Compulsive Edit

Astoria, Oregon ~ November 26, 2012

This sign in the parking garage under the Park Building on Exchange Street always bugged me, but it looks like it bugged someone with a marking pen even more. However, it was (and is) pleasant to conjure up a tropical island on a drizzly, dark day in Astoria's only under-building parking area.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Two Pilot Boats

Astoria, Oregon ~ November 26, 2012

Taken from upstairs, Doc's on 12th Street

The older pilot boat, Arrow 2 (left) doesn't get out as much as it used to. Although still plenty spry, its place has largely been taken over by the more modern and huskier Connor Foss on the right. When pulled up to a big ship, Connor looks capable enough, but she (she? Connor?) just does not have the romantic lines of the little Arrow. I suppose Arrow's era is passing. I don't know technically what Arrow lacks that Connor has, aside from youth, so if anyone can tell me, I'll be interested in finding out.

I love the look of the water. You can see how the rains have brought the mud down, and you can get a hint of some of the currents and turmoil beneath the Columbia's surface. 

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

That Hole in the Ground Revisited

Astoria, Oregon ~ November 27, 2012

I thought I'd take a progress-report photo of the hole in what used to be the Safeway parking lot on Duane Street between 11th and 14th Streets. I can't actually give you the report, because I have no idea what they are doing. I like the colorful sandbags. For the amusing (or not so amusing) first report, check out my original post from 2010.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Repairing Docks

Astoria, Oregon ~ October 9, 2012

The crane barge was busy much of the fall repairing docks at the 17th Street Pier. The building with the white roof is the Maritime Museum. The building in front with the round hole is the office of Columbia River Bar Pilots.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Coolest Sign Award

Astoria, Oregon ~ November 20, 2012

I could fall in love with almost any Victorian house, but I have a special place in my heart for Italianate Victorians. I can't tell you why. They're not as interesting-looking as the more ornate Victorians, so maybe it's their unexpectedness or their stately effect. Or maybe it's the name. This house across from the rectory (or whatever denomination it is) in my last post gets my personal "Coolest Sign of the Day" award.

Circa

1870

This Italianate was built to be the

home for the Charles Heilborn

 Family. In 1904 it became the 

home of Geo. Nelson, a ship's

Chandler. Eleanor – his

 wife – was the daughter of 

Capt. Gustov Holmes.

1929

Mildred Stacey arrived in

Astoria the night of the 

1922 fire. She moved into 

this house in 1929 and ran 

an upscale boarding house 

from 1930-1960's. She lived 

here until her passing at 

the age of 104 ~

 private     residence

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Rectory in the Rain

Astoria, Oregon ~ November 20, 2012

I always love the variety of design and detail found in Astoria's older buildings. This one bears a plaque from the historical society. I believe this is on Franklin Street. I know it's near 15th. I did not take note of the denomination of the church next door, so maybe someone will tell me.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

It's 8:00 a.m.: Do You Know Where Your Trash Can Is?

Astoria, Oregon ~ November 19, 2012

With local high winds, that's a good question. My recycling bin (above with the red lid) was blown onto the neighboring lot. The trash can (same design, but with a black lid) was in the middle of the River Walk another few yards away, and would have blocked traffic if there had been any. Wind and rain continue. I love this weather, and as far as I know, the damage is only of the nuisance variety. These lightweight cans make excellent wind-catchers.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Bright Flowers on a Gray Day

Astoria, Oregon ~ September 18, 2012

Outside the Co-op

By this time, I wasn't getting out much, and when I did, it was hard to stand up long enough to take a photo. It was always a pleasure to see the changing floral array when I would stop to buy food.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Orange and Wet

Astoria, Oregon ~ April 9, 2009

Although it was taken in 2009, this is a perfect photo for a dark and rainy day like today.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Bucolic Shoreline

Astoria, Oregon ~ September 15, 2009

The shoreline looks downright bucolic in this photo from 2009 taken over the railing of Pier 39. One of these days I'll get around to photographing what it looks like now.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.