Category: Seattle and Beyond

A Saturday Walk

Carl Setzer

Today’s lovely rainy morning makes me glad I spent so much time outside yesterday. Walked quite a bit around Lynnwood. My FitBit motivates me to exercise. Dropping a few pounds really encouraged me to go further. For a suburb, Lynnwood is remarkably walkable. Not like downtown Edmonds, but still. Crossing 99 is a little nerve-wracking, as everyone there is in such a hurry that common sense and compassion fail. Anyways, walking in Lynnwood’s challenge: the bigger time-commitment.

I walked over to Scriber Lake park. As it’s been rainy, I expected to see Yoda pop out crying “slimy mud-hole? My home this is! ” Ok, some of the trail was a little squishy, but it was mainly fine. This time of year, make sure you have non-leaky shoes.

I wandered from there up to Edmonds Community College, then over to Lynndale. On the whole walk, I saw three land-use signs up. One at the ancient Taco Bell, (of late a taco shack) next to Ed’s Surplus. Sadly, didn’t like too closely to see what’s going in. Then one at the old Ballys. Looks like a church is building there. And then the college is getting ready to build a science, engineering and technology building. Lots of growth coming. That didn’t count all the road work projects.

There are things I notice while walking that I otherwise missed. Too much hurry and we miss detail, and it’s these details that build connection to ‘place’. Hence why I love walking and bicycling to explore, to understand. The weight loss helps, too.

Crafting a tolerant world

Carl Setzer

My morning feed brought me many articles about and stories about the transgender community. Often I’ve wondered how I can support these folks. To be blunt, I don’t understand what their lives are like. No idea. To state otherwise must come across as deeply insulting. Yet I seek to do something, anything to stem the tides of rage, of intolerance.

There are those desiring a miserable world of homogeneity. I can’t imagine a more wretched place. I seek a merry world filled with delighted compassion and glorious love. I doubt I can tilt the entire world this way, but I’m content with crafting an enclave of tolerance.

Ultimately, the core of such a place is simple: open ears and an open heart. Though I seek places within myself for connection, I must not believe those moments equate my path to theirs, my pain to theirs. We are each unique and glorious.

Seattle’s openness to diversity is one of my great delights. I love interacting with the breadth of humanity. And my son gets to grow up with the broader world deep within his awareness. That delights me deeply.

Meeting the New Meadowdale Middle

Carl Setzer

A few nights ago I attended Meadowdale Middle School’s Information Night. As an alum it’s a particularly unique sensation. The evening definitely clarified the transition upon us: the journey into the middle school years. Oddly, I haven’t felt much fear or angst about the boy’s transition, though others on this journey around me do. Talking with those other parents, I think the roots of that anxiety stem from our own journey into those years.

When I transitioned from Beverly to Meadowdale Junior High, I don’t remember much in the way of support or discussion. I remember the cheerleaders coming to my school, and talks about registering. I think we even walked the mile or so down to the school. Of course, that was quite some time ago and my memory probably isn’t to be fully trusted. I was rather unique, though. I lived a relatively small amount of time in this community. Attending Beverly for all of 6th grade, and had lived in this neighborhood for about 3 months prior (I spend 1/2 of my 5th year at College Place, and before that I was in the Philippines, and before that…well, that’s a post for another day). I didn’t know any kids from the other schools, and barely the kids at mine. When I went to Junior High, the general feeling was one of anxiety, though my vagabond childhood and left me with great adaptive skills.

So, last Thursday, I’m walking through the quite different halls of the same institution. Rebuilt just a few years ago (the first class of the new building is still in highschool, I believe), it’s a bright and delightful space. The design reminds me very much of the buildings on the Microsoft campus. And the staff I interacted with were wonderful. For me, though, the best part, BEST part was the community. My son’s world will intersect wonderfully at this school. Friends from so many different programs, places we’ve lived, communities we love all feed into this one place. One very deliberate thing I wanted my son to have, growing up, was a deep sense of place, of community. It delights me, then, that this is exactly what I saw.

He had a great time, and so did I. Any lingering anxieties about all of this have been put to rest. Dare I say it, but I’m actually looking forward to these next few years. The programs and staff come across as ready to coach my boy these next steps. I couldn’t be more pleased.

Why’s It Called Nike Hill, Anyway?

Carl Setzer

This morning I drove out to Bothell from Lynnwood. As I hate the freeways, especially in the morning, I back-roaded it out there. Passing a number of construction sites out there didn’t surprise me. This area is quite high in demand, as it’s really the furthermost north end the East-side. One thing in particular stood out: some houses  on Vine Road with fencing around them.

I first remember seeing these decades ago. These looked just like all the military housing I’d grew up around. At first that seemed strange, then I learned about Nike Hill. Named after the missile silo not-so-secretly placed on the summit of the hill, I believed the housing was originally for those soldiers. They were built in in 1950, right around the time the silo first came online. Also, the street (technically 216th Pl SW) is Nike Manor Rd. So, viola!

Now, the buildings are owned by the Navy, so my guess is that they were housing sailors stationed with the Everett Homeport. Today, fenced off and vacant, I wondered if they’d been sold to private developers, but they still show as owned by the LLC that the Navy set up to manage properties in the region. So, perhaps they’re going to upgrade these. As they’re pretty much unchanged from the 1950s, that should be rather welcome.

Anyway, I look forward to seeing what’s to come there.

 

Sidebar: Here’s an interesting article about the site, and how it became the FEMA regional headquarters it is now.

BOTHELL’S NIKE HILL HOME TO REGIONAL FEMA HEADQUARTERS

Stuff To Do: Harlem Globetrotters In Everett This Afternoon!

Carl Setzer

I grew up watching the Globetrotters, amazed at their prowess and delighting in their humor. Sadly, I just saw this or would’ve given you much more warning. If you’re spending the day with the kids for today’s holiday, here’s a great opportunity to get out of the house and have fun.

Harlem Globetrotters
2015 Washington Generals’ Revenge Tour
Monday, February 16 – 2:00 PM
1.866.332.8499
$25, $30, $37, $47, $65 and $130 (Additional fees apply when purchasing online or over the phone)

The iconic Harlem Globetrotters are coming to town with their unrivaled family show, featuring some of the greatest athletes on the planet.  With incredible ball handling wizardry, amazing rim-rattling dunks and trick shots, side-splitting comedy and unequaled on-court fan interaction, this must-see event is guaranteed to entertain the whole family – creating memories that will last a lifetime.

The Globetrotters will face a great challenge this year, as the infamous Washington Generals are more determined than ever to beat the Globetrotters.  The Generals, the last team to beat the Globetrotters, are now coached by a former member of that 1971 team.  They are on a mission and will do whatever it takes to win, with a new strategy that’s sure to give the Globetrotters a run for their money.

Before the game, take part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience with your family where you have the opportunity to spend time on the court with the Globetrotters – shooting, trying out ball tricks, and getting autographs and photos!  The unquie 30-minute pre-show,” Magic Pass” will create memories of a lifetime.  All customers must have a game ticket AND Magic Pass for entry.  Soft / rubber soled shoes must be worn on the court .

XFINITY Arena at Everett
Washington’s Premier Sports and Entertainment Venue
Edward D Hansen Conference Center
2000 Hewitt Avenue – Suite 200, Everett, Washington 98201
p 425.322.2600 – f 425.322.2601 – www.xfinityarenaeverett.com

Good Ole Lynndale

Carl Setzer

My son’s current school will be undergoing a tear-down/re-build next year. Though this won’t impact us directly, we care about our neighborhood school. Several of his friends will still be attending, plus, I’ve spent most of my life around this building. The existing structure was built in 1957, so it’s really well past time for an update. I have a little blend of mixed feelings. Mostly, though, I’m excited for the new space, properly equipped for 21st century education.

One of the communications I received, though, said that the school will be located at the former Woodway Elementary site, which puzzled me. That site is now the City of Edmonds’ Hickman Park.  I expect they meant the Old Woodway Highschool, which is actually really close by, and the building still stands. Currently, the building houses Scriber Lake High School, Edmonds Heights K-12, and a few other programs for the district.

Though disruption is always unpleasant, I look forward to a fine new building getting the kids ready for 21st century lives.

Realtors and Community

Carl Setzer

I’ve met the occasional real estate agent who struggles with an over-inflated sense of self. This is rather rare, though. More often, though, they’re fighting insecurity, failing to see the value they add. Well, outside of a real estate transaction, that is. Perhaps that’s why so many people lose contact with their agents, even though they’re happy with the service. It’s hard to think of reasons to connect if you only think your value is the single transaction. Calling and talking are a chore with this mindset. You worry about bugging people. Deeply understanding your value-add really is critical. Realize there’s plenty we bring to those you love, to the community around you.

Keller Williams Family Reunion 2015

Carl Setzer

Most of last week I spent in Orlando, taking part in Keller Williams Family Reunion. Around 15k real estate agents from all over the globe deepening our knowledge and celebrating the unique culture that is KW. It’s an amazing event. I came away with tons of new ideas, which I’ll flesh out more fully in the coming weeks. Evernote got a lot of use!

Friday I took what I called a Decompression Day where I focused on organizing my thoughts, mail and desk. And, since my son had a half day, I got to just hang out with him. We went to Donut Factory, where we’ve wanted to go for awhile. Lynnwood area friends, this is worth your time. Very tasty with an eclectic blend of flavors. So much so that decided to go again yesterday, too.

Florida was great. I lived in Orlando for a few years back in the 80s. The city grew hugely in my absence. I couldn’t navigate without GPS. There were familiar elements, though: trees, sand, the lizards (I really delight in them). It’s as pretty as I remember. I managed to breakaway out to Cocoa Beach, one of my favorite spots, where I was able to watch the SpaceX launch. Very, very cool!

Getting home, Seattle’s weather was dramatically different, but that was great for me. I love Florida, and was thrilled to visit. Seattle, though, is home. The cool morning mists make me content. Once that sense of home is achieved, one’s relationship with place is forever changed.

Meeting Delights

Carl Setzer

I love the mists
Drifting through
Fir boughs, stretched
Cotton-like by green
Needle fingers,
Every second
Changing shape,
Gray clouds of
Early morning
Shadowy contrasts
Blending variations
Of rich, deep greens
Against the icy
Gray-blue sky

No, You Go

Carl Setzer

One of the most bizarre things that happens all the time in the Pacific Northwest is this “no, no after you” stop-light phenomena. It drives me nuts. However, it’s a solid element of northwest culture.

Portlandia’s take on this is spot on. Enjoy!