Pane d' Amore

I woke up this morning to sunlight & seagulls calling. Well, at least I THINK it was seagulls! Maybe I should call them "sea birds" until I get that vocabulary down too. Not a bad way to wake up... A bit later, I went outside to speak with Richard, the innkeeper, and finally saw the deer that he's been telling me about. There are deer all over PT. Initially I thought there were only three of them but now I realize that there are groups of three roaming all over town. Richard had told me that they liked to snack on the garden behind my place and that's where I finally saw them. Earlier in the year, the online version of the Leader (or was it the Peninsula Daily News?) had a photo of an albino baby deer. Haven't seen him/her yet - must see if anyone knows its usual haunts.

I realize I'm rather slow on the uptake at times - particularly when there's a few pressing details almost daily - but it finally hit me today - it's QUIET here! When I went out to get the papers this morning I realized that there aren't any DFW jets about to land overhead. They never bothered me in Texas, but I'm realizing their absence is probably what makes the sea birds' calling stand out. It reminds me of the days just after 9.11 when there were no jets overhead - other than the military variety patrolling the skies. Peaceful. There ARE aircraft at times - I was told the noise overhead one day was a Coast Guard exercise and there are small planes, probably from Jefferson County International Airport. I was told that JCIA was at one point the only international airport with a gravel (or was it dirt?) runway. Haven't checked out that lore yet, but sounds plausible to me.

Today's photo is of Pane d'Amore. What can I say about it? That this precious neighborhood jewel will be 1 1/2 blocks from the house? That it is organic? That the most delicious bread and pastries come from its ovens? I didn't realize it was open 7 days a week until today. These people work so hard and just before I got up here they had a spectacular fundraiser for the people of Haiti. They now have three locations - PT, Sequim & Bainbridge Island (where the ferry lets you off on this side of Puget Sound). I will NOT divulge what I bought/ate as research for this blog entry, but suffice it to say THEY were simply divine!

Hope your weekend was all that you wished! More progress photos tomorrow...

The Adapter For The Card Reader Arrived!

Only took TWO WEEKS! But you sometimes have to watch out what you wish for - this photo isn't the best that I've taken lately!

Today I went to the PT Chamber Music Society's performance held at the Quimper Unitarian Fellowship on San Juan. What made this quite special is that it was in Quimper's new sanctuary which will be dedicated tomorrow. So the CMS filled it with lovely music today in preparation for its formal opening in the morning. They said that 9,000 volunteer hours had gone into its construction and the musicians were very complimentary about its accoustics (which DID sound better to me than the Mort in Dallas!) One of the musicians, the oboeist, had graduated from the University of North Texas' famed music school. I welcomed him after the performance and we very briefly compared notes about attending UNT at different times (and with different majors!) The performers came from across the country to share with us today and it was an enjoyable way to spend a dreary, chilly afternoon.

Next? Photography lessons obviously are in order!

Doing more homework for the house - surely after this weekend, I'll be caught up! Famous last words...

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Initial Foundation Prep Finished!

Well, the guys outdid themselves today and the initial foundation pour is now scheduled for Monday. In today's photo you can see little terracotta-colored "mushrooms" that mark the top of all the rebar which will eventually be found within 523's walls. We'll have an inspection Monday morning & then pour at 1:00. While I've done major remodels over the year, building "from scratch" is fascinating to me. I'm enjoying being a spectator to the process.

My next-door neighbor to-be, Nancy (in the future, she'll simply be "Nancy"), gave me the tour of her home today. It's a Craftsman-style house that at one point was comprised of 11 "apartments" during the 30's. She told me how the owner, his wife & his mother-in-law lived in the basement to keep the upper levels fully occupied. Nancy & her husband, Carl, have five children still at home. Their house is so warm & inviting - the kids have such a great place to grow up!

Nancy then introduced me to the Fountain Cafe on Washington Street which is parallel to Water Street. Most towns would call Water Street "Main Street", but it's perfectly named as it is. Fountain Cafe is a precious little spot for wonderful food & conversation! When we left, we went next door to the fairly new Perfect Endings Cupcakes. It's attached to an extensive tea shop next door and I can tell I will have to stay away from this temptation alley (great intentions...)! I left with a gorgeous cupcake for this evening. As we later walked toward the car, we saw a young girl atop a miniature horse in the middle of a rehearsal for Cirque de Poet which is to be a benefit performance for the orthopedic children's hospital. I was amazed at her angelic voice as four younger children (who I believe represented the four seasons?) danced around Haller Fountain. As Nancy & I, along with various other passing adults who had stopped to form the actors' audience, enjoyed their performance she whispered "Just another afternoon in PT". I've attached a photo of the kids - note that one of the "seasons" was BAREFOOT! I was chilled myself & can't imagine following her lead - particularly in ethereal costume!

Local photos to follow the next two days. Who knows what I'll find to show you?

Enjoy your weekend, whatever you want to do!

Stacking

Today's first photo shows more progress going on in the foundation's preparation. The guys added a temporary layer to the forms which will suppport & house additional rebar "bends" when the first portion of the foundation is poured, probably early next week. And the amount of rebar in the fireplace area - well, as Pete said, it won't be going anywhere!

I continue to be amazed at the sweaters/light coats the little kids wear outside. But they're burning up so much energy that it probably feels perfect to them. I'm also including a photo of the gaggle of little kids who were walking by with their teacher as I was leaving to go over to 523 today. They were so cute - calling out their hellos - but they were clearly on a mission to see the deer that was having its breakfast from the neighbor's garden.

A pretty day that I would term "cold" - unlike the weather yesterday afternoon where I found the guys working in their t-shirts at the end of the day. Then, when I came out of the PO this afternoon, a man was walking in with his shorts on. THAT was a bit of a stretch to me, but again, I'm new at this!

I've spent most of the day inside dealing with computer issues so there's not much excitement to add otherwise. The church bells are ringing. Have a wonderful evening!

Triple Photos!

It's just the kind of day that requires THREE photos! First of all, meet Mark, the last member of the regular crew! So glad that he's on board now. Well....no matter how I enter the photos, Mark keeps winding up last although he should be first. You get the idea!

The second photo is from my local branch bank. I don't know about your bank, but I never saw regular pet dogs in the lobby at my Dallas bank. Last trip up here, I was in the safe deposit area when I heard lots of "woofing". A "regular" had arrived (with its human who was making a deposit) and everyone was thrilled by his/her presence. Today I went into the bank and found these two darling girls - Portuguese Water Dogs - with their master. SUCH obedient pooches & I think you can see the look of adoration of their faces.

The third photo is of the progress at the end of the day. I was over at 523 early this morning to meet with Pete & Loren, who will be building the fireplace. What I like about PT builders is that they're so calm. Pete & Loren took the problem (trying to maximize space in the TINY living room, while leaving me space to drive around the exterior chimney to get into the garage), called the City for clarification (the inspector called back within 5 minutes - amazing!) and promptly figured it out. I'm still with the iPhone photos (sorry!) so you may not be able to see the main difference since yesterday - rebar! And lots of it for the foundation & the firebox area.

We had about 10 drops of rain today but mostly sunny with a few clouds. When I went into Safeway the sun was brightly shining, but one latte later, the clouds were everywhere. But I'll take a day like today anyday!

It was time...

for the weather to change. When I woke up this morning, sunlight was there although not with the same intensity it has shown the past few days. The ole iPhone weather app was accurate again! Since the sun was out, I again set out without a coat (thinking I had this PT dressing down pat now) and promptly realized I do NOT have it down yet! The wind is blowing pretty hard today (again, I haven't been here long enough to know if these are strong or moderate winds) and it certainly makes a huge difference in the temperature. While it is about 49 now, it feels like 32 to me; much the same as the last several days have been 50'ish, but felt like the mid-60s. As I drove back into town after some errands, I saw white caps on Admiralty Inlet. The ferry was on the PT end of its lap and I wondered how rough the crossing would be today. But then again, I'm a Texas wimp!

Stopped by 523 and Pete, Greg & Patrick were joking about the weather & how "balmy" it was compared to this time last year. Greg & Patrick regaled me with tales of rain blowing in near horizontal sheets while they were standing in above-ankle icy water. These guys are tough!

Today's photo is of their progress mid-afternoon. It's more recognizable as the outline of the house now. Lots of decisions being made one after another at this phase - think that the exact fireplace location (and hence, the mantle) will be decided tomorrow morning. Then on to the next decision!

I'm in for the afternoon doing my "homework" and listening to the winds swirling around me. No problems with that for me!

A Day in Sequim

When I first saw Sequim written, I thought it was pronounced "Seh Kweem". Thankfully no one laughed in my face (imagine what it sounded like to the WA ear to hear the mispronunciation PLUS it being said with a Texas accent!). I believe it was Lynne who kindly told me that it was pronounced "Skwim".

One of the big differences in living in PT is the shopping. While downtown PT has wonderful individual shops, when you need comparison shopping for items going into new construction, you either go to Sequim or Silverdale if you're trying to avoid going all the way into Seattle. Both take approximately 45 minutes to get to, even though Sequim is only about 25 miles away. But what a gorgeous 25 miles they are! The drive is largely a Washingston, if not a national, treasure. It's a tree-lined 2-lane roadway, usually with a view of the water below, laced with ferns sloping down to the pavement. While the arch of trees runs out just before Fat Smitty's (yup, the real name!) at Highway 101, it picks back up again around the bend. Also along the way are a lavender farm, a casino, a few antique shops & too many espresso huts to count!

Today I headed to Sequim to get tile and wood flooring samples to start "living with" prior to selecting "the winner". While I was there, I stopped at "the boxes" - Home Depot, WalMart, Costco & Walgreens. Some would say 45 mintes is too long to get to these stores - and I might have agreed in the past - but there were many days I'd be in the car all day driving throughout Dallas (and even Fort Worth at times) to finish the shopping list. What a calm, peaceful drive with majestic mountains and blue waters serving as the backdrop along the way.

When I got back at 5:00, I took today's photo at 523. The guys have started the foundation forms. I don't have any idea how long this stage will take - most of the week? We'll see!

I believe today was the last full sunny day for awhile according to the iPhone, my official weather station. I'm jealous, my Dallas friends, of your forecast of snow for tomorrow!

Courtyard Cafe

I know you're sick of hearing it, but it was another glorious day! But that's coming to an end, apparently, on Tuesday. But I've so enjoyed it while this stretch of sunshine has lasted. While many of you know that I love nothing more than a dreary day (why wasn't I born in London?), I also enjoy bright sunshine when not accompanied by scorching temperatures. When you throw in daffodils, crocus, hyacinths, snowdrops & primrose, you have near perfection!

This morning (afternoon?) I stopped by the Courtyard Cafe for some pastries. They're homemade daily but my absolute favorite is their homemade marshmallows. Years ago while in Vail at our vacation home, a Swiss client joined us. When I asked if he wanted marshmallows in his hot chocolate, he was puzzled and asked what they were and then, what they were made of. I was shocked to realize I didn't have the foggiest what went into my beloved marshmallows other than lots of sugar (I now know it's granulated & confectioner's sugar, unflavored gelatin, corn syrup, salt & vanilla). While I had planned on posting a photo & a description of the Rose Theatre (just saw "A Single Man" there tonight), today's photo just made it impossible not to include it so you can see some of the profusion of budding trees and shrubs that are all over town right now. And knock wood, not causing allergy sneezes!

I hope your weekend was everything you wanted. Back to progress photos tomorrow...

Did I See Summer Today?

It hit me as I was downtown today - have I just glimpsed PT in the summertime? I've never been here then. I knew the "Chamber of Commerce"-type photos would always show PT at its prettiest - I wanted to see it at its "ugliest". Always among those CofC-type photos are ones showing throngs of people on the streets of downtown PT. Well, they must have misplaced their calendars because they were here today (and many had their pooches as well)! Today was the Shipwrights' Regatta. I'm not going to try to pull the wool over your eyes and pretend I went & know all about it. I did take one set of photos from the bluff above downtown - just two blocks from 523 - just as it was scheduled to begin. The sunlight was shimmering on Admiralty Inlet with lots of unfurled sails, the ferry slipping across to Keystone, kayakers paddling amongst them all, and even a dog frolicking in the chilly water. Give me a year at least to get up to speed on all (well, many!) things maritime. My closest encounters with watercraft were spending part of my summer vacations first at Lake Texoma and then at Lake Tenkiller as a child - and we all know how long ago THAT was!

On the way out of the Post Office, I went across the street to take some further photos from its fabulous vantage point. I wasn't the only one as many were out today with their cameras and tripods. I met a woman who had just moved here less than a year ago from California. She clued me in about four bald eagles that were circling above us as well as a tugboat dragging a load of logs, threading its way between the regatta's sailboats. She also told me that the incredible mountain I'd seen earlier was Mt. Baker, which I thought was in an entirely different direction. I've seen it before, but not like today. It was truly breathtaking. It's going to take me some time to get all the mountains down pat as we're between the Olympic Mountains (with the US's only rain forest) and the Cascades.

I've decided since there won't be any progress on 523 over the weekends, I'll use that time to introduce you to PT. I'm so impatient to show you many of my favorite spots and with only two days a week, it's going to take awhile!

Today's photo is of Admiralty Inlet and the regatta's sailboats. I hope you can see the snow-capped mountains at the left of the photo, but you may need a magnifying glass! I could see Mt. Rainier's outline earlier today which is amazing since it's approximately 100 miles away. From what I hear, on clear days it's as if it's only in the next county.

Good night!

Not since I was 7 or 8...

have I had today's feeling. I simply didn't want to go inside at the end of the day. I remember evenings playing with the kids in the neighborhood - particularly Donna - exploring every nook & crannie nearby (even storm drains!) & riding our bicycles entirely too far from home. Today's mothers would have an Amber Alert out over what we did routinely back then.

Today's beauty was even more amazing than yesterday's, if that is possible. SUCH a gorgeous day! Pete & I met at 523, had a short meeting at Aldrich's then went driving through the neighborhoods looking at possible paint combinations for the house. We stopped to visit with his great wife, Candy, who was on a job in the neighborhood. Think the exterior color scheme is now decided! One more major decision ticked off the list!

Today's photo is of 523 at the end of the day. I took four photos about 30 minutes prior to this one & there were actually thick rays of blinding sunlight on each of them, shrouding today's progress. This photo shows the prep work completed today for the foundation. The guys will start working on the foundation forms on Monday.

The Shipwrights' Regatta is this weekend. I've never been up here during this event so I'm looking forward to seeing all the activity. Somehow I think I'm going to have to acquire at least an elementary marine vocabulary. I'm hopeful I'll get a good photo for sharing with you!

Whatever you have planned this weekend, enjoy yourself!

Flattened

The lot (which I'm going to start referring to as "523" - its address) looks so different to me already. The retaining wall is complete now, as I hope you can see in the photo. There are two other things I hope you will notice as well. First, the gorgeous Victorian home that is behind 523. It's on a double lot and its detail is outstanding. Second, I hope you note the beautiful blue sky! The forecast is for 4-5 more days like this which is great for making strides with the construction. Today was my first day to shed my coat! Could my Texas blood be thickening already?

It was "old home week" at 523. In addition to Pete, Greg, Patrick, Jeff & Mike, I also got to visit with Bud, the dear man who sold 523 to me. Today is Bud's birthday - so Happy Birthday, Bud! Gussie was Bud's mother and it's abundantly clear that he loved her dearly. Also, my realtor Michelle stopped by to see the progress and finally see the plans for the transaction she made happen. Lots of people walk by each day - I'm hopeful I'll meet them all eventually.

I also got to meet with Tamara, my fabulous architect, today. I was so fortunate to have been told of Tamara. I'll write more about her when I have more space. Suffice it to say, she's designed a charming little cottage for me!

Just got back from seeing "La Danse" at the Rose. It's a documentary on the Paris Opera ballet company. As with Tamara, I'll gush about the Rose in a later post.

Sunny skies, "warm" temperatures, progress at 523 and lots of sailboats for the weekend regatta. What a wonderful day!

It's "Leader Day"

I woke up to the most beautiful day. No foghorns this morning! A clear blue sky with brilliant sunlight enveloped PT, the nearby snow-capped mountain ranges and the blue, blue waters surrounding us. Brisk temperatures, but so stunning! Soon, the replacement card adapter will be here & I'll post a photo so you can see the "dreary winter weather of the Pacific Northwest" that I know you've all heard so much about.

I had lunch last week with my new next-door neighbor to-be, Nancy. As she picked me up, she handed me a copy of "The Leader", Port Townsend's weekly newspaper that comes out each Wednesday. She was introducing me to a custom here - spending part of your Wednesday reading about our town. The Dallas Morning News it isn't, but unlike the DMN, I find myself reading almost every article and really getting a sense of what's going on in this town. There's obviously healthy give and take in PT and many long Letters to the Editor to prove it. But they show that people deeply care about this small town, its people and its future.

Today's photo is of Mike & Jeff from Centerline Construction (that's Mike on the left & Jeff on the right in the photo). When I arrived, they were working on the basalt retaining wall. Apparently basalt is THE rock from the area quarries - blackish/dark gray. Jeff explained his method in creating the wall & assured me that I'd again have flowers - just that they would now be cascading down from the top of the rock wall. Maybe some buds even peeking out of the many small cracks between the rocks as well?

People have asked if I will have a "view". I always say "probably not", but when I walk to the mailbox at the street, I'll be able to see the water. And when I walk to Lawrence Street with its darling shops one block away, I'll be able to see the mountains. Mike asked me the question today and it was as if I was seeing the lot's potential for the first time. It actually looks quite promising! Mike climbed almost to the top of his Mack truck and reported that I'd be able to at least see the mountain range (which Pete later described as being nothing short of amazing in the early morning as daybreak's sunlight highlights the mountains and in the evening too as the lights come on in the homes on Whidbey Island, shimmering in the distance) and Mike thought I'd be able to see slivers of the water (all from the second story) as well. The lot is in such an ideal location that even if it doesn't come to pass, I'll be thrilled but it's just one more exciting possibility...

Big Toys & Big Rocks

I missed most of the action today. I spent most of the morning on the computer & telephone. My "assignment"? To decide on the HVAC equipment & the company that will install it so we can get the temporary power pole installed. While those of us from the South know about SEER (A/C) ratings, I'd never heard of a HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) rating. The HSPF number is as important in the Pacific Northwest as the SEER is in the South. Felt like I was cramming for a final in some long lost language - LOTS of new (and never to be used again?) information to factor in when comparing three manufacturers. Now one big decision is down, MANY more to follow. Next up? Roofing. UGH!

Be sure to look at yesterday's post. I've now added a photo of Pete, Greg & Patrick!

Today's photo is from a quick stop at the lot & SO sorry it's so small! This is the "large" setting! Yesterday I learned that a retaining wall was going to be necessary. You can see the big toys the guys get to "play" with while prepping - a Mack truck and a "digger". Really need Alexander's knowledge of what the proper name is for that piece of equipment! The rocks will be integrated into the retaining wall tomorrow. I'm trying to block out the remembrance of how lovely Gussie's gentle slope was. I hope you can see the dark "black" dirt that was just below the sod. I've been told that the Native Americans that lived on the Peninsula used to burn the area annually - on purpose! While I don't think that's the reason for the dark, rich-looking loam, the story's repeating is an indication of the imprint the previous residents continue to have on the area.

THE Guys

I was awoken this morning by the sound of fog horns calling from the Port Townsend-Keystone ferry. NOT a sound I'm used to but it's already a favorite! And when I ventured out, it WAS quite foggy. I started to say "extremely" foggy, but I'll have to experience PT weather a bit longer before I can use that adjective with confidence & accuracy.

Arrived at the lot around 8 this morning to find Patrick already there. By way of introduction, Pete is my builder while Greg & Patrick are his right-hand guys. In this recently added photo, they are (from left): Pete, Greg & Patrick. I hear there's a Mark as well, but I haven't met him yet. Patrick geared up for a dance with his chain saw & my lovely, doomed trees which had the bad fortune of residing within (or dangerously near to) the house's footprint. Pete & Greg arrived soon thereafter & between Patrick & Greg, the trees were a heap of branches in no time at all. Rest assured that the garden WILL be lovely when I'm finished, however. I know I have big shoes to fill as Gussie, the previous owner, was obviously so talented horticulturally (and in other ways too, I hear). I hope she would have been pleased when I'm finished with the reworking of her garden.

I will be posting photos, hopefully daily, in the future. However, after taking photos at the lot this morning, when I went to download them I realized I didn't have the adaptor for my card reader. So it may be a couple of days before photos are added - bummer!

Being President's Day, the school kids had the day off & I met three of my new next-door neighbors. Being an ex-teacher, I can tell I'm going to enjoy watching them grow up.

So now the wind is blowing fairly fiercely outside and I'm enjoying its sound. There's so much to love about PT!

I'm here...

I actually arrived on Monday. Flew into Seattle with eight pieces of luggage for temporary living and with the help of a fabulous skycap named Stephen, made it to my rental without pulling any of my underused muscles. It was a glorious, sunny day - as it usually is when I arrive - and I always jokingly claim credit for that!

In the meantime, I've been settling in - unpacking, running errands and starting to adjust to the rhythm of this wonderful little town.

With this blog, I will share what it's like to move after 35+ years from an area of over 3,500,000 to a town of 8,900 while building a cottage to call home.