Dusty Moments -- America's Finest Blog

Balloons

2012-02-12T23:51:00.000-08:00

In 1945 on this date, seven miles north of Spokane, two balloon bombs from Japan were found. There are considered the first two balloon bombs to be discovered in Washington. In November of 1944, the Japanese launch maybe as many as 9,000 of these balloon bombs in hopes that they would cause forest fires on the west coast of North America which would require war resources to be diverted to deal with the them. The plan was super villain clever and like most super villain plans it didn't work very well. One bomb did however blow up a Sunday school teacher and five of her students in Southern Oregon. Ironically, in the long run the plan's failure probably ensured the creation of modern Japan. Had the plan worked, the Russians would have likely invaded and brought Marxist-Leninism with them or the United States would have dropped a lot more nuclear bombs on Japanese cities. Tonight's photo then is of a balloon bomb on display in Victoria, B.C.

Looking Beyond The Market

2012-02-11T23:50:00.000-08:00

Nothing to profound tonight, just two photos taken some 18 years apart. The photos are taken about 100 yards apart, with the first photo being from a vantage furhter north. This is also the older of the two photos.

Fort Lawton

2012-02-09T23:47:00.001-08:00

On this date back in 1900, the US Government officially named Fort Lawton, the site had been a military installation since 1894.. Fort Lawton is named for Major General Henry Ware Lawton, veteran of the Civil War and the Indian Wars. Lawton was killed in action in the Philippines in 1899. Fort Lawton would remain in its original size through 1970 after that it was transferred to the City of Seattle to become Discovery Park. But that is a story I have told before.

Keeping With The Old Theme

2012-02-05T23:37:00.000-08:00

Tonight I have a picture of my Mom's, Dad's Grandmother, my Great-Great Grandmother. I know nothing of this person, until I saw this photo and I did not know she ever made it to America. To my recollection I don't ever remember a conversation about her, much like Aunt Frannie.

Old Stuff

2012-02-03T23:58:00.000-08:00

Today we look at Aunt Frannie. I honestly am not really sure who Aunt Frannie is to be quite honest. I believe she must have been a sister of my great-grandmother on my mom's side of the family. I don't remember any conversations about Frannie from my youth, in fact I only remember discussing it briefly with my grandmother after my Mom's death. Whereas there are a lot of photos of the Courts and a lot of photos of the Joe Paars, there are not that many photos of my Grandfather's side of the family. Oddly enough there are no pictures of my Dad's side of the family (Although I remember we had pictures of my Dad's parents when I was a kid), so maybe there is something to this. Whatever it maybe I children will have plenty of photos. I am sort of lost now, anyway here is Aunt Frannie.

Skiing

2012-02-01T23:48:00.000-08:00

It is one of those things that I sort of wish I learned how to do. I don't know if I would be a better person if I knew who to ski, but at least I could say I had done it and I could maybe even teach my kid. The couple times I mentioned it as a kid, I was shot down and after a bit I moved on to other things.

Tonight's photo, skiing in the old times.

Dan

Rain

2012-01-29T23:43:00.000-08:00

So first of all, if tonight's photo has been previously used, my apologies. It is getting increasingly tough to keep track. Anyway I was going to do a post on climate change, but I decided to do that some other day. I then was going to do something on The Raven, since it was first published on this date in 1845, but I can't seem to find a suitable photo of a raven. So it is rain, because it was a rainy day. What is so special about that? Nothing really, it is rather mundane in fact, I mean it is raining in January, it special when it doesn't rain. But it is easy to get down about the gray and rain, so avoid that America's Finest Blog will celebrate it in photo. Tonight a rainy scene from the U District.

Enjoy

Dan

Why This Man

2012-01-27T23:00:00.000-08:00

Six years ago today, Western Union ceased sending telegrams, something it had done for the previous 155 years. The telegram had long since become a largely useless form of communication, but Western Union was still sending 20,000 a year. That of course begins the question, why? With the telephone, the cell phone, email, text messaging, instant messaging, etc, what do you suppose was the demographic for a telegram sender? All that said, I've never received or sent a telegram, which makes me a bit sad. Anyway why this man? This is my Great Grandfather, a station agent and telegraph operator for the Milwaukee Road.

Behind the Lens

2012-01-25T23:50:00.000-08:00

Sometimes when tasked with photographing life's events, you find yourself removed from said events, as if the camera in your hand is as large as a wall. There is a fine line between documenting an event and being an active participant. For me, photography is a way to create visual history of my life and my wife and kids lives. History is very important to me and so is quality photography. It is a fine line and one that I often seem to err on the side of photography, which frankly I shouldn't. That all said, man is it difficult not to bring my camera. Then again I do have a smart phone.
Dan

A Paar Photograph

2012-01-22T23:33:00.000-08:00

Tonight with power on and nothing much to blog about, I have turned to the source of this blog, the Paar Family Photos. This photo is one of those it would be really nice if there was some explanation to it. Was there some sort of inside joke here, or was this completely spontaneous. All I know is what was printed on the slide, this is Pat and Ray S. at my Grandparent's house warming party circa 1950.

Brrrr

2012-01-20T22:27:00.001-08:00

Well the great icing has left me without power and a headache. It was rather scary standing outside listening to trees snap a part. But was cool to see the layer of ice coating everything. Now for a picture of candle power.

Weyerhaeuser and Snow

2012-01-18T23:00:00.000-08:00

What does Weyerhaeuser and snow have in common? Nothing that I know of, other than it snowed at my house today, and my house has been built on land once owned by Weyerhaeuser . Also that it snowed today and today is Weyerhaeuser 's birthday, I would go deeper into all of this, however SOPA and PIPA will not allow me to mention any, in fact I have probably breached the proposed laws as it is. All I can say is keep speech on the Internet free. Anyway, a picture of my house, taken by me. Note, in case my wife reads this, the my picture of my house was taken when it snowed a different time.

Day of The Cornflakes

2012-01-15T21:19:00.000-08:00

The snow is here and it has created the usual havoc and caused some to become real grumpy and others to become kids and everyone one the roads to drive a bit worse. It is like this always, of course I am not even mentioning the overblown news coverage, complete with live breaking news of the first flake. How different it was back on this date back in 1943, the media couldn't avoid the issues of the day by dedicating 75% of its coverage to light snow. It wasn't because it didn't snow, it did, it was because of a wartime ban on reporting the weather. So the local papers referred to the snow as something like cornflakes and waited for the military to lift the ban on reporting of the weather. Which the military did so a day later, and by this time the cornflakes were confirmed to be snow. Then it had turned cold and snow even more. The snow paralyzed the city (sound familiar?) bringing wartime building at Todd Shipyard and Boeing to a halt. The government ordered homes to only turn the heat to 60 degrees and not use the oven. The dreaded cornflakes/snow lasted until around January 23rd, at which time snow could once again not actually be mentioned.

Today the snow that has been around the region finally found its way to North Bend, at times the flakes were as small as dandruff, but other times it was like cornflakes falling from the sky. Tonight's photo then was taken today at Rattlesnake Lake.

Enjoy

Dan

It Is Coming

2012-01-13T23:52:00.000-08:00

Snow is in the forecast, panic has gripped the region and chaos and despair are waiting in the wings. I use to enjoy the snow, now I have to be on conference calls at 4 AM about snow. I am not amused, in fact I dislike it a great deal, one because 4 AM is really early and two I use to like snow. I would still like snow if I could. Oh well, we move forward. And the snow is coming and with it some good photos I hope. Tonight, some photos of snow.

By Way Of The Lonely Highway

2012-01-11T23:25:00.000-08:00

It struck me I have not done a lonely highway post lately, I have posted lonely highway photos, just not a post. When the land spreads out to the sky in all directions and you are traveling through the open spaces on a thin black ribbon of asphalt how lovely it is to be apart of it all. It is at once empowering and humbling. It tricks you and begs to wander and to stay in the vast interior of open land and of towns too small for any other than a catalog store. And occasionally an object will rise up, a sentinel watching over the land still and quiet.

Dan

New Lens

2012-01-08T23:49:00.000-08:00

So for Christmas, I received a new lens from my wife. It is a Lensbaby Composer, with a double glass optic and a pinhole optic. It is quite an ingenious system, in which you buy the lens and then purchase the drop in optics to transform your lens into something different. I have been out and about a couple times to try to put the lens through the paces, but mid-winter isn't always the most ideal time to shoot in the upper valley. So far though, I do like the results. Tonight a couple photos taken with the Lensbaby Composer and double glass optic.

My Son

2012-01-06T23:52:00.000-08:00

At 9:30 PM or there abouts, January 6, 2007, my son entered the world. An amazing moment that words cannot really describe. Really that can be said for the whole 5 years. I am struck by how quickly the time has gone and how quickly he has grown up. Recently I have noticed that photos of him are now photos of a school-aged boy, not the precocious toddler that I had this last summer. It pains me a bit to see him grow, he seems so old and I am not really ready for the transition into school kid. That said, I am very proud of him. His is knowledgeable and interested in the world. I am a lucky man. Tonight photos of my little man.
Enjoy
Dan

January Photos

2012-01-04T23:53:00.001-08:00

Looking back at the first photos I seem to take each year, I am struck by fact that they seem to be all about going through the motions. Whether or not that is or was really the case, that is hard to say. 2008 to 2011, the first photos sometimes were taken because I was driving the kid around so he would nap, the camera would come along for fun. Kid is too old for that now, so I will need different excuses to take the camera out in the January gloom.
Tonight photos from the last few January's.

New Beginnings

2012-01-01T23:31:00.000-08:00

Well it is a new year and what a year it should be. After all the world will come to an end on 12/21/12 and it is an election year, which will likely make us welcome 12/21/12. Since we have 300 plus days to comment on the Mayan Calendar and the 2012 Election, I thought I would comment on the other great thing that happens this time of year. The new year's resolution, which is normally something you think up because you know somebody will ask you what your resolution is going to be for the new year. I know many people try to stay true to their resolution, but there are just as many that don't remember their resolution for current year by February 1st. Like most Americans I say that this year is the year that I will stick to my resolution. However I don't think I'll stay with it everyday, there will be setbacks and detours, but most days I hope I can live up to resolution. This year I want to make a difference in my own life and by doing so I will make difference in the lives of those who depend on me, both professionally and personally. Hopefully this will inspire others to make a difference in their lives, and it will be like concentric circles spreading out from where the pebble was dropped into the stream. Tonight's photo is of my son and it represents the last photo from 2011. It seems like a good starting point for 2012.
Happy New Year.

Time to Move On

2011-12-31T16:47:00.000-08:00

Well as 2011 closes it is time to look to 2012, but that is for tomorrow. Why you say? Because today is all the rest of the photos from 2011. It was a difficult year in a lot ways, but there were a few nice photographs to get me by. Tonight some of them.
Happy New Year!

Cavalcade of The Best

2011-12-30T23:58:00.000-08:00

You just can't title all your blog entries as, "Best of 2011 xxxx." Anyway tonight's best focuses on my little valley, the Snoqualmie Valley to be exact. I have two photos from the upper valley and one from the lower valley. The first photo is of a telegraph poll on the old Monroe Branch of the Milwaukee Road. The lines that ran on the pole took messages to my great grandfather at the Tolt Station, where he was the Station Agent and Telegraph Operator. Second photo is of a small house on the North Fork Road, it sits in between multi-million dollar properties. On winter mornings there is always a great deal of smoke coming from the stove pipe, the place seems more genuine than it's neighbors. My favorite valley photo for the year comes from the lower valley between Fall City and Carnation, I've photographed this barn before, but on this late May day the cows had come home.

Enjoy

Dan

Best of Cicely 2011

2011-12-29T23:08:00.000-08:00

My delightful and beautiful wife shall be featured tonight. She is my biggest fan and I am hers. She is quite remarkable, this year she traded cakes and cupcakes for the banjo. Go figure she is good at that too. She inspires me. So for my inspiration, I give you my three favorite Cicely photos of 2011.

Enjoy

Dan

More Best of Stuff From 2011

2011-12-28T21:52:00.000-08:00

More best of stuff tonight, this time it is Quin. The boy has been largely unaffected by the world, everything is in his own terms, he has been rather amazing in that way. This year's favorite photos are a bit more serious that previous years, probably because this year has been more serious for me, than previous years. The first photo doesn't prescribe to this tend, it is Quin being

quintessential Quin, silly and hamming it up for an audience. The second is Quin with a long stare, not sure what his was thinking about or looking at, it seems important though. Finally, my favorite photo of Quin from this year, is that of him fishing for the first time. Although it's probably not the greatest photo of the lad, it is significant, as it is that last photo of Quin my dad ever saw.

The Calendar Says It Is Best Of 2011 Time

2011-12-27T23:12:00.000-08:00

I know I've been waiting for most the year to do some best of blogging and now the time has come. I am destined to spend a bit more time each year blogging about the best. In 2008 it was one post, 2009 two posts, 2010 three posts and this year possibly five posts. One year soon, I just do best of posts starting January 1st. I am not sure my photography or the dusty bits I have found require five posts, but if this blog has proven anything it is my common sense is lacking much of the time.

Tonight we kick off a near week of shameless best of photos with photos I took with my phone. Nifty, don't you think. Seriously speaking, I have used my camera on my phone nearly as much as my "real" cameras from time to time this year and actually preferred it is some situations. Some of the effects are heavy handed and the borders are cheesy, but it's my phone and it's a camera and it's photoshop-like products. Good times on the boring days at work. The photo on top is my favorite camera photo of the year and the photos below represent the rest of the top five (ish).

Enjoy

Dan

A Request

2011-12-25T23:33:00.000-08:00

Today, watched my son enjoy Christmas as only a soon to be five year old can. I asked him to do one thing, and that was to always view Christmas with the same enthusiasm. Don't let the downers of adulthood to get in the way of Christmas. Take the time to enjoy the reason for the season and always take pleasure in giving. Of course since, he is four and 51 weeks, he had little or no idea what I was talking about. I hope that Christmas morning is always exciting to him and that he finds ways to make Christmas special without getting caught up in the stupid stuff.

Wreck

2011-12-23T22:27:00.000-08:00

As noted not too long ago, my son enjoys wrecks. While meandering about my office recently he found this picture. Needless to say, he was excited, so excited in fact, that he carried the photo around with him until after dinner.

I found this photo at an antique store, so I don't know what happened here, so I couldn't tell him when he asked. I asked him, what do you think happened? He then made several explosion and screeching brake sounds, which combined with hand gestures to recreate the wreck. Like I said, I don't know anything about this photo, so I can only go off of what I can observe. It is a tank truck that is either carrying fuel or tar, the driver may still be inside and this accident occurred on a major road, judging by the crowd. Or it wasn't a major road and just by happenstance a bus load of useless men happened by and stopped to mill about. Regardless of the truth, it is the type of photo a four year old boy loves and funny thing is, I would have loved it too at his age. I remember our family vacation to Victoria, B.C., it was a raining morning when we left and I-5 was littered with accidents and road construction, which may the vacation super awesome, but that is a different story for another day.

Dan

On This Date

2011-12-22T23:56:00.000-08:00

On this date ten years ago, I did something unusually smart. I asked Cicely to marry me and thankfully she said yes. It really was the best Christmas present ever.

Tonight's The Night

2011-12-21T23:38:00.001-08:00

Tonight's the night, the longest night of the year. Local radio station KEXP played Neil Young's Tonight's The Night to mark the occasion. The song reminded me of a hot August weekend some years back. I ran into my friend Ryan and asked if I wanted to head to Seattle to go to Bumbershoot and see the Supersuckers. We were going to meet a couple friends their. We jumped in his car, called the Moon Buggy and headed west. It had no stereo that I can remember, so it was conversation that occupied us for the drive. By the time we reached Seattle and Lower Queen Anne, we had broken into a spontaneous singing of Tonight's The Night, complete with many fits and starts as we tried to remember all the words. We got to Bumbershoot with enough time to have a couple beers, before the show. Once at the show we stayed for a song or two and decided another beer was in order. After that beer we headed back to find the show was over and our friends no where in sight. We decided to mill about the city for a bit and finally headed back to Ellensburg getting in about 5 AM, at that point continent with a good night of beer, the road and conversations we headed off to our homes. It is at that point Mr Johnson came across me and I was off to another adventure. That is a story of another time. Tonight's the night, yes it is...

A New Day

2011-12-18T21:56:00.000-08:00

With the apparent passing of I-1183, lawsuits not withstanding, we here in Washington state can look forward to buying liquor at the Grocery Store and Costco. We will be spared the liquor store on every corner approach that California has, which actually is too bad. It's too bad for a few reasons, one the ma and pa stores have it tough already, now it will just get worse, you need to be big box to get in on this game. Second, you won't have cool liquor store signs like in California, we were likely not going to get those anyway, most the cool signs are 40 or 50 years old and finally the liquor stores won' t have amusing names. The 1% have won again. Tonight pictures of boring liquor store signs.

A Favorite

2011-12-16T23:51:00.000-08:00

This is one of those photos that I have just always liked. It is of one of my favorite subjects, me. Cicely took this photo one evening as we headed down to Greenwater from Mt. Rainier. It was a glorious warm day in early July and there still was snow everywhere. I can remember tromping around up at Chinook Pass in 8 or 10 inches of snow on an eighty degree day. A good time and a nice warm memory on a chilly December evening.

SS Catala

2011-12-14T23:10:00.000-08:00

My son has become fascinated by photographs of wrecks; train wrecks, car wrecks, shipwrecks, you named it, if it wrecked it is interesting. I'll show him a picture and he'll say, what happened. Most the time I don't know because it is just a picture with no details. We were looking at the University of Washington photographic collection recently and came across a photo of the SS Catala in the sand on Damon Point near Ocean Shores. I actually could tell him about this wreck and that I had seen it and there are pictures of me next to it. Very fun stuff, you see once upon a time, the Williams family vacationed each year at Ocean Shores. One of the highlights of any trip to Ocean Shores was to go down and see the SS Catala, which by the time of my youth was a rusted and vandalized listing mess. I was considered too young to ever go inside the old lady, so I missed out on that, I remember that my sister and Dad went inside at least once. It amazes me, by twenty-first century standards, that the State let people crawl around on the thing, let alone let it sit on the beach.

The SS Catala was built in Glasgow, Scotland in 1925. It spent most it's years carrying around lumberjacks and fisherman on the B.C. coast. In 1958, it was retired and sold, eventually ending up in Seattle as a floating hotel for the World's Fair in 1962. After the fair it moved to Ocean Shores were it was once again a hotel. On New Year's 1965 it was grounded in a storm. It could not be re-floated and was abandoned on the beach, to become a jungle gym and source of wonderment of young boys. In the early 1980's a girl broke her back when she fell through the rusted deck. After that the ship was scrapped down to the level of the sand. Then in the aughts, wind, waves and rain exposed the hull again. This time also exposing oil leaking from the hull. The State then spent a couple years cleaning up and removing the last of the remains.

Tonight a photo of me in front of the SS Catala, which is oddly enough the only picture my parents took of the ship. I was a bit surprised to realize that, we seemed to make it out there every year, or at least that is how I remember it.

Enjoy

Dan

The Great Northern Bridge

2011-12-11T23:46:00.000-08:00

Back in December of 1917, the Great Northern Bridge over the Ship Canal was opened. Of course it was made necessary by the creation of the Ship Canal, which opened in July of 1917. This bridge is a dominating memory of my youth. Fun family outings sometimes meant going to the locks and any trip to the locks meant that you saw the bridge. I have rueful memories of the bridge, as a kid I was always disappointed by the bridge, it was always open. I never saw the thing down or let alone with a train crossing it. It was a let down. I remember going to the locks once in the early 1990's and the bridge was down and there was not one but two training crossing the bridge, that was really cool. Then for a period I only saw the bridge down and sometimes with trains crossing, I almost wanted to see it open.

About two years ago, I took my son out to see the locks and there was the bridge, I wonder if his memories of the locks will include the Great Northern Bridge. That day the bridge was down and there was a training crossing it, we both enjoyed it.

Tonight, one photo of the bridge up and one photo of the bridge down.

Dan

Fog

2011-12-09T23:15:00.000-08:00

The fog has hung over us here in the Upper Snoqualmie Valley for the better part of the last week. Fog is an interesting thing, it is welcome at first silent and still. It changes the landscape and your view of the world. But after a couple days your feelings begin to change, the fog, it closes in and begins to stifle you and you long to see the sky.

A Day That Continues

2011-12-07T23:36:00.001-08:00

It has been 70 years and this date still lives in infamy, if only for Roosevelt's speech. 70 years down the road and with few able minded folks around to describe the importance of the event, we are left with history and movie reels, so it is easy to say that Japan probably did the United States a favor by attacking when they did. After all, Great Britain wasn't going to last forever, which would have made fighting the Germans much more difficult, once the fighting had begun. 70 years later it is hard to say that this date changed the world, as outside North America change had already come. It did change America and it did have a profound effect on our nation and has every day since. 9/11 is the closest thing we have to compare, and at the time the old times probably would have had memories of the sinking of the Maine. All that said America as it was then known was already living on borrowed time, at some point, one way or another America was going be to changed by the world conflict, December 7, 1941, just ended up being the date that would live in infamy. Tonight a photo of a warship, the U.S.S Turner Joy, that was involved in another infamous event. The Turner Joy is pictured at anchor in the early morning light in Bremerton, WA, a city that would play a significant roll in the war effort and fortunes of my family.

Cheers

2011-12-05T23:52:00.000-08:00

On this day in 1933, prohibition was repealed, much to the joy of most everyone. The temperance movement and bootleggers were notably saddened. Can't make everyone happy I guess. Interesting note, the Seattle PI noted that the downtown bars were rather quiet on the night of the repeal, I suppose for many Americans there wasn't much to celebrate, because after all they had been drinking all along.

Tolt

2011-12-04T23:00:00.000-08:00

The Tolt post office opened on this date back in 1883. Tolt you may know better by the name Carnation, as along about 1922 the town changed it's name from Tolt to Carnation. It was then changed back to Tolt before it was changed to Carnation (again). Confused? As a kid my Great Grandmother lived in Carnation, if you talked to my Mom or in Tolt if you taked to my Grandparents, unless they remembered that I too young to remember Tolt, then she lived in Carnation. See my Grandparents lived in Tolt, they grew up there. My Grandmother moved there when it was Tolt and Grandfather when it was Tolt but after it had been Carnation. Even today, signs welcome you to Tolt and Carnation. Tonight a photo of Tolt, probably after it had been Carnation, but before it became Carnation, I am not sure who the child is, the photo is from 1928.

Enjoy

Dan

Self Indulgent

2011-12-02T23:50:00.000-08:00

Today I feel self indulgent, I have had a long week and have not felt particularly young. So tonight a photo taken when I was young. This photo was taken one evening right about this time of year, when I was twenty-four. I am in my double wide trailer and it was probably cold. It was the beginning of time in Ellensburg and that fellow has really no idea what laid ahead for him, both good and bad. The best thing is this fellow didn't really care.

A Fool's Errand

2011-11-30T23:40:00.000-08:00

On this date back in 1813 the HMS Racoon entered the Columbia River on its way to Astoria to seize outpost. The Racoon had sailed from Rio de Janerio in an effort to seize the Columbia River and the Northwest coast for British commerce. The Raccon left Rio on July 9th, had to sail around Cape Horn. Meanwhile, a group of Nor'Westerns had reached Astoria with news that a British warship was coming to seize the fort. So the chief agent Duncan McDougall approached the Northwest Company (British trappers) representatives with a offer to sell Astoria to them, apparently the Nor'Westerns didn't realize that the British warship would seize the fort for free. The Northwest Company gladly accepted. This was hardly welcome news to the captain of the Racoon. Tonight, Astoria 200 years old this year and once sold to the British even though the British were going to take it for free.

The Old Times

2011-11-27T23:58:00.000-08:00

First I really have nothing to blog about tonight, so sorry about that. I am struck by one thing, just what did Americans do prior to the creation of the Hallmark Channel and the Lifetime Network. Once upon a time, there were just a handful of Christmas or Holiday movies, It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, Santa Claus Conquers the Martians and various versions of A Christmas Carol and a few more. Now there are hundreds of made for cable Christmas movies, mostly using the same formula, its Christmas and things aren't as nifty as hoped, but after some sadness and tears, everyone realizes that they should be happy with what they got and some cases they get a Christmas miracle and get a bunch more than they could ever dream. What is the point of all this? To get you to watch more commericals about buying televisions and Mercedes Benz for your loved ones. Or it is to assist you to enjoy the season. Like I said nothing really to blog about.

The Winter Celebration Zone 2011 Edition

2011-11-25T23:57:00.000-08:00

I really don't have much to say about this photo, but it does keep with the tradition of the Winter Celebration Zone. Nothing to say other than it really encapsulates the holidays. Oh and as an object leason for why you shouldn't blink when somebody is taking your photo.

Happy Holidays

Dan

Giving Thanks

2011-11-23T23:59:00.000-08:00

Like many Americans, I celebrate Thanksgiving and I have all my life. As a kid it was more about football games and parades than food and family, but as I got older the food and family became at least as important as the football. Many people I have celebrated the event with in the past are gone, either to the great beyond or to places unknown. Tonight some photos those that have gone, but are not forgotten. Why? Because I am thankful for all moments I had with them.

Where O Where Could I Be

2011-11-22T23:42:00.000-08:00

Well America's Finest Blog has taken a bit of a rest, so the members of the Super Committee could concentrate on saving America. During the rest bit the anniversary of the Gettysburg Address occurred. The words, "government of the people, by the people, for the people," have never been so out of step in this country. Maybe the Occupy Movement should take up the line for the cause. Meanwhile over the weekend the Super Committee, instead of reading the Gettysburg Address went to the weekend talk shows and blamed each other for failure of their committee. Government of the people, by the people, for the people indeed! Anyway why this was going on, I was in sunny California with my wife and kid. It was Cicely's birthday, so deferring to the Super Committee was actually quite handy. It was a great time for us all, too bad it had to end. I have learned to enjoy California, thanks to Cicely. Also Cicely has given me two great gifts, her love and my beautiful son. I love them both more than words can express.

Dan

Probably Best Not to Ask Why

2011-11-13T23:25:00.000-08:00

Sometimes when you are rummaging through photos in a thrift store or flea market you come photos that leave you for a loss of words. This is one of them, I will only assume that it is either very warm or somebody didn't dress much. I prefer the former. Anyway getting away from the obvious, and the chair, I find the photo montage over the fireplace interesting. I could do the easy thing and poke fun at this photo, but won't since this photo illustrates the difference between a photo by a greater photographer and the rest of us. The great photographer, understanding the play between the light and dark, white balance and other tonal qualities could have taken a great photo. It would be titled, "Ed on a Warm September Day." It would be seen in great museums and people would stop in front of it and glaze upon it with arms behind their backs. It would have meaning assigned to it by art historians and upon looking at it we would have an emotional response. But instead this photo was snapped by somebody that probably loved this guy and upon glazing at it they had some sort of emotional response. So be kind when coming upon photos such as this in flea markets and antique stores, as you are glazing into the soul of the photographer.

Statehood

2011-11-11T23:53:00.000-08:00

On this day, some 122 years ago, Ben Harrison, signed the bill that created Washington State and thus making us the 42nd State in the Union. Happy birthday Washington State!

A Moon

2011-11-10T23:04:00.000-08:00

So for lack of a better thing to right about, tonight I will write about the full moon, or the almost full moon, whatever it is. As I drove home tonight the moon hung low in the sky. The pale blue light easily showing through a thin cover of clouds. All the way home I saw this light, through the trees, over the mountains and glow from behind the hills. It was stunning, I was happy I saw it, and it made you realize that we much closer to winter than we are summer. Tonight's photo is from a spring evening, in Ellensburg, I had to do a photography assignment (for the only photography class, I have ever completed), and I decided to photography Ellensburg by night after the bars had closed and before the work a day men drove slowly to the daily grind. It was a good night. The picture on the other hand pretty below average.

But Progress Has Been Made

2011-11-06T23:31:00.000-08:00

101 years ago today, a mine explosion occurred in one of the Mines in Black Diamond, WA. 16 miners died in the explosion, five bodies have never been recovered. The men who went into the mines were not particularly well looked after. After all most were immigrants or African Americans and none really had much of a voice outside their union (if there was one). Add to that, places like Franklin, Selleck, Ravensdale, Cumberland and Black Diamond were fair from places of affluence and not easily reached 100 years ago. So even though mines in 1910, were more dangerous and unforgiving than ever, the state Inspector of Mines could, after the Black Diamond mine explosion, note that improvements had been made, such as raising the minimum age to work in the mines from 14 to 16 and an eight hour work day. Miners were really just cogs in the machine, the magnates and mine owners lived in cities of influence and had access to the politicians, whereas the miner was a replaceable. After all another boat load had probably just arrived at Ellis Island.

The Great Loss

2011-11-04T22:33:00.000-07:00

The early days of the month of November usually have historical significance because it is when we hold our national elections. Coolidge, Reagan and Obama were elected on this date. Also today is the 150th birthday of the University of Washington. However the event I will speak of tonight occurred in 1890, when Ellensburg officially lost it's chance at being the state capital. Olympia retained it right to call itself the state capital rather easily in the election. Back up a year and Olympia was sweating it, there was a real movement to move the capital to a more central location. North Yakima (Yakima) and Ellensburg seemed to be logical choices, with Ellensburg being the front runner. After all, it had running water, or soon would and electric lights on most the streets and in all the hotels. It was a fancy town. Then came the wind and Independence Day and after the wind blown fireworks had their say, most the town lay ruined. With it went most the chances to be the capital. By the time of the election, Ellensburg had gone from front runner to 3rd in the vote. Since Olympia could not get 50% of the vote the first time, they voted again one year later in a run off between the top 3, Olympia won with Ellensburg finishing a distance second and North Yakima bring up the rear. As an aside, my Mom thought it annoying that the people of Yakima were so stubborn as to try to be the capital, when if they supported Ellensburg the capital would be in Eastern Washington. I guess that that is the difference between Western and Eastern Washington. Eastern Washington is a vast area without a unifying feature, other than the dislike of 206ers. Western Washington has that unifying thing, whether it is the weather, the Sound or something else. Maybe the State would have been different, or maybe not. I can remember discussing the idea amonst friends while drinking cold beer on warm nights, we decided three things, first it would have been cool to have the capital in Ellensburg, second that the Evergreen State College would have been a more ironic name if located in Ellensburg and lastly we were all happy that Olympia won, because otherwise we probably would have never met.
Tonight's photo is the Davidson Building on 4th and Pearl in downtown Ellensburg.

Daniel Boone or Davy Crockett

2011-11-02T23:38:00.001-07:00

Well today is Daniel Boone's 277th birthday. Boone was a frontiersman, statesman and national treasure. He said that he was never lost but was bewildered once for three days. He lived most of his life in the western frontier, so life wasn't particularly easy. But thanks to several books, Boone went from just a frontiersman to symbol of the natural man. And of course the television show, which basically portrayed Boone as Davy Crockett, mostly because Fess Parker played both Boone and Crockett. Crockett of course was a frontiersman, statesman and national treasure. Although, nothing alike, they are easily confused and misrepresented. Tonight a kid in a coonskin cap like Fess Parker would wear, and possibly Davy Crockett but not Daniel Boone, who was said to wear a coonskin cap and be the the "rippin'est, roarin'est, fightin'est man the frontier ever knew." If you believe television. I suspect that in a few generations that Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett will morph into Davy Boone or Daniel Crockett and will look like Fess Parker.

It's Halloween

2011-10-30T23:20:00.000-07:00

We sat down tonight as a family and carved pumpkins, and I must say that Cicely's pumpkin carving skills are much better than mine. Even though my family wasn't big on Halloween. My mom especially disliked it, I can remember carving pumpkins with my Dad and then my Mom taking the seeds and roasting them. This is a fond memory, much better than the year my Mom shuffled us all into to basement and turned out all the lights and we watched television in the dark, as to avoid trick or treaters. Tonight a photo of our pumpkins, guess which one is Cicelys.

Fade Into Memory

2011-10-28T23:58:00.000-07:00

Well today was likely my last trip to Wenatchee. I may past through the place from time to time on my way somewhere else, but today was the last time I specifically went to Wenatchee as a destination. Of course I could be wrong and this would all be premature, but I'll take my chances. I on my way out of town today, I stopped at Dusty's one last time and then went to the Save On and photographed their sign. I have noticed that sign for countless years and have wanted to photograph it for at least the last ten. Every trip in Wenatchee, especially in years past when I didn't go as often, I wondered if the sign would still be there. Now that will be a curiosity that will slowly return, if and when I make my way through town again. Funny though, as I drove out of town this last time and started west along US 2, I strangely didn't feel anything, instead I enjoyed the brilliant yellows and reds of the leaves in the sunlight of late autumn.

12 Miles in Bathtub

2011-10-27T00:24:00.000-07:00

On this date back in 1954, Roy Bergo set sail for Alaska in a bathtub. Not that it was absurd enough that he set sail in a bathtub, he did so in late October. One almost can assume that Roy was a bit crazy. But really Roy was just living his dream and since he was unemployed, he had little better to do. Sadly Roy made it as far as Whidbey Island before the motor on his bathtub gave out. So tonight a landlocked bathtub.

These Eyes

2011-10-25T23:14:00.000-07:00

After my father passed, I was contacted about cornea donation. I agreed it, seemed rather conforting that he was going to give the gift of sight to somebody, so they could look upon their loved their loved ones with kindness and love. Just like my father did when he looked at his wife, kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

So It Is That Time

2011-10-22T00:15:00.000-07:00

You know with the changing of the leaves and dampening of the weather comes election season, being an odd year election you might think not much is going on. Well you could be right or you could be wrong. There is I-1183, which would allow liquor to be sold at Costco and various gas stations and mini marts. I've been to California and I have purchased gin at the Albertson's, novel and fun. I don't really care if I can do that in North Bend or any place else in this state. It's probably not a good thing to sell 150 proof rum at gas stations, really I don't much care if we can or cannot do it. I have a few concerns, privatization would take away deceit state jobs for people that probably would otherwise have a hard time getting a deceit state job. The greatest concern though is the $22 million that Costco has spent to buy a law that would be advantageous to Costco. The initiative process should not be used for corporations to buy advantageous laws. Just like last year, this legislation should have been taken care of by our elected representatives in Olympia not tossed to Costco's lawyers to create an initiative for the benefit of Costco.

This is Me and This is My Van

2011-10-19T23:29:00.000-07:00

My van and I spent many a dark summer night traversing ribbons of blacktop. Just me and the 18 wheelers, ending streams of them pushing into the blackness. I would fly past them on my downward ride from the hilltops, only to be passed by them trudging up the next hill. Stooped over the wheel, listening to cassette tapes or AM radio bouncing from St. Louis or Memphis, TN. My was I poor in those days. Oh was I happy.

More Adventures With Great Fires

2011-10-16T23:38:00.000-07:00

Today is the anniversary of the 3rd fire that burned Aberdeen, back in 1903. One may ask why bother rebuilding the first two times, let alone a third. A pile of dead Christmas Trees and rotten Jack-O-Lanterns are less depressing than the town of Aberdeen. As far back as I can remember Aberdeen was gray and shuttered. Maybe it's the weather or economy or maybe an Indian curse, Aberdeen is just a depressing place.

A Bad Day for King Harold, A Great Day For Waterville

2011-10-14T23:52:00.000-07:00

Two great events happened on this date, some 843 years apart, old King Harold lost England and his life at the Battle of Hastings and the Waterville Railway was started. Whereas historians will wax on and on about the Battle of Hastings and all the what ifs and its significance to the western world, for the folks of Waterville, the Battle of Hastings was ancient history and wouldn't have seemed all that important. The railroad on the other hand, important to Waterville, not so much to historians. For Waterville, it meant that their wheat could get to the Great Northern branch line in Douglas and they could travel to Wenatchee and the other great cities along the Great Northern. Even historians would agree that this would be significant for a town prior to the automotive age.

Dan

I Hear The Train A Coming

2011-10-13T23:47:00.000-07:00

I'd title this, I Shot a Man In Reno, but Bukowski already has used it. Back shortly before the death of my Mother, I was driving to the Thriftway late one evening, probably to get some beer or ice cream and I heard Johnny Cash's Folsom Prison Blues on the radio. It was as if I had never listened to the lyric, and suddenly it was new and it wasn't a lament of a man who shot another man in Reno. It was transcendent, Folsom Prison was whatever trapped us, in my case, my dying mother. And the railroad train was freedom, relief and deliverance from our Folsom Prison. Within days of this epiphany my mother died. Once my mother died I had time to grieve and I was able to be freed from that prison, and over the course of a few months I was able to let that lonesome whistle blow my blues away.
With the passing of my father, I have been struck by a couple things, first how much older I am this time and second, that this time I am, at least for the time being, stuck in the first verse of the song specifically, "I'm stuck in Folsom Prison and time keeps draggin' on." Good news is that I am just two verses and a guitar solo from let that lonesome whistle blow my blues away.

Just a Picture I Like

2011-10-09T23:53:00.001-07:00

Tonight nothing very important, just a picture I like. I took this photo last November on an unusual 70 degree day, it snowed 3 weeks later. Anyway I enjoy this photo because of the sunburst. Somebody I know, suggested that it appears like a divine light. I like that idea.
Enjoy
Dan

Reminder

2011-10-07T23:30:00.000-07:00

Recently Quin decided a career as a baseball player would not be as cool as a career as a cop. I don't think I can agree with that, the kid can think what he wants, I am okay with that. So anyway now that he wants to be a cop, it was decided that he should be a cop for Halloween. Today we got the costume in the mail and it reminded me of another cop.
Dan

Pass That Shuttlecock

2011-10-05T23:46:00.001-07:00

Tonight a found photo, ladies playing badminton. Now I have had a bit of time to reflect and try to make sense of what has happened recently, but I am not really ready to deep dive into it for the blogging world to mull over. Instead as I was looking through some documents in my office, I saw this photo, and being in a reflective mood, I thought by back to my badminton for credit days in college. You see a friend wanted me to take badminton with her, since it sounded like fun and she needed the P.E. credit. I didn't need the P.E. credit, but it sounded amusing. Until I found out it was at 9 AM, I preferred classes that started at 10 AM or better yet 11 AM. I remember staggering into the gym twice a week, mostly smelling of beer and gin and then playing badminton against the two most unskilled humans in Ellensburg, an eighteen year old Asian kid and a Mexican lady in her mid forties. They would pass that shuttlecock over the net and I would slap it back in their faces, literally. I was, and in fact still am a bit embarrassed by this, I spend most of the hour winching and saying, "Oops, I am sorry," or "I hope that didn't hurt too much."

Close To Home

2011-10-02T23:58:00.000-07:00

One of the better things about living where I do, is Rattlesnake Lake and the Cedar River Watershed. Back on this date in 2001, the Interpretive Center for the Watershed opened its doors, along the shores of Rattlesnake Lake. The center allows for access via it's programs to the watershed and the Cedar Falls town site. The center itself is a series of very cool buildings that also have a hippie drum circle built right in. It's far out.

A Great Big Jigsaw Puzzle

2011-10-01T22:01:00.000-07:00

My Dad passed away this afternoon. It wasn't unexpected, though it was a surprise. I am a bit numb and too close to it, to really deep dive into what happened or to think through my feelings, etc. I can reflect on the intelligent design of events. A week ago Monday, I sprained my ankle badly, the injury caused me to miss a play at the Seattle Children's Theater today. So I was at home when the phone call came and I was not with my wife and kid when I heard the news, nor did I need to drag them to the hospital. They had a great time, which makes me happy. I love you Dad, you'll be missed.

The Light of October

2011-09-30T23:09:00.000-07:00

As mentioned before, it is that time of year, the tme for wonderful October light. A product of the tilt of the planet upon it's axis. This light can be truly magical, especially on a crisp morning or on a warm afternoon. Tonight a look ahead to what we have in store for the next 31 days.

162

2011-09-28T23:28:00.000-07:00

The baseball season came to an end today for our beloved M's. I made it a point to watch tonight's game, it was the last meaningful baseball game until April. This is great difference between baseball and football, in football you have the playoffs and champion game (I don't want to pay the NFL royalties for have the word super next to the word bowl), there are interesting even if your team isn't playing. Baseball does have the World Series, but let's face it, who cares, unless your team is in, otherwise 162 games takes its toll. I watched some other games tonight and reminisced about meaningful September baseball, its been awhile since that has happened for the M's. Oh well, until next year, after all its only about 140 days until pitchers and catchers report.

In the Darker Moments

2011-09-25T23:38:00.000-07:00

Back on this date in 1858, Colonel George Wright's punitive military expedition through the Paulouse turned extra punitive. We know of the famous reprisals that the U.S. Army undertook against the native populations in this land. Most seem to have taken place on the plains or in Colorado or the southwest. You don't think Washington State, when you consider times the Army ran amok with the natives. But we had our had our share, on both sides of the state.

George Wright had set out from Fort Walla Walla on September 1st, to avenge Lt. Colonel Steptoe's defeat. He had fought a few small battles in the preceding 25 days, and not to be overlooked killed 800 Indian horses and destroyed food supplies. So by 1858 standards a good month. By the 25th Wright had made it to the Ned-Whauld River and made camp. He then ordered all local tribes surrender or face extermination. Chief Owhi of the Yakama was the first to surrender, but Wright also wanted Owhi's son Qualchan, as Wright considered both to be the cause of the discontent. So in order to avoid having his father hung, Qualchan came foward and within 15 minutes was hanging from a tree. Later in the day 10 Palouse warriors surrenders and were hung. In all some 17 Indians where hung along the Ned-Whauld River, forever to be known as Hangman Creek, at least by the Federal Government. Washington State is uneasy with the reference and calls it Latah Creek.

As for Owhi he was not one of 17 that were hung, instead he was taken prisoner and was to be taken back to Fort Walla Walla, but he tried to escape and was shot by Lt. Michael Morgan and when he laid dying, Morgan ordered Sergeant Edward Ball to finish him, Ball had been routed with Steptoe's men back in May 1858. Ball placed his pistol to Owhi head and pulled the trigger. After that the story goes, the resistance collapsed and Eastern Washington was free to be settled by Tea Party Republicans and frequented by liberal wine tasters.

Tonight a photo of the Paulouse from the Steptoe Butte.

The Summer Has Ended

2011-09-23T23:44:00.000-07:00

Now that the summer that nearly never was is behind us, I thought I would post four not so dusty moments from said season. And then it is time to turn toward autumn and it's leaves and pumpkins and a couple more good weeks of weather.
Enjoy

Dan

Fish Eye

2011-09-22T23:42:00.000-07:00

So about two and half years ago, I blogged about a cheap faux fish eye lens, made from a peephole. Back in the end of August I rented the real deal from BorrowLenses.com, it was pretty cool. The real thing is a bunch better than a peephole. I had it for two weeks and took a ton of photos with it. I just love the depth of field and 180 degree view. Tonight a couple photos taken with the fish eye.

Enjoy

My Left Ankle

2011-09-21T23:28:00.000-07:00

Well I have done it, severely sprained my left ankle doing something less than noble. Oh well, I say. What is disappointing is that I will be mostly mono-legged for the next 4 to 6 weeks. As anyone from Western Washington will attest too, this is the time of year with the absolutely best light for shooting. Winter's light is great because the sun barely reaches above the horizon, but it is a cool, harsh light that has big contrast. The autumn light is different, it has some contrast but it is very warm and inviting. Couple that light with the things we all love about fall, the colors, harvest fun, etc, it is a great time of year.
Tonight some photos from late September or early October. Note, that when the warm tones are not present, there is something interesting in it's place, mostly ground fog.
Enjoy
Dan

Ouch

2011-09-19T23:18:00.000-07:00

So originally in honor of the ankle I turned, that has resulted in the most painful experience in the last 25 years, I was going to spend tonight waxing on about injuries. Instead I noticed that today was the 16th anniversary of the end of baseball in Seattle.

It was September 1995, and the Mariners were winning I was excited about the game and the team. I guess I should back up a bit, to August 1994, New York City was the place and the Yankees were going to be playing a home series against, I don't know, but playing at home. I was in New York City, it was a hot and muggy, I have rueful memories of August 12th. I could have gone to a Yankees game, I could have seen the house that Ruth built, instead a strike. I returned from Europe and the strike was still on. I moved half way across the state and strike was still on and worse the World's Series was cancelled. I was done with baseball, not even Ken Burns Baseball could keep my love light shining. I had loved the game since the 2nd grade, but I was now done.
Anyway September 19, 1995, actually it was September 20th, whatever. September 20th, 1995, I remember walking down stairs to Main Street, Ellensburg, WA and looking at the headlines in the paper, the special Mariners vote for a new stadium had been defeated. They were leaving it appeared. It seemed so cruel, they were finally a good team and they were leaving. Finally, my love for the game had returned, but they were leaving. I felt frustrated and sad, like after a girl suddenly breaks up with you. I remember being pretty down for a while, but then deciding that I would enjoy it while I could . I always, say that it was Griffey, Buhner, Edger, et al that gave me back my love of the game. But really I need to include Mike Lowry, who railroaded a bill through a special legislative session to allow for the building of Safeco Field. Tonight a glass of scotch for ol' Mike Lowry the man who saved baseball, for me at least.

Dan

Last Three Years

2011-09-16T23:51:00.000-07:00

Tonight a look back at photos I took around this time of year for the previous three years.

Enjoy.

Air Travel

2011-09-15T17:36:00.000-07:00

I have mentioned before, my lack of love for air travel. It stems mostly from two things the modern airport experience and modern service on the plane. Deregulation was great for air fares but at a cost. With each economic downturn the service gets a bit worse and the planes a bit more crowded. Gone are the days of free meals and half empty flights. Not to mention, the blankets and pillows. Recently when flying, I realized that I miss the thrill of sudden acceleration and the moment the wheels level the ground. Now a days, all of that just means I am that much closer to my hypo-allergenic micro-snack. However what you still get is a good view, weather and daylight permitting.

Dan

Ever Forgot

2011-09-11T22:59:00.000-07:00

Whether it is healthy or not, or whether we wanted to or not, America has spent the better part of September remembering September 11, 2001. We are asked to remember the victims and the heroes of the day and to reflect upon what it is to be American. Maybe its time we move on, yearly speeches reflecting on the events of the past, serve only to distract us from the present. Maybe it is time we briefly reflect upon the loss and then demand an America that is worthy of the lives lost. Not just lives lost on 9/11 or in the decade of war that has followed but everyone who has served and died or served and lived since Lexington and Concord. Those brave souls that have fought and stood by this nation, to ensure that this flawed experiment continues demand we do nothing less.

Four Generations

2011-09-09T23:50:00.000-07:00

Tonight will simply be photos of four generations of fishing. My grandfather, my dad, myself and my boy. We were at some point better fishermen than the composition and quality of the photographs. I have many fond memories of fishing with my dad and grandfather. I can remember trips to Jameson Lake and steelhead fishing on the Columbia. One of the things I recall, is that my Dad was always just has happy when I caught a fish, as when his caught one. Expect for maybe when we went steelhead fishing.

More Silverton

2011-09-07T23:50:00.000-07:00

According to the book Discovering Washington's Historic Mines, this home had a moonshining operation back during the prohibition era. When work got to Silverton that the law was coming to shut it down, the still was dismantled and taken to the preacher's house. The revenuers searched every building in town expect the preacher's house for the still.

Silverton

2011-09-04T23:46:00.000-07:00

After spending the weekend in Silverton, I was saddened to hear that the condensers had been removed. Apparently somebody tipped the EPA that the condensers had been mercury retorts for cooking cinnabar. The mercury was then sold to the miles at Monte Cristo. I remember the first time I saw them, standing silently in the forest. It was eery and beautiful at the same time.
Tonight pictures from the first contact.

Rodeo Weekend

2011-09-02T23:37:00.000-07:00

Here at America's Finest Blog, we have always taken time to look at bad photos, or mis-labeled photos, photos that loosely relate to my ramblings and photos that really have nothing to do with my ramblings. Tonight we'll focus on some mis-labeled photos. These photos are said to be of the Ellensburg Rodeo, but actually are from the Kitsap County Fair. Believe me I would have loved to see Rodeo pics from the 50's, but oh well. What this does do for me, is give me a chance to ramble on about the rodeo. Or specifically the Rodeo Weekend, since I haven't ever been to the rodeo.

The Ellensburg Rodeo and County Fair occur over Labor Day weekend and locals referred to it as Rodeo Weekend. I have some fond memories of Rodeo Weekend, like watching the cowboys in their trucks roll down Main Street at 4 AM, one warm morning. A midget in lederhosen and pointy green hat, walking out of the Chinese restaurant. Shooting pool with bikers, drinking a lot of beer (purchased at local prices, not 206er cowboy prices). Walking the alleys with a friend, looking for people to hang out with and finding just about the craziest old man in the neighborhood. The guy had in his yard four lawn chairs, three garbage cans, two of which had beer and ice in them and the third for empties and the best stereo you could purchase at the Bi-Mart. I'll spare the details of the conversation, there were four topics; Hank Williams, women, drugs and guns. I remember the general chaos throughout the town that started about 3 PM on Friday and didn't abate until late afternoon on Monday. Then there were Ted's anti-Rodeo parties, which always featured Dave Nelson eventually sleeping on the couch on Ted's porch. Finally, there was one sight you could always count on, four overweight guys wearing matching denim shirts, and pristine white 10 gallon cowboy hats, rolling through town squeezed into a sub-compact. True story, well maybe not matching denim shirts. You couldn't help but laugh.

The Ship Canal

2011-09-01T23:54:00.000-07:00

Today marks 100 years since the beginning of construction of the Lake Washington Ship Canal. The canal itself has become a part of Seattle. Nobody here probably remembers what Fremont looked like before the canal was built. It seems almost foreign to have the U-District connected to Capital Hill or Queen Anne Hill to Fremont and Ballard. The man made canal seems so nature, as if it were always there. Of course it wasn't always there and the canal was, by modern terms an ecological disaster. After all the Black River ceased to exist because of the canal. This couldn't happen today, we simply would not have allowed the Army Corp of Engineers to come into town and dry up a river. Lucky for Seattle back in 1911, progress was not to be stopped by the Black River.

Moving Forward, But First a Look Back

2011-08-28T23:32:00.000-07:00

It was a year ago that the status quo of the previous ten years ended. My Dad had, first a heart attack and then a massive stroke. It was quite a blow. A year later a lot has changed some for the better, some not. The good news is that we are all still here. Tonight's photo was taken a year ago, when life forged a new path away from the status quo.

The Digital Age

2011-08-26T23:30:00.000-07:00

As mentioned before in the blog the digital age of photography has changed the world quite a bit. Once upon a time, a photo had a fixed cost that only driven higher by out of focus shots or shots of questionable need. So when each shot had a fixed cost, photos that could not be deemed artistic, or worthy of a family album probably were not taken. Digital is different, it forces (or allows) you to take photos of anything. If the photo works super, if not meh. It's digital so the more you take, the better the deal you got on your camera and equipment. I have taken about 30,000 photos with my cameras so each shot has cost me about six cents, and that number continues to drop the more I shoot.

Another thing the digital age has given us, is the camera photo, the Instamatic of the 21st century. It allows the bored or momentarily distracted photographer a chance to snap a photo without pulling out the big SLR. Tonight one such photograph, a lamp taken at The Best Bite in Cashmere, while waiting for a salami and pepperoni sandwich. This is not a photo you take without contemplation in the film age, is it art, is it family album worthy, and by the time you get it figured out, the sandwich is there.
Enjoy
Dan

Lighthouses

2011-08-24T23:51:00.000-07:00

It has been noted about 100 posts ago that I am obsessed with lighthouses. This belief is very strong in a particular person. I don't believe I am obsessed with lighthouses as I noted 100 posts ago, in fact still most my photos of lighthouses are of the same lighthouse. But still I am called obsessed, whatever and besides there are plenty of retirees driving around in RVs taking photos of lighthouses to turn into postcards to sell at gas stations near that particular lighthouse. They seem to make enough money to put gas in the RV and eat a couple of meals at the Sizzler a week, so it can't be all that bad. It was even a subject of a Walmart photo department ad, so it must be common. Note I am not endorsing the Walmart photo department, my feeling about that place, can be saved for another post. Anyway, lighthouses are photogenic and have a certain built in romanticism so forgive me for photographing them. Tonight's photos are of the Hecta Head Lighthouse, photographed first in the 1960's by my Grandmother and then again by me on my 2001 road trip. Note neither photo is all that good. Also note, that Hecta Head has the strongest light of any lighthouse on the Oregon Coast.

Pushing the Limits of The Blogging, Or The Sixth Time I Have Stop To Congratulate Myself For Blogging

2011-08-23T23:31:00.000-07:00

I once was so witty and fun. My wit and funness drew the hungry multitudes from all corners of the globe to America's Finest Blog, why it even became the most popular blog amongst indigenous people of Sabah. Over time it has changed however to less wit and less fun and now the indigenous people of Sabah prefer the wholesomeness of the Amish bloggers. Well it is their loss. I know I'll have wit and a sense of fun again, I just do, it has to be. When I say this I feel the like the blogger equivalent of Sears and Roebuck. A sad shell of it's former self. As an aside, I can remember spending a lot of time at the Sears and Roebuck, its pretty much where my family did it's shopping in the 1970's. Anyway I digress. Besides, returning to topic of my sad self, does anyone blog anymore? It seems so 2007. Who cares I say, I'll continue blogging until the last reader of this blog dies. I will also be cool, since it will be so utterly out of step with the real world of texting, emoticons and twitter. Really I don't do this to be cool or relevant or anything, I do it because it is a cheap hobby (at least that is my reason in this post). So tonight instead of looking backward on this the 600th post, I will glaze upon the future and all that it will hold for America's Finest Blog. What curious readers could that be? I can't say, because I mostly don't know, other than there is an election coming up and I still have tens of thousands of photos I can blog about or around.

Hey! That's My Name...

2011-08-19T23:54:00.000-07:00

I don't know why more people don't take photo's of themselves next to signs with there names on it. So amusing it is, or at least I think so. I don't have photos of my Grandfather in front of the meat packaging busy that bore his name. No photos of my dad standing under the Gary Street sign in Wenatchee. I however have photos of Cicely in Roslyn next to all the Cicely signs, Quin in Quincy and pictures of me in front of Dan's Market in Leavenworth. I guess everyone else is missing out.

Roslyn

2011-08-17T23:57:00.000-07:00

Today marks the 123rd anniversary of the arrival of black coalminers to Roslyn. The miners were brought in by the Northern Pacific to help break a strike in the young mining town. It seems that the white miners were demanding an eight hour work day, not an eleven hour day. With the first train load of strikebreakers they were actually taken just north of town to Ronald and Mine #3. With the strikebreakers came 48 armed guards. It was the armed guards that caught the attention of the Territorial Governor, Eugene Semple. Semple didn't like the idea of an armed militia running around Central Washington, so he ordered the Sheriff to arrest the guards and the strikebreakers on trespassing charges. Mine #3 maybe didn't actually belong to the Northwest Pacific Coal Company, it was a matter currently in the courts. Eventually the strike and the charges against the guards and strikebreakers were settled. It was then that the black strikebreakers began to move into Roslyn, making it one of, if not the most, integrated cities in Washington. Tonight pictures of Roslyn and Ronald.

Dan

Sea Stacks

2011-08-16T23:51:00.000-07:00

A sea stack is a landform consisting of steep columns of rock. They are created solely by time, wind and water. The west coast is littered with them. They can be awe inspiring and beautiful. But if you drive down the coast needing to drive at too rapid a pace or without interest in the scenery, a sea stack becomes a foe. Always there to taunt you, to remind you that the coast is still there and you are not at your destination. To make matters worse, the twenty-three slow moving cars in front of you are all gazing in awe of the sea stacks.

Jack

2011-08-12T23:57:00.000-07:00

Recently I heard that Jack had passed on. Jack owned The Tav. The Tav is home to the Super Mother and many a college aged person, in Ellensburg. For 5 years I went to The Tav, in fact my first and last days in Ellensburg I spent there. I saw Jack often, either cooking in the kitchen or drinking Rainiers at the end of the bar. I had a couple conversations with him over the years and always had a, "hi how you doing." One conversation sticks out, it was Rodeo Weekend in Ellensburg and I managed to get into The Tav to experience the absurdites, there were lines to get into the bars on Rodeo Weekend. I found a buddy of my at a small table with Jack and the other cook/city councilman Jeff (?). My buddy told me to have a seat and handed me a glass. After the greetings we sat and drank Rainier and talked, well Jack talked. I cannot tell you what the converation was about, the noise in the Bar made it impossible. I can tell you that Jack laughed and laughed, and would slap me on the back and we would all laugh some more. I will always have a fond place for that moment, we were just four locals in a sea of Western Washington new country cowboys, strangers in a place we called home.

Goodbye Jack, I hope the Rainiers are cold in the sweet bye and bye.

The Love of My Life

2011-08-10T23:22:00.000-07:00

It seems like each year around this time the topic at America's Finest blog turns to love and stuff. That is because it is my wedding anniversary. I feel remiss if I did not give a virtual shout out to my lovely wife, Cicely. In the past I have said that I cannot image my life being better without her and I still believe that to be true. We compliment each other well, and I cannot image not being able to enjoy her wit and wisdom. I still believe that I am a lucky guy. Here are some photos of Cicely looking very serious. Have I ever waxed on about my enjoyment of serious Cicely, if not that is another post.

Dan

Oregon the Return

2011-08-07T23:20:00.000-07:00

It has been 10 years since Cicely and I took our first trip to the Oregon coast. Now we are about to sent of on our 4th trip. This will be my 5th trip, I went once with my grandparents. The first trip we took together, we drove west and found the coast at Tilamook and drove south from there ending up in the Redwoods. Our trips since have taken us to no further south than Tilamook. Cannon Beach has become our destination. Tonight's photo is from our first trip down the coast.

In Times Like These

2011-08-05T23:33:00.000-07:00

I could go on today about the Standard & Poor's, or Congressional Republicans, or the inability to compromise in Washington, or the Tea Party or personal absurdities, or drunken truckers on SR 522 and of course market crashes. But I really don't want to speak about any of them. It is times like these that require you to stop and look around at the beauty that surrounds you. A time to take stock and move toward simplification. Tonight proof that beauty is all around you. Or that I have really odd vision of beauty.

Vacation Time Again

2011-08-03T23:07:00.000-07:00

All my life, the second week of August has meant family vacation time. It was like that as a kid and now it is like that with a family. Not that I couldn't go on vacation in June or October or something, I could, well I think I could. Anyway never mind. August vacation time has some fond memories and almost all of them have to do with the ocean. As a kid going to Ocean Shores, or as an adult going to Cannon Beach or driving down the coast or going to San Diego.

As a kid, it was always the same, staying at the Royal Pacific, and getting in the swimming pool with my sisters and Dad, playing for hours in the sand. I can remember going to the beach by myself to dig in the sand when I was 8 or 9 years old. I always got to sleep on the hide a bed in the front room. There was the Coffee shop at the Ocean Shores Inn and then there was put put golf. Oh and driving on the beach, the ultimate expression of a Washingtonian.

I remember going to Ocean Shores after my Mom passed away, the place was different and not as nice, it had changed, the flea trap motels were gone, the Royal Pacific was gone. The innocence of youth had passed on, or at least it seemed.

Now we don't go to Ocean Shores, we enjoy Cannon Beach, Oregon. Now while I get to enjoy the sublime ocean sunsets, I also get to watch my son enjoy the ocean through his eyes.

Retrospect

2011-07-31T23:58:00.000-07:00

After Friday's post I began to think, why was that photo of me taken at the computer? Four reasons come to mind, first it was neat that I was working a fancy computer. It was neat that we had a fancy computer. There is some sort of artist merit to the phone or lastly I didn't ever do homework, so this was picture worthy. I did my homework, so that can't be it, the photo has no artistic merit and that leaves option one or two. I think about mother, who I presume took the photo, it must have been something to have this computer, having grown up in the 1940's and 50's. It was a different time so it had to be somewhat sci-fi for her. Then again, she may have shot the photo for a completely different reason, the march of time and technology may not have crossed her mind. I know when I see my son playing Angry Birds on my phone, I don't think in awe to my youth and think that my grandparents had a rotary dial phone and now my kid is playing Angry Birds. If I did, I might think back to something my Dad said, when I got my first Legos back when I was about 4 years old, he told me that I was lucky because there weren't toys like that when he was a kid. Anyway, a picture of the boy playing Angry Birds, not because of the technology, but because of the lighting.

Progress

2011-07-29T22:46:00.000-07:00

So, the old computer is getting a bit slow and is in need of some serious cleaning up. I am annoyed by it's pace sometimes, but then I consider our first family computer, my sister had a TI-99, a marvel once upon a time. But the first family computer was a Sanyo, that wasn't that much better. I did use Word Perfect to write my 9th grade papers though. It was big and had no speed or memory and the games were amazingly lame, it did however have an awesome monochrome screen, amber if memory serves me right. That was 1984 (ish), when I started at my current job in 1999, the billing system was monochrome and looked as if it was designed for that Sanyo. What's the point, I dunno, maybe the Sanyo is a comparison to the speed in which the debt celling is being raised.

Dan

Tick Tock

2011-07-27T22:40:00.000-07:00

As America waits for fiscal Armageddon, I have been struck by three things, first just how childlike everyone in both parties has acted. Now to be fair there are probably men and women that have attempted or are acting as a voice of reason, problem is their words are being drown out by a few hundred adult 3 year olds. I have also been struck by the number of people that are upset with the other party and has stated that my party is just cleaning up so and so's mess. Who cares how the mess got here, it doesn't matter if it is Reagan's or either Bush's, Clinton's or LBJ's fault. Placing blame now does not fix anything, it just wastes time and energy. Third thing that has struck me, is the financial lack of concern. The markets are down this week, but mostly due to economic data not the debt crisis. It is likely, come August 2nd nothing will happen, the debt will still be paid and the country will still go on spending. There are several options to kept the status quo going and there is the matter of the 14th amendment, which states that the validity of the public debt of the United States shall not be questioned. Our credit rating may be slashed but that isn't likely to stop investment in the largest economy on earth. In the end it is the lack of actual crisis that allows both sides, and especially the House Republicans, to not be willing to take what they have won and make a deal. Instead knowing that nothing is really going to change, this is an opportunity to win votes in November of 2012 and to fill up the war chests.

Now and Then

2011-07-24T23:58:00.000-07:00

So Cicely and I went to Leaveworth this last weekend and explored the Wenatchee Valley. As we did on our honeymoon, 9 years ago. It was an interesting experience, one could not help but think about what was different or what was the same. What struck me as interesting was that I have soften up enough or gotten old, one of the two and actually really enjoyed myself this time. Not that I didn't enjoy myself the first time, this time it was better and an enjoyment on a different level. My love for Cicely has changed, it is more complex and deeper now than back in 2002. Leavenworth, on the other hand really hasn't changed too much, it has changed, a few stores have left and a few more have come. Overall though the theme remains. It isn't like we haven't been to Leavenworth in the last 9 years, we have been there several times, just not over night. All this has got me to spent much time thinking about how other things in my life have evolved and changed through the ebbs and flows of time. It is a reminder that everything is always moving, you can't always tell but today is not just like yesterday.

A Good Day To Read

2011-07-20T23:41:00.000-07:00

Tonight we look at a found photo from who knows when, and who knows where. It does however show more people enjoying the outdoors. It seems so luxurious to be able to lay back a just read. No cares in the world just words. I remember summers during my college years I would just sit back in the summer heat and read, not a care in the world. I miss those days of being so carefree and penniless. I also miss summer heat, but that is for other posts past and future.

Dan

The Happiest Place On Earth

2011-07-17T23:30:00.000-07:00

Today is Disneyland's birthday, so why not show some photos of the place. Even though it is expensive and crowded and something of a pain, it is a bunch of fun. When I first went to Disneyland, I was 5 and it was a blast, I enjoyed every minute of it. The second time I went, it was expensive and crowded, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I look forward to seeing it again and seeing it through the eyes and expressions of my boy.

Couldn't Stand The Weather

2011-07-15T22:45:00.000-07:00

Being from Seattle we are given to complaining about the lack of Mariner hitting and the rain. Unlike Mariner hitting we are not the worst place when it comes to rain. A lot of places get more rain than us, however it is years like this that lead to our misery. After three days of normal summer weather, it has turned gray and damp again, I believe we are on place for 475 days of rain this year. So to remind you of what we are missing, people enjoying a warm summer's day.

Another Great Fire

2011-07-13T23:09:00.000-07:00

Today is the anniversary of the fire that burnt Quincy nearly to the ground. The year was 1917 and six buildings were destroyed, so that gives you an idea of the size of Quincy in 1917. Like so many fires that destroyed towns and cities, fire was cause. This time it was the fire that was used to render lard at Warran Platt's butcher shop, the resulting hot grease caught fire and with the aid of a strong northwest wind the wooden town burnt quickly. Burnt where Platt's butcher shop, Johnny Dormaier's general store, Axel Jonson's law office, Fred Renz's novelty shop (a rather odd idea in Quincy), a vacant restaurant and the Post Office. Of those affected only the Post Office choose to stay. Everyone else left town, one can presume that this was prior to the city putting up the "Quincy - Opportunities Unlimited" signs. It seems that opportunities were rather limited after the fire. Really you could say the opportunities were limited in Quincy up until the last few years when the cheap electricity actually made Quincy a desirable place.

Nothing To Say

2011-07-10T23:28:00.000-07:00

I don't really have anything to talk about today, so I am going talk about the boy. He enjoys baseball, well, pretty much any sport, but baseball mostly. Since he was two we have been pitching balls to him and he has with varying success hit some back. I have many pictures of these moments, from various times and locations. That has gotten me to thinking, something in the family photos we just don't see is anyone playing sports. That is partially because we aren't the most athletic of families, but we all played something as a kid, whether it was on team or in a backyard. Even my mom golfed for a while. Very few photos, so few you can say no photos of these events. It could be that everyone was too involved in the activity to take a photo, or maybe it just was never considered photo worthy. The boy, lucky for his kids and grand kids, has plenty of these sorts of photos. That's great but it doesn't make up for the general lack photos of myself, my parents and grandparents enjoying games.

Our House

2011-07-08T23:53:00.000-07:00

Just about six years ago we moved into our North Bend home. Tonight our North Bend home the Shoreline house we left behind.

Posts, Projects and Photos

2011-07-06T23:27:00.000-07:00

So even after 575 or so posts, I still have not gotten around to showing some photos and blogging about some photo projects. At this point it is almost a challenge not to blog about those items. One of those items is from Fisherman's Terminal in Ballard, it is a photo that I hold near and dear. I am not sure why exactly it has never made it's way into America's Finest Blog, it just never has. One October day back in 1999, I had a day off and decided to go into the city from my old Shoreline home. It was a grey and misty day I recall and got off the freeway at 85th and decided to drive along Green Lake, as I drove along I noticed that there was a rowing event taking place. It looked real cool so I stopped and snapped a couple photos, from there I went to Fisherman's Terminal. Now Green Lake had been a place a spent a good deal of time walking around prior to moving to Ellensburg, upon my return I did not go there nearly as much, mostly because I did not live near it any longer. Anyway tonight photos from my stop by Green Lake.