And the Sun Comes out

What a difference a day makes! In spite of the predictions of constant rain all week, the sun came out to grace the day with a warm sun in the presence of a cool wind from the water. What we see is clearing over the water and clouds building over the land.

Seth and Anna took advantage of the warm day to sit by the water for a while and enjoy having Dilly on baby sitting duties.

To our left, looking south, things cleared out nicely and a sailboat cruised past.

But later in the afternoon when the sky went rosy in the evening sun, we were treated to a glimpse of Mount Baker.

As we reached the shank of the day, the colors of the sunset took over and gave the water a golden glow.

We are out by the water on an island filled with farmers, fishermen, and bearded men. I learned while here that I need to let my beard grow out. I really don't fit in here with short-cropped facial hair.

But I can sure enjoy the laid-back lifestyle.

Lummi Island

We've been silent for a week because, we've been on Lummi Island. We decided to not take our computers for a few days of (mostly) isolation. Ok, we had our phones, but it wasn't the same. We took Anna, Seth and Seamus (more pics coming soon!) and had a family vacation on an island with almost no amenities. There is a small general store and a couple restaurants that only open a few days a week in the off-season. There were birds in the sound.

Science March

Today in Cal Anderson park, we gathered with several thousand other like minded souls to express our support for science, both as an intrinsic good and as an essential part of of the policy making process.

Pike Place Market

Another trip to the Pike Place Market on a sunny day. Here you see the Starbuck mothership. This is the original store. As you can see, there is a line of people queued to taste that fine elixir. You know, that coffee you just can't get two block away at Starbucks.

This visit was the first public outing for Seamus. And since is spring break, Hanna also joined us. A nice day at the market.

Terracotta Warriors

We visited the Pacific Science Center to see the Terracotta Warriors. There is a traveling exhibit from China. We saw this great IMAX movie describing how the warriors were found, who the first emperor was, and the extent and significance of the find.

Seattle Symphony

The Seattle Symphony performs in Benaroya Hall. We went to a concert of Rachmaninov music on the 13th. The hall is a beautiful place. I would like some time to hear the great organ in the back. But on this night we heard on of the great piano masters, Stephen Hough, play Variation on a Theme by Paganini. It was real treat.

Laurence Krauss

I'm behind on blogging about what we have done, so here begins some catching up. On the 12th we went to Town Hall to hear a lecture by Laurence Krauss. He gave an entertaining presentation tying big ideas in physics together very nicely.

Tax Day March

We turned out with about 3500 other folks today to demand that the Orange One in the white house release his taxes. He was here in person. That's him in the center with the golden hair.

The curious things was meeting Seth's Father, Captain in the Seattle Police, when we arrived. He introduced us to the other officers there with him. Everyone was very friendly. All along the march route, people repeatedly thanked the police for being out today to monitor the event. This is a great city.

Why we are Blogging Less Frequently

Back in Australia, we were diligent about keeping daily posts on the blog and intend to be so again once we return. However, while we are here in Seattle, our attention keeps being redirected elsewhere.

Whidbey Island

Today, for our 35th anniversary, we drove out to Whidbey Island. At low tide there is a beach to see all this part of the shore.

A Growing Boy

Just a little update on Seamus. He's growing and turning into our little man. Here's a couple photos of him sitting in Dilly's lap to keep those who need a flow of baby pictures to keep their life meaningful.

Handsome boy, eh?

Mount Rainier in B&W

I went back through my shots of Mount Rainier from Bainbridge Island and decided that a few would benefit from conversion to black and white.

Pike Place Market

Today, we took the bus downtown to the Pike Place Market to see what was for sale.

A New House sit, a New Pet

We have, regretfully, left Bainbridge Island and are now in another wonderful place, Madison Park. This puts us in the city limits of Seattle in a delightful community where everything is within walking distance. And the walks nearly always include Shamy.

Point No Point

North of the Kingston ferry terminal, at the northern end of the portion of the Olympic peninsula just across from Edmonds is the village of Hansville and the Point No Point lighthouse.

Seamus' First Photoshoot

We started with a sleepy boy nestled in in blankets, resting between nursing sessions. You can tell he's happy: this is the closest thing to a smile I've seen from him.

Eagles and Gulls

Down the beach a bit from the house is a spot where there is a fairly wide beach. This morning I noticed that there were Bald Eagles outside our place and when I found them down the road, I went back to try to get a photo or two.

An Impression out the Rear Window

Some of you may be shocked to learn that it was a soft day today and we had rain. After a bit it did stop. But it started again. And again. So I thought I'd do the best I could with this foggy, featureless scene and go impressionistic.

The Boys at the Beach

So, we finally got some sun in the morning and I thought it a good time to grab a few shots of Barkis and Lenny (above).

Poulsbo

Today we took a break from grandparenting to see a little of our surroundings. We drove over to Poulsbo, a town settled by Norwegians. It's a great little town across the bridge from Bainbridge Island on the Olympic peninsula.