I'm Legal

I'm Moving On Up

On Jan. 6, 2010 I moved to a new place. It's in the Leschi neighborhood of Seattle, north of my former Beacon Hill neighborhood. It's the first time in my life I've lived by myself. On my own. On my own what? I'm 4 miles closer to work, although now I drive through city streets and traffic, as opposed to highway and traffic, so it takes about the same amount of time.

The new place is a cottage behind a bigger house. I'm subletting for 6 months from a man named George, who goes to Argentina each year for 6 months to teach acting. He rents the cottage from the man named Roger, who owns the big house and who spends part of his time in CA. The cottage is one block from Lake Washington and I no longer have to drive to have a beautiful walk.

The cottage is grand, and it even has a guest room downstairs. So, come visit before June 30. Maybe George will find true love in Argentina and not want to come back.

Below is my account of the move, pics of the cottage, my first dinner guest my new hood. I admit, it's really a pleasure coming home these days.

The Move

The actual move was uneventful. I borrowed a minivan from my friends Diane and Ed, who I originally met in Wichita 25 years ago. They lived in NC for many years until Diane decided to become a naturopath. She got accepted to Bastyr University and is now in her 2nd year. She'll be 61 this spring. I apartment-sat for her last June, and I've posted my climb to Mt. Pilchuck with Diane and Ed on the blog. Thanks, Diane and Ed for making this a one-trip move.

Before all cleaned out

All cleaned out (I always hated that rug)

A Magic Moment

As I was packing last minute kitchen stuff, I saw someone outside the back door. I recognized him as the dog walker, Kevin. I brightened as I realized that the last AND ONLY OTHER time I'd seen Kevin was the day I moved in! Understandably, he didn't feel the thrilling significance of this freaky fact I did, but then again, it doesn't take much for me. He was a good sport and posed for this picture. Then Anna proceeded to tear apart a doll.

My New Place

I made some modifications. But I like George's taste in art, so much of it was left as is.

The bedroom

Where I work

Downstairs

Place to watch movies and guest area

This is Mouse, the cat I take care of. I don't know if Mouse is a boy or a girl. But recently Mouse's favorite place is one of the tables. S/he scratches and licks and sheds all over it, so I've taken measures.

Mouse on my socks

Stacking stuff on the table to keep Mouse off

My First Dinner Guest

This is Dana, a friend of Sam's from Oberlin.

Funky kitchen faucet

Funky Kitchen Clock/Timer (Swiss?)

My New Library: Douglass-Truth Branch

Walking in My Neighborhood

This is the view from my alley

I walk under I-90.

Oh, nevermind

A Funny Thing About Asheville, NC

They don't plow when it snows.

It snowed a foot today. It started early in the morning and went on through dark. The temp hovered in the low 30's but never below 32. I was out driving from noon to 5 and realized that no streets were plowed. Not I-40. Not I-240. Not US-25 or US-25A. The Blue Ridge Parkway was closed. Cars sat diagonally on major streets because they couldn't make it up gentle inclines. Even with the amount of show, the streets would have been quite manageable, if they were plowed. Finally, after hours of backtracking and wondering if I'd get stuck, the unplowed driveway to Mom's apartment complex was what got me. I had to park on the side, along with the other 10 vehicles, and trudge up the long hill. After living through New England and Kansas winters, I was astonished that this city of nearly 79,000, did not plow its streets.

It was pretty though. By the way, those round objects in the photos are not orbs. Just snow.

Magical Visit with Sam in Chicago

I visited Sam in Chicago from Dec. 7-12. The weather was frigid. Sam and his sweetheart Lisa showed me a very good time. Sam has become quite a fine dancer and is in stellar shape. Lisa is a professional dancer and they perform well as partners. Just like when I'd visit Sam at Oberlin, I found myself inspired and hopeful for humanity.

Where Sam and Lisa Live

It's 4000 + square feet, the third and top floor of a building located at Ashland and Archer. It's the neighborhood where "The Jungle" was written. It has 6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a nice kitchen. Heating is a problem. The building is for sale, $875,000. Sam lives with 6 other Oberliners, who want to buy the building and turn it into a performance space. Any investors?

Sam, Lisa and Teddy Impromptu Performance one Night

Sam and Lisa Dancing one morning

On Chicago's Fabulous Mass Transit System

Sam and Lisa took me out on the town, including a terrific vegetarian restaurant, run by followers of guru Master Sri Chinmoy. I was delighted to learn that followers also have a restaurant in Seattle called Silence Heart-Nest, in Fremont.

Downtown Chicago

Millenium Park, Faces Statue, "The Bean"

Impromptu Dinner Party

Mostly Oberlin Alumni, residing in Chicago

Flight from Chicago to Charlotte

In the first two photos you can see downtown Chicago. I think that's some of Indiana in the third one.