January 2017 Vuecrest View Newsletter

  Jim Whittaker, the first American to summit Mount Everest in 1963 and the first CEO of Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), is one of our most endearing local heroes. Now his son, Leif, comes along 49 years later, climbs Mount Everest, and writes a superb story about his personal journey to the highest peak on earth. Peppered with anecdotes from his father's journal, Leif juxtaposes the rigors of his own climb alongside that of his dads; and the resulting tale is one of sincerity and respect of a son to his father.

 Leif's story begins with his childhood in Port Townsend and growing up in the highly competitive family of twin brothers: his father Jim and his uncle Lou Whittaker. A vivid description of a family Thanksgiving dinner where the living room "reeks of armpits and roast turkey" gets us readers off to the proper frame of mind.

 A chance meeting with Neil Fiske, CEO of Eddie Bauer, leads to an opportunity to climb Mount Everest with an Eddie Bauer team, and it is here that the substance of the author's narrative begins.

 The most endearing memories of this book are the vivid and somewhat humorous descriptions of sights and experiences. "...the sky is the color of Paul Newman's eyes. The landscape is all sharp and pointy-peaks and tree tops and tin roofs and a lightning rod and a bare flagpole and the horns of a grazing dzopkyo." And then there is: "I see Nuptse shrouded in flamingo-colored alpenglow. Humungous cornices hang from its ridge forming shadowy roofs and dramatic angles. Snakelike flutes of wind-molded snow crawl down the mountain's flanks, ending in stained aprons littered with fallen chunks of black debris." At sunrise on the day he reaches the summit. "Morning brightens the sky, so I stop and turn around and take in the contours of the world below. Bony glaciers cut through brown earth like the spine of alligators stalking prey in a muddy pool." Readers, unless they are geologists, may encounter an unfamiliar vocabulary...serac, moraine, sastrugi, schist, tarn, couloir, and talus (no, not part of your ankle).

  If your literary gene is not yet whetted, then read this book simply for the sublime pleasure of escaping into a well-written climbing adventure that transcends the death zone of this Himalayan peak.

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   Ready to start the new year with a great, heartwarming book?  A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman, is the perfect book for that! I'm sure that we have all had 'that neighbor', someone who seems grumpy and narrow-minded, just like this title character.  Ever take the time to find out why that neighbor behaves that way?  A Man Called Ove introduces us to a hidden gem of a guy, and we are treated to such a delightful, humorous, lovely story.  It is a short, easy read, but you'll long remember 'meeting', and really liking, Ove.        Melissa Hambleton

 So... there you have it. Resolution: A long-standing tradition of "well-meaning" self-coercion, designed to get us to do something that, unfortunately, deep in our very hearts of very hearts, we would rather not do. It's not as if we can pretend that New Year's resolutions don't exist, or that we just hadn't given them any thought. Since 50% of all Americans make them, as well as billions more around the world, we can assume that "What is your resolution for the New Year?" is a popular question for at least the first several days of every new year. Does it really deserve so much attention? Hard to say; by the time we open up our new calendars, we have most likely already prepped ourselves (though perhaps only in the utter privacy of our own thoughts) about what lies ahead - and it ain't pretty. We start to squirm as we think about what we need to change or modify or how to give up a particular comforting behavior, even if what we "do" may not be in our own best interest. After all, we truly LIKE our behaviors; we choose them, that's why we do them! It's not so much that we mind making the resolution, we don't at all; it makes us feel so perky when we envision ourselves new and free, standing tall and gaining admiration as we walk toward that bright light, smiling knowingly at all who doubted we could actually pull it off!. Oh yesiree; we're all in when it comes to that vision! It's the next head-shaking, bewildering and terrifying moment when THE TRUTH sets in - "HELP! What was I thinking? How can I possibly give up/ change/ correct/ shift/adjust... (whatever it is...)??? Was I NUTS??!!! NOW WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO??!"

1.Lose weight

2.Maintain an exercise program

3.Stop smoking

4.Money management

5. Debt reduction

   Start small; focus on a short-term goal, and then extend it as you reach a level of comfort.

   Change one behavior at a time; don't overwhelm yourself. There's always next year for something else.

   Talk about it. Join a support group; share your plan with family and friends, find and be a "good buddy".

   Don't beat yourself up; if you slip, so what?...go again. Take the day off, then get back in gear.

   Ask for support: enlist a personal trainer, lifestyle coach, healthcare/finance professional.

   Be kind to yourself. Be kind to yourself. Be kind to yourself-

 Reminds me when a dear friend, with extra corpulence, commented to me about a "strange" request from her M.D. at her annual physical. It was 1978. He said: "Mary, can you do me a favor?" "Of course, just ask me!" she replied. "This one's real simple. I'd like you to lose one pound by the time you come back to see me next year". Mary was flabbergasted; she was certain he'd tell her to lose 25#, or maybe even 30# or more. "That's easy!" she exclaimed. "Great", he replied, I'll make a note in your chart and I'll see you next year." The irony of this small request did not go unnoticed by Mary, as year after year, her doctor made the same request, and year after year, she put on more weight. The good news is that my friend Mary is now in her mid-90's and happily living in an extended care facility where she plays cards, enjoys bingo and is as sharp as ever. However, had she followed her doctor's orders, she'd now be at least 40# lighter and perhaps not in need of her wheelchair.


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Their home on 9806 Park Road was built in 1948 and they were delighted when Harvey and Ione Skov, who had lived there for 10 years, agreed to sell for $135,000, even though they found it a "financial stretch" on their "new grad" budget. They loved the wide open yards, the old style street lights and they would often watch the sunset from the last remaining empty lot at the top of Hilltop Road (#9500). In those days, they could see Mt. Si and the Cascades from their living room, as there were only 2-3 high-rises in the downtown area. Their first contact was with Helen Gibson, who was the delightful "Welcome-lady" and brought lots of information about the community. Elaine Knapp invited Julie over for tea and included Nancy Daly, so they could get to know each other. Julie signed up for the board and was voted in as Vice-President and then completed an interim term when the President stepped aside. After the birth of their 4th child, their house was feeling quite tight so they remodeled the kitchen and bathrooms and added on a large master bedroom wing and a study.

 It's been baking season, but then, I think it's ALWAYS baking season! However, Christmas baking is a little different, it smells a little different. I splash mint extract in my chocolate fudge, I grate fresh nutmeg in the lebkuchen, and free-pour rum into my cake batter. This year I made several Bundt cakes after snatching up Nordic Ware's gorgeous "tree-top" pan at Home Goods... just a sprinkle of confectioner's sugar (my shaker gets a new vanilla bean every year) and the decorating is done!  So, what's with the ubiquitous Bundt pan? I think almost every home in America must have one! Here's the scoop: The year was 1950 and the ladies at the Minneapolis Chapter of Hadassah (A Jewish Women's volunteer organization that focusses on charitable acts) had decided to recreate the gugelhupf cakes their European grandmothers had made. In search of the "perfect pan", a member asked H. David Dahlquist, son of the founder of Northland Aluminum, if he could come up with a "modern" light-weight cake pan for their baking. Dahlquist trade-marked it "Bundt" and started production. To show his thanks, he promised to give the Hadassah group all of his factory seconds for them to sell for their fund-raising efforts; and he kept his word...year, after year, after year, after year, and that translated into million$, after million$, after million$. The pan was only moderately successful until 1966 when Ella Helfrich won 2nd place in the Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest with her "Tunnel of Fudge" Bundt creation. This resulted in over 200,000 queries from housewives in search of the pan, and the factory could barely keep up with production. To date, over 60 million Bundt pans have been sold, and though there are many copies, only those by Nordic Ware may be called "Bundt". David Dahlquist died in March, 2005 at the age of 86, leaving behind his wife of 59 years (and creator of over 300 Bundt cake recipes), 4 children and 12 grandchildren.  And what did Hadassah do with the funds from the sale of those "seconds"?  It was a goldmine! National Hadassah President June Walker said in a statement issued after Dahlquist's death: "With that homey little baking pan, Hadassah women built the most advanced medical center in the Middle East, the Hadassah Medical Center at Ein Kerem, as well as a college, counseling center and many youth facilities." As for that "Tunnel of Love", it continues to be the most requested recipe in the 56 years of the Pillsbury Bake-Off Competition. No if's, ands, or bundts about it...David Dahlquist was quite a guy!



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 Christmas and New Years are behind us; and maybe we are planning to start 2017 with a whole new attitude...yes? okay, maybe not...maybe our 2016 attitude was just swell and no need to change something that worked. But just in case you feel you are becoming an old home-body, here are a few events that might just inspire us to plan a little fun during this cool and cloudy month of January:

  More about Crossroads on 156th: Friday evening, Jan 20th 7PM - The Fabulous Roof Shakers (You've GOT to love them with a name like that!) On Jan. 22 at 12:30 stop by and enjoy their Sunday Brunch Special - the Good Vibes Quartet, and then on Sunday, the 29th at 12:30 listen to the Jazz Misfits. Sounds like some pretty fine music to me, and lots of great eateries for a pretty fine brunch as well. ***** PS! Just opened at Crossroads: "Crab King"; authentic Japanese full course dining, 5PM - 10PM, near Regal cinemas.

 Happenings at our Bellevue Library - If English is not your mother-tongue, consider attending free "Talk-time" classes, starting Saturday, Jan 7 from 10AM- Noon. No need to register, just show up. If that time is not convenient, drop me an email and I'll gladly direct you to the many other free class options in our area. ***** On Sunday, Jan. 8, 3-5PM come by for a winter-themed family movie in room 5. Call 450-1775 if you want to know what's playing. ***** Starting Monday, Jan 16 and continuing on the 23 and 30, our Bellevue Library is offering free citizenship classes as well as preparation for the U.S. naturalization exam. No need to pre-register. *****Want to soothe your frazzled nerves? Lower your blood pressure? Find your own zone? Join the Meditation class on Saturday, Jan 21, 1PM - 2:30.

Channel 9 - Intelligent Programming:  Sherlock Holmes Night - Sunday, Jan 8, 7:30 - Midnight - 3 terrific mysteries! ***** For all you history buffs: "Victorian Masterpiece", a 7 part series premier that follows the life of Queen Victoria, beginning with her inauguration in 1837 at age 18 (Can't wait to see the costumes and sets!!). This drama will run for 7 consecutive Sundays, beginning on Jan. 15 at 9PM. ***** How about a little "armchair" travel? (no pesky TSA employees to play "pat the bunny"). Check out Rick Steves as he explores Siena and Tuscany's wine country on Tuesday, Jan 24 at 7:30. ***** Wednesday, Jan 25: a chance to learn more - Alzheimer's: Every Minute Counts. 10PM.

 Mall-Walking - Eager to get out and do some serious moving but just can't take the cold and wet weather? Sign up for "mall- walking"! Take advantage of those couple hours before the hustle-bustle starts, and enjoy the flat, secure, temperature-controlled and well-lit "promenades" that Bel-Square offers. This is a wonderful service as they gladly open their doors early on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 - 9:30AM in the name of Good Health! One mile and ½ mile routes available. Call "Walk 4 Life" at 425-688-5259 and they'll advise you where to enter the mall. Remember: window-shopping only!



 Odd Notes:

    Our favorite Freddies on 148th is STILL under renovation. If you have been by it, it's clear this is a truly massive multi-million dollar undertaking and has run the gamut of fits and starts like many other building projects. I do see they have started constructing a large greenhouse area, so we have that to look forward to! No firm "cut the ribbon" date yet, rumor has it at mid- April. Can't wait! ***** Goodwill, just opposite Freddies, will close its doors at their present location at the end of the day on Jan. 16 but then...VOILA! they will reopen on Thursday, Jan. 19 at 9AM, less than 1 mile east, at 15301 NE 24th St. This is the old Office Max/Tuesday Morning location and has been undergoing lots of renovation to make it work for both donating and shopping. YEA - LUV GW!!! ***** Have you tuned in to Channel 2, NWCN (Northwest Cable News) lately? It is on its last days and then it will be gone...yes, GONE! Originally a project of KING Broadcasting, lack of viewership has caused it to close down after 21 years. Not sure what will happen on Ch. 2 next week - Mickey Mouse Club or Gunsmoke reruns?! ***** Have you noticed a small "bistro" cart by the deli section in QFC? This is a pilot project in cooperation with "Hallava Falafel", heretofore, a very popular roving Seattle food truck. They are open daily from 11-6 and have "made-fresh-to-order" ...yes! falafels (whodathunk?)! Also schwarmas (slow-cooked, thinly sliced lamb and beef, gyro style), salads, double-dipped fries (with hummus and tzatziki for dipping). Stop by and say hi to George; he's there, doing all the cooking...and he's a HALLAVA guy! hahaha *****January 19 is National Popcorn Day.!!! Skip the salt and try some unexpected flavors like bacon-toffee-caramel, sriracha dipped (Ay-chee-WAWA!!), kale and curry, cinnamon spice and even PINK popcorn (due to its sprinkle with Himalayan salt.  However, it also happens to be gluten-free, guilt-free, non-GMO, cooked in organic coconut oil with a picture of a smiling Buddha on the bag). And then... there's always Jiffy Pop, the college-era standby that comes in its own foil pop-up pan - and has burned to the nubbins many an overly-eager student's fingertips.

  A great quote from Martin Luther King: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?" A wonderful way to honor him is to sign up as a volunteer. Nationally, almost 25% of all residents volunteer. This equates to 62.2 million volunteers donating 7.9 billion hours of service! Can't you spare a few hours, too? Are you willing to extend a hand? Can you be generous with yourself? Then, do it! Here's a place that always has opportunities and it's right down the street: Overlake Hospital Medical Center (OHMC). Their volunteer services department works closely with applicants to match their interests, skills and experience to the hospital's needs.  At this time they need volunteers in their gift shop, the nursing department, as patient-family advisor and as a physical therapy joint coach. Volunteers get great benefits too: free food on your volunteer day (and they have a terrific cafeteria!), free parking, and an invitation to their annual holiday celebration. Visit: www.overlakehospital.org/volunteer<http://www.overlakehospital.org/volunteer>  to learn more. PS/ You'll look GREAT in yellow, their "sunshine" color for volunteers!



And so it goes...Welcome 2017! May we all enjoy it in good health, love of family and friends, and, of course, winning the Lotto always helps boost the spirit. In honor of this, the Year of the Rooster, I will close with an old Irish drinking song. It's about a rooster - and it's really not such a bad little ditty. Go ahead and sing it! Pick any melody you want for it - you can't go wrong.   Mara

January 2017 Vuecrest View Newsletter February Board Meeting The Board Meeting for February will be at 7 pm on Thursday, February 2nd. Our hosts will be Steve and Elaine Knapp at 9429 Vineyard Crest. All are welcome to attend. Hosts Needed We would be delighted if any of you would graciously open your home for a board meeting. They are always held on the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. and there are rarely more than 8-10 of us (and we arrive "fed and watered", so no need to worry about that!) Contact our secretary, Nyla Wang at secretary@vuecrest.net<mailto:secretary@vuecrest.net> Having a "City of Bellevue" Problem? Download on your smart phone: http://www.bellevuewa.gov/mybellevue.htm.This way you are reporting the problem to the city without waiting for someone to transfer the information. Situations worth reporting: cars parked on road illegally or longer than 24 hours without being moved, streetlights burned out, traffic signs down, blocked storm drains etc. Construction Update Compass Construction is in charge of building the large apartment complex at the site of the old Sumiyoshi Apartments at the northeast corner of 100th Ave NE and NE 10th Street. Every month they will let us know what to expect for the following month. Here is their projection for January: Mass excavation of the temporary site is complete and the tower crane was erected on 1/6/17. The upcoming months will consist primarily of structural concrete pours, waterproofing and underground utility work. Concrete work and pours will continue until spring 2017. Compass will not be operating on Government Observed Holidays. VUECREST BOOK REVUES My Old Man and the Mountain by Leif Whittaker Jim Whittaker, the first American to summit Mount Everest in 1963 and the first CEO of Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), is one of our most endearing local heroes. Now his son, Leif, comes along 49 years later, climbs Mount Everest, and writes a superb story about his personal journey to the highest peak on earth. Peppered with anecdotes from his father's journal, Leif juxtaposes the rigors of his own climb alongside that of his dads; and the resulting tale is one of sincerity and respect of a son to his father. Leif's story begins with his childhood in Port Townsend and growing up in the highly competitive family of twin brothers: his father Jim and his uncle Lou Whittaker. A vivid description of a family Thanksgiving dinner where the living room "reeks of armpits and roast turkey" gets us readers off to the proper frame of mind. A chance meeting with Neil Fiske, CEO of Eddie Bauer, leads to an opportunity to climb Mount Everest with an Eddie Bauer team, and it is here that the substance of the author's narrative begins. The most endearing memories of this book are the vivid and somewhat humorous descriptions of sights and experiences. "...the sky is the color of Paul Newman's eyes. The landscape is all sharp and pointy-peaks and tree tops and tin roofs and a lightning rod and a bare flagpole and the horns of a grazing dzopkyo." And then there is: "I see Nuptse shrouded in flamingo-colored alpenglow. Humungous cornices hang from its ridge forming shadowy roofs and dramatic angles. Snakelike flutes of wind-molded snow crawl down the mountain's flanks, ending in stained aprons littered with fallen chunks of black debris." At sunrise on the day he reaches the summit. "Morning brightens the sky, so I stop and turn around and take in the contours of the world below. Bony glaciers cut through brown earth like the spine of alligators stalking prey in a muddy pool." Readers, unless they are geologists, may encounter an unfamiliar vocabulary...serac, moraine, sastrugi, schist, tarn, couloir, and talus (no, not part of your ankle). If your literary gene is not yet whetted, then read this book simply for the sublime pleasure of escaping into a well-written climbing adventure that transcends the death zone of this Himalayan peak. This book is available at the Bellevue Library. David Pitkethly ************************************** Ready to start the new year with a great, heartwarming book? A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman, is the perfect book for that! I'm sure that we have all had 'that neighbor', someone who seems grumpy and narrow-minded, just like this title character. Ever take the time to find out why that neighbor behaves that way? A Man Called Ove introduces us to a hidden gem of a guy, and we are treated to such a delightful, humorous, lovely story. It is a short, easy read, but you'll long remember 'meeting', and really liking, Ove. Melissa Hambleton * **************************************** VUECREST BOOK CLUB: Our own Vuecrest Book Club will meet Monday, February 6, at 7:30, to discuss The Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah. Interested? Contact Melissa Hambleton, mhambleton@comcast.net<mailto:mhambleton@comcast.net>. We'd love to have you join us! ************************************ TID-BITS RE-SO-LU-TION (as in "New Year's Resolution"; simple 10 letter noun) "A formal expression of opinion or intention made by an individual; the act of resolving<http://www.dictionary.com/browse/resolve> or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, etc. A resolve<http://www.dictionary.com/browse/resolve>; a decision or determination: to make a firm resolution to do something. The mental state or quality of being resolved<http://www.dictionary.com/browse/resolved> or resolute<http://www.dictionary.com/browse/resolute>; firmness of purpose." So... there you have it. Resolution: A long-standing tradition of "well-meaning" self-coercion, designed to get us to do something that, unfortunately, deep in our very hearts of very hearts, we would rather not do. It's not as if we can pretend that New Year's resolutions don't exist, or that we just hadn't given them any thought. Since 50% of all Americans make them, as well as billions more around the world, we can assume that "What is your resolution for the New Year?" is a popular question for at least the first several days of every new year. Does it really deserve so much attention? Hard to say; by the time we open up our new calendars, we have most likely already prepped ourselves (though perhaps only in the utter privacy of our own thoughts) about what lies ahead - and it ain't pretty. We start to squirm as we think about what we need to change or modify or how to give up a particular comforting behavior, even if what we "do" may not be in our own best interest. After all, we truly LIKE our behaviors; we choose them, that's why we do them! It's not so much that we mind making the resolution, we don't at all; it makes us feel so perky when we envision ourselves new and free, standing tall and gaining admiration as we walk toward that bright light, smiling knowingly at all who doubted we could actually pull it off!. Oh yesiree; we're all in when it comes to that vision! It's the next head-shaking, bewildering and terrifying moment when THE TRUTH sets in - "HELP! What was I thinking? How can I possibly give up/ change/ correct/ shift/adjust... (whatever it is...)??? Was I NUTS??!!! NOW WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO??!" New Year's resolutions have been around since about 4,000 years ago when the Babylonians promised their pagan gods that they would pay back off debts and return any borrowed items (rake? hammer? that cup of sugar?) If they made good, they could count on the gods bestowing favor on them for the coming year. If not, well...deep doo-doo. Ancient Rome followed suit under Julius Caesar, with promises of good conduct (and questionable success - Jules was said to be a cross-dresser, indulging in too many toga-parties). For early Christians, the Methodists in particular, December 31 -January 1 was the time for contemplation and self-chastisement followed by a resolution to eschew one's peccadillos. Well aware of how difficult that could be when there was partying in the streets (replete with tooting noisemakers and silly party hats) John Wesley, an English clergyman, created the Covenant Renewal Service in 1740. Today, these church services are called "watch night" and they include very serious scripture reading and hymns. This might be a tough choice for some: thinking or drinking? praying or partying? The word "resolve" is a compound of the word "solve", meaning to figure out, and "re", as in again (and again, and again...). Now, this could be an "ah-ha" moment for many of us; why the redundancy? If a problem is solved, then why does it ever need to be solved again? If you're making the same resolution year after year, and not able to follow thru for the next 364 days, you are not alone; only about 8% can claim success in keeping their resolutions. As we all know, it's just not that simple- Top 5 resolutions: 1.Lose weight 2.Maintain an exercise program 3.Stop smoking 4.Money management 5. Debt reduction Psychology Professor Emeritus Peter Herman at the U. of Toronto explains that many fall victim to the "false hope syndrome". We are constantly bombarded with ads and testimonials, touting the "amazing and incredible results" from this diet, that pill, some contraption, or a seminar or book that "miraculously" makes it all so effortless. And we see "real people" on TV, no, not an "actor portrayal" but honest to goodness folks like you and me, who DID it!!! Well, maybe...maybe they did it...maybe they were in that rare 8% that actually DID do it; or maybe they did it for a while and then lapsed, or maybe they're just getting paid a lot to say so, or maybe the photos are air-brushed, or maybe the "before" picture isn't even the same person in the "after" picture. Who knows! The key is to ignore the hype and be realistic, keeping your resolutions in accordance with the kind of person YOU know you are, and what is "do-able" for you, with respect to your own life style. Dr. Herman also feels that even great success can be sabotaged by secondary and unexpected sequelae. For example: you have quit smoking - a success, but now you don't take breaks with your smoking friends, and you miss their camaraderie. Or, you have lost a lot of weight - success again! but family members are endlessly grousing that all the "fun food" is gone and, by the way... you aren't much fun either; or, by devoting an extra hour to a gym work-out, you're missing time with the spouse or kids. You may have solved one problem, but now you've gained another. This may be the reason why resolutions are maintained for an average of 2 weeks before we revert back. It's not that we're lazy, or have no will power; it's that we still have our own precious lives to live! When our daily connections to people, places and things are suddenly jeopardized, we feel more than just a little uncomfortable; we feel these new uncharted waters could actually sink us! Is this Gordian knot our New Year's noose? Here are a few wise tips from the American Psychological Association that may help: Start small; focus on a short-term goal, and then extend it as you reach a level of comfort. Change one behavior at a time; don't overwhelm yourself. There's always next year for something else. Talk about it. Join a support group; share your plan with family and friends, find and be a "good buddy". Don't beat yourself up; if you slip, so what?...go again. Take the day off, then get back in gear. Ask for support: enlist a personal trainer, lifestyle coach, healthcare/finance professional. Be kind to yourself. Be kind to yourself. Be kind to yourself- The problem didn't just BAM! Show up! And statistics show clearly that it won't just BAM! Go away! So, aim to solve, but forgive if you re-solve. Remember: it is not the extent of change that is most important but the act of recognizing that a life-style change is important to continued success. Reminds me when a dear friend, with extra corpulence, commented to me about a "strange" request from her M.D. at her annual physical. It was 1978. He said: "Mary, can you do me a favor?" "Of course, just ask me!" she replied. "This one's real simple. I'd like you to lose one pound by the time you come back to see me next year". Mary was flabbergasted; she was certain he'd tell her to lose 25#, or maybe even 30# or more. "That's easy!" she exclaimed. "Great", he replied, I'll make a note in your chart and I'll see you next year." The irony of this small request did not go unnoticed by Mary, as year after year, her doctor made the same request, and year after year, she put on more weight. The good news is that my friend Mary is now in her mid-90's and happily living in an extended care facility where she plays cards, enjoys bingo and is as sharp as ever. However, had she followed her doctor's orders, she'd now be at least 40# lighter and perhaps not in need of her wheelchair. ********************************************************************************** VINTAGE VUECREST Tom and Julie Kadavy had been wed only 3 years when they moved to Vuecrest in 1984. They were both Stanford graduates and had relocated to Tom's home state, Iowa, for post-grad work; Tom in engineering and Julie in speech-pathology. After finishing their degrees they were ready for someplace more cosmopolitan. Julie's family was from California - "Move here!" they clamored, while Tom's family said "No! Stay here with us in Iowa!" By chance, several years before they had visited a fellow Stanford student who was living in Bellevue, and were quite charmed by our little city. The NW seemed like the perfect compromise in not showing favoritism to either family. Their home on 9806 Park Road was built in 1948 and they were delighted when Harvey and Ione Skov, who had lived there for 10 years, agreed to sell for $135,000, even though they found it a "financial stretch" on their "new grad" budget. They loved the wide open yards, the old style street lights and they would often watch the sunset from the last remaining empty lot at the top of Hilltop Road (#9500). In those days, they could see Mt. Si and the Cascades from their living room, as there were only 2-3 high-rises in the downtown area. Their first contact was with Helen Gibson, who was the delightful "Welcome-lady" and brought lots of information about the community. Elaine Knapp invited Julie over for tea and included Nancy Daly, so they could get to know each other. Julie signed up for the board and was voted in as Vice-President and then completed an interim term when the President stepped aside. After the birth of their 4th child, their house was feeling quite tight so they remodeled the kitchen and bathrooms and added on a large master bedroom wing and a study. Julie's early memories of Vuecrest include "Dumpster Day" when 2x/year large dumpsters were brought in and left on various streets for the weekend. This was the signal for trimming those trees! Cleaning out the Garage! Sorting thru the children's toy chest! By Monday morning, the dumpsters were all hauled away, stuffed to the brim. Julie also recalls early Halloweens when the resident at 1000 Belfair Lane would hire a black coach and give buggy rides to all the little trick or treaters in the neighborhood. Cauldrons of dry ice would "brew" on the porch and a mummy-like apparition would sit in a chair, still as a statue until a child approached, and then rise up with a blood-curdling scream, as if from the dead, and grab the terrified child. Julie and Tom's kids are gone, their youngest is at Northwestern in Chicago and it's just the 2 of them again. Tom's passion for camping and hiking in the Cascades is still strong and Julie has plans to "declutter" in 2017 and YES!...park at least ONE car in their garage! They continue to make yearly trips to visit their families in Iowa and California, as they had promised they would do, many years ago. You'll often see Julie walking her beagle pooch Cooper around Vuecrest. What does Cooper say about Vuecrest? He's made it perfectly clear he has 3 great loves in his life, most likely in this order: 1) food 2) bunnies and 3) Julie, of course! QUIRKLES! It's been baking season, but then, I think it's ALWAYS baking season! However, Christmas baking is a little different, it smells a little different. I splash mint extract in my chocolate fudge, I grate fresh nutmeg in the lebkuchen, and free-pour rum into my cake batter. This year I made several Bundt cakes after snatching up Nordic Ware's gorgeous "tree-top" pan at Home Goods... just a sprinkle of confectioner's sugar (my shaker gets a new vanilla bean every year) and the decorating is done! So, what's with the ubiquitous Bundt pan? I think almost every home in America must have one! Here's the scoop: The year was 1950 and the ladies at the Minneapolis Chapter of Hadassah (A Jewish Women's volunteer organization that focusses on charitable acts) had decided to recreate the gugelhupf cakes their European grandmothers had made. In search of the "perfect pan", a member asked H. David Dahlquist, son of the founder of Northland Aluminum, if he could come up with a "modern" light-weight cake pan for their baking. Dahlquist trade-marked it "Bundt" and started production. To show his thanks, he promised to give the Hadassah group all of his factory seconds for them to sell for their fund-raising efforts; and he kept his word...year, after year, after year, after year, and that translated into million$, after million$, after million$. The pan was only moderately successful until 1966 when Ella Helfrich won 2nd place in the Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest with her "Tunnel of Fudge" Bundt creation. This resulted in over 200,000 queries from housewives in search of the pan, and the factory could barely keep up with production. To date, over 60 million Bundt pans have been sold, and though there are many copies, only those by Nordic Ware may be called "Bundt". David Dahlquist died in March, 2005 at the age of 86, leaving behind his wife of 59 years (and creator of over 300 Bundt cake recipes), 4 children and 12 grandchildren. And what did Hadassah do with the funds from the sale of those "seconds"? It was a goldmine! National Hadassah President June Walker said in a statement issued after Dahlquist's death: "With that homey little baking pan, Hadassah women built the most advanced medical center in the Middle East, the Hadassah Medical Center at Ein Kerem, as well as a college, counseling center and many youth facilities." As for that "Tunnel of Love", it continues to be the most requested recipe in the 56 years of the Pillsbury Bake-Off Competition. No if's, ands, or bundts about it...David Dahlquist was quite a guy! ************************************************************ GETTING OUT AND ABOUT! Christmas and New Years are behind us; and maybe we are planning to start 2017 with a whole new attitude...yes? okay, maybe not...maybe our 2016 attitude was just swell and no need to change something that worked. But just in case you feel you are becoming an old home-body, here are a few events that might just inspire us to plan a little fun during this cool and cloudy month of January: Hurry real fast if you want to catch this adrenaline-pumping event!! It's on Jan.7, this Saturday night only: XIIR (Xtreme International Ice Racing).It is a motorcycle racing tour...ON ICE! Imagine this: man and machine going from 0-60mph in under 3 seconds riding Speedway bikes and quads that are modified to compete on an indoor ice arena. There are over 2000 metal studs added to the tires and there are no brakes. What does that mean? It is THE fastest sport on ice and one of the fastest sports in the world. The rush of so much power and speed on something as unpredictable as ice, has whipped audiences into a frenzy and gained new fans across the country. 7:30PM, Xfinity Arena, 2000 Hewett Ave, Everett. Tikkies $11-$33. 866-332-8499 or xfinityareanaeverett.com ***** (and on a calmer note...) Going on thru Jan.8 is skating at the Bellevue Ice Arena at Ashwood Park (next to the library). Don't worry that you're no Hans Brinker or Dorothy Fleming - the entry fee ($12 for adults) includes skate rental and a mini-lesson to go with it. Hot chocolate available for spectators. And don't forget to bring your camera - you could take a perfect Christmas card picture for 2017! ***** Jan 8 - 29 at the Seattle Repertory Theatre is a terrific show about a true American legend: "Woody Sez - The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie". He was a well-known songwriter and singer, as well as father of the equally talented Arlo. You'll want to sing along when you hear: This Land is your land...this land is my land; You can get anything you want at Alice's Restaurant, also the haunting "Deportee" (also known as "Plane Wreck at Los Gatos" and covered by Joan Baez in 1971). Woody's life was filled with tragedy involving debilitating hereditary illness, fires and abandonment. Ticket range: $16 - $52. ***** Got a hankerin' to spruce up the wee abode but just not sure where to start? Head for the Seattle Remodeling Expo at the Wa. State Convention Center on Jan. 13 -15. This 3-day event will feature speakers, vendors, and of course, information about the latest and greatest new products on the market; this is the place for those fresh ideas! The honest-to-goodness experts can answer all your questions about home security, landscaping, decking, flooring, windows and home design, etc. etc. Only $4 entry, kids under 18 free and discounts available on their web page. Sure sounds like a fun way to spend a chilly day! ***** Still swoon over Ole Blue Eyes?? Hear his great tunes as sung by Megan Hiltie, Bellevue's own Broadway star (she had a leading role in the smash-hit "Wicked", as well as "9 - 5: The Musical") as her sweet pipes take you back to those rat-pack days. She'll be performing with the Seattle Symphony at Benaroya Hall on Jan. 13, 14, 15, and you'll quickly be convinced "the best is yet to come and won't it be grand!" ***** Martin Luther King Day is Monday, Jan. 16. This wonderful man was assassinated in 1968 at the age of 39 and left us a legacy that is eternal and timeless. All 140 state parks in Washington will have free entry on Sunday and Monday, Jan 15 and 16. Our National parks, are free only on Monday. So, go take a hike! ***** Crossroads Mall will feature a free MLK Day Health Fair Celebration on that Monday, 10AM - 4PM. Stop by and learn more about what ails ya! Educational booths, wellness checks, outreach info. We live in an amazing community with far-reaching resources - take advantage of them! Free to all. ***** And while we're talking about Crossroads Mall, just next door to the movie theaters, an old electronics store turned itself into a rock-climbing center some years ago and it's been very popular with outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Stone Gardens is offering an Introduction to Climbing class on Jan. 20 from 7PM - 9PM. Pre-registration not necessary, and the $20 fee includes instruction plus all necessary gear. Tell your friends you're "getting high" and when their jaws drop, show them your carabiners and fifi hooks! ***** Jan. 24 at The Paramount: "Shall we dance? On a bright cloud of music shall we fly? Shall we dance?" It's "The King and I", Rogers and Hammerstein's wildly successful Broadway hit of 1951, that continues with its unparalleled success revival after revival! (Yul Brynner was originally appalled at the thought of shaving his head and staunchly refused, finally relenting after early rehearsals.) Who would have imagined that a diminutive, shiny-domed, cross-legged chauvinist in MJ Hammer pants could woo the audience through 4625 performances? Brynner died of smoking-related lung cancer less than 4 months after his last performance in 1985. This great show will run thru Feb.3, but get your tickets early; it will be very popular, as always. ***** January 27 thru Feb. 4 is...The boat show, the boat show, the big Seattle boat show (sure, sing along with me! We all know THAT tune!) The show will be held Jan. 27-Feb. 4 indoors at CenturyLink Field and on the water on South Lake Union. The free seminars will cover topics ranging from cruising to Alaska to diesel engine maintenance. (Oh, boy...just what I ALWAYS wanted to know!) On the fishing stage there will be nearly 60 free fishing and crabbing seminars by the Pacific Northwest's premier fishing experts, organizers said. Check out prices and hours at www.seattleboatshow.com<http://www.seattleboatshow.com> ***** January 28...still more wonderful music for you! Head up to Crossroads Mall on 156th, grab a bite of something ethnic that you could never rustle up on the home-front, and settle in for a great evening of listening to "Dreams Come True". This swing-era combo features a female vocalist, keyboard, acoustic bass and hand percussion and they'll send you back to "Nostalgia-ville" with their easy-breezy tunes like "Fly Me to the Moon" and "Days of Wine and Roses". It's all free, and always is on the Crossroads Market Stage! ***** Saturday, Jan.28 - Gong Xi Fa Cai!!!! / Gong Hey Fat Choy!!!! It's the Chinese New Year and the start of the Year of the Rooster! Head to the International District for some lion and dragon dances, parades, and fireworks. This is the day when our Chinese residents will visit friends, pay off all debts and hand out little red envelope$ and other special gifts. In case you're planning on doing a little gift shopping, here are several items you must NOT give for the Chinese New Year: scissors or knives (they indicate that you are "cutting off" the relationship), handkerchiefs (imply weeping, sadness, parting), cut flowers (these are given at funerals), clocks (they symbolize that time is running out) and anything with the number "4", or multiples of this number (The word "four" rhymes with the word "death"...not the kind of message you'd wish to send. Hotels often omit labeling their 4th floor, as do we with #13, or they put an "8" in front of it, which is a most auspicious number and effectively mitigates the bad luck). And what about the rooster?? He is the epitome of punctuality, and routinely awakes those without alarm clocks to rise and go to work. Our Bellevue Uwajimaya will be celebrating with a parade and lion dance on Sunday, Jan. 22. Plan to go, it's great fun to watch! ***** More about Crossroads on 156th: Friday evening, Jan 20th 7PM - The Fabulous Roof Shakers (You've GOT to love them with a name like that!) On Jan. 22 at 12:30 stop by and enjoy their Sunday Brunch Special - the Good Vibes Quartet, and then on Sunday, the 29th at 12:30 listen to the Jazz Misfits. Sounds like some pretty fine music to me, and lots of great eateries for a pretty fine brunch as well. ***** PS! Just opened at Crossroads: "Crab King"; authentic Japanese full course dining, 5PM - 10PM, near Regal cinemas. Happenings at our Bellevue Library - If English is not your mother-tongue, consider attending free "Talk-time" classes, starting Saturday, Jan 7 from 10AM- Noon. No need to register, just show up. If that time is not convenient, drop me an email and I'll gladly direct you to the many other free class options in our area. ***** On Sunday, Jan. 8, 3-5PM come by for a winter-themed family movie in room 5. Call 450-1775 if you want to know what's playing. ***** Starting Monday, Jan 16 and continuing on the 23 and 30, our Bellevue Library is offering free citizenship classes as well as preparation for the U.S. naturalization exam. No need to pre-register. *****Want to soothe your frazzled nerves? Lower your blood pressure? Find your own zone? Join the Meditation class on Saturday, Jan 21, 1PM - 2:30. Channel 9 - Intelligent Programming: Sherlock Holmes Night - Sunday, Jan 8, 7:30 - Midnight - 3 terrific mysteries! ***** For all you history buffs: "Victorian Masterpiece", a 7 part series premier that follows the life of Queen Victoria, beginning with her inauguration in 1837 at age 18 (Can't wait to see the costumes and sets!!). This drama will run for 7 consecutive Sundays, beginning on Jan. 15 at 9PM. ***** How about a little "armchair" travel? (no pesky TSA employees to play "pat the bunny"). Check out Rick Steves as he explores Siena and Tuscany's wine country on Tuesday, Jan 24 at 7:30. ***** Wednesday, Jan 25: a chance to learn more - Alzheimer's: Every Minute Counts. 10PM. Mall-Walking - Eager to get out and do some serious moving but just can't take the cold and wet weather? Sign up for "mall- walking"! Take advantage of those couple hours before the hustle-bustle starts, and enjoy the flat, secure, temperature-controlled and well-lit "promenades" that Bel-Square offers. This is a wonderful service as they gladly open their doors early on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 - 9:30AM in the name of Good Health! One mile and ½ mile routes available. Call "Walk 4 Life" at 425-688-5259 and they'll advise you where to enter the mall. Remember: window-shopping only! Odd Notes: Our favorite Freddies on 148th is STILL under renovation. If you have been by it, it's clear this is a truly massive multi-million dollar undertaking and has run the gamut of fits and starts like many other building projects. I do see they have started constructing a large greenhouse area, so we have that to look forward to! No firm "cut the ribbon" date yet, rumor has it at mid- April. Can't wait! ***** Goodwill, just opposite Freddies, will close its doors at their present location at the end of the day on Jan. 16 but then...VOILA! they will reopen on Thursday, Jan. 19 at 9AM, less than 1 mile east, at 15301 NE 24th St. This is the old Office Max/Tuesday Morning location and has been undergoing lots of renovation to make it work for both donating and shopping. YEA - LUV GW!!! ***** Have you tuned in to Channel 2, NWCN (Northwest Cable News) lately? It is on its last days and then it will be gone...yes, GONE! Originally a project of KING Broadcasting, lack of viewership has caused it to close down after 21 years. Not sure what will happen on Ch. 2 next week - Mickey Mouse Club or Gunsmoke reruns?! ***** Have you noticed a small "bistro" cart by the deli section in QFC? This is a pilot project in cooperation with "Hallava Falafel", heretofore, a very popular roving Seattle food truck. They are open daily from 11-6 and have "made-fresh-to-order" ...yes! falafels (whodathunk?)! Also schwarmas (slow-cooked, thinly sliced lamb and beef, gyro style), salads, double-dipped fries (with hummus and tzatziki for dipping). Stop by and say hi to George; he's there, doing all the cooking...and he's a HALLAVA guy! hahaha *****January 19 is National Popcorn Day.!!! Skip the salt and try some unexpected flavors like bacon-toffee-caramel, sriracha dipped (Ay-chee-WAWA!!), kale and curry, cinnamon spice and even PINK popcorn (due to its sprinkle with Himalayan salt. However, it also happens to be gluten-free, guilt-free, non-GMO, cooked in organic coconut oil with a picture of a smiling Buddha on the bag). And then... there's always Jiffy Pop, the college-era standby that comes in its own foil pop-up pan - and has burned to the nubbins many an overly-eager student's fingertips. Volunteer Yourself! A great quote from Martin Luther King: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?" A wonderful way to honor him is to sign up as a volunteer. Nationally, almost 25% of all residents volunteer. This equates to 62.2 million volunteers donating 7.9 billion hours of service! Can't you spare a few hours, too? Are you willing to extend a hand? Can you be generous with yourself? Then, do it! Here's a place that always has opportunities and it's right down the street: Overlake Hospital Medical Center (OHMC). Their volunteer services department works closely with applicants to match their interests, skills and experience to the hospital's needs. At this time they need volunteers in their gift shop, the nursing department, as patient-family advisor and as a physical therapy joint coach. Volunteers get great benefits too: free food on your volunteer day (and they have a terrific cafeteria!), free parking, and an invitation to their annual holiday celebration. Visit: www.overlakehospital.org/volunteer<http://www.overlakehospital.org/volunteer> to learn more. PS/ You'll look GREAT in yellow, their "sunshine" color for volunteers! And so it goes...Welcome 2017! May we all enjoy it in good health, love of family and friends, and, of course, winning the Lotto always helps boost the spirit. In honor of this, the Year of the Rooster, I will close with an old Irish drinking song. It's about a rooster - and it's really not such a bad little ditty. Go ahead and sing it! Pick any melody you want for it - you can't go wrong. Mara I was out at the hen house And on me knees I thought I heard the chickens sneeze It was only the rooster saying his prayers Thanking the Lord for the Hens upstairs We had some chickens no eggs would they lay We had some chickens no eggs would they lay The wife said honey we're losing money Because those chickens no eggs would they lay Then came a rooster into our yard And he caught them chickens right off their guard They're laying eggs now like they never used to Since that rooster came into our yard.