From Russia With Love!

Pam and I just got back from an incredible 2 week trip to Russia, which was on our Bucket list. We flew from Seatac to Chicago to Munich to St. Petersburg, where we got on our 180 passenger Viking River Cruise boat. After 3 days sight seeing in St. Petersburg, we started up the river system to Moscow. What amazing sights , sounds, and smells we took in. Kizhi is a far north religious heritage site of the Russian Ortodox church. This photo shows the cathedral --made entirely of wood! In 7 days on the waterway we went through 16 locks, raising us to the level of Moscow, on the Volga. Moscow is a beehive of activity, with totally choked freeways, large billboards advertising BMWs, amidst all the amazing sites such as the Kremlin and Red Square. Even took in Romeo and juliet by the Bolshoi Ballet -what a treat!

2 out of 3 ain't bad

It's Monday morning, Labor Day 2010, and I'm watching the visitors to Friday Harbor scurrying around in the rain outside our Windermere office on Spring Street. But the prior 2 days of our weekend have given us great, sunny weather, so 2 out of 3 ain't so bad.. The ferry lines are full and will be so for the next day or so as people leave our last big Summer weekend. Judging by the strollers on Spring St., and crowds in the restaurants the last 2 days, it has been a wonderful holiday for all. Yesterday we listened to some great jazz by the San Juan Jazz Quintet at the Sunday brunch at the "Rumor Mill " restaurant.

For us islanders, we now get our island back. September is usually a great month for sunny, but Fall like, weather. Many boaters wait until September to take their annual cruises. I'm contemplating another motorcycle ride and playing some trad. jazz with the FH Old School Jazzers next week.

Cheers for now!

Tom

DIXIELAND JAZZ JAM SESSION

Featuring:
The Friday Harbor Old School Jazzers- 7 pc. Band, Tom Starr , Ldr. 378-2462

Friday, Aug. 27 3:00-5:00 pm
Mullis Center in Friday Harbor

Seniors invited to “dust off your horn”and join us. Or sing, play the piano, or ?

SAN JUAN ISLAND HOMES YOU CAN AFFORD

I just got back from a 2500 mile motorcycle trip to Banff, Calgary, Cody, and Yellowstone. We were stopped cold by a herd of Bison in Yellowstone, but we saw the bear in Curlew, WA! The first few days one just takes in the beautiful scenery and exotic smells, but then you start to think of home, and work.



Did you know that currently on San Juan Island there are 19 homes and condos for sale for under $450,000? This means that many people thinking of retiring on our island have enough equity in their homes on the mainland to pay cash for an island home. NWMLS-8/12/10



Let me know if you want to come to our island and look at some of these great buys!

Cheers,

Tom

FRIDAY HARBOR RETIREMENT CONDO

If you are thinking of an affordable retirement home in a beautiful place, go no further. This west facing, top center, 2 bedroom, 1.75 bath condo has one of the best locations in Friday Harbor. One block from the ferry and overlooking historic Sunken Park, this condo has a large sunny deck with a great harbor view. Ceramic tile, laminate and carpeted floors, custom built-in kelp etched glass dining table with chairs, fireplace and skylights make this condo so special. Lovely sunsets and located 2 blocks from the center of town.

The price is $224,500 and the NWMLS No. is 101762

My folks retired in the neighboring unit in the 80's and I can vouch for the great livability of the Harrison Condominiums.

Great Weather

One day last week it was so warm after dinner I put my shorts on (a rare occasion) and walked downtown and bought a big chocolate ice cream cone at the "Doctor's Office" shop by the ferry landing and watched the international ferry unload. Our Customs guys do a very thorough job. They even have a rig on a truck which detects any radioactive stuff. We have had about a week now of absolutely fantastic weather.

Last evening (Wednesday is rhythm and blues night) I walked to town again to catch a set of R & B at the new restaurant - "The Rumor Mill". This place was for many years called "The Electric Company", and was the home of the Island City Jazz Band and the beginnings of the famous San Juan Island Goodtime Classic Jazz Festival. But now it's been completely remodeled by the new owners, Orrin and Peggy, of Ale House fame. The place was packed, the music was great (and loud), and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I sat at a table with (Ex) FH Mayor, David Jones, my neighbor. David does not miss a single R&B note each week, and is the official vendor of the Band's CDs.

AAAh, Summer in the San Juans is here!

4th of July in Friday Harbor

The parade started at 10:30 am and there were about 55 entries. The occasional cloud provided some relief from the beautiful, long awaited sunshine. The crowds lined Spring St. from M&W Car lot to the ferry landing- downtown they were 7 or 8 deep!

The FH Old School Band was on the Lions Club float, and played dixieland tunes for 40 minutes straight. Your blogger is on the Cornet.

Fun at Roche Harbor's Woodlands Cottages

Spent Friday, July 2nd working an open house at the Woodlands Cottages, a delightful series of model cottages available for sale at Roche Harbor. They are beautifully laid out and constructed by Fairbanks Const. Of course, my granddaughters came to see Grandpa at work and wanted a ride in the courtesy cart. Twas a beautiful sunny day at Roche Harbor.