Ten Days Later...

The view from the street remains the same, a residence with several vehicles parked in front. Only the gated side yard displayed signs of activity. The big blue dumpster has been filled and emptied at least three times; filled to the brim with wood, sheetrock, fixtures, flooring, carpeting, insulation, etc. 

 Only the interior shows signs of major activity - really major, drastic in fact. 

It was startling to see the gutted interior, the bare bones of a structure that was home to two sets of terrific neighbors over the past 20+ years. 

What's left are a ton of memories, and the anticipation of change ahead. I was right, there is a lot of interesting activity in the neighborhood.. 

A Morning Wake-up

Garbage and yard waste is usually collected on Fridays, so we weren't surprised at the early morning noise of a large truck backing up and loading. But today it was somehow different, the clanging and thunking went on, and on and on.  A quick glance out the window in a back bedroom told the whole story - the remodel next door had begun. There will be a lot of interesting activity in the neighborhood during the next six months.

A New Year's Walk in the Park

2011 began with a series of cold, clear days. This weather felt like a gift; no one in Seattle takes January sunshine for granted. I appreciated the timing too, having recently added walking to my PT exercises for a new knee. We usually walk in the neighborhood or at a local park. The recent sunshine prompted a drive to Coulon Park at the south end of Lake Washington, a favorite, scenic location. (see previous post)


We had a lot of company on Sunday. The park was full of people out jogging, strolling, biking, heading for the shoreside restaurants, taking photos, sailing model boats or just enjoying the sunshine. Our intended 30-minute walk turned into a full hour of walking plus 30 more minutes for photography. Brrrrr, it was chilly but a terrific way to begin the year. Check out a few of the sights...


How's this for a blue-sky view?

At first I focused on the sailboat fleet, winterized and idle until late Spring...

...and then gazed through the rigging and marveled at the peaks to the north.

This small, radio-controlled sailboat looked like he would crash into the dock...

...but the man with the controller box maneuvered it away just in time, again and again. That sailboat really flew over the water!

The shoreline always hold something of interest...

...like this fallen tree. Would the wind knock down just one tree?

No, not the wind, this looks like the work of a beaver. He was ambitious to tackle a tree of this size/length.

The park has a no-feeding policy for the ever-present birds, ducks and geese. They all look healthy and well-fed from natural sources. I'll bet the occasional  slice of bread or restaurant French Fry finds it's way into the water too.

The End. Corny, I know, I know, but I just couldn't resist.