“The unwelcome November rain had perversely stolen the day’s last hour and pawned it with that ancient fence, the night.”
– F. Scott Fitzgerald, This Side of Paradise
Picture of Today 11/22/15, As I Age…
A little motivation from others, during a nice day walk through city park.
Located within the Jim Ellis Freeway Park, very close to the Washington State Convention Center in downtown Seattle. That board is erased and begins anew at times I do not know..
Orion T
Picture of Today 11/17/15, Time Out for a Picture
Just a meaningless moment, is what can truly matter.
The days have been long, and busier than normal with an urgency for swift actions. Yet, I feel the damp murkiness of the days passed wearing me down. Reasons for this range, from trivial sports moments to the many tragic lives recently lost in faraway nations. I go on yet, with my daily errands and long work schedules. Moments between, call for a bite to eat and a sip of coffee. I check my social networks for the latest in birthdays and the opinions of others. Further out are lonely walks between work, the public transport, the post office, a therapeutic thrift store adventure. The rain and wind switch through the airspace above. I leave behind the scattering of leaves on the wet city streets. The days go on, while I continue my stepping through.
However today during a particular hour leaving my work, I halted for a moment on a small overpass. I look to the southwest over yonder, noticing a moment of time standing still. For now..no wind, no rain, no fresh news, and I have little immediate need of sustenance or destination. I simply see a beautiful crescent Moon shining above through a darkening sky. For much of the day, the light stayed out, yet coming back for the evening to give us locals one good moment before the night falls. I stood still, and let the moment sink in as I snapped a picture with my somewhat decent phone camera. The moment is good..
Then, the time became too cold and the moment ends. I move on..
– Orion T
Picture of Yesterday 11/7/15, Demolished Piece by Piece..
There goes a little more of yesterday…
Meanwhile upon a nearby hill, a beloved thrift store is on its last open day (Value Village in Capitol Hill). In the opposite direction towards the bay, a local tourist attraction will soon exist only in memories (the Gum Wall, see last post). Look all round Seattle now, and you will many cranes and bulldozers galore; removing what was and building towards a new skyline.
There is no rest for change.
Here I was told, stood the 811 Stewart Hotel (see edit below new info). The building was of two, and stood next to the old Greyhound bus station and parking lots for a time. I could not find any information on this building or the other not pictured. From guessing on its old school brick structure, it was around for some decades.
Edit: Thanks to our reader Wedgewood in Seattle History, for some added information on the front building in the picture, leading to a helpful ink via a historical building database on seattle.gov, with this extra info on its history (known as the Bonair Apartments):
“This building was designed by architect Charles Haynes as an “Apartment Building for Amelia Hemrich, according to drawings from July 8, 1924. (Amelia Hemrich is presumably a member of the Hemrich family, long associated with beer brewing in Seattle. The family commissioned several brewery buildings, completed in the 1900s, including one originally located at 1275 Mercer, but demolished for the construction of the 1929 Kenworth Motor Company Building, in the Cascade neighborhood). Known as the Bonair Apartments, this apartment building was completed in 1925….
In general, the building, which was renovated along with the neighboring Ray Apartments in the early 1990s by Kovalenko Hale Architects, has retained a high level of historic integrity. Windows have been replaced in kind and at least two of the storefronts appear to be surprisingly intact. The building is notable for its terra cotta trim and ornamentation.”
The building was eligible for historical preservation, but failed its nomination in 2013.
In place, will be the tallest hotel yet in this city, boasting 1,200 rooms and 41 floors. On the good side, this should give many jobs above the heightened minimum wage to locals (at $15.00, when done). Also, downtown Seattle could use more hotel spaces for visitors for large events at the Convention Center.
Yet, it’s also a sign of the passing days and new challenges ahead. I can’t say I will like the new building, as I enjoyed Seattle for much of its vintage architecture. Many buildings here and the surrounding areas are coming down. In their many places, will be spots targeted and reserved for the upper elites and better fortunate of this city’s grand growth. Demographics I think will further change, along with traffic and property rates. Perhaps by then, I think I will become bored with these new surroundings, and move on.
But for now, here is another picture of yesterday..
– Orion T
The Seattle Gum Wall Sticky Situation…
Behold, the great Seattle Gum Wall to its fullest potential.
For over 20 years, this small south Post Alley area within the Pike Place Public Market welcomed people to place chewed sugary bubble gum remains upon a large wall. Tourists and locals constantly added to it, enhancing its disgustingness into an old wall (now walls, as it spread to the neighboring surfaces and pipes).
Soon, all the sticky chewings shall be removed, and the walls will go through a massive cleansing, to remove chemical buildup and potential harm upon the aged building. The Seattle Times reports that an industrial steam machine till be used. “The machine will melt the gum with 280-degree steam; it will fall to the ground, and a two- to three-man crew will collect the gum in five-gallon buckets.”
I recently dropped by after work long after sunset. I admire how the street lights adds mystique to the germy area. I may return again before the final removal of sticky contents. But for now, here are some pics from I:
– Orion T
Picture of Today 11/3/15, Under the Neath
A return to the local Pike Place Market in Seattle, after closing…
Look to the side near the entrance, on the street that goes under the Pike Place Market and to the side of Post Alley. Here, see an ever-changing art collage of ads and social messages.
But, I was here for that other area in Post Alley. Those that have been around there, know of it. To the rest, I will keep that part a surprise until tomorrow, of which I will post up pics. Hints: it’s lot of disgustingness, and there is some recent news of a change to it all.
For now, the Wi-Fi is too slow, and I must rest. But first, a bonus pic:
– Orion T
Picture of Today 11/1/15, The New November
Just a beautiful moment in a small city park (Denny Park in Seattle)…
This day is Sunday, and after Halloween. Also, overnight rain happened of which the Pacific lands need. The amounts did not overwhelm, yet were sufficient for the more leaves to fall. The time change also added to this new November, bringing the darkness in a little earlier. Add the notably colder temperatures, and I feelthe difference in this Fall season turning point.
I look forward.
Picture of Today 10/22/15, The Good Things..
Over Lake Washington from Bellevue to Seattle on the 520 bridge, around 5:30.
Meanwhile in California, the Seahawks would beat the 49ers (20-3) in football.
Beautiful, the sunset is.
– Orion T
Picture of Today 10/21/15, To The Present
Here we are, Back To The Future!!
It’s the day I saw when I was a kid back in 1989, after anxiously in line for the awaited the sequel to the first Back to the Future movie. How excited I was, to not only join up again with Doc Brown and Marty McFly for another time traveling hijinx, but to take in new exciting vision of the future.
What an exciting day to look forward. Flying cars! Hoverboards! Instant Pizzas! Self lacing shoes! Cubs winning the World Series! Lawyers Abolished! Jaws 19!
Hardly anything we got right to this present day, but some kinda close and others incredibly distant. Still, here we are with somethings that would make even Doc Brown exclaim “Great Scott..” Smartphones! Facebook! Downloadable movies! Drones! Selfies! Wristband fitness monitors! Pumpkin Lattes!
I’m sure there’s more amazing things out there I haven’t thought of, and more to come. But it’s cool to see since 1989, that we have come to this point where a lot of past science fiction is now reality.
Now, where did I put that sports alamanac?
– Orion T
Picture of Today 10/18/15, Rain over Sunday..
The early evening looking out from Westlake Center (Downtown Seattle) toward South Lake Union in the distance.
This day, not the cheeriest of days for many out there, as much of the day had gloomy skies with rain finally this evening. I expected the rainfall since the morning. I also expected the Seattle Seahawks to beat the Carolina Panthers. One expectation eventually happened while the other did not. O well, Go Hawks for next time!
Anyway, I am grateful for this little bit of rain. Downtown Seattle is beautiful when wet.
– Orion T
Picture of Today 10/7/15, Fall Morning in the Downtown
Downtown Seattle, this morning.
Loving the rain on the fallen leaves..
– Orion T
Weekend Adventuring in Olympia, Washington
Check out the Olympia town in Washington State, when exploring the Pacific Northwest.
Olympia a wonderful stop, halfway between the Portland and Seattle cities, close to the 5 and one 101 freeway intersection. This area is also the best stop for food and a stretch when traveling the between the major cities in no particular hurry. You’ll find much to love for any length of time you spend here.
A few things special about Olympia. You will find much art around many corners, more notably upon the walls of allies and businesses. This brings much color and uniqueness to the area. There are also some fantastic sources for literature, with some bookstores I checked out (Browsers Book Store and Danger Room Comics Store). The variety of food is excellent, with the best of it from local businesses. Also, lots of vintage antiques are also visible and up for buying. In between and throughout, you may also notice multiple signs of social activism and awareness with Black Lives Matters signs, climate change awareness, and other messages of modern progressivism. Olympia shows character aplenty in its overall presentation.
For me, it was all about stepping out from the weekday work stress. With a friend as company, I went to explore, and seek interesting visuals, eats, and a little shopping. Olympia did not disappoint, as this was my second visit to the city. Last visit, I barely walked around. This time,we had no particular direction here, other than its main downtown center.
Here are some findings in pictures, with some more notes on the area..
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One of Olympia’s prominent buildings, the Old Capitol Building. It’s now the office home of the Superintendent of Public Instruction since 1906. Before in Sylvester Park, stands John Rankin Rogers..twice governor of Washington State, who believed in giving a fair education to “every poor son of the commonwealth.”
Some up close sculpting on that building. Love the detail here..
The charming outside of Darby’s Cafe and neighboring local businesses on a 5th avenue block. I love the random little deco touches upon this old building…
The Capitol Theater across the street from Darby’s. I love the look of this old movie theater, and will look into seeing its inside in a future visit.
The inside of Darby’s Cafe, to a wall of wild art…
Above and around inside Darby’s Cafe, a tribute to the Wizard of Oz. The food was quite good too. I had a Brocco Burger (Broccoli, white cheddar, other good stuff) with fries (a bit too much they give) and a root beer float (root beer can be replaced with an alcoholic alternative). All quite good, and filling enough until my trip back to the Emerald City.
Some art on the side of The Great Cuisine of India restaurant. Many of the following pics are select examples of the overall mural art scene of the Olympia area.
The Olympia Rafah Solidarity Mural. from About this from olympiarafahmural.org. “Four thousand sq. ft., interdisciplinary mural with over 200 participants from all over the world. Project celebrates and mourns Rachel Corrie through action. Rachel was born in Olympia and killed in Gaza when run over by an Israeli driven bulldozer in 2003. ORSMP mourns and celebrates the lives of all who struggle for justice.”
Up close on a select section of the Rafah Mural..
A mural inside the alley of next to the building of the Old School Pizzeria. A wonderful and very colorful tribute to the imagination..
The best thing for us comic nerds out there, this old school tribute to the classic Marvel Comics. Located to the side of the Old School Pizzeria. I love this.
The inside of the Old School Pizzeria is pretty awesome too. Lots of vintage nostalgia all around, and the pizza was pretty awesome too.
Capitol Lake, with what I think is the Washington State House of Representatives capitol building.
The lake itself is very serene, and calming for anyone who enjoys a nice walk in the park.
That’s all for now on this amazing area of the Pacific Northwest. I will be back, with a look at other interesting signs and aspects of this interesting area.
– Orion T
Picture of Today 9/27/15, Super Lunar Eclipse!
This night..
The Moon arose after the sunset in red in full, and through an eclipse.
– Orion T
Picture of Tonight 9/25/15, Late Night Bright..
By the Paramount theater in downtown Seattle, later night.
It’s quiet for a Friday.
– Orion T
Weekend Fun in Vancouver, Canada..
Last weekend, I decided to take a trip north past the Washington U.S. border, and visit Vancouver, British Columbia (and Canada) for the first time. The reason being, to satisfy my long-time curiosity on what that big city is like. I have heard much from passing travelers through the PNW on that city beyond the border.
By much, I only heard it was. Much on the high rises, nightlife, booze, hockey cheering, food variety, expensive living and real estate. But having visited Vancouver, I have to say it was all so much more than such simple opinions.
Vancouver is a grand city, that went beyond my expectations. The central area is not enough to explore on a mere weekend. So, I took my time and savored select things and spent time with some friends for a lunch and dinner. For the remainder time, I kept to myself and walked around.
By the end, I can not close or sum up on how wonderful I think the Vancouver central area is. This must be done through repeat visits, and excessive time spent. But for now, I share my pictures and notes below of select moments in my first (of many) Vancouver visit to come.
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The first large notable structures I noticed while walking towards downtown.. The Science World Center. If I had the time, I would have went inside and checked this out, as I like big science center things. Also, the big stadium in the back looks fantastic under the bright blue sky. Science and sports, so far so good.
I noticed many fantastic creative works of art spread about around the long walking paths along the False Creek inlet. On my next visit, I will focus on some particular works and uncover some detailed info on them.
Enter the city, after a long walk around and across a bridge. Sorry for the lopsided picture. I was too over-excited and forgot to change the lens and settings.
My first destination was Granville street, and lunch with an old friend. It’s a great row for shopping and browsing through random shops, as I went through many.
An awesome favorite place I went, the Rock Shop. It’s a fantastic store for various old and new pop-culture related apparel and novelty items. I bought an awesome Hulk (classic Marvel look) cup from there.
Inside The Factory, on Granville. A small little bar where each food item on the menu is $4.95 (Canadian dollar). I noticed other places with a similar structure. I really liked that idea, and wish more places would try that. As for this place, I liked the service and the food (had a quesadilla plate with dipping sauces).
The front display of Golden Age Collectibles on Granville street, a highly recommended comic book and collectible store for those into that.
Later on, I relaxed at the Vancouver Central Library Branch, while giving my phone a much needed charge. Love the architecture here..
I was quite thrilled to find the Movieland Video Arcade on Granville street. It seemed refashioned after an adult X-rated spot. What seemed odd, was the place being still for 18 years or older. All I really noticed was this selection of game machines, many of which i enjoyed when I was a kid hanging out at old video arcades.
The Holy Rosary Cathedral. It’s an awesome building, where I think a wedding reception took place at the time of my passing by.
The Harbour Centre Building is the closest Vancouver has to Seattle’s Space Needle. It looks grand from afar. From up close, not so much. I think I am too used to seeing the Seattle one.
Here is a place for all book lovers to visit in central Vancouver, Macleod’s Books. This is an amazing used bookstore, where much buried treasure is likely under the overflow stacks throughout. I took out some interesting reference books and paperbacks. I have much to say and share on this store, which I will save for a future posting.
At the end of the day before dinner with another friend, at Crab Park..
Later in the night, I tried some poutine; a popular dish to Canadian folk containing fries, cheese curds, and gravy. It was good.
One last picture, before some boozing with a new friend I met earlier.
Overall, a great trip and not nearly as expensive as I thought (considering the exchange rate between the US and Canadian dollar). The weather started sunny, ended run on my departure the next day. Next time, I plan to explore the city and surrounding areas much more, as I live about four hours driving distance away.
– Orion T
Picture of Today 9/19/15, Motorbikings..
Earlier today by the Seattle Space Needle, a cluster of motorbikes stopped by.
I had no idea of their arrival, as I wanted to simply cross the street. Suddenly..countless Kawasakis, Susukis, and other colorful sportbikes covered the way and stopped at the red light. Quick cheers were exchanged, tourists gawked, and I got a few pics. Engines revved up, giving off much smoke and loud noise. After a few minutes, the light for them turned green.
Then, all were gone.
– Orion T
Picture of Today 9/17/15, Tearing Down Yesterday..
Broken down, leaving memories behind.
These ruins are what’s left of the old Greyhound Central Bus Terminal in Downtown Seattle. The terminal first opened in 1928, and underwent many renovations and changes since. Here are some pictures. Click here, for some history and pictures of the former station.
In its place will be a new fancy hotel, towering as Seattle’s highest for those rich folk seeking a temporary stay in the Downtown. Meanwhile, the Greyhound bus service has a new location for Seattle, in the south SoDo region close to the Century location. New memories will build from both, bringing more layers to the ever-changing history of this great city.
– Orion T
Pictures of Today 9/13/15, The End Of Day
The night will not wait.
I am on the road heading home,
after a fantastic adventure through the streets of Vancouver, Canada.
Pictures and notes, soon..
– Orion T
Picture of Today 9/12/15, Through the Early Morning..
Further north as the morning rises..
I am on a bus heading north,
Somewhere between Seattle and Bellingham..
– Orion T
Picture of Today 9/7/15, Halo above the Emerald City..
Coming home after a long pointless walk, I noticed a large circular phenomenon in the sky..
I think it’s an ice halo. I hear these occasionally happen around here in the Pacific Northwest, then dissipate quickly. I wasted no time, and took this shot with my tablet thing. I tried to get to the waterfront for a better, more open shot. But soon, it was gone (about 15 min later).
Here’s a bit more from Wikipedia on ice halos, because Im not going to pretend I really know this stuff..
“Among the most well known halos is the 22° halo, often just called “halo”, which appears as a large ring around the Sun or Moon with a radius of about 22° (roughly the width of an outstretched hand at arm’s length). The ice crystals that cause the 22° halo are oriented semi-randomly in the atmosphere, in contrast to the horizontal orientation required for some other halos such as sun dogs and light pillars. As a result of the optical properties of the ice crystals involved, no light is reflected towards the inside of the ring, leaving the sky noticeably darker than the sky around it, and giving it the impression of a “hole in the sky”.[2] The 22° halo is not to be confused with the corona, which is a different optical phenomenon caused by water droplets rather than ice crystals, and which has the appearance of a multicolored disk rather than a ring.”
– Orion T
Recent Memories of the PAX 2015
Last weekend, I played around at the PAX Prime convention..
There, a gathering of gamer geeks mingled with developers, creators and producers of digital interactive and physical tabletop games. The PAX (Penny Arcade Expo) Prime show remains the main one of its kind since 2004, as the event now branched more shows throughout the US and Australia. Still, the PAX Prime show remains popular here in downtown Seattle.
I took many pictures and notes of the three (out of four) days spent there. I have them featured on another site (strangerworlds.com) of which I contribute occasional entries on indie geek-culture. Here are some pictures below, with different notes. If you are further interested and would like more of my PAX coverage, click here for Part 1, and here for Part 2.
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Typical activity on the showroom floor. Just imagine loud booming sounds and the occasional gameplay mic commentary.
Typical board game fun spread around the show. There is much to appreciate over a fully-developed game after a lengthy long to set-up.
The largest and strangest of displays…promoting Magic:the Gathering, a game more addictive than crack (not that I tried and compared crack..I’m just assuming based on my long past MTG obsession).
Über had a cool gimmick, where you may catch a ride in post-apocalyptic vehicles promoting the upcoming Mad Max game.
Perhaps the most infamous of promotions at this PAX, for the hilariously adult card game, Cards Against Humanity. Stand in line for a lengthy time for exclusive cards placed inside terrible tasting Popsicles. And for a set, you must get all three.
The walkway through an empty hall to get to that truck and kind-of hidden parts of the show. Worthwhile for the Exploding Kittens game signed by the creators, sold within.
Classy gals got game!
A giant Pikachu balloon reminds us that Pokemon will never die
One of many colorful booths pimping out the expensive tech for rich nerds out there.
One of many big screens for those who enjoy watching games in big screens..
Got medical insurance?
Vault Boy from the Fallout game franchise gave this show a thumbs up!
So close, yet far away in distant lands..
After an hour wait, me finally trying out the Oculus VR system for my first time. That was a very interesting experience, for my love of science fiction and where this may take us humans decades from now..and that’s not just in playing fancy video games..
That’s all for here. I will likely be back for next year, and looking forward until then.
– Orion
Carkeek Park Adventures, Part 2
Now turning the wayback machine to the last weekend, and continuation from my Part 1 adventures posted days ago..
So here I was at the beach of Carkeek Park, after an hourly hike (prolonged because I kept stopping to look for birds to photograph). I was hoping for a beach less crowded than the Golden Gardens of nearby Ballard, where I can catch up on some reading in a peaceful non-interrupted setting. This beach had less people, but also less land.
Then, those hazy skies intensified from the distant brush fires. But, the air had a weird, good feel to it. I would imagine for a moment, this was like some alien planet from Star Trek or something. Not sure what the feeling was, but I enjoyed the somewhat surreal atmosphere.
Also, my camera had plenty of battery life left. So, I snapped some pics at times. Here are the best of them..
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Before the beach, i came across this artsy piano crosswalk. There seemed to be no specific purpose to this, being that playful hopping on this would put one in danger from the sharp turn around the corner from coming vehicles.. But, I like it..
Also before the beach, a massive railroad. A freight train would come through every now and then. Just wait..
The bridge over the railroad. I was hoping to capture a shot of this with less people on it.
The southern part of the beach, with many rocks during the low tide. The birds gather, left alone by the humans…
A passing boat under the hazy sky. The sun coming through gave the water an eerie effect at times..
I hit up a thrift store on my way here, and brought an early last century music dictionary there. Interesting read, as I love to learn obscure stuff..
I also got this book of science fiction short stories from an author I never heard of. I love the cover. Some of the stories inside were quite good..
Someone doing a bit of fishing out there, I think.
And hey there, here comes the train!
That’s all for now. I enjoyed this small little adventure in two parts. I hope you did too.
– Orion T
Pictures of Today 8/23/15, Setting Sun over the Hazy Sky..
A beautiful sunset today.
But not from the best of reasons. Throughout he Pacific Northwest, brushfire are scattered about, destroying homes and pushing firefighters to their limits. I have heard three firefighters have lost their lives. Many are volunteering to control the spread.
But where this is no fire, there is still notice. The skies have been smoky and hazy over Seattle throughout this weekend. The result is a surreal filter to the city, leading to some eerie skies and added density to the warm climate. We can hide, or watch…then hope and pray for the end of the afar fires, and for the safety of those involved.
– Orion T
Carkeek Park Adventures, Part 1
A weekend adventure outside the concrete jungle life..
This time at Carkeek Park, a small 220 acre woodland to the north of the Ballard district of Seattle. The area has much greatness hidden through its joggable trails; wetlands, orchards, grass picnic areas, and a beach with so much more. But for me it had a lot of peace and quiet, which I needed for much of this weekend.
I also took pictures (below)
I stayed on mostly two trails, The Piper Trail to my destination, and the South Ridge on my return trip. Most of these trails are easy and friendly for the casual hiker or jogger. The signs aren’t always at all the fork splits, so it might be good to have a printed map. This is not so much for getting lost, but to make sure you reach the right destination point, or to leave where you walked in (I took the bus here).
Soon on the Piper Trail, the Piper Orchard. A series of fruit and nut trees planted over 100 years ago by the Piper Family. There are bags tied around the fruits, with signs kindly asking people not to take.
Lots of moss here in the late summer. I love seeing moss on trees.
A creek where salmon are known to travel, in the past at least. The running water keeps me calm.
My favorite thing about woodland hikes, the odd tree formations and collapses. One could just let their imaginations run wild with this.
I also love to see some crazy root action when on the upper trails. This was on the South Ridge trail after an upward crawl.
Half a tree..
I wanted to capture some pics of birds here. I can hear them all about up high. But here I think, the birds are shy and keep their distance from the constant humans passing through. I can hear many, see nothing. But, I enjoyed what I had anyway..
A variety of life, and some death.
Still no birds, and not much in sects either. But I had plenty for the imagination..
Not a medium park trail unless someone leaves a visible message somewhere..
The end, or beginning of things. This was my destination and rest area, the beach area of Carkeek Park. I am immediately reminded from the sky of the wildfires throughout the Pacific Northwest, causing this hazy sky. More on that, as I will post pics and notes of that in Part 2, coming soon.
– Orion T
At the Seattle Street Food Festival..
For me, this last weekend had some interesting choices for great outside food.
Feeling a bit more local and needing clear air, I checked out the Seattle Street Food Festival in South Lake Union. This covered a few blocks and adjacent lots by Denny Park. Featured were the food truckers and other street venders. Some music can be heard in the distance, of which I paid little attention. I was very hungry, with a little extra cash.
Also, I had my camera handy. I took some shots of my food venturing experience, leading to some featured highlights below…
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A vegan taco and Mexican style food truck. I got a Portland vibe from this..
The Deep Fried PB and J stand.. I tried them at another food event. Quite good, but very thick with guilt afterwards on the body.
Love a food truck with a mascot. I wasn’t quite in the mood for chicken, but almost…
Love some of the names of these trucks and stands too. Also, Freedom Fries here because ‘Murica..
Aria’s Shaved Ice flavors. Get your Tiger’s Blood here..
Not sure on where the coconut drink out of the coconut bowl came from. But damn, I got to have one next time I see this..
Nothing like a jumbo anything with lemonade anything at any fair/festival, right?
Love the artwork on this truck..
What I had to drink…a Spiced Pineapple soda from the Soda Jerk. Well worth the $4.00!
And from the Nosh truck..their Fish and Chips dish for $7.00. I got beer-battered wild Alaskan cod, hand-cut British “chips,” mushed peas and house-made tarter sauce. All fantastic for the price. Also, on the side for a few dollars more, a raspberry mint Arnold Palmer. It was all right.
That’s all for now…until the next festival!
– Orion T
Picture of Today 8/14/15, Leave your worries behind..
Because it’s Friday for many.
It’s still raining,
but at least you can dance in it now.
As for those working on the weekend,
your Friday should happen soon.
Look forward..
– Orion T
Picture of Today 8/6/2015, Museum Friends
African masks on display, at the third floor of the Seattle Art Museum.
These two are among many related native African art pieces. These in particular, have my front attention as their placement is near the escalator, somewhat facing those entering the third floor. They seem lively, with their modernized dress and mimicked posture. The mask on the male is a Knife Yam (Mma Jii), and often used in theatrical performances in the region of Afikpo of Nigeria. I believe the one on the female is used for the same. I will try and remember to take notes and add to this upon my next visit.
This highlight was during my third visit on a Thursday afternoon, the first week of a month. During this time, this and many other museums have free admission times in Seattle (possible other cities as well). Great for a casual visit, as I am usually on my way home at the end of the day. A visit to the museum adds cheer to a usually work-stressed Thursday.
– Orion T
Picture of Today 7/30/15, the Summer Blue Moon
The Almost Full Blue Moon (edit – just learned it’s not quite yet, but at 3:42 in the morning), now here in Seattle while the sun sets.
The evening is cooling from the hot summer day, with the temperature at 81 Fahrenheit now.
Here is a closer look..
The rise was east of Seattle’s Downtown, as seen from Kerry Park.
The sunset was at about the same time. The city noticed…
– Orion T
Recent memories and fun at the 2015 Torchlight Parade, Seattle…
Not sure what there is about a parade, drawing me close…
Yet, the knowledge of one coming,motivates me to forget the world and join as a spectator. I’m usually alone, as I can’t imagine anyone I know as excited as me. I like to watch, applaud, and occasionally cheer at the odd display of colorful people and their strange contraptions and organized entertainment. If there is some theme, than I have a bonus to my enjoyment.
So last Saturday, there was this 2015 Torchlight Parade in Seattle, mainly sponsored by Alaska Airlines. Without looking this up, I think the theme was lights and diversity as there was much of that through the late evening, early nightfall. We got a huge range of ethnic and cultural diversity crossed with local businesses and small town promotions. It was all local fun, with little on anything specific to recent happenings (unlike other parades). Also, lots of beauty queens on flowery floats and big bands in between. Overall, some good old-fashioned fun to a parade that just is..
Here are some parade pics that may amuse you, and hopefully remind you of the joys of a good ol parade..
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O look, it’s the Alaska Airlines mascot!
Pickle Pride!
Big orca love, full of inflated happiness!
One of my favorite floats, as I also love peaches.. I would love to attend a Peach Fesitval someday..
One of many who chose to ride in classic style through the parade, on horseback.
One of the more perplexing displays of the parade. That can’t be real, yet the sign says..leading some in the crowd to run and touch the potato thing…
One of many marchers representing the U.S. Military and armed forces, with spendid musical performances!
And some extra patriotism…
One of many floats with gorgeous ladies wearing sashes and tiaras.
It’s Blitz the Seahawks mascot…getting us psyched for another coming season of NFL football.
Dancing and music, south of the border style!
Fantastic lights brings a magical feeling here..
A more colorful chariot for this parade
One of the more stranger floats, with a message about garbage and our drainage systems..
Some headspinning visual feats..
And pirates, aRRRRR!
And this big obnoxious truck!
That is all I share from thIs parade. I sadly missed out on some clowns, as I had to exit for some time to make some calls. The pics were a small portion of the whole show, as I am limited on upload capacity and time for this article. But overall, I hope you enjoy the visual sampling of parade moments , as I enjoy sharing them.
– Orion T
Last weekend, a stroll and chillax through Long Beach, California..
Ah..Long Beach, California.
This is a city ups and downs, at the southwest corner of Los Angeles County. Also, the birthplace of pop-culture icons, Nicolas Cage and Snoop Doggy Dogg. I lived for nearly two years about 7 trips around the sun ago, and came back last weekend to visit old friends for some days.
Unfortunately, I was sick and recovering from the crazy San Diego Comic Con adventure I had (of which I will bring up again in more detail, soon). I eventually recuperated, and had a some days left to get some outside air, and walk around in the Long Beach city area. Unfortunately, I did not have my good camera on me, so I took some pictures using my tablet. Here below, are some raw unedits of some sites admired…
First off, not quite Long Beach. This is further south in Seal Beach, in Orange County. In the far distance, you can make out the outline of Long Beach’s Downtown area. Sadly, the rain and heavy humidity was difficult on me. But at least, others there had fun…
The I met with the sun some days later. I walked around, noticed some new art on some buildings. This work is an alley, in the East Village area..by “Drew”
This is on the same building, on a different side. By DABSMYLA
This is in the same block, next to Cafe Berlin. I didn’t get the name of the artist..
Having enough of urban art and errands, I went to Shoreline Village at the waterfront. Here, is a colorful place with many crowded restaurants..
Ah, the ol Hot Licks, a store for the hotter sauce connoisseurs. I love that sign mascot.
The Rocky Mountain Factory Chocolate Factory shop. That bear makes me smile…
I enjoyed some good BBQ dinner and yams at Louisiana Charlies restaurant still inside Shoreline Village, and headed around to the other side of the waterfront. I looked to the boat, with a yearning to jump on and go on some wacky old timey adventure .
I took some time out, to look down and admire this curvatures of the brake layout on the long pathway walked (part of an area called the Pike)..
Also, this fishy bike rack!
And around to this lighthouse, a favorite place to rest when I lived here. I once again sat on the grass hill around it until the sunset, reading a stack of free comic books I took in San Diego..
The Queen Mary ocean liner (now stationary as a tourist attraction and hotel), in the distance. If I had more time, I would have went..
And the Rainbow Harbor Bridge, that leads to the Queen Mary and some industrialized areas. Also, very cool if you stay late, to gaze upon the awesome water reflection of the colorful bridge.
That was pretty much all I could do for this visit. Here is the one last sunset I look had, before leaving (and battery exhausted on my tablet).
– Orion T
TRAVELING ORION 