Not a fright night

Short route for candy grabbing on this chilly northwest evening. And now we head back to the hill for local goodies.

Con paz,
frank

Adios tofu stir fry

We rushed to the Globe this morning, hoping to get my tofu scramble fix before the blessing of the Atrium. Much to my shock, the Globe doesn't offer the tofu scramble anymore, the time has come for a change of pace for the owner.

First, I need to recognize what an absolutely thankless job running a restaurant is. This guy likely put up with more shit than the average entrepreneur - and yet customers were begging for his food and atmosphere - during his run on Capital Hill. We should all be grateful for the service these little angels offer us, those of us addicted to the sweet smell of a well formed cafe [read kitchen flowing with great food].

Next, may we be blessed with more - not less - gratitude for these artisans. I've heard too much lately about how arrogant and pompous we've become, as customers, as a society. Seattle needs to be a great city because it takes care of those who take care of all of us.

Con paz,
frank

Go help the kids

I try very hard not to get political on my blog.  So many of the subjects we face each day are [believe it or not] non-partisan.  The core realities of life existed long before there were Democrats or Republicans - or the United States of America.  But the recent veto of a bill which seems to be purely about helping kids have a healthy chance to reach a healthy adulthood just seems like bad politics.  I have to believe this to avoid believing something else, like the person who controlled the veto doesn't like kids.  Yuk.

So let your local politician know how you feel about a bill which helps kids get health insurance, and a good chance at a productive life in America.

 

con paz,

frank

Free the troll

Yet another Soapbox Derby moment. No blood, good.

frank

the what-if bear

What if you received a letter from a friend,
and he said a few simple things in the morning?

Then you read farther and found an invitation to go up in the sky and look down on earth,
while drifting to a warm place without a name.

What if your only concern was what to wear,
because even though you're lovely, you must be discreet.
So filled a case full of favorite colors and...

con paz,
frank

Book choices

Bedtime reading wasn't something I grew up with. We didn't have a home library or even a library card. But we did have storytelling so rich pages formed from the words lingering in the air of our house, or front porch.

Years later we're debating what book to read tonite. Its between "The Rat" by Gunter Grass or "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman. My preference is "The Rat" to erase the memory of reading [aborted] "The Tin Drum"; a bleak tale of forbidden love evolving into national guilt.

Please send me your titles.

Con paz,
frank

Palace of books

You've probably heard me praise our library system before. It continues to give joy to all who use it to open their hearts and minds to knowledge. I started at the Central Library this morning, arrived via the 106 Metro route, worked on specs and now my gals are here. They met me in the red room [favorite space in this building]; now we're in the kids room.

Burgers and iced coffees later.

Con paz,
frank

Fish fairies

Love these, and their creator.

Con paz,
frank

D + f

Celebrated seven today. It has been - thus far - a splendid day, filled with kisses, gadgets, bikes, swimming and fairies.

Con paz,
frank

Washington Park playground

Its cooling off from 80 degrees - still a superb day - which helps all the children from overheating.

Con paz,
frank

Adios haystack

We had a fabulous day in Cannon Beach. The predicted 69 degrees felt more like 75, and with almost no wind it was a perfect day at the beach, gazing across the Pacific. Con paz,

frank

Slumming on Hawthorne

One of my favorite neighborhoods in Portland. Its a sunny day on a holiday weekend Saturday; beach next. Con paz,

frank

Add lemonade

Continuing our lunch theme, we added lemonade to the menu. Perfect for a hot day, outdoor cafe, post-20/20 Cycle visit. Con paz.

frank

lunch

Taquitos on a hot day. This is how we ship software.
Con paz,
frank

Butterflies are not free

In fact they're trapped in an exhibit at the Pacific Science Center. The saddest part was a beautiful black butterfly with a broken wing.

Peace be with her.

frank

Cruising Home

Remember riding a bike, when you were a kid? As adults, we have a few logistics to work out [pun intended] before we can just jump on and go. So I bought a 1971 Triumph cruiser from 20/20 Cycle; upgraded handlebars and seat to be on my way. What a thrill!

And what a thigh burn [ouch]. There's more muscles in motion than chasing a five year old girl riding these things. Since I only have three speeds to rely on, anything more inclined than a speed bump takes some work. But the bike functioned well, my body spunked along spitting blood [and Catholic Mexican curses] as I wound around the Central District, Leschi, Seward Park.

Viva two wheels!

frank

Cold August

Thank God [literally] for the warmth from my gals. Its been a damn cold late summer in Seattle, have to be creative to make it all fun.

But the real story is how much this has been a kids summer. Almost every weekend has been packed with kids activities - and we have one child! - leaving the following Monday to recover. Suppose we knew this kind of life was coming, and here it is. If you think I'm complaining, re-read the fine print cuz I am having a blast.

Meet us at the pool if you want to join the fun.

Con paz,
frank

North of Boeing Field

Is a community that almost defies discovery. But it's a great place to escape the serenity of our city parks. No grass or water here; instead the hard edge of industry to relax the mind.

Con paz,
frank

Plums from Wapato

More bounty from the Columbia City market.

Con paz,
frank

CC market and hot

Seems like an abundance of good produce today.

Con paz,
frank