450 N.E. 71st St.
Seattle, WA 98115
206.729.5075
http://www.pccnaturalmarkets.com/locations/gv.html

We were excited to try out Puget Consumers’ Co-op (PCC) when we moved to Seattle from our small Oregon town in 1984.  We joined up at the old Ravenna store.  In those days, it cost $60 to become a member for life, paid in tiny monthly increments we could just afford.  Coming from the early days of the First Alternative Natural Foods Co-op in Corvallis, we were shocked that PCC did not require us to bag our own groceries and surprised by the luxuries that awaited us there—packaged cheeses, a delicious deli, chocolates.  But even with these differences, we felt at home at PCC, members of a smaller community instead of bumpkins lost in the Big City.

Time passed and passed.  The Ravenna store became Third Place Books, and our PCC shopping shifted to other stores.  View Ridge on the weekends.  Greenlake en route to our daughter’s place.  Even Edmonds as part of a trip to visit friends.  We purchased almost as many pairs of thick wool socks and beeswax candles as pastured eggs and organic carrots in those stores.

Recently, PCC opened its newest store in the vertically-rising Greenlake Village area, which is about 10 minutes from our house, and we were there to sample the free cake (divine) and check out the layout.  The store is bright and beautiful with its tomato, avocado, and strawberry gems glittering in their bowls and baskets, its shelves of organic condiments and goodies, and, yes, its lovely array of wool socks and beeswax candles.  This new PCC provides excellent access for wheelchair shoppers!
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1250 1st Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98134
206.346.4000
http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/sea/ballpark/

In 1995, King County voters handily defeated a ballot measure to knock down the Kingdome and replace it with Safeco Field.  Unlike nearly all of my friends, I voted to build the new stadium, so a year later when the Washington State Legislature decided to build the stadium anyway—a move that many people in the state have neither forgotten nor forgiven–I was secretly happy.

Now, every time I go to a game, I feel like I own the place.  I feel as though I was the one who delivered the little green jewel into the heart of the Puget Sound and the twinkling city lights.  I feel as though I created the haunting sound of the trains heading north in the middle of the 5th inning, as though I single-handedly discovered the wisdom of adding garlic to fries, as though I personally coached the peanut sellers in the stands to pitch their bags of salted nuts to the exact fans who signaled for them.  In short, I feel as though I brought Safeco Field and its wonders into being with my one vote nearly 20 years ago, so I enter the field in my wheelchair as an owner.

I  only get to a few games a year, but, even so, I know some things.  I know that nearly everyone who works at the stadium will tell you to enjoy the game.  I know about families in their matching Mariners caps and their shirts with different names on them.  And I know those names.  I know about the big heart of Jamie Moyer, the utter reliability of Dan Wilson, the base-stealing miracle of James Jones, the pleasure of Edgar stepping up to the plate, Ichiro’s amazing grace in the outfield, the sweet arm of an achingly young Felix, and, of course, everything about Ken Griffey Jr. especially that magical 2009 season.  I know why the fans throw Monopoly money at A-Rod and why we all relaxed when John Olerud took his place at first.

Therefore, when Jay Buhner held the elevator door open for my pusher, our young friend and baseball guide Gabe, and me at the recent Padres game, I felt the reflected glory of The Bone’s presence and gallantry for a week.

Mariners’ games at Safeco Field are things of beauty, and they are accessible to all of us.  The field’s website provides detailed information about services for disabled fans, so check the site out:  http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/sea/ballpark/information/index.jsp?content=ada_info

Continue reading Safeco Field →