Belva's Blog

CAMLANN MEDIEVAL VILLAGE & THE BORS HEDE INNE

Monday, 10 May 2010 16:50

ONE OF A KIND EXPERIENCE!!! Let Roger of Glastonbury, hosteler/innkeeper and his merry band of villagers at the CAMLANN MEDIEVAL VILLAGE give you a taste of ‘merry old England’ circa 1376. When I say taste that is just what I mean.

The Ye Bors Hede Inne is a delightful establishment that transports you back to a time and place that would have been a welcome sight along the roads of ‘merry old England’ of the 14th century. Establishments such as the Ye Bors Hede Inne, a place offering rest and refreshments were essential for the weary traveler of the time. The welcome from a friendly innkeeper, the warmth from the great fireplace, and the aroma of a savory meal awaited all who entered these roadside inns.

Theme dining experiences are a tradition for many a birthday, anniversary, social groups, etc. You have had your Star Wars, Gothic, Roaring Twenties and comic book character theme events, now is the time for something new—or should I say ‘olde’. The CAMLANN MEDIEVAL VILLAGE can be the location of your next or even first theme celebration.

You can work up an appetite with a stroll through the 14th century village while your meal is being prepared from the same recipes served to the nobles of the time. Complement your meal selection with mead, ale, beer or wine, or spiced juice for the teetotalers, while the resident minstrels entertain you with songs and stories of old England.

For you and your guests’ complete CAMLANN MEDIEVAL VILLAGE experience, there is a ‘clothier shoppe’ from which you may rent period costumes. Treat yourself, surprise your friends, and have a fun time all will remember.

YE BORS HEDE INNE
CAMLANN MEDIEVAL VILLAGE
10320 Kelly Road NE
Carnation, WA 98014
425 788 8624
Click Here to visit Ye Olde website.

KEEP IT LOCAL

Sunday, 04 April 2010 18:17

KEEP IT LOCAL

Your MONEY that is!! Support your neighborhood-owned businesses. This keeps your money circulating in your local business community and those same $$$ will more quickly come back to you. And, this makes good economic sense, especially in today’s economy.

One example of this ‘keep it local’ is Shoreline Bank serving the folks of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park for 10 years. Their main office is located at 16001 Aurora Avenue North, and that is just about as local as you can get.

Like any good neighbor Shoreline Bank wants to say ‘Thank You’ to existing customers and a ‘stop on by and get acquainted’ for those who have not yet had the opportunity to check them out.

During a week of Community Appreciation, Shoreline Bank will host two (2) free Bar-B-Qs and other events for current and potential customers. All this happens Friday April 23—Friday April 30, 2010. So, stop by, get acquainted with the friendly folks of Shoreline Bank, open an account with them, and let them work for you.

Remember keep your money local!!!

Click Here For More Information

SPIRITS---SPIRITUALITY---SPIRITS

Monday, 02 November 2009 19:36

The question of the day is; when in our world today do spirits and spirituality intersect? Three recent examples are All Saints Day, Halloween and El Dia de los Muertos, Mexico’s celebration of the Day of the Dead. The next couple months are filled with opportunity to explore our celebration of cultural as well as religious remembrances, should you be so inclined.

Aveda (a-vay-da) and A Better Day Salon

Wednesday, 26 August 2009 01:14

Zacky’s Custom Rods Invites You To…

Thursday, 25 June 2009 03:50

Remember Keith Wong, The fellow who custom builds those classy motorcycles known as Zackys in his body shop, A+ N Aurora Body & Paint. Keith’s the guy that pours his heart into a new creation every year that he then donates to the Children’s Ride, to be auctioned off, the proceeds going to Children’s Hospital. Keith believes every child deserves a chance at a future and living his or her dream.

This year Keith Wong has built another custom Zacky motorcycle for Children's Ride 14... More about Zacky’s Custom Rods

It’s Peace Concert Time Once Again

Wednesday, 17 June 2009 17:13

Inn At Queen Anne, Seattle, WA

Monday, 27 April 2009 17:51

Retreat...Retreat...Retreat...

…no, not the cavalry, I’m thinking writers, families, groups, or couples. You know… a place where you can get away from the usual, think deep thoughts and commune with other like minded people.

Believe it or not, located just across the street from Key Arena and the Seattle Center is a quaint, unique, charming and unpretentious little hotel that will meet your retreat needs. The historic Inn at Queen Anne has a quiet serenity that is soothing to the mind and soul.

The Inn at Queen Anne is all of the above and much, much more. Legend has it that the first residents of the Inn were, in fact, retirees from a religious order. The Inn's original design seems to bear out this legend, with two wings and a courtyard in the middle, perfect for men on one side and women on the other. Perhaps, this is where all that serenity comes from.

…and when you are through retreating, just step outside and all the wonders of Seattle are there for you to enjoy. The Seattle Center, Key Arena, the Space Needle, theatres, music venues, restaurants, museums, art studios and galleries, all just a short stroll away. A short public bus ride (most of it in the free zone) will take you to the Seattle Waterfront, Pike Place Market, more theatres, museums, restaurants…well, you get the idea… lots of things to do.

Should you and your group be looking for a new place to hold your next retreat, be sure to check out the Inn at Queen Anne. All rooms are furnished in a simple European style with a light airy touch that compliments the original design. All rooms have complete kitchenettes and all the modern amenities you will need to have a most enjoyable stay.

Weary traveler, out–of–town guests, local tourist, couple on a date night, traveling businessman, or friends looking to do a sleepover, check out the Inn at Queen Anne for their latest specials and packages they can offer you or your group.

The Bearded One and I plan to treat some of our out–of–town guests, coming for a family member’s graduation, to a stay at the Inn at Queen Anne.

Belva & The Bearded One

Inn at Queen Anne
505 First Ave. N
Seattle, WA 98109
206 805 4437
www.innatqueenanne.com
Map

Another Cheap Date In Shoreline, WA

Monday, 23 March 2009 00:00

Another Cheap Date…More Good Times

A mocha or a movie? Why not both? Recently, The Bearded One and I went on another “date night”. We chose to take in a movie at the Shoreline Crest Cinema ($3.00 per ticket) since the show we wanted to see was already filled up, we bought tickets for the next showing and looked around for a way to kill some time before our movie started.

…and behold, located just kitty-cornered from the theatre was Café Aroma. What a wonderful little treasure is this family owned espresso shop located in the Ridgecrest area of Shoreline.

Using locally roasted coffee beans for their wide variety of Coffee Drinks, Café Aroma also provides a nice selection of Pastry for your enjoyment. They offer a Soup of The Day and soon Sandwiches. If you like something cold, try a Fruit Smoothie or an Italian Soda. On nice days there are chairs and tables outside, along with inside seating which allows for a leisurely break in your otherwise hectic day.

Whether waiting for your movie to start, walking your dog, jogging, needed to get out of the house or you are visiting in or near the Ridgecrest neighborhood, you are blessed to have access to Café Aroma.

Rest assured The Bearded One and I will be back to Café Aroma and the Crest Cinema for another cheap date and more good times.

Belva & The Bearded One

Cheap Date At Shoreline Community College

Thursday, 12 March 2009 00:00

Cheap Date...A Good Time

Recently, The Bearded One bought tickets to “an evening of scenes and monologues by David Mamet” presented by the Drama Department of Shoreline Community College. We decided to make attending this production part of a “date night”. We had an early dinner at the Boom Noodle (see Belva's Picks).

The actors from SCC did Mamet proud. The Bearded One and I have seen other productions by this fine group of actors and are never disappointed by either content or presentation. Director Tony Doupé has encouraged this group of actors to find their muse and expand their abilities and talents. We look forward to attending any of their presentations. Talk about a good deal, for a “nickel and a pickle”, you can be entertained for an entire evening.

The Puget Sound Area abounds with High Schools and Community Colleges whose Drama and Music Departments can use your interest and support. Check out your neighborhood newspaper or poster in your local grocery store notifying the public of an upcoming performance. Better than that, if you are willing to be a volunteer, you can probably score a few free tickets so you can treat your family to an evening out.

Do not let these economic times keep you from being a hero to your family and local school or community college.

Belva & The Bearded One

Seattle's Waterfront...

Saturday, 10 January 2009 00:00

…is the place where The Bearded One and I go to take stock of our life and times. Whatever the weather or season, a walk from the Olympic Sculpture Park at the north end of the Waterfront to the Ferry Terminals at the south end and back to the Sculpture Park is more than enough time to allow us to sort things out.

It clears the mind to watch the activities on Elliott Bay. The who, what, and where of all that water traffic can set your mind adrift (I mean this in a good way). Seattle is such a young city, as major cities go, and the fact is there are still many buildings along the waterfront that are the originals, built by Seattle’s first businessmen only two or three generations ago. However, you should look now as they are being replaced by progress.

If I walk briskly, without grumbling for most of the way, The Bearded One treats me to a nosh at one of the many dining spots along the way. There is coffee and pastry, fish and chips, a steaming cup or bowl of clam chowder, ice cream in a waffle cone, hotdog or a hamburger with fries, or a full course dinner to choose from. We can sit inside or out depending on the weather or take it to go. We can stop by a lamp lined oasis of a park with a waterfront fountain, viewing platforms, picnic tables, and benches.

So much for brisk walking, we stroll in and out of converted waterfront warehouses and find merchants who have shops filled with freshly made candies, jams & jellies, and other Washington products, from both land and sea. There are shops with specialty clothing items, jewelry, collectables, souvenirs, and memorabilia from near and far.

Along the way there are museums, an aquarium, more shops beckoning us to come in and browse a bit, perchance even stop to visit, and multiple kiosks to book our water travel desires either local or foreign (Canada).

Just maybe, we will make a night of it and stay at one of the hotels located along the waterfront, after dark we can have a glass of wine and watch the lights from the ferries and other water traffic dance across the water.

Let’s just forget all about that brisk walking idea, ok.

Belva & The Bearded One

Zackys Custom Rods, Seattle, WA

Saturday, 20 December 2008 00:00

It is always the season to give.

From a small auto body shop to be found on Aurora Avenue North, Seattle, there flows an unexpected river of compassion. It washes over kids of the Pacific Northwest who come to Children’s Hospital for treatment of life-threatening health concerns.

Along with the usual repairs of damaged vehicles, Keith Wong of A + N Aurora Body & Paint shows a talent and a passion for designing custom motorcycles. Such bikes are commonly called “choppers” and maybe some other names best not mentioned here.

Keith’s creations are specifically known as “Zackys Custom Rods” or on the street as just plain “Zackys.” However, I’m here to tell you there is nothing plain about a custom-built Zackys. And even though each bike is unique, Keith’s are easily recognized at any biker gathering, admired for their plain, clean, timeless lines.

Keith was born in China. He tells me, “The opportunity to come here, to work hard, and live beyond my childhood dreams makes me want to give others a chance at a future.” After building Zackys prized by paying clientele, Keith realized how he could “give back.” With a little help from his friends, he resolved to create a custom Zackys and donate it to a fund-raiser for the Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Several years later, the result was noted in the magazine V-Twin Motorcycles, December, 2008 issue, in an article entitled “V-Twin Gala and Auction Bike.” The piece stated, “For three years running, Zackys Custom Rods has served as a featured sponsor of the annual Children’s Ride benefiting Seattle’s Children’s Hospital.” The affair is notable as the largest charity motorcycle event in the Pacific Northwest.

Now every year, Keith and friends build an original cycle for their favorite charity. Their goal is to have a $1 million weekend fund-raiser for the Hospital. Many bike industry celebrities, fired up by Keith’s example and urging, contribute their own efforts, hoping to make the 2009 V-Twin Gala and Auction the one that hits the million-dollar mark.

When Keith delivers his classy new motorcycle to be donated to the Children’s Hospital, many of the children are on hand to have their picture taken on the new Zacky. For some, it’s a dream of what might be…

This is an open invitation by Keith and friends to bike builders and cycle enthusiasts around Puget Sound to join in this remarkable effort, aimed at helping kids have a future.

...every child deserves a dream.

Belva & The Bearded One

Redmond/Woodinville Wine Country

Saturday, 25 October 2008 00:00

Sniff, Swirl, Sip…

Let it be wine, wine, wine. But where are we doing all of this sniffing, swirling, and sipping? Italy? France? Spain? Australia? No, no, no! We are in Washington State, USA.

Big wineries with lots of glamour, glitz, gadgets, bus tours, summer concerts and tasting rooms, are all part of the Washington wine scene. These well-established wineries are the granddames of the state wine industry. They fought the early battles of government rules and regulations. They hung in there while the public learned to say “Washington wine” without a curl of the upper lip or an over-the-shoulder sneer. Now Washington competes proudly with vintages from around the world.

One offshoot of all this hard-earned recognition is the opportunity for a small new group of Western Washington wine makers to emerge, with a mind of their own. These new vintners produce wines with provocative names like Gun Metal Red, Sinner’s Punch (red or white), Wilderness Red, Evil Twin, Outlaw Merlot, and even wines titled after Pearl Jam songs.

Being of the “with a little help from my friends” mindset and an “I’m doing it my way” attitude, these artisans are drawn to an industrial park on the outskirts of Woodinville. “Hoodinville,” they fondly call their wine-making corner of the world. There’s even a “godfather” of this new-found ‘hood, credited with being the inspiration to these new and upcoming entrepreneurs and oenophiles. His name: Mark McNeilly.

McNeilly is not your typical godfather—of winemaking or anything else. Don’t get me wrong: Mark is a far-sighted leader in Western Washington’s burgeoning small winery business. Who else would have the chops (and cojones) to name an early Bordeaux-style blend Dead Horse or a Pinot Noir, Black Love (after an album by The Afghan Whigs music group)? Mark’s “overnight success”—following 8-plus long, hard years of trial and error, naturally—makes him the go-to guy for those just getting started in the biz. Now, that fits my idea of the perfect godfather, with observable results.

On any given fall weekend, just take a drive to Woodinville and see for yourself. As you cross the railroad tracks in rapt anticipation and motor along 142nd Avenue NE, watch for the roadside sandwich boards heralding your entry into this realm of truly eclectic wine tasting. Most likely, your vintner of choice is on hand personally to describe his journey to this current acme of beverage creation. It’s sure to be a story of passion for the art of wine making, struggle, extreme hard work, personal and family sacrifice, and certainly pride in the wine you are by then sniffing, swirling and sipping. And, he hopes, buying.

Any of these so-called Hoodinville wines make a great conversation piece as a gift or an addition to your table. They speak great things about judgment and insight into the Washington wine world, always an expression of (your) good taste!

Here’s to SNIFF, SWIRL, SIP…

Belva & The Bearded One

The Underrated Bed & Breakfast Getaway

Sunday, 21 September 2008 00:00

To The Bearded One and me, a “getaway” means just the two of us spending time together and enjoying each other’s company in a relaxing setting. The good times we all expect and look forward to on our vacations are available in all sorts of places. So for us, there are at least four kinds of Bed & Breakfast Getaways.

The first…is a long weekend with the in-laws, the outlaws or just the plain old law. These getaways may or may not be connected with a good time.

The second…is the traditional Bed & Breakfast we all picture as that Victorian mansion, lovely cottage on the beach, or retreat in the mountains. In all of these settings, someone else’s in-laws treat you like beloved, long-lost family. Or at least minor nobility.

Upon your arrival, you are transported into a world of cosmopolitan extravagance, tranquil comfort or rustic luxury (yes, there is such a thing)…or not. Whichever you choose, the beds will be piled high with feather comforters and pillows, and the towels will be the fluffiest you have seen in some time.

Your breakfast will be served with style and grace, plentiful enough to tide you over until dinner time. And just before you retire for the evening, there will be freshly baked cookies and cold/warm milk (or an alternate beverage of your choice).

The third…Bed & Breakfast is for the hail and hardy types, especially this time of year. It’s camping. Though a fall or winter camping trip requires a bit more planning, it can still be relaxing, refreshing and romantic—there’s a lot to be said for two people conserving body heat.

As for the breakfast-in-bed part, the only way The Bearded One could get me to go along with this insane plan is by serving me breakfast in the pup tent, while I am still in our sleeping bag.

The fourth…and perhaps most overlooked Bed & Breakfast experience can be found in hotels/inns, especially the smaller, more-intimate boutique hotels. You can choose the ambiance that meets your fancy and fits your budget. These particular Bed & Breakfast getaways offer you as much or as little privacy as you desire, and memories to last a lifetime.

You can have all your meals delivered to your room or wander down to the in-house restaurant and enjoy a meal in a quiet corner while you plan your day. Or, there are often quaint restaurants close by for your dining pleasure should you so choose. A sightseeing tour of the neighborhood helps you work up an appetite and make that meal taste even better.

You’re probably saying this is not, by definition, an actual Bed & Breakfast. So what? Neither is camping. But if you can share with your partner the same kinds of relaxed enjoyable good times as in the other venues, who cares about the details.

As described, Bed & Breakfast opportunities are found in every hamlet, village, town or city. So try out different locations. Each establishment offers a unique experience with people who genuinely enjoy the opportunity to offer their hospitality and share with you what is special about their little corner of the world.

Give one of these a try, and enjoy!

Belva & The Bearded One

Skiing in Washington State

Sunday, 10 August 2008 00:00

Is it too early to think skiing?

You may be saying to yourself, “But wait—this is only August… No! No! No! I cannot stand the pressure! I am still trying to plan for Labor Day.” And I will say to you, “Why wait to the last minute, like you usually do and miss all the good deals?”

Winter sports activities actually do take a touch more planning than, say, a day at the beach. There is more gear and more clothing, for one thing; but then you winter sport types already know the drill. And you realize, of course, early planning can help with that pesky budgeting process through the fall and winter seasons. Now is the time to start thinking early-bird sales, before they are all picked over or just plain over. Watch for those neighborhood winter-sports equipment swap meets. This is where skis, snowboards, boots, coats and all that fleecy, warm, winter-ware are readily available for trade or purchase. Do not forget to scout out the thrift stores, consignment shops, Craig’s List and the odd yard/garage sale.

For the family with growing children (or those of you who only ski occasionally), check out equipment rental stores. Maybe you just want to give skiing a try or your children are not sure whether skiing or snowboarding is their cup of tea. Seasonal rentals sure beats tripping over all that equipment for a year or two while your children make up their minds exactly what is their true winter-sport calling.

Should you plan to stay a night or a week, start calling places of lodging as early as possible and allow for some flexibility in your schedule. This could mean the difference between “Yes, we can” or “No, we can not afford this trip.”

Maybe you’re a spur-of-the-moment person. This can actually work in your favor, as both the ski resort and the lodging folks may have specials, due to last-minute cancellations or vacancies that could dovetail with your plans.

Be sure to study the ski resort websites, as each has different requirements and options available. Just because one package deal might break the bank does not mean they all will; the next package you find might fit your budget perfectly.

Here at Belva’s List, check out Mixed Bag (Outdoor Sports), for a brief overview of our area’s ski resorts. There you will find a map link and a direct internet link to each resort’s website.

Enjoy, keep warm and be safe,

Belva and The Bearded One