January 2009

Duwamish master weaver Mary Lou Slaughter hosted the first of a series of her receptions at the Duwamish Longhouse Museum Jan.

In the next phase of storm recovery operations, the Seattle Department of Transportation will inspect the city?s 1,531 lane miles of major streets for residual sand, potential drain blockages and worn striping, with special emphasis on bicycle routes.

Crews would then be dispatched to complete repairs, removing sand by hand if necessary.

Residents are encouraged to report sand on the roadways by calling 684-ROAD (7623).

As part of its comprehensive storm response, city traffic crews have completed an initial sweep of 1,531 lane miles, filled 594 potholes and re

It seemed much of West Seattle tuned in to watch the historic events of the inauguration of the now President Barack Obama and Vice President Joseph Biden on televisions all around town. From children at Lafayette Elementary School, some 10 years too young to vote, to seniors among the crowd of the West Seattle Democratic Women's Breakfast who waited eight years for their party to return to the White House, it was a momentous event.

And what a party it was. Over two million converging on Washington's National Mall.

On northbound I-5 from Swift Avenue South to Holgate Street South, crews will close four left lanes of northbound I-5 for repairs to an overhead electronic sign.

Saturday, Jan. 24 beginning at 11 p.m. to Sunday, Jan. 25 at 7 a.m. from just north of Swift Avenue South to South Holgate Street.

Traffic will be routed through the far right lane. Work is scheduled to take place overnight when traffic volumes are lowest and congestion will be minimized.

The carnival is coming to town!

Well, all right, it's not a carnival, but it certainly behaves as one. It seems like it comes out of nowhere, then, all of a sudden, it's there. You stand in awe at the size of it, and wonder, "How in the world did they get this stuff in here?"

It's the Northwest Flower and Garden Show coming to the Convention Center on Feb. 18 to the 22. If you haven't been, and love plants and gardens, it's a must go.

Provided by Jon Gerhardt

During your working years, you put money away, hoping that it will grow enough to help provide you with a comfortable retirement. But once you retire, haven't you reached your goal? You don't still need to invest for growth, do you?

Actually, you do. You may be retiring, but the cost of living marches on. In fact, even with a relatively mild inflation rate of three percent, you'll pay about twice as much for goods and services in 25 years as you do today.

Anyone who has driven a car and had the "check engine" light come on understands the sinking feeling of, what do I do now?

What does it mean when that light comes on; should you check to see if your engine is still there, has it blown up, WHAT?

OK, take a deep breath and don’t allow panic to set in. First, take notice if there is anything different in the way your car is running. Does it feel rough, sluggish or jerky?

Provided by Jon Gerhardt

This week, President-elect Barack Obama will become President Obama. Like people across the country, you will no doubt be greatly interested in how his actions will affect a wide variety of domestic and foreign-policy issues.

But from a personal point of view, you may also be thinking about what an Obama Administration will mean for your investment strategy. In reality, the actions of any administration generally have only a limited impact on the financial markets.

There are few things in this world that can stop me in my tracks for a moment of private worship. You know what I mean. Something catches your eye, and you have no choice but to pause, even if for a second, and to marvel at how anything can be that beautiful.

For me, it's usually something of Mother Nature's doing; a sunset, a flower or a face. In this case, it's the Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) and it is one of the plants that never cease to amaze, and impress me, all year round.

I just got my winter order of true miniature and dwarf trees and shrubs yesterday.

In the next phase of storm recovery operations, the Seattle Department of Transportation will inspect the city?s 1,531 lane miles of major streets for residual sand, potential drain blockages and worn striping, with special emphasis on bicycle routes.

Crews would then be dispatched to complete repairs, removing sand by hand if necessary.

Residents are encouraged to report sand on the roadways by calling 684-ROAD (7623).

As part of its comprehensive storm response, city traffic crews have completed an initial sweep of 1,531 lane miles, filled 594 potholes and re