Category: Seattle and Beyond

The Temperate Life

Carl Setzer

We in Seattle have a unique concept of weather. Living in a temperate climate impacts the use of adjectives. Things like “heat wave” and (today’s Daily Prompt) “frigid“. 

I’ve heard “frigid” used to describe temperatures in the 30s (Fahrenheit). Now, if you’re from Buffalo, Chicago, Moscow or Beijing, you might find that a bit puzzling. Understandably so. Yet, with some insight, it makes sense. 

Western Washington’s average temperature ranges from 37-77 F over the year, with a mean of 54 F. Extended exposure to this makes for a unique view of weather extremes, especially what defines those extremes. 

A quirk of  Seattleites: this narrow range of comfort. Seattle folks complain of brutal cold in the mid-30s, and of extreme heat in the upper 70s. Folks from Buffalo are still wearing shorts in the 30s, and Floridians are wearing light sweaters in the 70s. 

I’ve come to believe that this framework helps us cope with the length and breadth of grey days. So many transplants I’ve known struggled with the extended grey. It carries its own brutality. For me, though, it’s beautiful. 

 

The 2018 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Is In Full Bloom

Carl Setzer

The festival started back in March, but there are events going all through April. This is an iconic event in the greater Seattle area. As such, traffic can be a bit of a monster. Just plan to be stuck in traffic, and your life will be better. If you want to avoid crowds go mid-week. It helps a lot. However, for the next few weeks, many school districts will be on spring break, so it won’t be perfect. But far fewer cars.

I’ve biked the fields before, which is great especially when the weather’s nice (don’t bank on that during spring in Seattle). A great bit of advice is to park at a park-and-ride and bike from there. I’ve parked at Washington Elementary School, but I don’t know if that’s sanctioned, so I risked tickets or towing.

Getting hungry? In Mount Vernon one of my favorite places to eat is the Calico Cupboard. It’s a favorite for most everyone who knows anything about the region. So, budget plenty of time. At last check, they didn’t take reservations. It’s first come, first serve. It’s worth the wait, but, especially if you have younger kids, you’ll want to strategize that. Or you could head to the one in La Conner, which isn’t that far.

If you’re thinking of a treat, and you’re not too frozen from the tulip fields, check out the Big Scoop Ice Cream shop. A regional classic place and just a lot of fun.

If you want something warm and caffeinated, Mount Vernon does have it’s share of Starbucks, but you should check out Woods Coffee, though it’s pretty small. There’s also Ristretto Coffee Lounge which has been on my list of places to try.

The Washington State Department of Transportation has pulled together some great tips. Definitely take a few minutes and review these. It’ll eliminate a ton of aggravation. And don’t forget to check out the interactive map before you go. It’s quite well done.

May your tulip excursion be delightful!

 

Easter Saturday In Edmonds

Carl Setzer

We managed to squeeze a walk in my favorite seaside town yesterday: Edmonds. Though our day was full with prep for Easter, an evening get-togethere with dear friends, and getting the weekend’s errands done as we sacrifice Sunday’s productivity for fun and family. Sure, we squeezed some productivity into the walk, stopping for a few necessities along the way.

I love walking, both as a means of exercise and as transportation. I’ll be writing more about this.

After church, playing some brass church music, I’ll be heading to Bellingham to spend time with family.

What ate you doing this Easter Sunday?

The Edmonds Top Pot Opens! Well, Sorta

Carl Setzer

Ah, the Edmonds Top Pot donuts finally opened! It’ll be a lovely addition to the changing dynamic along the ferry lane.

I expect the good folks at Waterfront coffee, nor the proprietors of the little coffee shop and hot dog stand adjacent to the ferry holding lane will be fine.

Anyway, the shop isn’t quite finished. The upstairs seating area isn’t accessible, nor are all the pieces of the kitchen done (donuts were being unloaded from a van, so I don’t think the kitchen is operational yet). The soft serve ice cream machine isn’t finished yet, and the stairway doesn’t have handrails. But what’s there is nice. Well lit, with the books in the loft a northwest genteel touch. I’m looking forward to having the place done.

The sign on the door said it was open today and tomorrow until 2:00. Not sure about the week. But we have a little action after the years of waiting!

Welcome to the neighborhood Top Pot!

The train’s horn carries

Carl Setzer

The train’s horn carries

Upon the suburban calm

Miles from the shore

I often hear the train’s whistle miles away from the Edmonds shore. A few miles, up the hill, from Puget Sound. It actually delights me. Well, at times the intense quiet unnerves me. At my core, I’m an urbanite. 

Moleskine vs Leuchtturm: Thoughts From A Long Time Moleskine User

Carl Setzer

The quintessential pen and ink journalers conundrum: Moleskine vs Leuchtturm. I’ve been a devoted Moleskine user for many years, but am intrigued by the Leuchtturm. Things like pre-numbered pages and the built-in table of contents really interest me.

I intend to explore the 1917 in the near future, as my current notebook is about out of space.

Which one do you use? Have you used both? If so, why did you choose one over the other? Or do you use both?

I’m really interested in your thoughts.

 

 

Oh No! I missed Emerald City Comicon!!

Carl Setzer

Fret not my geeky friends, for Seattle, and the Pacific Northwest are laden with comicon delights.

In Seattle alone, you have:

And there are events in Portland, Everett, Bellevue, Spokane, Ellensburg, Boise…

There are plenty of opportunities, check them out! Here’s my list.

Things are changing all the time. If you come across something that’s not here, let me know and I’ll add.

An afternoon walk

Carl Setzer

Briefly I went out
Enjoying this moment’s sun
As it fades to dust

Earlier this week, the dreary effects of winter faded for an afternoon. I went down the few blocks to the trailhead and walked. Got some good exercise and vitamin D.

A few thoughts on cycling this Saturday morning 

Carl Setzer

Was just reading through a bunch of articles about cycling, all centered in the Pacific NorthWest. Urban cycling, bicycle touring, city planning, healthy living and how cycling fits into a sustainable culture; filling my brain with ideas. A big thing: I need to get out and ride more. Of course, it’s been been quite chilly here around Puget Sound. And such things challenge my desire to ride. 

I’ve become much more of a fair weathered cyclist. At one point, the notion of being such horrified me. I was committed to riding, bike commuting, cycling as urban transport. A few accidents with cars (with broken bones and other fun) and myriad close calls, my tolerance for urban riding waned. Plus, moving back home to Seattle’s suburbs threw me deep into car culture. Riding became a weekend hobby. I hate this. 

The desire to return to deep immersion into bike culture hits me regularly. It rebounds off of the suburban car culture, but bounces back. The overcommitted life, which is only manageable with a car, my 20 mile commute, the geographic spread of suburban life all factor in. 

I’m also weary of the challenge of getting exercise. I need to block time to get to the gym, versus just walking/riding all the time. There’s a community around cycling that’s pretty amazing. So many benefits to the cycle-centric life, and I miss them.