December 30, 2014 - Crazy Carousel

The restored carousel at the Woodland Park Zoo appears to have been replaced with a high tech, high speed, highly dizzying ride, not suited for children.

The carousel (PTC #45) was built in 1918 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, their 45th such ride.  The ride consisted of 48 hand carved wooden horses by master carver John Zolar.  Of the thousands of carousels built in the early 20th century, PTC #45 is one of about 150 that are still in operation.  It was fully restored and donated to the zoo.  The solar panels on the roof of the building in which it is housed generate enough electricity to offset the powering of the carousel itself.

December 2, 2014 - Peak Peek

From Maxwelton Beach on Whidbey Island, the Olympic Mountains appear to sneak a sleepy peek of Puget Sound through the clouds.

December 19, 2014 - Seattle's Highest Bough

"Hang a shining star upon the highest bough...." goes the lyrics of Frank Sinatra's take on Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane's "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."  In Seattle, the Wheedle's blinking red nose takes the place of a shining star on Seattle's highest bough - the tree of lights atop the Space Needle.

Who is the Wheedle?  The Wheedle is the round, furry creature with a red blinking nose that is the subject of Stephen Cosgrove's 1974 children's story "Wheedle on the Needle".  While Rudolph's red nose might make an appearance once a year, the Wheedle's red nose is a nightly occurrence here.

There's a Wheedle on the Needle

I know just what you're thinking 

But if you look up late at night

You'll see his red nose blinking

December 13, 2014 - Green Lake Lights

The paths around Green Lake were crowded with people enjoying over three miles of luminaries for the annual Pathway of Lights.  This year's mild, dry weather made for a larger than usual turnout. On the paths, many of the walkers, strollers and pets wear festive lights.  On the water those on stand up paddle boards, kayaks, canoes and dragon boats were lit up as well.

A photographer catching a photographer catching the light.

December 6, 2014 - Last Full Moon

Seasonal decor on a street lamp in downtown Edmonds under the last full moon of the year.