Sunday, September 25, 2011

Senior In Seattle

I volunteered to docent at today's Seattle Architecture Ravenna Bungalow tours. First, let me say I LOVE the Seattle Architecture Foundation!! http://seattlearchitecture.org/ Their programming includes something for everyone who is interested in or already loves this glorious city. There are walking tours in different neighborhoods almost every day - and the guides are knowledgeable and charming. This is my city...but I have only begun to know it.

Last spring I was a docent at a tour of fabulous downtown condos and it was more fun than I ever expected. We loved showing off the young architect's beautiful renovation of a waterside property. The "tourists" in this case were mostly Seattleites like myself who marveled at the angled walls, perfectly placed windows and skylights and lifestyle kitchen. Meeting interesting people and sharing ideas about art and architecture was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Today's Ravenna tour promised to be a lovely day too. This neighborhood is rich with Craftsman work. I had participated in the tour a few years ago and looked forward to helping out at this year's event.

Unfortunately, I had forgotten that the President would be in town today. You may know that Seattle is full of extremely polite drivers...and terrible traffic jams. We are also surrounded by lakes and bridges that must be crossed to get from my home to Ravenna. And when the President comes to town, most things shut down. Like bridges and freeways and polite drivers - everything but the traffic jams.

End of story: I waited in stop-and-go traffic for over a half hour. When my gas warning light came on, I waited another fifteen minutes inching toward the bridge. And then, dear friends, I joined others in making a right turn. Away from the bridge, the architecturally beautiful bridge, and headed for a gas station..and my home.

Please don't blame this on our President. He has enough troubles right now.

8 comments:

Helen said...

Hi! I feel the same way about Bend as you do about Seattle ... isn't it wonderful to have enthusiasm for the place you live? We also, albeit on a smaller scale, have many home tours throughout the year. I try to get to as many as possible.

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Seattle is totally foreign to me.
You live an exciting life. Here I am at the edge of the woods with
the view nothing but trees and fields :) gardening is my excitement for the day...
Have a day
filled with
happiness, health, safety and peace.
Love your header - it is beautiful.

Lonely Rivers said...

So good to hear from both of you..two of my favorite writers!

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Missing you.
Hope all is well....

Mage said...

Thank you for all your kind words. I really appreciate you. I miss your writing tho. I miss seeing you. Hugs.

Helen said...

From Bend, wishing you a Joyeux Noël

Helen said...

How is the 'commenting' coming along?

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

I love your new header.
Share a little about life
at this time.
Take care and best wishes
in the New Year :)