It's Seafair and Torchlight Parade

 A family favorite to look forward to is the Seafair's Torchlight Parade in Seattle.  Jesse Tam, marching and participating in the last past few years is a wonderful way to celebrate summer days. Free activities for all ages with over 100 entries from drill teams, marching bands, prancing horses, Seafair pirates and cultural diversity.  This year's parade will be kicking off at 3:00 pm, July 29th including your favorite sports teams, military bands, grand marshall and more.

The festival event is free and will start with entertainment and food trucks at Westlake Center at 1:00pm.  Come early and prefer reserves seats tickets are available to buy for best viewing selection for the Alaska Airlines Torchlight parade.  Don't miss this great event filled with culture, leadership, community, heritage and fun.  Stay connected https://jesse-tam.blogspot.com/  Let's support our local businesses and communities.

Changing Season and Fall Activities

 It's that time of year when the leaves are changing colors with a chill in the air and supermarkets are packed with pumpkins products. Jesse Tam, a short drive from Seattle is the frun day trip on Highway 2 to see the fall colors and landscapes to Leavenworth and Wenatchee.  Check our the town and join the activities to celebrating fall. 

 Here are some ideas for the whole family and age groups.  

• Go on a nature hike and make a game out of your hike with a ntaure bingo sheet. 
•  Support the local farms and business, go pick pumpkins and corn maze.
• Carve jack-o-lanterns
• Make your own local fun with finding fall leaves.
• Create an outdoor activity around the fire pit, share stories
• Visit and pick apples from an orchard or farmers market.
• Bake a apple or pumpkin pie.
• Make a list of spring bulbs to plant for next spring.
• Pack a picnic and visit the local parks.

Spend time outdoors and have fun while the days are longer and temperature is mild.  The local library may have maps for hiking trials. https://jesse-tam.blogspot.com/

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Housing Market is Slowing

The housing market slowed with increasted mortgage rates in the Puget Sound regions with Seattle, Bellevue will have more homes to chose from.  Jesse Tam, the eastside's multiple and over asking prices are leveling with some homes on the market taking long to sale. Inventory of single family homes and condominiums across the 26 counties served by Northwest MLS has not exceeded two months since January 2019 when there was 2.3 months of supply.    

The median price on last month’s closed sales of single family homes and condos increased 6.1% from a year ago, rising from $589,000 to $625,000. For single family homes only (excluding condos), prices jumped about 6.6% and condo prices gained more than 8.6%. In the four-county Puget Sound region, price changes ranged from a gain of about 2.7% in King County (from $789,000 to $810,000) to a jump of nearly 12.7% in Pierce County (from $501,500 to $565,000).  Snohomish County increased 9.3%.               

  Active listings have nearly doubled from a year ago, jumping from 7,948 offerings of single family homes and condos to 15,381 (up 93.5%). The addition of 11,805 new listings during the month contributed to the boost. Compared to June, the selection expanded by 1,976 listings (up 14.7%). Evidence of slower activity appears in the sales figures. Pending sales retreated about 24% from a year ago, dropping from 11,567 to 8,775 mutually accepted offers. The NWMLS report shows a nearly 30% yearover-year decrease in closed sales (declining from 10,919 closings to 7,645). Despite fewer sales, prices still rose, but at a slower rate. 

The median price on last month’s closed sales of single family homes and condos increased 6.1% from a year ago, rising from $589,000 to $625,000. For single family homes only (excluding condos), prices jumped about 6.6% and condo prices gained more than 8.6%. In the four-county Puget Sound region, price changes ranged from a gain of about 2.7% in King County (from $789,000 to $810,000) to a jump of nearly 12.7% in Pierce County (from $501,500 to $565,000). Kitsap prices rose 5.4% while prices in Snohomish County increased 9.3%.  Stay connected https://jesse-tam.blogspot.com/

Cruise Season Returns to Seattle

 The long awaited return of Alaska 's cruise season returns to Seattle with 14 ships calling western Washingon home this summer.  Jesse Tam, the first ship arrived Arpil 11th and will be a boost to local businesses and tourism in the greater Puget Sound region. The Port of Seattle will be hiring 350 workers needed to help with greeting visitors when they arrive at the airport. New workers will be required to handle with departure and arrival of the ships.There are full-time and part-time opportunties to fill the positions.

•  Carnival Cruise Line
•  Celebrity Cruise Line
• Holland American Line
•  Norwegian Cruise Line
•  Oceania Cruises
•  Princess Cruises
• Royal Caribbean 

The cruise industry is an important component of the Southeast Alaskan  economy. The past two years have been very difficult for local businesse in Alaska. We'll see more families traveling this year and our region will be on the lists, Seattle and Pacific Northwest is a favor summer detination.

Stay connected, thanks for reading https://jesse-tam.blogspot.com/  Safe travels....

Explore the Trails

It's not too early to start planning for outdoor activities and leave greater Seattle's urban life to discover the various trails on the eastside. Jesse Tam, no problem to reach the trailheads without a car.  Did you know Metro created a program Trailhead Direct as a seasonal service to designated trails to help elevate congrestion and parking as well as those who do not drive. Check out these places on your next trip to help you plan https://trailheaddirect.org/ 

 Here are some things to remember when you ride the bus or take public transportation:

• Masks are required onboard and while waiting for your Trailhead Direct vehicle at transit centers.
• Please ensure you wear your mask over your nose and mouth and keep it on for the duration of your trip. Help us protect the vehicle operators and one another while en route to the trailheads.
• Respect the passenger limits onboard Trailhead Direct vehicles, and please observe the signage onboard to block seats to support physical distancing.
• King County Metro is disinfecting vehicles daily, and has installed safety partitions.

Plan ahead and check the schedules for updates and changes.  Take warm clothing as weather can change, water to stay hydrated and keep the surrounding area and trails clean.  Pack out everything that you bring in.  https://jesse-tam.blogspot.com/ Thanks for reading, relax and enjoy the trails.

Monday Morning Reminder

 The beginning of a new year 2022 brings renewal and new pages to start looking ahead.  It makes us appreciate what difficult pandemic the past 2 years limited travel, friends, family....Jesse Tam, here's to challenges for us to strive ahead and be flexible with each daily task and flow.  A moment to reflect on the past and things accomplished, ideas and things on the bucklet list continues...

Monday morning make a new week to get things done and handle whatever happens.  How will you handle each situation can make a difference in keeping a positive attitude or learning ffrom the experience.

There will always be a wish lists and a list where we want to put way down to the bottom and hope it will be delayed.  We may not like to do some task, but it 's how we go about taking care of the situation.

Remember to stay focus, you can handle whatever this week throws at you.

Sunset Sky

Clouds come floating into life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to the sunset sky.  Every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn.  Jesse Tam, an amazing time to step back and away from the hustle and bustle of daily tasks.  A view at Long Beach to explore the most beautiful and opportunity to reset.  The horizon changes but the sun does not.  

Get outside.  Watch the sunrise. Watch the sunset. How does that make you feel?  There's something special and good feeling when you hear the sound of ocean waves and the breeze.  

"Sunsets are proof that no matter what happens, every day can end beautifully."

"Every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn" - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Stay in touch - Jesse  https://jesse-tam.blogspot.com/  

Thanks for reading

Seattle Cruise Season Returns

The long awaited return to cruising has arrived beginning in July from  Seattle to the beautiful  Alaska  with Royal Carribean, Holland American and serveral other cruise lines.  Jesse Tam, it make a big impact for local businesses and tourism for the downtown core and economic recovery for our region.  We've all waited for the return to everyday activities and being able to get out to dining indoors and return to attending events in person.  We are ready to transition to a road of back to work in person, spending time with others and more travel ahead.

It's important to still remain cautious with indoor activties, large crowds and gatherings outside your familiar group.  Recommendations to continue with wearing face coverings indoor in public places while dining or shopping and wash hands frequently.

"The Port of Seattle is expecting its first cruise ship arrival June 29th, with Royal Caribbean International’s Ovation of the Seas docking at Terminal 91 to ready the ship for the season. Pending U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) authorization of cruise lines’ applications for a Conditional Sailing Certificate, passenger cruises are expected to start July 19th with Royal Caribbean International’s Serenade of the Seas.

Prior to sailing, cruise lines must submit to the CDC operational plans to prevent the spread of COVID or respond to any documented positive cases. The seven major brands calling the Port of Seattle will resume cruises with eight vessels, with over 80 trips scheduled, pending CDC authorization. To make the 2021 season possible, public health officials, cruise lines, and federal leaders addressed or reached major milestones, including temporary federal authorization to sail directly from Seattle to Alaska without a stop in Canada."

Seattle Fans At the Park

The long awaited new season of the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park allowing fans in the stands is here. Jesse Tam, we're ready for the start of baseball and the open roof at the park with tickets available for single tickets online or as season holders. There are many things to do at the ball park so make plans to arrive early and check out the kids area, enjoy the players prior to the game. It's a nice day to spend with friends and family of all ages. 

Sign up and join the Kids Club for Mariner fans up to age 14  Kids Club | Seattle Mariners (mlb.com)  the kiosks can be found near sections 190 & 329, check it out next time you're at the game.  Free membership includes monthly newsletter, birthday card from The Moose, Mariners Team Store coupons and a choice of drawstring backpack, kids club badge and lanyard depending on local and safety guidelines.

Plan your summer and join the fans for a day at the ball park and cheer on the team. On the deck show will give you a live look in the Mainers batting practice where you'll hear special guest players and more throughout 

On Deck Show presented by T-Mobile gives you a live look-in at Mariners batting practice. Plus, hear from special guests including players, front office staff and more throughout the show.

People Make a Difference

It's the little things that make big days.  Jesse Tam, here's a thought and quote to think about.  People make a difference and we remember the simple things.  Make yourself the best and the rest will follow. 

National Parks Free Fee Entrance

 Greetings to all the nature and outdoor explores who want to visit our National Parks. Start planning and save these dates for the fee free entrances dates, Jesse Tam.  Mt Rainier, near Seattle is a must see destination for hiking and outdoor exploring. A fantastic way to spent time on a day hike or road trip to a few of the local parks in your region.  Six days in 2021 will be entrance-fee-free days in the National Park System.

Places to see and travel ideas are many, such as:  Mt Rainier National ParkCrater Lake, Death Valley, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Everglades, Hot Springs National Park, Grand Sand Dunes, Gates of the Artic and others.

The dates for 2021 are:

Monday, January 18 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Saturday, April 17 – First Day of National Park Week

Wednesday, August 4 – One year anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act

Wednesday, August 25 – National Park Service Birthday

Saturday, September 25 – National Public Lands Day

Thursday, November 11 – Veterans Day 

Season of Gatherings

This season of gatherings during the holidays are rather different without friends or family celebrations this year in 2020.  Jesse Tam, during this time of year many of us are volunteering at the foodbanks or helping our communities or seniors who may need assistances.  Thanksgiving time for many were spent with fewer people traveing to visiting families local or far away.  Our meals were shared with just a few or possibly staying at home as we try to keep healthly from the challenging virus.  

The challenges are ways for us to keep awake and make changes to new ideas and adjust to face what lies ahead.  Changes can become opportunities. Take time to gather new insight, learn new skills and refresh ideas for times ahead.  Seasons will come and go; therefore, all of us must make adjustments to seek out new things and see things with an open mind.  

Stay in contact with those friends and families whom you may not have reached out to for years.  It's a different way for each of us to reflect on values, work life changes and others.   A new year ahead for 2021, Jesse  https://jesset28.blogspot.com/   Here to a December to remember, keep plugging ahead.

Relax and Refresh Outdoors

The time spent working remote from home limits contact with our friends, family and co-workers. Jesse Tam, maintain regular exercise and schedule time to relax with daily breaks. Find a new skill such as cooking together, new language or spruce up your music skills. Walking near your neighborhood and maintain safe distancing helps during this period. 

Cycling is great for getting around and rewarding as a sense of independence and accomplishment.  First become familiar with the rules and regulations of your city for cyclists, it's a fantastic way to see places and travel. There are many bike trails to explore from Burke Gilman, along Lake Washington or cross the bridge on I-90 and more...

Beautiful Mt Rainer is always a great place to visit.  Check the website for reopening and plan ahead for your trip and spend the day while you're there.

Places to Go, Plan Ahead

It's was a long gray winter in Seattle this year with a record sixty plus days with cloudy skies and no sunshine. Jesse Tam, now the welcoming sun and spring is just around the corner.  Spring break for the school kids and college will soon be here.  One of the interest places to see is the crashing waves year round along the Pacific Northwests coasts and beaches.

Take a drive to Long Beach, WA aka as the longest stretch of beach.  It's a year round places for the relaxation and exploring new nature trails.  Rent a bike, stroll or jog along the boardwalk trails with grassy path.  Enjoy a day or spend the weekend where you can go clamming ro razor clams, crabbing for Dungeness crab or fishing.  Wilapa Bay is renowned for oysters and a short drive north for a visit.

There are many shops in town to stroll along after a day at the beach for souvenirs, have an ice cream or ride some carnival rides. Pacific Avenue is where more of the action is to explore, have a great day. Jesse  https://jessetam.wordpress.com/

" Long Beach Peninsula. Colorful kites are on show at the World Kite Museum. The Discovery Trail traces a coastal route taken by explorers Lewis and Clark. At the mouth of the Columbia River, the 1800s Cape Disappointment and North Head lighthouses overlook the Pacific Ocean. Willapa Nat  ional Wildlife Refuge has bird-rich wetlands."  Stay Connected  https://jessetam.wordpress.com/

The Most Festive Time of the Year

It's that time of year for dazzing lights, festive activities, parades and holiday lights.  Jesse Tam, the season for falling snow and laughter with music and celebration as we head to Bellevue's Snow Flake Lane.  The holiday characters parade with 300 cast performers nightly from November 29 - December 24 at 7pm.  You'll enjoy the daily outdoor 20 minute show with magical snow falls, live toy soldiers, Jingle belle dancers, drummers, stilt walkers, lighted floats and more to dazzling light show.

The family holiday show draws up to 10,000 spectators each night to downtown Bellevue.  Come early and enjoy the shops and take photos with some of the holiday characters.  An evening that will brighten your spirits and melt your heart as we share this holiday season.  Parking is available, but streets will closed prior to the parade route.

Location: along the sidewalks at The Bellevue Collection (Bellevue Square, Bellevue Place and Lincoln Square).
Parking: free parking at Bellevue Square, Bellevue Place and Lincoln Square.

Thanks for reading, Jesse  https://jesse-tam.blogspot.com/

Visiting Seattle and the Free Shuttle Service

Here's a great way to visit downtown Seattle.  When you have an opportunity, try the free hop on free shuttle.  Jesse Tam, the waterfront shuttle runs from Pioneer Square to the Seattle Center along the waterfront on Alaskan Way S.  Buses will run seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through October 1.  It's a great way to get around town without the hassle of finding parking.  The shuttle runs approximately every 20 minutes.

The North and South Loop connects Seattle Center at the Space Needle to Chinatown/International District. Enjoy the waterfront and views of Seattle!
  https://downtownseattle.org/parking/#!/shuttle

NORTH & SOUTH LOOP STOPS

A	-	Seattle Center/Space Needle Connect to Monorail
B/C	-	Victoria Clipper/Sculpture Park
D/E	-	Pier 66
F/F2	-	Historic Piers/Seattle Aquarium/Pike Place Market Transfer to East Route
G/G2	-	Ferries/Water Taxis
H	-	Pioneer Square Connect to Light Rail
I	-	Stadiums/King Street Station Connect to Sounder/Amtrak/Light Rail (Northbound Only)
L	-	Seattle Aquarium/Pike Place Market
M	-	Chinatown/International District

Visiting the Quad

Visiting the Quad, Jesse.Tam.  The annual site at the University of Washington quad is expected to draw another year of large crowds for the annual bloom of the Cherry blossoms.  The cooler temperature delayed the blooming to occur later in the year. Plan to make a visit during the peak bloom which will last from 16 to 21 days.

This years blooms started on March 19th and will continue depending on the weather.  The iconic Cherry trees are in good health and are 80 years old.  Weekend is an extremely busy and difficult to park with visitors.  Wear comfortable walking shoes and enjoy the variety of colors on campus.

"There are more than 250 cherry trees of different varieties blooming at different times.  Large trees near Gerberding Hall with flowers week after the Quad trees, and between Gerberding Hall and the Drumheller Fountain a group of young trees will also blossom a little later.

Visitors are asked to treat all of the trees with respect by not pulling on the blooming branches or climbing the tree limbs.  The UW is raising money to help care for and eventually replace the aging Quad cherry trees."       https://www.washington.edu/news/2018/02/23/university-of-washington-cherry-blossom-watch-2018/

It's always a spectacular tradition for my friends to see the blooms and welcome spring.  Thank for ready, stay connected. Jesse https://jesse-tam.blogspot.com/

Unique Farmers Market

A fun place to stroll through the public farmers market and see the newly renovated Seattle's Pike Place Market -Jesse Tam. The fresh flowers daily, food stalls filled with fish, seafood, vegetable from the local market and crafts are just a few things.  There are many ideas and talented handmade crafts for the holidays and stocking ideas.  Don't go away hungry, try out the eateries and local shops across the street too

Looking for unique shops and experience, there are three levels to the market if time isn't an issue. It's a fantastic place to bring friends, out-of-town visitors and enjoy the market year round.  Stop and sample some of the local items, see the fish toss and cheer on the crowd.  Bundle up in winter and warm up with a hot beverage and snack.

There are weekly demonstrations and events for all age groups.  Enjoy the waterfront and view during your visit.  Fresh produce and seafood are wonderful menu items to take home or shipped to your destination.  Enjoy the music, relax and don't miss the flower vendors.

Stay connected Jesse https://jesse-tam.blogspot.com/  Thanks for reading!  Tam.Jesse real estate market trend.

Washington State Apple Harvest

Washington apples and trade has a large impact for our state. Jesse Tam, they are known around the nation and the world. Apples are a staple, they might grow in any backyard or garden. There are varieties in our region, but the most majority of the crop in Washington State are - Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, Braeburn, Honeycrisps and Cameo.

The apple season starts in mid-August and continues into fall. Each year, more than 100 million apple boxes are harvested and each box weighs about 40 pounds.  The harvest each year for Washington apples you purchase are picked by hand.  There are no harvesting machines for the annual crops.

Red Delicious made up three quarters of Washington's apple crop.

Washington designated apple as it's state fruit in 1989.  Most of the region's apples come from the Wenatchee Valley.  Our state produces almost 60 percent of the nation's supply of apples and have the best apple picking in the country. Take a day trip to Wentachee Valley near Leavenworth is a great way to spend a weekend.

There are several orchards near Seattle with large varieties of apple for those you enjoy the u pick. Plan ahead for dates and availability. Thanks for reading Jesse https://jesse-tam.blogspot.com/

Eye on the Sky

Keep your eye on the sky. Jesse Tam, here's to the best sky show this weekend between Oct. 20 and 22 to view the Orionid meteor shower. The meteors will streak across the sky are some of the fastest and brightest among meteor showers for stargazers.  The shower should be visible both Friday and Saturday nights with the best viewing between midnight and dawn. 

Clear skies are expected in the southwestern region of U.S. for viewers, while those in the northwestern and central region will be clouds and more difficult to view. Find a area away from bright lights and open field for best observation.  Don't worry if your miss the amazing showers, there is still November and December when you can view Leonids and Geminds.

Keep those dates on the calendar and bundle up as you watch the light show above.  Find a dark site and plan ahead for more stargazing. 

Stay connected, thanks for reading  Jesse https://jesse-tam.blogspot.com/

Food Festival 2017 Bite

Food festival 2017 Bite, Jesse Tam great weekend to join friends. It's that time of year for summer activities and food fests in the Northwest with the 2017 Bite. Don't miss the fun at Seattle Center from July 21-23rd  weekend of entertainment and great weather with music, vendors, food and more. Spend a day and enjoy movie night on Friday outdoors or leave the cooking to other and sample over 60 restaurants from the region.

More info   https://www.biteofseattle.com

Voted the "Best Food Festival" with over 60 plus restaurants, Craft Beer, live music stages, free movie night on Friday, outdoor family fun stage, cooking demonstrations and more.  Food items range from $3-$10.

Fri. July 21 11a–9p
Sat. July 22 11a–9p
Sun. July 23 11a–8p

See you at the Bite of Seattle, an annual event and festival filled with crowds and food from all cultures.  Jesse https://jesse-tam.blogspot.com/

Ballard Locks Historic Site

The Ballard Locks are celebrating their 100th birthday this July 4th. Come join the event and celebrate. Jesse Tam, it's a great place to bring visitors and view the locks and fish ladder. The Seattle icon is a historic site and tourist site with over 1.3 million visitors a year. During the Centennial Year celebration, numerous events are schedule with events and activities to help raise funds for the Fish Ladder Renovation. Don't miss the concerts opened to the public from the months of May thru October.  

The free concert series continues with the Seattle Civic Band, performing Friday, July 7th at 6:00-7:00 pm and on Sunday August 6th from 2:00 - 3:00 pm is the Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band. The Ballard Locks (Hiram M. Chittenden) are the busiest in the nation with over 40,000 boats traveling thru 24 hours/day.  Bring the family and enjoy the locks with a picnic and summer events and activities with music and weekend tour during the summer months.

Don't miss the Visitor Center Gift Shop and the Fish Ladder migration of the salmons while your are there. Add your name to the Salmon Wall Legacy by helping with the renovation of the Fish Ladder viewing room.  Enjoy the garden and locks with a walking tour during the summer months from the Visitor Center.  The public tour lasts about an hour. 

Have fun viewing the boats traveling through the lock. It's a favor place for tourists and locals, Jesse. https://jesse-tam.blogspot.com/

Dexter Station on South Lake Union Sold

The real estate market in the region continues with another sold property. Jesse Tam market trend.  "Dexter Station, a 10-story building in Seattle’s South Lake Union that is home to Facebook’s new Frank Gehry-designed office, just sold for a hefty price tag: $286 million. King County Recorder’s Office the buyer is listed as CR Dexter Station LLC, and the “governing person” of that Limited Liability Company is Commerz Real Investmentgesellscha

.Facebook leased Dexter Station back in 2015, planting its flag as a major player in the Seattle tech ecosystem. But the huge new building, with room for 2,000 people, wasn’t enough for Facebook." More on https://www.geekwire.com/2017/building-home-facebooks-frank-gehry-designed-seattle-office-sells-286m/

Stay connected, thanks for reading, Jesse  https://jessetam.com/

Mariners Unveils Statue

Spring means we're ready for baseball Jesse Tam. It big hit, Seattle Mariners unveiled a seven foot tall statue honoring junior. Griffey became the first Mariners player to be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame last year. The Mariners officially retired his No. 24 in August, making him the first player to have his number retired by the franchise.

Griffey was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame with 99.3 percent of votes, the highest percentage of votes any player has received.  Time to enjoy the new food venues at the stadium and check out the festivities.  Pack a jacket for those chilly evenings.

Thanks for visiting, Jesse https://jessewa28.wordpress.com/  roof open under the stars or closed Seattle, Century Link is ready to playball.

Can You Afford to Purchase a Home?

Real estate trend, Jesse Tam. Buying a home in the Puget Sound Seattle/ Bellevue metropolitan region has increased over the past year. Fewer new houses on the market and low inventory makes purchases a home more challenging. The houses are sold quickly and at times with multiple offers above the listed price. New homeowners must be ready to make a decision quickly with financing and bank approval information ready.

The real estate website Estately recent report showed that nearly 40 percent of all houses in the Seattle area market are listed at more than $1 million. Seattle ranks 10th among King County cities. Lists of King County homes   http://bit.ly/2n23C82   Thanks for reading Jesse

Best Preparation for Tomorrow

Best preparation for tomorrow, Jesse Tam. Just something to ponder upon as we continue our daily work and family life.  How many of you have considered making an impact in society as a mentor or volunteer? Those who have not given back to the community missed a wonderful experience in life. 

"The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today"

Here are a few tips to start with making an impact in your community.

• Work with non profit organizations as a volunteer or become a member
• Become a mentor at your local school or Boys and Girls Club
• Assists with preparing food or sandwiches at local charity centers
• Find a project with assisting seniors in need
• Be kind to others and treat each individual with respect
• Listen, Give and Do

Winter Storm and Travel Snarled

Winter storm and travel snarled with Jesse Tam Seattle.  February's unpredictable weather dumped a few inches to over 2 feet of snow in Seattle and the surrounding Puget Sound area. What a surprise when the city becomes blanked in white.  The snow caused business, college and school closures for several days.  Some neighborhoods awoke to power outage due to fallen branches, trees, heavy snow and landslides.

Storms hit New England with up to two feet of snow creating traffic hazards, slick roads and slowdown in the region.  Blizzard warning continues from New York to Maine.  Close to one thousand flights were canceled due to blowing wind and heavy snow.  Residences were warned to stay off the road unless necessary to venture outdoors.

The West Coast continues to get drenched with heavy rain and quick snow melt in the Sierra mountains which led to flooding in parts of Nevada and Southern California.  The weather service has called this the wettest winter season in more than 100 years

Thanks for reading  https://jesse-tam.blogspot.com/  Jesse, keep safe on the road.

New Eatery Rating System

Dining emoji released, Jesse Tam in the greater Seattle, Bellevue for King County will receive a new food safety rating system from letters.  The informational food safety rating sign will be displayed on a restaurant's window.  The sign will help diners to understand how a restaurant practices food safety.

Three main components used to determined restaurant's rating category.

Trend of food safety practices over time. Good food safety needs to be practiced every day. The food safety rating window signs will reflect how well a restaurant has performed over time, not just on a single inspection. A restaurant’s food safety rating will be determined by the average of red critical violation points from a restaurant’s last four routine inspections.

Scale of performance. King County residents want to know more than if a restaurant passes or fails an inspection. The restaurant window signs will show how well the restaurant practices food safety beyond meeting the minimum standard.

Rating on a curve. Consumers tend to dine locally by their zip code or area. Rating on a curve provides accurate and useful information to consumers about how well a restaurant performs on food safety compared to other restaurants nearby.  Also, restaurants within an area tend to have the same food inspector. Inspectors go through extensive training and all focus on food safety. 

The four food safety ratings are:

• Needs to Improve: The restaurant was either closed by Public Health – Seattle & King County within the last year or the restaurant needed multiple return inspections to fix food safety practices.
• Okay: The restaurant has had MANY red critical violations over the last four inspections.
• Good: The restaurant has had SOME red critical violations over the last four inspections.
• Excellent: The restaurant has had No or Few red critical violations over the last four inspections.

Stay connected with Jesse, thanks for visiting https://jesse-tam.blogspot.com/

Frigid Temperature Driving Tips

Frigid weather for Bellevue and Seattle with snow to begin 2017. Jesse Tam, coldest month in 8 years, with average temperature of just 37.5 degrees. Seattle hasn't had a chillier month since December 2008--when the average temperature was 36.9 degrees. Cold continues into the week with high pressure over Alaska forcing cold air south into Pacific Northwest.

Here are the AAA winter driving tips during the winter months. 

AAA recommends the following winter driving tips:   Avoid driving while you’re fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.

• Never run a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
• Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full.
• If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).
• Always look and steer where you want to go.
• Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle

Thanks for reading, Jesse  https://jesse-tam.blogspot.com/

Seattle Gingerbread Village 24th Year

Seattle Gingerbread Village, Jesse Tam. It's not the holidays in Seattle unless you visit the Gingerbread Village at the Sheraton. This is the 24th year for the annual Gingerbread Village display with your favorite magic world Harry Potter. Fan and families of all ages will marvel at the life size gingerbread exhibit.  

The Gingerbread Village will be featured in the Sheraton Seattle Hotels lobby from November 22, 2016 through January 1, 2017. Visitor can view the display 24 hours, daily in the lobby and also have the chance to vote for their favorite concept throughout the duration of the holiday season. Line and wait time may be long to view the displays so plan ahead.

The hotel has been doing this every year since 1992.  More than 150,000 visitors have come to see the annual displays and donated more than $841,000 to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. 

Where: Sheraton Seattle

1400 6th Ave Seattle, WA 98101-2318

http://www.sheratonseattle.com/gingerbread-village

When:  November 22 - January 1, daily 24 hours in  Lobby

Event  Free (donations accepted) All Ages