Low Light - Awe Inspiring!

The low light walking home today was fantastic!


Taken on the second floor of the Smith Tower.



Two Union dressed in color and curves.



The light is so warm on these old brick buildings on Capitol Hill.

Real estate and French food. It's all good!

I worked at home today and spent my lunch hour with a new Real Estate Agent to discuss buying houses. We went to Cafe Presse which I've been wanting to try. The food was good and full of yummy fattening stuff like cheese. Ahhh, those French know how to eat in style!


Cafe Presse

Splashin' Around

My co-worker and I walked to the International District today during our lunch break. We picked up some sushi at Uwajimaya and ate by the fountain across the street.


Fountain



The birds were using the fountains as bird baths. They were also teasing me. As soon as I was ready to take a photo, they'd fly away. I took many shots, but this was the best I got. If I didn't have to get back to work, I would have stayed longer to get a better one!

The Son was out today

I took a long power walk at lunchtime today with my co-worker. We walked from Pioneer Square to the Sculpture Park.


This fountain created a bit of controversy when it was first unveiled.

The Yellow House on the Corner

If you've ever wandered around Capitol Hill, you know about the yellow house on the corner of Denny and Harvard (also known as the Pantages House). It was saved from destruction several years ago and has now been restored (alas, it is no longer yellow). This is part of that house.



Hmmm, which wine to bring to the last night of the blogging class? I didn't end up choosing any of these, but I like the labels. So colorful!

Thursday's photos

Thursday night's photos from the scotch tasting are now up. Check under February 21st.

Seattle Guilt

For those of you not in Seattle, I was experiencing the phenomenon known as "Seattle Guilt" today. This is the feeling you get when it is sunny outside and you remain inside. I guess this happens because it is rare to have the sun out, so when it makes an appearance, people feel they should be out in it to get their rare shot of Vitamin D.


Peace Lily Flower takes on Jade Plant.

Sun and Flowers and Birds, Oh My!

I did, in fact, take photos yesterday. I just have too many to go
through until tomorrow. I took photos at a scotch tasting event for a
friend of mine. Check back tomorrow and look back a post (it will have
the correct date) to see at least one of them.
In the meantime, I got out in the bright bright sun today and had a
ball walking and shooting.

Seen in Post Alley near Yesler.



The kids were having a blast feeding the seagulls on the waterfront.



The first bulb flower I've seen on my walk home. A sure sign of Spring!

Scotch tasting and comedy. It doesn't get much better!

My friend at Seattle Swirl asked me to take photos at her scotch tasting event. I was all excited about that since I love scotch! Afterwards, we got to stay and enjoy the comedy at the Mainstage. The headliner was Cathy Sorbo who is an announcer for the Rat City Rollergirls. Her crazy antics and descriptions of body parts had me rolling! Scotch and comedy? A fun evening indeed!


Look at that color!



The book we got to take home.



Food to soak up the liquor.



Playing with circles.

Working at Home

I worked at home today, so my photo options were limited. I thought about trying to take a photo of the lunar eclipse, but realized I don't have the proper lens so gave up on that idea. I was still hoping to see it with the naked eye, but it's mighty cloudy out there folks. This is breaking the hearts of photographers all over Seattle.


The advantage to working at home: my favorite morning Cuppa Joe in my favorite morning mug which was given to me by my best childhood friend many years ago.

New Neighbor

This is outside the new location for Twice Sold Tales which just happens to be across the street from my apartment building. I'm wondering what these beds will hold. Flowers I hope! I'm also excited to see this quirky used bookstore moving in, though I'm concerned with the possible late night browsers.



I was hoping for a more Spring-like shot, but I liked this Fall/Winter one better. It is still winter after all even though the blinding sun may be confusing us.

Building in a Building

I took a lot of photos today since it was so beautiful, but only ended up liking one well enough to post.


Taken on the corner of 3rd/Pike.

Old and New

OK, yesterday I got home too late to post, but took several photos.


On the way home from seeing The Savages (great movie, excellent performances - go see it!), I took this photo by accident. I was shooting out the window and I forgot to turn the flash off. We just happened to be driving by a sign at the exact moment of the click.



After dancing our butts off at Neighbors, my friend and I were ravishing so we walked to La Spiga to eat. It is a bit yuppie and expensive for my tastes, but the atmosphere is nice and the food and vino are excellent!



Cleavage and wine



My old brick apartment building on Capitol Hill seen from the roof of another building.



In contrast are the condos going up everywhere on Capitol Hill.

A lovely day to sit outside and polish your instrument

This was taken outside of Cafe Paloma where I had lunch. It's one of my favorite places to eat in Pioneer Square if I have time (the service is a bit slow). The food is excellent. I also like the owner who is so nice and this is a photo of his brother polishing one of the instruments that are displayed inside.

The day to celebrate... Raising Money!

Today's theme is Valentine's Day. I decided that instead of being bitter and jaded about it all, I would embrace it instead. Sort of. I did enjoy this Valentine to Seattle in the PI.

At work we have a Mission Committee that puts on events all year to raise money from the employees. At the end of the year we have a Mission Day that celebrates the employees and the money they've raised. We get to see which local charities get the money we've raised (also chosen by the employees) and the company matches the money.

The Valentine's Day Auction is the biggest money maker of the year. The Executives go all out and the amounts usually go WAY out of range for us poor worker bees, but it is still fun. The highest amount this year was $1000.00 for some lemon bars! I managed to get a berry pie a co-worker made for a mere $100.00. A bargain! I also got some homemade truffles in the Silent Auction for $20.00.


Silent Auction



Auction



Sorrento's contribution to the auction.



Flower arrangements by a co-worker. She is so talented!

Finger Food at it's Best

I just got back from eating at Queen Sheba on Capitol Hill for a friend's b-day dinner. Best Ethiopian food EVER! Admittedly, I've only eaten at two Ethiopian places, but this food makes me groan in pleasure. Literally. My stomach tells me to quit, but my mouth refuses to listen.

Numbers Go On Strike!

Also seen at Planet Java.

Spectacular Seattle Sunset

I worked at home today, so not a lot of opportunity to take photos. My windows face East and I could tell by the light on the buildings that the sunset must be quite nice, so hightailed it out to the fire escape on the West side to take some shots of the city.

Quitting Time

On the way home I took a few shots in the Pioneer Square Station of the bus tunnel. A woman asked what I was taking photos of since it was just a bunch of open space. It's all in the eye of the beholder I guess. The other day a homeless man remarked that I must be a tourist as I was taking photos. So, the only people that take photos are tourists?


Bus Tunnel - Pioneer Square Station



Cable Car flywheel - Pioneer Square Station



Playing at The Paramount. A couple of these I'd really like to see!

Stats

I've managed to add a Sitemeter to my blog. Now I can see how many people are visiting and what city they come from. Unfortunately, it counts my visits too, so it's hard to know how many Seattleites are visiting. There may be a way to change that so I'll have to do some research.


Most of the Seattle ones are mine, but I was glad to see Portland, Boulder, Phoenix, and Glasgow represented!

Caucusing

This was the first time I've ever been to a caucus. I was told by friends that my vote would only count if I caucused in this election as the votes wouldn't count in the primary for Democrats. It was a very interesting process though a little chaotic. The place (SCCC) was packed. It was good to see so many people coming out to voice their opinions. Our little group ended up having 5 delegates appointed for Obama and two for Hillary. .5 of the Hillary vote had to be lobbied for as she only got 1.48 of the delegates at first.


Outside the caucus



Outside the caucus



Part of my group



My placemat at the 5 Spot where I had dinner. Their theme is currently "Route 66" which I was interested in having grown up in Flagstaff.

Code change

I've changed the code on my template so the photos will show up full size. Please let me know in the comments if it looks OK. Thanks!

Walking vs. Driving

The highlight of my day was getting my new shoes. I've been told that I have to wear walking/running shoes while walking to save my knees and feet. I love the way my Asics make my feet feel, but I walk every day to work and hate wearing those white shoes (usually with some neon colored trim) with my work clothes (usually black). I feel like a walking fashion faux pax. Yesterday I was perusing Zappos.com and came across some BLACK Asics! I immediately ordered them (only three pairs left!) and they came today. You have to love that kind of service. I am in love with my new shoes.


My new shoes. This photo is (edited: was) being cut off. Some of the previous photos have also been (edited: were) cut. I'll have to look into changing the code on this template.



This is what I avoid by walking home!

XOXX

Today was the kind of day that reminds us of why we live in Seattle. I took many photos especially on my walk home from work because the light was so good. Unfortunately, none of them turned out as well as I would have liked. Instead I'll post the photos I took in the afternoon of the new fire station being built in Pioneer Square: Fire Station 10.

A bit about the new station (taken from the Fire Facilities and Emergency Response Levy Program on the Seattle.gov website):
The building design reflects the City's commitment to sustainability. A 12,000 gallon cistern under the back apron captures water from on-site fire department drills, and the roof providing 100 percent of the apparatus washing and irrigation water. A 15,000 sf vegetated roof, will reduce heat given off from the building and slow down water before it enters the storm system. The project is planned for LEED Silver certification.

Three artists are providing specifically designed public art pieces for the site: Metz Chew's Bamboo Light sculpture located on 5th Avenue South, Gloria Bornstein's Sentinels sculpture located on South Washington and Fourth Avenue South, and Stuart Nakamura's Firefighters sculptural element.


Hugs and Kisses from the new fire station



Fire station art

Riding to work

I'm so glad the bus tunnel is open again!

Chaotic Seattle Weather

I had to run an errand today and waited patiently for the sideways rain to stop for a moment so I could dash out. I got a sun break and headed to the tailor's. The tailor couldn't find my pants (ack!), so while waiting as he searched his store, I took a photo out the window of the sun shining through another squall.



Taken on the way back to work.



Smith Tower in golden evening light taken while driving home.