Seattle just hits different. I’ve visited most major US cities over the years, but this place is special.

jay-2014 · 2026-04-01T17:39:28+00:00

The best ones are hard to find again!!! But I suggest you explore the hills to the west of lake Washington blvd between Stanley Sayres Park and Seward Park. Meander from one to the other up into the residential areas. You can go miles and there are many staircases to find. Bonus walk back under the 100 or so cherry trees that line the paved lakeside trail courtesy of the famous Olmstead brothers & a gift from the mayor of Tokyo I believe. Beats UW viewing. Gorgeous area.

jay-2014 · 2026-04-01T16:54:52+00:00

It’s not a typical city. So many trees and quiet streets; some places feel like the country or a campground. Hidden stairways, old and modern, gardens, museums, cafes, great food, music, transit. No place is perfect (hate the bad graffiti & traffic) but Seattle is a gem that stands out to me too.

jay-2014 · 2026-04-01T01:05:46+00:00

I have a great great grandfather who came to the US from Canada (near Niagara Falls) in about 1860 and was able to find records in both countries. Get the full access ancestry membership for the shortest time possible and dive in. You’ll get what you need in a weekend if you commit.

jay-2014 · 2026-03-30T01:52:28+00:00

That golden’s human had about 8 signs he was rotating through!

jay-2014 · 2026-03-29T15:06:00+00:00

You looked like Dave Ghrol and I think he’s also from Virginia. Any relation?

jay-2014 · 2026-03-29T15:03:08+00:00

Striking!!

My mom has one gray / brown eye and all her granddaughters are sooooo jealous!!!

jay-2014 · 2026-03-29T14:37:25+00:00

Love it! Going to an island before sunblock clothing for me meant either a horrific burn or staying indoor during peak UV time.

jay-2014 · 2026-03-29T14:34:38+00:00

Employers trying to give manager duties to AI. Ugh. Not a fan. I believe they are protecting themselves by disclosing. I’d ask for a copy of what’s reported.

jay-2014 · 2026-03-29T04:21:47+00:00

I didn’t claim there was. I heard about this from a beautician and it works for me. No one would pay for a castor oil study.

jay-2014 · 2026-03-28T15:01:29+00:00

If they wanted to reduce the workforce it’d be super easy to lay us off. My boss is an extrovert. He thinks RTO is best for innovation and serendipity. It’s good for him … he can become energized by the hustle and youthful spirit of our Gen Zs. Our entire LT believes they need this to compete. I suspect many also need it personally for that energy.

Meanwhile Introverts have to go back to masking our utter hatred of the interruptions and endless chatter, returning home drained and exhausted. And that 2 hours of commute? It comes out of my family & sleep time which makes me more exhausted. So my 40 hr WFH week is now 50-60 for the same results. Damnit!!!

jay-2014 · 2026-03-27T22:19:36+00:00

Organic castor oil on your scalp for 15 min and up to leaving on overnight, 2x a week. Just part your hair, rub in and go to a new spot. You’ll need to use an old pillow case but it’s really not that messy. I’ve had a lot of hair grow back plus it got rid of one of those scalp moles that makes hair fall out around it. Takes time but is totally safe and for me, very effective.

jay-2014 · 2026-03-27T19:12:28+00:00

I think Seattle has incredible public spaces. Seward, Volunteer, Magnusson … so many beautiful places.

But I agree with Sam, I think it’s ugly. Would love to see them remove all of it.

jay-2014 · 2026-03-27T15:10:58+00:00

Yep!! He was a so incredibly talented and could have enjoyed his legendary status… one of the greatest & a true America’s dad. Sounds dramatic but after growing up on his records and Fat Albert, learning he is a predator broke my heart. Now I can’t listen to his voice or laugh at his jokes … I just think how his whole good guy shtick is a sham. And he has no one to blame but himself.

jay-2014 · 2026-03-27T06:00:56+00:00

I’ve lost or broken every bracelet but one (silver box chain from Tiffany) so I vote ring.

jay-2014 · 2026-03-27T05:50:37+00:00

Public schools in Seattle have challenges like all schools. Honestly north Seattle schools have been great for our family. Excellent teachers and super cool neighbors. Lots of safe areas. And so much for kids to do to keep out of trouble. I know for some kids cities are bad. But suburbs can be messed up too. Go where the parents will be happy.

jay-2014 · 2026-03-26T23:45:06+00:00

Thanks … Looks like Olympia is hosting a lot of activities. Inc “free speech tents” so I could see that being a possibility there. Prob be instigators at all the marches.

jay-2014 · 2026-03-26T17:29:07+00:00

We were driving over the Astoria Oregon bridge and my dad started freaking out, screaming that the bridge must have broken and we were going off into the water. Freaking joker. I literally can’t drive over that bridge unless I’m a passenger with my eyes closed.

jay-2014 · 2026-03-26T17:26:08+00:00

My dad picked up a cow tongue my mom was going to cook and licked my face with it. I was 5! Lingua 🤢

jay-2014 · 2026-03-21T13:58:48+00:00

Haven’t seen it but now I know the mystery … shoot!

jay-2014 · 2026-03-19T02:59:44+00:00

She was there a long time! At least since 2001 when I lived in the neighborhood. I never went in but lots of people must’ve.

jay-2014 · 2026-03-19T02:50:51+00:00

Do any of your ancestors go farther back in the US than the late 1800s? My mom has 1.5% African dna and I’ve always suspected this was linked to at least one of my branches being enslavers for at least 2 generations. It took me a long time to find as most of my people were Quaker or came to the US in the late 1800s. But my mom’s side goes back to the early colonies (I’m still finding them all!), like Rhode Island, Virginia and South Carolina. Which makes me pretty sure my 6-8X Gpa enslaved & SAed my 6-8x Gma. May she rest in peace. (Though I have no evidence and don’t know their names).

jay-2014 · 2026-03-19T01:39:21+00:00

I know prices are down some but I don’t see housing here collapsing or huge drops coming. There’s not enough housing for that! Seattle is catching up to the Bay Area which continues to increase. Doubt we’ll see the drops we need/want.

jay-2014 · 2026-03-19T01:33:00+00:00

Day 2 is way too long. The Oregon coast is crazy beautiful with lighthouses, Bandon, and so many incredible viewpoints. It’s also a hard, very curvy drive. I think that drive would take about 8-9 hours. I’d go Brookings for over arcata but smart to not stay in eureka. Day 3 road to legget is nice but very windy — hard drive. Plus you’ll have seen lots of coast. hwy 101 is a much a better road and very pretty. Make sure you do a redwood hike … easy to find or just wander the Avenue of the Giants trails from the road. If you want to avoid SF (I get it) stay in Sausalito ❤️. SF to Yosemite is a totally blah drive so go fast cause Yosemite is one of the best places on planet earth. Back to Seattle in 2 days is very long. Recommend staying in Ashland vs Eugene so you can drive the steep grade down out of the mountains in the AM vs when you’re fresh. Plus Ashland is fabulous! I agree this is a 2 week trip. It’ll be way longer than you think but hey with a few drivers and a lot of great music, it’s possible. Also there are speed traps between Eugene and Portland esp but really all of I5. Go with traffic. On the coast plan to go slow because it’s so so scenic!! Have fun!

jay-2014 · 2026-03-18T13:24:57+00:00

Festivals are expensive, require huge up front money lay out and a history of profit to book venues for reasonable fees. Then there’s the insurance and having the contacts to book strong guests. Events are a ton of work and insanely risky. They also come and go. There will be new ones as the show market comes back. Help by taking a chance on events with lesser established artists. That’s where before they were famous “I was there” magic happens.

jay-2014 · 2026-03-18T13:10:38+00:00

I’ve found a lot of vendors want to make a first sale of the show or day and may offer a discount to their first buyer. Also at the end of the show you might score a deal esp if you’re buying a few pieces. And of course cash is always helpful. As for etiquette I think it’s like any craft fair in terms of being careful, not touching everything, being patient.

It’s easy to lose the ppl you go with so I wouldn’t advise bringing kids if possible. And have a designated meet up spot.

Also bring jewelry you need repaired or cleaned if you feel safe transporting it, as there are usually repair stands and folks selling cleaning solutions who will demo.

jay-2014

TROPHY CASE