Seasons | Winter Archives - Page 2 of 4

When Christmas Came to Vashon Island

December 20, 2011 by Tom 14 Comments

The old place bedazzled by swags of C-9s.

I was revisiting some of my past Christmas posts, and stumbled upon the one that follows. While I do hate to repeat myself, I thought, heck I’ve seen A Charlie Brown Christmas a bazillion times and I can recite the entire script of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Reruns are a Christmas tradition. That said, I thought I’d share a fond recollection of a Christmas past, one that I think of with great fondness this time of year.

: An angel in last year’s tree inspiring this year’s intentions.

Recalling When Christmas Came to Vashon

Living on an island has its challenges, but it also has its rewards, revealing special moments that speak to the kinship of isolation and the camaraderie of everyone being in (and on) the same boat.

While commuting by ferry creates bottlenecks and headaches daily, it also fosters a bond, an unspoken appreciation that someone else shares your daily round-trip odyssey. The smiles and nods to familiar strangers, one day makes them friends. So tonight when I returned to the island from a very long day in a less-welcoming place, I stood on the bow well before we reached Vashon Island. I savored that simple joy of returning home. The wind was bracing, the sky spun with gold, and the Olympic Mountains seized the horizon and my attention.

On the open car deck, Christmas trees topped a number of vehicles. One Jeep sported a wreath on its grille, the kids behind its steamed-up windows singing spirited renditions of the season’s best (between punches). I smiled, their parents smiled. The choir continued the concert.

With the din of the ferry silenced, we docked and I disembarked, walking more than briskly toward the warm, waiting bus. A stream of cars sped off the ferry and then one honked. I turned in time to see Santa in an SUV giving us a wave. I returned a smile and hearty hat tip.

Christmas had come to Vashon. I just had no idea we’d share the same ferry.

Bulldogs roasting by an open fire….

blog Christmas candle card When Christmas Came to Vashon Island May the light of the season shine on you. Merry Christmas.

Filed Under: Island Life, Seasons | Winter Tagged With: bulldogs, Christmas, ferry ride, Seasons Greetings, Vashon Island

The Spirit of Christmas Drove a Pickup Truck

December 10, 2011 by Tom 20 Comments

As Christmas time nears, I like to retell this story, a simple post about my new home (at the time), new friends, and the beginning of many fine old memories in this fine old house.

christmas porch wood boz The Spirit of Christmas Drove a Pickup Truck

Boz and Gracie prefer dry paws and wood heat.

Each year I wonder if, when or where I’ll cross paths with the spirit of Christmas. Perhaps in a person, sometimes in a moment, always when I least expect it, the spirit of the season will reveal itself. Usually as an observer, a bystander to generosity, whimsy or a simple act of kindness, I tuck the memory away like a fondly held Christmas card. But this year the spirit had a more direct approach, arriving early and in a pickup truck.

Last Sunday, as Boz & Gracie lured me downstairs with their ramped up barks, I could see a tall constitution of a man peering through my front door window. A friendly smile told me it was my neighbor, Dan. I’m chainsaw-challenged and most of my firewood is green and not split. Dan, a keen observer and a man of few words, pointed to the dry, split firewood in his pickup and said, “Merry Christmas, Tom. “ The spirit of Christmas overwhelms quickly and tends to leave its beneficiary tongue-tied. Add a bundle of pencil-thick kindling to the mix, and I am without words. Yes, the spirit of Christmas knocked on my door that day, and in the process reminded me that it’s a regular visitor.

Toasty toes and pampered paws enjoy a fireside warm-up, courtesy of the Christmas spirit (and most generous neighbor).

Filed Under: Celebrations, Christmas, Seasons | Winter Tagged With: bulldogs, Christmas Spirit, holdiay cheer, holidays, pickup truck, snow

Making a Beeline for the Sun

March 19, 2011 by Tom 12 Comments

Bees abuzz, enjoying the day’s first rays of sun. Look closely, see the bees in flight?

The Pacific Ocean has been pitching storms to the West Coast like a rookie on a roll. As a self professed non-whiner of Washington State weather, even I have had to bite my tongue and hold on to the belief that the sun will reappear on Puget Sound sometime before the Fourth of July. (Above: look closely to see the bees in flight.)

Today we’re have a weather teaser, a clear sky of bright sun that erases any recollection of rainy days. The bees are also out and not wasting a minute to forage for nectar divine. I do augment their diet with sugar water, as the pickings are slim this time of year. Bee does not live by snowdrops alone (flower below).

The day is wasting and the outdoor chore list is awaiting my pencil’s first check mark. Let the day bee-gin; go outside!

Filed Under: Seasons | Winter, Tomagrams

You Can’t Judge a Man by His Topper

March 12, 2011 by Tom 18 Comments

After a fine evening in West Seattle with friends, I found myself on the Fauntleroy dock awaiting the 10:20 p.m. ferry to Vashon. Wind howling, sea spray biting, it really was a dark and stormy night, a Deadliest Catch flashback kind of night. On the earlier crossing, I actually paid attention to the safety announcements and the locations of the evacuation assembly stations–not that it likely mattered. With a water surface temperature of 45^oF (7.2^oC) and gale force winds, Puget Sound treaders of water can sing about one verse of “My Heart Will Go On” before discovering the location of Davy Jones’ locker.

A Washington State Ferry on a kinder, gentler day. (Vashon in the foreground, Mt Rainer on the horizon)

As the Captain masterfully positioned the ferry into the slip, a family of five extracted themselves and heaps of luggage from a Yellow Cab on the dock. Mom, Dad, infant and two wee ones struggled to clear the turnstiles. I offered to help carry some things. They said, “No thank you, we’ve got it.” That was not entirely true as I saw it, so I waited a few minutes, and offered again, “Seriously I don’t mind grabbing some of this and helping you board.” The polite Dad, smiled under the burden of his carry-ons and my persistence, and reiterated his earlier response, all while balancing a baby carrier, over-sized roller suitcase, diaper bag and Duffel. I acquiesced, and retreated to the passenger cabin.

The roller coaster return crossing went off without a hitch. I had time to settle my account with the man of upstairs, reflect on a few fond memories and be at peace with the world. When I finally reached the other side (which was thankfully Vashon and not an appointment with the Ghost Whisperer), I was grateful for skilled crews and Maritime standards.

Heading back to the car deck, the family of five and I made our return appearances to exit the ship. And again, they did not want my help. (I just had to give it one more try.) Behind us, an armada of vehicles sat quietly as keen observers of our in-climate, on-deck pantomime.

The barrier net on the lower deck (on a much calmer day) keeping pedestrians at bay and out of the bay.

Shivering in the final minutes of the tie-up, I began to feel a warming sensation on the back of my neck, no doubt from the piercing eyes of auto passengers judging the man who seemingly made no attempt to help the overloaded family of five. Carrying nary an item, he apparently was prepared to leave the ferry hands-free and conscience-free. I could hear it now, “Oh look Vern, there’s Tom, see in the goofy cap. I can’t believe he’s not helping that poor family with all of their belongings.” (Oh yeah, my ears were burning.)

Of course, I was wearing my favorite winter cap, an unmistakable design inspired by the Mackinaw and woodsman alike. My natty red and black plaid headgear was well known, albeit a chapeau no one else on the island would be caught dead in. I base this supposition simply on the amount of chiding I endure, “Hey Tom, Elmer Fudd called and he wants his hat back.”

The family and luggage found refuge in a parked SUV, and I proceeded down the dock and up to Parking Lot Hill, a hill graded to mimic the incline of the Great Pyramid of Cheops. Now drenched, cold and breathing like a Lab fresh from a fetch, I collapsed into the relative comfort of my truck. As I waited for the heater to kick in and the foggy windows to clear, I had a small epiphany.

Drivers and passengers in toasty warm, climate controlled cars with heated seats, who do not offer a man a ride up a steep hill on a wet, wintry cold night, have little or no room to judge said man on the car deck of a ferry.

With that, I leave you words from wiser men, and photos of more dapper hat wearers.

“Judge a tree from its fruit, not from its leaves”
Euripides (Greek playwright)

“If you judge, investigate” –Seneca (Roman philosopher)

And for the record, I saw and wore the hats first.

Filed Under: Island Life, Seasons | Winter, Tomagrams Tagged With: dark and stormy night, Elmer Fudd, red plaid cap, riding the ferry

Being Followed by More Than a Moon Shadow

March 4, 2011 by Tom 21 Comments

I’m not sure if it’s the snoring bulldogs (who share a combined decibel level of an idling chainsaw) or the sump pump activation two floors below or the play of light casting shadows on my bedroom wall or even the several cups of high-octane coffee the day before, but insomnia has become my late night date this winter. I often toss and turn for hours, then finally acquiesce and get out of bed.

As I let gravity and sloping floors usher me downstairs at an ungodly hour, my first stop is the thermostat, my second the kitchen table, morning headquarters of Tom’s one-man coffee klatsch. The tabletop is a mosaic of clutter, which includes, but is not limited to, a week’s worth of mail, an orchid on suicide watch, and a brooding stack of overdue library books. I complete the chaotic puzzle by fitting my laptop in the only parcel of vacant real estate left. The space heater kicks on and the ceiling shakes; Boz and Gracie are officially up and off my bed, their eight-legged runaway train trundling down the stairs in search of an open door or full dog dish. Beneath my feet and those of the table, a tangle of cords speaks to the shortcomings of my outlet-challenged nook. I plug my laptop in and thank the circuit for obliging.

Now up and enjoying minty fresh breath, I log on. Hands poised to type, glasses on, and coffee brewing, my vision blurs and my head hinges slowly downward. Regaining my upright posture, I try again. Uh, oh, neck muscles are not cooperating and my chin requires chest support. (This is not looking good.) I begin to feel sleepy, very very sleepy. My eyelids are growing heavy. As I’ve learned drooling on one’s laptop can void the warranty, I take my lead from Boz and Gracie and head over to the sofa. A quick nap is in order. About the time a dream takes me to Bora Bora, a set of bruise-proof knuckles collides repeatedly with my front door.

Startled, I jump up and head toward the disturbance (fright wig and baggy eyes intact). I open the door. My visitor looks puzzled and declares, “I can’t believe you are still in bed!”

Filed Under: Seasons | Winter, Tomagrams Tagged With: Insomnia, Moon Shadow, sleep walking, sleepless in Seattle

One Green World Nursery Delivers the Goods

February 19, 2011 by Tom 20 Comments

I read seed and nursery catalogs like dime-store novels. Will the characters within the dog-eared pages deliver on their promises. Will their potential be realized, or will some find their end in a wheelbarrow ride to the compost heap? Will their shortcomings haunt me every time I come across a wilted leaf or withered branch? Only time will tell, as the plot is fully revealed years from now.

York apple blossoms: April flowers portend loaded bowers

Erring on the side of optimism and choosing plants best suited for my climate, I look forward each year to adding a few new cultivars to the orchard and garden, while reminding myself repeatedly that my acreage, energy and age are limited resources (though, I never listen).

Aromatnaya quince: delicious, beautiful, and easy to grow, planted 2008

Which brings me to One Green World, I love this nursery for its quality plant material and availability of edible plants from around the world. They never disappoint and continue to surprise me with the striking, tasty and unique.

This year I ordered the following newcomers:

Marionberry, because my pie needs demand it.
Tayberry, because I fancy tayberry sauce on ice cream (and shortbread, and covered in Creme Anglaise, and…)
Nanaimo™ Peach: A new (to me) Peach Leaf Curl Resistant variety from Canada. Its namesake island city, three hours to the north, shares a similar climate to Vashon Island.
Chilean Guava: I learned of this ornamental and flavorful powerhouse from Sunset’s Blog: Fresh Dirt. Apparently, Queen Victoria enjoyed it in and as her favorite jam.
Early Laxton Plum: Had me at hello. “Prized for its ornamental value as well as its fruit, this classic European variety bears abundant crops of juicy and sweet, reddish orange fruit. One of the most productive varieties, Early Laxton is easy to grow and is the earliest to ripen of the European plums we offer.” (Source One Green World)
Imperial Epineuse Plum: This is a late season variety that I’ve grown successfully before. “Very sweet and richly flavorful, Imperial Epineuse is simply one of the most delicious plums we can grow. An attractive, large, reddish purple fruit with firm yellow flesh, this famous French variety is great for fresh eating and a good variety for drying. (Source: One Green World)

An admirable first crop of cherries: Van, Stella and Lapin planted in 2004

Here’s an important caveat, if you order bare-root plants and fruit trees, be sure to know where you are going to plant them and do so immediately. (And in this case, I do take my own advice.) The longer they stay out of the ground, the greater the chance of planting failure. I have a couple apple trees that became expensive bean poles later.

Fresh raspberries produce in the first year and are a backyard treat you should not go without.