I was born in Seattle, at the Swedish Hospital to be exact, September 14, 19..  I’m not embarrassed to say the year; however, people think I look younger than I am. As more birthdays accumulate, I think I’d like to keep it that way.

My parents were pretty excited to have me. My older brother had been an only child for fifteen-plus years. My parents didn’t think they could have any more children.  When my Mom told my Dad, “It’s time,” my Dad got in the car and started driving, without my Mom–sorta like in the movies. When he came back, my Mom was packed and ready. Both my Mom and my Brother got in the car and my Dad took off. The story goes that he drove ninety-miles-an-hour all the way to the hospital. When he got to the hospital, he pulled into the service station across the street and said, “Fill-er up. And, check the oil.” It took my Mom nearly twenty hours of labor to bring me into the world, so I guess my Dad knew he had time. My Mom didn’t see it the same way, so, my arrival was marked by typically stormy Seattle weather, both inside and outside the hospital.

I don’t live in Seattle, any more. My Dad has passed away, and my Mom’s memory has faded. But, I still go back, whenever I can. I’m a Seahawks fan. I’m a Mariners fan, except when they play the Dodgers, and I still think the skyline is one of the most beautiful in the world, especially when the sun shines. I’m connected to the place where I started, the place I grew up, the place I called home when I made choices that still define who I am.

Now, when I do go back, I take my camera, I suppose, to capture the images that still show up in my dreams.

Seattle Waterfront, a great place to visit.

Good food, interesting smells and entertainment make Seattle’s waterfront a popular destination.

Seattle’s Elliot Bay is an important port of entry for the maritime trade.

Cranes wait to unload a steady stream of container ships at the mouth of the Duwamish river.

Lunch at Ivars for the Tug boat captain.

I’d rather be sailing.

Somewhat troubled of late, the Washington State Ferry system is still the best and largest in the world.

If you do need a life preserver, the water of Puget Sound is still pretty cold.

Seattles favorite color–Ferry netting.

Husband and wife?

Seaweed and shoes–choose your foot wear carefully when the tide goes out.

Perfect for baseball in Seattle, the roof of Safeco Field closes in a matter of minutes.

#GoMariners

Best team in the AL West.

The famous Viaduct highway, raised above the Seattle waterfront is not a pleasant drive during rush hour.

Graphiti takes commitment when you have to climb above a freeway.

Everyone needs a home.

Purple spikes. Cool.

Too young to be homeless.

I wonder what stories are written between the lines on his face.

Artistic street performers enliven Pike Place Market.

Blues Brother or Longshoremen? Either way, the shades are cool.

I would hope the produce is as fresh as the restrooms at the Pike Place Market

Fresh produce and ethnic foods scent the air at Pike Place Market

Posters paper the walls outside Pike Place market with messages of inspiration and activity.

If you are a gum chewer, don’t throw your gum away, stick it to the wall.

Do not, I repeat, Do not miss Ivars Fish Bar. Personally, I like the clams.

If it rains, or, you don’t like the Seagulls, go inside to the restaurant–delicious.

Vibrant green moss lines the walls of the Ballard Locks

Pleasure boats pass through the Ballard Locks on their way to Puget Sound

Hiram M. Chittondon (Ballard) Locks, Seattle’s Panama Canal

Seagulls watch for spawning salmon at the entrance to the Ballard Locks fish ladder

Please boats wait as the water level of the locks drop to the level of Puget Sound, as the leave Lake Washington