My first painting: JP Patches

February 20, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Mortgage Master Service Corporation is closed today in observance of Presidents Day and will reopen for business as usual tomorrow. Since it’s a holiday weekend, I thought I’d share something personal with you.

My new hobby that I’ve recently picked back up is painting. With my son off to college, in the evenings and weekends, I’m really enjoying picking up the paint brush.

Here’s my first finished project: JP Patches on black velvet.

JPpainting

For those of you who are not originally from Seattle or who didn’t grow up in my era, JP Patches is a local treasure who many of us would spend our mornings or afternoons with while watching him on TV.

My husband surprised me when he had JP Patches show up at my 40th birthday. I adore this clown.  

I don’t plan on posting all of my art on Mortgage Porter.  I’m starting a new blog for that.  Your regular scheduled programing will return tomorrow.

Happy Presidents Day.

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The West Seattle Grand Parade

July 25, 2010 by Leave a Comment

I must confess, I love parades.   And for me, the West Seattle Grand Parade is at the top of my list.  Not only is it in my hometown, it features JP Patches, Seafair Pirates, marching bands, drill teams and Miss West Seattle HiYu with her court.

JP Patches in West Seattle Grand Parade

West Seattle Parade

Seafair Pirate West Seattle

West Seattle Parade

This year, my step-daughter, Kelsey, is a candidate for Miss West Seattle HiYu which makes the parade extra special.

Kelsey Hi-Yu Princess
Here are more of my photos from yesterday’s West Seattle Grand Parade.

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Garden Glass Art

July 17, 2010 by 1 Comment

Our Seattle home is situated very close to our both neighbors.  In fact, the view out our dining room window are the grey shingles of our next door neighbor’s house.  My husband and I started keeping an eye out for glass art to create a garden.  Last weekend, at the West Seattle Summerfest, we spied a booth, Simply Qwirky, selling beautiful yard art made from vintage looking glass plates.

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They really brighten up the view and add a little whimsey.   I’m told the artist, Julie and Carline, are typically at the Fremont Sunday Street Market.  Below is more of their pretty flower glass plates from the West Seattle fair last weekend.

 Qwirky

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Where is the Best Hamburgers in Seattle?

December 6, 2009 by 2 Comments

IMG_5907 A conversation started on my Facebook profile over a review I did via Yelp on a West Seattle restaurant, Spring Hill.  We were drawn there because one of my husband’s co-workers insists the hamburgers there are amazing and worthy of their gourmet price.   He did like the burger, although prefers one you can eat with your hands (Spring Hill is kind of a knife and fork place).   

Jan suggested that we check out Zippy’s in White Center, which we’ve been meaning to do but we just haven’t.  However, when we were at the West Seattle Thriftway last night, I just happened to look at the coupons on the back of my receipt and there was coupon for Zippy’s.   We decided to check it out and cook our planned dinner we bought groceries for on another night.  

Zippy’s Giant Burger does not disappoint.  My husband and teens had the Zip Burger with Bacon and Cheese and I had the Lil Zip (of course with bacon and cheese).   This is a classic whole in the wall burger joint.  I wish we could have devoured them there but our kids were back at home and the place was packed!  I recommend calling in advance to place your order.  Parking can be an issue with the quicky mart next door aggressively protecting his few spots next to the popular Zippy’s.  Here’s my review on Yelp.

I’m really looking forward to Thursday where I’ll be joining David Gibbonsand others to start planning RE Barcamp Seattle 2010 (taking place in mid-March)…we’re going to Latona Pub to try what David claims is a fantastic burger.  I’ll be sure to report back!   My son claims that Jak’s in West Seattle may have the very best hamburger…so that’s gladly on my to do list to check out as well.

Who do you think makes the best hamburgers in Seattle?

UPDATE January 17, 2010:  We tried Porterhouse Pub in West Seattle last night (located by the Admiral Theater).  Hubby had their hamburger and is still raving about it.  

UPDATE April 2, 2012: I’ve had Latona Pub’s hamburger with bacon and blue cheese, twice now and it quite possibly be the best hamburger in Seattle. Hubby agrees!

Filed Under: Just for Fun, Seattle Tagged With: ,

Friday Funny: Seattle Tunnel Vision

October 30, 2009 by Leave a Comment

We’ve all seen the nicely produced video (to the tune of $80k) of what could happen to the viaduct if Seattle experiences an earthquake… but have you seen the low budget version of what would happen to the proposed tunnel in a similar circumstance?

Note: I’m trying out posting mortgage rates at Rain City Guide on Friday’s and on Mortgage Porter on Mondays.

PS:  Don’t forget to VOTE by next Tuesday.

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West Seattle Hi-Yu Parade…featuring JP Patches!

July 18, 2009 by Leave a Comment

I love a parade…especially if it’s in my home-town AND it features my favorite Seattle clown, JP Patches.

P7180026

The Seafair Clowns are a Seattle treasure, too.

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Not to mention great marching bands, drill teams and princesses.  The West Seattle Hi-Yu Parade is something not to be missed.   For more pictures, click here.

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Sunday Drive: Southbound on the Alaskan Way Viaduct

May 3, 2009 by 2 Comments

I enjoy driving down the viaduct…northbound is prettier than heading south in my opinion but I love this old structure.  I’m going to miss it when it’s gone and I think it’s really concerning that our elected officials have no regard for the citizens who voted to keep the viaduct.  Instead, they are blazing ahead with plans for a tunnel.  Why vote when your officials don’t honor the voice of their citizens?  Adding insult to injury according to this article, Seattle homeowners may get the bill fo cost over-runs.  Your thoughts?

[Read more…]

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A Sunday Drive to Seattle’s Georgetown

February 22, 2009 by Leave a Comment

Just south of downtown Seattle, you’ll find historic Georgetown.  My husband and I Seattle Georgetown Record StoreSeattle Georgetowndecided to check it out a few weekends ago in search of authentic Italian style pizza.  The restaurant we wanted to go to was closed (we’ll go definitely go back and give you a full report) but we’re not disappointed. [Read more…]

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