Mount Rainer a Majestic View

 White snow capped view of  Mount Rainer and Lake Washington from Seattle crossing the lake.  Jesse Tam, it's a shore l.5 hour drive from Seattle and great day trip or extend a longer stay and enjoy the park's programs. The mountain is a favorite place to explore and hike during most of the year with summer being the most crowded time of year.  Early spring and fall are the best times for those who prefer fewer crowds to enjoy the trails and views around visitor center at Paradise.    https://jesse-tam.blogspot.com/

Focus is the Key

Here's a good thought for today. Hard work is never easy, but things can get done with one small step at a time.  Keep the pace and focus with an open mind.  

The key to success is to focus on goals, not obstacles.  It may seems like a long road to travel, but reaching your destination and goal will be worth the effort.  Regardless of the pace,, continue to move forward and don't turn back. https://jessetam.wordpress.com/

 

Here''s to a Positve Week

 Here's to a new week, new start and postive things ahead. Jesse Tam the greater Seattle region has many parks and trails for hiking or bike rides along the Gilman Trial, Seattle's Waterfront, Discovery Park or head across to the east side. There are many easy to difficult hiking spots within an hour drive from the hustle and bustle work schedules.  Make sure you take time out for yourself and get some fresh air outdoors.  Brisk breaks and walks with quiet time do great wonders for the soul.

There are many tasks which have priortiy daily, but always allow yourself some quiet time and reflect on the day.  Stay grounded in your daily life.

"Keep Your Eyes on the Stars and Your Feet on the Ground"  Teddy Roosevelt

Celebrate the Forest

 We are excited to celebrate the International Day of Forests that the UN declared March 21st for the future of our planet and forests. Jesse Tam, Seattle has many trails and paraks for a simple walk outdoors and it can calm and invigorate our senses after a day of work. It is a day to create awareness of across the world about the importance of the forest and our greatest natural treasures.  What are some ideas and projects for your community to help preserve our natural resources?  Take the time to form a group or join others in various way to celebrate this year.

Here are some ways to participate:

Plant a tree or start a garden even if you live in the city with community gardens. Buy a little plant for your home counts.  Go on a hike in the woods or a state park and enjoy the blue skies and spring air.  Make a scrapbook or activity with the entire family and learn about different types of trees and their importance. Take a walk around the park or your local neighboor and see how many trees you can identify.

Our national parks and trails are great places to explore and get started to a healthier lifestyle and protecting our natural resources.  Keep treking with simple daily and increase the miles or steps, but remember to stretch.

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Today Is Your Day

 How have you been spending you days recently?  Jesse Tam, many of us are trying to get the most outdoors while the short warm weather and sunny days are here.  The weather in the pacific northwest is great for farmer's markets, bike riding along the trails, hikes to the nearby national parks and local trails within a short drive.  So let's take advantage of the season before the cloudy skies appear and rain returns. 

Get moving and do something close to your neighbor or local park and take a stroll and explore your surroundings. It's a time to enjoy the nice weather or find a hobby.

Today is Your day!  Your mountain is waiting.  so...

Get on your way!  

Dr Seuss

Discover Our National Parks

Mark your calendars and plan your next trip to Mount Rainier or the Olympic Mountain from free national park entrance date on September 22. Jesse Tam, discover Mt Rainier a short drive from greater Seattle or head north along I-5 to the Olympic Mountains. There are more than 400 parks available to everyone to enjoy the outdoors, lakes, trails, wildlife, plants and more.  The 2018 dates for fee free entry to the national park.  Fall is a great month to view the changing landscapes of the region and fewer crowds.

• January 15: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
• April 21: First day of National Park Week
• September 22: National Public Lands Day
• November 11: Veterans Day

https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htm

The greater Seattle/Puget Sound region is a short day drive from Mount Rainier or extend your visit with nearby lodging and explore a few of the beautiful lakes and trails.  Always check conditions and pack according for changes in climate and higher elevations from sunny warm day temperatures to cooler weather. There are discounted passes for senior citizens, military members, families of fourth-grade studens and disable citizens.

Thanks for reading, explore the outdoors and nature Jesse.Tam  https://jesset28.blogspot.com/

Winter Zests

Cold temperatures, snow day, winter zest, Jesse Tam. The winter months create unexpected  temperatures to dip below freezing and snow forecast snarled Seattle, northwest traffic. Bellevue's eastside higher elevations received more snow. Start early and check the treads on those tires so it will be safe on the road during rainy and snowy weather.  The colder night temperature makes the windshield scraping important to get frost off the windows so there is better vision when we drive off to work, school, shopping or meetings.

Make a list and start gathering some items to leave in your truck in case of stormy weather or traffic delays.  Changes in weather can occur quickly with fog, snow, less daylight and lower temperatures making conditions hazardous.

Here are a few handy items to carry:

• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Windshield scraper
• Comfortable boots or walking shoes
• Extra coat or blanket, hat, gloves, scarf
• Small portable shovel
• Snacks and/or water
• Emergency kit
• Safety flare
• Booster cable
• Fire extinguisher

Snow has blanket the foothills in many regions and the sports enthusiasts welcome the snow for snowboarding, skiing and winter fun in the mountains.  Looks a good year to spend time in the mountains and purchase a season pass for the lifts...have fun on the slopes, stay safe. Thanks for staying connected, Jesse https://jesse-tam28.blogspot.com/

Windy City Highlights and Cruise

We are familiar with the Windy City in Chicago, Jesse Tam visiting sites and highlights.  Here are some landscapes of the city in September along Lake Michigan and the downtown river cruise.  The Navypier is a must see for tourist and locals for strolls and activities.

An afternoon stroll in Chicago's Navypier for local cruise on Lake Michigan, dining, music, shops and enjoying the city.

There's great river cruises in downtown Chicago to view the buildings and historical places.  

Highrises and condo living along the city skylines on the river.  The Merchant Mart, Boeing Headquarters, Willis Tower, Marina City,Aqua, Wrigley Building and many others.

Thinking About A Visit to Seattle?

Thinking about visiting Seattle, Jesse Tam.  The long lists of places to discover is west coast city of Seattle with downtown skylines filled with tall buildings, cranes and the Space Needle.  Spring is the beginning of cruise ships in our region with several ports ready for the tourists to arrive as they begin the week long journey to Alaska.  The cruise season begins around early April to October creating additional passengers arriving and departing at Seattle Tacoma International Airport.

Spend the weekend with a pre or post day to explore the waterfront, Pike Place market, International District or tour Boeing.  There are things for the whole family with parks, ride the Big Wheel on the waterfront, walk or bike along  Alki Beach.  There are more activities for those interested in the arts and musical performances.

The light rail link from the airport will take you to downtown Seattle and a quick ride to the University district and University of Washington.  Rent a canoe at the boathouse for a few hours when the weather permits and see Lake Washington.   Jesse   spend time to explore the outdoors.  

Seattle Seahawk Division Round

Division Round, predictions and more Jesse Tam, Bellevue. Seattle fights to continue in the race, here are places to watch the Seahawks and Atlanta Falcon game. Plan ahead for pregame highlights and events on your local channel or radio station. What's your  prediction on score and weather? More from Seahawks.com


"The Seahawks face the Falcons on Saturday, January 14 in the Divisional Round of the NFC playoffs. Kickoff is set for 1:35 p.m. PT at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Here's a look at where you can watch, listen to, and follow the action as it unfolds:"

Read

TV: FOX

The game will be broadcast on FOX (channel 13 in Seattle) with Kevin Burkhardt (play-by-play), John Lynch (analyst), Pam Oliver (sidelines), and Peter Schrager (sidelines) on the call. Read

Radio: 710 ESPN Seattle, KIRO Radio 97.3 FM, Westwood One

Former Seattle wideout Steve Raible will be in the radio booth for his 13th year as 'Voice of the Seahawks.' He's joined by Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon, who's in his 13th season as analyst, and broadcast veteran Jen Mueller, the Seahawks' sideline reporter. Click here for a complete list of Delta Air Lines Radio Network affiliates broadcasting Seahawks games across Washington, Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, and Oregon..."

http://www.seahawks.com/news/2017/01/13/where-watch-listen-follow-seattle-seahawks-atlanta-falcons

Thanks for visiting  https://jesse-tam28.blogspot.com/ follow blog

Fridge Temperatures and Winter Blast

Winter temperatures and flight plans from Bellevue or Seattle, Jesse Tam. Driving or flying this time of year from Seattle northwest to east coast? Check with the airlines for delays and de icing due to weather or fog.

The cold winter days and snow are upon us as we are hit with another arctic cold across the Northeastern United States.  The Midwest remains frigid through the work week, northeastern states will stay cold for the next few days.

The national weather service issued a wind chill advisory for all of North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and parts of Montana, Wyoming and the plain states.  Watch for temperatures to hit below zero in some areas.

Stay safe with carrying warm clothing, food, blankets and traction devices for tires. Remember to allow extra time for traveling and watch road conditions as they change.

https://jessewa28.wordpress.com/

Best Places for Fall Foliage

Looking for fall colors in the Bellevue and the greater Seattle area?  Jesse Tam places to see fall foliage. There are many parks, trails and neighborhoods within a short drive or bike to enjoy the changing leaves. Bright yellow, orange and red hues of changing leaves fill the backgrounds as night time temperatures dip to low 50 degrees. 

Washington may not be the exact fall view as New Hampshire or Vermont, but we have some of the most beautiful shades of autumn.  When it comes to fall foliage and colors, here are some easy places to enjoy and explore.

 For a pure explosion of foliage colors:

•  Bellevue Botanical Garden. Beautiful year-round, this 53-acre urban sanctuary goes wild with color in the fall, making the easy stroll around the grounds vibrant beyond belief.
•  A simple hike along the Cedar River heading west from Landsburg Park 
• Seattle's Seward Park  2.4-mile walking path
• Japanese Garden in Seattle, Montlake
• Trails of Point Defiance Park in Tacoma
• Scenic drive from Naches toward White Pass, Highway 13 and into Mount Rainier National Park

The blue skies, light filled evening and few sunny days will capture your spirits when you venture outdoors and embrace the beauty of nature's changes.  Spend an  hours alone or with your friends or family and remember to snap a few photos to capture the scenery.   Jesse  https://jesse-tam28.blogspot.com/

The 10 Most Caffeinated U.S. Cities

The 10 Most Caffeinated U.S. Cities, Jesse Tam. It's official with Seattle, Tacoma, San Francisco making the list. The cooler fall weather and shorter days makes a morning or afternoon pick me up with a caffeinated drink of coffee. The long awaited pumpkin spice latte at your favorite local store to refresh your day or a cup of brew at home.  Which cities in the U.S. do you think is the most caffeinated.  The popular first Starbucks store is located in Seattle near Pike Place market.

 Here are the results Redfin recently studied the 10 Most Caffeinated U.S. Cities and Seattle nabs the second spot  Tacoma the 10th spot. 

1. San Francisco, CA
2. Seattle, WA
3. Portland, OR
4. Oakland, CA
5. Pittsburgh, PA
6. Paradise, NV
7. Salt Lake City, UT
8. New Orleans, LA
9. Minneapolis, MN
10. Tacoma, WA

An event to promote and celebrate coffee as a beverage is International Coffee Day used to promote fair trade coffee and raise aware for the coffee growers across the world.  The first official date was launched in Milan 1 October 2015.  Thanks for reading Jesse 

Seattle Ranked #7

Who  Ranked #7 for Quality of Life by Jesse Tam.  Based on the survey from US News and Word Report, these are factors for where people may make their decisions for moving. The Quality of Life rankings were compiled, which include crime rates, quality and availability of health care, quality of education, well-being and average morning commute time.

Seattle Ranked #7 see the qualities below.

Home to business giants Amazon, Starbucks and Microsoft, it’s no question Seattle is one of the highest-ranking metro areas for its job market. Long a destination for those in the tech industry, Seattle was voted one of the top 10 most desirable cities. Seattle’s proximity to Puget Sound and mountains to the east make it a top spot to visit for tourists throughout the year.

Metro Population: 3,557,037
Median Home Sale Price: $362,468
Median Annual Salary: $59,130

Some of the other cities listed on included:  Denver, Austin, Boise, San Francisco, San Jose, Raleigh-Durham, Washington, DC and others.  http://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/slideshows/the-20-best-places-to-live-in-the-us/

Seattle to Asia with Jesse Tam

Seattle to Asia with Jesse Tam, this time it was spending a few hours at the international airport in Seoul. Depending on which Asia country is your destination, the transfer makes a nice rest stop after a long 8-10 hour fight from Seattle. It's allows you time to stretch and rest before making the next connection to Nepal, Hong Kong and so forth.  

Spend a few moment and visit the shops at the terminal or take a quick walk and relax while you await the next flight.  It's a great time to recharge your electronics and grab a few snacks from from the duty free shops. Don't forget to stretch unwind during long flights.

Jesse Tam view from above

Thanks for visiting, follow and share https://jessetam.com/  Stay current, safe travels, continue to explore and Live Life!

The Olympics and Expo Reflections

 The Olympics and Expo Reflections by Jesse Tam

Traveling to China the past few years for business and leisure, I've observed many rapid changes in the people and economy.  The pacific northwest is an easy gateway for flight departing from either Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles or Vancouver, BC with nonstop daily flights. Majority of the businesses and tourists likes to go to Beijing or Shanghai. 

The 2008 Beijing Olympics opened the doors to promote China as a central player in the 21st century.  The Olympic sites such as the Bird's Nests are still popular for tourists.  The Forbidden City is a must see in Beijing which is located in the city if you have a limited schedule.  

Shanghai Skylines 

China's first world's fair was Expo 2010 in Shanghai.  It was the recorded as the largest in history by size, attendance and international participants. Expo 2010 was also the largest world's fair attendance in a single day, over one million on October 16.  The infrastructures from Expo allowed the city and central government to plan and expanded the city under urban development.

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Early morning skies of the city

Traveling throughout Shanghai on the Magley Train or Shanghai Trans rapid is fairly simple and inexpensive.  It is the first commercially operated high-speed magnetic levitation line in the world. If you are departing from Shanghai, note there are two airports; Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao Airport Terminal (local/regional). One of our friends went to the local terminal and missed the flight until the next day.  You may arrive and depart from different terminals if you have international connections. 

Did I tell you there is a portion of the city with "French Connection"?  It is truly a city with a long interesting history but changing daily in a blink of an eye,  there is another tall tower.

The rapid growth and urbanization brings higher costs of living and traffic headaches.  Jobs and education are highly competitive in the cities.  Housing and the costs of living is very expensive in the city. Shanghai is a great city for tourism and filled with rich history in China.

Visit Skagit Valley Festival

Spring is here and another recommendation with Jesse is visiting the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.  A warm winter means the tulips will bloom a bit early for the second straight year. Enjoy the colorful blooms and fields with Tam and friends in Mount Vernon. The festival runs from April 1 through April 30 depending on weather conditions.  It is a destination event for the Pacific Northwest held annually.  

Every spring thousands of people tour and visit the tulip fields in bloom.  It is a short drive from Seattle and Vancouver, BC.  The fields are scattered throughout the Skagit Valley with many local events and activities throughout the festival.  The walking or biking tours are perfect day trip or weekend with friends and families. RoozenGaarde and Tulip Town with displays in gardens for visitors to view and photograph.  Bulbs and items are available for purchase at each location.

The festival is now 32 years and welcomes people across the United States and from around the world.  This is truly a places to visit for all ages and families during the month of April and spending time with nature.  There will be traffic on weekends and long waits on the road, so biking is a great way to view the fields.  A link for more information to festival  http://www.tulipfestival.org/
Parking maps and viewing times for preparing your trip and drive.  Enjoy the colorful blooms and takes plenty of photos.  You won't forget the sights of the fields.

There Are No Limits

There Are No Limits - Life is filled with many twisting paths with some straight and forward, while others leading to the unknown.  Don't allow the unknown change your thoughts and burden the path.  Stay on task and follow your inner whispers and it will lead you in the right direction.   learn more  http://bit.ly/1LxOCB2     Jesse    

There will be obstacles, but there are no limits.  Hard work is never easy, but things can get done with one small step at a time.  Keep the pace and focus with an open mind.  

Pacific Northwest to Victoria, BC

Seattle waterfront - Jesse T

The Victoria Clipper recently sold to FRS, a ferry and shipping Germany global company. Jesse Tam blog, trips for summer and year round travel between Seattle's waterfront to Victoria, BC. It is a route for locals and tourists which provides transportation and tours from the Pacific Northwest and Canadian southwest.

Parking overnight or just for the day is available for a reasonable price within a block or so of the waterfront terminal. Tours or those who prefer to not hassle with driving can spend a few night in Victoria or travel to the San Juan Islands.  It's a weekend get away for the family or just to refresh and relax from the busy city life.

You may be able to encounter whales and other wildlife creatures on the open waters. Several rotary district conferences were held in Victoria and a special charter Clipper transported our attendees on the hydro vessels. A relaxing fun way to spend time on the regal waters of the sound with food on board for purchase, views on the decks and fellowship time together.

It was a fun and memorable event filled with friendship and stories on the 3 hour cruise.  Plans for future expansion would include a new route between Victoria to downtown Vancouver, BC.  FRS operates 60 vessels in 12 countries and carried more than 7 million passengers.  It hopes to open a service between Miami to Cuba by ferry with government approval.

Sunday Supermoon Eclipse

This Sunday people in the United States can see something that hasn’t happened in more than 30 years:a supermoon combined with a lunar eclipse. Jesse Tam will be viewing this special evening event of the night skies. The last time this happened was in 1982.  If you missed the viewing on Sunday, you would have to wait until 2033 for this occurrence to happen again.

 In the evening, sky-watchers will see a larger-than-normal moon begin to dim and turn red, lasting for more than an hour before returning to its normal brightness and color in the sky. The supermoon eclipse will last 1 hour and 11 minutes and will be visible to North and South America, Europe, Africa and parts of West Asia.  A rare phenomenon that occurred only five supermoon eclipses since 1900 (in 1910, 1928, 1964  and 1982)