Author: Carl Setzer

Travelling to Oregon for the #eclipse?

Carl Setzer

Thinking of heading to Oregon for good viewing of the upcoming eclipse? Well, you’re running behind. Hotels are booked, and traffic is expected to horrible down there. It’s important to note: this kind of traffic would be incredibly hard to predict. It’s far outside normal, so the area infrastructure isn’t set up to handle it. So, no reservations and firmed up plans? You have a serious challenge before you. I never say never, but you best be ready for compromise. 

With that, the Washington Department Of Transportation has activated their AM radio network. That’s the yellow signs you see in the freeway, with flashing yellow lights, directing you to turn your radio to 510, or 1610 AM, where you can listen to a mumbling voice (good ol AM distortion). This morning we were directed to expect heavy traffic in Oregon, and to avoid trying to observe the eclipse from your car or stopping on the side of the road. Oh, and turn your headlights on when it’s dark. 

I came across a couple articles about the eclipse and how it’s impacting the region: 

    The first looks at the expected traffic issues for Oregon (including the region’s fires right now). And the second is more good science nerdware. Which delights me but, really, isn’t too nerdy for the general population. 

    I’ll keep digging around to see what other info I can dig up. There’s got to be some other great science articles being created right now. I’ll keep my eyes peeled, as the adage goes. 

    Me and My Neti Pot!

    Carl Setzer

    Last week was pretty awful for my allergies, with all of the smoke coming down to greater Seattle from BC. So, with a dollop of rain on Sunday, and the changing winds, our smoke has cleared and my allergies have been far less cranky. Well, for a few days.

    Now, though, something has started blooming. I’ve noticed a nice fragrance, but then the burning itching starts in the ol’ nasal passages. That’s where my neti pot has become a dear friend.

    The clearing granted by the flushing of all things nose-y has, for years, made my life better. Allergy meds have had their place, don’t get me wrong. I greatly appreciate where we’ve come in that regard. Remembering the old days, of the drugs that filled you with grogginess, or the ones that amped you up (once I think I actually was having heart palpitations. Even though they aren’t perfect, they’ve been wonderful, really improving my life.

    That silly neti pot, though. It flushes out the worst irritants, doesn’t dope me up or amp me out. This little bit of ancient technology has been, well, life-changing. Seems silly, perhaps, but I’m quite grateful I discovered the thing.

    Though I love tech, and high-tech solutions, there’s value in the simple, and ancient. Flushing out my poor nose with water; who would’ve thought that we be the most dramatic learning in my adult years…at least in regards to living with allergies.

    A Lovely Afternoon Along The Edmonds Waterfront

    Carl Setzer

    Along the Edmonds guest dock

    My wife and I spent the afternoon in one of our favorite places, the waterfront in Edmonds. Ran into many friends, had a quick lunch, popped into the ranger station at Olympic Beach. Fyi, there’s a touch there that’s stocked with local wildlife. A great place to getvsine insights into our marine life. One of their volunteers, Ryan, hosts a podcast: Aquacast; go check him out!

    Also made it up to the library. Lots of good flowers along the way. Lots blooming right now.

    I adore this region so much. Makes my heart soar.

    Lynnwood Folks: Watch “Have you seen this suspect in Lynnwood church burglaries?” on YouTube

    Carl Setzer

    The Lynnwood Police are looking for a not-so-neighborly chap. If you know something…you know what to do!

    Found a Must-See Film: Kubo and the Two Strings

    Carl Setzer2 Comments

    A few days ago I stumbled upon this trailer: Kubo and the Two Strings. A stop-motion animated films of epic proportions. Yes, I know that’s a cliche, but I find it far too fitting to not use it.

    Anyway, I’m deeply disappointed in myself for not noticing this film before. The trailers, by themselves, are truly beautiful. It has a stellar cast (Matthew McConaughey, Charlize Theron, George Takei, amongst the most luminary), and 97% on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s clearly a film that needs to be seen. Just got to figure out where or how that will work out as I doubt it’s in the theaters any more (was released last year). But Kubo is on Netflix!

    So, enjoy the preview below. Let me know what you think. Especially if you’ve seen it (no spoilers, por favor).

     

    So, I’m Not A Fan Of The Bite Of Seattle, The Taste Of Edmonds, And Such

    Carl Setzer

    Ok, so I’m a killjoy: I’m not a fan of the Bite of Seattle nor the Taste Of Edmonds. So, I don’t truly hate them. They do create a nuisance to the neighbors, and add to the traffic misery that’s the Seattle region. But that’s really not the root of things.

    I remember back in the stone age (so it seems) when the Bite was held at Greenlake. Much smaller, though traffic was still a pain. A key thing I remember (mis-remember?) was smaller portions. The purpose was to go and sample the wares from many different restaurants. Perhaps it was just the bottomless appetite of a teenaged cyclist (who would ride to the lake…a couple of times all the way from Lynnwood). But that’s my recollection. And, you know, if my memory is wrong, so be it. I still think that’s what the event should be about. Not a chance to drop $5 to then go and buy lunch from a vendor. I guess I’m greedy…I want to try everything Edmonds has to offer!

    Now, let’s be clear, I’m sure I’ll be making my way down to the Taste of Edmonds this weekend. My friends with Steel Magic Northwest will be performing Saturday at 1:00 pm. Oh, and if you’re a fan of the Saturday Farmer’s Market, they’ll be on sabbatical this weekend.

    A Haiku About The BC Fires

    Carl Setzer

    I guess I’m lucky. My major impact from these fires has been increased sneezing. It might also play a part in the migraines I’m fighting these past few days. There are many folks for whom this is seriously debilitating. I’m glad that’s not me. 

    Any way, as I’m want to do, here’s a haiku for you. 

    No Lions, No Tigers, But Bears, Oh My!

    Carl Setzer
    Lynnwood Bear
    Lynnwood Bear

     

    Well, we’ve had, yet again, some bears make their way through my fair suburban city. Two bears, a momma and cub were spotted over by Lowe’s off of 196th. I heard about it from a friend who got to see them, before they scurried off (the police are still trying to locate them).

    So, you probably noticed the phrase “yet again”. This isn’t the first round with bears in my rather non-rural own. The next most recent episode was back in 2011, where we had a bear running through yards by our local elementary school. That one didn’t end so well for the bear, sadly.

    I also remember a bear being captured down in Edmonds back in 2006.  Also, there’s this one from 2009 and in Shoreline.

    Anyway, hope the bears can be captured and returned to a wilder place, safer for both us and them.

    Seattle vs The Heat 

    Carl Setzer2 Comments


    I’m not excited by the expected high temperatures over the next few days. Sure, for much of the world, these temperatures are not considered hot. In western Washington, though, this is near inferno. 

    This region is often described as “temperate”. Our relatively narrow band of temperatures makes those of us adapted to it very uncomfortable elsewhere. 

    My ideal band fluctuates between the upper 50s to mid 70s. Hence why it seems Seattleites are perpetually complaining about the weather. 

    Funny that we generally don’t bother with AC, considering this. It’s not hot enough to spend money, just enough to air grievances. And so we go. Fortunately, we tend to cool significantly overnight. 

    Stay comfortable my friends. 

    Through The Day Then Into The Night

    Carl Setzer

    A pretty standard day any more. Worked all day, mostly drafting a site plan, but some other work, too. The most amusing was driving to one of our new listings. The property has been framed, but is still under construction. As it’s listed, we wanted to hang a keybox on the property, so other agents can show. We’ll, got the keybox, inserted keys, drove it out to Snohomish from Marysville, and then noticed there are no doors on the property yet. Nothing to hang the keybox to. Sigh… Anyway, I also followed up with a few folks, sent a gob of emails. After dropping off some drawings, etc, at a client’s house, I zipped home.

    Now, in a couple of minutes, I’m heading off to a board meeting for the Snohomish County Youth Chorus. As my son sings in it, and the director is a long-time friend of mine, I’m quite committed to the org. It’s a fun group, the parents enjoy each other’s company, and the kids have fun. Oh, they sing and stuff!

    Anyway, off on to the next appointment!