. We have some fallen branches in a tall vase on the dining room table.

MY SUPPORT STAFF

MY BLOGGING INTERN.

Everyone Enjoys the Daffodils

What's that between the garlic and daffodils? It's something but I can't quite tell...

aha! It's A-Rod, a neighbor cat. He's catching the last of the day's sun.

The Future of Food

Well, it's not a recipe but it's certainly food related. Food that we are growing and will be eating. On my food blog which for now is called feed yourself.

Ghost Dancers

It was a foggy drive to school one day last week. I shot a few frames while heading toward the bridge. Out of the fog danced figures of light.

All Creatures Great and Small

It's because this bird was no bigger than a crow that I didn't think to look up. I was sitting on the couch in front of the picture window and the cat had just made herself comfortable on my lap (which took forever). I see birds come and go all the time but something made me look up at the wire. I knew immediately it wasn't a crow but couldn't tell what it was. I thought about it for a solid minute before I tossed the cat onto the floor (she really didn't like that) and ran for the camera. I only got three quick shots before it stepped off the wire, swooped almost to the ground across the street then began to fly away. It's a horrible picture but once I boosted the exposure to the max I was actually able to make out the features: the beak, eye, ring around the neck, white underside feathers and two white tail-bands. Once I locate my bird book I hope to identify it. Looking on the Internet hasn't been helpful. It was really exciting to see it right in my yard.

A Recent Drive to Fremont

A recent drive to to Fremont via 99 and the Viaduct. Just hold up the camera and shoot and shoot and shoot. Later, you realize you actually took shots worth seeing, especially after you straightened them up. Above, I'm on 99 approaching downtown. Freight cars on the right. Orange cranes that move freight cars to the left.
My little monk doll who rides on the dash with my Day of The Dead skeleton (you might make out the reflection of him in the windshield).
On the Viaduct.
Great sky and mountains just peaking over the photo's horizon.
Into the tunnel and on my way.

Hope Is Not Lost Part 4

Today it was Carkeek Park. Only a couple of photo opps but what a glorious day for sun and blue sky and a walk in the woods. The trails go up and down and over and through. There is an overpass to get you across the train tracks and I shot a couple pics from that overpass but the wind was too much for us. We were slightly underdressed for the beach's wind because we had considered the ups and downs of hiking when getting dressed. Another day.

Hope Is Not Lost Part 3

Headed to the Arboretum. Walked all through it and along the boardwalks that run along the surface of Lake Washington. The boardwalks run all the way to the Museum of History and Industry. From there you can close the loop by catching Lake Washington Blvd. back to the Arboretum. LOTS of walking but what a great day for it.

The rich, beautiful bark of a cherry tree.
Spotted a well-camouflaged heron sitting in a tree. He's either grooming or very shy.
Looking west at the Montlake Bridge and the Montlake Cut.

Cormorants and crows watching the world go by.

S looking toward the UW stadium. She has a story about the day that she heard and saw that giant overhang on the right side collapse. This was while the stadium was still under construction. Another reason I don't do sports.

Hope Is Not Lost Part 2

I hope this is an indication of the weather today.

Hope Is Not Lost Part 1

Spring will come. I now know it's true. What a beautiful day. Headed to Lincoln Park. A fair amount of descent to get from our place to the water. Then you have to get back up. I opted for the stairs that begin after you have climbed back up from the water and crossed Fauntleroy. S opted for the surface streets that switchback up to California. Here I am looking up at the first set of stairs.

At the mid-point looking back.

Looking up at the next and last set of stairs. Almost there.

Route 21

On my way downtown to meet S for lunch. It's nice to get on the bus early in the route.


Speeding across the bridge.

Let's Eat

Lots of delicious things happening on Cucina Bodanza.

Cilantro Yogurt Chicken Salad
Lentil Patties
Broiled Tofu with Yogurt Marinade
Roasted Cauliflower and Potato Soup

Blurry Moon Photos

Well, why try to come up with a clever title? Just get to the point.


The weather lately has been great. Cold, but sunny and clear. This has resulted in wonderful views of all the mountains and lovely sunrises and sunsets. It's also the reason we've had dramatic moonrises too. From the kitchen we can spot the moon through the trees. It has first appeared as a giant, orange ball. As it rises the color lightens and it appears smaller. Wednesday morning at about 6:15 I travelled one block west on my street, crested the street and looked straight at Puget Sound which was illuminated by the full moon. It appeared not as water but as a field of snow with dark islands in it. It took my eyes a moment to adjust. I just couldn't figure it out at first. The light was so bright and so beautiful and it was still dark. So the water appeared white. What I wouldn't have given to just sit there in my car for another 30 minutes to watch as the colors changed. On days I don't have class I get to enjoy the sunrises form the picture window in the living room.

Bhutanese Red Rice

Read about Bhutanese Red Rice on Cucina Bodanza.

On A Clear Day...

What a great day for weather. Crisp (around 32 degrees when I shot this) and crystal clear. Here is the sun coming up and touching Mt. Rainier. It's a decent view from the front porch. In spite of the neighborhood trees and electric poles, I feel fortunate to be able to see the mountain whenever I look out (assuming it's clear).

On my drive down 35th to the bridge I could see all of Mt. Baker and all the peaks from there to Mt. Rainier. On the other side of the Sound I could see all of the Olympics. A great day for mountains. I walked down to Lincoln Park to stroll along the water and it was beautiful. The hike up is challenging but the views on the way down and the exposure to endless sun made it worth it.

Chicken Salad on Cucina Bodanza

Yes, all my posts are about food. Well, school is very busy, the weather usually sucks, and no trips are planned until late Spring. But I cook every day so this is where the creativity is lately. I wish I had time to blog ALL the yummy things I make. For now, perhaps once a week. Wish the pics were better. Again, no time for clever set-ups. I figure a decent shot to give you an idea of the outcome is sufficient for now.

Read about Chicken Salad on Cucina Bodanza.

Cucina Bodanza

We try Coq au Vin on Cucina Bodanza.

Cucina Bodanza

A new recipe on Cucina Bodanza for Lentil Soup.

Cucina Bodanza

There is a new recipe on Cucina Bodanza. Check out Half and Half Mini Loaves.

Halloween

Just a few shots of pumpkin carving. We had a really good time. Folks carved or didn't carve. But everyone ate, drank and was merry. I've left out most of the shots because I'm not sure who does and does not want to be on the Internet. But this will give you and overall idea of the event. It was a success.

Halloween

YAKIMA PRODUCE RUN

A few shots of a recent trip to Yakima for tomatoes and winter squash. Scored on the squash at Jones Farms again - $.40/lb. At Dagdagan Farm & Produce we gpt romas for $8 a box! The boxes easily were 20-25 lbs. All day Monday we canned tomatoes - 28 qts.

YAKIMA

Spicy Roasted Winter Squash Soup

A new recipe on Cucina Bodanza for Spicy Roasted Winter Squash Soup.

BIRCH BAY WEEKEND

An overnight camping at Birch Bay State Park and two days of exploring the mud flats and tidepools. Not to mention Fairhaven and a picnic at Western Washington University.

BIRCH BAY

MT. FREMONT LOOKOUT TRAIL

Back to Mt. Rainier one last time for the year. This is a great trail and affords amazing views of Ranier and the Cascades.

MT. FREMONT LOOKOUT

MT. RAINIER CAMPING

Camping trip to Mt. Rainier. Mt. Rainier is seen here in Reflection Lake.

MT. RAINIER CAMPING TRIP

RECENT WANDERINGS AND GOINGS ON

SUMMER is is full gear. The weather is perfect. Many walks to take. Many veggies to eat. Catch up with this photo album.

RECENT WANDERINS

URBAN ADVENTURE

What a great day on Saturday. The weather was perfect, not hot, not cold, sun went in and out, no rain. A really great opportunity for walking. S and I took our feet all over town. It's the best way to travel. You see more, you do more, you don't get stressed from traffic and parking, it's cheaper and it's way healthier than being stuck in a car. I brought along the new camera gear to capture the highlights. I've created a Picasa album with some shots.

PRIDE ADVENTURE

STILL HERE. MORE IS COMING

Recently returned form a two-week road trip throughout the South West. Details, stories and hundreds of photos to follow on separate blog. But I will post things this weekend here and on Cucina Bodanza.

PUGET SOUND FRESH

Pretty excited to find that the Puget Sound Fresh 2007 Farm Guide is out. I grabbed several copies from the gym at work. Last year copies were also available in our cafeteria. You can also get all of this wonderful fresh and local farm info at Puget Sound Fresh. Get out there and start buying fresh and local produce.

WHOLE WHEAT BANANA BREAD/MUFFINS

Find the recipe at Cucina Bodanza