tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81560878097781260292024-03-13T14:52:56.084-07:00GadaboutDiscoveries in Seattle ... and beyondCarrie Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871684866506343119noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156087809778126029.post-28806569559084857872012-09-23T23:51:00.001-07:002012-09-25T08:19:38.590-07:00Great Wallingford Wurst Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNfb5VrYiQkN5JOUZuqVXV8pcz9PJo313zwddJpsJhDv-nkkbNKUXqFkCcCxTNxvFbwfDcgBQFTW92MAye6efmCX1ymc1F6BYzFF-MBUDt60MJ68MV1FHGn4bGPRju32tSYEZF0Z-Tw4/s1600/IMG_4157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNfb5VrYiQkN5JOUZuqVXV8pcz9PJo313zwddJpsJhDv-nkkbNKUXqFkCcCxTNxvFbwfDcgBQFTW92MAye6efmCX1ymc1F6BYzFF-MBUDt60MJ68MV1FHGn4bGPRju32tSYEZF0Z-Tw4/s400/IMG_4157.JPG" /></a></div>The days are getting shorter and a little chillier here in Seattle, but the outdoor festivals are still going on. Before we hole up in our homes avoiding the rain, we try to wrest every second of warm, sunny daylight out of the calendar. There's a big school fundraiser in my neighborhood that happens every fall, <a href="http://www.stbens.net/news-events/wurst-festival/">The Great Wallingford Wurst Festival</a>. This benefit for St. Benedict Catholic School has been held annually for the past 30 years, and according to the school website, it attracts 10,000 visitors.</p>There's a lot more than wurst there, but that's what Chris and Oscar started their fair experience eating, while I opted for a grilled salmon sandwich. There are also burgers, hot dogs, ceasar salad, corn on the cob, pasta, Filipino food and a seriously giant bake sale that even includes soft serve ice cream. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qsG65aRB6M4AEhYmItTTfSWCyBEZUlENHxjm-V8i4H8zTpSQ8EQhS9tO8FPwoPKyUYWDjDnkNc_OeizlNtd-P1o7nxgzc-pD5icn0aQaZn9wTZ8dRFzsDFnYZUOqH9nO75tAbxl2gEw/s1600/IMG_4167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qsG65aRB6M4AEhYmItTTfSWCyBEZUlENHxjm-V8i4H8zTpSQ8EQhS9tO8FPwoPKyUYWDjDnkNc_OeizlNtd-P1o7nxgzc-pD5icn0aQaZn9wTZ8dRFzsDFnYZUOqH9nO75tAbxl2gEw/s400/IMG_4167.JPG" /></a></div>It was so hard to choose what to get at the bake sale, but this cookie's packaging won me over. It tasted as good as it looks!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVX3Xc9sdfaTTVe8fE95J4KI4GVZ-lww0IjzoqF0FZ7U3HXoBdYrPPA8ETi9T71VtqE2CDjUGUHHq9DvA_mnoeHcFbuxABPHXJt-npFO0wEm0CZUevjfFZ4stTDLkpTL4Bl5pdUAoDhls/s1600/IMG_4178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVX3Xc9sdfaTTVe8fE95J4KI4GVZ-lww0IjzoqF0FZ7U3HXoBdYrPPA8ETi9T71VtqE2CDjUGUHHq9DvA_mnoeHcFbuxABPHXJt-npFO0wEm0CZUevjfFZ4stTDLkpTL4Bl5pdUAoDhls/s400/IMG_4178.JPG" /></a></div>There are lots of jumpy-house type things and games for the kiddies, which sadly, Oscar's now too old for.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjLBpGr2B_8VqfqFwmf2cR-1DvzyAoQXZA4zk0k-6gnxrKiGfN6Yzn2fR_2hTyW-W85oG1xx8hA6G68Rqz_HbMZ0wZG4VBxpjX0cWSzKU8UH9-Ri4sRQ-YBdVvlwKWmcGbsYZDkkXDlM/s1600/IMG_4175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjLBpGr2B_8VqfqFwmf2cR-1DvzyAoQXZA4zk0k-6gnxrKiGfN6Yzn2fR_2hTyW-W85oG1xx8hA6G68Rqz_HbMZ0wZG4VBxpjX0cWSzKU8UH9-Ri4sRQ-YBdVvlwKWmcGbsYZDkkXDlM/s400/IMG_4175.JPG" /></a></div>There were many, many crafts for sale. I love these dragons!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYP5aBE5oztscZ3QlRmHwZZrZS5RyWb6H8Vktq59KN8Y4ilYrXX84SZrUPrX4StQPr0RFofMGaQkS8y7pSV-z4O61Uwf2-KBWiBay5dQtzYblZlDRAH6GspUtvTNuKY0YajaoGTAJVRU/s1600/IMG_4191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYP5aBE5oztscZ3QlRmHwZZrZS5RyWb6H8Vktq59KN8Y4ilYrXX84SZrUPrX4StQPr0RFofMGaQkS8y7pSV-z4O61Uwf2-KBWiBay5dQtzYblZlDRAH6GspUtvTNuKY0YajaoGTAJVRU/s400/IMG_4191.JPG" /></a></div>The Uncle Stinky's booth was mobbed!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyB6CJPgHrHn7_jBII6yp3lugWvOv2kcolUuDppQKNEKUzngtGMOsv4V-Ev6Gm-x3GlsmLANfo47efJCl7trjI20xjUTp26LD3KBV_mVcl7CJwpAzo4TXwxVzTKV20K9bU2k7yetzM0F0/s1600/IMG_4193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="299" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyB6CJPgHrHn7_jBII6yp3lugWvOv2kcolUuDppQKNEKUzngtGMOsv4V-Ev6Gm-x3GlsmLANfo47efJCl7trjI20xjUTp26LD3KBV_mVcl7CJwpAzo4TXwxVzTKV20K9bU2k7yetzM0F0/s400/IMG_4193.JPG" /></a></div>Merchandise like this is obviously irresistible!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MWGgrtDVX-A9CozOUa2_79Itaq8dT3b3WwFacKbGNiMtiuhXmsqTMHo5wTBPrnbEEE-dDgj8dds_iPzptMg2m-aKwQsacYAxoK2So9dTLq-RVsqQQHrAAi1w5SHl-9v4PXGBQfC0_QM/s1600/IMG_4195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MWGgrtDVX-A9CozOUa2_79Itaq8dT3b3WwFacKbGNiMtiuhXmsqTMHo5wTBPrnbEEE-dDgj8dds_iPzptMg2m-aKwQsacYAxoK2So9dTLq-RVsqQQHrAAi1w5SHl-9v4PXGBQfC0_QM/s400/IMG_4195.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCifubiiaP6choKeEQ5ZtTY5PeGoHXGHYDRt_btFZyt01hn2Oeeoowyh8GU3M1DeaTYOq-ySBNl_ttQzxgZD_Mer07b6PoZFeqiu3TVcAsnEAsm8mbhgf0bCwm353k7Humpb8YDNpve0w/s1600/IMG_4194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCifubiiaP6choKeEQ5ZtTY5PeGoHXGHYDRt_btFZyt01hn2Oeeoowyh8GU3M1DeaTYOq-ySBNl_ttQzxgZD_Mer07b6PoZFeqiu3TVcAsnEAsm8mbhgf0bCwm353k7Humpb8YDNpve0w/s400/IMG_4194.JPG" /></a></div>We spent a lot of money at the book sales. You can find terrific bargains in the used book room (there was a hardcover set of Collier's Children's Classics for $15), while new Scholastic books are sold in another room.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPk6SKQaIxA6aGVzfcK5tb5PXtiQkWD9XvvJlf1Em0sxFrlVU8JIdyfJytKax7ImWZBm50b8BWjM-yb6rE77BNSDH7ASWX_EC_KdP-FikygSMXv6pN4JL4brFytoLxPhQWIy4DV3ScR4/s1600/IMG_4183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPk6SKQaIxA6aGVzfcK5tb5PXtiQkWD9XvvJlf1Em0sxFrlVU8JIdyfJytKax7ImWZBm50b8BWjM-yb6rE77BNSDH7ASWX_EC_KdP-FikygSMXv6pN4JL4brFytoLxPhQWIy4DV3ScR4/s400/IMG_4183.JPG" /></a></div>We arrived as Green Floyd, a Pink Floyd tribute band made up of the school's faculty and staff, including a priest, played selections from <i>Dark Side of the Moon</i>. I remember all the words to <i>everything</i>! I'm also a fan of the Portage Bay Big Band. There were 16 bands on the schedule for Friday and Saturday (Dudley Manlove Quartet played inside at the biergarten from 9 to midnight both nights). <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6sgsbNshvqJAYpPOOGnXCpBKjyZfxwmLejMLL1jieu1hMLz6c2dFTIzcQZxhyKQagNBbkNTQ-9PxIX4cpvxkIYiO6r6i-hLwfn-seD2LdBT72zUEN3_wJmpmkxFEx-Ml5TmG4btEcJ8k/s1600/IMG_4184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6sgsbNshvqJAYpPOOGnXCpBKjyZfxwmLejMLL1jieu1hMLz6c2dFTIzcQZxhyKQagNBbkNTQ-9PxIX4cpvxkIYiO6r6i-hLwfn-seD2LdBT72zUEN3_wJmpmkxFEx-Ml5TmG4btEcJ8k/s400/IMG_4184.JPG" /></a></div>This event is pretty much the best school fundraiser ever. See you next year, Wurst Festival!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQE7UA4Z8LZhQPCWiVcx7gt7Ii5KsfjXHqvHtOLMqNLOhWiZCtqRvSXs2aW5sJSHJ6FQcH4P3GwI8FCX2hkewqXx-MCOebeTDdH-4WT_MqmB_3PTkgwLlOAJutRcdirMCehdkVii1_Kzs/s1600/IMG_4172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQE7UA4Z8LZhQPCWiVcx7gt7Ii5KsfjXHqvHtOLMqNLOhWiZCtqRvSXs2aW5sJSHJ6FQcH4P3GwI8FCX2hkewqXx-MCOebeTDdH-4WT_MqmB_3PTkgwLlOAJutRcdirMCehdkVii1_Kzs/s400/IMG_4172.JPG" /></a></div> Carrie Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871684866506343119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156087809778126029.post-56232753351422866022012-09-19T10:35:00.000-07:002012-09-19T10:47:20.076-07:00Memphis (the musical) returns to Seattle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRbOtouTQ7kKw1SDcEhoCg_I_8GODwc5F25ZSFOK0maWetBukm5oZlKDL_Mp87i6Cor7mlVJOBsJlZ06JCUj_UD3oaPSxgqsK71fKLxSCOe7xWROQqc00madBb1bDOxMOCNLchyphenhyphenZi6kQ/s1600/Memphis-Hero2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="177" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRbOtouTQ7kKw1SDcEhoCg_I_8GODwc5F25ZSFOK0maWetBukm5oZlKDL_Mp87i6Cor7mlVJOBsJlZ06JCUj_UD3oaPSxgqsK71fKLxSCOe7xWROQqc00madBb1bDOxMOCNLchyphenhyphenZi6kQ/s400/Memphis-Hero2.jpg" /></a></div>
If you've never heard of <a href="http://memphisthemusical.com/"><i>Memphis </i>the musical</a>, you're not alone. I hadn't either, but savvy musical-theater types probably know that it won the Tony award for Best Musical in 2010, and had 1,166 Broadway shows, ending its run this August. In terms of story, it reminds me of both <i>Dreamgirls </i>and <i>Hairspray</i>, tracing the injection of 1950s soul music into mainstream cognizance. <i>Memphis </i>also has a mixed-race romance between Felicia, a black singer, and Huey, a white exuberant hillbilly DJ who brings her talent to the Memphis radio airwaves.</p>
Memphis was at the <a href="http://www.5thavenue.org/">5th Avenue Theater</a> in 2009, before it hit Broadway, and returns tweaked and presumably improved. The vocal talent in the show blew me away--the quality by far is the best I've seen in Seattle to date. I was enamored of deep-voiced Horace Rogers, who plays Felicia's protective brother, Delray, and of Julie Johnson, who plays Huey's cantankerous racist mother.</p>
For me, the writing and music didn't shine as much as the performers. The songs didn't stick with me, and the story felt derivative, even though it's based loosely on a real Memphis DJ. I mean, if you're making a musical it totally makes sense to base it on music history, but because <i>Dreamgirls </i>and <i>Hairspray </i>are so entrenched in my musical consciousness, it can't help but pale in comparison. The romance part of the story, which should have brought me to tears, amazingly didn't. I tried to figure out why, and it might just come down to the fact that I really didn't like Huey's hick-like accent. It didn't sound like the people I know from Tennessee; I don't know if it was authentic to his uneducated, mid-century lower-class character or not. Either way, I felt cheated out of what should have been some cathartic heart-wrenching drama.</p>
That said, I highly, highly recommend this show! It's well-staged and the singing and dancing are exceptional. Catch it in Seattle through October 7. A nationwide tour is underway, so you can see it in other cities as well; check the schedule <a href="http://memphisthemusical.com/memphis-us-tour/">here</a>.Carrie Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871684866506343119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156087809778126029.post-72506469915362664712012-09-11T11:24:00.003-07:002012-09-11T11:53:37.254-07:00Dining atop the Space Needle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPf7dhEvgmJ69eHGLuImDCQC3Mxn1pYdjP_05btpR9X2D6UdO4WC5VgAsZOp2ChEXCASSfm6DGVxtDwxN5xUk2D6lFTL0-xRdKp1JWSUl5EsEEH_uLLUmC0S0POaOekN6Q73sbMapwPEo/s1600/Spacecrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="382" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPf7dhEvgmJ69eHGLuImDCQC3Mxn1pYdjP_05btpR9X2D6UdO4WC5VgAsZOp2ChEXCASSfm6DGVxtDwxN5xUk2D6lFTL0-xRdKp1JWSUl5EsEEH_uLLUmC0S0POaOekN6Q73sbMapwPEo/s400/Spacecrop.jpg" /></a></div>
You don't go to a rotating restaurant for the food, right? People will come to enjoy the city view whether the food's good or not. So I had very low expectations a year ago, the first time I ate at the <a href="http://www.spaceneedle.com/restaurant/">Sky City Restaurant</a>, located atop Seattle's most iconic landmark. Soon after I moved here, my neighbor recommended that I eat lunch there if I wanted to go up to Space Needle's observation deck, because admission is included with a meal, and the price to get to the observation deck alone was a steep $19. It was good advice, and my lunch was great. But since Chris was working, he missed out, and he's the biggest Space Needle fan in the family.</p>
So last weekend we returned for brunch to celebrate Chris's birthday, and it was fantastic. It's $49.95 per adult ($15.95 for kids), so not cheap, but then again, I wasn't hungry for the rest of the day. Also, Chris had joined the restaurant's <a href="http://www.spaceneedle.com/restaurant/celebrationclub.html">Celebration Club</a>, and received a certificate for a free brunch, so it ended up being merely expensive instead of ridiculous.</p>
And anyway, the food was fantastic. The veggies in my scrambled egg were amazingly flavorful. The orange juice is fresh squeezed. The silver is replaced as you use it. Lovely!</p>
Brunch includes a starter, a main course, and a dessert, as well as juice, coffee, and an assortment of breads. Unlike at some fancy restaurants, portions are generous, so beware. Here's our food.</p>
Starter: Tomato bisque:</br>
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Chris and Oscar got house-made bacon, served over brioche toast:</br>
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Wild mountain huckleberry pancakes:</br>
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Kurabuta ham and cheese omelet:</br>
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Spring garden scramble:</br>
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Huckleberry cheesecake:</br>
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Blueberry cobbler with Snoqualmie gourmet vanilla bean ice cream:</br>
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In short, I would happily visit Sky City Restaurant without the view. But the view is, of course, spectacular. And since it's the Space Needle's 50th birthday, it's a great time to visit. There's some very cool memorabilia on display in the observation deck lobby, and retro tchotchkes for sale in the gift shop. </p>
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Carrie Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871684866506343119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156087809778126029.post-11454289967906873692012-09-06T11:47:00.002-07:002012-09-06T11:47:52.627-07:00'Zaw Artisan Pizza<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had surgery yesterday and can't eat solid food for a while. But that didn't stop me from buying today's Seattle <a href="http://www.groupon.com/seattle">Groupon</a> deal: $15 for $30 worth of of <a href="http://www.zaw.com/index.htm">'Zaw</a> pizza. When you cash in your Groupon, you get a punch card for $10 off on three pizzas, and you have to use it on three visits.</p>
Of the pizza I've tasted in Seattle over the past year, 'Zaw is my favorite. Here's how much I love 'Zaw: My oven was broken for the entire summer, and the only reason this irritated me is that I couldn't get 'Zaw pizza, because you have to bake it at home. I recently had the oven repaired and got two 'Zaw pizzas that week.</p>
What makes 'Zaw so good? First off, you can order it on the Internet and choose a pick-up time. Second, you could also have it delivered (they use bikes or scooters to have less negative environmental impact). Third, their produce and tomato sauce is organic, and they use local suppliers. But most importantly, their pizzas are interesting and delicious. There are so many combinations I'd like to try: Farmstand Veggie with oven-roasted summer squash, walla walla onions, large summer tomato slices, and mozzarella on ruby red sauce, finished with parmesan, basil, and fresh ground pepper; Cowardly Apricot with chicken breast, two styles of apricots, basil, and caramelized onion, with gorgonzola and mozzarella on an olive oil-painted crust; Shroom Fest with gently sautéed portabella, button, and crimini mushrooms, roasted red onion, fresh thyme, garlic, and asiago and mozzarella. But I love the Big Fat Greek (spinach, sundried tomatoes, roasted garlic, kalamata olives and free-range marinated chicken served on a base of housemade pesto, feta and mozzarella, with fresh oregano on top) so much that I keep ordering that one. And in case you were wondering, there are lots of meaty options as well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I can't wait until I can eat 'Zaw pizza again. If you're not suffering from dietary restrictions, I urge you to order a high-end pizza today so I can eat it vicariously. And get the Groupon, because they're not cheap!
Carrie Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871684866506343119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156087809778126029.post-63991971136473134142012-08-24T11:40:00.001-07:002012-08-24T12:32:17.824-07:00Acro-cats!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If the idea of seeing a cat walk while balanced on a ball makes you giddy, I highly recommend the <a href="http://www.circuscats.com/">Acro-cats</a> show now playing at <a href="http://www.stonesouptheatre.com/">Stone Soup Theatre</a>. What about a cat standing on its hind legs, holding up one paw next to a sign that says "Who's Number One?" Yep, these are the kind of insanely cute tricks performed by owner Samantha Martin's troupe of cats, ranging from adoptable kittens to old hands.</p>
Samantha is a cat-lover turned trainer, and if you're all up in arms about cats being forced to perform, you should know that she rescues and fosters cats, and finds "forever" homes for them. She uses the clicker/treat reward system of training, and the "tricks" are based on normal cat behaviors. The Stone Soup Theater is quite small, so it really does feel like you're watching the show in Samantha's living room. (In fact, she told the audience that all the props and gear in the show are actually her living room furnishings.) Anyway, it's pretty hard to get a cat to do anything it doesn't want to do, so I didn't feel bad at all for them--and I hate zoos and circuses that keep animals in captivity. These domestic cats seem happy.</p>
Back to the show: Along with the cats, there are a few rats, a couple of chickens, and a groundhog(?!) who rides in a wagon pulled by an RC car. There's also a cacophonous music segment, with cats playing guitar, keyboard, drums, chimes, cowbell, and a chicken playing tambourine and cymbals. The show's in Seattle until September 1, so go see it! A couple of insider tips: You can buy tickets at at the door no problem (at least last night), but I recommend getting there early so you can get a front-row, center seat AND so you can listen to the cat-themed music before the show ("Stray Cat Strut" by The Stray Cats, "Year of the Cat" by Al Stewart, and so on). Also, this is one place you won't be out of place wearing that cat sweatshirt your grandma gave you, or your Halloween cat ears (but if you forget them, you can buy some at the show!)</p>
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Carrie Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871684866506343119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156087809778126029.post-47722439144986571482012-08-23T13:33:00.001-07:002012-08-23T14:00:18.996-07:00Outdoor concerts--Trombone Shorty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last year I went to a couple of outdoor music festivals in my neighborhood, where I saw some local bands I never heard of. This year I went to a better-publicized <a href="http://www.zoo.org/zootunes">ZooTunes</a> concert: <a href="http://www.tromboneshorty.com/#!all">Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue</a>. It was sold out, and the lawn at the Woodland Park Zoo was packed with picnic blankets and folding chairs. You can bring a kid, free, with each paid ticket, and it's an early show (doors open at 5; concert starts at 6), so it's very family-friendly, if not job-friendly.</p>
I love the sound of horns, so I was excited to listen to Trombone Shorty. Since they're from New Orleans, I was expecting more of a New Orleans jazz sound, but they had a much more modern vibe; there was even a Nirvana song in their set (in honor of Seattle, maybe?). Since I was sitting in the back with friends and kids, it was much more like being at a picnic than at a concert, but it was fun nonetheless! We brought food, but there are also concessions, and the carousel is running to entertain the kiddies. Parking is an issue, though, so be forewarned. We had a three-block walk back to the car, which might be an issue if you're carrying a toddler, chair, and picnic basket.</p>
ZooTunes has some great concerts--I would have loved to have seen Pink Martini, which played two shows earlier this summer. But there's still one show left this season: Rosanne Cash on August 29. As of today, there are still tickets!</p>
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Carrie Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871684866506343119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156087809778126029.post-11353218350690556332012-08-22T10:22:00.000-07:002012-08-22T14:04:40.741-07:00Outdoor movies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After months of rainy weather, Seattleites don't like to waste a minute of summer weather. So all summer long there are movies playing at outdoor venues all over town--today's version of drive-in movies. This past weekend, we finally checked one out--and brought an elaborate picnic of fried chicken, watermelon, bean salad, grilled green beans, and sangria, as well as blankets and chairs. The movie I chose was "It Happened at the World's Fair" because of its retro aspect. I was hoping to see old footage of the 1962 World's Fair, which took place here in Seattle!</p>
The movie's plot was pretty amazing from a 21st-century parent's point of view. The guardian of a little girl leaves her in the care of two broke, homeless guys that he just met. Elvis, the lecherous one, takes the girl to the World's Fair, and feeds her so much junk food that she gets a stomach ache. He then immediately falls for a nurse he meets in the health clinic there.</p>
Movie quality aside, it was cool to see the Space Needle in the movie alongside the actual Space Needle! Our venue was Lake Union Park (on the lawn in front of the Museum of History and Industry). It's a lovely setting, but there's limited parking on site, and beware of goose poo on the lawn! Also, it gets nippy after sunset, so bundle up if you go.</p>
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There's still time to catch an outdoor movie before summer ends. Here's a list of stuff playing in Seattle; there are also movies in outlying cities including Redmond, Woodinville, and Edmonds. </p>
<b>Fremont Outdoor Movies</b></p>
Saturday-night movies, most of them preceded by afternoon festivities, Fremont Studios, 3501 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle; $5 suggested donation (www.fremontoutdoormovies.com)</p>
Aug. 25: "The Big Lebowski" (R)</p>
<b>MOHAI's Movies at Lake Union Park</b></p>
Movies begin 30 minutes after sunset (approximately 8:30 p.m.) Lake Union Park, 860 Terry Ave. N., Seattle (206-342-1126 or www.seattlehistory.org).</p>
Aug. 25: "Sleepless in Seattle" (PG)</p>
<b>Movies at the Mural</b></p>
9 p.m. Mural Amphitheatre, Seattle Center, Seattle; free (206-684-7200 or www.seattlecenter.com; cancellation information/updates, call or visit website after 2 p.m. day of show).</p>
Aug. 25: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" (PG-13)</p>
Aug. 26: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" (PG-13)</p>
<b>Outdoor Movies at Magnuson Park</b></p>
Thursdays, admission at 7 p.m., followed by circus acts, food trucks, costume contests and film at dusk, Magnuson Park, athletic fields, 7400 Sand Point Way N.E., Seattle; $5 (www.epiceap.com/seattle-outdoor-movies).</p>
Aug. 23: "Monty Python & the Holy Grail" (PG)</p>
Aug. 30: "The Goonies" (PG)</p>
<b>West Seattle Outdoor Movies</b></p>
Saturday nights, 4410 California Ave. S.W. (the courtyard by Hotwire Online Coffee House), Seattle.</p>
Aug. 25: "Top Gun" (PG)Carrie Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871684866506343119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156087809778126029.post-8836754716851124682012-08-05T12:32:00.001-07:002012-08-23T14:41:54.935-07:00Cinderella at Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theater<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qNHkKQvOX6nE7hJvx-Z7mQWntO-8s8KmvphvB0MxQT9rNYWJDZ24IQm6fcja7id4xA92EQGbRH44mq8uMdBAwK-ZaEOdSrmw9NkMIeenG4dMcYvZ8WjefDu2Qd16PUt21pGZx4aFhcU/s1600/IMG_3928%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qNHkKQvOX6nE7hJvx-Z7mQWntO-8s8KmvphvB0MxQT9rNYWJDZ24IQm6fcja7id4xA92EQGbRH44mq8uMdBAwK-ZaEOdSrmw9NkMIeenG4dMcYvZ8WjefDu2Qd16PUt21pGZx4aFhcU/s400/IMG_3928%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a></div>
It's almost shocking to me--SHOCKING!--that Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella is so little known. I saw the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27K6nlVEdSc&feature=related">1965 movie starring Lesley Ann Warren</a> and ultra-handsome <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEW9szLLIuc&feature=related">Stuart Damon</a> on TV when I was a kid and loved it. I think I only got to see it once or twice, but one of those times I tape-recorded it (yes, on cassette tape) so I got to listen to the music repeatedly. Why this movie wasn't in more frequent rotation is a mystery to me, because it's got great music and lyrics and wonderful comedic twists to make it more entertaining than sappy. Just check out this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jS3BmiYXmA">clip of the stepsisters on YouTube</a>! (This movie was remade with Whitney Houston and Brandy in 1997, but I never saw that one.)</p>
I got to relive this childhood memory yesterday with my nearly 4-year-old friend and princess-lover Isla yesterday (and her mom!) at <a href="http://www.foresttheater.org">Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theater</a>. Like the <a href="http://carrieinseattle.blogspot.com/2012/06/kitsap-forest-theater.html">Kitsap Forest Theater</a>, it's a tiny outdoor amphitheater--which stayed a perfectly comfortable temperature on a sweltering day yesterday. It has a nice intimate feel, and holds only about 275 people. This is great for kids since it's not as overwhelming as a large theater can be, and the actors can interact with the audience. When the prince and his pages were looking for the owner of the glass slipper, they tried it on some audience members before they found Cinderella's home!</p>
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I loved the updated stepsister banter and the perfectly lovely Cinderella, played by Justine Stillwell. The fairy godmother is played by Buddy Todd in drag, who I also loved, but at least one little girl found it confusing. She yelled, "That's a clown!" during his performance--and I could certainly see her point. This godmother had overly rouged cheeks, pink hair, and spoke like a Jewish grandmother. I'm not sure if it's part of the original script, but this godmother encourages Cinderella to make "impossible" things happen for herself. It's a small way to update the girl-needing-rescuing theme, but I like it.</p>
All in all, I think this an ideal production to bring very young children to, even though it's a long time for them to sit still. Cinderella and the prince came out after the performance so you could get your picture with them, and there's a play structure conveniently located at the top of the path to the theater, so kids can burn off pent-up energy. Cushions and bug spray are available for patrons, but if you have a high-quality stadium cushion of your own, I recommend bringing it. Isla found the bathrooms kind of scary: The stalls have curtains rather than doors, but there are flush toilets and real sinks.</p>
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This little theater is quite similar to the Kitsap Forest Theater, but it's much more convenient to Seattle. The path to the theater through the woods is much shorter, the hike to the waterfall view is a tiny 100 yards as opposed to the strenuous hike to the giant tree in Kitsap. Overall, it feels much more cozy. There's a covered area with large picnic tables where dinner is served by reservation only: salmon, steak, chicken, vegetarian lasagna, hot dogs, salad bar, etc. We didn't eat there, but it smelled great.</p>
Anyway, Cinderella's playing through August 26, Saturdays at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for students and seniors. Kids under 5 are free! Don't miss the fleeting season for outdoor theater!
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyf32v3YoNECPmV6jDfAP4jq0Gh_Am9MNP4ObwQGHbPStHc3PWR_9B67z77122Zux-LbQvPw5BWfx3WSOzGaMc254zrbgmntXMZfBdllfns9h98MOfnnWsrgk55VogMecCPLvZ73bnXs/s1600/IMG_3926%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="299" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyf32v3YoNECPmV6jDfAP4jq0Gh_Am9MNP4ObwQGHbPStHc3PWR_9B67z77122Zux-LbQvPw5BWfx3WSOzGaMc254zrbgmntXMZfBdllfns9h98MOfnnWsrgk55VogMecCPLvZ73bnXs/s400/IMG_3926%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a></div>Carrie Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871684866506343119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156087809778126029.post-8785595711031105462012-07-08T20:28:00.003-07:002012-07-08T20:28:40.290-07:00Port Townsend's Max Grover Gallery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been to a number of beach resort towns, and I almost never go into the art galleries. I used to, but the multitudinous schlocky landscapes and first-year-art-school figure drawings broke me of the habit. However, I accidentally went to a gallery in Port Townsend yesterday that pleasantly surprised me.</p>
Yesterday was our first visit to picturesque Port Townsend, and we started our day there by exploring the main strip of shops on Water Street. A shop called Sideshow Variety, filled with the kinds of novelty items Oscar loves as well as the kitschy and retro-type items I love, drew us in like a magnet, but I was most intrigued by the Max Grover Gallery, located in a separate room in the back of the store. At first glance, I didn't think much of the paintings...but on closer inspection, I really started liking them a lot! The artist incorporates all types of small labels, stamps, and memorabilia into the paintings, so they've got a nostalgic quality that I love while still feeling quite modern, and they've got a very unpolished folk-art look that I also really like. Grover, who was there at the gallery, said he's been collecting the trinkets incorporated into the art for his whole life, and I love the idea of using these collections to create artwork. Check it out!</p>
This is a detail of the painting at the top:
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And here are some details from the hula dancer painting:</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHS2xSp9WKuEJM5EHXuuLMG3cW1-OG8D_HhlOHZxvk5TXlL_XwV8F13cmuRE_u7ytksD81EfcGCObGt22pb_SlJEGcD-vKE3jo8Y6ucos7-iBLvsCpQwB7TmOt8LcG_b1pYc_LpAl4VE/s1600/IMG_3895%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHS2xSp9WKuEJM5EHXuuLMG3cW1-OG8D_HhlOHZxvk5TXlL_XwV8F13cmuRE_u7ytksD81EfcGCObGt22pb_SlJEGcD-vKE3jo8Y6ucos7-iBLvsCpQwB7TmOt8LcG_b1pYc_LpAl4VE/s400/IMG_3895%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4qoXnIFLvEsbrxkRa-ZOOY3meNtQA5BoioG94mhyphenhyphenukcmmj1CMtDXd0DpHV0QZdUfx1J7YNd1cTzUZOeUnkw9wOrbHKKLx1m_OyWIGnv3ZhIghq1T23NzqebS82GQUjnAXsbkHykNnYo/s1600/IMG_3896%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4qoXnIFLvEsbrxkRa-ZOOY3meNtQA5BoioG94mhyphenhyphenukcmmj1CMtDXd0DpHV0QZdUfx1J7YNd1cTzUZOeUnkw9wOrbHKKLx1m_OyWIGnv3ZhIghq1T23NzqebS82GQUjnAXsbkHykNnYo/s400/IMG_3896%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a></div>Carrie Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871684866506343119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156087809778126029.post-31018999987047652992012-06-19T23:10:00.000-07:002012-08-23T14:42:16.856-07:00Kitsap Forest Theater<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9Z-qgrQB4on3zexxM_8fOFg2701Eq-dpDzQZ7AjW0BEdwLva89-yLH6Trws7YR0JLbHcwqRCR-1Nza_M2G9_XJLC52Fwd8OBCv0GkR5ONV6et5D0_lsV7ZTGDlP8koVRhUT12fETGXM/s1600/_QCP5415+daughters+dancing+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9Z-qgrQB4on3zexxM_8fOFg2701Eq-dpDzQZ7AjW0BEdwLva89-yLH6Trws7YR0JLbHcwqRCR-1Nza_M2G9_XJLC52Fwd8OBCv0GkR5ONV6et5D0_lsV7ZTGDlP8koVRhUT12fETGXM/s400/_QCP5415+daughters+dancing+1.jpg" /></a>
It's summer! One of my favorite things to do in the summer back in Oakland was to pack a picnic and watch cheesy musicals at the local outdoor amphitheater. I really miss that place! So when I saw a flyer for <a href="http://foresttheater.com/">Kitsap Forest Theater</a>, I knew I had to check it out. This past weekend we made the trip to see my very favorite musical, Fiddler on the Roof.</p>
We had a crazy busy morning and barely caught the ferry to Bremerton, but made it to the Kitsap Forest Theater in plenty of time to buy tickets, snacks, and rent cushions for the terraced earth seats. There were hot dogs, chips, and candy for sale, but we were really jealous of the elaborate picnic lunches some of the other patrons had brought with them. It's a good thing I ate a big breakfast. In short, I think taking the time to pack a nice picnic lunch is definitely mandatory for next time. The trail down to the theater opens at 1 p.m., and the shows start at 2 p.m.</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAe83oxh1R7g5j96NbNjLckwX1OcTbXXtg1z30lvgkZS9A2HKnqpeKYOhTebVPx7tlEI0Yj8UBP8mpolPiGWLBkkMNMLFmlai5417hHvcjeXiIr0YmYwGmN7bmB8J-a32yDlI6y-rjCaA/s1600/IMG_3786%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAe83oxh1R7g5j96NbNjLckwX1OcTbXXtg1z30lvgkZS9A2HKnqpeKYOhTebVPx7tlEI0Yj8UBP8mpolPiGWLBkkMNMLFmlai5417hHvcjeXiIr0YmYwGmN7bmB8J-a32yDlI6y-rjCaA/s400/IMG_3786%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a>
The winding path through the woods to the amphitheater was lovely, and charmingly decorated with vignettes from the play. A men's hat with a bottle on it, a wedding canopy, a set of glasses for toasting <i>l'chaim</i>....</p>
The day was pretty sunny, but the surrounding fir trees provided shade so the temperature was perfect. I imagine it would be pretty miserable in the rain, though!</p>
And the play! Well, the singing and dancing definitely wasn't the best ever, but it was enjoyable nonetheless. I cried when the cast sang "Sunrise, Sunset" during Motel and Tzeitel's wedding. I cried when the Russians disrupted the wedding and ruined their gifts. I cried when Hodel took the train to Siberia to join Perchik. I cried when Tevye says Chava is dead to them because she married outside of the Jewish faith. And of course I cried when the villagers were forced to leave Anatevka. I've seen this movie and play so many times that I can practically recite it word for word. (And I recognized every time the play script deviated from the movie one.) You'd think my familiarity with the plot would make me less sensitive to it, but it actually seems to work the opposite way!</p>
After the play, we hiked down to see the "Big Tree," one of the oldest trees on the Kitsap Peninsula. The hike was fairly strenuous, but just 13 minutes each way. If you've seen a lot of redwood trees, you might not be that impressed, but it is a big, tall tree.</p>
Anyway, after the hike and a stop at Dairy Queen, we caught the ferry back to Seattle. It was well past dinner time when we were back in the city, so seeing a play at the Kitsap Forest Theater is definitely an all-day event for us. Even so, we're going to try to return for the next production there: Footloose, showing on July 28-29 and August 4-5 11-12, and 18-19. </p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CiGUKvcHTtlQoLS_1Q7HMIx1FYX6NLOo3SDAOZqUEWf7enfe2qyHZKApxjtXwK6waWuMpiPI4l6G7lvdwrkv76q61-0jmzovZDxsATZp8ajYRlE8Jnbrcw3T52M5Urv1wgoGDioBuh4/s1600/IMG_3791%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CiGUKvcHTtlQoLS_1Q7HMIx1FYX6NLOo3SDAOZqUEWf7enfe2qyHZKApxjtXwK6waWuMpiPI4l6G7lvdwrkv76q61-0jmzovZDxsATZp8ajYRlE8Jnbrcw3T52M5Urv1wgoGDioBuh4/s400/IMG_3791%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a>Carrie Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871684866506343119noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156087809778126029.post-70045260770297410182012-06-10T16:46:00.000-07:002012-06-10T16:48:24.588-07:00Tutankhamun treasures at Pacific Science Center<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWn6dLk2j-QH6iMrnD5B-cw2C5mrUzDgNyt3M1FrlZM4UstLQciPAFfwX26aJp1mpF96RYUH_59jgFZFmmCYZjYkwjxXvcff0SyIIPX8tP16xsIiIYmIchTvxAp-i7g-SJ9kAvhI6gWWo/s1600/IMG_3716%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWn6dLk2j-QH6iMrnD5B-cw2C5mrUzDgNyt3M1FrlZM4UstLQciPAFfwX26aJp1mpF96RYUH_59jgFZFmmCYZjYkwjxXvcff0SyIIPX8tP16xsIiIYmIchTvxAp-i7g-SJ9kAvhI6gWWo/s400/IMG_3716%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a>
Even though I went to the King Tut exhibit in San Francisco a few years ago, when I heard that treasures from his tomb were making their last North American appearance here in Seattle, I felt like I needed to see them. <a href="http://kingtut.org/">Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaoh</a> at the Pacific Science Center has more than 100 objects on display, most from King Tut's tomb along with other artifacts from ancient Egyptian history. Along with the throngs of others, I marveled at the craftsmanship of the jewelry and objects on display. Along with a 10-foot statue of the pharaoh found at the remains of the funerary temple of two of his high officials, the display includes the golden sandals that Tut's mummy was wearing, a toilet seat (first image below), a cat sarcophagus... Fascinating! The exhibit is on display through January 6, 2013.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5d7gv-qLsq17AmFG1BmLXUydMGrm1WgAN9edoF1bdbne2G1rf5S6429hZ1Rci2oyxaIenO8huxmmCE-WamXAgvJ7IZVt4XV1hPHz7nH0e8fvUeyFbspbHgfswlhoqNl_1zYEQ7G3f0o/s1600/IMG_3735%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5d7gv-qLsq17AmFG1BmLXUydMGrm1WgAN9edoF1bdbne2G1rf5S6429hZ1Rci2oyxaIenO8huxmmCE-WamXAgvJ7IZVt4XV1hPHz7nH0e8fvUeyFbspbHgfswlhoqNl_1zYEQ7G3f0o/s400/IMG_3735%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a>Carrie Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871684866506343119noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156087809778126029.post-26076633318411255112012-06-05T22:11:00.001-07:002012-06-05T22:45:43.206-07:00Hosting guests from Japan<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZmd86iBd2YXda_VrS7UKdTS72bEoC6FOCjw4Q6ViNSqzHpj47LkJsOwkC1eMM12ZrrPWORba8zA1SBHm95zBsJ7qLUyH4Wb4TqiUYSB2j0WF5MjOIhPZFSP6Ye57vubFJRSibit0RFw/s1600/IMG_3767%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="299" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZmd86iBd2YXda_VrS7UKdTS72bEoC6FOCjw4Q6ViNSqzHpj47LkJsOwkC1eMM12ZrrPWORba8zA1SBHm95zBsJ7qLUyH4Wb4TqiUYSB2j0WF5MjOIhPZFSP6Ye57vubFJRSibit0RFw/s400/IMG_3767%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a>
Ever since I began working for a Japanese company back in San Francisco, Oscar's been quite interested in Japan, and now he's been learning the language at school. And every year his school hosts students from Tokyo's Shukutoku Sugamo Middle School, so we signed up to be a host family for a weekend. It's a good way to get a taste of hosting exchange students, and it's just a three-night commitment. Chris met our students after school on Friday, they stayed through the weekend, and went back to school with Oscar on Monday morning.</p>
In their suits and penny loafers, Koto and Ryunosuke looked strikingly different from the rumpled T-shirt-and-jeans-wearing kids at Hamilton. They were painfully shy, didn't smile, and either were too shy to speak or just didn't know very much English at all. Uh-oh.</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSjuchlMCKYh2Atjt6l9P1DSJplv8isuUPLmPXp6n1F8xvSSocXlrxPy87E__ZHxUiOKQ987CAb7xhiu_W8SvYRbD5ErOrNchgRWjeuVEoBLp86JLASPJQ5l79Ez-p3961_dDQyw9ZK0/s1600/IMG_3681%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="299" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSjuchlMCKYh2Atjt6l9P1DSJplv8isuUPLmPXp6n1F8xvSSocXlrxPy87E__ZHxUiOKQ987CAb7xhiu_W8SvYRbD5ErOrNchgRWjeuVEoBLp86JLASPJQ5l79Ez-p3961_dDQyw9ZK0/s400/IMG_3681%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a>
I'd been thinking about them a lot before they got here, and asked everyone for ideas of what to do with them. I compiled a list of activities for each day and night, along with menus. I wanted to give them a good taste of typical American life.</p>
Over the weekend, we ate pizza, salad, hamburgers, spaghetti, bacon and eggs, pancakes, and french toast, and lots of different fruits. We made s'mores on the barbecue grill. We ate on a barge on Lake Union at Ivar's Salmon House. To their credit, they tried some of everything that was offered to them. I'm not sure if they actually liked the food or if they were just being polite, but they ate a lot more than I thought they would! Judging from portion sizes, I'd say they definitely liked the watermelon and s'mores, but I guess 14-year-old boys eat a lot no matter what. When the kids were allowed to choose their own snacks from a museum cafe, they took a long time selecting what they wanted! They both picked ice cream cones and a soda. Ryunosuke's strawberry Fanta was too sweet, and I offered to get him a new drink. He took a long time picking out another one--finally deciding on peach tea--and got some disgusting nachos with fake cheese as well. Blech.<p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5ut02lKXu6OfSsaf35-KOLpcuOQpJNVsfPKB9aQf6Nf9PzsjMSwIw3n8Is19yB1bGAoaHcCSqI4FSk0wuMqcl7lLCb8w9UwHGqibuf363fUz0_n0M8sf5sUaR0TB-vd8wIwZjWDOimg/s1600/IMG_3754%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5ut02lKXu6OfSsaf35-KOLpcuOQpJNVsfPKB9aQf6Nf9PzsjMSwIw3n8Is19yB1bGAoaHcCSqI4FSk0wuMqcl7lLCb8w9UwHGqibuf363fUz0_n0M8sf5sUaR0TB-vd8wIwZjWDOimg/s400/IMG_3754%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a>
We took the boys canoeing on Lake Union, to the Ballard Locks, to see the King Tut exhibit at the Pacific Science Center, and we rode the monorail to Gameworks arcade downtown. They fell asleep often; they were still quite tired and jet-lagged even though they had been in Seattle for a few days before we met them. The only time they really seemed like they were relaxed and having fun was when they were playing videogames together. Oscar was able to play with them, and the language barrier seemed to evaporate.</p>
All in all, in was frustrating trying to communicate with our guests, but I feel like maybe even if my Japanese was better and their English was better, they still might've felt too awkward to have conversations. I felt victorious every time we actually exchanged information. For example, I learned that Ryunosuke had been in the U.S. two times before, once when he was very small, and once to Portland. I learned that their favorite sight in Seattle was "downtown." </p>
Oscar enjoyed having the kids stay with us, and wants to sign up to host again next year. It seems there are plenty of opportunities to host students in Seattle. If any Seattleites are interested in hosting a Japanese student, Azumano International is looking for 50+ more families to host students this summer for one- to three-week stints. (The kids will attend ESL classes at UW or SPU in the morning and do sightseeing and cultural activities with their class in the afternoons.) If you're interested, contact Megan or Sharon at seattle.edu@azumano.com.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju35-QZMvKlHf7ZLwr3gyWWxZB1ojN11_SpWh8-7PlWvvQWQYNEIT5cSksD-Xe_rxySftF506bPKFjSyf_91T2LsOGph_JfL-yO-vgNe9CeUASxoF5lv41iIGJOapGFs85s0uiiPDA8VA/s1600/IMG_3749%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju35-QZMvKlHf7ZLwr3gyWWxZB1ojN11_SpWh8-7PlWvvQWQYNEIT5cSksD-Xe_rxySftF506bPKFjSyf_91T2LsOGph_JfL-yO-vgNe9CeUASxoF5lv41iIGJOapGFs85s0uiiPDA8VA/s400/IMG_3749%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDWAhEief9SLXZslKFlsfk0EJ_xYSxz1I_NQP1eXvz3k7_2LPReZmLU54tiFx1_UsELLYZUEObdHVjP10Wm-Z8shX-NNZHo3gwr_APXVo3lFNN2-k4e9KtDm0SWOIX1Cx0uzz6fVrGM4/s1600/IMG_3700%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDWAhEief9SLXZslKFlsfk0EJ_xYSxz1I_NQP1eXvz3k7_2LPReZmLU54tiFx1_UsELLYZUEObdHVjP10Wm-Z8shX-NNZHo3gwr_APXVo3lFNN2-k4e9KtDm0SWOIX1Cx0uzz6fVrGM4/s400/IMG_3700%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a>Carrie Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871684866506343119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156087809778126029.post-30776367158863098072012-05-13T20:25:00.001-07:002012-05-13T20:32:05.648-07:00Tilth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Mother's Day is probably the one of the most popular days to eat out at a nice restaurant. Count me in! I got a reservation for an early dinner (brunch was booked, alas!) at <a href="http://www.tilthrestaurant.com/home">Tilth</a>, a neighborhood place featuring organic, locally sourced food. Besides having delicious cuisine, it's a super cute place, located in a green Craftsman house with a lovely outdoor eating area and excellent service. According to the restaurant's website, Tilth was voted one of the best new restaurants in the country in 2008. Its executive chef and owner, Maria Hines, is a James Beard Award winner for Best Chef of the Northwest, as well as one of Food & Wine Magazine’s 10 Best New Chefs of 2005. </p>
Luckily, it was a beautiful sunny day, so we got to eat outside. We opted to get the five-course tasting menu; I got the vegetarian version and Chris and Oscar got the carnivore version. The first course, savory apple soup with a gruyere and caramelized onion-topped crouton, was Chris and Oscar's favorite. My favorite was the second course, roasted garlic flan with cauliflower, green onion, and caper. I also had carnaroli risotto with firm chunks of carrot, stinging nettle, and pine nuts and house-made potato gnocchi with English peas, morel mushrooms, and lemon thyme. (Oscar and Chris had sablefish and hangar steak for the last two courses.) For dessert, we got chocolate ganache cake with cocoa cream and a salt-topped chocolate cookie the size of a pencil eraser. It was a great meal, and even Oscar ate most everything, and at least tried everything.</p>
Tilth's menu changes monthly, which makes me think it might be a good idea to visit at least seasonally! I'm still determined to eat brunch there one of these days. I need a special occasion. Or a visitor! Anyone?!</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3PNJVtgcAcaAhj5K-FwAH2K_b-sLwJr2xSof5m-szY_yycYRYBTyQejEwaZ2pTt-UJ_VBczUbZplAUNWbvC_Ezz2UUcuQh2m78qF-iOGk_N9AqxrQPJxfUkuOmnOY0bWEKAbtAK4SH8/s1600/IMG_3647%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3PNJVtgcAcaAhj5K-FwAH2K_b-sLwJr2xSof5m-szY_yycYRYBTyQejEwaZ2pTt-UJ_VBczUbZplAUNWbvC_Ezz2UUcuQh2m78qF-iOGk_N9AqxrQPJxfUkuOmnOY0bWEKAbtAK4SH8/s400/IMG_3647%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a></div>Carrie Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871684866506343119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156087809778126029.post-74838150852790941642012-05-05T13:39:00.002-07:002012-05-05T13:55:21.775-07:00Free Comic Book Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today is the first Saturday in May, which is one of my favorite holidays: Free Comic Book Day! It's such a fun way to preview the latest comics from all types of publishers. The best contain complete stories; some have previews of a few pages of several titles the publisher is promoting. There's even a full-cover hardcover freebie anthology of <i>Mouse Guard</i> this year. There's a huge array of samples, but the stores I've been to set limits on the number you can take. Last year at our local Oakland, California store the limit was three; at our neighborhood store in Seattle today the limit is six, but either way if you bring several family members, you can get a good supply of reading material for free! Be careful of flip comics or you might pick up the same comic twice like I did: Even though it was clearly labeled as a flip comic on both sides, I didn't realize that <i>Anna & Froga</i> and <i>Moomin Valley Turns Jungle</i> were two sides of the same comic. I was too excited by the <i>Anna & Froga</i> artwork (check out the pic of the worm, cat and frog below). So pretty! </p>
Our local comic book seller, <a href="http://comicsdungeon.com/">Comics Dungeon</a>, was mobbed when Oscar and I arrived at 11 a.m. Besides shelves of free comics, the store has marked down its kids' comics by 35% and its graphic novels and trade paperbacks by 25%; T-shirts and toys are also on sale. Like most of the crowd in Comics Dungeon, we took advantage of the lowered prices. (The cashier told me Free Comic Book Day is by far the busiest day of the year!) I got a hardcover <i>Nancy </i>book by one of my favorite old-school artists, John Stanley; Oscar bought a <i>Skullboy Army</i> comic. In terms of comics, I gravitate to the all the kids' comics, and my favorites consistently come from Fantagraphics and Drawn & Quarterly. I also love Bongo, Top Shelf, and Kaboom! And I should mention the <i>Voltron Force</i> comic that my friend Traci at VIZ Media edited is in Free Comic Book Day preview form as well. (I don't know anything about Voltron Force and generally avoid the superhero-type action stuff, but I know if Traci worked on it, it's awesome!)</p>
Anyway, free comic book day goes on all day long, so be sure to hit up your local shop!</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUX72jWuQK07-qhaUI5m1qCx8nfo0d8DNvPZCNWbjzMjMQNFZH2a9VLjVgTpAYSi_wbt6M1DHOl4YwIeECGoo0fq60myQhq_SQrH10JlfdJN28usQLySHLcfrYtSLU6-CRy28omsnydjw/s1600/IMG_3631%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="299" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUX72jWuQK07-qhaUI5m1qCx8nfo0d8DNvPZCNWbjzMjMQNFZH2a9VLjVgTpAYSi_wbt6M1DHOl4YwIeECGoo0fq60myQhq_SQrH10JlfdJN28usQLySHLcfrYtSLU6-CRy28omsnydjw/s400/IMG_3631%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a></div>Carrie Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871684866506343119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156087809778126029.post-31379043527712050682012-04-29T20:05:00.000-07:002012-04-30T06:34:50.196-07:00Company picnic, 2012-style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ6prgNDFdmVVWy80WuPb_yaSWwVCFV7f3xGJoLLIJRDjeKCD5fAN48G-wequs_82qv6h5sPcM_hrLi5W0HsUz-U4GQgyOQTj55opHwfEERQI-sDNJa5YQsCeRaEbJcCLEoMFGwqfxtt0/s1600/IMG_3612%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ6prgNDFdmVVWy80WuPb_yaSWwVCFV7f3xGJoLLIJRDjeKCD5fAN48G-wequs_82qv6h5sPcM_hrLi5W0HsUz-U4GQgyOQTj55opHwfEERQI-sDNJa5YQsCeRaEbJcCLEoMFGwqfxtt0/s400/IMG_3612%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a></div>Yesterday I participated in my first 5K run! Except it was more like a brisk walk -- partly because I haven't actually <i>run </i>since high school (possibly junior high), and partly because I was hemmed in by toddlers, strollers, and many, many, many Microsoft employees and their families. We all showed up on Saturday morning for the first Campus Jam activity of the day, the Family Fun Run! The route took us around and through the Microsoft campus. There was a giant balloon arch and marching band at the end, which was playing Beyonce's "Crazy in Love" as I crossed the finish line. Even though I'm sure I routinely walk that distance around the neighborhood, it felt glorious!</p>After the run, we ate box lunches outside by one of the fountains, checked out exhibitor booths, and I took an invigorating and challenging zumba class while Chris and Oscar played Frisbee. There were yoga classes too, but I missed out on that. In fact, we really experienced only a tiny fraction of the activities available. There were player appearances from the Seattle Seahawks, Sea Gals, Seattle Storm, Sounders FC, and the Seattle Mariners. There were kids' sports clinics for cheering, football, baseball, soccer, and basketball; cooking demonstrations; crafts; a scavenger hunt; 3-on-3 basketball; a climbing wall; trampoline; Kinect games; and yes, even a <i>competitive </i>5K race.</p>Microsoft, obviously, is incredibly huge, and this event was packed with thousands and thousands of people. The number of box lunches they had on hand -- at four distribution stations over the campus -- was staggering. It was crowded! Not horribly so, but they did run out of cups for the water during the race, and certain flavors of the free smoothies they were giving out. Obviously a fitness-centered event like this is designed to encourage employees and their families to be healthy. The cynical part of me thinks MS probably gets a big discount on insurance rates for promoting a healthy lifestyle. It would've been cool to have some old-timey sack races or tug-of-war competitions, but it was a great spring event even so.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiub84oqKNNajxuzDZwZTTDG6_Lirh4W7jPSD1UQaVU-1xfivPX0k5NZ6BFN6bo9-YVsMjhFkHtxtTNCoqc4N25L5MAs5wlf4-J4jLk_CoFa4mJIbdr6qBt-HavUUXFfpCTa2ZOakbP8fU/s1600/IMG_3596%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiub84oqKNNajxuzDZwZTTDG6_Lirh4W7jPSD1UQaVU-1xfivPX0k5NZ6BFN6bo9-YVsMjhFkHtxtTNCoqc4N25L5MAs5wlf4-J4jLk_CoFa4mJIbdr6qBt-HavUUXFfpCTa2ZOakbP8fU/s400/IMG_3596%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a></div>Carrie Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871684866506343119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156087809778126029.post-70517693612341664752012-04-22T15:39:00.001-07:002012-04-22T18:38:35.167-07:00The Next 50 at Seattle Center<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Seattle hosted the World's Fair in 1962, so this year marks the 50th anniversary. It would be so awesome if Seattle would host a 2012 World's Fair, but instead the city is marking the anniversary of the 1962 event with a six-month celebration called "<a href="http://www.thenextfifty.org/">The Next Fifty</a>." Yesterday was the opening celebration. Hoping for some cool retro nostalgia, we headed to Seattle Center -- where the Space Needle is. The Space Needle was of course constructed for the 1962 World's Fair, and the "saucer" part was recently painted orange because that's how it looked back then -- when it was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. Seattle Center is a huge area -- home to Key Arena, Memorial Stadium, Pacific Science Center, Experience Music Project, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle Repertory Theatre, SIFF Cinema, Seattle Children's Theater, the new Chihuly Garden and Glass museum (opening soon!), the International Fountain Pavilion, a Poetry Garden... and lawns for lounging and picnicking.</p>
The weather this weekend could not have been better, warm and sunny and perfect for enjoying an day outside watching school marching bands, drill teams, and skateboarders at the skatepark, and sampling fare from the many assembled food trucks. There wasn't much in the way of 1962 artifacts, but there are some cool vintage tchotchkes for sale in the gift shop, and 1962 TV shows were playing the pavillion. ("The Beverly Hillbillies" was onscreen when I popped in.)</p>
The Next Fifty celebration is going on until October 21 (to coincide with the 1962 World's Fair dates), so it's a great time to visit Seattle Center!</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWK_sl71hjkN-98soJ3Wgx1AO4sOejmKC55YrQkDkVZdmJsHFufUGlFfqG2f_zHBao65xXCy_t1yOlqXF67mSkwq_NjJm3btG3wKeB-Zb54Zy8yslsLoDU-UL0BQwJdLp-GtJzdbL4S5Q/s1600/IMG_3583%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWK_sl71hjkN-98soJ3Wgx1AO4sOejmKC55YrQkDkVZdmJsHFufUGlFfqG2f_zHBao65xXCy_t1yOlqXF67mSkwq_NjJm3btG3wKeB-Zb54Zy8yslsLoDU-UL0BQwJdLp-GtJzdbL4S5Q/s400/IMG_3583%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a></div>Carrie Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871684866506343119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156087809778126029.post-67463637595025012002012-04-21T09:14:00.000-07:002012-04-21T09:14:45.704-07:00Rock Band Camp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oscar spent much of his spring break brushing up on guitar at <a href="http://offthewallschoolofmusic.com/rock-camp/">Rock Band Camp</a>. He's been taking piano lessons at <a href="http://www.carrieinseattle.blogspot.com/2011/11/off-wall.html">Off the Wall School of Music</a> since last fall, but his guitar has been sadly neglected in Seattle -- until now! </p>
At camp, the kids were able to try new instruments and play together as a group, which Oscar's never done before in a rock setting, though he's played in orchestral bands at school. Oscar's band named themselves "The Mustache Brigade," and wore adhesive mustaches from nearby <a href="http://www.mcphee.com/shop/">Archie McPhee</a>. They also made a music video with crazy props, which I'm dying to see (if I get a link, I'll post an update!). On the last day of camp the kids gave a performance to show off the songs they'd learned. Check it out (and apologies for the crazy iPhone camerawork)!</p>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIb09Rog2O4&context=C494bfceADvjVQa1PpcFN9ul1RN0sabmjL6jjZa7EBtu_n3TvksPE=">All Along the Watchtower </a></br>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5dHbL0Py50&feature=context&context=C494bfceADvjVQa1PpcFN9ul1RN0sabmjL6jjZa7EBtu_n3TvksPE=">Sunshine of My Life</a></br>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Auo0Hss9Ttg&context=C4aab32fADvjVQa1PpcFN9ul1RN0sabtgO5WP2lVJ5ds26ZWT58-Q=">Seven Nation Army</a></p>
Off the Wall is holding more Rock Band Camps this summer, so hopefully Oscar will get more experience as a rock god. I highly recommend Off the Wall's staff: They're playful and fun, extremely patient, and of course all talented musicians!</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xGnamT74yo5XClxdNuO15ZB4P1r3a2arvJkftWYS9Wi4fdIu5mmMv3shGnYB32tpQsH2GxUDALgiPRle49uipYZYXzzZ_FHMkDcpIsZi61J_nrLXZx6RHFaYsyYByGafMupJvYxSwf0/s1600/IMG_3549%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="299" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xGnamT74yo5XClxdNuO15ZB4P1r3a2arvJkftWYS9Wi4fdIu5mmMv3shGnYB32tpQsH2GxUDALgiPRle49uipYZYXzzZ_FHMkDcpIsZi61J_nrLXZx6RHFaYsyYByGafMupJvYxSwf0/s400/IMG_3549%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a></div>Carrie Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871684866506343119noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156087809778126029.post-40588978392162354872012-04-18T13:08:00.001-07:002012-04-19T10:31:12.821-07:00Teacher love at Kidd Valley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's hard to be a non-meat-eater in a meat-loving family, so I'm always looking for options that we'll all like. Since I also try not to eat fried foods (i.e., the fish sandwich is usually not a good option for me), it can be difficult in an on-the-run situation to find anything that I want to eat. My favorite fast-food place in Wallingford is <a href="http://kiddvalley.com/index.htm">Kidd Valley</a> for one reason: It serves genuine, original-style <a href="http://www.gardenburger.com/">Garden Burger-brand garden burgers</a>, which I find infinitely superior to the dreaded Boca burgers, and most other veggie or black bean burgers. Kidd Valley's hamburgers, fries, and onion rings are also Oscar- and Chris-approved, and their shakes -- hand-mixed with seasonal fruit, chocolate, or vanilla -- are reknowned. </p>
Since it's spring break week here in Seattle, it's an excellent time to visit Kidd Valley with the kids, and while you're there, make sure you have them nominate their favorite Washington teacher for Kidd Valley Teacher of the Year. (Entries must be received by May 20, and you can also enter <a href="http://kiddvalley.com/calendar.htm">online</a>, mail them in, or submit them at any Kidd Valley restaurant.) The winning teacher will get a $500 gift card for school supplies, and the student who nominated him or her will get a Kidd Valley Burger Party. My kid hates to write, and especially hates essays, but evidently he really loves his Japanese teacher because he immediately took an entry form -- unprompted -- and filled it out, including specific examples of why his teacher is the best. Good luck, Ms. McDonald! </p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxg2Qp8ZWoP1djIQipqMMcRUn3vWNBzhrNY2PQg2M7rK86Jht3P_zdp1iBVnf-qNr8ePZQWxgnTkP53l_aqXR-9R2eSrKHEiG9dcZdExoQJ4zMRoxa0lMNs67L_1Ex3pHfAwf88QVgWw/s1600/IMG_3527%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxg2Qp8ZWoP1djIQipqMMcRUn3vWNBzhrNY2PQg2M7rK86Jht3P_zdp1iBVnf-qNr8ePZQWxgnTkP53l_aqXR-9R2eSrKHEiG9dcZdExoQJ4zMRoxa0lMNs67L_1Ex3pHfAwf88QVgWw/s400/IMG_3527%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a></div>Carrie Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871684866506343119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156087809778126029.post-74137277102444408172012-04-16T12:10:00.000-07:002012-04-18T17:13:48.018-07:00Spring flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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While Seattle doesn't get much of what I think of as true wintery weather, the transition to spring is much more dramatic than the Bay Area. Now, everything is blooming! It's so beautiful and welcome after a gray rainy season. We've had some nice warm sunny days -- including the last two weekends. I've been busy weeding, planting, and trimming stuff -- and since I know nothing about gardening it's all very experimental. (We have a lot of worms in the yard, but also a lot of slugs -- do those cancel each other out?) I can't wait to see if any of my seeds actually grow into plants!</P>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPDGRYAvEM6IX6OVSbqo1HSfVGtix5rrty09-Z0B3bPsmRSIiaCdgqo-iuV8gPXzdWQqWz4Y-w02eP0cb1M2n-WIqO3qYgk3gE4Gnd3sSD1B6hHPp-6RQz8o5Vh2KMGOken5Q1q6cS9E/s1600/IMG_3444%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPDGRYAvEM6IX6OVSbqo1HSfVGtix5rrty09-Z0B3bPsmRSIiaCdgqo-iuV8gPXzdWQqWz4Y-w02eP0cb1M2n-WIqO3qYgk3gE4Gnd3sSD1B6hHPp-6RQz8o5Vh2KMGOken5Q1q6cS9E/s400/IMG_3444%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a></div>Carrie Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871684866506343119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156087809778126029.post-66044060998064835922012-04-15T12:49:00.000-07:002012-04-18T17:14:06.763-07:00Nook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Nook -- on scrubby University Way & 50th in the U District -- mostly serves one thing: biscuits. Fluffy, buttery, delicious biscuits. Biscuits with sausage gravy; biscuits with mushroom gravy; biscuits with bacon, egg, cheddar and tomato jam; biscuits with ham, egg, and cheese (with dijon or jalapenos optional); biscuits with goat cheese spread, tomato jam, and egg; biscuits with ham, brie, and arugula-pesto. You can even get a plain buttermilk biscuit with jam. There's also homemade soup and chili if you don't like biscuits (i.e., if you're <i>crazy</i>!).</p>
The biscuits alone are basically irresistible, but Nook itself is as well. From its owl logo to the cheerful aqua wainscoting and jam jar light fixtures and snug booths, it's the epitome of hipster chic.</p>
Unfortunately, all this irresistibility has a price. As in, you better get there early (I suggest arriving when it opens at 9, Wednesday through Sunday). And the competition for the four booths and four counter stools is pretty fierce as well. Nook closes when it sells out of biscuits (and from what I hear, it always sells out). Get there before noon on a weekend, or you're probably out of luck.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3y8JPTJ4AGUBscuUrEVidboe_QNqrGL2F0jt4izN0U0XKaiBR5qwcmwKcnjYEjN29z1y5U8gqrkZGaVkkr39a4urFJk2zr6XYqUSm_7WFnTlt8NHvKNgihgV0EDpQXWcc6_02n2CdDRM/s1600/IMG_2675%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3y8JPTJ4AGUBscuUrEVidboe_QNqrGL2F0jt4izN0U0XKaiBR5qwcmwKcnjYEjN29z1y5U8gqrkZGaVkkr39a4urFJk2zr6XYqUSm_7WFnTlt8NHvKNgihgV0EDpQXWcc6_02n2CdDRM/s400/IMG_2675%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a></div>Carrie Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871684866506343119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156087809778126029.post-76844339271008952712012-03-20T10:00:00.000-07:002012-03-20T10:33:51.725-07:00Vintage book: The First Book of Words<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love vintage stuff in general, but I think my favorite vintage thing to collect is children's books. <i>The First Book of Words: Their Family Histories</i> is vintage at its anachronistic best, a window to its publication year of 1954. But a lot of this information is still relevant and is a great introduction to word history, covering English's Indo-European roots, the Norman conquest, Latin and Greek roots, the history of writing and printing, names and surnames, word evolution in the U.S. and words borrowed from other languages, and words formed from brand names, onomatopeia, prefixes and suffixes and slang. It's written in a very engaging way and I expect kids would learn a lot from it. I especially love the two-color art by Hungarian artist Laszlo Roth. </p>
There's always stuff in old children's books that would never fly today, and this book is no exception.
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Gotta love the '50s, when women were always pictured cooking, talking on the phone, or being a nurse.</P>
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I can just see the letters to the publisher about this entry for <i>assassin</i>.</p>
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My kid's elementary school in Oakland, California was always discarding books like this to make room for more politically correct and modern fare, so I "rescued" a lot of them. But this book is from <a href="http://carrieinseattle.blogspot.com/2011/11/b-is-for-books.html">Alphabet Soup in Wallingford</a>.Carrie Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871684866506343119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156087809778126029.post-73590341816415221492012-03-19T11:22:00.001-07:002012-03-19T16:51:59.072-07:00First Date: A New Musical<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodZpi5TuL0R-CJ69Nn02pgD0m79X6p0-mt4nalNHOhv88uiPPooJz-1NN6YUruLiibNvTDCY9GhO-lHIb6B0WDihbV8AX7OFbFFI0883484FkX34yFfV4W2DfEETVSx1q98q2mLAHzko/s1600/IMG_3173%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodZpi5TuL0R-CJ69Nn02pgD0m79X6p0-mt4nalNHOhv88uiPPooJz-1NN6YUruLiibNvTDCY9GhO-lHIb6B0WDihbV8AX7OFbFFI0883484FkX34yFfV4W2DfEETVSx1q98q2mLAHzko/s400/IMG_3173%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a></div>I just learned that Seattle's <a href="http://www.5thavenue.org/about/">5th Avenue Theatre</a> is a significant developer of new musicals. It's produced 14 in the past ten years, five of which went to Broadway and two of which won Tony Awards for Best Musical, including <i>Memphis</i>, which is currently on Broadway. Huh. </p>This past weekend I saw the premiere of a new musical, <a href="http://www.acttheatre.org/Tickets/OnStage/FirstDateANewMusical">First Date</a>, which was a collaboration between the 5th Avenue Theatre and <a href="http://www.acttheatre.org/">ACT-A Contemporary Theatre</a>. It's a 90-minute, one-act, seven-actor piece about modern-day dating. I was initially skeptical, unwowed by the bland opening number and stereotypes, but I was won over in the end -- in large part because of the outstanding male lead, Eric Ankrim (who, incidentally, just played Curly in <i><a href="http://carrieinseattle.blogspot.com/2012/03/oklahoma-at-5th-avenue-theater.html">Okalahoma!</a></i>). He plays Aaron, a Jewish Wall Street trader set up on a blind date with Casey, a Soho artist. He's an open, optimistic BDV (blind date virgin) who is still trying to get over being jilted by his ex; she's a jaded BDS (blind date slut) with a codependent gay boyfriend. They seem opposite in almost every way, and yet, somehow you end up believing that they'll be great for each other. </p>Unfortunately, none of the music sticks in my head, but the numbers -- such as "The World Wide Web is Forever," about how Facebook, Twitter, Google, etc. can ruin your chances with someone before you even meet -- are heavy on dating humor. There are no spectacular, over-the-top dance or vocal numbers, which is in keeping with the more intimate storyline. (Again, Eric Ankrim has a lovely voice, though!) In short, this play isn't gonna go down in history like <i>Oklahoma!</i> and it's not the next <i>Wicked</i>, but single people and those of us who remember well what it's like to be single, will find it amusing. It's at Falls Theatre until May 20.</p>Carrie Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871684866506343119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156087809778126029.post-40730856998013183022012-03-14T12:19:00.001-07:002012-03-14T12:19:50.495-07:00Happy Pi Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today is <a href="http://www.piday.org/million.php">Pi Day</a> -- 3.14! If you're thinking "We never had Pi Day when I was a kid," you're right, because it was created in 1988 by a San Francisco Exploratorium physicist and was recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives as a holiday in 2009. Last year, Oscar's 5th grade class celebrated by eating a bunch of parent-supplied pies. </p>
I'm gonna take this opportunity to mention my favorite Wallingford cafe, <a href="http://www.irwinsbakeryseattle.com/">Irwin's</a>, which has couches and armchairs to curl up on on this cold, rainy day, as well as great sandwiches, pizza, and quiche, but above all else, amazing pie. Specifically, marionberry pie, served warm with fresh whipped cream. It's heavenly. There are three Irwin's locations in Seattle, so if you live near one, I suggest you celebrate Pi Day there.Carrie Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871684866506343119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156087809778126029.post-48030113077735933202012-03-12T20:35:00.001-07:002012-03-13T12:32:03.540-07:00Blue C Sushi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVYuOKubJ20E-_tKI2SlepvveJ9Qlr46v64tFSnbK6mOSWZ0Ecsr8BtEL3Mxng51Y82EgtrokCWsu5IGfSWiXNo4IpwzGgnzn-mVoq7hAj_jujvkrBQmpnXVIpI_K6ytvikVQB-MxIJY/s1600/IMG_3150%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVYuOKubJ20E-_tKI2SlepvveJ9Qlr46v64tFSnbK6mOSWZ0Ecsr8BtEL3Mxng51Y82EgtrokCWsu5IGfSWiXNo4IpwzGgnzn-mVoq7hAj_jujvkrBQmpnXVIpI_K6ytvikVQB-MxIJY/s400/IMG_3150%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.bluecsushi.com/">Blue C Sushi</a> is the McDonald's of sushi. Just like a McDonald's hamburger satisfies a different craving than a handmade burger grilled on a barbecue does, Blue C Sushi fulfills a different niche than a fine sushi house. Like McDonald's, it is a 5-star destination for children, young and old. They have some crazy sushi, such as the St. Patrick's Day rolls on green pedestals that are currently offered. Besides a daily happy hour, happy hour goes from 4 to close on Thursdays and Sundays, at least at the two locations I've been to in U-Village and Fremont (there are six restaurants in the Seattle area).</p>
The big appeal at Blue C is the conveyor belt, snaking around the entire restaurant, by booths and counter seats, covered in America's version of sushi. It's truly mesmerizing and irresistible, even to me. If you do need a server, say to order mochi or drinks, you just push a button that lights up. </p>
After dragging Oscar shoe shopping this weekend, he was in such a foul mood he was barely speaking to me. But Blue C Sushi instantly dissolved his disagreeableness. He loved surveying his options, and selecting the colorful plates of his favorite dishes: shrimp nigiri, kappa maki, pork gyoza, sesame noodles, spring rolls... It was such fun that we selected a lot more plates than I intended. This brings me to how Blue C is not like McDonald's at all. Each color plate has a different price point; the green are $1.50, yellow are $2.75, all the way up to purple, which are $5.50. It all sounds so cheap, but they quickly add up. Sushi is definitely not inexpensive, especially when you're eating with Oscar. But turning your kid's frown upside down is priceless, right?
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf54szbE2mxRJENrz0K0frTdnYpD1eqjozighFyITxnZ73CUn-dihdyj89EeHBrVHxGJYudbDfLb5hGLDYfgZxvfr5POJfjPEH9gSupUH4UwZwawtcJdconkWeSqc8FIicYkqUAb6zEXE/s1600/IMG_3160%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf54szbE2mxRJENrz0K0frTdnYpD1eqjozighFyITxnZ73CUn-dihdyj89EeHBrVHxGJYudbDfLb5hGLDYfgZxvfr5POJfjPEH9gSupUH4UwZwawtcJdconkWeSqc8FIicYkqUAb6zEXE/s400/IMG_3160%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a></div>Carrie Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871684866506343119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156087809778126029.post-47430124063877232242012-03-10T14:18:00.000-08:002012-03-10T14:37:10.512-08:00Hunger Games hype<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbScVyjc998RgiYNjcHL0AbQ_1JKQ7DRl5ZUTmeUyWJwi1O5hSirmh0mLgI9UkxSs0EUvAB5_CIp9PmdOaL4nRNu_WYHeDFXZdL7XeSLqvy9JOms2v7mC6NbZzcIrsVLL_5eB8jAQLWuo/s1600/the-hunger-games-movie-poster-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbScVyjc998RgiYNjcHL0AbQ_1JKQ7DRl5ZUTmeUyWJwi1O5hSirmh0mLgI9UkxSs0EUvAB5_CIp9PmdOaL4nRNu_WYHeDFXZdL7XeSLqvy9JOms2v7mC6NbZzcIrsVLL_5eB8jAQLWuo/s400/the-hunger-games-movie-poster-23.jpg" /></a></div>
I know I'm not the only adult who reads young adult fiction. It's often so much more imaginative and fun than "adult" books! I still haven't read Suzanne Collins' <i>The Hunger Games</i>, but I will! Oscar has had the first book in the series for about a year (his friends had recommended it), but he didn't like it. Now that the movie is coming out, he's found it impossible to resist the hype.</p>
I have no idea how the decision came about, but the entire 6th grade class at Oscar's middle school is now headed on a field trip for a noon showing of the film three days after its release. The letter I received from the school explains:
<blockquote>"Many, if not most, of our 6th grade students have read the book <i>The Hunger Games</i> and wish to see one of their favorite books come to life on the big screen. They have been anticipating the release of the film for several months. Students who have not read the book seem to be motivated to read it before the film is released to compare and contrast the book and movie."</blockquote>
I am still flabbergasted that these middle school kids get to go see a movie -- which most could have gone to see with their families anyway -- during school time! But I'm not about to relegate my kid to sit in the library while everyone else gets to go on one of the most anticipated events of the entire school year. After all, friendships and bonding experiences are a huge part of adolescence, so...whatever.</p>
I'm also highly in favor of this sort of hype surrounding book releases (I really miss the anticipation of the new <i>Harry Potter</i> volumes), so this is possibly the next best thing. And just like the letter said, the anticipation of the movie inspired Oscar to reread the book. And this time, he liked it. Now he wants to read the sequels, and I'm happy about that.Carrie Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12871684866506343119noreply@blogger.com3