Beyond Real Estate

This past weekend was not only Seafair, it was the 11th Annual KWJZ Smooth Jazz Festival out at the Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery in Woodinville. My mom and I attended the festival on Saturday and had a blast.

You can read my full review of the events which included shows by Nils, Marian Meadows, Wayman Tisdale and The Crusaders at my main blog.

Thanks to KWJZ for putting such an awesome event! Although my mom has been to both days several times in past years, this was my first time. And next year, I’m going to both days! If you’re in Seattle and you love good music, you should check it out next year too.

In the arena,

Seafair 2008

July 31 - August 3, 2008

This weekend marks the annual Seafair festivities with lots of fun stuff going. As usual, The US Navy Blue Angels will be performing (see schedule below), there’ll be hydroplane races on Lake Washington and of course, the famed 59th Annual Seafair Torchlight Parade will be taking place in downtown Seattle.

US Navy Blue Angels

U.S Navy Blue Angels Flight Schedule

Thursday, July 31: 9:45 a.m.-12 noon & 1:15-2:30 p.m. (Circle & Arrival Maneuvers to become familiar with the area.)
Friday, August 1: 1:30-2:30 p.m. (Practice Show)
Saturday, August 2: 1:30-2:30 p.m. (Full Show)
Sunday, August 3: 1:30-2:30 p.m. (Full Show)

Other Stuff to Know

Bridge closure info can be found here.

And here, you will find a listing of community events going on around Puget Sound and Seattle.

If you head out to any of the festivities, please take care, drive safely and play safely.

Have a great weekend!

~ Annie

Is it just me, or does it seem like higher priced homes are selling faster than those in the median price range?

Up in my neck of the woods, we have several newer developments where homes are priced at or above $650,000 and several where homes are in the $300,000 range. Yet, it seems like those large, fancy ones are selling better.

I wonder if it’s because people are tired of living in sardine can neighborhoods? Or is it because those folks with enough money to be considered “well-off” aren’t having as much financial crunch as those average folks?

Any thoughts? I’d love to hear what you think.

~ Annie

I love jazz music and listen to our local KWJZ station here in Seattle. I heard over the weekend that this year the 10 Grands concert is coming to Benaroya Hall on May 17th.

If you haven’t heard of the 10 Grands, it’s a concert featuring 10 grand pianos played by well known musicians like David Lanz (one of my favorites), Deems Tsutakawa (a local artist), Tom Grant and several others. There’s even a meet and greet before the show and tickets for the whole thing are $75 including the meet/greet through KWJZ’s special pricing. I think I’m going to surprise my mom with tickets for Mother’s Day. She’d love that!

Concerts are always fun things to do in Seattle!

~ Annie

I just read an interesting article in the Seattle PI about foam food boxes and such possibly being banned. While I do agree that helping protect the environment is a smart move, I’m not a fan of this proposal. The major reason I do not agree is, what about people who on food stamps?

As someone whose family used to have food stamps, I can’t see how this helps them. They already have meager finances and to have even .20 cents x how many bags of groceries they have added to the mix, it can mean make or break for them. What about those times between paydays when they’re down to their last few dollars and have to choose between putting gas in the car to get to work and putting food on the table? Will have to choose to provide less food for their families because they can’t afford $2 for grocery bags? Or is this a cost that will be allowed to be paid for with food stamps for these people?

I’m sorry but this just doesn’t sound productive to me. The gap between poverty and wealth keeps getting larger and moves like this are a part of that reason. And it seems like moves like are becoming more than just a part of the reason - it’s becoming the major factor.

Wrong and sad.

Here’s the article from the PI.

Sorry for the soap box rant. Have a great day!

~ Annie