Yakima Visit

Work took me to Yakima this last week. I decided to take my camera with me. It's a creative outlet that I've been lacking at this past year or so. I was finishing my lunch at Essencia, a cozy sandwich and chocolaterie place, when a crowd of people carrying signs marched by. Darned if it wasn't some of Congressman Dan Newhouse's constituents doing what many have been doing across the country. They were civil and adamant. I gave them bonus points for no misspelled words for not dragging the American flag on the ground.

Downtown Yakima is trying to revitalize itself. Or Dowtown.

A monument erected for Colonel Cock.

(Yes, you can still find juvenile humor here.)

Across the street from Colonel Cock's monument there's a 115-year-old marker commemorating the men who lost their lives in a war that seems so meaningless now. The monument is weathered and decayed.

Morning Commute Photos

It's been a while since I've had the camera out. This morning was fun.

The Moment Can Be Over Before You Know It

While walking around downtown with the camera during lunch my peripheral registered someone hustling out into the middle of the intersection. He stopped and picked something up. Then he ran towards me. Now he had my attention. When I turned to look at him he stopped and picked up a wet and grungy $20 bill off the road about five feet away from me. We both looked at the roadway around us. No other stray cash was to be seen. He pocketed his new found riches and went on his way. And I made yet another mental note to have the camera cocked and ready at all times.

Strange leavings on a bench.

Very effective this time of year.

This sign intentionally left blank.

 Not sure how to caption this.

 Looking at the bright side.

So Spokane

Not Kendall Yards.

Hanging snowed shoes.

Downtown

Kathy and I walked around downtown before going out to dinner. I had my camera with me and managed to get a couple of halfway decent shots.

 Winter Glow Spectacular in Riverfront Park.

The Steam Plant.

Downtown Spokane

 I did not take the opportunity to drink from a fire hose.

"This better not end up on your blog."

Yeah...about that....

 Harry Potter lookalike.

 A gentleman came out of an adjacent building and wanted to know who I was and why I was taking photos of this. He thought I was from the city.  I told him I'm a hobbyist and the "BLAIR BUSINESS COLLEGE" caught my eye. That made him feel better. Now he's got me wondering.

 Part of my paper route from many years ago. I don't remember much about the Otis Hotel except that I hated going in there.

 Don't piss off this electrician.

A bright and colorful spot.

Near Nature Commute

Once or twice a year I ride along Waikiki to Rutter Parkway and then the Nine Mile Falls dam where I take the Centennial Trail all the way downtown. I should do that more often. At 5:30 am it's a beautiful sight. Moose, deer, ospreys, herons, and turkeys are usually out and about. And it's quiet.

Downtown Spokane

 Speed demon.

The 2:00 am sun is killer.

Dog is my co-pilot.

A Bird Tolerant Of Our Presence

I think this is a House Finch.  It's been hanging around in the backyard for a couple of days and it's comfortable with us getting with two feet of it. So I took some photos.

 It was preening its feathers and lost its balance. Since its large talons could get any traction on the glass table it slipped overboard. But it recovered quickly and landed on the arm of the chair.

 One less ant.

I think it was trying to survive the heat.

Downtown Spokane

 When you've got no place else to go.

Creative carrying.