Choya's Art Deco visit to Seattle

Hiya Gang, Choya here. I’m on vacation in Seattle, and I’ve fortified myself with a fresh cup of coffee—apparently the thing to do.  It's strong enough to stand on its own but smooth enough to sip slowly.

I’m on vacation in Seattle—or at least that’s what I keep telling myself. But there’s a purpose tucked between the coffee breaks and ferry rides: I’m here to find a building for Sandy’s Art Deco contest.

I found a building today—tall, circular, and undeniably unique. It stood against the gray Seattle sky like a monument to someone’s bold imagination. Not Art Deco, unfortunately—no zigzags, no chrome flourishes—but fascinating all the same. Its rounded form seemed to defy the boxy rhythm of the city around it, as if it had decided long ago to stand apart and never apologize for it.

First up on my list: the Exchange Building, Seattle’s first commodities exchange—and one of the city’s most impressive examples of Art Deco architecture. Rising twenty-three stories above downtown, it’s a tall, circular-cornered structure that seems to hold both elegance and grit in its limestone skin.

Built in 1930, right as the Great Depression was beginning, the Exchange Building was meant to be a symbol of optimism and modernity—a hub for trading goods like wheat, lumber, and other resources that built the Pacific Northwest. The irony, of course, is that by the time it opened, the economy had collapsed and the exchange it was meant to house never really took off. But the building endured, adapting to new uses and new tenants as the decades rolled on.

Next up on my Seattle architecture hunt: the Seattle Tower—originally known as the Northern Life Tower. I came here with my notebook and a sense of purpose, curious to see if this could be the building for Sandy’s Art Deco contest.

Its brick façade shifting in tone from deep earthy browns at the base to pale, cloud-colored shades near the top. There are thirty-three shades of brick in total, arranged to make the structure look like it’s growing straight out of the ground.

The lobby looks amazing.

Completed in 1929, just as the Great Depression was beginning, it was Seattle’s first true Art Deco skyscraper.

Next up on my Seattle Art Deco hunt: the Roosevelt Hotel. Yes, it’s Art Deco, but unlike the Exchange Building or Seattle Tower, it doesn’t try to dazzle with ornamentation. It’s subtle, restrained, and elegant, more about clean lines and confident geometry than flashy details.

Built in 1929, around the same time as the city’s other Deco landmarks, the Roosevelt was designed to serve travelers with comfort and style. Its façade is straightforward, with modest decorative elements—linear patterns, stepped setbacks, and a simple vertical emphasis that gives it presence without demanding attention.

I walked around the corner, studying the angles of the roofline and the gentle reliefs near the entrance. It’s a building that feels practical, yet carefully considered. Its charm isn’t in extravagance; it’s in proportion, balance, and that quiet Art Deco flair that whispers sophistication rather than shouting it.

The lobby is very cool, trying to keep that Art Deco vibe.

For Sandy’s contest, it might not be the showiest pick, but there’s something appealing about its understatement. Sometimes Deco doesn’t need to sparkle—it just needs to stand tall and confident, and the Roosevelt does exactly that.

Art Deco Miami Style

Hiya Gang,

Little Fox here, trotting along Ocean Drive in Miami's South Beach.   I'm hoping that my pal Sandy hosts another Art Deco contest as there is a ton of Art Deco in Miami and maybe, just maybe I can win an honorable mention in his contest.

Ocean Drive is the main strip where Art Deco lives.  First up is the Majestic Hotel. Notice the bold lines,.  No ornemntation htat is often associated with Art Deco but there is so much to explore.

Up next is the 1938 Essex Hotel.  The picture the roommates took sucks but it has port holes on the upper floors.  

More bold lines and geometric shapes,

 

These two were the roommates favorites

The roommate likes yellow and pastel colors and was thrilled to see the cool colors. The rounded corners are a neat touch - more portholes in the windows.

Next up is the former building for Jerry's deli (any relation to Jerry and Ben in Mn?).  Now it's a clothing store (Senior Frogs) not to be confused with the bar and restaurant chain popular in Mexico.

So much more Art Deco to share - but I'm saving them for the next contest - hint hint....

An really really late mail call.

 Hiya Gang.

Wolfy, Baxter, and Reindeer Coyote here doing the mail.  

The regular crew is a little behind on the mail and had an "appointment" to attend to so they left the mail to us.  No big deal but some of this mail is from as far back as Summer 2023.  Sorry about that blog pals.

Wolfy thinks the best way to do the mail is by senders.  Okay, so first up is Droopy and his crew.  As you may know, he went to Italy last summer.  Looks like they saw the tower of Pisa. Baxter remembers when the roommates went to Italy in 2011 and did not take any stuffies..... unbearable.  I wonder if Droopy tried any Gelato in Italy?

Also from Droopy is a birthday card for Little Fox. Droopy asked about New Year's Resolutions - any that we made in 2024 has long been broken.

Thanks, Droopy for the mail, sorry it took so long to process it.

Up next is the mail from Team Jerry and Ben. Jerry and Ben would be happy to know that the pollinators are really liking our garden this year.  Bees have been seen.   Sounds like Ben has a few recipes to try including homemade ice cream.  Baxter being an ice cream aficionado is very interested in hearing more about Ben's ice cream adventures.

Looks like Jerry and Ben also took a little trip Gooseberry Falls State Park and up into Ontario Canada for a little get-away.  

Thanks Jerry and Ben for the mail - Baxter wants a review of the homemade ice cream Ben is going to make this summer. 

Finally, we have some mail from Sandy up North.   First up is a birthday card for Little Fox.  

Keeping with the holiday theme they also sent a Valentine's Day Card. Actually, this card was to Cocoa and Navy along with Little Fox. 

Up next is an Easter Card. Sandy mentions that Cocoa loves anything chocolate - who doesn't.  Apparently, Canadians also need to keep an eye on Cocoa prices as they have increased in Canada as well as the US.

Oh my, a card addressed to Baxter.  Sandy took the train to Jasper.  The humans did that drive in 2012 and saw a ton of bears.  Did you see any bears on the train?  Sandy mentions that Amtrak goes from Oregon to Vancouver BC. The humans have looked into this many times but always seem to never get any tickets - us stuffies need to get on them asap.

Looks like Sandy and the crew went to Denver but no sightseeing.  Oh my, it's time to get the grievance paperwork prepared.  

Stuffie pals thanks for the mail - us stuffies have made a pact to get the mail processed much much much faster.

Let the PCT challenge begin.

 Navy and Cocoa has told me many stories about Sandy's conqueror challenges and now I'm inspired to join Team Sandy.'

Time to get those boots dirty, there is lots of hiking in this foxes future. 

An embearassing late mail call...I mean really late

Hiya Gang,
Baxter here. I hate to say this but I haven't opened any mail since August.  I figured if I told you Little Fox while Cocoa and Navy were present you would not be too mad at me.

Umm Baxter, it's okay.  Your cool, let's get this mail processed though.

 

Navy Beanie here.  I'm displaying a cool Halloween card from Jerry and Ben.  Little Fox is already testing recipes for next years contest.  Maybe a pumpkin ice cream?  Thanks J and B for the starbucks card as well.

Some of the Christmas stuffies were very impressed with Jerry and Ben's trip to Portugal. Lisbon looks pretty darn impressive. 

Speaking of international travel Ajdin and crew took a trip to Roma.  I hope they got lots of pizza, pasta and wine.

Ajdin just doesn't stop traveling, he also made it to Hawaii.  Volcanoes National Park is up there on this foxes list. I also need to hire Ajdin's travel agent.

Big Bear, Drunk Fox and Baxter wanted to get in on the action.  Sandy and Crew sent some cards.  A couple of cool cards.  Some written at home, some at a starbucks and some with very clear hints for this fox to take amtrak to Vancouver BC (great idea, too bad the humans aren't good at taking hints).....don't get this fox started....

My buddy Drunk Fox volunteered to hold up Sandy's Halloween card and I took the smaller card from the Canadian Rockies.  As you might recall Sandy took the train to Jasper and brought the mice back home.  They promptly got on Canadian Goose Airways to travel with me back home.

A lot of mail to process for sure, however it's certainly appreciated (THanks blog pals). 

I've been sent away!!!!!

 Hiya World.
LF here.  My humans have sent me away (to visit Sandy in Canada) that is....

All the humans gave me was a package of cashews......I am going to have to tell the humans to send me on a nicer airline than what they have chosen.  I hope I arrive up North soon..

Holiday Card Haul

 Hiya Blog World.
Little Fox here. I'm joined today by my pals Drunk Fox and Little Bear.  

Today is a grand day to be a stuffy blogger, yep it's Holiday card season.

First up is a super awesome card from my pal Droopy and Crew.  Droopy cards are known all over the blog world since they are always handmade.  Droopy's human must be beary creative.  Thank you Droopy and Crew for the nice howliday wishes.

Next up is a Christmas card from two pawsome bears in the midwest.  I just looked at the weather where they live and it's not too cold today (high of 36).  A little two cold for my blood but these stuffies are troopers.  Of course they are fortified with hot chocolate, Christmas cookies and lots of hot dishes.

Jerry and Ben sent a nice card wishing me and my pals a Beary Christmas.  Thank you J and B.  

Up next is a holiday card from up North.  Yep, my pals Sandy, Cocoa, and Navy Beanie sent a nice (double sided none-the-less) holiday card.  Sandy also sent a second card (Sandy only on this one). 

Both cards are certainly appreciated. 

Thank you blog pals for the awesome cards this year. Hope you all have a great holiday season.

LF

Time to head home (well almost)

 Hiya Gang.
Little Fox and I here.  Today Little Fox has offered to take me around Hood River.  It's near The Dalles and on the way home why not.

Hood River is a super popular town.  Today we are doing a volksmarch around town.  Hoping to see some sight (check off the Columbia River).  

Met this cool dinosaur outside of the gas station.  This guy is in great shape (except for that pesky sticker on it's side).

A mile or so away from the dinosaur we came across this pedestrian bridge. It goes across the Hood River (which flows into the Columbia).  Sadly no spawning salmon in the Hood River. 

What a nice day. Along the way the volksmarch organizers had all sorts of public art.  This is one our favorites.

So much more adventuring to do.  Lunch, cocktails and a drive home.  This little fox and bear need their rest.

A quick afternoon adventure

 Hiya Gang,a t
Sandy and Little Fox here. This afternoon we left The Dalles to see the stars (ok, more specifically the sun) at the Goldendale Observatory. 

The telescope (the real one, not this model) was built for Clark College in Vancouver.  However, the light pollution was too much in Vancouver.  A few amateur astronomers were traveling through Goldendale in the 70s (Goldendale has a pretty good reputation for sky viewing) and they talked to a diner owner who said the city would be interested. 

Fast forward 40+ years the obersatory is still hopping.  The telescope is a reflecting one, still operating and open to the public.

Whew, what a day.  Adventuring around town, visiting a winery, checking out the observatory, catching a nice sunset.  

This fox and bear are ready for a rest. 

The Dalles has so much to offer

Hiya Blog World.  Sandy and Little Fox here exploring The Dalles.

The Sorosis group was huge in The Dalles.  They were the ones who raised money for preservation of the Fort Dalles Museum.  They also created this pawsome park in town.  It's on the bluff above town so it's got a great view of the Columbia River.  

The fountain behind is very well decorated.  Sandy likes the little touches on this fountain. 

The Vogt family is a very important family in The Dalles.  They have been around for a while, established businesses and gave back to the community.

Time to adventure around town.  

As mentioned before The Dalles is one of the oldest towns in Oregon.  It was a major stop along the Oregon Trail.   In the 1830s - 40s Methodist ministers (they were all up and down the state) started preaching to the Native Americans in the area at this rock.    

Above us is pulpit rock. 

Just south of Pulpit Rock is The Dalles High School.  Sandy insisted that he get his pictures in front of the Art Deco Gym.  Sandy has great taste in buildings.

Off to the Pioneer Cemetery.  Lot's of graves from the 1800s.  All sorts of ages represented in the cemetery.

Lot's of unknown graves.  When they built the neighborhood in the 1920s the Chinese and Hebrew section was moved.  These old signs are someone's graves but the cemetery association doesn't know the residents names.

So many old graves.  

Sandy and I decided it's time for lunch.  We found a restaurant in an old church just down the block.  Seems like the perfect place for us.

Salad and chicken and waffles. I hope this is enough for both of us.