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PLAYHOUSE ON THE BOARDWALK

 

FRIENDS, YES WE HAVE ABSOLUTETLY DECIDED.

AFTER OVER A YEAR OF ENJOYING THIS RETREAT – THIS SUNNY DYNAMIC WATERY PLACE, THAT ‘THERE IS NO ‘ROSENTANGLE’ HERE…IT IS A PLACE THAT IS UNTO ITSELF A PLACE FOR ALL TO ENJOY AND MELLOW IN ITS VERY UNIQUENESS, THIS PLACE OF DRIFTED SANDS WITH A LONG HISTORY OF TRUE BOARDS TO WALK AND WHEEL CARTS, THIS PLACE OF TINY SHINGLE STYLE COTTAGES ON PILINGS THAT ARE JUST STURDY ENOUGH TO WEATHER STORMS, THIS SAND SPIT WITH WIND AND RAIN BENT GRASSES THAT REQUIRE ONLY A COMBING TO GIVE OUR SANDBOX OF A BEACH (NOT GARDEN) HEALTH TO HELP US WEATHER THE FEW HOURS OF THE HIGHEST OF TIDES DURING THE STORMS OF WINTER. WE THINK EVEN MORE OF THE GLORIOUS DARK SKIES AND THE BRIGHT MILKY WAY LIT NIGHTS, THE SILENCE TO OPEN NATURES WILD SOUNDS – MUSIC TO OUR EARS, OF  THE WARMTH OF FINE AND BRILLIANT NEIGHBORS AND RESPECTFULL PEOPLE THAT WALK BY AND CHAT ON OUR LITTLE 8 FOOT WIDE CONCRETE REPLACEMENT OF A HISTORIC BOARDWALK. WE ARE SO LUCKY TO SHARE THIS WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY. WE HAVE DECIDED THAT IF ONE MUST NAME THIS TREASURED PLACE AS WE INEVITABLY WILL (SMILES), IT SHALL BE NAMED "PLAYHOUSE ON THE BOARDWALK". RAN

 

 

Bing Maps

STYLISH SHEDS AND ELEGANT HIDEAWAYS: Debra Prinzing’s New Publication

 My photo of an overjoyed Jennifer Hammill on our completion of her amazing ‘Teahouse’. She is featured on page 100 to 107 of Debra and Bill’s  newly released book!  Jennifer’s Teahouse will also be a main feature in the prestigeous FINE GARDENING MAGAZINE very soon. 

 

Stylish Sheds and Elegant Hideaways: Big Ideas for Small Backyard Destinations
By: Debra Prinzing (Author), William Wright (Photographer)
This new publication is now available where books are sold.  This is a thorough, stunningly lush, and enchanting publication showcasing 28 imagined spaces throughout the country.

 

"TEAHOUSE: My friend and client for the Architectural design of her TEAHOUSE Jennifer Hammill (Woodworker/Pianist), has her hand crafted TEAHOUSE (43 windows) featured in ‘Stylish Sheds’. Bill’s amazing photography and Debra’s clarity of vision will make this book a best seller. I am including some pictures as they are of such low resolution I am sure there is no conflict. Our Garden Rosentangle has a little (Smaller) Gem of a conservatory that I had built years ago  over a couple of weekends and this was Jennifers inspiration to beautifully craft, with my plans and direction,  her own larger and lovelier vision. See that inspiration in the ’Rosentangle’ album above. I have designed and worked with Clients on many such glass structures and observatories through Concept to Construction. They have found each design economical, fun to build, problem solving, and  inspirational for the enhancement of both their Home and Garden Life."  Randy Keller

 

The 2007 blog; 

SHED STYLE  The art, architecture and interiors of America’s beloved garden destination

<The “sublime shed” has moved far beyond its quaint utilitarian origins to represent something much more dynamic in the 21st century landscape. These freestanding garden structures inspire us to express our creativity in a three-dimensional medium. Highly individual, today’s shed is a vehicle for showcasing one’s personal style: Escape, retreat, sanctuary, art gallery, dining room, or even a whimsical playhouse for all ages.> Excerpted from Debra’s website  - visit at   http://www.debraprinzing.com/ 

 

 

‘HISTORY IN THE ACTION’

To my friends: A cup of coffee and an early summer morning window of sunshine cast light on the history of our 7 foot grand. The music came to life as I was witness to the scratches of young devoted students practicing in Japan in the late 30s before it was shipped or to other life tales. My self taught son Cameron was asleep, though usually drawn to this instrument early and for hours. As I stared at the reflective ivory keys, the only thing that brightend our dark living room,  I heard music and movement by those who loved this piano. Instantly I  thought of my Art Instructor and mentor of past years, Mr Norman Lundin, and his devotion to the modulations of light on surfaces, the chaulk board in particular.  I realized this vision felt like his work yet adds the element of history, sound, energy, action, and music that gave much life and drive to the image. That image is part of the archival history of the piano now. That rare light and vision was gone in 10 minutes and never returned as the sun moved south toward the solstice on the following days. Maybe next year on the same sunny morning I will see it again. This image is one of a dozen I composed in that quiet moment.  Sincerely, Randy Keller

Southern Sky in Poipu, Kaua’i

STARRY SKIES OF POIPU, KAUA’I  (27Aug 08 update: Our Holiday 18 Dec 08 thru 3 Jan 09 we are returning to Poipu Shores!)

Poipu appears to have an incredibly dark and transparent starry night sky and one not seen from the northern latitudes. Crux (Southern Cross) and Centaurus were visable just above the horizon after midnight as was the bright Milky Way which lay prostrate across the entire southern horizon to the ocean’s edge. The dazzeling stars made an evening walk along the beach bright enough to navigate. I plan vacations around either side of the new moon when traveling to destinations away from bright city lights. I appreciate the small town community feeling of Kauai in that respect and in bringing the pace back to an earlier time (when an incandescent 25 watt light bulb lit an entire street  in my childhood home of Ross, CA). My hope is that (cost effective) light pollution ordinances might be implemented successfully as this rare dark sky amenity would then be preserved to some degree given the inevitability of new development in this paradise of a place some call home.  Maybe it already exists? What I liked about Poipu:  That sunny part of the Island produces a clear night sky!….R 

Image was Saved as jpg from my Starry Night Pro Plus  planetarium software. I am not able to upload a huge file on this site. The image you will see if you click it is barely readible. Maybe there is a way to get larger images uploaded. Let me Know?

Green Flash 21 and 22 February 07 Poipu, Kaua’i

 

GREEN FLASH

 

(Uncle) Jorge, I just want you to know that after a lifetime of thinking that the GREEN FLASH you told us to look for at sunset in La Jolla might just be a myth, I finally saw it – and twice – and with family! It looked far brighter than this picture (below) when it truly did flash. I tried to record via digital video camera on the consecutive nights but to no avail. Carson, Cameron, Victoria and I were on our balcony at an ocean front condo in Poipu, Kauai. Our eye height was about 35 feet above sea level 70 feet from the crashing surf on the southern most tip of Kauai. The manager of the condo said that as a young girl her family spent evenings at a beach west of us and they have seen the flash a few times.  Thanks for making me aware of the phenomenon when I was young as I might not have thought it was real.  The green edge was thick and rich in a transparent color similar to this image below and the center a flash of bright white green…..I believe the sky conditions were clear beyond the horizon. Local winds were 15 to 20 knots out beyond the point. The sea swells were subsiding from as much as 15 to 18 feet early in the week. The strong winds were from the East and NE. Temperature was 68 to 79 degrees…common. Also, I had heard that people on the north shore have never seen the Flash at sunset for whatever reason. As an Amateur Astronomer almost all my life, I compare this extremely rare sighting to the Bolide (noise producing bright meteor) I saw exploding into tens of fragments over the fog covered San Francisco Bay in 1955. It was my first Star Party and on the top of Mt Diablo in the East Bay. The boys snorkeled like crazy and had the time of their lives exploring!…..We talked about you. Thanks. Sincerely, Randy Keller

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_flash

 

My rendered sketch of what we saw as it appeared for about 2 seconds upon the complete set of the dark red solar disk – surprise!

Residential Park

June Garden Tour (rev#1 2008)

THE GARDEN ROSENTANGLE 13 years ago Victoria Sigler met husband and Landscape Architect Randolph Scott Keller while tending to the euphorbia in a beautiful cottage garden she had created. Within a few months Victoria and her collection moved three blocks south to their present home. There began the roots of a very romantic garden they lovingly call Rosentangle. Their house was built in 1911. It is one of the oldest within this modest Whittier Heights residential neighborhood. The garden was initially created to showcase Victoria’s rose and perennial collection within Randy’s Northwest Style evergreen compositions of trees, shrubs, lawn and groundcovers. Both desired useable spaces with year round interest, color, and high fragrance, and to provide an environment for songbirds, butterflies, fish and herons, a dog, young boys, and other questionable wildlife. Boxwood and evergreen shrub border edges describe the curvaceous layouts and paths that continue to grow and supplant the lawn. Architectural improvements, axis and vistas were sculpted for depth and trickery of scale. Garden ornament was added for drama, style and scale. The property line was intentionally blurred or misrepresented and plantings were positioned to spill outwardly beyond the street and rooftops to tall conifers, sunsets, mountains and sky – all drawn back into Rosentangle. From the first season the garden became increasingly more complex and interesting while providing an oasis of seclusion for the very private Kellers. They have incorporated more than five dozen varieties of English, shrub, and climbing roses. Complements of clematis, wisteria and other unique vines meld the landscape and native northwest plants to the house – the tangle. Many trees, shrubs, and groundcovers were added solely as an interpretive and testing tool for Randy’s clients. Surprise and the unexpected finds abound as one explores this masterpiece of a garden. “To those with an appreciation of genius, this garden has hidden magnificence and subtleties beyond ones wildest dreams” declares Randy with his quiet smile. Over the last few years, pruning and selective thinning has become the greatest labor and greatest artistic challenge as their plants grow, shade, and compete for their place in the soil and the sun. They require the Kellers constant knowledgeable hands to keep them healthy. Garden elements of interest: a charming conservatory built from recycled windows and a large stained glass window from an ancient church in Spain; a 6’ by 8’ greenhouse from England; ‘urban quarried stone’ pathways and steps; an 8’ diameter stone fish pond with fountain; bird baths and houses; a grotto-like fountain under a porch; classic and exotic concrete urns and statuary; arches and supports for roses; antique armillary sundial with classic column in the herb garden; a vined pergola structure with bed; a vine covered glazed overlook porch with an upper celestial deck off the master bedroom; a rough whitewashed studio and adjoining shade court reclaimed from an old garage; a silly delphinium blue door; rusticated Egyptian gates at the entries, a new curved retaining wall and east garden: a garden  entry from their landscape library and music room, and marvelous tricks that maximize the use of home and garden. "Since 2006 the garden and home began to wane with the increased demands on their time and focus. New chapters will no doubt be written as to what realizations and inspiration will contribute to the years ahead but change is always part of what home and garden can afford those who find solace with such things. The Kellers are no exception and  find energy and desire to fulfil their creative needs, and I am told to significantly renovate the architectural massing and style within their domain. We trust they will do so with the same kind of thought and love they have shared with the community with their fine Green Island in the matrix of a now residential hot spot which is BALLARD."

NASA ‘WORLD WIND’

NASA just released the latest version to it’s new Earth and Moon viewing FREE software entitled ‘World Wind‘. The artful interface and beauty of the global layers of satelite imagery surpasses Google Earth. Don’t expect this to be a Google ‘find all’ experience with high res in most cities. However, it is an exciting tool to visualize our habitat in many ways as if one walked into an art museum of earthly aerial 3D imagery. Real time (almost) weather, fires, floods, are provided in addition to various landsat image layers. As an Amateur Astronomer I especially like the high res Moon (Lunar) information that is neatly stitched from the Cementine Mission. Previously I had used the astro program GUIDE 8 to view it in pieces. The 3D verticle exaggeration can be changed from 1-10 with a keystroke. Great for flyovers. If your computer can handle this program (most purchased in the last 2 years can) you might consider downloading the 54 MB file.

http://worldwind.arc.nasa.gov/download.html

My First Telescope and buddings of the Boy Astronomer

Excerpt from my letter to EDMUNDS Scientific:

In about 1952 we moved north from the foggy city summers  just across the Golden Gate Bridge to the very small town of Ross at the base of Mt. Tamalpais (the sleeping maiden). Henceforth I lived under a dark Milky Way brightened night sky. Soon thereafter, I bought my first telescope from EDMUNDS Scientific. I was able to scrape up the $2.95 plus postage – a lot of money for a young dreamer. I remember the excitement of checking the mail every day! It finally arrived – a beautiful compact telescoping ‘achromatic refractor’. It had a soft edged old brass eyepiece holder and  objective lens holder/cover that snuggly slipped over the graduated black Bakelite telescoping tubes. Collapsed it was less than a foot long as I recall.  An erect image with powers of 20x-60x could be obtained with the 4 simple lenses set to various spacings in the eyepiece tube. I used 20 power almost exclusively. The Objective Lens was a fine 40 mm achromat  (glued/glass).  It was protected by a cloth cover case.The scope served also as a great variable power microscope when fully collapsed and viewed thru the objective end! I remember really ‘seeing’ my hair roots and skin for the first time. This seemingly unbreakable instrument was great for terrestrial use, birding and hiking. I would purchase it again as it seemed so solid and comfortably heavy. I took it everywhere, saw saturns rings, and studied mars at opposition. Wish I could find someone that had a picture of this nicely built instrument, or the ad itself, or I would love to purchase the real thing. I may have seen the Edmunds ad in a little spot in the back of Popular Science magazine on Astronomy.  I am a member of the Seattle Astronomical Society and this little telescope had something to do with my intense lifetime interest in Astronomy.  Thanks, Randolph Scott Keller  a Landscape Architect from Seattle, Washington  206-782-1521 

PS: Anybody interested in responding, or have access to the achieves, or can point me to someone? mailto:randykeller@msn.com

"Doc Baekeland" a Belgian, invented the first true plastic – Bakelite in 1907 

Wild Cards Jazz at NW Jazz Festival

Wild Cards Jazz 

Established November 1991 – Present

My Wild Cards Jazz will feature Vintage Jazz Artists and Band Leaders from both coasts at the ‘Rain or Shine Jazz Festival’ in Aberdeen, Washington on the weekend of 12 – 14 May 2006.  

Jim Beatty  -  Reeds & vocals

Peter Pepke – Trombone & vocals (Uncle Trummy)

Bob Erwig - Cornet 

Reece Marshburn  – Piano

Dave Brown  – Banjo & Guitar

Jack Dawes  – Percussion

Randy Keller  – String Bass & Tuba *LEADER

 

More on this and our new original ‘Greek’ music to follow……….Stay tuned!

-MR PERFECT PETER PEPKE PICTURED PREVIOUSLY for PRESS POSE

-MY PHOTO OF JIM AND ERNIE IN BEIJING FOR A MONTH