Spring...

...is trying really, really hard to be here.

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Amy and I both had major birthdays this month, so we decided to celebrate pretty much in the middle, right around St Patrick's Day. We were very fortunate to have so many folks show up for the "Triple Birthday Party" and I really enjoyed catching up with everyone. We were doubly fortunate to have BOTH Jens in town (including Portland Jen!). I only wish I'd had more time with everyone. Now that we are on the cusp of warmer weather, everyone will be getting more sociable so this should start happening soon. Also, the weather was kind of crappy on the day of the party, and consequently, this is by far the most people we've ever had in our kitchen at one time!

Visitors in March!

This month we were very lucky to have visits from both sets of Grandparents. The Kaplans (and Julie and Madison) came at the beginning of the month, and the Stevensons came towards the end of the month. We had a great time during both visits, although the weather was kind of tough. Loki really gravitated towards his grandpas, and Liam had a bunch of fun with Madison and was pretty much attached at the hip to Grandma Stevenson during her time here. We're looking forward to seeing all of them again in Arizona.

Do The Test

This is a really well done piece--DO THE TEST.

Turns Out Seattle Housing Really Is Super-Duper Expensive

As reported in this very interesting article that is chock-o-block with stats that capture how truly different our wonderful city is. It just reinforces the advice that I frequently hear when I'm speaking in an overly optimistic fashion to people who don't live here: "Matt, you need to get out of Fremont more often!"

Victory for Cycling Activists in Seattle

The City of Seattle has finally relented and agreed to put in the bike lanes on Stone Way that were included in the adopted Bicycle Master Plan. Just over three years ago I participated in the Seattle Bicycle Facilities Collaborative, and this connection between Green Lake and the Burke Gilman Trail was one of our highest priorities. The City agreed, it was written into the plan and adopted, but then the commercial/industrial interests along and adjacent to Stone Way pitched a fit. The Transportation Department reversed themselves, and put in "sharrows" instead. Much protesting and letter writing ensued, and finally, the City has reversed itself again and is going to stripe the full route, take out two lanes of traffic, and replace them with one central turn lane. The official press release is here.

Photo courtesy Adrinna.