2023.12.31. Seattle Symphony New Year's Eve Concert + Party

12/31, Sunday. Today's concert is scheduled at 9pm. When I walked in ~8:55, I was given a drink voucher to be used before or after the concert. There were lines at the 3 drink tables. I asked for a bottle of Perrier. Only bottled water is allowed into the auditorium. If you want soda or alcohol, you have to buy a lidded cup to carry your drink in. This takes time to process. I'm cheap and in a hurry.

Beethoven's 9th Symphony is performed every year this time. Today's performance is conducted by Kah Chun Wong from Singapore. Full of energy. I love the voice of the New Zealand baritone Hadleigh Adams. Great volumn. I find the 2 female soloists scratchy. The choir had 53 singers today. All were present throughout the 4 movements. The 4 soloist only came at the 3rd movement. Between each movement, people applauded, ushers led stragglers in -- a bit odd. Supertitle helps me understanding the German verse. The seat is over 90% occupied.

After the concert, everyone poured into the lobby. A band played in the lobby. A table had 2 kinds of paper hats with Happy New Year on them. Ran into LH and LC who were posing for a photo. Drink tables now all had very long lines all the way out of the door. Last time I came to the New Year's Eve concert (2009), there was another musical work before the 9th. No line for the drinks. I felt short-changed. Went home disappointed before the count-down.

Ate an apple. Then I walked to Space Needle for the fireworks. Couldn't believe how many people were on the streets. Cars parked in the middle of the streets. I couldn't even make it all the way to the Space Needle, but close enough to witness the fireworks. The smoke was sinking, and blocking the view the better half of the time. Overall, not bad. Before and after the fireworks, the Space Needle was in T-mobile pink. Large powerful lights rotates around the Needle.

Happy 2024.

2023.12.31. The Sugarloaf, Mount Rainier

12/31, Sunday. Exceptionally good weather. Headed out ~6:25am to catch bus 150 in order to meet with VJ around Kent ~7:15am. Our goal today is Camp Muir. The rain and clouds from yesterday made the drive quite pretty: fog/clouds hanging low in the valley.

Only a couple of cars ahead of us at the gate. The road to Paradise opens at 9am usually. We were there after 9. Almost no snow on road. Saw 2 snowplows running. VJ drove his car into a ditch recently, so he was super slow and careful driving up. We didn't start hiking until ~10am.

Snow started from the edge of the parking lot. We put snowshoes on pretty soon, not absolutely necessary, as snow was packed down. VJ is much faster than me, so he went ahead, after set an agreed rdv time: 4pm at the car. We walked in the clouds.

I took the left track (for summer use) which ends at 6600'. A couple took off their snowshoes and hacked their way up a steep, but somewhat short section. I kept my snowshoes on, and took out my ice-axe, hacking up as well. Instead of doing the same traverse (not good with snowshoes on), and went more straigh ahead. Both are risky. Everyone else turned around, except some were looking at me hanging on the steep slope. It took me over 30 minutes to get up. My fingers were so cold and they ached badly. I stopped to refuel and warm my hands, thinking from now on, there'd be no crowds.

Boy, was I wrong! 10 some minutes later, I joined the army coming up from the right (which I took on my way down). It was already noon, and I decided to forgo Camp Muir. Went up McClure Rock, then up to Sugarloaf, which has a flat, but narrow top. The south side is steeper, coming down the north is much easier. Only my footprint here. You can see lines of tracks below me going to Camp Muir.

I waited here until a bit after 1:30pm and then turned around. Still 1.5 mile and 2300' to Camp Muir. That'll be next time.

Coming down, the pristine snowfield has been trampled. Saw a large group dragging their heavy load upsloap. They are training for Denali. The Tatoosh Range barely show up through the clouds. The sky was strangly pink.

I returned to the parking lot ~3pm. There, I ran into H whom I haven't seen for over a year. Checked out the new visitor center. I like the 2nd floor that has benches in front of windows facing the mountain. There's a table with different animals' fur. The free WiFi didn't seem to work. Good that I turned off airplane mode just to check my phone signal. Got a txt from VJ that he was waiting in the car already.

Driving down is slow, even though the road is better. Many small sedans. We made a gas stop. I asked to be dropped off at Tukwila Lightrail station. Back to downtown just before 7pm. Walking home. After food and shower, I was able to take a 20 min nap, before walking to Benaroya Hall.

2023.12.26. Tiger 2-3

12/26, Tuesday. Partly sunny with increasing wind. This time I hiked in and out from Jakob the troll. So many people were taking photo with Jakob on both time when I walked by. It's unseasonally warm. By the time I reached Tiger 3, it was already cloudy, and the wind was blowing. The view was still clear in all directions, especially towards downtown buildings. Thankfully, no one at work disturbed my hike :)

2023.12.23. Nexus interview

12/23, Saturday. Drove to Blaine's Trusted Traveler Enrollment Center for the Nexus interview. My Global Entry expired in 2021. Soon after, I applied for Nexus for half the fee ($50 instead of $100). Only this March, I recieved a notice to arrange for an interview. However, for Nexus, all the interview sites are at the US-Canada border. For me, it's Blaine, but not really in Blain, which is reachable by bus. This site is in a strip mall near Birch Bay next to I-5. Thankfully, it's open on Saturdays, so I don't have to take a day off. The interview calendar is quite full. I made this appointment in the summer.

I arrived ~20 minutes earlier, and reported to one of these 3 windows. After handed over my confirmation letter, passport, driver's license, I waited for my name to be called in this lobby. There's a display case with furs of pine marten, fox, beaver, weasel, and some small old aparatus. I was called to talk to a US officer first. He asked me some simple questions (name, address, phone#, reason for applying Nexus). He took a photo of me. Then I talked to a Canadian officer in the next window. She asked me to read about 10 rules printed on the desk, and then pretty much repeated these rules. Both only took a few minutes. Fairly easy. I was told that a card will be mailed to me in 2-3 weeks.

2023.12.17. Eagle Mt Recreation Area

12/17, Sunday. Forecast calls for a rainy week. So I headed to the mountains. Buses on Sunday runs every hour, so I decided to walk all the way.

My first goal is a point marked as Cypress Mountain (not the one with ski area), The first hour is all on pavement, quite boring, view is okay, passing some nice big houses (with no yard) overlooking the south (yes, can see Mt Baker as I walked).

Once on the trail, well, not quite, it's a bad road only good for ATVs, I realized that the walking stick I brought along is no use. Looked for a tree branch. The road goes fairly close to the "summit", but not quite. I scrambled to the two bumps shown on map, but there are more than 2 high points in the vicinity. All are surrounded by trees, no view what-so-ever. Also, I was trespassing into the municiple watershed.

Disappointed at the non-"view", I changed from my next goal from Eagle Peak to White Rock t, hoping for a view. Also it's much closer. It's close as the crow flies, but the road goes south and then you can hitch another road. I cut across to connect the two 4x4 roads. Had to go around south a bit, due to swampy ground. A couple of small ponds here. Quite a lot of snow. Elevation ~800m. Bushwacking took much longer than I thought, even though it is not very bushy. By the time I reached Cypress Lake, it was already 2:30pm (should have started earlier). The lake is a flow control scheme to ensure adequate water in Noons Creek. There's a large plaque about this.

I continued on the road (nicer with snow on it) to its blockade. 3 no-trespass signs. The road continues for a little bit until a fault (wash-out?). At the approximate junction to the White Rock trail, there's a camera and more no-trespassing sign. I turned around. Couldn't see the trail under the snow, and it was getting late. Encountered a girl with a dog at the turn to the lake. Inquired about White Rock. She said in summer people all trespass and hike up to the view point, and it's worth it.

On the way back, I took a different route, because I saw a viewpoint sign on my map. A small opening through the trees. Then it's a proper trail, albeit steep. Named "Massage Therapy". Then more trail, all have funny names like: Fat Bastard, Decapitator, ... Soft forest ground. Even though the trail is not always clear, it's not hard.

By the time I hit the road again, it was dark. Even though not 5pm yet, and it's a sunday, many cars on the road. So noisy, that I couldn't hear my headphone clearly.

2023.12.16. Canadian Shorts

12/16, Saturday. 12:30pm. Cinematheque screens the category winners of Canadia Shorts Film Festival

• Reborn by Matthew Rouleau: An old man reflects on his past, having spent his entire life within the confines of a spacecraft. He wonders when the time will come for him to find the true purpose of his life.
• KC by Mike Palmer: a short documentary on Katrina who wins a live painting competition in 20 short minutes in front of a live audience.
• The Cage by Daniele Bagolin, Nancy Zorzin, Irene Zordan, Paolo Romio, Matteo Giacomelli: A girl navigates through paths of her life.
• IYOV by Sergey Spirin, Andrei Beresnev: Iyon lost his wife and house suddenly, prompting him to question the meaning of life.
• Dead Drop by Jason Gosbee: A wounded man arrives at a car lot fighting off 2 men who tried to kill him.
• Orest Leere and His Marvelous, Mysterious, Malicious Empathy Machine by Jeff Smith : Orest Leere lives in an isolated gothic tower. He has created an "Empathy Machine" that allows him to steal memories from his victims, because Orest has none of his own.
• Something's Not Quite Right by Tom Cornwall: One morning David Sleet wakes up and feels out of sorts. Desperate for answers, he sets out on a quest to find out what's not quite right about today.
• Old Dragon Man by Doug Cook: an animation of ~1 minute follows the introspective journey of an elderly artist as he paints a majestic dragon.
• The One Note Man by George C. Siougas: A lonely bassoonist lives his life meticulously, mired in routine. Each day, he plays a single note in an orchestra and leaves the stage while the rest continue. One day, his exit is accidentally delayed and he hears a breathtaking violin solo, which changes his life forever.

My favorite is the last one of today, The One Note Man. It's funny and heart-warming. My 2nd favorite is the first of today: Reborn. The rest are okay. All very different. I'm surprised to find that less than 20 people came for this rare opportunity.

I then walked to SFU's downtown for a book discussion on Michael Hardt's new book The Subversive Seventies. I'm equaly surprised to find that the room was almost full. I cannot believe that so many people would be interested in the 70s' politics and social movements on a nice Saturday. Many were taking notes!
I was late, so had to sit wherever a vacant seat was available. Quite in the front - now I couldn't leave.
Hardt talked about the main thesis in his new book, and then, these 3 people gave separate talks that echo some points of his book:

• Glen Coulthard, associate professor in Indigenous Studies and the Departments of Political Science at UBC.
• Alberto Toscano, Reader at University of London, co-director of the Centre for Philosophy and Critical Thought, visiting at SFU this term.
• Sharon Luk, associate Professor of Geography at SFU.

I had never heard of these academics before. I did enjoyed the talks by the latter two. Q&A is long winded, academic.

2023.12.12. TIger 2+3

12/12, Tuesday. Foggy -> mostly sunny. This time the weather forecast is accurate. It's warm enough to be pleasant, in fact, a very nice day.

Went to the community center to fill my water bottle first. Then, visit Jakob, then Section Line trail to Tiger 3 - 2, from the Highschool TH (the small parking lot is under construction).

I was in fog first, but the sky was clearer higher up. The view is excellent today. Sea of clouds to the south. All the peaks are visible. Down Section Line to East Sunset Way TH.

Didn't wait long today for the return bus. Back in town ~4pm.

2023.12.10. Jazz in the City at Frye Art Museum

12/10, Sunday, 2pm. My second time attending Jazz in the City at Frye Art Museum. Another excellent treat. Instead of the advertised Josephine Howell today, it's her "family band". 3 vocalists: Her son and daughter (Chyee' Howell), her sister (? Josephine Carson). The instrumentalists: Medearis Dixson on saxophone, Christopher Patin on drums, Darrius Willrich (?) on piano, Alex Dyring on bass. They are all very good. Real proffessional musicians. I especially like the saxophone, the percussionist and Josephine's singing. The saxophone player was sweating, but kept his overcoat on. Not sure why. They were having fun on stage. This is a free (but sold-out) concert. Only ~60% full. After the intermission, maybe only 40%. At least, no crying toddlers. I saw at least 1 toddler.

This concert series is partially sponsored by Murano senior living. After the concert, we were invited to Murano next door (same as last time) for a reception. Today, we were led to the 24th floor sky lounge. Nice view. I chatted with the ladies sitting at the same table. One couple just moved here, to be closer to the kids. Odd, always ladies talk. Men don't like chatting much. Later, ran into the lady from Malaysia I met in Feb. She and her husband just returned from a pop concert at Seattle Symphony. I moved to sit at her table. She was telling me stories of her dad (3 wives, timber land in Borneo) and her children (4). Her husband got bored, and left soon. She's definitely enjoying her life in this building.

2023.12.9. Seattle Men's Chorus' holiday concert at Benaroya Hall

12/9, Saturday, 2pm. Rain....
Benaroya Hall was full of Christmas cheer. Seattle Men's Chorus is my favorite choir group. They are always so funny. This concert is titled A Treemendous Holiday. 200 people voice is a force. At some point today, all singers were dressed like trees. The sing-along uses larger font now, and some hand gestures. It was fun to stretch. My only gripe is: it's not always clear what they were singing. I wish there's subtitle for all singing performances. Also seems the voice arrangement is less complex than before. Still, we had a great time.

Walked to Town Hall for Orqesta NW's performance. Good that we were late. The first half was terrible, showcasing the kids who were learning to play. It was cute to see the ~5 year olds, but it was awful to hear the teenagers' squeaking violins. Even the soloists were not good. Finally it was the adults (Ballard Orchestra), mostly. I saw a couople of youngsters there too. I didn't like the wind section. Thanks to my partner's patience, we stayed put. I did enjoyed the very last, the Singing in the Rain choir group, new to me. Only 6 guys, ~20 women, almost all white hair. Maybe once I retire, I'll join them. The 3 young ladies who sang were quite good, old church songs. However, I wish they didn't use the mic. Too loud, so it was hard to make out the words.

After the concert, there was a long line for tamales. We left without tamales. Rain had subsided. City in lights.

2023.12.3. Calder In Motion at Seattle Art Museum

12/3, Sunday. Went to SAM to see the new Calder exhibition. I had one of those hanging decorations based on Alexander Calder's design. This weekend is free for Bank of America clients. A bit busier than usual.

These don't seem hard to make. They are all very similar. I do like the drawing and these 3 small wire figurines (a bird, a rat, a cow).

Another new exhibition (since last month), is the solo exhibition of Portland artist Elizabeth Malaska, the winner of the 2022 Betty Bowen Award, SAM’s annual award honoring a Northwest artist for their original, exceptional, and compelling work. There are 3 large pieces. Pretty bad in my opinion. The theme maybe okay, but the execution is amateurish. I think I can paint better than this. Perspective are off, angles of the body is awkward. Really don't understand how these awards were judged.

2023.12.2. More holiday events in downtown

12/2, a busy Saturday. I didn't have time to visit the Urban Uprising Craft market (at Exhibition Hall), and a Christmas market (in and outside of Fischer Pavilion) in Seattle Center.

Went to Gate's Discovery Center first. There's also a market (Fri + Sat). I made myself a wreath and a hanging globe. A lot of people.

After lunch, walked to Occidental Park. It is snowing every Saturday ~noon this December (see the black machine on the photo, right bottom.) I was surprised to see these 3 ladies dressed like clowns, who serves you hot cocoa. A gitar player was sitting and singing behind them. Not many people here. Next weekend, there'll be a free ice skating ring. Hopefully more people.

On my way, saw a lady singing alone at the Pioneer Square, next to a tall Christmas tree full of gift boxes. It's part of the city park program. The lovely Pergola is now occupied by 2 homeless tents and trash.

The Romanian National Chamber Choir Madrigal - Marin Constantin performed at Town Hall this evening, the last stop of their US tour (3 concerts in New York, 2 in DC, 1 in Chicago). Titled "The Magic of Winter". Organized by the Embassy of Romania in USA, the Romanian Cultural Institute in New York. This tour is part of the MADRIGAL 60 anniversary program.

They started with the national anthem of both US and Romania. Then some folk songs and Xmas songs. On the seat, a brochure of choir and an insert of the program for the night. However, it isn't exactly the same as what was performed. I love the costums. The conductor is good looking, in an elegant dark red dress, but she's rather affected, waving her arms in a dance-like fashion. The singing is good, but after a few songs, it became monotonous to me. I almost dozed off. 16 female, 13 male voices, 1 piano accompanist.

This is a free concert. Like all free programs, many no-shows. The last 3 rows were empty. Also, there were 2 wailing toddlers (maybe only 1 year old). When I sat down, I was already 1 min late at 7:31pm. Still people were filing in. Very noisy. Friends waving and calling out to each other. 10 minutes later, the announcer stepped onto the stage. 2 people gave speeches. I believe one is from the embassy. Only then, I learned that yesterday (Dec 1st) is the Romania national day.

Gingerbread contest at Sheraton Hotel, from Nov 21st - Jan 1. 4 girls designed the gingerbread house, and a group of craftsmen made them. They are rather big, with motorized parts. I wish the light is a bit brighter. Not sure if they are still edible.

2023.12.1. Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition

12/1. Friday. I went to Freeway Park for its last event of the year. I volunteered once with Freeway Park, and since then, receiving their newsletters. Today, roasting mashmallow over fire, while the Dickens Carolers sang under a canopy. They sing very well, and I liked their costumes. We were giving a skewer with 2 mashmallows, a section of Hershey chocolate, 2 gramcrackers. This is in fact, my first time ever, ate a roasted mashmallow. Thanks to the 3 open fire pits, I wasn't cold. There was hot cocoa, hot tea, and a strange cold drink with cranberry called poinsetta. I didn't like it. I don't think there's any alcohol in this one.

At 6pm, a few of us followed Dickens Carolers walking and singing all the way to Pike Place Market for the 38th annual Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition. Well, I didn't even know that the caroling was happening tonight. It was raining by then. Quite cold. Still a lot of people. Some of them sang in the rain. Some had a canopy. My favorite ones are:

• SeaChordsMen (participated this Figgy Pudding competition since its 2nd year, good voice partition)
• Beaconettes (ridiculous wig, fun and local lyrics)
• Silver Bells (women in mustache, funny lyrics)

However, none of my favorites won the 2 prizes. Best Coral is awarded to a new group, a gospel group of Ethiopia youth. They have no voice partition, other solo with group, one guy didn't even move his mouth, some yoddling which is interesting. Very political choice. The lead singer was kneeling down thanking Jesus when this was announced. Most Creative is awarded to the Pike Place Market's own group. See the above photo with the pink pig outfit. Another political choice. They are at least funny. The top 3 groups that got the most donation ($3000 - $4400) didn't win any prize. Here's the Beaconette on stage singing about Rainier (please give us some warning before you explode). SeaChordsMen closed the event leading the singalong.

A fun evening, and not too late. I got home by 9pm. This is my 2nd tiem attending Figgy Pudding Caroling. Last time was 2019. Next year is on Dec 6th 2024.