Visit with Santa and Christmas Season is official now.

Santa caught us by surprize at the Pharmacy in Long Beach last night.

He told me it is officially Advent- and I should bring down the 50 plus plastic totes -full o' decorations for the season- from the Carriage House attic. He also mentioned that my Santa collection needs a new location this year. He suggested out by the fireplace instead of in the kitchen. I think it is too large of a collection for the mantel- but he was insistent.

Junkyard Jane visits Astoria

Last night our friend, Cyndi Mudge, threw a fun event in Astoria. Her favorite group Junkyard Jane was in town... Swamp-a-billy music. We danced and partied into the night.

(yes, that is Carolyn & Guy Glenn boogie-ing away. hehe)

Fiddler on the Roof

We finally got to see the PAPA (Peninsula Area Performing Arts) production of Fiddler. Last year they performed it up at Fort Columbia- and this year the Hilltop School remodel was finished- so it was in the auditorium. Gosh we missed that auditorium space!

The great thing about this community theater is that you have all ages working together. You also have retired theater professionals (who have moved to the beach) and the generations of locals. The fisherman, home-school kids and regular school kids. The oystermen, crabbers, cranberry growers and all- singing and dancing with the benefit of professional volunteers who pull together a great show.

Everything about the show was impressive- from the original Broadway choreography, staging, props and of course- the singing. Where else do you see a venerable oysterman (Dobby Wiegardt) singing and dancing on stage with his 4 granddaughters?

Good facials, bad martinis

We missed going to the (Astoria) Schooner all summer. When the Holens decided not to renew the restaurant space lease (and focus on their Baked Alaska Restaurant and Cooking School)- the local food critics assured us all that Hotel Elliot had kept the good things (martinis and menu) the same- and upgraded a bit in the already very nice decor.

It was on a Wednesday- and (gasp) we decided to have our burger night at The Schooner- after late shopping for Thanksgiving groceries. Brett looked at the clock and said we could still make it to our usual The Depot Burger Night. But I said that The Schooner has great burgers (buffalo) and besides- I was really craving their fantastic and (locally) famous martini. It had been since early summer since we stopped in.

I was happy to see Frida- who works at Poshe Salon. She tends bar in the evening. Frida gives great facials. She is so cheery and upbeat- perfect for a bartender.

But the menu had changed. It was pretty and informational (about the history)- but no Buffalo Burger. I settled on Angus Sliders with Blue Cheese. They were actually pretty yummy. It is on the appetizer menu. Brett had the appetizer tempura lamb chops-served in a Marguerita glass. interesting. Kind of tasty.

I ordered my Blue Sapphire Martini. hhhmmm. warning flag was when asked, "Dry?" I smiled, thinking 'duh'. They should name this martini- "Lamaze Special".... it was filled with chipped ice!!! OK, my births were C-sections- but I took the natural childbirth class... and to this day- when someone is whining about how hard the work is- I ask if they want me to feed them chipped ice. (for those metaphor challenged- the husband/father feeds chipped ice to the mom while she is in labor and doing all the work)

If I wanted my gin on ice- I would order it that way. And it doesn't get served 'up'. We will be back at The Depot next Wednesday.

*UPDATE* Astoria Fire has fatality

*Update* news about the fire last night. Roger Martin, owner of Astoria Florist, perished. Martin was living in a room above the shop.

The building's roof is collapsed and walls are down.

Rumors are already spreading- even up to our side of the river. An arson investigation is underway.

the photos are from the Daily Astorian.

Fire on Commercial Street in Astoria

While we slept our Thanksgiving Feast off- in the middle of the night- the local Firefighters in Astora and Seaside (and Warrenton, Gearhart, Knapa Olney, and others) were called to action.

The building at 10th and Commercial in Astoria was on fire. The fire appears to have started in the closed up old flower shop location. It quickly spread to 3 businesses and the Bank of America.

Crews had to work thru the night- as hot spots flared up- including on the roof of the neighboring terriyaki place. Thankfully no was hurt that we have heard about- and Drina Daisy made it thru without damage.

The local merchants were geared up for the big 5am-8am sale this morning. I am sure this will affect the festivities.

I grabbed the photos from the Daily Astorian site- which credits Jonathan Lingel of Westwindgraphics. The Daily Astorian has a story on the fire.

Preparing for a Turkey Dinner

I am just a tad late in getting started with provisions for our Thanksgiving Dinner. The kids are all over the map- literally- so Brett and I have a quiet time with neighbors/friends.... and as usual- office work.



Here is the roundup:
Madison (and Elizabeth) - in a hotel near LAX with the tour- NKOTB
Ryan (and Rebecca & girls) - heading from Maryland to New York to be with Rebecca's siblings
Aura- visiting her father in Nashville area
Paris- at college in Northern Michigan- study study- finals soon

Hewitt House in Seaview by the Sea

Last night, Brett & I spent some time visiting with John & Dodi who own The Hewitt House.










Built in 1887 by JK Gill (of Portland Stationery fame) as a family summer home. The additional 'Last Resort Cottage' was partially built from the salvage of the 1904 shipwrecked 'Frank W Howe'.

John & Dodie are the 3rd generation owners of property and they have been busy upgrading the cozy and historic vacation rentals. Consisting of 2 houses (and laundry, picnic area- plus many surprises) Wi Fi has been installed and they are upgrading the (already pretty nice) kitchens.

The location is the farthest west- just off the Seaview Beach Approach. Be sure to check out the fab slide show with some pretty cool photos of things to see and do in the area.

Did I mention it is just a few doors away from our place? I get to see a lot of rentals around here- and this is one I would put my own guests in. In fact, I think my guests can stay at my house and I will go over there!

We love our Razor Clams!

This stunning photo is by Chinook Observer Photojournalist- Damian Mulinix. It was on the front page of the newspaper this week. You can order a print of it by clicking HERE.

Last weekend was a razor clam dig- and life at the beach can pretty much revolve around our beloved razor clams.

"As the sun started to set last weekend, familiar smells and sounds swept over the near-silent beaches along the Peninsula — the smell of gas lanterns, the sound of rubber boots squeaking and sloshing through the wet sand. All this in search of an ellusive treat — razor clams. Particularly calm weather greeted folks as they drove and walked down to the shore, lamp in one hand, clam gun or shovel in the other. And as the sun eased into the sea as the tides rolled away, the sky’s colors came alive, reflected on the ground they were digging. "

Readers of the newspaper also found another great little story.

Up in Oysterville, Haley went clam digging for the first time with her father. She sent in a photo of her prize. This was her first solo clam!

"Haley says she and her dad each got their limits of clams while out by the Oysterville approach. They appropriately named the big clam "The Big Kahuna." "Too bad the other ones weren't as big as this one! That would have been awesome!" she added."

Delightful.

Illegal Dune Grass Cutting

Along the Discovery Trail... a certain homeowner... has illegally cut dune grass in violation of the Shorelines Master Program. The Wa State Dept of Ecology has confirmed this and it is up to Pacific County to enforce this violation. (about 47th and K)

The second photo is from the Discovery Trail and out to the mean high tide- right up to the water. I am most confused about how this makes any sense. I doesn't really enhance his view. His house is wayyyyy up there - 800 -or so feet from the trail.. and the trail is a few hundred feet from the water. He has mowed thru the wetlands with a riding machine that much like a small tractor/combine.

I am all for property rights. This is not an issue of property rights. The Shorelines Master Program was in effect prior to his land purchase. There are wetlands here... and there are issues with erosion and safety.

I defend his right to log (by hand) trees off his land. That is a good idea. Our dunes are filled with trees that need thinning/removing. If only for the fire safety.

However, this idea of dune grass cutting is silly... and I am not sure what he is trying to prove.
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Capt Clark, a sturgeon, HUGE basalt monolith and other adventures on the Discovery Trail

It was a great weekend to take a walk along the Discovery Trail. Yesterday we went south to Beards Hollow- today we went north to the Monolith.

The lifesize bronze statute of Captain Clark and a sturgeon (as described in the journals) is next to a really big 9 ft. Basalt Monolith with engravings of more journal entries by Lewis & Clark.




You can find out more info at this funbeach link.



The trail has been finished now. It is paved in asphalt with nice benches along the way. The trail starts down at the Port of Ilwaco and ends 8.3 miles later up north of Long Beach by the Breakers Hotel.

007 Movie Opening- Official Nansen Holiday

Tomorrow is a RED LETTER Calendar Day. An official Nansen Holiday!

Quantum of Solace opens in the U.S. tomorrow. (in the big cities- at 12:01am) Tradition dictates the first showing- a matinee. (I used to keep the kids out of school for this day)! The official beverage is a VESPER Martini. (kids are adults now)

Question for you: Who is your favorite BOND? Leave your answer in the comments!

"A dry martini," [Bond] said. "One. In a deep champagne goblet."
"Oui, monsieur."

"Just a moment. Three measures of Gordon's, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it's ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon peel. Got it?"

"Certainly, monsieur." The barman seemed pleased with the idea.

"Gosh, that's certainly a drink," said Leiter.

Bond laughed. "When I'm...er...concentrating," he explained, "I never have more than one drink before dinner. But I do like that one to be large and very strong and very cold and very well-made. I hate small portions of anything, particularly when they taste bad. This drink's my own invention. I'm going to patent it when I can think of a good name."

-Ian Fleming, Casino Royale

Coast Guard Rescues last night

We often watch (or hear) the Coast Guard rescue drills. Last night's storm flooding put their skills to work. At least 7 people (in cars- when a culvert broke) were rescued by the local volunteer fire department in Tillamook and the Coast Guard.

I am sure the count was higher if you include fishermen and boaters.
(the photo is from here)

Beach Drivers Nightmare.

The Chinook Observer (our newspaper) had a story about a local resident finding this truck going out to sea on (a week ago) Wed. morning at 9am.

What in the world? not sure how that happened. Did they drive 'illegally' too close to the water? (on the razor clam beds) Did they get stuck in the sand and the tide came in? I do not know the cause or outcome. Will keep you posted.

Harmony and Faith


Just received these photos of Harmony and Faith opening presents. The birthday girl is in the striped shirt.
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Really Rough Weather expected this week

From the latest weather alert:
Swells along the coast will likely build to 16 to 18 feet Tuesday through Wednesday night... likely causing building surf along the surf zone. Rising River flows in combination with a full moon and
the highest tide of the month Wednesday and Thursday mornings could lead to tidal overflow and minor flooding near bays and estuaries.

The large west swell and very strong Ebb currents will also result in very rough bar conditions... especially on the Columbia River bar where 20 to 22 foot seas and breaking waves are possible Wednesday. The large seas and strong currents will also increase the risk of rip currents along the coast.
(the photo is from the Columbia River Bar Pilots)

Flooding and High Winds expected

This is a notice of a “special weather statement” that has been issued by the National Weather Service. A weather briefing conference call was held today with the National Weather Service and a flood potential outlook was issued. The concern for Pacific County is the potential for tidal flooding in Willapa Bay and along the coast. Astronomical high tides will be the highest of the month Wednesday and Thursday mornings, which adds to the level of concern.

In addition, the NWS spoke to the possibility of a high wind warning, which they have not yet issued. The potential for wind, the high tides, and the predicted rainfall is a combination that often results in flooding in the downtown Raymond area. Residents and businesses in low lying areas of Raymond are urged to prepare and monitor the developing storm.

Please be advised that this weather statement is being issued early due to the holiday tomorrow. The predictions made by the weather service have been made well in advance of the storm and will continue to change through tomorrow. The Pacific County EOC is not activating but will be monitoring the developing weather and may change to an activated status should conditions warrant.

From the National Weather Service: 1159 AM PST MON NOV 10 2008

..FLOODING POSSIBLE OVER SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON AND NORTHWEST OREGON LATE TUESDAY THROUGH THURSDAY...
..FLASH FLOODING AND DEBRIS FLOWS POSSIBLE FOR BURN AREAS...

A STRONG JET STREAM WILL BRING A SERIES OF VERY WET STORM SYSTEMS TO THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST BEGINNING TUESDAY. THE FIRST OF THESE STORMS WILL REACH THE WASHINGTON AND OREGON COAST TUESDAY MORNING AS A STRONG WARM FRONT MOVES IN. THE SNOW LEVELS WILL RISE RAPIDLY TUESDAY AFTERNOON AS THE WARM FRONT PASSES...WITH HEAVY RAIN CONTINUING. ANOTHER SURGE OF TROPICAL MOISTURE WILL REACH THE AREA ON WEDNESDAY WITH VERY HEAVY RAIN AND HIGH FREEZING LEVELS.

THE FOCUS AND TIMING OF THE HEAVIEST RAIN IS SOMEWHAT UNCERTAIN AT THIS TIME. AREAS OF GREATEST POTENTIAL IMPACT INCLUDE THE WILLAPA HILLS...SOUTHERN WASHINGTON CASCADES...NORTHWEST OREGON COAST RANGE AND THE NORTHERN OREGON CASCADES. RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 5 TO 8 INCHES OVER HIGHER TERRAIN AND 2 TO 4 INCHES IN THE VALLEYS ARE POSSIBLE DURING THE TWO DAY PERIOD.

IF THE HEAVY FOCUSES ON THE NORTHERN OREGON CASCADES...FLASH FLOODING OR DEBRIS FLOWS WOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR CREEKS DRAINING BURN AREAS...SUCH AS GNARL RIDGE OR KITSON. MINOR DEBRIS FLOWS HAVE OCCURRED IN WEAKER EVENTS EARLIER THIS FALL.

YOU SHOULD REMAIN ALERT TO THE POSSIBILITY OF HEAVY RAIN WHICH COULD CAUSE RIVERS AND STREAMS TO RISE VERY RAPIDLY DURING THIS EVENT.

IN URBAN AREAS...LEAVES ON THE GROUND COULD BLOCK STORM DRAINS RESULTING IN LOCAL PONDING OF WATER DURING HEAVY RAIN.

MONITOR THE LATEST WEATHER AND RIVER CONDITIONS AT WEATHER.GOV/PORTLAND.

'Ocian in View'

This weekend- I need to travel to a convention- so sadly will miss one of my favorite weekends. The 'Ocian in View' programs are held in November every year. This year the programs will focus on who visited or lived at the mouth of the Columbia River before Lewis & Clark arrived 2 hundred years ago.

I am super sad to miss the wild game dinner that Chef Michael- The Depot- holds. boo hoo. But you can check out the menu HERE.
The Chinook Dinner (see my post about First Salmon) and talk by Jim Sayce about the MUD STICKS... are also favorites. However, since I live here.. I can ago to the other museums and heritage centers - a favorite place to bring visitors.

Friday, November 7, 7 pm
"The Finest Canoes:" The Chinook Canoe and its Role in Traditional Culture
Ray Gardner, Chairman, Chinook Indian Tribe
Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum

Friday, November 7
7:30 pm
Lewis & Clark Wild Game Dinner
Depot Restaurant, Seaview

Saturday, November 8
9 am - 12 noon and 1 pm - 4 pm
"Land in View" Bus Tour
Jim Sayce, Washington State Historical Society, Tour Guide

Saturday, November 8, 1 pm-4 pm
November on the North Shore Open House
Knappton Cove Heritage Center

Saturday, November 8, 4 pm-7 pm
Chinook Tribe Seafood Dinner
Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum

Saturday, November 8, 7 pm
Pacific Northwest Naturalist David Douglas
Jack Nisbet, teacher, naturalist, writer
Hilltop Auditorium

Sunday, November 9, 12 noon
Dedication of California Condor Bronze Sculpture
Port of Ilwaco Covered Pavilion

Sunday, November 9, 1 pm
Columbia Condors: Forgotten Giants in the Sky
David Moen, Research Associate, Oregon Zoo
Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum

Sunday, November 9, 10 am - 5 pm
Open House
Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center
Cape Disappointment State Park

Sunday, November 9, 3:30 pm
Dedication of 'Ocean in View' Nickel Plaque
Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center
Cape Disappointment State Park

(photo credit the last 2 photos from Seattle Times) The others are mine.