As challenging times continue across the city and the country, getting outside and digging in the dirt can provide a welcome change.  While planting a few seeds is not going to fix the world’s problems, it can provide some solace and satisfaction on an individual level.   Remember the fairy tale about Jack and the Beanstalk?  Let’s all be like Jack and plant some magic beans!

Beans are a mainstay of the summer vegetable garden and they are great place to start an edible garden because they are easy-to-grow!

The seeds are large and easy to handle for direct planting (great …

The Seattle Public Library closed way back in March with the first stay-at-home order, putting the kibosh on all manner of activities at our libraries including at our own neighborhood branch on 45th St. The banner above the SPL website says the closure will last at least until May 31, the current end of King County’s Phase I, but this could, of course, be changed. (A second banner announces a closure on Monday, May 25 — Memorial Day — making it double-closed that day, I suppose.)

While libraries these days offer many activities and services, book borrowing has always been …

[Editor’s note: We received the following from Darrell Bulmer, Communications Lead, Seattle Department of Transportation]
This week, work has begun on N Midvale PL and N 45th St. The new configuration is reflected in the graphic at bottom.

Work this week included clearing of vegetation, fence placement, drainage improvements, and concrete services in the project work zone. Crews will work this weekend installing the conduit crossing for the new rapid flashing beacon on N. Midvale Pl.  East and West bound traffic will be detoured on Saturday, May 16 while we work in the roadway.  Upcoming Work

As early …

The eponymous Mike Dunn sent this report from Chris Huckins of Dunn Lumber of excitement this morning:

This week’s Lake Union Dunn Promise Awards go to Luis Velazquez (Yard) and Ben Dominick (Yard).

Luis spotted a Japanese balloon carried lantern landing on the roof of our common lot shed early in the morning (about 5 AM) of 5/14/2020. The lantern immediately caught the roof on fire.

Luis alerted others in the yard, and Ben Dominick immediately contacted the fire department who quickly responded. Needless to say that the Lake Union crew are extremely grateful for this excellent first responder response …

Some much-needed improvements to the street crossings near Midvale Ave and Midvale Place will get underway on Monday, May 11 (today). You might know the crossing points as the places you pass by on your way from Stone Way to Aurora Ave., or perhaps the nearby Meowtropolitan is more familiar to you. Crossing the streets in this area can be a challenge, in part because of the irregular, triangle shape of the intersection.

While the triangle shape won’t go away, there will be some important additions that should improve safety for pedestrians and improve transit for bus riders. (See graphic …