Sunrise, sunset

 

Tomorrow I have an early flight to Las Vegas to be with my sister and dad. I'm not lugging the laptop along, so will take a little break from blogging this week.

The white edge of winter

 

Yesterday we went with the kids to cut their Christmas tree on the vast national forest land that surrounds the Methow Valley All you need is a $5 permit and follow a few simple rules. This has become their Thanksgiving weekend family tradition. 

Tom drove up a narrow road along the Chewuch (pronounced "chi-whack") River outside of Winthrop. We passed through miles of burn zone before reaching a good spot and cutting the perfect tree. The fun is in the hunt.

Truly the edge of wilderness, we all marveled at the enormous wolf prints. We are driving back to Seattle today. Bittersweet for me this time of year, as visits become less frequent.

I wanted to let you know that our dad entered hospice care at home yesterday. Only in Las Vegas can things happen so quickly and efficiently. And all thanks to my sister, Marji. Within a few hours they had already made him more comfortable with a hospital bed and delivered oxygen. He is resting in the family room, where he can see the sky through the high windows and look at Marji's beautiful Christmas tree. Our hearts are heavy, but what a blessing. 

Food and family

 

Maya in full recovery mode after Thanksgiving dinner.

We enjoyed the afternoon together over an excellent dinner. 

However, it's been a bittersweet holiday, as Dad's health took sudden and serious decline over the past two days. He is at home with my sister in Las Vegas, as comfortable as possible. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Bright morning star

 

My favorite time of day here, drinking coffee and watching the morning sky slowly lighten to the east. Venus was shining in the window bright as a lamp at 5 am, surrounded by a shocking amount of stars, at least compared to Seattle, where it never gets completely dark.  

We had an uneventful trip yesterday on dry roads, who could ask for anything more, with a small turkey defrosting in the cooler and the car loaded down with food. The usual pit stops at McDonald's and Lone Pine for soup and pie.

A busy few days coming up, but promise to check in with some pictures. I'm thankful for many things, including connecting with dear friends and family for many years though this blog.

Thanksgiving blessings to all!

Food week begins

 

Maya made this incredible chocolate creation with her new cake decorating set. How nice having a talented baker in the family. She's making a pumpkin cheesecake and pie this week for our Thanksgiving and Amanda, as always, brings a big salad. My easy job is turkey and usual sides. You can’t mess too much with tradition. 

The weather is strangely warm and dry for Thanksgiving week. Perfect for driving. Last year, the roads and yard were already covered with snow. Pretty to look at, but little did we know, it was just the start of one of the hardest winters in years. Many old trees and structures in the Valley were lost from the heavy snow.

The El Nino weather system now in place indicates milder weather for the Northwest, but only time will tell.

Re-homing "Homer"

 

A vet visit revealed that "Homer" is a senior terrier mix, around 12 years old. Despite being homeless for several weeks, he's in good shape, other than a mouth full of missing and/or bad teeth. Nothing a big vet bill can't improve! Everyone in the office loved his placid, sweet temperament.

But the vet suggested before Marji got too invested in the dog (financially and otherwise) she contact "24 Pet Watch Service" in Las Vegas. Lo and behold, they were somehow able to identify the dog through his unregistered chip.

However, this doesn't end just as you would expect. The owner told Marji that they had adopted "Papa Bear" a few months ago. Then he went missing and they gave up. On top of that, their family situation changed, and they couldn't afford the vet care Marji said he needs. 

Long story short, Marji and Dad have a new (old) pet and Doodles a companion. Who doesn't love a happy ending? Lucky old "Homer." Off to the dentist  

Have a good weekend.

National Fast Food Day

 

Hard to believe there was a time when 25 cents actually bought you something to eat. 

Like the classic five item menu at the first Taco Bell. For many of us, our first introduction to "Mexican" food. People didn't eat as much then and two little items seemed like plenty. And therein lies the problem with Americans and fast food-- too much, too often. 

There isn't a single fast food outlet in the Methow Valley, so Nova and Maya never acquired a taste for the stuff - good for them. And it might be one reason why you see so few overweight kids over there. 

Of a different generation, I remember that first, exciting fast food in late 1950's, everything individually wrapped just for me, nothing to share with my brother and sister, sitting on the bench seat in the back of the suburban with my burger, fries and milkshake hoard, making it last as long as possible.

We were caught up in the marketing hype of something completely new, and that Tempting Cheeseburger and Delightful Root Beer tasted better back then. How times have changed.

When I was gone recently, John got a small hamburger and small fries at Mcdonald's for a whopping $6.71. No drink. What a world. It also got him a lecture from me about laziness when it comes to lunch. Ha!

We are climbing...

Jacob's ladder...remember that old hymn?

I'm familiar with most of the machines at the gym, but this contraption is new.  There's a video on the Jacob's Ladder website showing a pretty girl in a low-cut shirt climbing it like a spider while approving men look on. You guys might want to check that out.

Yes, the fitness industry can be downright ridiculous. The Jacob's Ladder website says "the more you use it, the more you love hating it." 

That's true of gyms in general, although I don't hate mine at all, now that I've gone 4 times. It's easy and convenient and I can do my own thing. And will spare everyone the sight of a senior citizen climbing Jacob's Ladder. Ha ha.

Off to the Cafe this morning for a different kind of exercise. Did I ever mention that food service work is hard?

Thanksgiving

A whitewashed image of the first Thanksgiving and the persistent myth that the Pilgrims extended a warm dinner invitation to the Wampanoag tribe. 

Historians believe Native Americans weren't invited at all, but showed up out of curiosity (with food) after the pilgrims fired warning shots in their direction. It certainly didn't include turkey and mashed potatoes. Still, the myth endures and Thanksgiving remains the favorite American holiday.

I once subscribed to several excellent food magazines: Saveur, Bon Appetite, Gourmet. All gone now. The print periodical market is in decline, mostly because people prefer to read on their devices. Even Martha discontinued her (albeit) ridiculous magazine recently.

Anyway, the thick November issues were the highlight of the year, crammed with food pictures and creative Thanksgiving recipes. The question is how much creativity the dinner allows, when people want tradition, not a tamarind glazed turkey or duck gumbo. 

It was entertaining reading for good cooks, most of whom find preparing this meal a big old bore, the only challenge getting everything on the table at the same time. The reward is how much people seem to enjoy it, year after year. 

We've never been into it, but some families dine out on Thanksgiving. The downside is no leftovers. Salty's Restaurant, an upscale seafood place nearby, is offering a Thanksgiving buffet $120 a person, and that doesn't include a hefty tax, tip or bottle of wine. It seems inconceivable, but wouldn't surprise me if the reservations sell out.

Kismet

Fate? This funny doggie turned up out of nowhere in my sister's front yard last week-- starving and filthy. She contacted her vet right away and found out he had a chip, but it wasn't activated, whatever that means. She fed and bathed him, and soon discovered he had nice house manners and a sweet temperament.

He and 14 year old Doodles get along fine. He looks a bit like Marji's previous little white dog Molly, pictured above. That was taken 8 years ago when Doodles was still a young sport.

They put out inquiries in the neighborhood without any luck. His nails and teeth look neglected, so who knows the story? There are thousands of households within a mile of her place, and the owner may have stopped looking for him. Or moved away. Or died. He may have been dumped, hard as that is to believe, it still happens.

According to the vet, if the owner is not found after 30 days, you are entitled to adopt the animal and assume all the responsibility and expense that goes along with that. Ha! Go Marji. 

Anyway, it's all in the hands of fate, but I'm hopeful "Homer" has found a loving forever home. Marji has always had a dog(s) and when Doodles goes to his reward, the house would be too empty and sad without one under foot.

Storms

 

Looks kind of ominous, doesn't it? Wind and rain late tonight, heavy snow in the mountains this weekend. Ready or not, here comes winter. We're hearing about a El Nino pattern forming, which usually means warmer and dryer Northwest weather. But who knows.

A slow news week here, just adjusting to winter routines. I tried my new gym out yesterday and the cardio and weight machines felt strange and familiar at the same time. Yea, my body remembers those things, but wasn't real happy about it. 

Rainbow (yes, that's her name) is eager to connect for the fitness evaluations and hawk her personal training services. On the gym screen, she indeed looks like a smiling tattooed rainbow. I put her off by saying I wanted to get familiar with the gym first. Mid morning had a random mix of people and I'll be basically invisible there, which is how I like it. 

Have a good weekend. We have a Symphony on Sunday afternoon that should brighten things up a bit.

Peak fall

 

 

Kubota Garden

After a wet dreary start to November, a gorgeous sunny day yesterday with the fall foliage in Seattle at its peak. One of those days when you ask yourself, why would anyone live anywhere else? Later today a different question, with a series of potent storms through the weekend, including wind to strip the trees bare.

Some lovely descriptive poetry from another century, back when readers weren't so scatterbrained:

November

Yet one smile more, departing, distant sun!
One mellow smile through the soft vapory air,
Ere, o'er the frozen earth, the loud winds run,
Or snows are sifted o'er the meadows bare.

One smile on the brown hills and naked trees,
And the dark rocks whose summer wreaths are cast,
And the blue gentian flower, that, in the breeze,
Nods lonely, of her beauteous race the last.

Yet a few sunny days, in which the bee
Shall murmur by the hedge that skirts the way,
The cricket chirp upon the russet lea,
And man delight to linger in thy ray.
Yet one rich smile, and we will try to bear
The piercing winter frost, and winds, and darkened air.

William Cullen Bryant 

A Clean, Well-lighted Place

 

Do you know that depressing short story by Ernest Hemingway? 

Yesterday I joined a clean, well-lighted gym. When the pandemic hit, my previous health club closed down and I didn't think I'd ever join another. My main exercise for the past 3 years has been a neighborhood walk on basically the same 2 mile loop. Nothing wrong with that, other than boring, but with the traffic and lately street crime, it's just not enjoyable anymore-- especially factoring in the winter weather.  

So. The first thing they ask (actually demand) when you inquire about membership is "What are your GOALS?" 

Well, yes, goals are a good thing. People should have them but mine are pretty modest. I'm looking forward to using the cardio and weight machines in a safe place, at my own pace. 

I declined the services of the goading personal trainer, figuring I'd only get injured if pushed beyond my comfort zone at this point. Maybe later.

Anyway, the best thing is this club is only 5 minutes away with easy parking. And it's open 24 hours, if I have a sudden desire to work out in he middle of the night. Ha ha. I bought a 6 month membership to see me through the long winter months.

Election Day

 

Did Americans take voting more seriously in the past? Seattle voter turnout is extremely low this election, even with important local races and taxing issues on the ballot. 

Only three city incumbent council members are running, which will remake the council one way or the other. Our current council has a track record of wasting millions while things have gotten steadily worse. They were solidly behind a "defund the police" movement without any alternative plan, which sent the city on a downward spiral we can't seem to recover from. The big issues here? Homelessness, crime, gun violence, affordable housing.

Change is inevitable, but it's sad for long time residents to see Seattle so transformed. Admiral district in West Seattle was a peaceful little neighborhood, but in the last few weeks there were several violent assaults within a few blocks of home, three of them in the parking lot of Safeway where I've shopped for 40 years. 

I was standing in line there yesterday, and a total stranger came up to say how concerned she was to see me carrying a shoulder bag. Older women are easy targets to knock down from behind and rob. 

So I'm supposed to leave the house now with just a single credit card, keys and phone carried in my pocket. Oh, yes, and don't forget driver's license. Maybe I need some cargo pants. After a lifetime of toting purses around everywhere, it's hard for women to give up their security blankets. What if I need a tissue? Hand sanitizer? Band aid? LIPSTICK, for crying out loud? 

As you know, Feathers and Flowers is not a political blog, but please:

Pluots and other oddities

 

I bought a bag of ripe Pulots at Lone Pine last week-- a hybrid stone fruit consisting of about 75% plum and 25% apricot. Just enough to make a kuchen with a simple cake recipe torn from an ancient Sunset magazine. I've used it dozens of times with all kinds of summer fruit.

The weekend was one for cooking inside, stormy and rainy, with only brief periods of clearing. We had barbecue ribs with corn salad, sirloin steak (then a fancy steak salad the next day) also a good tofu curry to balance out all that meat.

I doctored up this Costco sauce, clean and nice tasting for something out of a jar. Of course, it probably will be gone when I go back for more. That's Costco for you.

And I wasn't the only one busy in the kitchen. Over in Twisp, Maya made these perfect Spritz cookies and gluten free to boot. I've never had success with those little buggers--they either spread like pancakes or the dough sticks in the dispenser. She makes it look easy. Maya gives me a hard time about the packaged mixes in my lazy pantry. "Nana, that is NOT baking." She's right. I wish we could get her on one of those PBS kid's baking competitions.

I got out for a little while on Saturday. The South Seattle Community College had a plant sale at their greenhouse. Who could resist something called a "Fizzle Sizzle," a bulb succulent native to South Africa. Contrary to plant logic and Northwest climate, it grows in the winter and goes dormant in the summer, as the student explained. Water and fertilize during the dark months. Weird.

Going off daylight savings time is a rough transition for the early-to-bed-early-to-risers. I was so tired by 7 last night I could hardly keep my eyes open. I slept enough hours, but still woke up way too early. And here I am, burning up my eyes on the computer screen at 5 am while someone else is sound asleep. Sad.

Then there's that doom and gloom feeling when it gets dark at 4 in the afternoon at our latitude. A rib dinner helped, but could have been a more cheerful day if the Seahawks hadn't played such a pitiful game against Baltimore. Lost 3-37.

The brave little water taxi

 

It suddenly got very windy yesterday afternoon. I'm surprised we didn't lose power.

A fully loaded barge (above) broke from its mooring on Harbor Island and drifted across Elliott Bay right toward the busy tourist pier, with the Great Wheel and Seattle Aquarium.

Sometimes the national media picks up the most trivial Seattle news; other times our big stories get ignored. So here you go:

Anyway, before the tug boats could even intercept, the captain of the West Seattle water taxi on a regular run (above) jumped into action and pushed the barge aside before it crashed on the busy pier. It drifted slightly south before banging to a stop here:

 

The taxi (undamaged) dropped off passengers just 15 minutes late, all in a day's work. You sure got your money's worth on that ride! Reminds me of the "prepare to ram" scene in the Ben Hur movie. We're still the wild west out here.

 

End of Daylight Savings Time this weekend, a hard one for many of us suddenly faced with those long, dark afternoons stuck inside.

All Souls Day

 

Some vintage paintings depicting All Souls Day, a Christian holiday to remember friends and loved ones who have gone to heaven. The Dio de los Muertos is celebrated on November 1-2 in Mexico-- both a joyous and somber holiday with entire families turning out at the cemeteries.

We've never been lucky enough to spend this day in Mexico, but American communities with large Mexican populations have similar celebrations. Even little Twisp held an event last week.

Way back on November 2, 2004, we were at the end of a nice California vacation and spent the night before our flight home at a hotel in San Diego's Old Town. I remember the candles when walking out to our favorite Mexican Restaurant. Southern California nights. Sigh. How poignant and beautiful in the calm, slightly chilly night air.

 

Drenching rain in Seattle this morning. Getting a running start on the wettest month of the year.

November

 

 

I lost count, but we probably had between 50 and 75 trick-or-treaters last night. Good thing I bought a giant Costco bag of something called HI-CHEWS. Maya approved and a big hit. 

We went through the whole thing by seven. By that time, I was tired from jumping up and down so John handed out Almond Joys from the reserve fund. Then big kids started knocking, some of them towering over us with pillow cases stuffed with candy. Humm...

But the little ones always come first with their parents, which is the best part. I've commented before on the blog how our neighborhood can feel quite standoffish, but people sure know the folks on the corner, having lived in this house for many decades. So this is the only time of year we connect socially, if you can call it that. 

Nothing scary about the drive yesterday, except for one tailgating truck driver coming off the summit of Blewett Pass. It's a winding two-lane highway and no place to safely pull over. Was he crazy or just oblivious? I went the speed limit and tried to ignore his engine break growling on and off right behind me. 

Do you remember the terrifying 1971 movie called "Duel?" It was a television film actually, starring Dennis Weaver and directed by a young and brilliant Steven Spielberg. 

Check out Maya and her best friend, the creepy dolls of Twisp. Off to work at the Cafe this morning.