Tracy & Jill

It was cool to see Jill And Andy Urbach last night down at the ferry landing.

Jessica & Sienna getting off the boat in Friday Harbor....

Jill was seeing off her friend Tracy on the boat…the two of them were roommates during their first year of college, and it was great that Tracy got a chance to come up & visit this week.

Other island stories: Did you know that Louisa & Steve Keys are in Mexico for New Year’s? Of course, Steve had a gig playing there for New Year’s Eve….

Also south of this border (locally, that means below South Beach), Juniper Maas is starting the year in Chile.

Oh, yeah – Kirk Fuhrmeister’s headed for Guatemala this weekend, and Island Stage Left’s Helen & Dan are heading for Mexico.

And, on the ferry yesterday, Jessica Chaffee (right) was bringing ten-month-old Sienna over to see grandma Nancy Fusare…Jessica is living on the mainland with her husband Tim & is working on her degree at the Art Institute of Seattle, while Sienna is working on walking….

Here are some ideas for New Year’s Eve (blue moon & all):

• According to this article, bathing naked by the light of a blue moon is somehow good for you. Check it out. (Disclaimer: The writers are Canadian, who have a greater threshold for pushing the edge in cold weather…)

• Bob Reilly at Friday Harbor Taxi says he’d love to pick you up: “DON’T GET A DUI ! Friday Harbor Taxi announces its New Year’s Eve Special – $9.50 or less per person from downtown Friday Harbor to anywhere on the island. You can also get a guaranteed round-trip for $19.00 or less, with the return pickup not later than 1:30am. The taxi will leave the downtown area more or less hourly, depending on load, starting at 10:00pm and running util 1:00am or later if you make a reservation.  Call 298-4434 for pickup or reservation.”

• Eating out tonight or tomorrow? Here are some places:
The Bluff, Friday Harbor House – New Year’s Eve & Day
Coho Restaurant – New Year’s Day
The Doctor’s Office – New Year’s Eve & Day
Lime Kiln Cafe’ – New Year’s Eve & Day
The Place Bar & Grill – New Year’s Eve
Vinny’s Ristorante – New Year’s Eve & Day

An article about over-used & underrated words that should be dumped from the media’s (and our) vernacular has been posted by the Lake Superior State University department of words (I think). It includes “sexting” & “chillaxin” as well as “bromance” – which is a new one to me, meaning a male friendship.

It says there are too many Obama-things (like Obamacare & Obamanomics; better though, than Nixon stuff, which generally adds “-gate” to any scandal you can think of). I always liked “teachable moment,” but the LSSU folks say it’s being used to describe everything from potty-training to politics, and thus has lost its meaning.

I guess in the same spirit, I would suggest that the following be lost in the island’s lexicon:

“I’m just on island time….”: It was cute & quaint for a while, because it suggested we’re all so relaxed & into our retirement hobbies that we show up late for things. Now all it means is you’re so lame you don’t know how to make your computer beep to remind you to go places AND not make people wait for you.

Calling the mainland “America”: This is just a small thing, but if people keep saying it, the rest of the country will find out we’re trying to quietly secede from the Union. Our secret will be out.

The topless place on Shaw: OK, guys, it’s time to quit sending our hard-earned tourists over there just because it’s funny, when someone asks if there’s anything to do on the  island. And ya gotta quit telling them they can stay at the Motel 6 on Shaw, too. Especially on the last boat.

“It’s the way we do things here on the island”: Cool enough, but shouldn’t be said out loud by anyone who has lived here less than twenty years. Anyone who has lived here less than a year who says it must be beaten. (Editor’s note: I’m a pacifist. It’s that bad.)

“We”: Yes, it’s true – I actually know people who say “we” meaning only themselves, which is ONE person. I liked it when Mark Twain said, “Only presidents, editors and people with tapeworm have the right to use the editorial ‘we’.” Otherwise, it’s a bit pretentious.

“The City”: Someone on Lopez used this expression, saying, “Yep, next week we’re coming over to the City.” I asked, and she laughed & said, “That’s you, silly. Friday Harbor IS the City.” Well, that won’t work. When WE say the City, we mean Seattle, which actually IS a city. Or Bellingham. Or Victoria. Or Vancouver. Regardless, it’s clear to us.

An article about over-used & underrated words that should be dumped from the media’s (and our) vernacular has been posted by the Lake Superior State University department of words (I think). It includes “sexting” & “chillaxin” as well as “bromance” – which is a new one to me, meaning a male friendship.

It says there are too many Obama-things (like Obamacare & Obamanomics; better though, than Nixon stuff, which generally adds “-gate” to any scandal you can think of). I always liked “teachable moment,” but the LSSU folks say it’s being used to describe everything from potty-training to politics, and thus has lost its meaning.

I guess in the same spirit, I would suggest that the following be lost in the island’s lexicon:

“I’m just on island time….”: It was cute & quaint for a while, because it suggested we’re all so relaxed & into our retirement hobbies that we show up late for things. Now all it means is you’re so lame you don’t know how to make your computer beep to remind you to go places AND not make people wait for you.

Calling the mainland “America”: This is just a small thing, but if people keep saying it, the rest of the country will find out we’re trying to quietly secede from the Union. Our secret will be out.

The topless place on Shaw: OK, guys, it’s time to quit sending our hard-earned tourists over there just because it’s funny, when someone asks if there’s anything to do on the  island. And ya gotta quit telling them they can stay at the Motel 6 on Shaw, too. Especially on the last boat.

“It’s the way we do things here on the island”: Cool enough, but shouldn’t be said out loud by anyone who has lived here less than twenty years. Anyone who has lived here less than a year who says it must be beaten. (Editor’s note: I’m a pacifist. It’s that bad.)

“We”: Yes, it’s true – I actually know people who say “we” meaning only themselves, which is ONE person. I liked it when Mark Twain said, “Only presidents, editors and people with tapeworm have the right to use the editorial ‘we’.” Otherwise, it’s a bit pretentious.

“The City”: Someone on Lopez used this expression, saying, “Yep, next week we’re coming over to the City.” I asked, and she laughed & said, “That’s you, silly. Friday Harbor IS the City.” Well, that won’t work. When WE say the City, we mean Seattle, which actually IS a city. Or Bellingham. Or Victoria. Or Vancouver. Regardless, it’s clear to us.

Carrie & Archie Brooks

Just got this great note from Erin & Angie & Charis about my good friend Archie Brooks, who I’ve watched coach football & marry people, and officiate over funerals over the years…he’s one good guy. Here’s more from his girls:

Today is a special day for a man known to some by just his first name; Archie. Today as we say goodbye to the first decade of the 21st century, he will say hello to his sixtieth year of life.

During those sixty years, in our opinion, he has accomplished much. He has counseled hundreds, married and buried many and has been a man we have looked up to for many reasons. He has coached children in football and track showing young people the meaning of team work and commitment.

He has left family dinners at times to go help someone in need in our community. He has been the best father three girls could have asked for. Our dad has always made it a priority to show us how to be kind and compassionate toward others. Though at times we didn’t have much, he would still give what he had to those less fortunate.

No matter what background a person came from our dad always listened and did his best to help when someone was in need. He is a proud man but not conceited. He is a tough man yet quite sensitive. He loves this town and the people in it. He is a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He is Archie and he is our father.

We love you and are so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Dad!!

Your loving daughters,
Erin, Angie and Charis

The Brooks Family in 1978 - Archie & Carrie with Erin (left), Angie (blonde), and Charis

All kinds of things are happening – let’s check in:

The new website for the Friends...

• The Friends of the San Juans redesigned their website – here’s how it looks now.

• Janeen at the Best Western has a special for New Year’s Eve: “One night only — December 31, 2009, you can Eat, Drink and be Merry! Enjoy New Year’s Eve in one of our one bedroom suites for two guests. Start your festivities with a $25.00 gift certificate to the Peppermill Restaurant, then Venture downtown for more festivities. You can enjoy a safe shuttle ride back to the hotel until 2:00am. Revive your body the next morning with our complimentary, full hot breakfast & Coffee. $99.00 + tax.”

• Meanwhile, over at the Front Street Ale House, the party starts at 7pm…here’s more, from Teddy Deane:

Hey Friends and Fans, check this out

Play-Rite Boys Trio (Teddy, Jonathan and Cecil)
New Decade New Years Eve Party
Dec. 31, 2009: Dinner 7:00pm-10:00pm, Music 8:00pm to Midnight+
Front Street Ale House, Topside

Special 4 course incredible dinner packages ($79.95 per couple, modest $10 cover otherwise). Champagne toasts, doodads, amusements, noise-makers and New Decade Dance Music.
Yes, The PRB have added dance material (instrumental and otherwise) and hop-skipity cover tunes to their persistent and dubious undertakings. Unparalleled new and original tunes are still in the mix for the hard core.

Come on, it’s a new decade (and a full moon). Have some fun. You can sleep when you’re dead.
See the colorful attached poster (below) for more details, and we hope to see you there!

PRB at FSAH on NYE...be there!

• And that’s not all – The Badd Dogg Blues Society with Fat James is over at Pazzo Vivo starting at 9pm for New Year’s Eve…time to dance!

• Island Rec’s Community Celebration is at the Mullis Center, starting at 7pm on New Year’s Eve – here’s more information. See you there!

• From Pam Herber (472-1442): Start the New Year with us at Writers Cafe at The Naked Bean. And join us in welcoming Kaia, the new owner of the Naked Bean! Note: We’ll be meeting half an hour earlier than usual. I hope to see you there!

What: Open mic for writers of all kinds (fiction, poetry, nonfiction, etc.)
Where: The Naked Bean
When: 4:30pm – 6:00pm, Friday, Jan 1st

• Gotta dress up, right? So drop by Be Chic Boutique, where things are 50% off this Thursday from 10am-3pm, and on Saturday the second as well! Teri’s gonna be closed for New Year’s Day as well as Sunday & Monday, so this is your chance!

Walking into the light on Mitchell Hill....

In November, President Obama signed the bill that included $6 million dollars to purchase the Mitchell Hill property & add it on to the national park at English Camp (or British Camp – I gotta ask Mike Vouri which is right.

It's right next to English Camp...

Or Canadian Camp – maybe they want it back.)

It’s a beautiful 320-acre gift to the island, to future generations, and serves as a reminder of our work serving as stewards to the land.

So, on Saturday, I decided to take my brother from Alabama (Pat works with the Wilderness Society), nephew Thomas, and son Cam & gf Lauren out to the DNR property to check it out. I can report to you that the woods are a nice place to walk, and it’s nice to go through such a quiet, not-overtrodden place.

We came just a little ways of being able to get to Mount Young from the south, and I think you’d find it nice hike, too. There are maps at the trail entrance, and you can sort out how to get there by checking out the San Juan Trails Committee site (click here), which includes directions about how to locate the place’s trailhead. (Here is our congressman’s website, detailing the purchase from Washington state’s Department of Natural Resurces.)

Get out there and check it out when you get the chance.

"The woods are lovely, dark and deep...." You can see where Frost got lines like that, when you walk around the DNR land at Mitchell Hill. And yes, we have promises to keep....

It was a surprise to see this turkey....

It was neat to see this wild turkey up near the dump…there used to be tons of wild turkeys here on the island fifteen years ago – you’d see them walking around in little mobs downtown, and out in the parks.

Someone introduced fox to the island in the early 1990s, and that seems to have mostly settled that – the turkey population is much reduced, while fox have become common.

You know that house right across from the elementary school? They did an awesome job... Josie & I saw them on our walk Saturday night.

It was cool to see that folks have left their holiday lights up this weekend…it’s kind of a island tradition to leave ’em up till March or they burn out, so take your time, since they cheer up the grey months ahead… More around the island:

• Just because it was a little chilly, that didn’t keep people inside….it was cool to see so many folks out in the sun in town on Saturday & Sunday. Meanwhile, you know it’s blue moon this week, right? (Here’s more, because I know you’re gonna ask – why is it called “blue”?)

An ever-changing vision....

• Someone was checking out the kaleidoscopes at Island Studios yesterday…swing in & look into the light with ’em & you’ll get the idea (these are done by Luc & Sallie, and they’re awesome!)

• On the ferry scene, the Elwha is back, which is cool, because it holds more people than the Sealth.

• A quote from Monika Weiland – “Man has always assumed that he was more intelligent than dolphins because he had achieved so much…the wheel, New York, wars and so on…while all the dolphins had ever done was muck about in the water having a good time. But conversely, the dolphins had always believed that they were far more intelligent than man…for precisely the same reason.” Douglas Adams

The weather report says the clear skies we had yesterday will continue for a couple of days….wahoo! Get outside & play!

The weather report says the clear skies we had yesterday will continue for a couple of days….wahoo! Get outside & play!

Little bits you may not have known about:

• The Farmers’ Market is NOT this Saturday….it’ll be at the high school commons on the 2nd. See ya there!

• Aaron has Avatar and Sherlock Holmes playing at the Palace Theatre, starting today.

Dona Reed

• Winners: Claudia at Island Studios says Dona Reed won the annual ornament contest – wahoo! Meanwhile, Leslie at San Juan Healthcare says Keri Rishel won that nice painting of Lime Kiln in their raffle. Way to go!

• Cotton Cotton Cotton is offering 15% off storewide merchandise (except on consignment items) until December 31st. Stop in and ask about their 2010 Club! It’s at 165 First Street South, next to Pazzo Vivo – 378-3531.

• Dianne Hall tells me that the “Outside the Box – Inside the Museum” Small Sculpture Show has been extended to January 10 at the Islands Museum of Art at 28 First Street, next to the Friday Harbor House.
Hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday 1:00-5:00 PM.

• Changes at the Naked Bean – here’s more from Billy:

Billy's on the move....

I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy holiday season! I have enjoyed this first year with all of you and I am proud to say that with your help we have created the very best coffee shop in all of the San Juan Islands and possibly even beyond.

As this year draws to a close, I am both happy and slightly sad to announce that I will be handing over the reigns of The Naked Bean to Kaia Harper starting January 1st. She will be taking over all operations of TNB as I will leave the islands after almost 8 years of living amongst some of the warmest and most friendly people i have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I will truly miss you and the community of Friday Harbor.

I know that Kaia will continue the great atmosphere of The Naked Bean and will make it even better in the new year. I hope you will join me in welcoming her into the TNB family as I am very excited to have her aboard!

Thanks again for everyone’s support this year. We couldn’t have been the success that we are without you!

See you soon! 😉
Billy Cuddihy

Sunset at South Beach....

Hope this morning finds you warm & surrounded by people you love & who love you.

There are all those little things.
Sleeping in. Stockings with stuff in ’em.
Pancakes & French toast.
Kids giggling, and  mamas who giggle, too.
The morning hugs, the yelled, “Thanks you’s!”
Playing the games & running outside.
Being together & loving it.

No matter how crowded it is at your house, or how many hugs you end up with, I wish you love & the chance to share that light that shines from within you.

Cheers,
Ian

Chris Martin singing....

It’s always good to have a song to wake up to – here’s Coldplay with Viva La Vida. It’s nice to dance first thing in the morning….

An offshore orca (which is different from a resident or transient) off San Diego....photo by Ivan Reiff

As you may know, Ivan from Western Prince is operating in San Diego this winter as Jackie works on her grad degree there…he tells me he went out on the 21st to look for gray whales & fin whales & saw a minke….but then saw a pod of about 20 orcas, which is pretty unusual there.

Here’s the page from his blog with a bunch of pictures – check it out!

The studio at KLOI over on Lopez....

First of all, you can hear the station at KLOI.org – they stream the shows so people on other islands can hear what they offer.

Check out their programming schedule & it looks to me like you can hear a nice variety of music & programming, including Zach Milkus and Laura Greenan from our island.

I think you’re gonna like what you hear!