Gung Hay Faat Choy!

Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays in the Chinese culture.  It is tradition that every family thoroughly cleans their house to sweep away any bad fortune and to make room for good luck. Windows and doors will often be decorated with red colored cut-outs with meanings like “happiness”, “wealth” and “longevity”. For Chinese New Year, there is much celebration and of course there is a feast with many delicacies.

This is a time of thanksgiving and for family reunions.  During the Chinese New Year it is a great time to reconcile, forgive all misgivings and wish each other peace, prosperity and happiness.  I remember as a child receiving money wrapped in red tissue paper which has now been replaced with beautifully decorated “Lai-See” envelopes some being quite ornate and intricate even including tassels.  Amidst the merry making, expect the sky to be lit up with firecrackers.

If you would like to join in the festivities there are 2 local events happening this weekend on Saturday, January 29^th.  One is on the Eastside and will be held at Westminster Chapel located at 13646 NE 24^th St., Bellevue, WA 98005 from 3:30 to 8:15 p.m.  There will be all sorts of Asian themed activities, appetizers, music, dance, crafts and exhibits.  Tickets are $8. Per person or for a family of six the cost is $25.

Will we hear the Dragons roar?

The other celebration is being held in Seattle at the Hing Hay Park located at 423 Maynard Ave S., Seattle 98104 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.  Some of the activities will be the traditional Dragon dance, the Children’s Costume Parade and a magic show. Besides the Children’s Costume contest there is also a Favorite Rabbit contest.  So if you are a rabbit owner you are invited to bring your furry friend to be voted on by all of the Attendees. 

 This event is free to the public.

Gung Hay Faat Choy!  Happy Chinese New Year!

Hop on down to Hing Hay Park

  The Year 2011 is represented in the Chinese Zodiac by the Year of the Rabbit.

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Crows in the Corn

Ready, Set, Go! Head on over to Dr. Maze’s  Farm in nearby Redmond, WA to get lost in a corn maze, pick some pumpkins from a pumpkin patch, go on a hay ride.  You can get a bird’s eye view of the maze by logging onto: http://www.drmazesfarm.com/.  This year’s theme is “Crows in the Corn”. 

Where is the one of the best places to see Autumn foliage?  Take a road trip to Mount Rainer National Park.  The vine maples have begun turning crimson red and the wild blueberry plants are changing to dark red.  Mountain Ash is known for their stunning splash of reddish orange.  Do not plan on stopping at the Paradise Inn because it has already closed for the season.

Speaking of all the autumn leaves, grab your rake and pile them high for Extreme Leaf Jumping!

Looking forward… the 10^th Annual Turkey Trot to benefit Hopelink is coming up on Sunday, November 21st at 1 p.m.  So put on your walking shoes and grab a few friends.  If you register prior to Nov. 21 the entry fee is $20. per person. Or only $15. for groups of 4 or more.  The 3 mile walk is from Marina Park in downtown Kirkland heading South to Carillon Point and back.  I have a funny story about a Turkey Trot at a local elementary where I used to work.  The children were to run the track and for every trip around they would receive a check mark on a punch card.  After ten trips around the completed card was dropped into a bucket to enter them into a contest to win a Thanksgiving turkey for their family.  I noticed a little boy that was not participating and asked him what was wrong.  He replied, “My Mom won’t even let me have a cat or a dog so I am sure that she wouldn’t let me have a turkey either.”  LOL! Wow, he would have been really disappointed if he actually won and found out that it was a frozen turkey.  Anyway, I digressed from the topic of THIS Turkey Trot and for those who don’t know about Hopelink, they help people in our community that are in financial crisis.  For more info see http://www.hope-link.org/

If you are looking for some free and/or frugal events to enjoy this upcoming Holiday season… you can start off on Saturday, November 27^th at 4 p.m. for the Tree Lighting at Marina Park in downtown Kirkland.  Check it out at http://www.kirklanddowntown.org/. 

A Northwest Tradition for 60 years

Then one of my favorite things to do is to see the Christmas ships.  This has been a Northwest Christmas tradition for 60 years.  Boat owners decorate their vessels with lights and there are different chorale groups on one of the Argosy boats. See http://www.argosycruises.com/ for the schedule.  We splurged one year and rode aboard the Argosy boat, it was magical because it snowed that night.  However, our usual venue is to go to one of the local beaches to enjoy the music.  Many of them sport a big bonfire and there are mugs of coffee and cocoa to enjoy.  The parade of the Christmas ships begins Saturday, November 27th and continues up through Thursday, December 23^rd.

Another fun-filled evening can be spent Saturday, December 4^th in Kirkland’s neighboring city, Redmond.  Start out at the Redmond City Hall for the Tree Lighting and the arrival of Santa Claus aboard a big red fire truck.  Then walk along the wondrously lit Sammamish River trail where the City sets up luminaries all the way to Redmond Town Center.  Along the way, you will be entertained by all sorts of different musicians from a traditional Nativity scene to a Barbershop Quartet to Bell Ringers to Steel Drums, one year there were even Hula Dancers. 

Christmas tree lighting at the City Hall Plaza

 Santa is usually found gliding along beside us in a canoe in the Slough.  And the walkers receive a Christmas Blinker to add to the festivity.  This year there will be a crackling fire at Luke McRedmond park.  Then upon arriving at Redmond Town Center many of the merchants have complimentary treats for us including a kid’s craft area.  Go to: http://www.redmondlights.com/  to check out photos from previous years. 

Fish on a stick?

Are you looking for something to do that is fun and FREE the weekend of Saturday, October 3^rd and Sunday, October 4^th? Head on over to Issaquah to help celebrate The 2010 Salmon Days Festival oh-fish-ally tagged this year as “Something Up Our Leaves”.

There are loads of FREE activities and just about something for everybody.  Doesn’t everyone like a parade?  Come hear Marching Bands and see Magnificent Floats.  The Grande Parade begins at 10 a.m. Saturday morning beginning at Front St. and Dogwood St. then continues down NW Gilman Blvd. to 12^th Ave.
There will be a Street Fair with over 250 Arts and Craft Vendors so this may be the perfect time to start your holiday shopping.  Then when you get a bit hungry there will be over 40 food Vendors to tantalize your taste buds.
There is also a specific kid friendly area called the Field of Fun where there are inflatables to bounce in, crafts to make like a salmon hand puppet and new this year Human Hamster Balls! You get to climb inside and experience what a hamster feels.  Plus on stage will be amazing magic and roving reptiles bound to captivate the younger audience.
Music Lovers take note, there are 2 other stages with live entertainment with all sorts of venues: Jazz, Blues, Rock ‘n Roll, Big Band and tributes to: AC/DC, Fleetwood Mac, Styx, Paul McCartney to just name a few.
Then on Sunday the Rotary Club “spawnsors” a fun run.  So put on your running shoes and do the 1K, 5K or 10K.  For more info about the Rotary Run go to:  www.issaquahrotary.org
Dogs will “em-bark” to make a big splash in the DockDog competition.  So come watch dogs compete in one of the fastest growing sports in the USA.  For more info go to: http://www.pugetsounddockdogs.org

Salmon Spawning upstream

Oh, I almost forgot…the central theme of this festival; you can watch real salmon spawn up Issaquah Creek or go to the historic Salmon Hatchery to see displays and exhibits. To check this out for yourself go to:  www.issaquahfish.org

If you want to check out the music lineup schedule or need more information the official website for this fun-filled event is www.salmondays.org or call 425-392-0661.

The proper title probably should be: “Fun things to do with kids around Seattle” but I did catch your attention, didn’t I?  September 30 through October 31 the Seattle Children’s Theatre will be performing “The Borrowers” which is based on the book by the same name written by Mary Norton.  The story is about the little people who live under the floorboards.  This play is recommended for children ages 8 and older.  Show times are Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays at 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. and on some selected Thursdays at 7 p.m. Price ranges from $15 to $37.  There are discounted tickets for schools and larger groups.  Check it out at:  www.sct.org  or call: 206-441-3322 for more info.  The Seattle Children’s Theatre is located at 201 Thomas St.

On Saturday, October 2^nd from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. there will be free professional counseling provided to help Homeowners decide what their best options may be.  Mortgage Help Day is an opportunity to learn about the options available when one is faced with the worry of making your next house payment or currently late in making payments.  Or if you have received a notice of foreclosure or are considering a bankruptcy, your first step is to get educated and understand the benefits and ramifications of your decision.

At Mortgage Help Day there will be Attorneys, Bank Representatives and classes to help you understand the procedures and possibilities. Certified HUD Housing Counselors will also be on hand to offer information on preventing foreclosures, the foreclosure process and remedies for an existing foreclosure crisis.  The counselors will work with you individually and based on your specific circumstance help you decide what your best options are.

You should bring the following items with you:

• Photo ID
• Social Security Card
• W-2 forms
• Tax Returns for the past 2 years
• Last 2 pay stubs
• Last 2 Bank Statements
• All Mortgage Documents including Closing Statement
• If applicable: Layoff Notice from your Employer and/or Medical Letter from your Doctor.

Pre-registration is REQUIRED for those in need of child care or translation services.  Please call Danielle at 206-694-6794.

This free event is being held at the South Seattle Community College, Brockey Conference Center, 6000 16^th Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98106

Credit: www.povertyaction.org

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  Photography by Brent Mills

  On Saturday, September 18th the Kirkland Triathlon is coming right through the South Rose Hill and Bridle Trails neighborhood.  So grab your coffee and come on out to cheer on these Athletes. Costco can wait; you don’t have to be first in line this week at Costco!  Expect the first Bicyclist to come South on 132^nd Ave NE right past the Keller Williams Realty Kirkland office around 8:30 a.m. and the last Cyclist somewhere around 10:30 a.m.  To see the whole route go to their website at: http://www.racecenter.com/kirklandtri/

The Kirkland Triathlon’s course includes the following events:

Swimming: A triangular lake swim in Lake Washington (water temperature in the mid 70′s).

Biking: Moderate in difficulty with some rolling hills, the course takes you around the City of Kirkland in one large loop.

Running: The 3-Mile Run is mostly flat on residential streets within Kirkland. The run will finish at Carillon Point.

In September of 2002, the Kirkland Triathlon had its remarkable beginnings with over 1300 athletes making it one of the largest first year triathlons in the history of the USA!  It’s okay to bring out your cowbells and ring them if you have them, the Athletes love it!

• Cascade Land Conservancy has partnered with dozens of communities across the region to protect and restore our neighborhood trails and parks and helps cities make smart choices about future growth.  If you like to play in the dirt, you can team up with other likeminded souls and work in neighborhood parks.  Bring work gloves, work clothes, rain gear, water bottle and snack (if you need one).  The current Green City Partnerships are with the cities of Kirkland, Kent, Redmond, Seattle and Tacoma.

Visit their website to find your cities’ events at: http://www.cascadeland.org/stewardship/green-cities

The following is the City of Kirkland’s schedule:

Friday, September 24^th 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Carillon Woods at 5429 106^th Ave NE

Saturday, September 25^th 9 a.m. until noon Juanita Bay Park at 2201 Market St

Saturday, October 2nd 9 a.m. until noon Everest Park 500 8th Street S,

Saturday, October 16^th 9 a.m. until noon Kiwanis Park 1405 10^th St W,

Saturday, October 23rd 9 a.m. until noon Juanita Bay Park at 2201 Market St

Saturday, November 13, Arbor Day 9 am until noon Juanita Bay Park at 2201 Market St

For more information please contact Nona Ganz at nonaganz@verizon.net or 425-822-1618

• On Sunday, September 26^th from 12 noon to 1 pm, Alice Woldt from the Washington Council of Churches (www.thewac.org) will inform and answer questions about the 7 current initiatives on the November ballot including I-1098, the income tax on top incomes, the 2 initiatives to end State liquor stores and Tim Eyman’s initiative.  This Initiatives Forum will be held at the Lake Washington United Methodist Church is located at 7525 132^nd Ave NE in Kirkland, just a couple blocks south of the Keller Williams Realty Kirkland office.
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  City of Kirkland CERT

  Welcome back CERT training!  Beginning on Wednesday, Sept 29^th a new class for another Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT) will be starting due to a special grant.  I personally took this training a few years ago and feel so much more confident to be able to deal with possible disasters such as an earthquake or terrorist attack.  The CERT program teaches you basic disaster preparedness skills such as fire safety, search and rescue, and encourages you to get your own emergency kit together.  Contact Robin Paster, Community Education & Information, Kirkland Fire and Building Department 425-587-3659 to be registered.

While out previewing properties recently, I have come across what the real estate industry calls “ADUs” the acronym for Accessory Dwelling Units or sometimes also referred to as “MILs” for Mother-in-Law apartments.  These additional living spaces usually have a separate living space including a kitchen, bedroom and bathroom and often a private entrance.  My Bachelor’s degree in Sociology leads me to want to talk about the reasons for this type of dwelling and acknowledge the changes in the demographics of the population.  I will spare you most of my thoughts about the needs of the growing senior population, the decrease in family size and even the high divorce rate contributing to the increase of single dwellers.  So that being said, probably the most important reason for the popularity of ADUs is the cost benefits.

Basically the benefits are 1) the Homeowner has additional income that can be used to help pay for their mortgage payment so as a First Time Home Buyer, one may qualify for a larger loan amount, 2) the Homeowner may be able to trade services with their Tenant. Ex: help with maintenance or even childcare, 3) the Renter can live in a single family neighborhood rather than in apartment complexes and 4) the Community provides affordable housing to more people.  In addition to these monetary benefits, there are other possible advantages like adult children being able to provide personal and less expensive yet semi-independent living arrangements for their older family members, the opportunity to trade services with the Tenant replaces the support that extended family might have provided, increased safety and security and even companionship.  

Some things to consider concerning ADUs are: zoning regulations that deal with minimum lot size, maximum unit size, setback and height restrictions, owner occupancy requirements and parking allotments.  Also consider if there are other actions like construction codes, septic systems limits, use permits, and public hearings.

People can get creative if one decides to add an ADU to an existing property.  Not only can it add value to the existing home, it may be a way for family members to invest in the property by funding the construction.  This may be a potential way to transfer wealth, avoid taxation later and provide needed semi-independent housing.

Credits to: The Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC), a private, non-profit organization based in Seattle, Washington.

Just a quick, non-real estate comment as I reflect on what 9/11 has brought to mind today.  I believe that 9/11 is one of those days in most Americans’ thought processes that we remember exactly where we were and what we were doing on that day 9 years ago when we learned of the attack on our own homeland.  For those of us old enough, it is similar to remembering the day that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.  I was attending a conference this morning and I was shocked yet blessed by how many people acknowledged and remembered 9/11.

Nine short years ago, I was teaching in a local elementary school and had TV on as I was preparing for the day.  I will never forget hearing and seeing the video coverage of that fateful day.  As I realized that this was not just a random accident but a series of coordinated suicide attacks by Al-Qaeda upon the USA, I had not ever felt horror like this in my heart as that moment.  The hijackers had intentionally crashed airplanes into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center and then the Pentagon.  A fourth plane headed toward Washington DC crashed near Pennsylvania due to the bravery and team effort of some passengers.  Everyone aboard the airplanes and many in the buildings were slain.  The rest of the day is a fog as the teaching staff went through the motions of the day yet coming together sporadically to share our thoughts as more news reached us. 

Today I reflect on the tragedy of that day yet more importantly on the heroes of that day.  I think of not only those that lost their lives on September 11^th, 2001, the impact on their friends and families but also of those who have chosen to protect our freedoms and the lifestyle that we enjoy here in our great nation.  I send a sincere thank you to all the Firefighters, Police Officers, and Our Troops overseas.   I appreciate all the brave Men and Women who put their lives on the line to protect America and all that we stand for.