August 2016 Vuecrest View Newsletter

It calls to mind the famous quote by US Patent Commissioner, Charles H.

His wife, Elizabeth, showed her flare and talent for interior design

The Radandts relish the feeling of community they have in Vuecrest, its

August 2016 Vuecrest View Newsletter OUR BIG EVENT OF THE YEAR!! Yes, it is August and that means our annual Vuecrest Summer Picnic on the Esplanade! Mark your calendars for August 28th from 5-8 pm. This year we feature fantastic Mexican food by Tacos Los “Koras” Express. We also have live Blue Grass music by the Cascade Mountain Boys. By popular demand we will have a repeat visit by little furry adorable pet-ables! Of course, no picnic would be complete without the presence of our outstanding Bellevue Police and Firefighters. Volunteers are needed for setup one hour before the festivities begin and for one hour after to put things away. Please remember that our picnic is only for Vuecresters! Next Board Meeting The August Board Meeting will be on Tuesday, August 16th at 7 pm, in Room 3 of the Bellevue Library. All Vuecrest residents are welcome to come. Host Needed We need a host home for our Board Meeting on Thursday, October 6th with the meeting to begin at 7 pm. If you would be willing to offer your home for a couple of hours, please contact Nyla Wang at <mailto:secretary@vuecrest.net> secretary@vuecrest.net. DTP TID-BITS! Is there any way August could not be considered just about the busiest month of the year? Certainly December may be its equal but all the summer activities make it a close rival. The main difference is that in August, we do these comings and goings in beautiful sunshine, while in December, we’re forever unfurling our umbrellas and wondering how it is possible that the average Seattleite owns a dozen pair of sunglasses. But our out-of-town friends and relatives know it is the best time to visit, and we insist that they do. So hang on, here they come! I have 2 young cousins visiting from the Czech Republic, ages 16 and 18 who will be our houseguests for 10 days. They are modern, sporty, independent and very, very excited to come to AMERICA for the first time. Their parents and grandparents have never made this trip, despite invitations, and were it not for the fact that my father (their great, great uncle) came from Czechoslovakia to study as a young man at UW, they would not have this opportunity now. And how quickly this all unfolded! Though I visit my Czech family every year, it had not occurred to me to invite the “young people” until just last month when I had a dream that they were here, in our home. I woke up, and said “What a dream!…and, why not?” That was at 7AM. I hopped on-line and by 7:30 I had reserved 2 tickets on British Airlines, by 8:30 I had already emailed my family and received their response (YES!) and 15 minutes later, after down-loading those 16 little digits on my credit card, the tickets were confirmed; and that was that… deed done! I scratch my head and ask: ”How did all this happen, and when?” I must have just been quietly growing old while the world was exploding into a new tele-galaxy! Suddenly it all became clear to me: It’s the fault of The Cable Guy! The first Atlantic cable was completed in August 1858 and soon after, the first cable message was sent across the Atlantic Ocean from Queen Victoria to US President James Buchanan. Then came telex, telegraph, telephone, television and soon, there were more airwaves than tidal waves. These days, personal letters are a rarity - can’t imagine the Pony Express would have been too keen on delivering endless Macy’s ads or “new roofing” coupons! Most of us over a “certain age” have had to tweak and twist and torture our weary brain cells to comply with a whole new system of communication. No easy feat for me…perhaps you’ve fared better. It calls to mind the famous quote by US Patent Commissioner, Charles H. Duell inn 1899 that “everything that can be invented, has been invented”. We’re all smarter now and know invention is infinite, only us mortals are finite. But let’s never overlook that remaining vestige of “caveman” gene we still harbor that is so easily trampled by technological rewiring. We can speak, and we modulate our voices to clarify our meaning; our eyes can open in wonder, or squint in laughter; and our ears can hear the nuances of words spoken softly. I am determined not to let the ignoble political rhetoric that bombards me every day at a new heretofore unheard of “sub-zero” bar have any influence on my own internal dialogue. Technology certainly makes many aspects of life more convenient, but I don’t ever want to forget how much I relish warm and engaging conversations, or nature’s serene silence (technology seems to offer so little of that) when we are with those we care about. I hope you will enjoy your own summer visitors and the “down” time it can provide; I know I will. Book Critiques As a relatively new convert to the wonders of the great nonfiction written for our edification and enjoyment, I have found that I can always trust two authors: Erik Larson and Tim Egan. If they write it, I’ll read it. I’m sure that many of you are familiar with the iconic century-old photographs of proud Native Americans, taken by Seattle’s own Edward Curtis. Seeing one, I am humbled by the obvious dignity of those strong people, even when they knew that their world was disappearing. So, reading Timothy Egan’s The Short Nights of the Shadowcatcher: The Epic Life and Immortal Photographs of Edward Curtis was, truly, a great experience. Profoundly interesting, awe-inspiring and troubling, Egan’s book captured Curtis’ brave, incredibly determined lifelong project, undertaken at enormous personal cost. Saving (and archiving) all aspects of EACH Native American tribe’s culture would be numbingly difficult even in this day; Edward Curtis took it upon himself to do EVERYTHING, in the early 1900’s! Short Nights of the Shadowcatcher is one of the few books that I honestly can say is a MUST READ. I KNOW that we have a neighborhood of readers; please contact me ( <mailto:mhambleton@comcast.net> mhambleton@comcast.net) if you would be interested in starting a neighborhood book club. I have enjoyed being in the same club for 36 (!!) years; it is a great way to get to know people better, while improving and opening our minds AND having a good time socializing. Truly a win/win situation! There are many ways of choosing books and the general format; we could talk about that. Interested???? Just scoot me an email! Melissa Hambleton ************************************************************************* The Radio Signal by Friedhelm Radandt How do two German families living in Poland, and unknown to each other, escape as the Russian Army was advancing westward in the late stages of World War II? How did Friedhelm Radandt and Elizabeth Job meet in Hamburg, Germany? What do radio signals have to do with this book? To find the answers to these questions one has to read this fascinating work of history, biography and genealogy written by Friedhelm Radandt. Our good fortune is that Friedhelm and Elizabeth are now our neighbors in Vuecrest, and their current biography is featured by Mara in this issue of the Vuecrest View. When Hitler assumed the reins of power in 1933 he decided that every home should have a low cost radio for the people (Volksempfänger). It so happened that the radio reception was very poor except for the strong signal of Nazi propaganda. Elizabeth’s father, Ludwig, worked at the Warsaw plant of the Philips Electronics. His research was in the development of radio tubes, and this fortuitous circumstance is very important to the development of the entire story. Friedhelm Radandt began this endeavor as a genealogy project for his children and grandchildren. They soon convinced him that the story was so enthralling that it should be published in book form. Friedhelm alternates chapters, focusing on the Radandt and then on the Job families as they separately solve the challenges of survival posed by a collapsing German Army and a surging Russian Army. The Radandt family lived in Neustettin, a town in the Polish sector of Pomerania near the Baltic Sea. As the Russian Army approached from the east, they fled west to the German city of Kolberg. Soon the Russians surrounded Kolberg and as the city exploded behind them, the Radandt family made a daring sea escape at night. They eventually boarded a freighter that took them to the German city of Nordhorn near the Dutch border, where they lived safely until liberated by the Allied forces. Elizabeth Job’s family lived near Warsaw, Poland where her father, Ludwig, developed radio tubes for Philips Electronics. With the Russian Army advancing on Warsaw, the Job family fled to Kalisz, Poland, then to Bärwalde, Germany, and finally to Hamburg. Each of these escapes was at great danger to the family. They survived the Allied bombing of Hamburg which destroyed most of this major German city. The Christian Church has been a powerful part of the lives of both Friedhelm and Elizabeth. As children they attended the German Baptist Church. After the war they met at the Hamburg-Eimsbüttel Baptist Church and three years later, they were married there. This book is a beautifully written drama of two families living on the edge of capture, death or imprisonment; hunger and fear; and harrowing escapes. It was just recently published, and is available for purchase at this time through Amazon, and Barnes and Noble. I have submitted a request and am hopeful that it will soon be available at our Bellevue Library. This is an excellent book, and I highly recommend it to all of our readers. David Pitkethly Author in Residence When doing our “walk-arounds”, David and I had often commented about the beautiful house tucked behind such lush green hedges at 9358 Evergreen Drive. And what good fortune that we were invited inside to meet its delightful residents, Friedhelm and Elizabeth Radandt. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Friedhelm is the author of “The Radio Signal” that David critiqued in the previous paragraph. It has been many years since their harrowing war time experience in Germany and their difficult but fortuitous plight that preceded their immigration to America. I don’t need to tell you about that – I strongly recommend you read it for yourself, in Friedhelm’s own words. Their American story started at the University of Chicago, where Friedhelm earned his Ph.D. He then spent 8 years as President of Northwestern College in Iowa. The remaining 17 years of his academic career, until his retirement in 2002, he was President of The King’s College in New York City. His wife, Elizabeth, showed her flare and talent for interior design when she was asked to design and decorate the interior “campus” for The King’s College, which had the immense honor of being located on the 15th floor of the Empire State Building in New York City. Upon its completion, she was asked to work her artistic magic with the entire lower level. Imagine – that was quite a compliment…and quite an undertaking! Upon retiring, they eagerly anticipated spending time with their 2 daughters, their son who was living in Medina and with their grandchildren. They had visited the NW and were eager to find a home in the Bellevue area. They sought a home with adequate space for family get-togethers, a yard for small children, and proximity to downtown Bellevue and Medina. Their beautiful residence was built in 2001 by a British couple, Robin and Karen Waite, who had razed the original small home and replaced it with a custom masterpiece that was not only elegant but functional. The Radandts found it on the very first day it came on the market in the spring of 2005. The home was perfect for their needs and over the years has required only minimal modifications. The interior has a natural elegance, blending their heirloom art and European furniture with contemporary casualness. Its rich hardwood floors, soft color tones and swaths of natural light provide the perfect ambiance for easy conversations. The rooms are spacious and flow comfortably from one to another through glass double doors. Mrs. Waite had been quite a gardener, as is Elizabeth, but plantings have been simplified to require less maintenance. However, there still remains an old English garden in the side courtyard - a large square area with slate and pavers that crisscross to form narrow angled pathways, edged with tightly trimmed boxwoods and highlighted with flowering shrubs and soft green moss. A white pergola defines its parameters and offers shade. Their panoramic west-facing view of the Seattle skyline, the Olympic Mountains and Lake Washington can be enjoyed from a large wrap-around veranda, as well as from almost every room in their home. The Radandts relish the feeling of community they have in Vuecrest, its lovely landscaping, and the ease of walking to downtown Bellevue. Their home readily accommodates the frequent visits of their children, grandchildren, and their European relatives. Friedhelm and Elizabeth are only 2 years shy of celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary, and after many early years spent in the throes of Nazi upheaval, there is no doubt, they are finally “home”. And what good fortune that is for all of us in Vuecrest! Mark your Calendars! Are you ready for August? Isn’t it just about our favorite month? No guarantee, of course, for sunshine and warm weather, but experience has taught us that these 31 days offer us the best shot. And there are so many wonderful activities that take advantage of these long and lovely days. So, here goes! Plan a Thursday evening out with the kids and enjoy the “Crossroads Movies in the Park” (located at 16130 E 8th St. just behind the mall). Make a big batch of popcorn, grab your folding chairs or a blanket and settle in for some enjoyable entertainment. It’s free, but keep in mind, movies will be cancelled in the event of rain. Showing August 4: Minions, August 18: Good Dinosaur and August 25: Pan. Very vaguely reminiscent to me of those old drive-in movies we went to as teens that gave our parents heartburn …but this time the old folks go too! ***** One of our own personal faves is the Bridle Trails Concert in the Park which will be held on Thursday, August 11. Food served at 6PM, music from 6:30-8:30PM. Enjoy the cozy ambience of the park (never a mob scene), just bring your blanket and folding chair (or get there a wee bit early to snag a spot at the picnic tables and benches). $15 buys you a 1st class “meal box” (3 choices of gourmet sandwich, fresh fruit, cookie and bev) from the Metropolitan Market; and though extra’s will be available, best to go on-line and pre-order your preference, so you’re sure to get what you want. Then settle in and munch away as you tap your foot to the terrific bluegrass sounds of the Cascade Mountain Boys. Kids and pups always welcome – it’s a fun and friendly gathering, a good time is guaranteed! Get more details at <http://www.bridletrails.org> www.bridletrails.org and click on the “news and events” tab. ***** August 12 and 13 is also the weekend for the Kirkland Summerfest - this is Kirkland’s largest celebration! It’s a happening event starting on Friday from 1PM to 11PM and Saturday 11AM- 11PM. Both days feature art activities, “touch-a-truck” for kids and fun rides, live music and dancing, beer and wine garden, food trucks as well as juried art and vendors. You’ll find it all at the downtown waterfront, so go and play; it’s a terrific family event. ***** Here’s a fun day just for kids ages 9-12: SIFF (Seattle International Film Festival) is offering a one-day “Crash-kids” class in cinematography on Saturday, August 13th. – you got it – kids get to make their own film in 8 hours! So, if you’ve got a pint-sized Tarantino or Scorcese in your midst…sign ‘em up! More info at <http://www.siff.net/education> www.siff.net/education ***** Oh yum! Who doesn’t love fruit tarts made with luscious sweet cherries or juicy nectarines?! Here’s your chance to learn how to make them at home! The Bellevue Library is offering a course hosted by pastry chef Laurie Pfalzer on Sunday afternoon, August 14. This is your chance to learn the science behind a light and fluffy pie crust and how to prepare scrumptious fillings from fresh local fruit. Ages 13 and older, sign-up required at KCLS/ Bellevue branch. ***** On August 21st and 22nd the Fuschia Society presents its show and sale starting at 9AM at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens., and it’s free. Here’s your chance to go “back to the fuschia” … so how can you refuschia to go?? ***** Our favorite multi-ethnic and uber-diversified Eastside corner, I’m talking about Crossroads Mall, has live musical performances every, Friday and Saturday 7PM-9PM. This month enjoy Kate Voss and her Big Boss Band on August 5 as she fronts a quartet playing old jazz tunes, rhythm and blues. On Saturday, August 6th, Derek Michael Marc and the Double AA’s dish out non-stop blues and rock with a twist of R&B and soul. Friday, the 12th, Deems Tsutakawa will take the stage with his own Asian-American innovative blend of contemporary soul jazz. The following night, the 13th, the Dixie-Gypsy Project will have you up and on your feet! Their music personifies the original New Orleans swing style coupled with the fast pulsating tzigane beat. No doubt, it will be a PARTY in your ears! The 20th and 21st, respectively: the Moonlight Swing Orchestra, will feature the music of Dorsey, Ellington, Miller and Shaw (remember them? Then relive it all in one evening!); and Saturday, Sound and Fury will present various styles of England’s dance traditions. The month will close with Michael Powers and his contemporary instrumental jazzy sound on Friday, the 26th and the Cascadia Big Band and its post-swing era sound of dance and vocal tunes on Saturday evening, the 27th. All shows are free…always! And how many delightful and delicious eateries are there?…almost TOO many, so go hungry! ***** If there’s ever a time to have multiple personalities, the last 2 weekends in August are IT! That way, every “one” of you has a chance to enjoy some of these great festivities which often run concurrently. Fill up the gas tank and get ready to GO! Close to home, just down the road, enjoy the “Taste of Main” on Saturday, August 20th from 12-5. 2016 marks its 8th year. It is a one-day event to benefit the Detlef Schrempf Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club. By purchasing a “passport”, you can enjoy samplings from many of the fine restaurants, as well as wine tasting, snacks, give-aways, etc.. Partake in the merriment and live entertainment - it’s all in the name of supporting the kids in our community; could there be a better cause? <http://www.tasteofmainbellevue.com> www.tasteofmainbellevue.com ***** “I remember when rock was young, me and Suzie had so much fun. Holding hands and skipping stones, had an old gold CHEVY and a place of my own…” (Elton John/ Crocodile Rock) Just maybe, that old gold Chevy will be at the (free!) Chevy Show at the XXX Root Beer on 98 N.E. Gilman Blvd in Issaquah, Sunday, August 21! The NW Classic Chevy Club will be displaying its many models for viewing and “ooooo”-ing, this is the largest “Tri-Five” (’55-’57) show in the WORLD! Just gazing at these old classic cars will take you down Memory Lane – you can reminisce about pink furry dice, bobby sox and bee-hives…Alas, no more bubblegum chewing cuties on roller-skates taking orders; only inside or patio service, but there’s still great old music thumping from the jukebox, wonderful memorabilia on the wall…and, of course, over-flowing mugs of that famous old fashioned XXX root beer! ***** Also on August 21, it’s time for CAR-NI-VAL and the celebration of Brasilian culture (yes, spell-check just tried to correct me, but the largest country in South America can be spelled: “Brasil”, which is the Portuguese spelling, or “Brazil”, the Anglicized version.) BrasilFest is a great opportunity to “feel” the culture thru a celebration of its music, martial arts and spicy Latin “comida”. (Remember that terrific instrumental group of the 60’s: Sergio Mendez and Brazil 66? I had all their albums and loved their jazzy samba style! What a career Sergio has had – and he is still touring at the age of 75- he was at Jazz Alley in Seattle just last year! Their biggest hit was “Mas que Nada”…yes, you know it, you probably just forgot what it sounds like. Check it out on You Tube - all you need to do is go to Google and type in the search bar: you tube Sergio Mendez Mas que Nada. The tune is warm and wonderful and screams of summer!) Unfortunately, Sergio won’t be at BrasilFest, but there’s till lots of other great reasons for you to go! Seattle Center, 11AM-7pm. <http://www.brasilfest.com> www.brasilfest.com ***** You recycle, right? Of course you do! And here’s an opportunity to enjoy those recycled recycles…again! Stop by the Evergreen Gift Market on Saturday, August 27th and shop “green”, It will have innovative, handmade and “up”-cycled gifts, made by local craftsmen (and craft-ladies) who never saw an item that couldn’t be repurposed in some meaningful way. Check out the jewelry, pottery, flavored salts and vinegars and much more. NW Arts Center: 9825 NE 24th St. Bellevue. 10AM-3PM, Saturday only ***** Lots of tough choices coming up. Maybe you should plan your routes like the UPS driver and only make right hand turns so you aren’t wasting time. This could be a non-stop weekend! August 27/28: “Art in the Park”, in our very own Bellevue Botanical Gardens. Meet the many local artists who will be showing and selling their original glass and metal garden art. Cisco Morris, well-known TV personality and un-challenged Master of Everything Green and Growing will stop by. The Trillium Shop will also be open with its unique assortment of postcards, scarves and books. (What’s a “trillium”? kind of sounds like Donald Trump’s bank account… but, nooo… the word trillium comes from the Swedish word meaning “3” and refers to certain plants of the lily family that have a whorl of 3 leaves, from the center of which rises a solitary 3 petal flower. Aren’t you glad you asked?) Opens at 10AM, free to the public. ***** Speaking of flowers! Who doesn’t go bonkers over dahlias??! They grow so well in our climate, most years they can winter-over underground, and their lovely bright faces glow back at us as they bloom. Just remember to put down slug bait, and feed them every now and then (organic fertilizer combined with alfalfa meal or chicken poop) and you’ll be well rewarded in August. There are almost 2800 varieties categorized into 14 groups; and oh my, what names! lacinated, cactus, pompon, collarette, waterlily, and the grand show-stopper of them all, affectionately called – dinnerplate! Not sure where to start? Go see them all at the Dahlia show presented by the Puget Sound Dahlia Association at Sky Nursery, 18528 Aurora Ave. N. in Shoreline. August 27 & 28. <http://www.sky@skynursery.com> www.sky@skynursery.com. ***** Also that same weekend is the Tibet Fest at Seattle Center – delicious food, such exemplary and unique handicrafts and the Tibetian people are always kind and gracious. Enjoy the live performances, hands-on experiences, food, games and marketplace. Make a sand-mandala and learn about the ancient art of herbal medicines. I’m willing Tibet you’ll have a terrific time! Haha ***** Take a hike…on your bike! August 28 is Bicycle Sunday! That’s when a portion of Washington Blvd, south of Mt. Baker beach to Seward Park entrance, is closed to motorized traffic from 10AM to 6PM…so hop on your bike! Tricycle! Tandem! Kick-bike (that’s what I toodle around on), or…Unicycle…? Got none of the above? Then take the best method of transportation ever invented - your own 2 feet for a good, healthy stretch! On-going Fun Stuff: Farmers Markets! 1717 Bellevue Way, Thursdays 3-7; Crossroads: Tuesdays, 12- 6:30, joined by the Food Truck Snack-down. *****Thru August 21: Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theater presents Beauty and the Beast. Dinner avbl. and it’s good! ***** Thru Sept 11 at The Pacific Science Center: Art of the Brick - All about Legos! Wait till you see some of the masterpieces of Nathan Sawaya, whose “basic collection” is composed of FIVE million Legos bricks! See his “almost” full-size dinosaur, his homage to the Mona Lisa and his re-imagined version of van Gogh’s “Starry Night”. Adults will enjoy this as much as kiddles! So, now that I’ve told you about all this other great stuff – Keep in mind – what you REALLY gotta do is come to our Vuecrest Summer Party! It will be a shin-dig “extraordinaire”, with hot tacos of 4 varieties grilled on the spot to your order (vegie option avbl.), served with all the condiments, as well as spicy rice, and beans, thanks to “Tacos Los Koras Express”. The Cascade Blue Grass Band will sing and play… boy, oh boy…won’t all that keep your mouth a munchin’ while your toe’s a tappin’! And dessert? Just you wait – you’re in for a BIG surprise! Don’t miss it! Everyone is welcome to help with set-up/clean-up for this once a year summer celebration…and especially appreciated are our Vuecrest Junior Volunteers! Want to be one? All Vuecrest kids (6-16ish) are welcome to come early, don a name tag and join in to make this event a great success! In fact, Y’ALL “older folks” can do the same! Come early, write yourself a name tag, help set-up, and stay for a little clean-up! That’s what a neighborhood is all about, so be a part of it! Tube-Time: Need a kitty-kat fix?? (doesn’t everyone??!) Check out the furry antics happening on the Hallmark Channel’s Kitten Summer Games, August 5, 8PM. These adorable little furr-balls will take on wrestling! Gymnastics! High-jump! (hmmm…synchronized swim event? not likely). See the warm-ups and time trials at <http://www.hallmarkchannel.com> www.hallmarkchannel.com. Not so much into fuzzy kitties? How about furry primates? Tune in to PBS, Ch 9. on Sunday, August 7 at 11AM: “Koko – The Gorilla who Talks”. In 1971 Penny Patterson began teaching sign language to a gorilla named Koko, and re-defined the relationship between people and animals. It’s heart-warming, it’s true and it’s a reminder that we become better people when we share our lives with animals. On that same Sunday, 4PM, you can enjoy: “American Experience: The Boys of ’36”. You may have read The Boys in the Boat, the thrilling story of the American rowing team from our own UW, that triumphed at the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany. These should both be really terrific programs, so set you DVR if you can’t be home to watch them. Quirkles!!! Have you heard about Burger King’s latest foray into fast gourmet noshes? In truth, it should have its own proper heading titled: ”WHAT?? They call this FOOD?”. It’s a brand new invention, and yes, while most foods we enjoy are grown and harvested and have some odd dirt flecks or bone matter still attached, this little number just seems to be a “corporate creation”. It’s called Mac n’ Cheetos, aptly named since that’s just what it is! Let me rev up your gastric juices with a brief description, just in case you want to save $2.99 and make your own at home: take a wad of yesterday’s leftover mac n’cheese, (the #1 orange colored staple of every American kid’s diet), mush it into a slug shape (we’re not talking slugus giganticus; just the average size that munches your favorite hostas), roll it in crushed Cheetos (#2 favorite orange “food”, term used loosely), fry in hot sizzling oil (unfortunately, the preparatory M.O. of American fast food), throw 5 of these babies in a paper boat and…call your cardiologist in the morning Only 60 mere calories PER SLUG…and when those tummy cramps settle down, think about this: you could trade out those 60 cals for 15 sweet strawberries, 8 dill pickles, an apple, a handful of grapes or almonds, or 12 cups of KALE! Now that’s what I call REAL food! K.I.M. (Keep in Mind) The New Bellevue Main Post Office will open at the Wilburton location at 12224 "Old" Bel-Red Road on Monday, September 12th. This was the former location of the Land Rover dealership. The downtown location will permanently close on Saturday, September 10th. The self-service kiosk will be moved from the downtown location on Friday, September 9th and will be available again on September 12th when the new location opens. If you have a P.O. Box downtown, a notice will be forthcoming. ***** BYOB if you shop in Kirkland – plastic bags are now 5c each. Help our environment – Bring Your Own Bags! ***** Remember that “Sherwood Center” area, on 156th and Northup, where the original Trader Joe’s was, as well as Long Drugs, an exercise store, and even a bank and a couple restaurants? Well, good…now that you remember it – you can FORGETABOUTIT! Because it’s G-O-N-E! the whole large very fat block has been razed, and we can most likely assume it will be condominium-ized very shortly, just like the rest of the block has been. (I still miss Angelo’s Nursery, they always had the best prices for all their bedding plants and shrubs!) Reminds me of that old song: “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot (or condominium?)…they took all the trees and put them in a tree museum, and they charged the people a dollar and a half to see them. Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you got till it’s gone, they paved paradise and put up a parking lot” (Joni Mitchell/ Big Yellow Taxi/ 1970.) Thanks, Joni, such prescience even then- Ok, friends, that’s it from my little Hilltop office cubby. Enjoy this glorious month – Bask! Bake! Bronze! but don’t forget your sunscreen! Come to the Vuecrest Summer Party! Have a superb August! Will I see you in September? (or lose you…to a summer love-/The Happenings/1966) Mara