Contrasts....

On Christmas Day, friends Toni and Amanda, Kim and I prepared food to take to some homeless encampments in the Seattle area. We took baked chicken, a spiral ham, mashed potatoes, cookies, oranges, water, and socks.

We estimate that we gave out about 25 meals. We looked for people who tend to be overlooked and more out of the way. If you can imagine a hierarchy of homelessness, we chose the ones on the bottom of the rung--hidden away, protected by freeway overpasses and thick layers of blackberry bushes. This shot below is one of the most "out there" settings that we went to. All the folks were very appreciative and surprised. Of the socks, one gentleman said, "socks are more important than blankets..."

The next night, Saturday December 26th, Kim and I hosted a dinner party at our house.

We had 10 wonderful guests--we were surrounded by laughter, friendship & caring.

Before I could become homeless, I would have to go through many layers of family & friendships.

Believe me when I say, I am so very grateful.

Kim was a hit with her dessert--a pumpkin cheese cake.

Peter took a break from the festivities to let the massage roller bring him comfort.

One last bit of gratitude: Kim just was hired for a very challenging job with the Washington Department of Social and Health Services. She starts Monday, January 4th.
She was chosen from a large pool of applicants and I am very, very, proud of her.

Kim won't say she's proud of this...she says that she is proud of all of our dinner guests who, with all the red wine and beets that were served, didn't get any on the table cloths....
We all have our own points of view.

Best to all of you; Happy New Year--may it bring you health and happiness.

Nursing Care....

Today I did an outreach with one of my co-workers who was headed to provide nursing care to one of his clients. She lives under one of the Seattle bridges and has been dubbed "The Bird Lady" because she tends to take in pigeons and often can be seen with one perched upon her head; she is also always barefooted.

The day was cold and the wind whipping under the bridge made it fiercely cold and I felt as though I was in an alternate universe. We brought her and two of her birds to our van where my colleague (who is a nurse) worked on her leg and one of the bird's legs--it was broken, the bird's, not hers. But, she herself was bruised from a fall and quite uncomfortable. Another of the birds started flapping its wings all over the place so and I put my arm out to give it a place to perch while its family got nursing care.

It was very hard for me to leave that scene; surreal but very real.....

I never know what my day will bring.

PS Her bird's name is Davey Rebel Rainbow or Davey Rainbow Rebel...I'm not sure.

Christmas Ships....

For sixty years, Seattle has had the tradition of holiday "Christmas Ships". They are sponsored by our Seattle Times and is a yearly fund raiser for local social service needs and causes. The ships travel to different areas of Lake Washington. Last night they were in our Madison Park neighborhood and Kim and I met friends Deb and Peter, to watch and listen.

The ships have a chorus on board and they sing out and from their hearts.....

In addition to paying to ride the ship, they offer a number of free tickets to social service agencies and organizations so that everyone has the opportunity to get on board.

They had a bon fire--which, truth be told was a bit tiny and consequently, lame....
But, it was a cherry effort! (editorial: Sister Wendy)

We walked to the event, about 3 miles round trip, and along the way
enjoyed the decorated homes.

Some folks go all out....

This the home of Bill & Melinda Gates from across the lake...
They too have decided to splurge on lighting this year.

These colored lights were actually round balls and not holiday "bats 'a flying...."

Push the play button

Kim, Hermione, Sister Wendy, and yours truly, Rachel send you all fantastic wishes for a comforting holiday season and a healthy, Happy New Year.
We wish us all peace and goodwill; may kindness abound.

Thanks. Thanks. And many Thanks!!

Festival of Lights....

Last night was the last night of Hanukkah...and Kim and I spent it at friend Jill's beautiful home.
Everyone brought their own menorahs and it was just a beautiful and lovely sight.
Jill is in the lower right hand corner and is speaking with her daughter, Kate, as the candles were being lit.

Here's sending you joy and hopes of comfort.

Seattle is a city that loves its cars. Since I arrived over 30 years ago, there's been an ongoing argument about the funding of public transportation. After having traveled in places such as Barcelona, Vienna, Santiago, and yes, Italy too, our public transportation has sometimes felt very stuck in the past.

To be fair, our fair city is making the attempt and efforts are increasing (along with the cost). During my work week, I often take our underground and have been struck by its beauty. So, if you haven't had a chance to take public transportation in Seattle, spend a few moments with me now....

A very big tunnel was dug and then they put this in....
(Now was that so hard???)

Our sweet little Link that takes one to the airport (ummm, it takes a bit of time so plan ahead).

Signs of the past: In 1990 construction workers found this cast-iron wheel buried (and pains were taken to protect it) in a concrete underground vault. The wheel was a terminal sheave for Seattle's original cable cars which operated from 1880 until 1940.

If you double click, you can read more for yourself.

One thing I like about our underground is the artwork. Each station has it's own and I must say, it's interesting and unique. Here are just a few tidbits.

These two panels can be found at the Westlake stop.

This is at the Pioneer Square Station.

And Metro does put these up to remind us not to

It never hurts to have a little reminder....

Temptations & Commands....

This sign is outside the back door of my office...I always feel torn when I see it.

A Reach Retreat....

It's the season for holiday gatherings and celebrations. Our Reach Team took a day off today and went to a co-worker's home on Bainbridge Island. We began first thing this morning at the ferry terminal. The air was crisp and cool as the colors of a new day greeted us.

Commuters scurry to get to their jobs...

A beautiful full moon was also a morning greeting and treat...

We took four cars/vans. Here in the back seat are my new bosses--Kelley on the left and Chloe on the right. Clover, whom you've met before is in the driver's seat.

Back seat co-workers.

I wasn't sure what to expect but quickly found that it was a day of just gathering together, eating and just having fun. For this group who deal daily with often painful and impossible situations, having down time is a must. In this group are colleagues who specialize in providing services to homeless men and women, homeless people with HIV/AIDS, & homeless Vets....Most of our clients have chronic, severe addictions and many are mentally ill. All of my colleagues are quite remarkable people.

Here is a picture I found of previous Reach staff, circa 1840....

Upon arrival, the food quickly came out and it was a day of noshing...
There also was a separate dessert table.

Reach hors d'oeuvres.

Sitting around, talking, laughing, and eating.

Darlene, on the left was our host. She has such a warm, interesting house with great art and very comfortable furniture. Darlene works at the Sobering Center and is smart, wise, and a wonderful mentor. On the right is Karla who is a fierce client advocate, is funny and always happily shares her opinion.

Karla has some pretty interesting tattoos and kindly accommodated me and my picture taking. Tattoos in my group are quite popular; I do believe it's a generational thing. I do believe my parents would have killed me if I'd done something similar.

Later we did a white elephant gift exchange. I a l m o s t ended up with a little tool/knife kit but it was not to be (I really wanted it) ...

View of Darlene's front property...

A self portrait.

All too soon it was time to head back to Seattle.
I always love the dinosaurs that guard & grace our waterfront.

Almost home.

As I got off the bus a 1/2 block from home, I spied this...I'd never seen it before.

There's always something new to see, even close to home. This was a very good day.
Thanks.