Life on the North End....

In the last few days, I've spent literally HOURS on the north end of Seattle, which is something I never thought I'd do. I'm a Beacon Hill Boy, generally speaking, and am just not comfortable in the rarified air north of the Ship Canal (or, technically speaking, north of Denny Way. That's the boundary of the service area for my division of The Major Concern)

But it's nice enough: Lots of new construction going on, most of it hideous, but that gives me something to complain about, which is always nice. Because of the ridiculous housing prices in Seattle, the latest thing is to build massive ugly homes on tiny lots. The end result is usually all garage and driveway in the front, with the entrance door tucked away off to the side. To give it a "northwesty" feel, they might throw a gable or eave on the front, but it's a futile gesture at best. It makes me more appreciative of Chez Vel-DuRay, with its crooked walls, downward slope, and fabulous views. It has a history. It has real hardwood floors. It's just an old broad who doesn't try to be anything she's not, and doesn't wear any makeup.

Of course, the north end does have it's share of gracious lady homes: The ones with beautiful lawns, towering pines, tapestry brick, real fireplaces - stuff like that. The trouble is, many of these gracious ladies are either being demolished in favor of the aforementioned developments, or rebuilt into ridiculous McMansions that are a mockery of their former selves.

It all has to do with materialism and a lack of appreciation for the beautiful setting we're in, but I won't bore you with a lot of that talk right now. And it leads to territorial pissing matches in the view neighborhoods, which can be downright nasty, but kind of fun to watch ala distance, so at least it's entertaining. Most importantly, it keeps The Major Concern busy, which means that there is work, which means money, which means the mortgage on Chez Vel-DuRay gets paid, and that's always a good thing.