ENUMCLAW CHOCOLATE & WINE FESTIVAL

Friday, 03 February 2012 20:55

Friday 3rd, 4pm-9pm
Saturday 4th, 12pm-9pm
Enumclaw Expo Center
45224 284th Avenue SE
Enumclaw, WA
Must be 21
Click Here For More Info

“Enjoy 28 wineries, over a dozen Chocolatiers, and many fine gift and specialties items. Two days of Wine tasting, Chocolate sampling, Demonstrations, Music, Shopping and more. Every guest will receive a commemorative wine glass and two wine tastings tickets. Additional tastings tickets are available for $1 each. The Wine Garden opens each day during event hours.”*

*From Enumclaw Chocolate Festival website.

Wine and chocolate or chocolate and wine, what’s not to like. All this is just the ticket for an early Valentine Day’s celebration. You know, sweets for your sweetie.

We would love your comments.

For more great couples things do in Seattle and Western Washington, check out the Annual Events Section of Belva’s List.

Smilingly Yours,
Belva & The Bearded One

PROJECT RED DRESS

Thursday, 02 February 2012 18:04

Friday, February 3rd
6:00pm Fairmont Olympic Hotel Foyer Bar Opens
7:00pm Spanish Ballroom Doors Open for Red Velvet & Red Silk tickets holders
7:45pm Spanish Ballroom Doors Opens for Red Chiffon tickets holders
7:50pm Spanish Ballroom opens for Red Organza tickets holders
8:00pm Fashion Show
Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Spanish Ballroom
411 University
Seattle, WA
Click Here For More Info

”Red is the color that evokes passion, fire, and love. Project Red Dress is Seattle’s annual fashion event to inspire, create, challenge, and generate awareness and raise money for the American Heart Association’s Go Red For The Women movement and the student winner of the Project Red Dress scholarship.

Established by Monir Zandghoreishi, local designer and International Academy of Design & Technology (IADT-Seattle) fashion design program chair, is offering 12 local up-and-coming fashion design students a chance to show the world what they’re made of in the form of a fabulous red dress. Taking its cue from TV’s Project Runway, each of the twelve contestant’s create their vision in red. The event culminates with a gala fashion show at the Spanish Ballroom of the Fairmont Olympic Hotel.

Performance by the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra, Produced by Monir Zandghoreishi and Directed by the Metropolitan Fashion Week under the direction of Eduardo Khawam will deliver the most exquisite night of class and style at the timeless Fairmont Olympic Hotel.”*

*From Project Red Dress website.

This is a great event to celebrate fashion design students and their creative hard work. Your support will also benefit the American Heart Association. Our thanks and congratulations to all the community supporters who make this such a memorable event.

We would love to hear your comments.

For more great things to do in Seattle and Western Washington, check out the Annual Events Section of Belva’s List.

Cheers,
Belva & The Bearded One

CD RELEASE PARTY FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Wednesday, 01 February 2012 18:43

YOGOMAN BURNING BAND CD RELEASE
Click Here For More Info & YBB's Website
/w PICOSO—Seattle Latin Dance Group
Click Here For PICOSO's Website
Friday, February 3rd
ALL AGES SHOW
The Fremont Abbey Arts Center
4272 Fremont Ave North
Seattle, WA
Doors open 6:30pm
Picoso, 7pm-8pm
Yogoman Burning Band, 8:30pm-10pm

“4 PIECE CHICKEN DINNER C.D. RELEASE: Yogoman Burning Band is releasing a new disc called 4 Piece Chicken Dinner, a live performance from Summer 2011, that documents the last show recorded of the 4 Piece they were comprised of for the last 2 years w/ Thomas Deakin on Saxophone/Vocals/Percussion and Norah McLaughlin on Bass/Vocals.

This show also brings in the new YBB Line Up featuring Jordan Rain/ Michael Rain (Yogoman's dad ) on Bass/Vocals, Amanda Rhine on Saxophone/Vocals, and Nelson Bell on Trombone/Percussion. Mars Lindgren on Trombone/Vocals remains an original member since the group’s first release in 2007.”*

*From Yogoman Burning Man Facebook site

Jordan Rain/Yogoman - Drums and Lead Vocal: Jordan Rain has been playing live music and putting on shows in the Pacific Northwest since 1993. Grown on Classic Rock, Soul and Hip-hop, while having toured nationally in the Underground/All-Ages music scene (punk/hardcore/noise/indie rock, etc.), later DJing specializing in Jamaican music (since 2000), as well as developing a strong appreciation and mix of African, Soul and New Orleans Music, Rain has incorporated a unique mix of these musical forms while conjuring new sonic realms in the highly danceable Yogoman Burning Band sound.

Aiming to connect with people of all-ages and backgrounds through vibrant dance music, Yogo is building off the rhythmic foundation coupled with his innate sense of harmony. From beats to melodies to lyrics, Rain communicates primarily with feeling and kinetics along with his voice from the drum set to other YBB players and audience simultaneously, making each performance a new experience.*

*From Yogoman Burning Man website

Jordan has just recieved Bellingham’s Up Music Magazine’s Lifetime Achievement Award and Yogoman Burning Band was named Best Booty Shakin’ Music.

Would love to hear your comments.

Congratulations Grandson,
Belva & The Bearded One

SEATTLE BOAT SHOW

Monday, 30 January 2012 19:54

January 27th —February 5th
Century Link Field
800 Occidental Ave South
South Lake Union
901 Fairview Ave North
Seattle, WA

SHOW TIMES & LOCATIONS
South Lake Union
Weekdays: 11am—5pm
Weekends: 10am—5pm

CENTURYLINK FIELD
Mon. - Thurs: 11 am—8pm
Fridays: 11am—9pm
Saturdays: 10am—8pm
Sundays: 10am—6pm
Click Here For More Info

Puget Sound and Western Washington is a boater’s paradise. We have lots of salt water and fresh water for your enjoyment, all you need is that special boat. Big boat or small boat, big budget or small budget, the Seattle boat show is the perfect place to sort it all out. Boats are for guys, gals and families, so take time to check them out on the water at South Lake Union or not on the water at CenturyLink Field or both, as this years show presenters have a free shuttle service running between the two locations.

*“The Seattle Boat Show, Indoors + Afloat, is the West Coast's Largest Boat Show featuring more than 1,000 recreational watercraft, seminars and the latest accessories indoors at CenturyLink Field, plus afloat on South Lake Union.

A free shuttle runs every day between CenturyLink Field and South Lake Union every 30 minutes.”

*From Seattle Boat Show website

For more fun things to do in Seattle and Western Washington, check out the Annual Events Section of Belva’s List.

Would love to hear your comments.

Boats Ahoy,
Belva & The Bearded One

CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL SEATTLE

Saturday, 28 January 2012 18:41

Thursday, January 26-February 5
Northwest Film Forum
1515 12th Avenue
(Capital Hill 12th Ave between Pike & Pine Streets)
Seattle, WA
Click Here For More Info.

ATTENTION: KIDS, ESPECIALLY CHILD ACTORS:
And parents who are concerned about the lack of quality films available for young viewers will be delighted with this year’s selections now showing at the Seattle Children’s Film Festival. The quality of stories and acting is remarkable on any level. Film buffs young or not so young will find attending any of these films as time well spent.

This opportunity is perfect for a special parent and child outing. Chose your film(s) and reserve your tickets early as these films sell out quickly.

“Northwest Film Forum is pleased to announce the 7th annual Children's Film Festival Seattle, to be held January 26 through February 5 at the Film Forum's cinemas in Seattle. The largest children's film festival in the Pacific Northwest, Children's Film Festival Seattle celebrates the best and brightest in international children's cinema with a 10-day extravaganza of more than 100 films from almost 30 countries. This year's edition includes a mind-blowing blend of programs that include live performances, animation, features, shorts, historical films and fantastic hands-on workshops for the filmmakers of tomorrow.”

*From The Children’s Film Fest website.

For more fun things to do in Seattle and Western Washington, check out the Annual Events Section of Belva’s List.

Happy Special Event with your child,
Belva & The Bearded One

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

Friday, 27 January 2012 21:43

YEAR OF THE DRAGON
Saturday, January 28th
11am-4pm
Hing Hay Park
411 Maynard Ave South
(Maynard Ave S. & South King St.)
Seattle, WA
Click Here For More Info
FREE

The Year of the Dragon is here! This is particularly important to The Bearded One and me as we were born in the Year of the Dragon, in fact, we were born in the Year of the Golden Dragon. Now, The Year of the Golden Dragon comes only once every 60 years and we have lived through two of these cycles—you do the math. All Lunar New Year celebrations are absolutely wonderful. The color and flowing motion of the dancers and the Taiko drumming makes my heart beat faster and I become one with the event.

“What               
The Chinatown-International District welcomes you to the 2012 Lunar New Year Celebration! The Lunar New Year Celebration is the most important festivity in the Chinese Lunar Calendar and brings thousands of families to participate in authentic cultural activities featuring calligraphy drawing, Chinese yo-yo and games and activities throughout the District. There is nonstop entertainment throughout the day including Lion and Dragon dances, Taiko drumming, martial arts and our third annual Children’s Parade Contest where kiddies can strut their best New Year’s cultural outfit on stage! Bring your family and friends to this exciting and unique cultural experience you can only find in the Chinatown-International District!

When
Saturday, January 28, 2012, from 11 AM - 4 PM

Where
Hing Hay Park, Maynard Ave S & S King St, Seattle, WA 98104

Cost
Free admission.

Entertainment Schedule
Noon-12:30pm Mak Fai Kung Fu Club : Opening Lion and Dragon dance
12:30-1:00pm Kaze Daiko : Taiko Drumming
1:00-1:30pm Northwest Wushu and Seattle Wushu Center : Chinese Martial Arts
1:30-2:00pm Children’s Costume Parade Contest
2:00-2:30pm Master David Leong’s Shaolin Kung Fu Academy: Lion Dance and Martial Arts
2:30-3:30pm International Wu Dang Internal Martial Arts Academy
3:30-3:50pm Tony Au International Lion Dance & Martial Arts”

*From Chinatown / International District website

For more fun things to do in Seattle and Western Washington, check out the Annual Events Section of Belva’s List.

Enjoy, Enjoy, Enjoy
Belva & The Bearded One

MARINERS FANFEST

Thursday, 26 January 2012 04:42

Saturday & Sunday
January 28th & 29th
11am-4pm
Safeco Field
1250 First Avenue
Seattle, WA
FREE for Children 5 and younger
Click Here For More Info

Well, it’s that time of year again, the unofficial or official, Mariner Baseball season is beginning. For all of our Mariner fans and supporters, plan to participate in the annual Mariner Fanfest. As long as you love baseball, whether young or not so young you will be happy that you celebrated this year’s Mariners FanFest.

This is a chance for all who attend to dream the big dream, even if only for a little while.

*“FanFest Attractions

Mariners Tools of the Trade:
Check out game used equipment from some of your favorite Mariners players. Swing Ichiro's actual bat, put on Guti's batting helmet or try on batting gloves used by Dustin Ackley.

Pitch in the Mariners Bullpen:
Test your fastball in the Mariners bullpen. Throw a pitch where the Mariners relievers begin their work.

710 ESPN Seattle Home Run Challenge:
Swing for the fences like your favorite Mariners players. Now you can see what it feels like to knock one over the fence. You can hit a ball from the centerfield grass right over the actual centerfield wall.

97.3 KIRO FM Pop Fly Challenge:
Think you've got what it takes to play the outfield in the big leagues? Now you can see by attempting to catch a pop fly in the Safeco Field outfield.

Catch in the Outfield:
Bring your glove and head down to right field for a little game of catch in the outfield.

Boeing Dugout Dialogue:
At the Boeing Dugout Dialogue located on top of the Mariners dugout, you can listen to and participate in question and answer sessions with Mariners players, coaches and front office personnel. *Appearances and times subject to change.

Mariners Clubhouse Tours:
Ever wonder what the inside of a Major League Clubhouse is like? Now you can find out. Be one of the few to ever stroll through the Mariners Clubhouse and also check out the weight room and more.

Roof Control Room Tours:
The room with perhaps the most mystique at Safeco Field and certainly home to one of the most important buttons in all of Seattle is the Roof Control Room. Take a tour and see how Safeco Field's retractable roof is opened and closed; it may surprise you.

Mariners Kids' Zone:
Try your skills at a variety of fun and challenging activities, all geared toward our younger fans. In the Mariners Kids' Zone you'll find face painters, carnival games, the Moose Den, a prize wheel and more.

Speed Pitch:
A strong arm is key in the Big Leagues; test yours at the Speed Pitch.

Inside the Game presented by Mariners Team Stores:
Step inside the game with the Mariners Team Stores. Try on Ichiro's uniform, swing a Big League game used-bat, checkout authentic lineup cards from past season and take your picture in front of a locker from the Mariners Clubhouse.

Mariners Care Garage Sale:
Visit the Mariners Care Garage Sale tent to view and purchase select memorabilia to benefit the Mariners non-profit foundation, Mariners Care. The Mariners Care Garage Sale features unique autographed and game-used items from current and former Mariners players you can't get anywhere else.

History of Baseball in the Northwest:
Stop by the Diamond Club and learn about the rich, Northwest history of the game in special exhibits featuring items from noted Northwest baseball historian Dave Eskenazi's collection.”

*From the Mariners website

For more fun things to do in Seattle and Western Washington, check out the Annual Events Section of Belva’s List.

Batter Up!
Belva & The Bearded One

LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO…

Wednesday, 25 January 2012 03:57

LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO…

…CLARICE KEEGAN, artist, author, and dear friend. Clarice's artistic style is uniquely her own. As a child Clarice, could see closely packed contour lines where others saw only a blank expanse. Later with pen, ink and color she began to transfer what she alone could see to paper. With that, others could begin to see blank expanses as she saw them, full of form and beauty. Thus was born her own style of artistic expression. Years of work has allowed Clarice’s artistic style to grow and evolve. She has absorbed elements of other artistic traditions that also honor the line, ranging from Northwest Coast Native American art to Art Nouveau.

TROUBLE HERSELF is an example of the contour lines that Clarice has seen in clouds, and if I look hard enough I think I can see those same lines…just maybe. Clarice has had Gallery Showings and accepts commission assignments. You can view more examples of Clarice’s extraordinary art work on her website. Be sure to check out her take on MOTHS TO THE MOON and RAGGEDY DRAGON. Many of the pieces are for sale while others are already sold but I’m sure you can find something that will fit on your office or home wall—or commission her to do you your own special piece.

We are proud to have Clarice display her art on Belva's List in our ARTIST GALLERY, http://www.belvaslist.com/artist-colony/gallery.html.

BEARD & STACHE FESTIVAL

Monday, 23 January 2012 21:09

January 30-March 6
Multiple Dates & Events
Fremont & other Seattle locations

If you look at our website (Belva’s List) you will see that I am very fond of Beards& Staches. I almost cannot remember a time when my sweetie did not have facial hair. No one can ever accuse him of being follicular challenged. When The Bearded One was in the 7th grade he was sent home with a note for his parents saying he should start shaving from time to time. Of course, this was many years before our paths crossed.

“What is Beard and Stache Fest, you ask?
It's an entire month packed with friends, prizes, nights out, cheap eats and drinks, some friendly competition, and lots and lots (and lots!) of facial hair! So, the question you should perhaps be asking yourself is: What isn't Beard and Stache Fest?

100% of donations benefit Treehouse and the foster kids of King County.

Throughout the month of February there will be a plethora of beard related festivities at our voting locations. You don’t have to have a face full of fur to participate in any of the month long events, we love the follicular challenged as well and our main goal is a have a good time, celebrate facial hair and most importantly make a difference.”

*From Beard & Stache website

Now, doesn’t this sound like lots of fun and all for a good cause. Check these activities out and let’s hope I can get The Bearded One to enter the competitions.

For more fun things to do in Seattle and Western Washington, check out the Annual Events Section of Belva’s List.

Fun, Fun and more Fun,
Belva & The Bearded One

WASHINGTON SPORTSMAN SHOW

Sunday, 22 January 2012 22:09

January 25-29
Wednesday: 12noon – 8pm
Thursday: 12noon – 8pm
Friday: 12noon – 8pm
Saturday: 10am – 8pm
Sunday: 10am – 4pm
Box office closes 1 hour prior to show closing
Western Washington Fairgrounds
Puyallup Fair & Events Center
110 9th Avenue SW
Puyallup, WA
Free to children 5 and under

As a young child, fishing was a great passion of mine. My family lived on a farm through which ran a small river and when I was about seven years old, my mother finally agreed to let me go fishing by myself.

So, decked out with a pocket knife, pole, some worms and grasshoppers, I made straight for the river, my mother’s voice following me with all kinds of instructions, such as, stay on the bank, don’t try to fish in the rapids. Well, you know how this story goes: I baited my hook and headed straight to the middle of the rapids. Feet wedged between rocks, I begin to cast my line up stream and watch it drift past me. Soon, I could see a few fish start to follow the baited hook and then one of them struck my hook! I set the hook and, trying not to fall down, worked my way back to the bank. Not having a creel in which to store my fish, I cut a forked willow limb and made an old fashion fish holder.

When I got back to the house, I proudly showed off my trophy, all the time assuring my mother the wonders of fishing from the bank and NOT the rapids. When I finally measured my fish, I had proudly caught a ten inch rainbow trout. Mother volunteered to cook my catch for dinner. However, I asked if we could freeze this ‘Leviathan’ for a while so I could show it off to visitors.

Well, sad to say, we had lots of visitors and by the time winter came, the fish had lost its tail, fins and rainbow. Lesson learned: you can take a fish out of the freezer only about so many times before the glory of that summer day begins to fade and fall apart.

Strange to note, sometime during the winter my fish disappeared from the freezer. By then I had moved on to other things and just supposed the fish had continued to gradually fall apart. Mother agreed that was probably what happened.

“Western Washington’s only sportsmen’s show runs January 25 – 29 and spotlights the one-of-a-kind indoor “Steelhead River,” over 150 hours of free “how to” seminars, camp cooking demonstrations, the Kid’s Free Trout Pond, the “Head & Horns” competition and much more.”

*From Washington Sportsman’s Show Website

For more great things to do in Seattle & Western Washington, check out the Annual Events Section of Belva’s List.

Enjoy what ever you do,
Belva & The Bearded One

TACOMA HOME & GARDEN SHOW

Sunday, 22 January 2012 17:26

January 25-29
Wednesday: 11am – 8pm
Thursday: 11am – 8pm
Friday: 10am – 8pm
Saturday: 10am – 8pm
Sunday: 10am – 5pm
Box office closes 1 hour prior to show closing
Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall
2727 East D Street
Tacoma, WA
Free to children (16 and under)

Think forward to Spring and Summer! No matter what winter has been, is or will be, wonderful SPRING is just around the corner. Think tulips, daffodils, gardens and all those do-it-yourself projects. A home and garden show is just the ticket to take your mind off the winter blues. A day spent in studying the wonders that can be yours, in just a few weeks, is a way to bring a smile to the face of the most winter-weary person.

“Washington State’s largest combined home and garden event introduces visitors to a huge range of products and services by over 1,000 exhibits–providing a “one-stop” shopping and information-gathering experience for show goers.”

*From Tacoma Home & Garden Show Website

For more great things to do in Seattle & Western Washington, check out the Annual Events Section of Belva’s List.

Happy Browsing,
Belva & The Bearded One

VEX ROBOTICS COMPETITION

Friday, 20 January 2012 20:26

Saturday, February 25
10am-4pm
Redmond High School
17272 NE 104th Street
Redmond, WA
FREE

PLAN TO ATTEND: Our countries next generation of engineers are expanding their skills as they build and present their entries in the VEX Robotic Programs. Redmond’s Exothermic 10 D Imensional team won a “Build Award” earlier this season thus qualifying them to go to the World Competition in Anaheim, California later this year. Please take a moment to check out and vote for mentor Andrew Koeppen’s, Exothermic 10 D Imensional team. February 25th is the big day for these young engineers, so plan to attend and see just how much creativity thrives in your local high school.

Welcome our Guest Blogger:
Andrew Koeppen
Eye on the Market
John L Scott, Real Estate

As many of you know, I am the mentor for one of the top VEX High School Robotics teams in Redmond, Exothermic 10 D Imensional.

The VEX Robotics Competition is the largest and fastest growing middle and high school robotics program globally with more than 3,500 teams from 20 countries playing in over 250 tournaments worldwide. The next local competition will be held on February 25th at the Redmond High School and members of the public are welcome to watch the matches which will be held from 10am to 4pm.

The link below shows you what a VEX robotics match looks like:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51kpJIE6vw8

Not only does VEX robotics Teams compete head to head in these tournaments they also compete against each other in online challenges. 10 D Imensional is currently competing in two of these online challenges and have submitted three videos for them. The two challenges they have chosen to compete in is the VEX Promotion Challenge and the VEX Education challenge.

In the Promote Challenge, teams compete to produce a video that promotes VEX robotics.

You can see Exothermic 10 D Imensional Video by clicking on the link below. (You then may need to scroll down the page to see and click on their video):
http://forum.robotevents.com/design/entry/detail/2812

In the Education challenge, teams compete to produce a video that educates other teams in some aspect of building or game play.

You can see Exothermic videos by clicking on the links below:
http://forum.robotevents.com/design/entry/detail/2476
http://forum.robotevents.com/design/entry/detail/2473

If you want to help team 10 D Imensional in this online challenge by voting for them you can. All you need to do is register with vexforum (this takes only a minute) then logging in to the forum: http://www.vexforum.com/register.php and clicking on the videos again. You should now have the ability to score them on their videos. The higher their scores the greater chance they have on winning this competition.

For more information about the local VEX Robotics program, or if you need help with your real estate needs, please give me a call at 425 985 5124 or email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Thanks and keep safe.

For more great things to do in Seattle and Western Washington, check out the Annual Events Section of Belva’s List.

Go Team Go,
Belva & The Bearded One

MOZART BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Friday, 20 January 2012 03:11

Seattle Symphony
Saturday, January 21
9:30am & 10:30am
Benaroya Hall
200 University Street
Seattle, WA
Click Here For More Info

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart baptismal name Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart (27 January 1756 – 5 December 1791)

My first real introduction to Mozart and his music was the movie AMADEUS. I was so fascinated by the movie story and his music that I have since read many books on the life of Mozart. His life and times had all the dramatic elements which make for thoughtful consideration.

I am always curious about the person behind the story of people from the past. Wikipedia summarizes the appearance and character of Mozart as follows:

“Mozart's physical appearance was described by tenor Michael Kelly, in his Reminiscences: "a remarkably small man, very thin and pale, with a profusion of fine, fair hair of which he was rather vain". As his early biographer Niemetschek wrote, "there was nothing special about [his] physique. [...] He was small and his countenance, except for his large intense eyes, gave no signs of his genius." His facial complexion was pitted, a reminder of his childhood case of smallpox. His nose was "large" and "aquiline"[70] and “became so prominent a feature in the last years of his life...that a scribber in one of the journals of the day, the Morgenblatter of Vienna, honoured him with the epithet 'enourmous-nosed.'"[71] He loved elegant clothing. Kelly remembered him at a rehearsal: "[He] was on the stage with his crimson pelisse and gold-laced cocked hat, giving the time of the music to the orchestra." Of his voice his wife later wrote that it "was a tenor, rather soft in speaking and delicate in singing, but when anything excited him, or it became necessary to exert it, it was both powerful and energetic".[72]” Thank you Wikipedia.

This and much more is available to give a person a more complete understanding of what life was like for Mozart and others who lived during in 18th century Europe. To better understand the remarkable Mozart and the work he produced, study and ponder the world in which he lived and worked.

For more great things to do in Seattle and Western Washington, check out the Annual Events Section of Belva’s List.

Happy Birthday My Dear Mozart.

Belva & The Bearded One

RAT CITY ROLLERGIRLS

Wednesday, 18 January 2012 03:43

Kick-off of Season 8
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Doors Open, 4:30
Opening Ceremonies, 5:30
Key Arena @ Seattle Center
1st Avenue & Harrison Street
Seattle, WA
Click Here For More Info

The 2012 season opener will dive right in to Rat City’s home season, as all four teams are featured in a double-header that counts for the standings.

 

If you have never been to a roller derby, I’m here to tell you that this is not your mother’s or father’s roller skating. This is skating like you have never seen; heart pounding, blood pressure soaring, yelling, getting red in the face, pushing, shoving, sweating, maybe some swearing and this is just the audience.

“The Rat City Rollergirls is Seattle’s premiere all-female, flat-track roller derby league, composed of about 80 active skaters and many more retired skaters who are still involved. The skaters are divided among four home teams: Derby Liberation Front, Grave Danger, Sockit Wenches, and Throttle Rockets. In addition, a small number of skilled, dedicated skaters are chosen to represent the league on its fifth team, the Rat City Rollergirls All Stars.

With lightning-fast jammers and a swarm of precision blockers, the women of Rat City have taken the national derby scene by storm, placing well in WFTDA-sanctioned tournaments and maintaining a ranking among the nation’s top 10 best derby teams.”

Now, doesn’t this just sound like more fun and excitement than you had hoped for and with a full season ahead for our Rat City Rollergirls, you may want to join their fan club, “The Rat Pack”.

*From Rat City Rollergirls website

Find more fun Seattle & Western Washington things to do, check out the Annual Events Section of Belva’s List.

See You There,
Belva & The Bearded One

ALL IN THE CITY

Tuesday, 17 January 2012 07:43

Guest Blogger Betty Kim Ryan is a friend of The Bearded One and mine, who lives in West Seattle with her airline pilot husband and young son. She often shares with us events that tickle her fancy. The following is one of those events that, with her permission, I decided to share with all of you. So, read on and enjoy.

"Waking with a start at 2:40 am, I realized a 13 year old boy was outside yelling for his father to wake up and let him in. I got up to grab a coat and a cell phone for the poor child. My husband decided he should be the one to help, donned his coat, grabbed his flashlight, and braved the cold. He stomps back in a few minutes later and says, “It’s a drunk woman screaming for Chad, not a 13 year old boy screaming for Dad”.  Aaaah…city life!"

Thank you Betty.

For more fun Seattle City things to do, check out the Annual Events Section of Belva’s List.

Cheers,
Belva & The Bearded One

MODEL RAIL ROAD SHOW

Saturday, 14 January 2012 19:07

January 14-16
Saturday- Monday
10am-6pm
Pacific Science Center
Seattle Center
200 Second Ave North
Seattle, WA
Click Here for directions and Info.

There has been a magic about and love of trains ever since they were first invented: full sized trains transporting people and goods to far away places or the model train under the Christmas tree. Trains capture our imagination and let our spirits take flights of fancy.
This year’s Annual Train Show at the Seattle Center will let young and old experience the wonder of trains, past and present.

*“Exhibits include modular and sectional layouts in many scales, from "Z" to "G".

• The show features several opportunities to operate trains: youngsters can drive loop tracks and older children and adults on railcar delivery layouts.
• The Pacific Northwest Public Transportation Museum will have a large display of historical photographs and memorabilia.
•  Visit the Northwest Railway Museum's information table to learn more about their activities for young people. The museum, located in Snoqualmie and North Bend, offers rides during much of the year and hosts Thomas the Tank Engine each summer.

Several layouts feature Digital Command Control, enabling multiple trains to run on the same track at the same time, even in different directions! DCC uses handheld remote controls that communicate via radio signals to a central computer which transmits instructions through the rails to control chips wired inside each locomotive.

Come to the Pacific Science Center and learn all about the latest in model railroading while having a great time. And don't forget the kids and grandkids!”

*From 4th Division 38th Annual Train Show website.

Find more Seattle & Western Washington things to do in the Annual Events Section of Belva’s List.

Cheers
Belva & The Bearded One

Bailey-Boushay House Chefs' Dinner

Friday, 13 January 2012 20:04

Sunday, January 15, 2012
Reception 5:00 p.m. and Dinner 7:00 p.m.
Bell Harbor International Conference Center
2211 Alaskan Way, Pier 66, Seattle, WA
Click Here for directions and Info.

“*Bailey-Boushay House, founded in 1992 in Seattle, Washington, was the first nursing facility in the nation to be built expressly to meet the complex needs of people living with HIV/AIDS. Every effort has gone into making Bailey-Boushay a place of profound respect and dignity for the people we serve. Our services are designed to meet the many needs of our residents and clients: medical, physical, mental and emotional. Located in the Madison Valley community of Seattle, Washington, Bailey-Boushay House is operated by Virginia Mason Medical Center - a leading health care provider. Those who come to Bailey-Boushay House receive the highest quality value and care available.”

*From Bailey-Boushay website.

Find more Seattle things to do in the Annual Events Section of Belva’s List.

Cheers
Belva & The Bearded One

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR CELEBRATIONS

Friday, 13 January 2012 18:14

This weekend region wide groups honor the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King’s dreams and visions of promoting peace, unity and equality. This year’s theme is “30th Anniversary Celebration: Recapturing MLK Jr.’s Revolutionary Spirit”
 
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
Seattle Center House
305 Harrison Street
Seattle, WA 98109
Click Here To Go To website

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
Celebration with Workshops, Rally, & March
Garfield High School
400 23rd Ave
Seattle, WA 98122
Click Here For Times, Locations & Directions

MLK Celebration 2012
SEATTLE COMMUNITY COLLEGES present:
SONG & CELEBRATION
Mount Zion Baptist Church
1634 19th Avenue
Seattle, WA
Click Here For Times, Locations & Directions

Check out some of these events and learn what you can do to help advance the ideals of Dr. King. You may be surprised to find that these goals are indeed the very goals you have been thinking about but did not know of a vehicle which would allow you to become part of a movement. Now is the time to take a stand and make your voice and energy count.
Find more things to do in the Annual Events Section of Belva’s List.

Cheers,
Belva & The Bearded One

SKAGIT EAGLE FESTIVAL

Wednesday, 11 January 2012 17:57

Saturday and Sunday, January  7 & 8
Saturday and Sunday, January 14 & 15
Saturday and Sunday, January 21 & 22
Saturday and Sunday, January 28 & 29
Concrete, WA—Rockport, WA—Marblemount, WA
Click For More Info

The Bald Eagles are coming, and I’m not talking about any sports team. I mean our majestic national symbol, that big, beautiful bird that, if seen up close or in flight, can make your heart skip a beat. Now, imagine these birds by the hundreds! This is an event that is both educational and fun, in other words, something for everyone.

The cities of Concrete, Rockport and Marblemount have gone all out to make this years festival full of a variety of activities. There are Bald Eagle Watch Stations, an Interpretive Center, float tours and river excursions for your viewing of the great bird. Be sure to make time to enjoy the Fishery Hatchery tours, Native American Drumming , dancing & crafts, and where ever you go and what ever you do keep your camera close at hand, this may be your chance to get that prize winning picture. Plan ahead so all the events you want to do work into your schedule. Have a great time and get those winning pictures.

Find more fun things to do in the Annual Events Section of Belva’s List.

Cheers,

Belva & The Bearded One

WINDLESS KITE FESTIVAL

Tuesday, 10 January 2012 07:10

Saturday & Sunday
January 14 & 15
8am—5pm
Long Beach School Gymnasium
Washington & 4th Street South
Long Beach, WA
FREE, Donations Suggested
Click For Indoor Kite Fest Info
Click For Long Beach Attractions Info
Click For Oysterville-Walking-Tour Info

The World Kite Museum of Long Beach, WA once again hosts their January Washington State INTERNATIONAL WINDLESS KITE FESTIVAL. You may ask “how is this possible?” well, just read on as this festival might just be the most fun family activity you are going to find for the month of January. Let’s start with free indoor kite flying lessons, professional demonstrations and contests of individuals, duos and other choreographed air routines performing kite ballet, single line box kite skill, hot tricks shoot out, winged box air routines and much more many set to music.

Long Beach offers many other family activities for you and yours. You can stroll the beach, visit the World Kite Museum and Hall of Fame, the Cranberry Museum, Marsh’s Free Museum, Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum, Willapa Bay Interpretive Center, and Knappton Cove Heritage Center.

Last but not least is my personal favorite, Oysterville. “Today, the entire community is on the National Historic Register and the original one-room schoolhouse and church are still in use for community events. The Oysterville Post Office is oldest continuously operating Post Office in Washington.” Take a walking tour of this delightful old town. Do not forget to visit the Oysterville Cemetery where you can ponder the lives of those who came before.

Find more fun things to do in the Annual Events Section of Belva’s List

Cheers,
Belva & The Bearded One

 

AND THE SEA GAVE UP THE DEAD

Wednesday, 28 December 2011 22:10

“AND THE SEA GAVE UP THE DEAD” Revelation, 20:13
Shoalewater Bay
Long Beach, Oysterville, WA—Tokeland, WA
Click Here For Oysterville Info
Click Here For Tokeland Info

I have always been fascinated by the history or rather the partial history a person can find on headstones in the older parts of cemeteries. This last summer I explored the old cemetery at Oysterville and found many examples of this sort of history. Oysterville was founded in 1854 and the earliest burial date I found was 1864, however it is said that the Shoalwater Indians used the nearby area for their burials long before the arrival of the white man.

There were two graves, that I kept going back to view and ponder, laid side by side in eternal rest, as they say. The identical stones were covered by the kind of moss that grows on old untouched headstones. One was inscribed “Our Friend—Julius Mac—Drowned in Shoalwater Bay—Jan 1, 1873—aged, 45 yrs”. The other was inscribed “Our Father—Carl A Tanger—Drowned in Shoalwater Bay—Jan 1, 1873—aged, 44 yrs”.

Now, my question is, what were these men doing out in open water on January 1st, or were they going along the shore when disaster overtook them? Terrible storms come in from the Pacific Ocean during the winter, but they must have been well aware of this. Had they been across the bay to Tokeland, looking for work or maybe going home to Oyster Bay after working across the bay? Did they lose their way in the winter fog and paddle in the wrong direction? Perhaps they were responding to an emergency among their neighbors when everything went wrong for them?

Where were Tanger and Mac from? Had they been friends before they moved to Oyster Bay? Did Julius Mac have a family somewhere waiting to join him? How many children were made fatherless by the death of Tanger and Mac? What happened to these children during the following years? Had the family had a good Christmas before disaster was to change their lives forever or were the men coming home for a late Christmas celebration?

Standing beside the graves, beneath the whispering pines on a warm sunny day, I pondered, who were these men, what lives did they live, what was the cause of their disaster, what was their struggle to try and survive the deadly hold of the freezing waters. I ponder these and other questions about the two men and the world they knew.

Like many small, nearly forgotten towns, history walks beside us and whispers faint memories that we cannot quite hear clearly.

To find more things to do be sure to check out the Annual Events Sections of Belva’s List.

Belva & The Bearded One

PIKE PLACE MARKET HOLIDAY MAGIC

Tuesday, 27 December 2011 20:14

First Avenue & Pike Street
PARKING GARAGE
1531 Western Avenue
Seattle, WA
Click Here For More Info

Attention people of Western Washington: Did you know that we live within a short driving distance of a world famous travel destination point—our Seattle Pike Place Market? People from around the world make the ‘Market’ a must see whenever they are in the area and so you all should take a morning, afternoon and/or evening to check it out. No matter if you toured the ‘Market’ several years ago or not, the ‘Market’ has expanded, changed and yet, in many cases, stayed the same. It will be a thrill to experience the energy of the ‘Market’ each and every time you visit.

The ‘Market’ has a social life of its own; where something is always happening. Experience the energy of the Fish Mongers as they toss 20-30 pound salmon to each other; enjoy the street corner musicians (Buskers) as they treat you to their individual brand of music; checkout a cooking demo; and let the riot of color from the vegetable and flower displays enrich your senses; or marvel at the art work and wares displayed in the ‘crafter’ stalls.

The week between Christmas and New Years is a perfect time to take the family and wander among the stalls and explore the lower levels of this wonderful Seattle attraction and perhaps try lunch from one of the take-out specialty food vendors.

To find more fun things to do be sure to check out the Annual Events Section of Belva’s List.

Happy, Happy,
Belva & The Bearded One

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR

Sunday, 25 December 2011 01:38

We at Belva’s List are sending you our Season’s Greetings, from our house to yours, we wish you a very Merry, Merry time of year.

May you be with someone you love or at lease like; may you be where you want to be or at least in a place where you are content for the moment; and may you think kind thoughts about those around you, especially kind thoughts about yourself.

Merry, Merry

Belva & The Bearded One

SOMETHING TO BE THANKFUL FOR

Wednesday, 21 December 2011 17:30

Please Welcome Guest Blogger,
WALLY LANE: Better known as The Bearded One

Bad things seem to come in multiples, or at least that seems to be the way with me. I recently came down with a nasty case of the flu, and somewhere near the bottom of my low ebb, my trusty old printer finally coughed and gave up the ship.  I called my friend Bill, “The Computer Wizard” and begged for help. He laughed at me and then proclaimed I had but two choices. “Buy a new one!”  I informed him that, “Buy a new one!” was only one choice.  He laughed at me again and told me the choices were ink-jet or laser. His parting words were, “Try Costco.”

It was 40 degrees outside and pouring rain. I did not want to go outside. Hell, I didn’t want to get out of my recliner. But being self-employed, I do not have the luxury of calling in sick. Besides, I had printing waiting that had to go out. I pulled my flu ridden body from the warmth and comfort of my chair and dressed in my warmest clothes. Where to go was the next dilemma.  Then I remembered that my grandson had mentioned I could get things printed at the library, and a certain amount free of charge.  Being of Scottish ancestry, the free part immediately solved the decision on where to go to get my printing done and I could stop by Costco on my way. “Two birds with one stone!” I saved my print files on to a thumb drive and headed for my car. I was already starting to feel a little better. But that feeling was fleeting at best.

Costco is only about two blocks from our apartment.  But, due to the chilly weather, drizzling rain, and that I was headed to the library, I chose to drive.  I finally found a parking place on the outer edge and in the back row of the over-large Costco parking lot, after not one, but two rude parkers zipped into parking places I was waiting to get in while the other car was getting out.  The rain pounded down as I made the (no exaggeration) two block walk to the store!

The store was a mad house, packed to the gunnels (gunwales) with shoppers. I dodged my way through kamikaze grocery cart-wielders, finally arriving at the department that displayed printers, only to discover there was no one who could fill me in on the important facts, other than price, certainly not ink and toner costs, they were short handed—probably a lot of people home sick with the flu! I gave up, and made the rain-soaked, two block trek back to my car and bid farewell to Costco.

I ruminated on my frustrating wet and futile trip to find a printer replacement on the short drive to the library, arriving in an even fouler mood.  However, much to my surprise, my mood immediately began to soften, even brighten when I made the turn into the Library parking lot.  I found a parking place, less than a hundred feet from the entrance and the rain had faded to a sprinkle.

Inside, where the atmosphere was quiet and relaxed, I realized it had been a very, long time since I had actually been in the library.  And Things had changed a bit.  The truth is, I had no idea of where to go or how to get done what I wanted to do. That’s when the lady, who appeared in front of me, asked, “Can I help you?”  I latched on to her, like a man-over-board latches on to a life preserver.
She not only escorted me to a computer and walked me through the process, but stuck with me until I had successfully finished my printing.  And much to my surprise, it cost me nothing. As I exited the Library, the rain had stopped and the sun was shining. We in Seattle should count ourselves blessed in having the King County Library system—one of the nation’s best. I know I can’t say enough about the service and how much I appreciate all those who work and volunteer there. They certainly saved my day!

Click Here to read more of Wally's Blogs on Black Ink, White Paper.

For more fun things to do be sure to check out the Monthly Events Section of Belva’s List.

Merry, Merry,

Belva & The Bearded One

COOL YULE SEATTLE MEN’S CHORUS

Saturday, 17 December 2011 19:19

Sunday, December 18 - 7:30 pm
Monday, December 19 - 7:30 pm
Thursday, December 22 - 7:30 pm
Friday, December 23 - 2 pm
Friday, December 23 - 8 pm
Flying House Productions
Benaroya Hall
Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
200 University Hall
Seattle, WA
Click Here For More Info

Music, Music, Music is good any time of year but especially during the Holiday Season. We in Seattle are particularly fortunate as our area features many world class individual groups and individuals. The Flying House Men’s Chorus is just one of these groups. If you have not treated yourself to a concert by this group, you are missing out on one of the finer events in our area.

This year a live swing band, complete with brass and saxophones, will complement a program filled with holiday favorites. Big Band music has been part of the American musical landscape since the 1930s. Characterized by tight harmonies, swinging rhythms and happy themes, big bands are the perfect antidote to a hectic December.

Plan now to bring your neighbors and friends to the unforgettable experience that is the Seattle Men’s Chorus’ annual holiday musical extravaganza.

For more fun things to do be sure to check out the Monthly Events Section of Belva’s List.

Merry, Merry,

Belva & The Bearded One
 

DIVING SANTA & LIVE MUSIC

Friday, 16 December 2011 19:25

Seattle Aquarium
Saturday & Sunday
December 17 & 18
Santa Diving: Noon & 3:00 pm
Holiday Music: 1:30 pm—2:45 pm
1483 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA
http://www.seattleaquarium.org/page.aspx?pid=1088
When our local aquarium celebrates the holiday season, you get to see Santa diving behind the Windows on the Washington Waters exhibit. Between Santa dives, you will be entertained by students from the University of Washington. December 17: Ray Larsen Jazz Group—December 18: Carmen Rothwell Jazz Group.
The Bearded One and I have always found the Seattle Aquarium to be one of the most interesting places to experience with or without children. The variety of aquatic exhibits never ceases to delight and amaze no matter how often they are experienced. We of Seattle are blessed as our aquarium features year round special fun events plus educational and conversation programs.
I’m not sure how you will explain a diving Santa to your young children but I guess you will figure that out. Find more holiday things to do in the Monthly Events section of Belva’s List.
Merry, Merry,
Belva & The Bearded One
 

SEEING REALITY by JERRY GAY

Friday, 09 December 2011 19:16

Hey all you Belva’s List users, 
Here's a chance to get a great gift for the person who has everything! A signed Coffee Table Book!
Former Seattle Times photojournalist Jerry Gay, who won a Pulitzer Prize in 1975 for his 'Lull in the Battle' photo of firefighters at a Three Tree Point house fire on Oct, 11th 1974, will sign his book, “Seeing Reality” on Dec. 10 from Noon- 4 p.m. at Burien Books, 824 S.W. 152nd St.

"As a photojournalist Jerry Gay has driven 500,000 miles of America’s back roads and highways over 40 years to continue his ongoing research of everyday life. With humor and acute philosophical perceptions, this highly animated motivational speaker brings his visual insights to every audience he touches. Jerry’s pictures and philosophy convey a positive and persuasive analysis to help us find hope and see solutions to the unique challenges we now face in this ambiguous universe. Jerry’s wisdom, his reverence for the earth, common people and sacredness of all life is revealed in his live audience presentations and in new book SEEING REALITY." As reported in the Highline Times.

Burien Books
824 SW152nd
Sat.  Dec. 10th
12 - 4 PM

WESTLAKE HOLIDAY CAROUSEL

Tuesday, 06 December 2011 05:58

WESTLAKE HOLIDAY CAROUSEL
Westlake Park (downtown)
401 Pine Street
Seattle, WA
FREE, Donations suggested, $2
Click Here For More Info

The Westlake Park Carousel was always a “must do” when The Bearded One and I took the family on our annual Holiday outing. People are never too young or old to enjoy the magic of the carousel. The music, lights and horses of the carousel always brings to mind carousel rides of the past. This is a time to make more memories to be brought to mind at some future date.

November 25—January 1
SEASONAL CAROUSEL HOURS
Monday – Thursday—11am - 9pm,
Friday 11am - 10pm,
Saturday 10am - 10pm,
Sunday 10am - 9pm
SPECIAL CAROUSEL HOURS
November 25 10am - 10pm,
December 11 8am - 9pm,
December 24 10am - 5pm,
December 25 CLOSED,
December 31 10am - 5pm,
January 1 10am - 2pm
Westlake Park (downtown)
401 Pine Street
Seattle, WA
FREE, Donations suggested, $2
Click Here For More Info

Merry, Merry,
Belva & The Bearded One

GARDEN d’LIGHTS

Monday, 05 December 2011 05:39

GARDEN d’LIGHTS
Every Evening, 5 pm—10 pm
November 26—December 31
Bellevue Botanical Gardens
12001 Main Street
Bellevue, WA
Click Here For More Info

Sooo many lights, over half a million at last count, you might be tempted to wear your sun glasses, BLING, BLING, and BLING. Volunteers working with garden employees add to the garden festive displays every year. New this year is “Snap d’Dragon” which joins displays inspired by Northwest gardens and gardens from around the world. The young and young at heart, will all agree these displays are major “WOW” experiences as they view the blossoming flowers, flowing rivers, cascading waterfalls and favorite storybook characters. Charlotte in her web and Willie the Slug are always popular displays.

Do not forget to go inside the Visitor Center, the “Aquarium in Lights” with the pulsing jellyfish and octopus are displays not to be missed. If only Thomas Edison could see what his invention has evolved into, I’m sure he would be amazed and delighted.

For more fun things to do be sure to check out the Monthly Events section of Belva’s List.

Merry, Merry,
Belva & The Bearded One

SEATTLE CENTER WINTERFEST

Tuesday, 29 November 2011 22:19

SEATTLE CENTER WINTERFEST
November 25–December 31
Hours and activities vary
305 Harrison Street
Seattle, WA
Click Here For More Info
Most activities FREE

Seattle Center has always been our family meeting place before we began our annual holiday tour of the city. On a chosen December afternoon, the word would go out to all our Seattle area family to “come one, come all” for our traditional city outing. Gathering at the Seattle Center was a natural.

Then as now, there was always something going on for those who arrived early. Each year my personal favorite was the Winter Train and Village. Over the last twenty years or so, the train and village has more than tripled is size, each year it was fun to try to spot the new additions and changes in the village lay out. All the children, even the youngest was given money for dinner from their favorite vendor at the Food Court. With so many choices, it was often difficult for some of the children to make any decision at all.

Next, it was onto the Monorail, getting all our group into the Monorail car at the same time was a little like herding cats but we mostly managed, as parents mostly do. The rest of the evening was spent viewing shops, stores and hotels to admire their holiday decorations, then down to the waterfront to enjoy Seattle’s best night time view. We always ended the evening warming up at the Edgewater Hotel. In those days, they served appetizers, hot chocolate, mulled wine, etc. in their lobby. The Edgewater Hotel has a great lobby with, lots of seating areas, a board game area, blazing fireplace and chairs stationed in front of full length windows overlooking Puget Sound. Always a great way to end a perfect family holiday outing.

It has been several years since we have done our holiday tradition. The children have grown and are scattered around the world for one reason or another but we will always have the shared memory of Seattle at Christmas time. Micah, thank you for the holiday memories, we miss you.

WINTERFEST EVENTS, PERFORMANCES AND ACTIVITIES:

Dicken's Carolers
Nov. 25 – Dec. 23, Varied
Seattle Center Campus, FREE
Click Here For Website

Adorned in elegant Victorian dress, each a cappella quartet consists of two ladies in luxurious velvet and two gentlemen wearing handsome tailcoats and top hats. Your holiday favorites, both traditional and contemporary, are sung in beautiful four-part harmony.

Winter Train and Village
Nov. 25 – Dec. 29, 10am – 6pm
Center House, FREE

A Winterfest crowd favorite, a turn-of- the-century village and train. Members of the public can take a turn at driving the miniature locomotive between 10:30am – 12 noon, 1pm – 2:30pm and 3:30pm – 5:30pm daily. Read the posted Centerville News to catch up on what's happening in town. Suggested donation $2. Cash only. Special hours: Dec. 24 closes 4pm, Dec. 25 closed.

Winterfest Ice Rink
Nov. 25 – Jan. 1, 2012
Sunday – Thursday, 11am – 8pm
Friday – Saturday, 11am – 10pm
Fisher Pavilion, Prices Vary

Glide into the season with the greatest of ease. For novice or Olympiad ice skaters, the Winterfest Ice Rink offers fun for all. Admission: $7 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 – 12, $2 children ages 5 and under. Admission fee includes skate rental. Cash only. Admission is free only to patrons wanting to watch and not ice skate. Special hours: Dec. 24 closes 4pm, Dec. 25 closed, Dec. 31 closes at 11:30pm.

Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra
& Winterfest Opening Ceremony
Friday, Nov. 25, 12:30pm
Center House, FREE
Click Here For Their Website

Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra, one of the nation's largest and most noteworthy youth orchestras, performs for the traditional opening of Seattle Center Winterfest with a selection of seasonal works sure to engage and inspire!

Ice Sculpting
Saturdays, Nov. 26; Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 12 noon – 2pm
Outside of Fisher Pavilion, FREE

Artistry and ice unite in a glorious and temporal expression of the season. Watch internationally acclaimed, award – winning artists at work as they create seasonal sculptures - or stop by later to see the glistening result. Each Saturday, an ice master carves a different design.

Black Nativity's Total
Experience Gospel Choir
Saturday, Nov. 26, 12:30pm
Center House, FREE
Click Here For More Info

Embracing a celebration of faith, generosity of spirit and infectious joy of a rousing gospel songfest, Black Nativity brings together diverse performers under the direction of the majestic Pastor Patrinell Wright. The ensemble sings, shouts, soars and stomps with the sounds of gospel, opera, jazz and blues.

Garfield High School Jazz Band
Sunday, Nov. 27, 12:30pm
Center House, FREE
Click Here For Their Website

A Winterfest sensation returns! Enjoy the seasonal sounds of the acclaimed and esteemed Garfield High School Jazz Band, led by the great Clarence Acox.

Student Showcase Series
Nov. 28 – Dec. 29, Varied
Center House, FREE

Seattle Center Student Showcases provide entertainment as part of our seasonal events, and they also offer public and private schools and youth performance groups the opportunity to share their artistic accomplishments with family, friends and the public. Click Here for a complete schedule.

Menorah Lighting Ceremony
Wednesday, Dec. 21, 6pm – 7pm
Center House, FREE

A Menorah will be lit in observance of the second day of Chanukah in Center House.

Matt Baker Comedy Stunt Show
Saturday, Dec. 24, 12:30pm
Center House, FREE
Click Here For Website

After appearances on Last Comic Standing and America’s Got Talent, Matt Baker brings his award– winning show to Seattle Center. Voted Seattle’s Funniest Alternative Comic, Matt combines comedy with physical stunts, juggling and hilarity.

New Year's Eve Celebration
with The Rhythm Nation
Saturday, Dec. 31, 8pm – 11:45pm
Center House, FREE
Click Here For Their Website

Ring in the New Year and dance the night away with The Rhythm Nation, the Pacific Northwest’s premier party band featuring exceptional vocalists plus dynamic rhythm sections. Utilizing a diverse musical mix that includes current hits plus popular dance, R&B, rock and old school from the ‘70s through the ‘90s, The Rhythm Nation delivers high energy and the ultimate entertainment experience

Merry, Merry,
Belva & The Bearded One

TOYLAND VILLAGE LIGHTED HOLIDAY DISPLAY

Tuesday, 29 November 2011 05:05

TOYLAND VILLAGE LIGHTED
HOLIDAY DISPLAY
November 25–January 1
Open Daily until 10pm
Waterfront Park, Pier 57–59
1201 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA
Click Here For More Info
FREE

A stroll along the Seattle waterfront any season, any time is a special treat. For me it’s a place to let go of all the stress and worry that crowds in on me. I take several deep breaths, let my gaze follow the gulls as they ride the wind currents on the watch for their next meal and look out over the water as the weather fronts and ferries come and go, it’s magic, pure magic.

But wait it gets even better, during the Christmas holiday season, Seattle’s Waterfront Park give us the dazzling Toyland Village lighted display. More than 50 larger–than–life illuminated sculptures of your favorite childhood toys. Be sure to bring your camera and take home some of the waterfront magic.

For more fun Holiday things to do, check out the Monthly Events section of Belva’s List.

Merry, Merry,
Belva & The Bearded One

ANNUAL GINGERBREAD VILLAGE CONTEST

Monday, 28 November 2011 03:07

19th ANNUAL GINGERBREAD VILLAGE CONTEST
Lobby Sheraton Seattle Hotel
Open 24 hrs daily
November 22–January 1
1400 Sixth Ave
Seattle, WA
Click Here For More Info
FREE - Donations to JDRF appreciated

In thinking back over the years, The Bearded One and I must have taken our family on a tour of the very first Gingerbread Village display. We have done the downtown tour over many subsequent years and never once have we been disappointed with the mastery shown by the fine chefs at the Sheraton. No matter what the theme or how complex the architects’ design, the results have always been fun and breath taking.

The Gingerbread Village theme this Year is “Holiday Express”. Each year local architecture firms collaborate with the Sheraton Seattle culinary team to custom design, bake and build the awe-inspiring gingerbread displays. Do not forget to vote for your favorite!!

For more fun Holiday things to do, check out the Monthly Events section of Belva’s List.

Merry, Merry,
Belva & The Bearded One

MOUNT RAINIER SCENIC RAILROAD

Sunday, 27 November 2011 04:34

MOUNT RAINIER SCENIC RAILROAD
“ALL ABOARD THE SANTA EXPRESS”
November 26–December 18
10am, 1pm & 4pm
Mt. Rainier Scenic RR
Ride leaves Elbe Depot
54124 Mountain Hwy East
Elba, WA
Phone # 360 569 2588
Click Here For More Info

A ride on the Santa Express will be an unforgettable holiday experience for both family and friends. As you listen to the sounds of festive holiday music you are invited to enjoy hot cocoa and cookies. While sitting with Santa on his throne, each child can whisper in Santa's ear their most secret gift request. Mrs. Claus and the elves will be on hand to make sure all runs smoothly.

All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the holiday magic as you travel through the (sometimes) snow covered foot hills beneath our majestic snow capped Mr. Rainier.

These rides fill up rapidly, so if you plan to enjoy this holiday event do not hesitate to place your reservation early.

For more fun Holiday things to do, check out the Monthly Events section of Belva’s List.

Merry, Merry,
Belva & The Bearded One

SNOWFLAKE LANE

Tuesday, 22 November 2011 19:11

SNOWFLAKE LANE
Shows Nightly 7pm
November 25—December 24
The Bellevue Collection
Bellevue Way & NE 8th
Bellevue, WA
Click Here For More Info

The sixth annual Bellevue Snowflake Lane nightly celebration is a must see for the entire family. As you stroll along Bellevue Way and NE 8 Street, enjoy the sidewalk holiday displays, the dazzling lights, music, dramatic drumming from live Toy Soldiers and the Magical Snow. Winter characters join in the Snowflake Lane fun including a Snow Queen and King, Sugar Plum Fairies and Mice.

Take some of your children’s friends and family when you go to Snowflake Lane, your children will be delighted to share this event with those of their own age and so will you. In fact, maybe you can trade off with a neighbor who could use some evening time with the children gone and next time your neighbor can take all the children.

This event is easy on the pocket book as it is FREE for all, so take a car load, the more the merrier.

For more fun Holiday things to do, check out the Monthly Events section of Belva’s List.

Merry, Merry,
Belva & The Bearded One

EDMONDS WINTER TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

Tuesday, 22 November 2011 07:49

EDMONDS WINTER TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
Saturday, November 26, 4:30 PM
Centennial Plaza
Fifth & Bell Streets
Edmonds, WA
Click Here For More Info

Edmonds has a long history of community events and The Bearded One and I always look forward to their Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. No matter how many times I go to a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, I am reminded of past tree lighting ceremonies. The ones when I was a child going with my parents, then as a young person going with my chums from school. Later, I took my own children to see the wonder of the tree lighting ceremony, to hear the harmonious caroling by friends and neighbors, and then finally the long awaited arrival of Santa with his hearty “HO, HO, HO."

Join with your Edmonds family, friends and neighbors to partake of the cookies and cider as you listen to the Christmas carols. Watch the ever so humble tree transform into a thing of magical beauty. Enjoy young children their eyes wide with excitement wait nervously for the arrival of the Jolly Old Elf himself, SANTA. Later, walk with Santa to the Edmonds Conference Center for more festive activities and photos with Santa.

For more fun Holiday things to do, check out the Monthly Events section of Belva’s List.

Merry, Merry,
Belva & The Bearded One

TURKEY TOSS AT THE ZOO

Friday, 18 November 2011 21:35

TURKEY TOSS AT THE ZOO
Saturday November 19th
10am—2pm
Woodland Park Zoo
750 North 50th Street
Seattle, WA
Click Here For More Info

The Woodland Park Zoo maintains a year around programs to promote natural animal behaviors and keep the animals mentally and physically stimulated. The Thanksgiving “turkey toss” (turkeys are not fed live and are not really thrown) is just one of these programs. As you know from your own pets, treats are something that all animals enjoy, not that the zoo animals are pets, but you get the idea of how important this type of activity is for an animal’s well being. Zookeepers work tirelessly to develop and maintain new enrichment programs for all of the animals.

If you haven’t visited the Woodland Park Zoo lately, now is a good time to correct that oversight. With nearly 1,100 animals represented and almost 300 different animal species, a trip to the Zoo will make a great family outing for the young, the old and even the odd teenager. Check out the Tropical Rain Forest building which houses the Tropical Rain Forest dome and its free-flying birds. Tour Bug World and get acquainted with a host of invertebrates and the Day Exhibit where you will meet dozens of species of reptiles and amphibians—see who screams first.

In addition, there are several exhibits throughout the zoo with covered animal viewing areas (perfect for those misty Seattle days), as well as the Zoomazium (an indoor, nature-themed play area for children).

The Thanksgiving feeding schedule is as follows: Jaguar, 10:00 am—Snow Leopards, 10:00 am—Lions, 10:30 am—Golden Lion Tamarin Monkeys, 11:00 am—Arctic Foxes, 11:00 am—Ocelots, 11:30 am—Wolves, 11:30 am—Turkey Vulture, 1:00 pm—Grizzly Bears, 1:00 pm—Pigs, 1:30 pm—Komodo Dragons, 2:00 pm—Lemurs, 2:00 pm—Tigers, 2:00 pm.

For more fun things to do check out the Monthly Events Section of Belva’s List

REINDEER FESTIVAL FUN FOR ALL

Tuesday, 15 November 2011 19:54

REINDEER FESTIVAL
Swanson’s Nursery
November 12th-December 24, 2011
Feeding times, Daily 10 AM & 4 PM
7901 15th Ave NW
(North of Ballard)
Seattle, WA
Click Here For More Info

Pictures with Santa!! Starting Saturday, November 12 and every Saturday and Sunday thereafter through December 11, hours 10am—2pm, a professional photographer will be on standby to take pictures of your child with Santa. I still have pictures of grandchildren (who are now old enough to vote) hanging on my hall wall. Saturdays and Sundays starting November 12 through November 27, hours 10am---2pm, a Reindeer handler will be on hand should your child like their picture taken with a real Reindeer, named Jingle.

The Bearded One and I will be stopping by to visit Curley, the camel, Moe, the donkey and Donner and Blitzen, you all know who they are. For the young and old, these delightful animals will brighten your day. Curley likes lying down next to the fence so he does not have to get up to have you pet him or scratch his nose. According to the Swanson's staff, Curley has none of the bad habits that camels are reported to have, (bad press has it that all camels spit). Moe, the little ham, always joins Curley at the fence as soon as there is an audience. The Reindeer spend a lot of time doing lunch. I think they are building up their strength for the work ahead. You and your little ones can visit the animals on site daily until Christmas Eve.

Plan to spend time visiting the Great Ballard Railway as it travels through a distant land in the Yukon. Children of all ages will delight in the miniature Holiday train setup. Every year Swanson’s creates a different storybook scene - come and discover the newly expanded display this year - running every day until Christmas.

The Holiday Spirit comes easily as you stroll through the Swanson’s Nursery. See you there.

Belva

Find more things to do in the Monthly Events section of Belva’s List.

SOMETHING NEW

Tuesday, 15 November 2011 02:45

Please Welcome Guest Blogger,
CLARICE KEEGAN: Poet & Artist

Never Been There....

Having just driven 10,044 miles through 28 states, I have learned that natives are not always appreciative of the sights in their own back yards.  I’m no exception.  I have lived in the Seattle area for more than 40 years and even a short browse through belvaslist.com reveals how much of my own back yard I’ve never seen.

I started this morning with the Olympic Sculpture Park at the north end of downtown Seattle.  I can’t say that I was overly impressed with the very few sculptures that occupy the park.  I liked the giant typewriter eraser the best.  I certainly hope that the Seattle Art Museum will add more sculpture as they have plenty of room in 9 acres to display anything they can afford to put there.

Perhaps the coolest thing about my trip is that I discovered something else I’d never seen – the Bell Cottages P-Patch garden located at Western and Vine.  The wrought iron fencing and wall of mosaics were delightful and the few flowers still blooming in the garden will mark my memory to return in the spring.

And I will work on the rest of my local list so that I will never have to say, “never been there.”

Click Here for Clarice's Website

Bell Town P-Patch
Elliott Ave & Vine St
Seattle, WA 98121

Olympic Sculpture Park
2901 Western Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121

Thanks, Clarice!

Visit her Website.

Belva

OLYMPIC FILM FESTIVAL

Monday, 14 November 2011 20:41

28th OLYMPIC FILM FESTIVAL
November 11th –20th
The Historic Capital Theatre
206 5th Ave. SE
Olympia, WA
Click Here For More Info

The 28th Annual Olympia Film Festival is where this year’s cinematic Treasures Abound!

Puget Sound has a very active independent film culture which is expanding every year. Area movie aficionados are privileged to have the Olympic Film Festival showcasing films of so many genres for our enjoyment.

Young or old, playful or serious, occasional moviegoer or film enthusiast, you will find films to excite your mind, and films to tickle your fancy. You will unearth films never before seen, and films you’ll want to see over and over. You will find silent films and loud films.

Each and every one of these films represents hopes, dreams and aspirations of a group of talented people who banded together to create the entertainment they hope movie goers will both crave and love. You can be a part of making these dreams come true! Round up the clan, invite a friend, or that special someone and attend the Olympia Film Festival where Treasures and Dreams truly abound

Enjoy!

Belva

Find more things to do in the Monthly Events section of Belva’s List.

A SALUTE TO AMERICA

Wednesday, 09 November 2011 18:20

SALUTE TO AMERICA
Sno-King Community Chorale
Thursday, November 10, 2011
410 4th Ave North
Edmonds, WA
Click Here For More Info

Sno-King Community Chorale and the Shoreline Concert Band will be performing music that will make your heart swell with pride to be an American. There will be music honoring each branch of our Armed Forces and a special “salute” to our local communities.

Frank DeMiero, director of the SKCC is an internationally recognized music educator, clinician, adjudicator, guest conductor, composer/arranger and publisher. Currently, Mr. De Miero also conducts and manages the Seattle Jazz Singers.

The SKCC, with this kind of leadership provides to our area musical performances of a national and international quality. SKCC is a non-audition choir which is open to anyone who shares their musical vision. SKCC presents challenging and diverse musical literature in a broad range of innovative and entertaining styles. The addition of instrumentalists from jazz guitarists to classical orchestras, along with staging and costuming, makes each concert unique. The Bearded One and I particularly enjoyed the staging and costuming. These performances provide the audience with both music and theatre, what’s not to like.

The Bearded One and I have attended many of these wonderful performance and always left with a smile on our faces and an up-lifted feeling in our hearts. Find more things to do in the Monthly Events section on Belva’s List.

Vintage Cars & Orchids

Thursday, 03 November 2011 18:44

Here are a couple of events from each end of the family interest spectrum. If Orchids or Vintage Cars don’t make you want to hit the road this week-end—don’t despair,  there are a lot more neat events listed on Belva’s List November Events.

NORTHWEST ORCHID SOCIETY
Saturday & Sunday
November 5 & 6
Swanson’s Nursery
9701 15th Ave NW
(North of Ballard)
Seattle, WA
Click Here For More Info

Special Orchid Events!!! Orchid Displays—Seminars—Repotting Service—Ask Questions—Get Help—Orchid Plants Sales—everything you ever wanted to know about Orchids but didn’t know who to ask.

Orchids are one of the royals of the flower world. Learn how to give them the royal treatment and they will give you years of royal pleasure, while bringing you a touch of the tropics. The Bearded One and I will be there getting our Orchid lessons, see you there. Find more great things to do on Belva’s List, Annual Events.

OLYMPIC VINTAGE AUTO CLUB—THE SWAP
Saturday & Sunday
November 5 & 6
Kitsap County Fairgrounds
Kitsap Sun Pavilion
1200 NW Fairgrounds Road
Bremerton, WA
Click Here For More Info

If you want “your own” project that will keep you busy in your garage for the next couple years, check out the Olympic Vintage Auto Club, THE SWAP.  You should find the perfect project to fit your pocketbook, garage space and mechanical talents. You will meet other vintage auto enthusiasts who will be able to share with you the wisdom of their years of experience. They most likely will not mind if you should give them a call in the middle of the night about a problem you just can’t seem to get your head around.

All this new found camaraderie is a good thing, and think of the fun it will be taking your newly restored “Pride & Joy” out for a drive.

Be safe, Belva.

A PERSONAL STORY

Monday, 31 October 2011 17:08

A PERSONAL STORY OF HALLOWEEN. Some years back, I loaded all the grandchildren (ages 4-10) and their mothers in to our trusty Caravan and headed out into the safe and sane local suburbs to do the traditional “trick or treat”. The four grandchildren were in the usual holiday high spirits and getting enough candy to have a sugar-high for about five weeks or more. All costumes were still mostly in tact as we approached the last house on our route. Located in what was becoming more rural, this house with its well lit porch nicely decorated with traditional Halloween items was going to be the perfect end to a perfect evening.

As the last child followed by two tired mothers cleared the walkway through the rather high hedge and approached the house, I see a large man in a dark costume appear behind them at the same time as he started up a large chain saw.

Now, I’m here to tell you, between the roar of the chain saw, the shrieks of the children and their mothers, and the ‘murder’ of crows roosting in the hedge taking sudden noisy flight, puts anything you would see in a horror movie to shame. It was a good thing the van doors had been left open because, I believe to this day, there would have been some serious injuries had the doors been closed. Children, who usually take, what seems like hours to get situated, vying for either the “shotgun” position or the last back seat, were onboard in the blink of an eye, leaving parts of their costumes strewn along the walkway. I will not even tell you how the mothers fared, except that the idea, that the “strong and swift will almost always survive,” should come to mind.

The ride home was extremely quiet, not a word, not a whisper, not even the crackle of a candy being unwrapped. As a post-script, although there were lines at both bathroom doors, no one admitted needing clean underwear. HAPPY HALLOWEEN, BE SAFE!!!

TROLLOWEEN

Thursday, 27 October 2011 18:19

TROLLOWEEN
Monday, October 31
Starts at North 36th Street
Under the Aurora Bridge
Home of the Fremont Troll
Starts at 7ish sharp
And ends under the
Fremont Bridge
Seattle, WA
Click Here For More Info

Come and celebrate the Fremont Troll’s 21st Birthday. The Fremont Arts Council invites one and all to celebrate by haunting the streets of Fremont. Just look how much fun they had last year, #20.

This year special features include Zombie Belllydancers, Vamola, and Titanium Sporkestra. Free for all ages; alive, dead or otherwise. Find more things to do on Belva’s List.

BONFIRES, BEAVER PELTS & BOGEYMEN

Wednesday, 26 October 2011 18:39

BONFIRES, BEAVER PELTS
& BOGEYMEN
Fort Nisqually Halloween
Story Telling
Friday & Saturday, Oct. 28 & 29
Point Defiance Park
5400 North Pearl Street #11
Tacoma, WA
Click Here For More Info

Celebrate Halloween in the style of past centuries with ghost stories told around a roaring bonfire. The story telling begins with “gentler” tails and after a break for complimentary cider and cookies, the stories get increasingly scarier. Find out what scared people in 1855 as you listen to ghost stories the way they’re supposed to be told, outside in the dark.

Located in Tacoma’s Point Defiance Park, Fort Nisqually Living Museum is a restoration of the Hudson’s Bay Company outpost on the Puget Sound where visitors can travel back in time to the year 1855 and experience life in Washington Territory during the Fur Trade era. Find more things to do on Belva’s List.

GHOST TOURS

Tuesday, 25 October 2011 17:30

GHOST TOURS
Pike Place Market
1410 Post Alley (below the gum wall)
Seattle, WA
Click Here For More Info
Pike Place Market at night takes on a life of its own, especially during the month of October. The good folks and, oh yes, the resident ghosts at the market have gone out of their way to make this year's events and tours especially memorable. Choose from family or adult tours. Have fun and learn some interesting facts about Seattle’s history. Make your reservations early. Find more things to do on Belva’s List.

CROATIAFEST 2011

Thursday, 20 October 2011 17:49

ANNUAL CROATIAFEST 2011
Saturday & Sunday, October 22 & 23
Seattle Center Exhibition Hall
305 Harrison Street
Seattle, WA
Click Here For More Info
If you are not Croatian by birth or marriage do yourself and your family a favor and experience the Croatian culture right here in Seattle. This years CROATIAFEST will give you an idea of what you are missing.

Our Croatian neighbors will share with you the best of their food, music, dance and traditions. National known musicians will be here to entertain you. If you are interested in Croatian cuisine, there will be food demonstrations including; octopus salad, fritule and gnocchi. I may try the octopus salad out on The Bearded One, I’m pretty sure I will like it. Research your family history, perhaps you too are Croatian. See you there! Find more things to do on Belva’s List.
 

HOOT & HOWL

Wednesday, 19 October 2011 16:52

HOOT & HOWL (BEWARE OF FUN)
Friday & Saturday, October 21 & 22
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
11610 Trek Drive East
Eatonville, WA
Click Here For More Info
Bring your brood to Northwest trek. Navigate through the park and search for animals in the dark on a special night time tram tour. Revelers young and young-at-heart can don their costumes, play games, win prizes and eat treat during this wild weekend.

Live animal encounters, education stations, games, crafts, trick-or-treat and photo opportunities will give you and yours a night to remember, in the very best way. Find more things to do on Belva’s List.

DARK HOLLOW HAUNTED FOREST

Monday, 17 October 2011 16:28

DARK HOLLOW HAUNTED FOREST
Friday & Saturday, October 14-15
Friday & Saturday, October 21-22
Thursday-Saturday, October 27-29
Royal Arch Park
20821 Renton-Maple Valley Hwy SE
Maple Valley, WA
Click Here For More Info

Dark Hollow Haunted Forest has “family walks” and not so family walks, in other words something for everyone. All I can say about this venue is check out their website, it looks like great fun. Maybe next year The Bearded One and I will volunteer to be part of the “undead group”, that is after we attend ghoul school and makeup classes. Find more things to do on Belva’s List.

EARSHOT JAZZ FESTIVAL

Thursday, 13 October 2011 02:42

EARSHOT JAZZ FESTIVAL
Oct 15-Nov 6, 2011
Multiple Seattle area locations,
time & entertainers
Seattle, WA.
Click Here For More Info

If you saw Chicago, you remember when Roxie Hart & Velma Kelly ended their grand finale, “Nowadays,” with “ALL THAT JAZZ!"  Well Seattle, "ALL THAT JAZZ" is coming our way in the month of October and part of November, when EARSHOT JAZZ FESTIVAL comes back to town!  Over 50 distinctive concert events in venues all around the city will provide a great entertainment opportunity for resident Seattleites and visitors.

Known for “adventurous, spot-on programming” (Jazz Times) and praised as "one of the best festivals in America" (Seattle Times) the Earshot Jazz Festival brings jazz greats from around the world into creative collaboration with area artists and audiences. Earshot also celebrates Seattle’s place in the world of jazz, with concerts by our award-winning high-school jazz programs and our own renowned resident artists. Find more things to do on Belva’s List.

SEATTLE LESBIAN & GAY FILM FESTIVAL

Tuesday, 11 October 2011 21:17

SEATTLE LESBIAN & GAY FILM FESTIVAL
October 14-23, 2011
Multiple Seattle area locations, times & films
Seattle, WA
Click Here For More Info

We live in a diverse world, filled with diverse lifestyles, about which, we may understand very little and find uncomfortable to even talk or think about.  The Gay, Lesbian community is one of these diverse groups. A community that has been much maligned and oppressed by ignorant and mean propaganda.

Living in the Seattle area, one of the more liberal areas in the USA, we are more apt to, in someway, be connected to the Gay, Lesbian community, either directly or indirectly through a friend, your work, your neighbor or part of your family.  Perhaps, it’s time to crawl out of your comfort zone and try to understand and accept these folks for who they are, not what they are, and welcome them to the neighborhood.  One way to start is to attend the “The Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival” presented by Three Dollar Bill Cinema. The festival has been a part of the Greater Seattle LGBT community and beyond since 1996 and has become the largest festival of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. The festival has garnered national recognition for showcasing extraordinary and award-winning work. The festival is also an important venue in the local Seattle film scene, and inspires members of our community to express their creativity through film and video.

10th ANNUAL WILD MUSHROOM CELEBRATION

Monday, 10 October 2011 20:11

10th ANNUAL WILD MUSHROOM CELEBRATION
October 1—November 5, 2011
Multiple dates & locations
Long Beach Peninsula, Pacific County, WA
Click Here For More Info
You may recognize some of these names, Oyster, Bolete, Shaggy Mane, Fairy Ring, Honey, Chanterelles, Meadow, or Deliciousa, if so then you are up on your mushrooms. These are some of the wild mushrooms that are being featured at the Annual Wild Mushroom Celebration. Restaurants on Long Beach are hosting “get to know your local mushrooms”, with menus featuring various mushrooms, cooking classes, and an opportunity to meet a professional forager. If you plan to go foraging for mushrooms be sure to listen closely to the professional forager, if you pick the wrong mushroom, you could end up “high” or dead.  Not GOOD, well, definitely not the dead part.

While visiting the WILD MUSHROOM CELEBRATION be sure to check out the “Upcoming Local Events” that included the Water Music Festival and Graveyard of the Pacific Shipwreck Events. Find more things to do on Belva’s List.

CAMP KOREY FALL FESTIVAL

Thursday, 06 October 2011 19:41

CAMP KOREY FALL FESTIVAL
Saturday and Sunday
Every Weekend in October
28901 NE Carnation Farm Road
Carnation, WA
Click Here For More Info
ATTEN: FAMILIES—Halloween is once again in the air! ‘Tis the season of pumpkin pies, bobbing for apples, Jack-O-lanterns and ‘Haunted Houses,’ that scare the bejeezus out of you. Witches and Goblins, of all size and description are preparing for that wonderful night of “trick or treat.”

But October is not all about BOOs! & EEKs! it's also time for the Camp Korey Festival! So, come and make a day of it, starting with a pumpkin pancake breakfast or harvest lunch, then explore the corn maze, carve a pumpkin or take a FREE hayride. Check out designer and sugar pie pumpkins, decorative gourds and cornstalks, plus much, much more. Find more things to do on Belva’s List.

CANDLELIGHT TOUR

Wednesday, 05 October 2011 20:44

CANDLELIGHT TOUR
October 7 & 8
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum
Point Defiance Park
5400 North Pearl Street # 11
Tacoma, WA
Click Here For More Info
Tour a Hudson’s Bay Company Fort, circa 1855. Eavesdrop on the fort’s residents as they go about their daily lives. Those portraying labors, servants, ladies, and gentlemen of the time will be unaware of you as you are merely a spirit from the future. This excursion into the past is a great experience for both children and adults.  Find more fun things to do on Belva’s List.

Together We Serve

Tuesday, 04 October 2011 22:32

EVERYONE IS INVITED
NO CHARGE!
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6
4:00-7:00 P.M.
LINDBLOOM STUDENT CENTER
GREEN RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE
AUBURN CAMPUS
12401 SE 320th Street
Auburn, WA 98092-3622
Over 50 non-profit &
community organizations
provide information on
volunteering opportunities!
For More Information, Call:
253-833-9111, ext. 2535

This Thursday, the 6th of October, from 4: to 7:pm, Green River Community College is putting on a A Volunteer Resource Fair. I can't think of a more appropriate time for this; when our community, our State and our Country is going through economic crisis. Hear is a chance for each of us to learn how and where we can lend a hand to help our neighbors, to make a difference. Think about it, if we all pitch in, we can make a difference. We can make things happen!

EVERETT SAUSAGE FESTIVAL

Monday, 03 October 2011 18:55

EVERETT SAUSAGE FESTIVAL
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
October 7, 8 & 9
Perpetual Help Church Grounds
Everett Ave & Cedar Street
Everett, WA
Click Here For More Info

The Everett Sausage Festival is a family oriented event with a Bavarian theme. Traditional entertainment, food, children’s games including a carnival and for the adults a Bavarian Beer Garden, all this and much, much more. 

The Bearded One and I love these ethnic based festivals; which brings to mind a memorable event. Some year ago, after we had spent the day at a festival, which I can’t now remember the name of, The Bearded One took me to a late night Greek restaurant and what with the beat of the Bouzouki music, the belly dancer and much Ouzo, I turned to see the love-of-my- life step from his chair, to the top of our table, then to the stage and begin to participate in a vigorous Greek dance. I am secretly hoping...!

Find more things to do on Belva’s List Annual Events.

WILD THINGS!!

Friday, 30 September 2011 22:20

WILD THINGS!!
ISSAQUAH SALMON DAYS
Saturday & Sunday
October 1st & 2nd
Issaquah, WA.
FREE Admission
Click Here For More Info
Family Friendly with a Grand Parade, 5 stage of Live Entertainment & much, much more. Join the folks in Issaqua in Celebrating the annual return of the Salmon (Kings, Silvers & “Chums”). Enjoy some great food, arts & crafts, and a tour of the historic Salmon Hatchery located within the city limits of Issaquah. You do not have to like salmon or fishing to have a good time at this event. Find more things to do on Belva’s List, Annual Events.

13TH ANNUAL NORTHWEST KNIFE COLLECTORS SHOW

Wednesday, 28 September 2011 20:14

13TH ANNUAL NORTHWEST
KNIFE COLLECTORS SHOW
Red Lion Hotel &
Conference Center
Kelso, WA.
Saturday & Sunday
October 1st & 2nd
Click Here For More Info
When I was a little girl, I had a pocketknife. It was my prize possession. My Dad carried a pocketknife all the time. Back then everybody’s Dad carried a pocketknife—most little boys had a pocket knife. But most girls didn’t. But I did! Mumbley-peg, anyone?

The Bearded One has a knife collection; a dagger, a dirk, an oriental fighting knife, a dragon headed cane sword, a two handed Celtic great/broad sword and a fillet knife, although the fillet knife is actually mine. I think these items pretty well arm him for almost any threat he should encounter. (My Hero)  Find more things to do on Belva’s List, Annual Events

30th ANNUAL WEST COAST OYSTER SHUCKING CHAMPOINSHIP & WA STATE SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

Tuesday, 27 September 2011 16:30

30th ANNUAL  WEST COAST OYSTER
SHUCKING CHAMPOINSHIP & WA
STATE SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
Saturday & Sunday
October 1st & 2nd
Port of Shelton Fairgrounds
751 West Fairgrounds Road
Mason County, Shelton, WA
Click Here For More Info
All you oyster Aficionados, be aware, you don’t want to miss this one.  Speed & half-shell oyster shucking and oyster/seafood cook-off carry the show at this event. Musical events are ongoing throughout both days. There are wine tastings and microbreweries for those who need to take a break. This is where you will find me, enjoying a glass of wine or two. I’m allergic to shellfish, and me swelling up like a bad toad is not a pretty sight. But The Bearded One loves oysters, clams, snails, anything with a shell. But out of sympathy for my allergy, he doesn’t get to eat them very often. I’ll have to keep an eye on him, make sure he doesn’t over do it. BON APPETIT.

ENUMCLAW OKTOBERFEST

Monday, 26 September 2011 17:14

ENUMCLAW OKTOBERFEST.
Friday & Saturday,
Sept. 30th & Oct. 1st
Enumclaw Expo Center
45224 284th Ave SE
Enumclaw, WA.
Click Here For More Info
Oktoberfest on the Plateau is not just an event it is a celebration. Must be 21 & have ID to enter. Find your lederhosen & steins and come join a community celebration of Bavarian culture with dancers, singers authentic wurst and of course beer & more beer. Oh, I almost forgot the Pickle Wench. that's right, they have a Pickle Wench!

Now comes the good part THE PUMPKIN CLASSIC, a race that includes 3miles of fun, mud, obstacles, pumpkins & more. Every 30 minutes a wave of up to 100 participants begin the race. I wonder how much beer The Bearded One would need if I signed him up for this race. Find more things to do on Belva’s List, Annual Events

GUS THE WONDER CAT…

Saturday, 17 September 2011 19:18

...Gus The Wonder Cat, our six year old Pixie–bob, sleeps all day but patrols the house all night looking for anything that is amiss. Now, that worked out just fine for several years. However, recently on a hot summer night he found the patio door open and in great panic came racing into the bedroom calling loudly for someone to take notice.

Gus The Wonder Cat usually has such a soft meow that I have to do a “lip reading thing” to find out what he wants. However, on the night of the open patio door he was so loud that I thought there was a strange cat in the house, and when his loud persistent yowling didn’t get me out of my deep sleep fast enough, he started running rapid and repeated laps up and over the bed.

By this time, he had me up staggering around trying to find out if we had an intruder, a fire or just what the heck was going on. As Gus repeatedly showed me the open door, I finally realized what the trouble was. I remembered all the stories of cats finding their way back to their owners after being lost or actually waking and saving their owners from a house fire. So, as a good pet owner, I praised him over and over making a great fuss about his “good job”.

Gus The Wonder Cat is a quick study and shortly after the patio door episode he decided that he didn’t need to carry on his nightly vigil alone. He now knew that with the correct motivation from him, he could have me up and about to keep him company. So now, on a nightly basis, he tries all of his best moves to get me up. It only took me about a month or so to figure out that all his yowling and running laps over the bed were him “crying wolf” as it were.

Since, I’m not getting much sleep at night, I’ve started taking naps with Gus The Wonder Cat, which he doesn’t seem to mind at all. In the mean time I’m madly searching the web for ways to disarm an Alarm Cat aside from throwing shoes at him.

FYI The Bearded One has slept soundly through it all. Only when he reads this will he know the fun he has missed out on.

Computers… the writer’s godsend or a curse?

Wednesday, 31 August 2011 16:19

This is The Bearded One's blog he wrote for Black Ink White Paper (http://blackinkwhitepaper.wordpress.com/) a great place run by writers.

Computers… the writer’s godsend or a curse?
After this last weekend—Thursday morning through Sunday—I find myself somewhat in the middle.  You guessed it, the unthinkable happened.  Thursday morning I turned on my computer and was following the normal course of my day, checking email, the stats on Belva’s List.com; then the unthinkable happened—my brand new monitor shutdown. Not yet four months old and the damned screen just went blank!

Well, I wasted little time in placing a call to the store to report this misfortune and assure them that I had a receipt. Then they asked me if I had purchased the extended warranty. And I begrudgingly confessed that I hadn’t. But thank the gods that look over cheapskates like me, who think extended warranties are a rip-off, my monitor was still covered under the manufacturer. But I would have to bring it into the store to be shipped back to the factory for repairs. Which could take up to 2 weeks! 

After I had recovered from the initial shock, I bundled my new monitor up and drove it to the store, where after a few moments of information trading, and a quick test, the fellow informed me that my monitor was fine, the problem was with my desktop computer. I left the store, trying to prepare myself for the worst. Expensive repairs or even worse a new computer.

In the depths of despair, fearing the worst case scenario, I informed my wife Belva of our plight.  “She, like always, soothed my woes, telling me, “Call Bill and have him fix it.”

And as always, I argued, “He’ll take days to get it done!”
Her answer, “Can’t you use your laptop, until he’s done?”

She was right.  I called Bill, and as I knew he would, he said, “I can’t get at it until, tomorrow.” But he was coming.  I broke out the older, slower Laptop, fired it up only to discover it, too, was having trouble getting on line and was absolutely useless to me.

I spent the next half-hour in melt-down mode, filling the air with every three, four, five & six letter word I could think of, ending in ‘it’-‘itch’ and ‘unk’—and, having been born and raised in the land of Idaho, where cowboys, farmers, mill workers, and lumber jacks abound, my vocabulary of swear words is vast, Humongous even! 

Belva silenced me with one of her reproachful looks, poured a scotch and handed it to me. Baffled and defeated, I retreated to my lounger to lick my wounds and pout. It was during this bout of sulking, that I came up with the subject for this blog.

When I first started writing, I used a pencil with an eraser and a tablet of lined paper. Life was simple then, I simply rubbed out my atrocious spelling errors and changes of wording with hardly a thought. Ending up with a fairly neat and clean product.

Then came the ballpoint pen, which was easy to use, and you didn’t have to sharpen it but I always ended up with my page filled with ugly strike-throughs and scribble-outs—impossible to cleanup, leaving nothing to be done but laboriously recopy once or twice, to hopefully achieve a totally clean end product.

Then came the typewriter, which I could never perfect, even though I could play fair piano—classical as well as some mean boggie-woogie.  Oh, I could type what I was reading at a fair 60+ words per minute with minimal mistakes—and white out repaired those, but I could not for the life of me type and think at the same time. Character and plot, along with accuracy went all to hell when I tried to think and type. I had to write it with pencil or pen, then type it.

But then came the computer! For some reason the computer key board was more forgiving. Oh, sure I look at the keyboard when I type, but I have invented my own finger positions. And now I can compose and key in the words at the same time, while thinking about my story.  But only if the damned thing keeps working, and the monitor doesn’t go black.  And when the computer breaks down, there is absolutely nothing I can do, but wait for it to get fixed.  If my pencil broke I just sharpened it. If my pen broke or run out of ink I could buy another one for 59 cents. Life was so simple then.  But like all things, “Once you’ve been to Paris, it’s damned hard to be satisfied back down on the farm!” The Computer is here to stay and I might as well get used to it!  “Belva, more Scotch please.”

P.S.: Bill finished all the repairs Sunday afternoon.

The Bearded One

Vacation Time

Tuesday, 23 August 2011 18:40

Vacation time is coming to an end. But does it have to?  What if I couldn’t afford a vacation this year? Does that mean I have to miss out?  I don’t think so. You see it depends on what your definition of vacation is. I think we have this stereotypical image in our head of a vacation, being in a car driving hundreds of miles to see something and experience something new. 

I'm sure most of us can remember being trapped in the car with folks, hot, bored, irritated by siblings and the heat, plus needing to go to the bathroom and having to wait, because your sister or brother went a few miles back, when you didn't have to.   Sure, a vacation was an adventure, something new and exciting to experience but a vacation/adventure doesn't have to be 1 to 3 weeks long, and your destination doesn't have to be hundreds of miles away.  It can be in the next neighborhood or neighboring town.  And it can consist of a few hours of getting away from your everyday life. 

Belva and I love to hop on the ferry and travel into that foreign land we call Cross Sound or drive around the lake to Issaquah or North Bend, maybe down to Tacoma or Auburn or up to Camano Island or Mount Vernon.  Sometimes we just head for one of the near by beaches or the Seattle Water front and mix in with the tourists. Taking a vacation close to home for a few hours, can be as much fun as traveling hundreds of miles to take one that lasts three weeks and costs a fortune. Hell's Bells, life's an adventure, you just need to get out of your own back Yard to enjoy it!

The Bearded One

THE COMRADES

Wednesday, 17 August 2011 16:27

This Blog is a review of a book by first time author Lynne Sears Williams. I do book reviews from time to time and THE COMRADES is a good read that some of you might enjoy.

THE COMRADES, by Lynne Sears Williams is a book I could read over and over again. It reminds me of the books I have read in years past by Morgan Llywelyn. British Isles historical novels have always been one of my favorite genres. THE COMRADES is full of Celtic magic, romance and intrigue. Ms. Williams’ research results in an authentic feel for the story as she weaves the various themes together. The tapestry produced makes THE COMRADES a treat to read. Her ability to paint vivid word pictures keeps the reader engaged and wanting more when you have finished THE COMRADES.

THE COMRADES, ISBN 978-0-09835133-0-8, can be ordered from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

FREE THAT DOG!

Tuesday, 09 August 2011 18:42

For your dog, free must mean unleashed, free to run, fetch, sniff other dogs, and maybe even dig a little.

Gone, gone are the spaces, the wide-open spaces, where a dog could roam at will, where dog and owner, together, could commune with each other and nature.

Laws for the community good cover lots of areas, some laws we support and agree with, others curtail our activities more than we like. However, we must live in the present and that includes leash laws.

Do not despair; there are answers for your dog and its desire for freedom without going to eastern Washington or Montana in search of those open-spaces. The Bearded One has found some 35 off leash dog parks in Western Washington. While these dog parks are not like the free, unfettered spaces of yore, hardly anything is as it was.

So, you and your dog enjoy those off leash dog parks. Be sure to be green and clean. Check out www.belvaslist.com for a dog park near you or take your dog on a road trip. Dog Parks are listed under Mixed Bag.

A Blessing on you and your dog

Belva & The Bearded One

MY MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT

Saturday, 09 July 2011 17:06

The coming and going of this years Summer Solstice caused me to pause and ponder on an event of the past, one of those moments forever burned into your memory.

The Bearded One and I went to Seattle's Fremont Summer Solstice Parade several years ago. What a blow out affair that was. The abundance of floats, performers, and attendees was truly overwhelming. All of the pageantry, both in the parade and on the sidelines, is what has made this parade world famous. The sight of—there must have been a hundred or more—painted, decorated and nude persons streaming by on bicycles was enough to… well you just had to be there, hearing the “Ooh’s and Ahhs”.

Now, on to my moment… We had ridden the bus from Greenwood to Fremont. The bus stop is some little way up the hill from the heart of the activity.

After much viewing enjoyment, food and beverage, we started back up the hill to our bus stop. Just as we were getting close to our destination, I began to have a moment of personal panic.

As I was scanning the buildings along the sidewalk, in search of a restaurant, I spied a brick building with a storefront type window. Passing the window, I see there are small groups of people sitting around various small tables, others on couches and easy chairs; beverages and snacks available at various stations through out the room. This is the exact ambience one sees in a neighborhood coffeehouse, happy, friendly, cozy and full of people.

I was so relieved to find such a place as this, for now my moment of need was fast approaching the extreme panic stage. As I entered through the open front door, I spotted a slightly open bathroom door in the far corner, meaning the bathroom was not occupied. I nodded to people as I race in, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible.

Business done, I headed back the way I had come. As I reenter the room, everyone stood up, and wearing big smiles, began to clap, politely. Thinking, maybe I should have bought something on the way in, I got into my purse and left a dollar on the table full of snacks.

Upon exiting to the continuing round of applause, I found the Bearded One talking to a couple on the sidewalk, cups in hand, obviously customers of the establishment. That’s when I was informed this was not a neighborhood coffee shop but the apartment of the gentleman talking to the Bearded One. He was just hosting a group of friends celebrating the summer solstice. The Bearded One is still chuckling about this.

Perhaps, the bathrobe hanging on a wall hook in the bathroom should have given me a clue. To the nice Gentleman, please accept my public apology for my great faux pax and my sincere thanks to you and your friends for being so gracious to a lady in distress.

Apologetically Yours,
Belva

Memorial Day Thoughts

Thursday, 26 May 2011 01:56

Recently the Bearded One, he’s a writer you know—one of my favorites, posted this on Black Ink, White Paper, a group of writers’ blog. I felt it spoke to and explained Memorial Day—what it was all about—so I decided to post it here to share with all of you.

Drive safe be safe—we don’t want to have to remember any of you in the past tense, next Memorial Day.
Belva

Memorial Day Thoughts

For some reason, perhaps age, I have of late found myself stopping to think about Memorial Day, or Decoration Day. What it is now and what it used to be when I was growing up.

Memorial Day, was first celebrated in America to honor the soldiers who died in our Civil War, and later after World War I to commemorate all Americans who die in war.

In my youth, it was a time when we, the family—the whole family, not just my Mom and Dad, I mean the whole damned bunch, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, the works, got together Memorial Day morning and went out to decorated the graves of those that had passed on. We took spring flowers and evergreen boughs, not to one but several different cemeteries in and around my hometown, Lewiston, Idaho, and in ‘group’ visited and decorated each grave of our deceased ancestry. It was truly a time of remembering for some, and a time of revelation and getting acquainted for the youngsters, as the elders shared their remembrance of Grandma Dyer or Uncle Arthur, Cousin Abner or Aunt Bernice. These introductions seemed to familiarize we children with relatives passed on years before our birth. I loved those stories that had been handed down and I’m sure embellished to project a larger than life image of a bygone relative. It some how bound us all together, grounded us. Even though we had different names, lived in different eras, were of mixed blood, we were ‘Family’ we were part of something and those long gone folks were a part of us, living if only in memory, through us. And that fact was strengthened later that day when we all gathered at the park for the family picnic.

Everyone brought something, salads, pies, fried chicken and cake. We played softball and there was pop for the kids and beer for the adults. And later, when the sun was setting, a band played in the park and there were fireworks. And when it was all over, when we all headed our different ways, one thing carried over—the knowledge of who we were, that you weren’t alone, you were part of a family.

Now, Memorial Day seems to be more about the start of summer or a long weekend. So many of us have moved away from our hometowns, or our hometowns have shrunk or just disappeared. We don’t go to the cemetery to visit family graves, they are to far away or we’re to busy to make the trip. I have relatives strung all over the place, living and dead, folks I’m lucky to see once every couple of years—some I’ve never met, and maybe never will. I have grandchildren who will someday have grandchildren that won’t know about Grandma Dyer or Uncle Arthur and never will… and I feel bad about that. Family is important and it seems to me, our life style is pulling the family further and further apart. It’s not so bad for folks like me, who lived in a time when family was more important. It’s the kids I worry about, the ones that need to know they are part of something, something important, a family they belong to, that belongs to them… I’m afraid they never will.
Click Here For Black Ink, White Paper Website.

SHE LOVES ME

Monday, 23 May 2011 19:40

SHORELINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S CURRENTLY RUNNING MUSICAL is a great choice and a well done. This production would make any theatre group proud.

In reading the credits of the cast, production group and orchestra, it occurs to me that I am, as an audience member, the beneficiary of perhaps a million, plus or minus, cumulative hours worth of effort. I am humbled by the years of hope, dedication, practice, and just plain hard work these artists have put into their craft.

SHE LOVES ME, set in 1930s Budapest, follows the romantic development between Amalia and Georg, pen-pals, who unknowingly are also co-workers at the same upscale perfumery. The musical is an adaptation of the play Parfumerie by Hungarian playwright Miklos Laszlo, based on a book by Joe Masteroff. Many of you will recognize the story, as I did, from seeing the 1940 James Stewart-Margaret Sullavan film The Shop around the Corner or the 1949 Judy Garland-Van Johnson musical version In the Good Old Summertime or the more recent 1998 movie featuring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, You've Got Mail.

If you know of a young person who aspires to be in the theatre, please take them to see a Shoreline Community College theatre production. This production, like all the Shoreline Community College Theatre productions, will be a delight for you and anyone who enjoys musical theatre.

There's still time to get a ticket:
Performances: May 26, 27 & 28 2011
Ticket Price: $15, $10 & $8
Campus Theater
Shoreline Community College
16101 Greenwood Avenue North
Shoreline, WA

40th ANNUAL FOLK FESTIVAL

Friday, 20 May 2011 20:02

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND May 27- 30, 2011 at the SEATTLE CENTER is a great place to spend a long weekend at the beginning of summer. As I write this, the sun is shinning for the second time in longer than I can remember. I can hardly wait to finish this blog and get out and soak up some of those good rays. It’s a doctor ordered activity you know, getting some extra vitamin D from a little sun is a good thing.

And now about the Folk Festival:

Music, Music, Music, local, national & international entertainers, with categories such as; ‘Punk’ as Folk, Mountain Blues, Rockabilly Riot, Fiddlers Showcase, Slavic Choir Showcase, Ukulele Showcase, The Acoustic Lounge, Reggie Rising Party, Family String Band Showcase, Bluegrass Showcase-Hot Pickin’ & Harmonies, and many, many, many more.

Dance, Dance, Dance includes; Contra Dance, Waltz Dance, Square Dance, Balkan Dance, International Folk Dance, Family Dance, English Country Dance, Israeli Dance Party, Swing Dance, Salsa & Tango Dance, Irish Ceili Mor, Couples Dances of the World, and Belly Dance Showcase… any of these should set your toe to tapping.

Other types of entertainment include; Poetry Events, Liars Contest, Native & Cultural Story Telling, Events for Writers and by Writers, and other Eclectic Events.

There is something for everyone, take a loved one, your wife, kids and mother-in-law, a neighbor and you will be their hero. Best of all, while they ask for a donation, it is all actually FREE ADMISSION. By the way, if possible take the bus, that to can be fun and good for the environment. Click Here For NW Folklife Fest Info.

LONG BEACH, WA CRANBERRIES

Tuesday, 10 May 2011 04:33

Last week I visited my friend, Clarice, who lives on Long Beach. As we drove around doing errands, we drove past a number of medium sized fields full of small bushes. Clarice told me these were cranberry bogs and Long Beach was home to many of these bogs.

It seems that the Native Americans were using cranberries long before the Pilgrims ever set foot on our East Coast. Cranberries, crushed and combined with dried meat and suet produced a food staple called pemmican. This pemmican has a “long shelf life”, so to speak, which makes it a great food kept against winter food shortages and a must to be taken on long trips.

Cranberry farming started in the SW corner of Washington State during the 1870’and despite the ups and downs of the early years, has grown into a stable and thriving business. Land suitable for bogs sold for $1 per acre in the early days, however, now they will cost you $5000 per acre. Now that is inflation!!

I was quite excited about the cranberry bogs, as I am a great fan of the TV commercial about all the great things cranberries have to offer. In fact, I had hoped to see the very bogs in which these commercials were filmed. As we drove around, I hoped to see the filming crew and actors hard at work. But no such luck.

The lady at the museum, kindly and some what sadly, told me that at this time of year there were no berries and I should try back in the fall, say during the Annual Cranberry Fair, October 8th & 9th 2011 . Oh well, I still had a good time, lots to see and do on Long Beach.

Long Beach has a Cranberry Museum at which you can learn much about this fascinating industry. Click Here For more information on Cranberry Fest. Click Here For Cranberry Museum Website.

HULDA KLAGER LILAC GARDENS…

Wednesday, 04 May 2011 22:18

…located in Woodland, Washington, has extended the Annual Lilac Days until May 14th, as blooming has been delayed due to the cool wet weather. A stop there this last weekend was just a tease, as only a few of these lovely bushes/trees had any full open flowers. However, the promise of the variety of heavenly scents that will soon waft from the gardens makes a return visit a must.

The beauty for the eye to behold, as the rainbow of colors come into full view during the upcoming warm days, makes a trip to the gardens worth taking.

The Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens, a National Historical Site, has Hulda’s restored Victorian farmhouse, water tower, windmill, gardens and other buildings for your pleasure and enjoyment. The gardens are open all year, so, any time is a good time to stop and ponder the life and times of the Lilac Lady. For more information.

Take time to stop and smell the lilacs,

Belva

116th SEQUIM IRRIGATION FESTIVAL

Tuesday, 26 April 2011 01:39

An Irrigation Festival, now doesn’t that pique your curiosity just a little? For those of you who have gone to all the usual spring and summer festivals, this is one that you might not have celebrated yet.

The fine people of Sequim are celebrating the oldest continuing festival in Washington State. Those who honor the idea that “water is wealth” are not about to change the name of their spring festival. Be that as it may, this is a great place to start your festival season.

Choose from a ten day list of events such as; Motorcycle and Classic Cars on displays, Kids Parade or Kids Day Picnic, Open Aire Market, Arts and Crafts, Strongman and Logging Shows, Fireworks or Truck and Tractor Pull. Sounds like something for everyone, something to share with your children. Make a memory!!

Mark these dates, May 6th-15th, check out Events and Schedules

See you there,

Belva & The Bearded One

RAIN—RAIN—SEATTLE RAIN GO AWAY

Tuesday, 12 April 2011 20:46

The Bearded One and I decided we needed a pick-me-up after so much rain this late in the season. We thought of a day tour where the flowers are in bloom and Spring has sprung, so to speak. Do you know where to find the following? Elephant Foot, Ponytail, Ladies Mantel, Pink Marshmallow, Creeping Charlie, Red Spider, Royal Air Force, or a Moss Ball. Read on and you will find the answers.

SWANSON’S NURSERY has wonderful abundance of plant varieties to choose from for your particular pocketbook and needs. Be sure to take plenty of time and don't forget the kids and even grandmother. Whether you are just visiting our area or are one of our very own local residents, be sure to support our locally owned nurseries. A plant or a shrub is always a welcome gift.

Swanson's Nursery
9701 15th Ave. NW
Seattle, WA 98177
Phone 206 782 2543
Map
Click Here To Go To website

This neighborhood nursery has multiple large, glass covered areas full of annuals and perennials just waiting to go home with you. Outside you will find well rooted shrubs and young trees of all shapes sizes and colors. Just the item to replace the ones you killed last year.

Inside the main building, you will find gardening tools for every need and of every description. If you are a do-it- yourself person and want to start your flowers and veggies from seed, look no further, in no time at all your cup will runnuth over and you can supply all your neighbors with zucchini. You will be so popular!

If you take a few steps further on, you will find yourself in "the tropics", a building full of warmth loving plants just waiting to grace your home. Consider what to purchase while having a snack at the cafe. Check out the koi pond surrounded by palm trees, a most relaxing interlude. Take time to look at all the wonderful garden accessories. Buy Local!!! Go Green!!!

Belva & The Bearded One

SWANSON'S NURSERY, *(spobla), located in the North Ballard/North Crown Hill of the general Seattle area. http://www.swansonsnursery.com/ *(spobla) shameless promotion of Belva's List advertisers

LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO…

Tuesday, 15 February 2011 05:42

…CLARICE KEEGAN, artist, author, and dear friend. Clarice's artistic style is uniquely her own. As a child Clarice, could see closely packed contour lines where others saw only a blank expanse. Later with pen, ink and color she began to transfer what she alone could see to paper. With that, others could begin to see blank expanses as she saw them, full of form and beauty. Thus was born her own style of artistic expression. Years of work has allowed Clarice’s artistic style to grow and evolve. She has absorbed elements of other artistic traditions that also honor the line, ranging from Northwest Coast Native American art to Art Nouveau.

TROUBLE HERSELF is an example of the contour lines that Clarice has seen in clouds, and if I look hard enough I think I can see those same lines…just maybe. Clarice has had Gallery Showings and accepts commission assignments. You can view more examples of Clarice’s extraordinary art work at http://www.spyart.net/spyart/Home_Page.html. Be sure to check out her take on MOTHS TO THE MOON and RAGGEDY DRAGON. Many of the pieces are for sale while others are already sold but I’m sure you can find something that will fit on your office or home wall—or commission her to do you your own special piece.

We are proud to have Clarice display her art on Belva's List in our ARTIST GALLERY, http://www.belvaslist.com/artist-colony/gallery.html.

CONFESSION TIME

Tuesday, 25 January 2011 18:38

Here it is still January and I have already broken my main New Year’s resolution, to write blogs on a more regular basis. However, I do not think it is at all my fault. It seems that my Muse has gone on vacation to the Bahamas.

Now, isn’t that just a kick in the pants, here I’ve been enduring all kinds of the ugly weather, snow deep enough to keep the kids home from school for two whole days, torrential rain enough to fill your basement in thirty-seven seconds, and devil winds strong enough to put your favorite tree down on top of your brand new car. All this happening over a four day period and then it starts all over again.

However, the Bahamas, now that is a completely different story… just gentle breezes, acres of warm water, and loads of white sands to enjoy. There is no hustle, no bustle, no panic and no disasters to contend with.  And there sits my little Muse, with this smug and contented look. It’s enough to just make a blog writer want to cry.

My Muse decided to come home after I told her that there were eight other Muses who would like to interview for her job. If any of you other writers who are having writers block, maybe your Muse is also in the Bahamas having a good time. I suggest letting her know that there are eight other Muses available to help you with your writing. Right on…write on!!!

WHAT TO DO IN JANUARY???

Thursday, 06 January 2011 16:03

January seems to be a month for some of us to recover from a hectic Holiday Season. But not so, January has fun things to do. Who wouldn't want to cheer for their favorite player at a RAT CITY ROLLER GIRLS event, or take a friend and be wowed at the next MONSTER JAM, or see just how quick is the WORLD'S QUICKEST THEATRE FESTIVAL, or relive memories with a child at the MODEL RAILROAD SHOW, or go to the beach and see just what a WINDLESS KITE FESTIVAL is all about, and if none of this tickles your fancy, we have saved the best until last. There is the ever favorite, OUTHOUSE RACES.

Now you may be asking yourself, "how can I find out more about these amazing and exciting events?" Well, Belva's List is here to save the day. These great events and many more are listed on our web site http://www.belvaslist.com/january.html . Since these events are in the Seattle/Puget Sound area, I apologize to my fans and friends who live outside the area, you simply must come to visit and enjoy some of our more and less famous events and attractions.