Purty Sunset

I was listening to the radio this evening and heard some talk of people complaining about the weather we have in Northwest Washington. "It is rainy, cold, gloomy, and dark", they said. The host made the good point that we live in one of the most beautiful places in the world and a little bit of rain and darkness is the price we pay. Well, even in this season of grey and gloominess there is extreme beauty every now and again if you keep your eyes open. I caught this sunset last week. Just beautiful! (Here's another shot that I like*.)

Monday February 11 2008

File under: pics, Anacortes

Toggle Comments (4)

comment?

on Tue 12th Feb, 2008 06:34 pm PST Go! Turtle said: I miss Anacortes a lot. I know I haven't been out of Skagit Valley for long, but pictures like that make me want to move back. Is frisbee starting up soon? ************************ on Tue 12th Feb, 2008 10:26 pm PST Jule said: We haven't seen the sun down here in Olympia since 19-dickity-2, and we like it that way! ************************ on Wed 13th Feb, 2008 03:58 am PST dave said: though this one doesn't really qualify in the top ten (unless, of course, you're referring to the WINTER top ten), Anacortes sunsets easily rank tops in all of the sunsets i have seen in my life in different parts of the world. ************************ on Wed 13th Feb, 2008 10:42 am PST Saxtor said: As far as sunsets go, late-Winter sunsets in the Mediterranean beat the pants off most every sunset in the PNW. That said, there is nothing more spectacular than a late-Fall/early-Winter sunrise over Cultus Mountain or Mount Pilchuck. *shiver* ************************

---

Winter 2007-08 Taste of Anacortes

As the non-tourist season settles in to sleepy old Anacortes, the excuse to get people out on the town known as Taste of Anacortes is afoot again and I couldn't be happier. Last year, I attended 2 Tastes and thoroughly enjoyed them both. (Read about them here and here). This year, I hope to attend each month's Taste. Good food in small portions ain't something to be scoffed at. If anyone is going to be around Anacortes during one and is looking for a date, I'm totally free. For those content hungry*, I present you the menu for this latest Taste, at least for the Knife Route, which I took.     Flounder Bay Cafe: Prime rib with mashed potatoes, and wine if you so desired (two out of the two times our route has included Flounder Bay, it has been the best stop on the route.)     Il Posto: Bruscetta topped with a chicken meatball sauce. It was pretty good but the atmosphere in that place is about 8 degrees too fancy for me.     Randy's Pier 61: Crab pot which is a cheesy, creamy crab dip served with festively colored tortilla chips.     Rockfish Grill: Shrimp salad, which we would have enjoyed way more had we done it as the first stop. The big bonus at the "Rocker" was the Spoonshine Duo was playing. Good times.     Johnny Picasso's: Carmel drizzled, pumpkin, cream-cheese cake with coffee. I've been wanting an excuse to go in there for the past couple years and I'm glad I finally got the chance. The owner is super nice and, if that cake was any indication, the desserts are out of this world.

Thursday November 29 2007

File under: Anacortes, food

Toggle Comments (2)

comment?

on Thu 29th Nov, 2007 03:53 pm PST Saxtor said: Is "No Spoon Route in November" the new name for The Dish? I've never visited that restaurant... ************************ on Thu 29th Nov, 2007 06:21 pm PST kate said: I'm coming to town! I'll be there tomorrow, in fact. ************************

---

One Angry Man

Last week, I got called in to serve jury duty. As anyone who has been called in knows, the process between being called in and actually sitting on a jury is somewhat complicated, although very interesting. It turns out I have a lot to say on this, so I've split it into three sections below for your reading convenience. Click to read my blurb on each. About the process:First, you recieve a summons letter in the mail with a date, a juror number, and a phone number to call on the appointed date. When you call the number, you are told whether you are to report for duty or call back again in a couple of days (all based on your number). The first summons I received in the mail a couple years ago, I kept calling back and calling back and eventually they told me I was excused, without ever having to go in. This time, however, after a week of being told to call back, I got called in. When you get called in, the 30-40 or so of you mill around for a bit and sit awkwardly for a bit. Then you are given a juror number, randomly selected. The judge proceeds to ask a bunch of general questions to which you respond by raising your number (have you served on a jury before, do you know the defendant or lawyers, etc.) Then, each lawyer has a couple chances to ask questions both of the group as a whole and of individuals specifically. These questions dealt more with the nature of the case (in this case, fraud and identity theft). Essentially, they were trying to figure out who amongst us would be inclined to agree with their case*. Each lawyer is allowed to dismiss up to 6 potential jurors without giving a reason. After that is discussed with the judge, he reads off who is going to be a juror. The way it works is they start taking any person, starting from number 1 from the numbers we were randomly assigned, that hasn't been dismissed by either lawyer. About my experience:I had a vague understanding of how this process was to go, so I got relatively excited to be assigned number 13. I figured at least one of the people ahead of me would be dismissed so I was a shoe in. I know most people loathe jury duty but I was pretty excited to be part of the process. And I figure it is something everyone should do in their life, so I might as well get mine out of the way early. (My buddy Dave over at Publius Baltimore has a write-up of his jury experience here.) Well, I didn't get picked. For some reason, one of the lawyers opted to dismiss me without explanation. While I know this is their prerogative and an integral part of the process, my feelings were hurt. Essentially, they thought that I couldn't provide a fair and balanced decision. Whether it was because of my age, scruffy appearance, my answers to their questions, or because of the nature of my job and the possibility it relating to the crime, I don't know. I was tempted to track them down later to find out why so I would be better prepared next time around, but I figured that might border on obsession. So while the whole experience didn't leave me "angry" per se, I would say I left pretty bummed. Observations:The Skagit Covnty Covrt Hovse* has possibly the most ridiculous security process I've seen. There is a metal detector that beeped at EVERY SINGLE PERSON that went through while I was watching. I never get beeped at the airports but for some reason, it beeped me here. And the way it is all set up, it would be incredibly easy to just walk past it. In Skagit County, for the trouble of showing up for jury duty, you get compensated to the tune of $10 a day plus mileage. So on top of the learning experience I recieved, I can expect a check for a cool $25!

Sunday November 18 2007

File under: Anacortes, misc

Toggle Comments (7)

comment?

on Sun 18th Nov, 2007 01:25 pm PST Ryan Walters said: I walk past that metal detector all the time...but I have a special pass. They definitely make you show it, even when they recognize you. I wouldn't discount the possibility that most of the people it beeped were actually carrying something metal. You find a lot of pocket knives and lighters on the courthouse steps. ************************ on Mon 19th Nov, 2007 05:28 pm PST Nesbitt said: I find it amusing that you were miffed at not being called. I was miffed at being called...While I understand on one level, it is kind of interesting how we tolerate the use of what can only be classified as stereotypes in choosing juries, where we would not tolerate it anywhere else. ************************ on Mon 19th Nov, 2007 07:51 pm PST Saxtor said: I'm with Wren, I was pretty bummed when I didn't get called either. Definitely a good write-up, but I imagine it would have been all the more better if they actually let you into the exclusive Jury Club. ************************ on Wed 21st Nov, 2007 12:10 pm PST Sean said: Getting out of jury duty is easy. The trick is to say you're prejudiced against all races ************************ on Wed 21st Nov, 2007 12:23 pm PST amanda said: the day after reading your blog i received a summons! luckily i no longer reside in skagit county. ************************ on Wed 21st Nov, 2007 09:32 pm PST Wren said: I'll buy it from you. I aching to try my new approach. ************************ on Thu 27th Mar, 2008 08:57 am PDT JJ said: I had the same experience. I wasn't picked. I wore a pin striped suit, and all the "scruffy" people got picked. I related an experience I had giving "postive" testimony about someone I absolutely hated, in order to show that I could be "above personal feelings," (because, like you, I wanted to be on the jury), and I didn't get picked! ************************

---

Quiz Night - Crisis of Doona

This past Friday was another fun and successful Quiz Night at the Back Porch Cafe. The categories fell in our favor this week (for the most part) and at the end of two rounds, Crisis of Doona* was in a three way tie for first place. The tie breaker question was about Shakespeare. It turns out that wasn't our strongest subject so we again got narrowly edged out for the win. Next time, though. I can feel next time is going to be the time. Anyway, as has become our habit here, I thought I would go ahead and post the visual round. Category: Wrastlers. How many can you name? (As always, hover for answers: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) (Previous Quiz Night posts (with scans of the visual questions): Return of Quiz Night, Filler, and Quiz Night!)

Sunday November 11 2007

File under: Anacortes, games

Toggle Comments (7)

comment?

on Sun 11th Nov, 2007 11:10 am PST Saxtor said: I managed to name all but #s 5 and 7, which I doubt I would have known under any circumstance. ************************ on Mon 12th Nov, 2007 03:53 pm PST Nesbitt said: I can't remember the name of the guy in the kilt. For some reason when I scroll over the numbers I don't get the answers. ************************ on Mon 12th Nov, 2007 10:03 pm PST Wren said: Nesbitt, you must be using Safari, eh? I just tried it out with my new fancy windows version of Safari and you're right, it doesn't work. More unsettling than not being able to see the Wrastlers' names, you aren't able to see all my ever-so-witty *s. I will look into this problem immediately. In the mean time, give it a try with Firefox. ************************ on Tue 13th Nov, 2007 12:23 am PST Horge said: I'm not using Safari, and I just hovered over your little * you put in your comment to Dave. It came up with nothing. Either your asterisks have stopped working on Firefox also, or you just missed a golden opportunity to attach a tag to an asterisk, considering you were referring to how witty they are... ************************ on Tue 13th Nov, 2007 06:25 am PST Nesbitt said: I'm using firefox on my mac, and it ain't working. By the by, congrats on getting my trivia question right, you are the first to get it correct, including a Poli-sci professor I asked, so good work. ************************ on Tue 13th Nov, 2007 04:41 pm PST Wren said: Horge, good point* ************************ on Wed 14th Nov, 2007 05:18 am PST Horge said: Thats the Wren I've grown to love. I just miss the opportunity to hover over the asterisks. Once it was revealed why they existed a few months ago, I immediately went back through the archives looking for 'em. Keep up the asterisks, dude! As a Shakespeare fan, I'm always up for a good aside :) ************************

---

A Night at the Drive-In

As much hot air as I spout against driving (vs. public transporation, biking, etc.), there is one situation where a replacement for a car is practically out of the question. While I've heard of people biking or walking in, carrying their own lawn chairs, blankets, and battery powered radios, the drive-in movies just aren't the same unless you drive in. After keeping an eye on my schedule and the schedule of the theatre all summer long, I finally found a match this weekend: two movies that didn't look terrible with a weekend where I was free and had access to a car. The experience was well worth it. The movies may not have been awesome, and we had a little bit of a car door issue*, but the experience was almost exactly as it should be completely with giggling teenagers running around willy nilly and a foot-long chili dog from the concession stand. For those of you in the northwest washington "viewing" area, check out Blue Fox Drive-In (open weekends until at least early December). For those of you outside of said viewing area, check for drive-ins in your area here Oh, and if I can't convince you with the ambience and chili dogs, maybe this will do the trick: two movies for only $6, at 65%* savings over your nearest cineplex.

Sunday October 21 2007

File under: movies, Anacortes

Toggle Comments (3)

comment?

on Mon 22nd Oct, 2007 07:04 am PDT gretchen said: well, what about the movies? what did you see? ************************ on Mon 22nd Oct, 2007 06:17 pm PDT Jule said: Did you say chili dogs? Say no more! You can even sit in the back of my truck! ************************ on Mon 22nd Oct, 2007 09:41 pm PDT Wren said: Gretchen, the movies were The Comebacks (B if you are in the mood for ridiculousness) and Super Bad (a solid A, if you ask me)*.Jule, Bela and I would scarf chili dogs like they were going out of style then dutch oven the crap out of the back of your truck. ************************

---

Beat the Heat

This past Monday was blog action day!, a day where bloggers around the world unite to give coverage to a certain topic. The idea of a group call to action for bloggers doesn't sit extremely well with me (like so many memes), but this year's topic was the environment, so I thought I'd give it a try. Because environment and environmentalism are such huge topics, I abandoned my original idea of listing all the environmental blogs I read, lists of tips and tricks to lessen your environmental footprint, and maybe even post my reflective essay It's About More Than Carbon, Silly. Instead, I decided to cover just one thing, which happens to fit in with what I've been doing recently. Beat the Heat is a community group here in Skagit County (which meets in Anacortes) dedicated to working to "slow global warming through public awareness, personal action, and political advocacy." I've attended a few of their meetings to see what they are all about. It was great to see people self-organizing to work towards a goal they believe in. Many of the projects are closely in line with interests/goals of my own*. Their website has some great resources including a calendar of upcoming environment-related events including sponsored movies and lectures.

Wednesday October 17 2007

File under: environment, Anacortes

Toggle Comments (2)

comment?

on Wed 17th Oct, 2007 08:35 am PDT gretchen said: this reminds me of a blog that many of the bdw readers might enjoy called u.s. food policy. it is written by one of my professors who is an ag economist turned nutrition crusader. the link to this site is www.usfoodpolicy.blogspot.com he also has a list of many food and environment related blogs linked to his site. ************************ on Wed 17th Oct, 2007 08:36 am PDT gretchen said: sorry, there is no www in the web address. ************************

---

Return of Quiz Night

After a longer than normal hiatus, the Backporch Cafe's Quiz Night returned this past Friday evening. A lively crowd* battled it out for the fame and prizes. With my regular team absent, I recruited a crack team of first timers to help with the pursuit. Through round one, we held our own. It turns out our knowledge of indigenous plants, world rivers, classic literature, and Antonio Banderas is above average. Round two was a bit of a suck fest for the Imperfect Ladies*. Out knowledge, or lack thereof, of current events, (post?)modern literature, the Clash, and starlets took us from second place to second-to-last. In a quiz tournament so heavily topicized*, you live and die by the topics. Anyway, as always, it was a good time made even better by the other folks who played. Keep an eye out for the next go round. After all, the more, the merrier. And for all of you who enjoy playing along, I'll share the two identification rounds. Above (click for larger image) are starlets. How many can you name? Or try your knowledge of indigenous plants. I'll post the answers in special hover code in the comments. The Backporch Cafe's Quiz night has been covered before here and here.

Sunday October 14 2007

File under: Anacortes, games

Toggle Comments (6)

comment?

on Sun 14th Oct, 2007 10:13 am PDT Wren said: Starlets: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Plants: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 ************************ on Mon 15th Oct, 2007 09:07 pm PDT Emily said: Yeah-I'm glad I wasn't on your team. I know absolutely NONE of those starlets. What's with the major topicization? (Now there's a word.) ************************ on Wed 17th Oct, 2007 10:57 am PDT blank said: What!?! You need to 'rock the casbah' more my friend. ************************ on Mon 05th Nov, 2007 11:36 pm PST Siri said: 1.Bette Davis 2. Rita Hayworth 3. ??? 4. Lauren Bacall 5. Marlene Dietrich 6. ??? 7. Katherine Hepburn 8. Mae West 9. Greta Garbo How'd I do? ************************ on Mon 05th Nov, 2007 11:37 pm PST Siri said: Oh, I just caught on to the whole hover thang. . . I'm a quick one. ************************ on Tue 06th Nov, 2007 08:27 am PST Wren said: Not bad at all! We might have to bring you in as a ringer. There is a quiz night this Friday if you happen to be in town. ************************

---

Whale Watching

If I told you that I have lived in the San Juan Islands for 18 years and have only seen Orca whales twice in the wild, would you believe me? Well, it's true, and I consider myself lucky to have seen them that much. Once was at WaPa where 60+* cruised by no more than a stone's throw from the beach. The other time was off the head at Rosario. Both were pretty spectacular. This past weekend, I increased my orca sightings by 50%! Emily, who used to work at Island Adventures, managed to score us tickets to go out whale watching. Although it is on the top of some people's list when they come to Anacortes, I have yet to be out on a whale watching boat. I knew that I was in for a real treat. The weather was quintessential for fall in the northwest. There was a chill to the air, wind gusts here and there, and non-rain moisture coming out of the air somehow, as it so mysteryously wont to do. I was afraid the weather would curtail the adventure, but, at least in my eyes, it only added to it. (Plus, it gave me the excuse to drink a whole thermos of hot chocolate!) To read more (and see pictures!), click here.The boat, filled with 100 eager [potential]* whale watchers, headed out in seach of the pod. Cruising out through the islands, the guides pointed out which islands we were passing and interesting tidbits about the local wildlife. Getting outside of the ferry route is a rarity for me, so I was glad to see some of the further out islands, or at least the far side of them. We ended up crusing around for about 3 hours before honing in on the whales. The whales put on a great show for us. They played, splashed their tales, frolicked, and belly-rolled. We were close enough to get an impression for their size, but not close enough to see the whites of their eyes, per se*. If you just happened upon the pod* and weren't out on a mission to find and photograph them, it would have been heaven. As it was, I will classify it as a solid "neat". Speaking of photographs, here's what we got: Clara was a trooper throughout the whole [6-hour] trip, but kid needs a nap; getting good pictures of the whales was tough, but this one turned out; yours truly all bundled up for the weather, trying to look suave; the classic San Juan Islands shot.

Tuesday October 9 2007

File under: Anacortes, pics

Toggle Comments (4)

comment?

on Tue 09th Oct, 2007 05:29 pm PDT Sweet Julie said: Way cool! Way cool! I dream of seeing the PacNW O.o.'s! In all of my 13 yrs of marine biology, I have only seen Orcas once in the wild! You are some lucky folks! ************************ on Wed 10th Oct, 2007 08:55 am PDT amanda said: i remember that day at wapa.what a gift. that image of the whale pod so close to the shore during sunset will stay with me forever. ************************ on Thu 11th Oct, 2007 03:32 pm PDT jenelle said: oh those cute little orcas... and their cute little PCB riddled blubbers, ************************ on Fri 12th Oct, 2007 12:33 am PDT whuppin stick said: mmm... whale. ************************

---

Chuckanut Dr.

As summer is coming to an end, that also means an end to the [comfortable] scooter season. Time will tell if I am still able to use it as my prime form of transportation. It's been a fine run with the little guy. I often think back on some of the wonderful roads we've taken together (e.g. 395 and 1 as covered here before.) Recently. I was reminded of another spectucular road we have right here in the northwest, almost perfectly suited to Scoot Scoot. I've had occasion to ride it a few times recently, and I didn't think it was fair not giving it a shout out after calling attention to those other roads. Chuckanut Dr. from the Skagit flats to Fairhaven has got to be one of the best roads of all time. I happened to hit it as the sun was going down on a beautiful autumn day. Returning on a clear night with the moon reflecting off the water was just as spectacular. While traveling via a scooter immerses you in the environment all the more, the road is worth driving in a car as well. It's a road I recommend to friends visiting from out of town who are headed up to Bellingham, and it is a road to I recommend to all of you who might be passing that way.

Saturday September 29 2007

File under: transportation, Anacortes

Toggle Comments (1)

comment?

on Tue 09th Oct, 2007 10:08 pm PDT Emily said: I love Chuckanut Drive. ************************

---

www.peoplesGuideToAncortes.com

In hopes of making the People's Guide to Anacortes more accessible, I've recently acquired the domain name www.peoplesguidetoanacortes.com. Hopefully, this will make it easier for everyone to spread the word. For those of you who don't remember the original post, the people's guide to Anacortes is a list of non-commercial activities on Fidalgo Island with an easy to use interface. It is geared towards travelers and residents alike who want to pass a day (or a week) enjoying the non-commercial (which also all happen to be free) things Anacortes has to offer. I hope you have checked it out already or will do so soon. If you think it is a helpful service, spread the word to your friends and family who might be traveling this way.

Tuesday September 25 2007

File under: Anacortes

Toggle Comments (7)

comment?

on Tue 25th Sep, 2007 03:05 pm PDT Joe Wilbur said: awesome. great idea wren and well executed. definitely be spreadin the word. ************************ on Tue 25th Sep, 2007 04:15 pm PDT Saxtor said: Hmmm, for something non-commercial, it makes me wonder about the ads and the "dot com" TLD. I'm just sayin... ************************ on Tue 25th Sep, 2007 04:48 pm PDT Wren said: Saxtor, your negativity astounds me. ************************ on Tue 25th Sep, 2007 04:52 pm PDT Saxtor said: I'm not being negative at all, the project and intent is awesome and offers the same kind of "warm and fuzzies" like the Friday Harbor lady's pamphlet offers. But if your emphasis is non-commercial, and yet you take commercially minded actions, fuzzy turns to hairy. ************************ on Wed 26th Sep, 2007 11:22 am PDT Dave said: Hey Wren,I noticed that your PGTA blurb about Whistle Lake describes it as being at the western, rather than eastern, edge of the ACFL. Speaking of eastern, I saw that wonderful mother of yours today in Concrete, which happens to be at the eastern edge of the populated portion of Skagit County. What serendipity! ************************ on Wed 26th Sep, 2007 01:52 pm PDT Wren said: A big thanks to Dave and Julie (via e-mail: some ugliness on Mac Safari) for catching errors in the guide. Both should be more or less fixed. ************************ on Wed 26th Sep, 2007 08:06 pm PDT MOM said: Oh, Dave, what a kind thing to say--true, of course, but kind of you. ************************

---

< Previous Page  Next Page >

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Recent Comments:
*Horge on Mother Wrenger in the Nutcracker
*Horge on A Whirlwind Eclipse Adventure
*Andrew on A Whirlwind Eclipse Adventure
*Mom on A Whirlwind Eclipse Adventure
*Mom on Mother Wrenger in the Nutcracker

Recent Content:
*A Whirlwind Eclipse Adventure
*Mother Wrenger in the Nutcracker
*Malta Bene!
*2023 Performance Review
*Twas the Night 2023
*Recycled Plastic Christmas Ornaments
*Halloween Act 2023 - Dueling Banjos
*Walk Like MADD 2023
*New Stilting Costume
*Sleeping Around 2022-2023
*Project Hotdog Halfway Complete
*Giant Juggling Club

Websites du Friends:
* Wren the Juggler
My I-guess-I'm-a-Professional-Juggler juggling website
* Wren and Della
Della and my juggling website
* The Real Food Show
A circus-inspired elementary assembly show to teach kids about healthy eating
* Della Moustachella
Della's performance website
* The Fun Bags
Della and Sadye's Performance Troupe


Tags
Anacortes (39)
Cambodia (5)
China (14)
Korea (1)
Macau (1)
Mexico (13)
New Zealand (1)
Seattle (2)
Thailand (18)
USA (11)
Vietnam (5)
beard (5)
blog (8)
books (1)
coding (15)
comic (45)
contest (4)
environment (9)
events (12)
food (22)
games (15)
geocaching (4)
holidays (13)
juggling (8)
links (9)
meet-ups (1)
mexico (1)
misc (54)
movies (5)
open letter (2)
participation (1)
pics (39)
poetry (6)
poll (1)
quote (6)
road trip (25)
stats (1)
transportation (14)
travel (136)
video (6)
work (8)