April 2017 Vuecrest View Newsletter

         DTP

              "It was a bright cold day in April and the clocks were striking thirteen."

                        (Opening sentence in George Orwell's novel 1984).

April's birthstone is the diamond (now, stay sharp! Don't get zirc'ed!) and the flower is the daisy and sweet-pea. The most common theory of the naming of April (Aprillis) is that it comes from the Latin word "aperire" meaning "to open", as in leaves or blossoms. (Not unlike a camera lens aperture; or aperitif, an opening beverage to a meal). April's Full Moon is known as the Full Pink Moon because it heralded the appearance of wild ground phlox or moss pink, one of the first spring flowers.

  The #1 April Fool's Day hoax of all time is said to be that from April 1, 1957 when the respected BBC news show "Panorama" announced on live TV (early days, black and white) that due to a mild winter and the elimination of the dreaded "spaghetti weevil", Swiss famers were now able to enjoy a bumper-crop harvest of spaghetti! This was accompanied by a 3 minute segment showing Swiss peasants pulling long strands of spaghetti from trees and laying them in the sun to dry. Further explanation stated that thru selective breeding procedures, the strands were always of identical length. The BBC was immediately inundated with phone calls requesting information about where these spaghetti trees could be bought. The BBC responded diplomatically: "Place a sprig of spaghetti in a tin of tomato sauce and hope for the best". View the original 1957 clip for yourself, it's really quite credible - Just Google: "Spaghetti harvest in Ticino"! and have a good laugh! But let's give those poor gullible souls a break - after all, considering we have spaghetti westerns, spaghetti straps and spaghetti squash...is a spaghetti tree really such a stretch??!



*****************************************************************************

  Every spring I make a trip to the Czech Republic for a week to visit my cousins, as well as their spouses and kids, and grandkids. It's always terrific fun; they are as delighted to see me as I am to see them! The little ones are in awe of having a great-auntie from America, and I am also in awe of the greater simplicity of their lives. The one thing that is a constant through all the generations: their love for nature.

            DONATE YOURSELF! BE A VOLUTEER!



     "The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning

                               of a happier life for ourselves".           Helen Keller



 And what better place to feel that cheer than at the Seattle Humane Society? HONEST! Join the more than 2,200 volunteers (myself included) who know that pets make us better people! The SHS was founded in 1897 to serve King County, but then became Seattle Humane Society and moved to Bellevue as an independent, non-profit facility, located at 13212 Eastgate Way (just a few blocks north of Factoria). They are currently in the process of a major rebuild and expansion plan. When complete, this $30 million, 58,000 sq. ft. facility will include a shelter and teaching hospital. Construction began in the summer of 2016 and is expected to be complete by November 2017. It receives no tax dollars; 80% of its dollars comes from fund-raising, the remainder from private donations. Now, that's a lot of kibbles and they're being wisely spent! SHS preforms 8,000 surgeries a year, re-homes close to 7,000 pooches and kitties (that's where I found my own Furry Wonder), and plans to increase that number to 10,000 when the new building is complete. They offer mobile adoptions, spay and neuter marathons and donate 15,000 pounds of pet food every month to pet owners in need. The great news? There are NO time limits for pets! Dogs and cats may often be brought in from other shelters, both in and out of Washington state to have every possible chance at finding their "forever home". 25% of the pets are pure-bred breeds and 98% WILL be adopted! Their motto is : W.I.T. ("Whatever it Takes!").

What can you do to help? Be a volunteer - there are lots of different regular positions, or sign up on an "as needed" basis for events and fund-raisers. No time? Then make a donation - 75 cents of every dollar goes to the care of animals, the remaining 25 cents covers administrative costs and fund-raising. Oh yes, and there's something else you can do: adopt your next best friend at SHS. They're waiting for you...don't make them wait any longer- (their tails are getting tired...)



           *****************************************************************

  This book is available at the Bellevue Public Library.

 A page of jokes came thru my email recently, and though many could be called "groaners", they had that unique sense of self-deprecating humor made famous by the American Icon of Jokesters - Rodney Dangerfield. Rodney was born Jacob Cohen in 1921 in New York to a frequently absent vaudevillian dad and a Hungarian mother. To help support his family, he sold ice cream on the beach, delivered groceries, and then started to write jokes for local comedians. After performing with minimal success in the Catskills, he felt a need to reinvent himself and took on the name "Rodney Dangerfield". His new stage-persona was that of a hapless and woebegone character for whom nothing goes right, epitomized in his favorite punchline: "I don't get no respect". In 1967 he was summoned as a last-minute replacement on the Ed Sullivan Show (Remember? 8PM, Sunday night??!) and became an instant hit. After that, he made frequent appearances on the Dean Martin Show and the Tonight Show. In the mid-'80's he began acting in hit movies such as Caddy Shack with Chevy Chase and Bill Murray. He died in 2004 at the age of 82 after having undergone  preparatory surgery for a heart-valve replacement. Upon entering the hospital, a reporter asked him how long he would be staying. Always in character, he uttered his last joke: "If all goes well, about a week, if not - an hour and half".

               "Winter is Dead".  (Daffodowndilly/ A.A. Milne/ 1924)



                                            *********************

    Mara

April 2017 Vuecrest View Newsletter Board of Directors Meeting May 2017 The next meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on Thursday, May 4th at the Bellevue Public Library. The time is 7 pm. Please Volunteer We would be delighted if you would consider hosting our monthly Board of Directors meetings. Lately we have been meeting at the Library, but it is so much nicer to meet in a more personal setting. The meetings are always the first Thursday of each month beginning at 7 PM. If you will host a meeting, please contact Nyla Wang at secretary@vuecrest.net<mailto:secretary@vuecrest.net>. Block Watch Although the gang of three vandals that has been terrorizing Bellevue neighborhoods for the last year is now behind bars, we still need to remain vigilant regarding the safety of our streets and homes. Go to our community website Vuecrest.net where you will find the Block Watch link, and sign up to help keep us safe! Shreds and Drugs Twice yearly the Medina Police Department does a wonderful public service by shredding materials and disposing of unwanted drugs. The day is April 29th. The location is the Medina Park parking lot from 9 am until noon. If you have shredding, get there early as the truck fills up quickly. Egg Hunt Postscript Many thanks to Eileen Foley and her band of EGG-stra-ordinary volunteers for putting on another year of happy egg hunting. No egg or child was left behind or disappointed. The bunny petting was a huge success (even my wife couldn't resist some hands-on time!). We cannot forget to mention kudos and nose twitches go to the Easter Bunny (he? she?) for another stellar performance. Compass Construction Project at 100th Ave and 10th Street Plans for this month: Structural steel and wood framing installation for 1st floor above grade. Garage plumbing rough-in and utilities extended from NE 10th Ave into the garage. Site landscape and retaining walls. A Sad Farewell We say goodbye to Nancy Dunham who has lived in Vuecrest for 65 years and passed away on March 12th at the age of 93. Nancy was famously a WASP (Women's Airforce Service Pilots) during World War II. In 2010, she was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal at a ceremony in Washington, D. C. for her service. Her uniform is on display at the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field. A very nice interview of Nancy was written by Mara in the September Vuecrest View Newsletter. DTP TID-BITS! "It was a bright cold day in April and the clocks were striking thirteen." (Opening sentence in George Orwell's novel 1984). George may have been right about some things, but I'll remain hopeful that the cold days are behind us; and if our clocks ever strike 13, I'll need to have a chat with David, my resident "clock-meister". April's birthstone is the diamond (now, stay sharp! Don't get zirc'ed!) and the flower is the daisy and sweet-pea. The most common theory of the naming of April (Aprillis) is that it comes from the Latin word "aperire" meaning "to open", as in leaves or blossoms. (Not unlike a camera lens aperture; or aperitif, an opening beverage to a meal). April's Full Moon is known as the Full Pink Moon because it heralded the appearance of wild ground phlox or moss pink, one of the first spring flowers. The term "All Fools," was probably meant as a deliberate stab at All Saints (November 1) and All Souls (November 2) Day. Although the origin of playing practical jokes and pranks on this day is hazy, many folklorists believe it may go back to 16th-century France. At that time, New Year's Day was March 25, with a full week of partying and exchanging gifts until April 1. In 1582, the Gregorian calendar moved New Year's Day to January 1. Those who forgot or refused to honor the new calendar were the butts of jokes and ridicule. Weather folklore states, "If it thunders on All Fools Day, it brings good crops of corn and hay." QUIRKLES! The #1 April Fool's Day hoax of all time is said to be that from April 1, 1957 when the respected BBC news show "Panorama" announced on live TV (early days, black and white) that due to a mild winter and the elimination of the dreaded "spaghetti weevil", Swiss famers were now able to enjoy a bumper-crop harvest of spaghetti! This was accompanied by a 3 minute segment showing Swiss peasants pulling long strands of spaghetti from trees and laying them in the sun to dry. Further explanation stated that thru selective breeding procedures, the strands were always of identical length. The BBC was immediately inundated with phone calls requesting information about where these spaghetti trees could be bought. The BBC responded diplomatically: "Place a sprig of spaghetti in a tin of tomato sauce and hope for the best". View the original 1957 clip for yourself, it's really quite credible - Just Google: "Spaghetti harvest in Ticino"! and have a good laugh! But let's give those poor gullible souls a break - after all, considering we have spaghetti westerns, spaghetti straps and spaghetti squash...is a spaghetti tree really such a stretch??! ***************************************************************************** Every spring I make a trip to the Czech Republic for a week to visit my cousins, as well as their spouses and kids, and grandkids. It's always terrific fun; they are as delighted to see me as I am to see them! The little ones are in awe of having a great-auntie from America, and I am also in awe of the greater simplicity of their lives. The one thing that is a constant through all the generations: their love for nature. They define their seasons less by new clothes and more by nature's gifts. Autumn, with its crisp fallen leaves and blown-down branches blanketing the ground, provides protection for the prized and sought-after boletus and morel mushrooms, so essential for their hearty soups and stews. The dormant winters of Eastern Europe allow for "break-time" and regeneration of fuel and fodder for the little forest creatures. Czechs relish the weather changes because both sun and rain are so essential for optimum plant growth. And this time of year brings forth the words they most cherish: "Here comes spring!". As we walk, I see my cousins keenly scan the ground for evidence of early green stalks that will soon bear crocuses and snowdrops, pushing up from the cold hard earth. They enthusiastically talk about the weather, and what it will mean for this year's plantings. Spring is nature's renaissance, and it seems to be theirs, as well! The Czech word for "garden" is zahrada. The root of this word comes from "za" meaning "behind" and "hrad " meaning "castle". And when Czechs speak of "zahrada" they mean just that: it's the area behind their very own "castle"! To them, "garden" is not just that little side patch with extra sun where roses are planted, it's not just the small hosta bed under an old and gnarly linden tree and it's not just the apple or plum trees that provide the makings for fresh home-made jam. It's ALL of it! It's about the entirety of their very own piece of prized land (not permissible for so many year under Communism), including the weeds and the over-grown grasses and the steep embankments and the rockeries, all of which make a large part of this "zahrada" beyond the scope of even basic maintenance. But it doesn't matter - it is their own natural paradise and they welcome it all. To them, gardening is not a competitive sport. It is a fusion of the seasons, of the land, of nature's bounty and of the existential thrill they feel when they find that odd little stalk or twig that has taken root and now demands to just "be". The heroes are the plants, not the people who tend them. Spring, to my relatives, is their yearly reminder that the mysterious cycle of life continues with unbridled enthusiasm for every living thing - green and otherwise. Relish your "zahrada" - not just for what you planted in it but for everything that you did not plant in it! Cherish those spring sprouts, struggling to create their own little "tour de force", as they embrace the first warm rays of sunshine. Let them embellish your castle and all the garden behind it. And you will be embellished too. *********************************************************************** DONATE YOURSELF! BE A VOLUTEER! "The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves". Helen Keller And what better place to feel that cheer than at the Seattle Humane Society? HONEST! Join the more than 2,200 volunteers (myself included) who know that pets make us better people! The SHS was founded in 1897 to serve King County, but then became Seattle Humane Society and moved to Bellevue as an independent, non-profit facility, located at 13212 Eastgate Way (just a few blocks north of Factoria). They are currently in the process of a major rebuild and expansion plan. When complete, this $30 million, 58,000 sq. ft. facility will include a shelter and teaching hospital. Construction began in the summer of 2016 and is expected to be complete by November 2017. It receives no tax dollars; 80% of its dollars comes from fund-raising, the remainder from private donations. Now, that's a lot of kibbles and they're being wisely spent! SHS preforms 8,000 surgeries a year, re-homes close to 7,000 pooches and kitties (that's where I found my own Furry Wonder), and plans to increase that number to 10,000 when the new building is complete. They offer mobile adoptions, spay and neuter marathons and donate 15,000 pounds of pet food every month to pet owners in need. The great news? There are NO time limits for pets! Dogs and cats may often be brought in from other shelters, both in and out of Washington state to have every possible chance at finding their "forever home". 25% of the pets are pure-bred breeds and 98% WILL be adopted! Their motto is : W.I.T. ("Whatever it Takes!"). What can you do to help? Be a volunteer - there are lots of different regular positions, or sign up on an "as needed" basis for events and fund-raisers. No time? Then make a donation - 75 cents of every dollar goes to the care of animals, the remaining 25 cents covers administrative costs and fund-raising. Oh yes, and there's something else you can do: adopt your next best friend at SHS. They're waiting for you...don't make them wait any longer- (their tails are getting tired...) ***************************************************************** "Book 'em, Danno" (TV Series Hawaii 5-0 / Jack Lord/ 1968 - 1980) Silenced by Kristina Ohlsson Although our calendars say spring is here, the days continue to be cool and wet. This is a perfect time to relax, put your feet up with a favorite beverage at your side and read an enthralling murder mystery. "Silenced" takes place in Sweden, the author's homeland. In the opening chapter a young girl is wandering through an idyllic meadow near her home. Her parents are away and her sister is ensconced in her attic bedroom. A large man approaches the young girl and she is viciously raped. No names are revealed, but the life of this child is forever changed. The remainder of the book takes place many years later in Stockholm. Over a period of 10 days a bewildering series of events take place. Murders are committed, detectives are fully engaged; there are plots and sub-plots. In fact, for the first half of the book, the reader might consider having paper and pen handy as characters and situations are intricately interwoven. The story now focuses on Jacob Ahlbin, minister, renowned lecturer, and champion of immigrants to Sweden and his wife, Marja, who are found dead in their home. They each have a bullet wound to the head and there is a suicide note signed by Jacob. Was it a murder-suicide or were they both murdered? Police Superintendent, Alex Recht, and his able team of detectives Fredrika, Peder and Joar are immediately engaged in solving the mystery. But, hold on, another story comes to light in Bangkok! A business woman is completing her work and planning her return to Stockholm. She, like the girl in the meadow is nameless. She calls the airline to confirm her travel plans but no ticket can be found. Within days she finds she is unable to reach friends or family in Sweden, her hotel room no longer exists, she is robbed of identification and there is no record of her at the Swedish Embassy. She is suddenly on the run from the police for a false charge of cocaine possession. Getting back to the main story: we have desperate illegal immigrants, more murders, spurned lovers, family rivalries, greed, all come into the marvelous mix of intrigue, chicanery and conspiracy...and yes...what can I say...the plot does thicken! As in most novels of this genre, everything seems to coalesce in the final chapters, and many surprises await you, the reader. This book is very well written and as you get further into the story, it takes an iron will or the smell of smoke in your house to put it down. This book is available at the Bellevue Public Library. David Pitkethly JUST DO IT! And there's LOTS to do - That's what makes our area so much fun to live in! Let me announce right away, that April might as well be called "Tulip Month"! Tulips symbolize love and the arrival of spring! If you haven't been to the Skagit Valley to see this remarkable display in bloom, then this is the year to treat yourself; and take a few friends with you. So, you think you know tulips? How many petals does a tulip have? 3! And it has 3 sepals, but since the sepals are almost the same size as the petals, most people think the answer is 6 (but not YOU! right??? YOU knew the correct answer!) The Netherlands are the largest producer and exporter, growing and exporting nearly 3 billion bulbs yearly. Tulips are known for their bright and sunny colors but a black one has even been cultivated, called the Queen of the Night. Tulips earned their name due to their shape; it originally comes from the Persian word "delband" meaning "turban". Tulips are edible! They can be used to replace onions in some recipes and can even be pressed and made into wine. They are originally from the lily family (lilioideae) which also includes asparagus, onions and garlic. Red tulips represent true love, white tulips say "I'm sorry" and purple tulips symbolize royalty. And when they are all mixed together...utter happiness...head to the Skagit Valley and you'll find out for yourself! ***** The Grammy-award winning "Rebirth Brass Band" will be playing April 7-9 at Benaroya Hall. This is the raucous, funky, deeply authentic sound of New Orleans that will keep your toe a'tappin' long after the music has stopped! ***** April 6, Thursday, 7-8:30PM at the Bellevue Library, Room 3: Crochet Basics. So much yarn - so few hiding spots! If you're a yarn-a-holic and your particular weakness is crocheting, then think about meeting up with others who share your interest. Bring your own hook and yarn, or use the ones provided if you're new to this delightful pastime. Space is limited, first come, first seated. Free! ***** "Good-by Cruel World...I'm off to join the circus, Oh Mr. Barnum save a place for me...shoot me out of a cannon, I don't care, let the people point at me and stare... (James Darren/ 1961). Maybe it's too late for you to run off and join the circus, but it's not too late to delight in those who have taken that career path. April 7-9 SANCA (School of Acrobatics and New Circus Acts) will be putting on its only show all year at the Broadway Performance Hall, 1625 Broadway, Seattle. Watch the acrobats, the high-flying aerial action, contortions and juggling, all set to live music! It's a great show for all ages. $12- $20.Tickets available at www.brownpapertickets.com<http://www.brownpapertickets.com>. ***** Enjoy a high couture runway show of spring trends, meet style experts with ideas on how to build your spring wardrobe, have a mini-makeovers, listen to music with a DJ: it's all happening at Macy's on Saturday, April 8 at Bel-Square...so walk on down! ("Strike a pose - Vogue! Vogue! Vogue! Ladies with an attitude, fellows that were in the mood, don't just stand there, let's get to it, strike a pose - there's nothing to it!" / Madonna / 1990). It's free but if you re-register, you just might snag a front row seat and be mistaken for a movie-star! www.eventbrite.com/e/macys-spring-fashion-presentation-tickets-32133213306.*****<http://www.eventbrite.com/e/macys-spring-fashion-presentation-tickets-32133213306.*****> April 8, Saturday. Sounds like a great day for your pooch to celebrate a little Easter fun! Take your canine(s) to Camp Charlie, a private off-leash dog park and let their wet noses do something "appropriate", like sniff out phony eggs stuffed with dog treats - YUM! 11AM- 2PM - "Easter for Dogs on the Eastside", 2 miles south of Duvall at 25809 NE 124th St - No admission charge - donation suggested. Romp & Play Plan: large dogs: 11AM, small dogs: 12:30 ***** Remember Rosalie Whyel's Doll Museum next to the library? ( I DO! I must have visited over a dozen times!). Sadly, the Doll Museum closed several years ago and has undergone quite a transformation. It has now reopened as "KidsQuest", the adventure play and learning center, formerly in the Factoria Mall. It will be closed Easter Sunday. However, Saturday, April 9 is the day of their "Egg-tastic Event" a fun morning filled with games, creating edible eggs in their studio, engineering an egg-maze, and more! Recommended ages: Birth to 10 (under 1 year free). Learn more at www.kidsquest.com<http://www.kidsquest.com> ***** April 12: National Grilled Cheese Day! Imagine---the lowly little grilled cheese sandwich which food historians say has been around since ancient times (though not in the sandwich form) is truly an American staple. Our "modern" version became popular in the 1920's when inexpensive sliced sandwich bread was invented by a man in Iowa and American cheese, invented by James L. Kraft, became readily available. Though not considered a wise diet food, it does pack a punch with its carbs and protein and is loved by all ages, almost any time of day, and ohhh...the comfort it can bring to our tummies! Grilled cheese sandwiches are now the stars of their own food trucks and restaurants, where the myriad of add-in options include bacon, tomatoes, or avocadoes heftily apportioned between 2 serious slices of brioche or perhaps Macrina sour-dough and now...the thick and warm and oozy flavor of Beechers, Tillamook or gorgonzola! Make your dreams come true - such delicacies are available in many local restaurants...or create your own! And don't forget that side of tomato soup. Who said You Can't Go Home Again!?? (Thomas Wolf/published posthumously - 1940) ***** "The Hills are alive with the sound of music, with songs they have sung for a thousand years" (The Sound of Music / Rogers and Hammerstein/ 1959) And what better time to visit those hills and our 140 state parks than when they are FREE?! Plan to visit on April 15 -16 and/or 22-23 when there is no admission charge at all Washington State Parks. Our National Parks (vs. WA. State) offer free admission to Mt. Rainier and the Olympic National Park on April 15 as well as April 22, which is Earth Day. Go! Climb every mountain (ford every stream, follow every rainbow, till you find your dream...) ***** April 15 -16: The International Children's Festival at Seattle Center. Contests, games, entertainment, dancing, singing, make origami, face-painting. Free! Of course, it's a "Family Affair" (Sly and the Family Stone /1971). ***** It's time for "Bunny Bounce" at the Woodland Park Zoo on Saturday, April 16! Kids get to enjoy the egg-hunt and watch the animals enjoy their own Easter treats. 9:30AM - 3PM. Check out their website for details. ***** Easter Brunch Cruise ("Baby, let's cruise away from here, don't be confused, the way is clear. I love it when we're cruisin' together" - Smokey Robinson/ 1974). What could be more memorable than enjoying a 2 hour champagne brunch cruise on Lake Union and Lake Washington in the springtime! The Easter bunny will hand out treats to the kids, the Captain will narrate the sights, and you can enjoy the expansive buffet with extraordinary desserts at your own private table. Departures from either Kirkland or Seattle. Book your spot soon - it's usually a sell-out! www.waterwayscruises.com<http://www.waterwayscruises.com> ***** April 21 - 23: Seattle Center -The Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival<http://www.cherryblossomfest.org/> celebrates Seattle's friendship with Japan and Japan's gift of 1000 cherry trees in 1976. Enjoy the many aspects of Japanese culture including art, dance, music, food, even Taiko drumming. www.Seattle<http://www.Seattle> Center.com/festal. *****Adventure Race! Can you do it? Find out on April 22, 8:30AM. Seattle Urban Trek creates an adventure race that will leave you begging for mercy! ( "Whoa oh, mercy, mercy me-e-e, Oh things ain't like they used to be...no, no, where did all the blue skies go?" Marvin Gaye/ 1971) It will include 7 miles of mental and physical challenges at Safeco Field. Age 18+ ***** April 22: Earth Day! As in Earth, Wind and Fire day? (great rock band/ 1970- 1984) nooooo... As in Eartha Kitt day? (slinky, sultry cabaret singer and the first to record Santa Baby in 1953)... nooooo ...As in "Earth Angel" day (Doo-wop group: The Penguins/ 1954)...noooo...Earth Day, as in the One Special Day of the year dedicated to the support of our environment! First established in 1967 and currently celebrated in 93 countries, Earth Day, often Earth Week, stresses the need for us all to be wise and thoughtful stewards of our environment. A simple way to help out is to offer your time and join with other volunteers on a clean-up project of local forests, roads and trails etc. The Washington Park Arboretum would be delighted to see you and offer you the opportunity to give back and help restore this local treasure to its pristine beauty. 9AM - 1PM. ***** "What's new pussycat? Wo-a-wo-a-wo-a, I love you, yes I do. You and your pussycat lips...you and your pussycat eyes...you and your pussycat nose!" (Tom Jones/1967) and...speaking of pussycats... - Here's a great event that deserves your attention! Sunday evening, April 23 5PM - 8PM. It's the "SPAYghetti and No-balls" dinner, an annual event that raises money for the Feral Cat Spay and Neuter Project, a very fine organization. Feral cats (wild ones, who live independently in groups) as well as tame ones receive free or reduced-price "birth control" surgery to control the puss-population. Already over 500 cats have benefited just since the start of the year, and the FCSNP works in close cooperation with local shelters and pet-owners to bring low cost, high quality spay and neuter to our community. They also organize transporters who bring cats in from out-reaching areas to their surgi-center in Lynnwood, where I volunteer. The dinner, which often sells out quite quickly, is only $25 and will be held at the Factory Luxe in the Old Rainier Factory. Please come - David and I would just PURR if we saw you there! Registration: www.feralcatproject.org<http://www.feralcatproject.org> *****Oooh-la-la...Ready for a little eye-candy??? Yes, you may stare, you may ogle, you may rubberneck (don't you just LOVE that silly word??), you may even sigh and dream a little when you catch a glimpse of these hard-bodies! Be inspired to get in shape for the summer bathing suit season! Coming to Meydenbauer Center on April 28-29 is the Body- Building Expo known as the Emerald Cup. Awards will be given for Fitness, Classique Physique, Body-Building, Physique and Bikini. ("You can ring my bell, ring my bell, ding dong ding...you can ring my bell, ring my bell..." Anita Ward/ 1979) ***** April 29-30 join the 24th annual World Rhythm Festival at Seattle Center and "turn the beat around, love to hear percussion! Turn it upside down, love to hear it, love to hear it, love to hear percussion" (Gloria Estefan/1994). Listen to over 100 drummers, learn new dance moves at the continuous workshops and watch inspiring performances as artists strut their stuff. It's all free and fun! ***** April 29 - The Modern Home Tour. Here is your chance to tour some dazzling homes, meet the architects and talk to the owners. This is a dream come true if you're looking for ideas or already have a headful and wonder if they might work! Sponsored by the Modern Architecture and Design Society. Buy your ticket on-line and you'll be issued a map, then you can see the homes in any order you wish according to your own schedule. Saturday only 10AM-5PM. http://mads.media/2017-mads-seattle-modern-home-tour. ***** Ch. 9 has several interesting programs scheduled for this month. Wednesday, April 12, 8PM: Viva Puerto Rico! Learn about the unique natural wonders on this tropical island and meet a charismatic group of scientists dedicated to saving the manatees, parrots, coqui frogs (specie of small frog, native to the island) and turtles. *** On Thursday, April 20 at 3:30: America's Test Kitchen, from Cook's Illustrated magazine, learn how to make the ULTIMATE sticky-buns! YUM! I already want to lick the pan! *** Friday, April 21, 10PM: Craft in America. Exploration of the creative spirit through the language and traditions of the handmade. NW artists are featured as well as their diverse origins and techniques and inspirations. *** On Saturday, April 22 at 3PM: Violins of Hope, this documentary features Israeli violinmaker Amnon Weinstein and his efforts to restore violins recovered from the Holocaust. EASTER for the Kiddles! Keep in mind: Bel-Sq. Mall, Crossroads Mall and many stores at Redmond Town Center will be closed on Easter Sunday! However, there's lots going on for the kids the day before, Saturday, April 15. *** Crossroads Mall will have free activities from 2PM - 4PM on its south concourse (entrance by Michael's Crafts, and Bed, Bath and Beyond). Bring the kids for face-painting and art projects. Wiggle Works and Snippets and a Balloon Artist also have exciting entertainment planned. *** Bel-Square will have "Photos with the Easter Bunny" on the main level, 9:30AM - 9:30PM. *** Redmond Town Center will host its Spring Egg-stavaganza which includes a petting zoo, face painting, trampolines, photos with a Princess ($5-) and a scavenger hunt. Free! 12 Noon- 4PM. Vuecrest Book-Club - Our next meeting will be on Monday, May 1 at the home of Julie Kadavy, 9806 Belfair. Join us as we discuss News of the World by Paulette Jiles. You will be warmly welcomed - even if you don't find time to read the book! Questions? (if you have a copy to share before the meeting, please let us know - it has a long waiting list at the library-). Want to join our Book Club? Please contact Melissa Hambleton, mhambleton@comcast.net<mailto:mhambleton@comcast.net>. King of the One-Liner A page of jokes came thru my email recently, and though many could be called "groaners", they had that unique sense of self-deprecating humor made famous by the American Icon of Jokesters - Rodney Dangerfield. Rodney was born Jacob Cohen in 1921 in New York to a frequently absent vaudevillian dad and a Hungarian mother. To help support his family, he sold ice cream on the beach, delivered groceries, and then started to write jokes for local comedians. After performing with minimal success in the Catskills, he felt a need to reinvent himself and took on the name "Rodney Dangerfield". His new stage-persona was that of a hapless and woebegone character for whom nothing goes right, epitomized in his favorite punchline: "I don't get no respect". In 1967 he was summoned as a last-minute replacement on the Ed Sullivan Show (Remember? 8PM, Sunday night??!) and became an instant hit. After that, he made frequent appearances on the Dean Martin Show and the Tonight Show. In the mid-'80's he began acting in hit movies such as Caddy Shack with Chevy Chase and Bill Murray. He died in 2004 at the age of 82 after having undergone preparatory surgery for a heart-valve replacement. Upon entering the hospital, a reporter asked him how long he would be staying. Always in character, he uttered his last joke: "If all goes well, about a week, if not - an hour and half". Here are some of his great one-liners: * A girl phoned me, she said "Come on over - there's nobody home". I went over. Nobody was home! * My wife is such a bad cook - in my house, we pray after the meal. * I went to the doctor because I'd swallowed a bottle of sleeping pills. The doctor told me to have a couple drinks and get some rest. * My wife made me join a bridge club - I jump off next Tuesday! * I got me a dog - we call him Egypt because he leaves a pyramid in every room. * When I was a kid I knew all about rejection. Even my yo-yo wouldn't come back. * My wife and I were happy for 20 years. Then we met. * I could tell my parents hated me - my bath toys were a toaster and a radio. * I asked my old man if I could go skating on the lake. He said "wait till it gets warmer". * My psychiatrist told me I'm going crazy. I told him "If you don't mind, I'd like a second opinion". He said "all right, you're ugly, too." **************************** She wore her yellow sun-bonnet. She wore her greenest gown; She turned to the south wind And curtsied up and down. She turned to the sunlight And shook her yellow head, And whispered to her neighbor: "Winter is Dead". (Daffodowndilly/ A.A. Milne/ 1924) ********************* Wishing you a joyous and peaceful Easter with loving family, dear friends and a thankfulness in your heart for all of life's riches, which so many on this amazing earth, could not even imagine. Mara