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.