Jim and Vickie News

The Enchanted Island: the isle is full of mash-ups | Music | The Guardian

2012-01-10T14:44:00.000-08:00

The Enchanted Island: the isle is full of mash-ups | Music | The Guardian

London 2012

2012-01-08T23:33:00.000-08:00

January 1 - 7

Highlights:

Grosvenor House hotel
Walk Hyde Park
Edgeware Road, pub near Portman Square
Walk South Bank on a sunny day - lunch at Côte, dinner at Prezzo
Taxi to National Theatre - lunch, Juno and the Paycock with Sinéad Cusack
Blue Guide Mayfair walk - lunch at Scott's
Royal Opera House - Die Meistersinger
Theatre Royal, Haymarket - The Lion in Winter
British Library - Dickens, Illuminated Manuscripts
Gielgud Theatre - The Ladykillers
Handel House Museum, lunch at Hush
Wigmore Hall - The Florestan Trio

Boxing Day 2011

2011-12-26T13:17:00.001-08:00

Sunny but in the 40’s with a strong breeze.

We took the metro to Farragut West and walk to the Martin Luther King monument, around the Tidal Basin and to the Penn Quarter where we had brunch at the America Eats Tavern.

National Gallery and Oyamel

2011-12-11T12:30:00.001-08:00

From 2011 Photos

This crisp, clear morning we parked on Capitol Hill and walked to the National Gallery where we visited the exhibit Warhol: Headlines.

Afterward we had brunch at Oyamel.

View Larger Map

Madrid 2011

2011-11-24T04:03:00.000-08:00

A perfect weather forecast:

Mt. Vernon Trail

2011-10-16T12:28:00.001-07:00

From 2011 Photos

Drove to Belle Haven Park, walked 5.2 miles, shopped at Whole Foods.

Our walking route

Cougar Mt then Denny's

2011-10-01T18:55:00.000-07:00

From 2011 Photos

Mary wrote:

Today Mike, Gail, Jim, Tyler, and I went on a very nice hike from Redtown Trailhead on Cougar Mt. It was a misty day with a few raindrops falling from time to time. We hiked for 1 1/2 hours and covered 2 miles. Tyler led the way and then returned on Mike’s shoulders. Scott stayed home to accompany Lucas. Diane was on a 3-day business trip so Mike, Scott, and I entertained Lucas and Tyler while she was gone. After the hike Jim, Mike, Tyler and I stopped at Denny’s restaurant where Tyler introduced us to the “Grand slam Breakfast”. We all had a great time!

Mt Peak Hike and Aunt Ruth's

2011-09-20T16:00:00.000-07:00

From 2011 Photos

Mary wrote:

Yesterday we enjoyed a fun and eventful day in Enumclaw. The event was our glorious climb to the top of Mt. Peak. Vickie led the way followed closely by Gail. Mary and Ruthie followed with Jim staying behind to help out with the stragglers -- i.e. Mary who shifted her huge pack to him half way up. It was a beautiful hike that only could have been appreciated more if we hadn't had to watch each step to avoid slipping over the craggy rocks. At the top was a monument in the trees to Amy and a bouquet of roses in her memory freshly laid on the bench. After our delicious snack of unbelievably tasty trail mix provided by Gail we headed back down for a delightful lunch at Aunt Ruth's.

Sorry we missed both Jeannie and Bea.

Hopefully Art has now recovered from his long wait into the operating room.

We heard all about Bea's high school reunion and the fabulous time Aunt Ruth had as her guest.

It was a great day!!!

Love, Mary

Bellevue Arts Museum and Lunch at El Gaucho

2011-09-01T21:50:00.001-07:00

From 2011 Photos

Mary at El Gaucho

Vickie at El Gaucho

Today Mary, Vickie and I viewed the latest exhibits at the Bellevue Arts Museum and then enjoyed lunch at El Gaucho.

Outing to Madison Park

2011-08-17T19:28:00.001-07:00


Mary and Vickie at Café Flora	Jim at Café Flora

Jim at Madison Beach	Mary and Vickie in Madison Park

It was the best of times. Mary, Vickie and I rode the bus into Seattle and followed a Madison Park walking tour on a sunny day with a comfortable breeze. The tour included a delicious fulfilling lunch at Cafe Flora (number 3 on the route below).

Seattle Outing

2011-08-11T20:29:00.001-07:00

Olympic Sculpture Park

Today we took the bus into town and saw the exhibit Beauty and Bounty at the Seattle Art Museum. Vickie then attended the ACT Theatre production of In the Next Room while Jim walked around town on sunny day with a comfortable breeze from the north.

Coal Creek Hike

2011-08-05T12:27:00.001-07:00

This morning Gail, Vickie and I hiked along Coal Creek but inexplicably didn’t reach the trail terminus at Coal Creek Parkway. Instead we ended up at the YMCA. Anyway, it was a good hike with some ups and downs. We hike 3.5 miles in 1 1/2 hours.

Ballard Outing

2011-08-03T15:31:00.001-07:00

Today Gail, Vickie and I drove to Ballard where we enjoyed our visit to the Nordic Heritage Museum, a unique cultural history collection related to the Nordic heritage of many Seattle area families.

Afterward we followed a short walking tour of downtown Ballard that included lunch at the Old Town Alehouse followed by gelato at D’Ambrosio Gelateria Artigianale.

It was a warm sunny day but with a breeze that made for a very enjoyable outing.

Gail, Vickie and Jim - Cougar Mt Red Town Trail

2011-07-29T13:56:00.001-07:00

This morning Gail, Vickie and I hiked 3.9 miles in 1 hour and 40 minutes. It was sunny and warm although comfortable under the trees.

Someone distracted me so we missed the second turn to the Far Country trail and continued down Indian trail until we reached a housing development. There was no indication of where Licorice Fern trail started so we retraced our steps to the trailhead.

Jim and Vickie

Gail and Jim

Italy 2011

2011-07-22T13:59:00.000-07:00

29 Jun	Vickie departed for Rome; Jim traveled to the Watergate in Alexandria
30 Jun	Vickie arrived in Rome – Hotel Piranesi
01 Jul	Vickie to Colosseum: Nero Exhibit, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum
02 Jul	Vickie drove to Umbria with lunch in Orvieto; Villa di Monte Solare. gala dinner at Castle of Knights of Malta, Magione, Angela Hewitt piano recital #1.
03 Jul	Vickie Group tour t Orvieto Cathedral, Civita di Bagnoregio, Todi. Dinner at Villa di Monte Solare, Hewitt concert #2. Jim arrived in Rome – Hotel Ambra Palace
04 Jul	Vickie to Arezzo: fresco cycle ‘Legend of the True Cross” by Piero della Francesca; Lunch at Il Saraceno (Blue Guide); San Sopolcro “Resurrection”. Gala Dinner, Hewitt concert #3. Jim toured the Esquiline Hill - Santa Maria Maggiore, San Pietro in Vincoli, Santa Prassede, Santa Pudenziana
05 Jul	Vickie to Panicale for lunch; Artist Forum in Magione, Buffet supper at Angela Hewitt’s home, Concert #4. Jim drenched in a thunderstorm at the Baths of Caracalla; toured the Aventine Hill - Santa Sabina, Giardino degli Aranci, Sant' Alessio, Servian Wall
06 Jul	Vickie to Montefalco Museo Civico: fresco cycle “Life of St Francis” by Benozzo Gozzoli; Bevagna for lunch; Gala dinner and Hewitt concert in Gubbio #5. Jim walked to the Campidoglio - Capitoline Museum
07 Jul	Vickie to Cortona: Etruscan Museum, Lunch at Osteria del Teatro (BG), Gala Dinner, Hewitt concert # 6. Jim went to San Clemente, Santi Quattro Coronato, Roman houses beneath Santi Giovanni e Paolo; lunch at Ristorante Ulpia
08 Jul	Vickie to Perugia: Oratorio di San Bernadino; Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria: Duccio, Fra Angelico, Perugino, Piero della Francesca. Dinner at Villa di Monte Solare, Hewitt concert #7. Jim to Baths of Diocletian, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme
09 Jul	Jim drove to Villa di Monte Solare where he met Vickie and they had lunch at an outdoor table. Then drove to Pienza – Hotel Corsignano.
10 Jul	We walked around Pienza and had dinner at Terazza Val D’Orcia overlooking the valley
11 Jul	We drove to San Quirico d’Orcia, saw the sights, had bruschetti and beer, drove to Catiglione d’Orcia for a look around town.
12 Jul	We visited Montalcino where we had lunch with the local Brunello wine.
13 Jul	We visited Montepulciano where we had lunch in the historic Café Poliziano.
14 Jul	We visited Siena where we toured the major sites
15 Jul	We visited the abbey of Monte Oliveto and saw the frescoes in the Monastery
16 Jul	We drove down to Fiumicino near the Rome airport, checked in to the Cancelli Rossi hotel and had dinner on the beach at Ristorante “Il Veliero”.
17 Jul	Vickie hotel shuttle to Rome - Hotel Homs: Pantheon and environs; Palazzo Altemps, Sant’Agostino: Caravaggio’s ‘Madonna di Loreto’. Jim returned to the Watergate
18 Jul	Vickie - Corso, Via del Teatro di Marcello, San Nicola in Carcere, Santa Maria in Cosmedin, San Giorgio in Velabro, Aventine Hill, Santa Sabina, Giardino degli Aranci, , Sant’Alessio, San Saba; Circus Maximus, Arch of Constantine, Via Cavour, Santa Maria Maggiore. Dinner at Ai Prefetti Trattoria (BG).
19 Jul	Vickie - Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese, Villa Giulia; Santa Maria del Popolo: Caravaggio;s ‘Crucifixion’ and ‘Conversion of St. Paul’. Dinner at Ditirambo (BG) near Piazza Campo di Fiori.
20 Jul	Vickie - Trastevere: San Crisogono, San Benedetto in Piscinula, Santa Cecilia: (marble effigy by Sefano Maderno), Lunch: Antico Carlone; Santa Maria in Trastevere, San Francisco a Ripa: Bernini’s ‘Blessed Lodovica Albertoni, Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. Dinner at Maccheroni (BG). Jim return to Seattle.
21 Jul	Vickie - Piazza del Campidoglio: Capitoline Museums: special exhibit of Greek and Roman portrait busts; metro to Centrale Monemartini for more Roman Classical statues. Dinner again at Maccheroni (BG).
22 Jul	Vickie return to Seattle

Hike from Larsen Lake Blueberry Farm

2011-06-26T19:03:00.000-07:00

Mary wrote:

Larsen Lake blueberry farm in Bellevue was the location of a beautiful hike today. Hikers Mike, Gail, Jim, Vickie, Sue, and I traversed the trail from the Lake to the Bellevue Ranger station and then down to Weowna Park and back. It was a lovely sunny day. Along the way a stray cat was rescued by Jim from a fence above a swamp where it had been precariously perched. Hopefully it eventually found its way back home. We hiked for 2 hours and covered 4.2 miles.

Mercer Slough Nature Park

2011-06-07T19:50:00.000-07:00

Mary wrote:
Today our hiking group composed of Vickie, Gail, Jim, Mike and myself visited the Mercer Slough Nature Park. Gail gifted Mary and Vickie each a remarkable GigaPark which is a small instrument to be used as a whistle, a thermometer, and compass. Jim wished he had one. It was a windy and cloudy day but perfect for the stroll through the forested wetlands and meadows along the trail. We stopped in at the historic Mercer Slough Blueberry Farm and purchased asparagus and blueberries fresh from the field. Our trip covered 3 miles of this remarkable 320 acre park and we were gone for two hours. It was a great day!

Canaletto

2011-05-27T11:48:00.001-07:00


Today we rode the metro downtown and had lunch at Fiola in the Penn Quarter. Seated outdoors we enjoyed the zucchini blossom appetizer, salt cod gnocchi and special gelatos. Afterward we visited the National Gallery East Building where Jim took the audio tour of Venice: Canaletto and His Rivals while Vickie perused Gauguin: Maker of Myth.

Jaleo and Shakespeare Theatre

2011-05-25T14:19:00.001-07:00


We had dinner at Jaleo before attending the Shakespeare Theatre Company performance of Old Times by Harold Pinter at the nearby Lansberg Theatre. Jaleo 202-628-7949 480 7th Street NW, Washington DC 20004 View Larger Map

Old Town, Alexandria

2011-05-22T13:19:00.000-07:00


This morning we parked on Union Street and walked near the water and then up through Old Town ending at the Taverna Cretakou where we enjoyed a sizeable buffet brunch.

View 2011-05-22 Old Town in a larger map

Starfire Soccer Complex

2011-05-06T16:05:00.000-07:00


This afternoon we joined Mary, Mike and Tyler at the Starfire Soccer Complex for a short walk along the Green River Trail and around the pond near the play area. Tyler completed multiple trips down the various slides with seemingly unbounded energy. Only a few drops of rain fell and it was very enjoyable afternoon.	View Larger Map

Bellevue Arts Museum

2011-05-04T18:53:00.000-07:00

From 2011 Photos

This morning Mary, Vickie and Jim visited the Bellevue Arts Museum and viewed the exhibit Wanxin: A Ten Year Survey with the aid of a museum docent.

After browsing other current exhibits we enjoyed lunch at Mary's favorite restaurant Bis on Main.

Hike to Kelsey Creek Farm Park

2011-04-29T16:07:00.000-07:00

Mary wrote:

Our hike today started at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens. Participants, Jim, Vickie, Tyler, Mike, and Mary traveled around the Gardens then down the wooded path to Kelsey Creek Farm. We visited the barns and viewed the large hog, the piglets, the sheep, and the horses. On the way down and back Tyler exercised at two play areas. After the hike we dined at Pogacha restaurant in Bellevue. It was a delightful day.

We hiked 3 1/4 miles in 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Easter Brunch at the Lowry’s

2011-04-24T19:26:00.000-07:00

This morning we enjoyed Easter brunch at the Lowry’s. Please see Mary’s BabyOakes blog for the details.

Seattle Symphony

2011-04-22T20:09:00.000-07:00

Today we attended a noon symphony performance along with thousands of squirming young people.

Seattle Rep–“This”

2011-04-20T20:33:00.000-07:00

Today we took the bus to Westfield Center and walked to Seattle Center. It was partly cloudy with a chilly north wind. After lunch at Racha Noodles and coffee at Café Zingaro, we attended a performance of This at Seattle Rep.

The play had some humorous dialog but the serious parts weren’t convincing.

Cougar Mt Hike

2011-04-19T19:26:00.000-07:00

Mary wrote,

Our hike this morning began on a cold and cloudy day from Sky Country Trailhead on Cougar Mt. We traversed up the varied trails to Anti Aircraft Trailhead noticing the budding greenery and early foliage on the surrounding area. The day soon brightened until full sun appeared in the sky. We hiked 2.5 hours and covered 4 miles on the energizing and enjoyable hike. Afterwards the group, composed of the Carlson's and the Lowry's, headed down to Panera Bread at the Landing in Renton. Sue walked down and joined us for a delightful visit. It was a very fine day.

Spring Birthdays Party

2011-04-16T18:28:00.000-07:00

Mary wrote:

The Spring party at Jim and Vickie's home was a complete success. The guests were Sandi, Dick, Ruthie, Gail, Aunt Ruth, Mike, Myself, and of course the hosts, Jim and Vickie. We all enjoyed a delicious gourmet feast made from tasty dishes supplied by all. Diane, Tyler, and Lucas joined us later for delightful entertainment by the kids. We had a scrumptious dessert of two chocolate cakes and ice cream.

Cougar Hike from Red Town Trailhead

2011-04-08T18:58:00.000-07:00

Mary wrote:

Today our group of hikers who were Vickie, Jim, Mike, Tyler, and Mary went on a lovely hike from Red Town Trailhead on Cougar Mountain. The hike was labeled "The Trail with a Path" named by Tyler to distinguish it from his former favorite across the street. The trail had several wooden bridges over streams and as Tyler pointed out one stream that flowed under the trail itself coming out onto the other side. After the hike the five of us had a delicious treat at Schnoo Yogurt in downtown Renton. We hiked 2 1/2 miles in 1 hour 45 minutes. It was a very fine day!

Old Town, Alexandria

2011-04-03T11:03:00.000-07:00

It was sunny and milder (about 50 degrees) when we drove to Old Town and parked adjacent to the Potomac. After a three-mile walk through the parks to the north, we enjoyed brunch (eggs Benedict, European omelette) at 219 on King Street.

Today’s Hike

2011-03-18T13:22:00.000-07:00

Please see the BabyOakes Blog for a description of today’s hike.

YouTube Video

Mike’s 72nd Yogurt Bash

2011-03-08T13:42:00.000-08:00

This morning Mary, Mike, Sue and Jim walked to the Landing and celebrated Mike’s 72nd birthday at Shnoo Yogurt. Starting out it was chilly, windy and dark, but on the return the weather was mostly sunny and mild.

Thank you Mary for arranging a very enjoyable outing!

Seattle Symphony

2011-02-13T19:45:00.000-08:00

Today we attended a concert that featured the pianist Peter Serkin. He played Mozart but also a very noisy work by Oliver Messiaen. I enjoyed Brahms Symphony No. 4 the most.

Queen Anne Hill Walk

2011-02-10T18:54:00.000-08:00

Today we took the bus into Westlake Center and walked to Seattle Center. The day was clear, cool and the wind calm. Following my walking tours of Queen Anne Hill, we walked up Queen Anne Avenue to West Highland Drive, turned left past Kerry Park and Parsons Gardens to Betty Bowen Viewpoint where we took pictures. We continued along 8th Avenue West past the many large mansions to West McGraw Street and back to Queen Anne Avenue. Finally, we ate lunch at the neighborhood diner 5 Spot before walking back to Seattle Center and then 6th and Bell where we caught the bus home.

Our walking route

Skating with Tyler

2011-01-29T16:53:00.000-08:00

Well I didn’t skate but the Oakes family did. Tyler had a great time while Sue, Mike and I enjoyed watching.

Luncheon for Aunt Ruth’s Birthday

2011-01-21T19:42:00.000-08:00

Today we hosted a luncheon to celebrate Aunt Ruth’s birthday. The guests were Aunt Ruth, Mary, Ruthie, Jack, Jeannie, Gail, and Sandi. Dick was indisposed and unable to attend.

The luncheon dishes were pizza and macedonia (Jim), lasagna (Jeannie), green salad and candies (Ruthie), wine and canoli (Sandi) and Italian bread (Aunt Ruth). After the main course Mike, Diane, Tyler and Lucas joined us for ice cream cake provided by Mary.

Christmas - New Year's Trip to Berlin

2010-12-23T20:26:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, December 22

To the airport by Mike
Depart for Amsterdam on Delta

Thursday, December 23

Arrive at Amsterdam and continue to Berlin
Best Western Hotel am Spittelmarkt
41st Anniversary dinner at Ristorante Fontana di Trevi

Friday, December 24

Breakfast buffet
Gendarmenmarkt - Deutscher Dom and Französischer Dom
Bebelplatz - Alte Bibliothek ("chest of drawers"), Sankt-Hedwigs-Kathedrale (split-level double altar), Staatsoper (closed for renovation)
Friedrichwerdersche Kirche and Schinkel Museum
Kronprinzenpalais
I.M. Pei Bau
Tomato soup in the Opernpalais
Palais am Festungsgrab
Neue Wache
Humboldt University
Frederick the Great monument
Walk to Banhnhof Friedrichstrasse and back to the hotel by the Komische Oper
Snowing - dinner at the Viethaus

Saturday, December 25

Breakfast buffet
Wait for snow to abate
Walk to Konzerthaus - 23 degrees
Organ music
Gendarmenmarkt - beer
Dinner at Italian restaurant Malatesta

Sunday, December 26

16 degrees - walk to Checkpoint Charlie, Potsdam Platz, Brandenburg Gate and Unter den Linden
Nap
Komische Oper - Die Meistersinger
Dinner at Malatesta

Monday December 27

23 degrees - walk down Unter den Linden
Buy opera tickets for tonight and tomorrow night
Tourist office too busy to exchange vouchers
Walk to the Reichstag, then the area around the Brandenburg Gate
Light snow while walking back to the hotel
Cafe - currywurst
Komische Oper - Don Giovanni

Tuesday, December 28

Walk to Alexa Shopping Mall and exchange vouchers
Alexanderplatz
Marienkirche
Rotes Rathaus
Nikolaiviertel
Nikolaikirche
Nap
Cafe - kalbs special
Komische Oper - La Traviata

Wednesday, December 29 - Vickie's 64th Birthday

18 degrees, foggy
Potsdamer Platz The Gemäldegalerie
Dinner at Timm's Restaurant
Staatsoper The Rake's Progress

Thursday, December 30

7 degrees, light snow
The Neues Museum - Egyptian collection
Lunch at Italian restaurant Ossena
Staatsoper Cosi Fan Tutte

Friday, December 31

Alte Nationalgalerie
Orangerie at Charlottenburg Palace
Dinner and Concert

Saturday, January 1

Ephraim-Palais, Knoblauch-Haus, Zum Nussbaum, Marx-Engels-Forum, Hackescher Markt, Hackeschen Höfe, Sophienstrasse, Oranienburger Strasse, Grosse Hamburger Strasse, Bode Museum
Dinner at Amici
Konzerthaus chamber music

Sunday, January 2

Altes Museum - Etruscan and Roman sculpture
Deutsche Oper Die Hochzeit des Figaro
Dinner at Lutter and Wegner

Monday, January 3

Walk to the zoo
Beer at Löwenbräu Munich
Dinner at Bocca di Bacco

Tuesday, January 4

Pergamon Museum
Café Pergamon - soup and beer
Dinner at Fontana di Trevi

Wednesday, January 5

Return home

Cousin Christmas Party

2010-12-14T19:18:00.000-08:00

Today Jeannie hosted the annual Cousin Christmas Party. She prepared a delicious salad and fancy bean soup. Aunt Ruth brought a customized birthday cake for Sandi’s belated birthday celebration. Finally, a cookie exchange satisified everyone’s appetite.

The attendees were Jeannie, Ruthie, Gail, Sandi, Aunt Ruth, Jim and Vickie. Mary was absent due to urgent duty at the Oakes’ residence.

Everyone enjoyed Mary’s video featuring Sandi and were amused by the jib-jab video of Aunt Ruth seducing Frank Sinatra.

Los Angeles 2010

2010-12-10T16:14:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, December 7
- flight to Los Angeles on Virgin America - screaming babies and loud adults
- Super Shuttle to the Westin Bonaventure
- Dinner at the hotel steakhouse on the 35th floor
Wednesday, December 8
- taxi to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and found it closed
- walked up Wilshire as far as Rodeo Drive
- bus and metro back to the hotel
- dinner at Kendall's Brasserie
- Los Angeles Opera Rigoletto
Thursday, December 9
- metro to Union Station
- metro to Hollywood & Vine
- walk up Hollywood lined with many historic buildings
- dinner again at Kendall's Brasserie
- Los Angeles Opera Lohengrin with Ben Heppner
Friday, December 10
- taxi to the airport and flight home

Scott’s 41st

2010-12-03T21:09:00.000-08:00

This evening we hosted a dinner party to celebrate Scott’s 41st. Our guests were Scott, Diane, Tyler, Sue, Mary and Mike. After a dinner consisting of lasagna, green salad, bread and birthday cake, we, especially Tyler, enjoyed watching some YouTube videos.

Tyler eating birthday cake.

Seattle Rep–“Three Tall Women”

2010-11-10T19:27:00.000-08:00

Today we took the bus downtown and first exchanged our symphony seats so that Vickie wouldn’t be behind a large man that scratches his head a lot.

We walked up to Queen Anne Hill and had a very good lunch at Racha Noodles before attending Three Tall Women at the Seattle Repertory Theatre. What a dark play by Edward Albee!

Seattle–Lake View Cemetery and Interlaken Park

2010-11-03T19:15:00.000-07:00

Today we took the bus to Volunteer Park and viewed the six Japanese woodblock prints in the exhibit Fleeting Beauty (Reprise) at the Seattle Asian Art Museum. After the museum we walked through the adjacent Lake View Cemetery with a great view of Lake Washington and Mount Baker. The day was clear and warm with the temperature in the 60's. We enjoyed lunch at the Volunteer Park Cafe and then walked through nearby Interlaken Park before returning downtown and the bus home. It was another very successful outing in Seattle!

View 2010-11-03 Lake View Cemetery in a larger map

Halloween Dinner at Mary’s

2010-10-31T09:55:00.000-07:00

This evening we attended a Halloween dinner party at Mary and Mike’s. The attendees were Mary, Mike, Sue, Tyler, Diane, Scott, Gail, Vickie and Jim.

Gail brought pigs-in-a-blanket appetizers, I brought chili and cornbread, Mary made a green salad and Sue a WHOLE WHEAT dessert cake that, by the way, contained sugar.

Tyler’s friend Jackson brought his brother and parents for a visit, but only a few trick-or-treaters knocked on the door.

Mary and Jim enjoyed creating a jib-jab video of Aunt Ruth entertaining Frank Sinatra.

Finally, Jim encountered little opposition on his path to victory in Scrabble.

Link to YouTube video

Vickie Trip to Washington

2010-10-25T11:29:00.000-07:00

Tuesday

Fly to Washington

Wednesday

National Gallery -- German drawings, Edvard Munch prints, Arcimboldo paintings

Opera - Salome starring Deborah Voight

Thursday

Folger Shakespeare Library – Henry VIII

National Building Museum – Palladio

WPAS - Yo-Yo Ma

Friday

Corcoran Gallery & Freer Gallery

Shakespeare Theatre – All's Well that Ends Well

Dinner at Jaleo

Saturday

Phillips Gallery – Oblerlin College masterworks, "The Photograph as Art"

Studio Theatre -- Circle Mirror Transformation

Dinner at Jaleo

Synetic Theater – King Arthur

Sunday

Brunch at Ris

Vocal Arts Society – Steven Blier, Sasha Cooke, Paul Appleby

Washington Concert Opera – Adriana Lecouvreur

Monday

Return home

Cousins Knitting Party

2010-10-20T15:48:00.000-07:00

This morning I walked to Mary’s and back to visit her Halloween-themed knitting party for Aunt Ruth, Ruthie, Jeannie, Gail and Sandi. Mary and Aunt Ruth prepared us a delicious lunch of panini sandwiches, deviled eggs, apple salad and Halloween sugar cookies.

When the Erwin girls get together it always is a lively event!

Seattle Rep–“God of Carnage”

2010-10-17T18:53:00.000-07:00

Today was a beautiful fall day. It was 34 degrees in the morning with a very light frost on the car when we drove into Seattle for the Seattle Rep performance of God of Carnage. The play is about two couples who argue about who’s son is responsible for an event at “Maydenbauer Park”. The discussion starts out civilized and goes down hill after that.

This play was on in New York City when were there last year and won the Tony Award for best play in 2009. There were many sophisticated and amusing lines in the play and we didn’t get bored. On the other hand, the conflict seemed predictable and some of the elements seemed out of place in this play translated from the French play by Yasmina Reza.

Cougar Mt - Jim

2010-10-15T15:15:00.000-07:00

This morning I hiked at Cougar Mt starting at the Red Town trailhead. It was mostly sunny with the temperature in the upper 40's at the start. I hiked 2 hours and 42 minutes and covered 5.5 miles.
Shy Bear Trail

Seattle Walk–Volunteer Park and Harvard-Belmont

2010-10-13T19:22:00.000-07:00

Today, after taking the bus into Seattle, we walked up Pike Street a few blocks before bording bus #10 that took us up to Broadway. We had lunch at the nearby Genki Sushi and then walked up 15th Ave E to Volunteer Park where we viewed some prints in the Seattle Asian Art Museum.

After the museum we walked down to St. Mark’s Cathedral in the Harvard-Belmont Historic District – “In the early years of the 20th century as First Hill became increasingly middle class, the captains of industry retreated to the pastoral Harvard-Belmont District, building an impressive number of Tudor, Colonial and Victorian mansions.”

Finally, we caught a bus downtown to the Convention Center and walked to 7th & Bell for our bus ride home. The day was clear with a high in the upper 60’s and perfect for this type of outing.

Picasso at the Seattle Art Museum

2010-10-05T16:40:00.000-07:00

	Introduction
	La Celestina
	The Two Brothers
	Self Portrait
	Three Figures Under a Tree
	Sacre Coeur
	Man With a Guitar
	Head of a Woman
	Violin
	Portrait of Olga
	Paul as Harlequin
	Etudes
	The Kiss
	Head of a Woman
	Portrait of Dora Marr
	Woman With a Blue Hat
	La Femiere
	Guernica
	Man With a Sheep
	Massacre in Korea
	Jaqueline With Crossed Hands
	The Bathers
	The Shadow
	Woman With a Pillow
	The Matador

Intiman Theatre - "A Doctor in Spite of Himself"

2010-09-29T20:38:00.000-07:00

Today we rode the bus to Seattle, walked up to Mercer St, ate lunch at the Indian restaurant Obasan and enjoyed the play.

Hike Cougar Mt–Mary, Mike, Gail, Jim, Lily

2010-09-17T14:23:00.000-07:00

Mary wrote:
Evergreen Hiking Club members Gail, Mary, Jim, Mike, and Gail enjoyed an invigorating hike today on Cougar Mt. Lily arrived at the Lowry house minutes before their departure and was coaxed into joining the party. Vickie was unable to participate as she was forced into remaining at home to accept a late delivery of Amazon Fresh groceries. The trail was beautiful with shiny and moistly glittering leaves cascading down from the trees and bushes. There was no rain but the freshness from yesterday's downpour lingered in the air. The group hiked 2 hours and covered 4 miles. It was a lovely morning excursion.

Walk First Hill and Capitol Hill

2010-09-14T19:42:00.000-07:00

This morning we rode the bus downtown to King Street Station and then added money to our ORCA cards at the 2nd & Jackson site. Then we walked up 2nd Ave to James and up a very steep hill to Terry Ave and by the Frye Art Museum. After viewing the impressive St. James Cathedral we followed the walk Capitol Hill: Broadway Area with an intermediate stop at the Oasis Cafe for a delicious Japanese lunch. The low clouds in the morning dissipated in the afternoon as we walked back to the convention center and then to the return bus stop at 7th and Bell. We walked 5 miles today.

Gail’s Party for Ruthie’s 70th

2010-09-01T23:17:00.000-07:00

Vancouver, BC

2010-08-26T19:25:00.000-07:00

We traveled to Vancouver on Monday via ferries from Anacortes to Sidney and Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen. Our hotel in Vancouver, the Sutton Place, was centrally located and very comfortable with a great view from the 19th floor. Monday night we had a beer in the bar before dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Tuesday morning we walked to the nearby Vancouver Art Gallery and viewed the special exhibit,

The Modern Woman
Drawings by Degas, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec and Other Masterpieces from the Musée d’Orsay, Paris

After two hours in the museum we walked five miles down to the waterfront, along the waterfront to Stanley Park and back to the hotel on Robson St. The weather was clear with the temperature in the 70’s. Later we had dinner at Joe Fortes, a very nice seafood restaurant.

Wednesday we walked to Chinatown and visited the Dr. Sun-Yat Sen Chinese Garden. After a brief deli lunch we rode the bus to Stanley Park and walked on the extensive network of forest trails. The day was again sunny and warm. For dinner we returned to Joe Fortes.

Thursday we drove home. There was a long wait at the border crossing and a lot of rain and mist on the drive. We were tired but happy to have enjoyed two great days in Vancouver.

Hike Little Si

2010-08-20T19:50:00.000-07:00

Mary, the hike leader, planned this excellent outing and wrote,

The Evergreen Hiking Club enjoyed a vigorous and beautiful hike today up Little Si Mountain in North Bend. Hiking Club members were Mike, Vickie, Jim, Gail, Jeannie, Art, and Mary. Starting out at the trailhead the group navigated steep inclines and rocky paths as they progressed toward the towering destination. A final rock scramble was necessary for the nimble fingers of the hikers. At the top the crew relaxed on the rocks enjoying snacks and a breathtaking view. On the way down they noticed rock climbers ascending a huge rock mountain with ropes and harnesses. After the hike the party lunched at a secluded picnic table at the base of Mt. Si. All in all, the hike took 3.5 hours and they covered 4.4 miles. It was a great hike!

Cougar Mt Anti-Aircraft Peak Trailhead

2010-08-14T15:31:00.000-07:00

Mary wrote:

Today the Evergreen Hiking Club enjoyed a delightful hike through Cougar Mountain. Members Mike, Gail, Vickie, Jimmy, Jeannie, Mary, and Lily headed out from Anti-Aircraft Peak trailhead. Lily met several dogs along the way and behaved admirably and respectfully while making apprehensive glances at Mary who was holding her leash. We somehow were able to avoid the huge group of runners participating in a competition in the same area. We hiked for 2.5 hours and covered 3.8 miles. It was a great day!

Cougar Mt Hike with Bill Turner

2010-08-12T16:15:00.000-07:00

This morning Vickie and I hiked at Cougar Mountain with Bill Turner, Jim’s high school classmate who traveled up from Oakland, California to attend the Bellevue High School Class of 1960 reunion.

The sun broke through the morning clouds shortly after starting our hike from the Red Town trailhead. We went down Wildside Trail and Marshall’s Hill Trail to the De Leo Wall Viewpoint. After that we made a slight misstep that took us down toward the edge of the park before we realized the error. Backtracking brought us back to the Wildside Trail, Red Town Trail and the trailhead.

This was a 5 mile hike that took 3 hours. On the way back we encountered a large salamander that would have frightened Gail out of her boots.

After the hike we enjoyed lunch at the Issaquah Brew House.

Seattle Opera–Tristan und Isolde

2010-08-07T23:20:00.000-07:00

It was a rainy late-afternoon when we drove to Seattle Center for an early dinner and the performance that started at 6:30 pm.

Twin Falls State Park

2010-08-04T18:56:00.000-07:00

Mary wrote:
Today the Evergreen Hiking Club was thrilled to welcome back two of our adored members, Jeannie and Ruthie. They joined us just in time to avoid a lapsed membership requiring a renewal vote by members. They chose a terrific hike on this beautiful day. Along with hike members Gail, Vickie, Mike, Jim, and Mary, they met at Twin Falls Natural Area and began their trek up to Twin Falls. After the lovely hike, the party continued onto Olallie State Park a short distance away where they enjoyed a picnic lunch next to the Snoqualmie River. The group hiked for 2:04 and covered 2.7 miles.

Cougar Mt–Mary, Mike, Gail, Jim

2010-07-30T15:31:00.000-07:00

Mary wrote,
The members of the Evergreen Hiking Club had a delightful time today on their hike on Cougar Mt. Members Jim, Mike, Gail, Mary, and Lily enjoyed the pleasantly overcast day as they walked along paths bordered by lovely trees and wildflowers. Mary was happy to have her camera back from the shop and was again able to capture the group with the self-timer as you can see by the two photos below. The hike lasted 1:56 and they covered 3.7 miles.

Cougar Hike–Mary, Mike, Lily, Vickie, Jim

2010-07-23T14:53:00.000-07:00

Mary wrote:

The Evergreen Hiking Club enjoyed a very nice hike today on Cougar Mt. Jim, Mike, Vickie, Lily, and Mary proceeded up Military Road Trail from the Red Town Trailhead. It was a pleasant day, mild with sun appearing and filtering through the trees. Lily behaved well when passing other dogs and delighted in the whole excursion as did the humans. We hiked for 1 1/2 hours and covered 3 miles.

Ballard Locks and Fort Lawton

2010-07-21T19:09:00.000-07:00

This morning we rode the bus to Ballard, ate lunch at the Lockspot, watched the locks in action, walked up the hill to Fort Lawton (Discovery Park) and 2.8 mile loop trail. We walked over four miles on a clear, warm day and concluded the time was well-spent.

Jim at the Lockspot

Vickie in the botanic garden

Waiting for the locks

Jim Hike at Cougar Mt

2010-07-16T12:44:00.000-07:00

This morning I hiked 5 miles at Cougar Mt. Low clouds and a breeze kept the temperature comfortable. I only met other hikers near the start and finish. Otherwise, it was quiet except for the birds and the wind in the trees. On Shy Bear Trail I watched a yellow-bellied woodpecker on a nearby tree.

Oregon 2010

2010-07-12T14:48:00.000-07:00

Friday July 2

Drive to Twin Harbors State Park
Walk a trail through the woods
Drive to Raymond - lunch at the Corner Cafe
Drive to Portland via Astoria and Seaside - Hotel 50
Dinner in hotel

Saturday July 3

Walk along the river - Blues Festival setting up
Walk across the Hawthorne bridge to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and tour the USS Blueback submarine
Split a delicious bakery sandwich of curried chicken, grapes and nuts
Powell's Bookstore where Vickie bought a book
The Tug Boat Brewing Co. for in-house beer and then to Pazzo Ristorante for a large Italian dinner
Watch Sex is Comedy on Netflix

Sunday July 4

Drive to the Hoyt Arboretum and walk 2 1/2 miles
Drive to the Pittock Mansion and tour the house
Dinner at Jake's Famous Crawfish

Monday July 5

Drive to Lincoln City and then down the Oregon Coast
Lunch at Georgie's Beachside Grill in Newport
Drive to Florence, Oregon - Comfort Inn
Got sand in our shoes, mouth and eyes at the Oregon Dunes
Dinner at the Bridgewater Fishhouse

Tuesday July 6

Drive the scenic highway beside the Umpquah River between Reedsport and Sutherlin
Continue down I5 to Ashland
Plaza Inn
Walk about town - clear, quite warm
Dinner at Amuse - air conditioning down, but excellent food
Watch episodes 11 and 12 of 24 on Netflix

Wednesday July 7

69 degrees this morning, headed for 92
Walk 2 miles in Lithia Park
Vickie shopping
Dinner at Chateaulin
Performance of The Merchant of Venice

Thursday July 8

Walk Lithia Park
Vickie to a performance of Ruined
Dinner at Beasy's On the Creek
Performance of Hamlet

Friday July 9

Drive to Oregon Caves National Monument and tour the cave
Drive to Crescent City, California - the Hampton Inn
Dinner at Northwoods Restaurant
Watch The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes

Saturday July 10

Hike 4 miles in the Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
Hike 2 miles to the beach on Enderts Beach Trail
Dinner at the Chart Room
Watch The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes

Sunday July 11

View the Redwoods at Stout Grove
Drive to Eugene - Best Western Greentree Inn
Dinner at Mekala's Restaurant (Thai)
Watch The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes

Monday July 12

Drive home along I5

Cougar Mt Sky Country

2010-06-26T13:36:00.000-07:00

Mary wrote:

Today the Evergreen Hiking Club enjoyed a lovely hike. Participants Jim, Mike, Gail, and Mary (myself) began at Sky Country Trailhead of Cougar Mountain. It was a lovely overcast day cool enough for Mary to request Gail's spare jacket at the start. However, soon the jacket was deposited in her carrier's (Mike's) backpack for the remainder of the excursion. The scenery was beautiful with a profusion of delicate white, yellow, and pink wild flowers bordering our paths. We covered 3.7 miles in 1 hour and 53 minutes. It was a great day!

Seattle Walks

2010-06-24T17:01:00.000-07:00

Today we rode the bus downtown and completed three of the Seattle City Walks:

Downtown 2
Westlake Center and Downtown Shopping District
Pike Place Market

The first stop was the Smith tower with its brass and copper elevators. We went up to the observation deck on the 35th floor for some great views:

The first walk ended just in time for lunch at Tulio Ristorante:

Vickie at Tulio Ristorante

It was mostly sunny and mild for a very enjoyable outing.

Cougar Mt – Talus Trailhead

2010-06-18T14:22:00.000-07:00

From 2010-06-18 Talus Trailhead

Today the Evergreen Hiking Club enjoyed a lovely hike. We explored the Talus Open Space area starting from the Issaquah side of Cougar Mt. It was a partially overcast day with the sun peeping out from among the clouds. The foliage was lush and vibrantly green in deep layers bordering both sides of the winding trail leading up the mountain. Hike members Gail, Vickie, Mike, Jimmy, and Mary had a marvelous time. We covered 1.8 miles and hiked for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Tentative plans are to hike again next Friday starting from an alternative Talus trailhead possibly leading up to Shangri La Trail.

Tyler’ 3rd Birthday

2010-06-16T22:06:00.000-07:00

From Pictures

After dinner we joined the Lowrys, Oakes' and Sue for a dessert celebration of Tyler’s 3rd birthday. After the voluble young lad completed some puzzles and opened some presents we shared a blueberry betty with raspberries and ice cream. It was a very fun evening!

Visit Aunt Ruth

2010-06-15T14:28:00.000-07:00

Today Vickie and I visited Aunt Ruth and Gary in Enumclaw. We delivered a DVD of Stan Boreson’s appearance at a local retirement home.

Aunt Ruth prepared a delicious lunch consisting of a chicken and fruit salad, croissants and an assortment of rich desserts. We had a good time talking to Ruth and Gary.

Seattle Symphony

2010-06-13T19:04:00.000-07:00

This afternoon we attended the Seattle Symphony concert, Schwartz Conducts Debussy & Saint Saëns. The guest piano artist was Simon Trpĉeski.

Tyler’s 3rd Birthday Party

2010-06-12T16:58:00.000-07:00

Today Vickie and I attended Tyler’s 3rd birthday party at the Oakes’. The day was sunny and mild. The children enjoyed the bouncy house and all had good food including a birthday cake.

Tiger Mt Hike

2010-06-11T14:32:00.000-07:00

This morning Gail, Vickie and hiked 4 miles at Tiger Mt. Starting at the High Point trailhead, we hiked along the Swamp Trail, Big Tree Trail and Adventure Trail before heading back next to Tradition Lake. The day was comfortably cool and mostly cloudy but with no precipitation. Gail spotted a frog and we all heard a very loud woodpecker. After the hike we enjoyed lunch at Jak’s Grill in Issaquah. Let’s do it again!

Kelsey Creek Park

2010-06-08T18:51:00.000-07:00

This morning Mary, Gail, Vickie and I gathered at the Bellevue Botanic Garden for a hike through Kelsey Creek Park. The day was sunny and the temperature approached 70 degrees. Our goal was Larson Lake, but that turned out to be a bit too far so we settled for a 4.8 mile hike that lasted two hours.

After the hike Gail had to attend to her many pressing duties. Mary, Vickie and I enjoyed a leisurely lunch at the Artisanal Brasserie where Vickie had a salad Nicoise and Mary and I had grilled cheese sandwiches.


Vickie, Jim, Mary, Gail	From Pictures

The picture below shows our route in relation to Ruthie’s house.

Pioneer Square and Downtown Walks

2010-05-24T17:06:00.000-07:00

Today we rode the bus downtown and retrieved Jim's camera that he had dropped on the bus on the way home last time. Next we followed the Seattle City Walks numbers 1 & 4 around Pioneer Square and Downtown. We had a very nice lunch at Shuckers in the Olympic Hotel. The downtown walk ended at the Convention Center where surprisingly we didn't run into Gail.

Mary’s Birthday Party

2010-05-22T22:23:00.000-07:00

The cousins gathered at our house to celebrate Mary’s 66th birthday. The attendees were:
Mary, Mike, Aunt Ruth, Gary, Leisa, Ruthie, Jack, Jeannie, Art, Gail, Sandi, Dick, Vickie and Jim. Everyone contributed to the dinner and enjoyed watching Mary’s Erwin Family Tree video.
Mary announced that in December she and Mike expect to acquire an additional grandchild!

Spring Birthday Celebration

2010-05-14T20:33:00.000-07:00

Mary prepared a delicious dinner for a spring birthday celebration at the Lowry’s. I contributed a cake. The merry attendees were Mary, Mike, Tyler, Diane, Scott, Gail, Vickie and Jim. All had a great time!

Mary’s video is here.

Fantastic Erratic

2010-05-14T16:09:00.000-07:00

Today Gail, Vickie and Jim hiked in Cougar Mt park. The day was sunny and got quite warm – at least 70 degrees. We went out on Tibbett’s Marsh Trail to the Fantastic Erratic glacial boulder. The change in elevation was sufficiently great to provide plenty of exercise. We agreed the hike probably would be too challenging for Jeannie. The distance was 3.2 miles and we were on the trail 1 hour and 50 minutes.

International District Walk

2010-05-12T19:29:00.000-07:00

Today we took the bus into Seattle and walked to all the points of interest in the description below. After a delicious dim sum lunch at Sun Ya Seafood we walked to the waterfront and rode the ferry to Bainbridge Island and back. The mild, sunny day contributed to a very enjoyable outing. My camera dropped out of my pocket somewhere on the ride home, but I later retrieved in from Lost and Found.

Jim's birthday lunch at Krain Corner

2010-04-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

Today we had a delightful family birthday celebration lunch for Jimmy at Krain Corner restaurant in Enumclaw. Attending this event besides Vickie and Jim were Aunt Ruth, Gary, Gail, Jack, Ruthie, Sandi, Dick, Mike, and myself, Mary. After lively conversation, we enjoyed our meal and birthday cake. Jim opened a surprise gift from the Dahlstrom/Jewett's and enjoyed several happy greeting cards. Many planned a tour of the Enumclaw Cemetery after the event. It was a very pleasant and entertaining day.

Seattle Shakespeare “Henry V”

2010-04-25T11:02:00.000-07:00

Today was sunny with the temperature in the low 60’s. Vickie attended the performance while Jim walked along the Elliott Bay waterfront.

View Elliott Bay Walk in a larger map

Cougar Mt – Mary, Mike, Jim

2010-04-17T14:47:00.000-07:00

Intiman Theatre - “Paradise Lost”

2010-04-14T20:16:00.000-07:00

Today we took the bus into Seattle and walked up to Queen Anne Hill where we had the luncheon buffet at Roti. It was sunny and mild while we strolled around the Seattle Center until time for the play.

Walk to Queen Anne Hill:

View Track 11 in a larger map

Cougar Mountain – Mine Shaft

2010-04-10T16:34:00.000-07:00

The renowned Evergreen Hiking Club experienced a beautiful winter-like spring hike today with our destination Klondike Swamp Trail on Cougar Mt. Happily chatting away with Gail, Mike, and Jim, hike leader Mary somehow overlooked the turn off onto this easily-missed trail. Noting her error, Mary wisely advised the group to proceed toward the mine shaft off East Fork Trail rounding back to their earlier trail. As it was now getting later and Jim was scheduled to fix Gail's printer the hikers decided to forego the Swamp Trail until next week. Everyone enjoyed the hike today including Lily who was in doggie 7th heaven. The hike took 1 hour and 45 minutes and we covered 3.4 miles.

Seattle Rep - “Fences”

2010-04-07T15:39:00.000-07:00

Today we rode the bus to Seattle and walked along the waterfront to Queen Anne Hill. It was cloudy, a bit windy and with a little mist toward the end.
After lunch at Toulouse Petite, we enjoyed the performance and returned home. -- Review of "Fences"

Vickie to New York and Washington

2010-03-31T20:35:00.000-07:00

Sunday, March 21

Fly to Newark
YMCA – great view of Central Park
Dinner at Josephina

Monday, March 22

China Institute – Confucius Review
Neue Galerie – Otto Dix -- Review
Dinner at Josephina
Metropolitan Opera - Attila -- Review

Tuesday, March 23

Metropolitan Museum of Art – Bronzino -- Review; The Limbourg Brothers and the Belles Heures of Jean de France, Duc de Berry -The Art of Illumination, -- NY Times Review; Medieval Tomb Sculptures - Description
Dinner at Josephina
Metropolitan Opera – The Nose -- Review

Wednesday, March 24

Same-Day Ticket Booth
Morgan Library – The Hours of Catherine of Cleves; Other Books of Hours - Flemish Illumination Rome after Raphael --Review
Grand Central Oyster Bar
Matinee – Time Stands Still -- Review
Metropolitan Opera – Hamlet -- Review

Thursday, March 25

Frick Collection -- Treasures from Dulwich Picture Gallery -- Review
Brooklyn Academy of Music – The Fairy Queen -- Review

Friday, March 26

Cooper – Hewitt Museum -- Design USA
New York City Opera – L’ Etoile Review

Saturday, March 27

Train to Washington DC
Radisson Hotel Crystal City
Washington Opera – Porgy and Bess -- Review

Sunday, March 28

National Gallery of Art - The Sacred Made Real: Spanish Painting and Sculpture, 1600–1700; London Financial Times Review
Shakespeare Theatre – Richard II - Peter Marks Review
Dinner at Jaleo
Woolly Mammoth – Clybourne Park Review

Monday, March 29

National Gallery of Art - Henderick Avercamp and the Little Ice Age Exhibition
Dinner at Marcel's - Description
Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Sondra Radvanovsky Recital -- Anne Midgette Review -- Tim Smith Review

Tuesday, March 30

Sackler and Freer Gallery - The Realm of the Buddah - Exhibition; Japanese Ceramics - Exhibition
Dinner at Rasika - Description
Shakespeare Theatre - Henry V - Celia Wren Review

Wednesday, March 31

Return home

Cougar Mt – Mary, Mike, Gail, Jim

2010-03-27T15:43:00.000-07:00

Mary wrote:
The Evergreen Hiking Club began its spring hiking season today with a very nice excursion starting at Anti-Aircraft Peak Trailhead on Cougar Mt. It was a brisk cloudy morning that warmed as the hike commenced, soon developing into a cheerful sunny day. Club members Mike, Jim, Gail, and Mary enjoyed the trek to Red Cedars Trail with a return around Shangri La Trail high above the city of Issaquah as seen below. The hike lasted 2 hours 12 minutes and covered 3.7 miles. It was a great day!

The portion of the hike down Red Cedars Trail and back up Precipice Trail was new.

Baby Gail’s 61st

2010-03-19T15:37:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated Baby Gail’s 61st birthday by walking a short loop at the Bellevue Botanical Garden followed by lunch at Pogocha. Gail, Ruthie, Mary, Jim and Vickie participated, but missed Sandi who couldn’t make it.

Fremont Walk

2010-03-18T16:09:00.000-07:00

Today we did a short walking tour of the Fremont District in Seattle and followed up with a Dine Around Seattle lunch at the 35th Street Bistro. It was a fine day to be outdoors – clear, breezy and cool.

View Fremont Walk in a larger map

Seattle Symphony

2010-03-07T23:33:00.000-08:00

This afternoon we attended a performance by Jean-Yves Thibaudet who played compositions by Maurice Ravel and Johannes Brahms.

After the performance we enjoyed dinner at the Dahlia Lounge.

Seattle Opera – Falstaff

2010-03-06T23:30:00.000-08:00

This evening we attended the Seattle Opera production of Falstaff.

Cougar Mt and Issaquah Brew House

2010-03-05T14:04:00.000-08:00

This morning Gail, Vickie and I hiked at Cougar Mountain from the Anti-Aircraft Peak Trailhead on a sunny, comfortable day. We hiked 3.1 miles and were on the trail 1 hour and 35 minutes.

After the hike we enjoyed lunch at the Issaquah Brew House.

Bellevue Arts Museum

2010-03-04T15:58:00.000-08:00

Today I had the honor of escorting four young and attractive ladies on an outing to Bellevue. At the Bellevue Arts Museum we saw the exhibit Beth Levine: First Lady of Shoes. Afterward we enjoyed lunch at the nearby Artisanal Brasserie.

It appeared that everyone had a good time and we hope there will be more such outings in the near future.

Debbie Gould, Vickie Carlson, Gail Dupar, Mary Lowry, Jim Carlson

Cougar Mt Hike - Jim

2010-03-01T14:12:00.000-08:00

This morning I hiked at Cougar Mountain from the Sky Country Trailhead to Wilderness Peak and back via Coal Creek Falls. The sky was partly cloudy and the temperature warm enough so that I took off my jacket on the return. The hike was 4.8 miles long and I was on the trail for 2 hours and 8 minutes.

From Pictures

Cougar Mt – Jim

2010-02-20T14:30:00.000-08:00

This morning, on a clear day, I drove to the Anti-Aircraft Peak Trailhead at Cougar Mountain and hiked 4.5 miles in 1:53.

Visit Aunt Ruth

2010-02-18T15:55:00.000-08:00

Today Vickie and I drove to Aunt Ruth Erwin’s house in Enumclaw. We delivered her a belated birthday gift and two photographs printed out by Mary. Aunt Ruth appeared to be in excellent health and we all enjoyed lunch at the Lee Restaurant in downtown Enumclaw.

Seattle Art Museum and Seattle Rep

2010-02-17T19:04:00.000-08:00

Today we took the bus into Seattle and viewed the Alexander Calder exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum. After lunch in the museum’s Taste Restaurant, we walked to Queen Anne Hill and attended the Seattle Rep’s production of Glengarry Glen Ross. It was a brisk, sunny day that was perfect for walking.

From Pictures

Cougar Mt – De Leo Wall Viewpoint

2010-02-13T14:26:00.000-08:00

This morning Jim hiked solo at Cougar Mountain starting at the Red Town Trailhead. The hike was 5.2 miles long and took 2 hours and 20 minutes. The temperature was in the 40’s. The sky was overcast and light showers started on the return segment.

Cougar Mt – Mary, Mike, Jim

2010-02-06T14:49:00.000-08:00

Mary wrote,
"The Evergreen Hiking Club had a very pleasant excursion today which began at Red Town Trailhead. It was a spring-like invigorating winter day. Club members Mike, Jim, and Mary (myself) participated in the hike up to Far Country Lookout.The sun peaked through scattered clouds as we followed the trail up the steep hill to the Lookout. Flocks of birds could be heard in the distance probably fooled by the warm weather into thinking winter had passed. We hiked for 1 hour and 54 minutes and covered 3.9 miles. It was a very nice hike.”

Cougar Mt Hike

2010-01-30T14:18:00.000-08:00

This morning Jim hiked to Coal Creek Falls at Cougar Mt. The temperature was in the 40’s with sprinkles of rain.

The hike was 3.2 miles long and took 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Cougar Mountain Hike

2010-01-23T13:36:00.000-08:00

Mary wrote:

Dear Evergreen Hikers,

We were sorry to miss other club members today on our enjoyable hike, however those present, Mike, Jimmy, and Mary (myself) had a great time. It was a cloudy and lightly misty morning as we began from Red Town Trailhead on Cougar Mt. We traversed up China Creek Trail completing a previously unexplored loop connecting back to Wildside Trail. Circling up and around Wildside to Indian Trail we enjoyed a familiar and beautiful excursion.

Our hike was 2.9 miles long and took one hour 24 minutes. We all agreed it was a refreshing way to begin our day.

Sincerely,

Proud Hike Leader, Mary L.

Jim and Vickie News

The Enchanted Island: the isle is full of mash-ups | Music | The Guardian

London 2012

Boxing Day 2011

National Gallery and Oyamel

Madrid 2011

Mt. Vernon Trail

Cougar Mt then Denny's

Mt Peak Hike and Aunt Ruth's

Bellevue Arts Museum and Lunch at El Gaucho

Outing to Madison Park

Seattle Outing

Coal Creek Hike

Ballard Outing

Gail, Vickie and Jim - Cougar Mt Red Town Trail

Italy 2011

Hike from Larsen Lake Blueberry Farm

Mercer Slough Nature Park

Canaletto

Jaleo and Shakespeare Theatre

Old Town, Alexandria

Starfire Soccer Complex

Bellevue Arts Museum

Hike to Kelsey Creek Farm Park

Easter Brunch at the Lowry’s

Seattle Symphony

Seattle Rep–“This”

Cougar Mt Hike

Spring Birthdays Party

Cougar Hike from Red Town Trailhead

Old Town, Alexandria

Today’s Hike

Mike’s 72nd Yogurt Bash

Seattle Symphony

Queen Anne Hill Walk

Skating with Tyler

Luncheon for Aunt Ruth’s Birthday

Christmas - New Year's Trip to Berlin

Cousin Christmas Party

Los Angeles 2010

Scott’s 41st

Seattle Rep–“Three Tall Women”

Seattle–Lake View Cemetery and Interlaken Park

Halloween Dinner at Mary’s

Vickie Trip to Washington

Cousins Knitting Party

Seattle Rep–“God of Carnage”

Cougar Mt - Jim

Seattle Walk–Volunteer Park and Harvard-Belmont

Picasso at the Seattle Art Museum

Intiman Theatre - "A Doctor in Spite of Himself"

Hike Cougar Mt–Mary, Mike, Gail, Jim, Lily

Walk First Hill and Capitol Hill

Gail’s Party for Ruthie’s 70th

Vancouver, BC

The Modern WomanDrawings by Degas, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec and Other Masterpieces from the Musée d’Orsay, Paris

Hike Little Si

Cougar Mt Anti-Aircraft Peak Trailhead

Cougar Mt Hike with Bill Turner

Seattle Opera–Tristan und Isolde

Twin Falls State Park

Cougar Mt–Mary, Mike, Gail, Jim

Cougar Hike–Mary, Mike, Lily, Vickie, Jim

Ballard Locks and Fort Lawton

Jim Hike at Cougar Mt

Oregon 2010

Cougar Mt Sky Country

Seattle Walks

Cougar Mt – Talus Trailhead

Tyler’ 3rd Birthday

Visit Aunt Ruth

Seattle Symphony

Tyler’s 3rd Birthday Party

Tiger Mt Hike

Kelsey Creek Park

Pioneer Square and Downtown Walks

Mary’s Birthday Party

Spring Birthday Celebration

Fantastic Erratic

International District Walk

The Modern Woman
Drawings by Degas, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec and Other Masterpieces from the Musée d’Orsay, Paris