Center Fall

CENTERED: We had occasion to head to Seattle Center this afternoon to attend a play at Seattle Children's Theatre. While there, we checked out the seasonal sights. The Space Needle was shrouded by clouds and trees from our vista today. 

We enjoyed looking at the lovely Winterfest model train scene inside the Armory at Seattle Center.

Ironically, the only thing that was missing was the train, which wasn't running today when we were there. 

From the Armory, we made our way over to the theater, where we thoroughly enjoyed the performance of "Dick Whittington and His Cat." Stay tuned for reviews tomorrow.


PARSLEY, SAGE, ROSEMARY AND THYME:  We're pretty much in full-on Thanksgiving mode. We're looking forward to a houseful on Thursday - and the Seahawks are playing to boot - w00t!

Tonight we prepped the turkey, sliding sage under its skin and rubbing its in and outside with kosher salt to cure it. We baked some turkey (shaped not flavored!) cookies, and will decorate those tomorrow, plus a couple other things on the 'to do list' 

While working, I asked Christian to cue up "Scarborough Fair" by Simon & Garfunkel, given the herbs we were working with. Annabelle asked about the origins of the song. I used to play it all the time on the piano and sing it, but I never wondered about its origin. Go figure.

Anyway, we Googled it. Fascinating story, really. "Scarborough Fair" is an old English ballad about the Yorkshire town Scarborough. Its roots trace back to the 1600s, if not further.

The common theme in the versions of the song is someone listing a series of impossible tasks a lover dictates as conditions for him to take his former love back (for instance, washing a shirt in a dry well, or sewing a garment with no seams). So interesting! Glad Annabelle asked!

BLOWING THEIR TOPS: After doing some math, the kids tackled a "Time for Kids" magazine about volcanoes. Local hothead Mt. St. Helens was a big star. Per the TFK article, Mt. St. Helens is gearing up for another eruption, though scientists don't know if it's imminent or years and years down the road. Only time will tell. Reading the story, I guess I'm in a small percentage of people who has actually been rained down upon by volcanic ash and lived to tell about it. :)

FISH FACE: Every once in awhile, we come across a story that really hammers home the fact that there is so much still to explore here at home.

For instance, on Monday, November 17, news from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute captured the fancy of the Internet with photos of the super-scary-scifi-looking deep sea anglerfish they photographed 1,900 feet below the ocean surface. 

Apparently, their video of this creature is unprecedented. The female has a 'fishing pole' to act as a lure, with a spotlight atop it. Fascinating, really. 

http://youtu.be/VqPMP9X-89o
You can read more on the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute's Web site has more information  http://www.mbari.org/