Merry Chirstmas

For as long as I can remember, back to the early 1990's, this house has at 34th & Quintara has been elaborately decorated for Christmas.


It's a tradition of mine, no matter where I live in the area to drive by at least one evening to enjoy the lights. But there's a lot see in the daytime, too.



We've been by twice so far after a Christmas events this year. It was raining both times which made for some lovely reflections.


Wisely, the Holy Family is up high, keeping the Baby Jesus safe from naughty tricksters.


I've spoken to the home owners a few times. They have the lights on timers.


Keep your eye on this house. It gets decorated for many other holidays as well.

You are Doomed

I first learned of this house on Curbed back in July. The location wasn't listed and I wondered how long it would take for me to come across it. Two-and-a-half months later I found it on 38th Ave.


I've been hesitating posting because I can only read the English stuff. I hope the Chinese(?) statements aren't something terribly offensive. If any reader of this blog can enlighten me, I would appreciate it.

Studying the old photo, it appears that the painting on the driveway is new.


That, combined with the writing right on the wall here makes me wonder. Where is the dividing line between graffiti and decorating your home? I know that home owners are compelled by the City to cover over graffiti. But how do they define it?

Dinosaur Island

Have you seen this house on 30th Ave between Judah and Kirkham?


Not only are there lovely murals:



But also a "Friendship Bench"


And "Dinosaur Island"


I always enjoy walking by. It's a cheerful spot in the fog.

I Heart Flamingos and Reader Tips

I finally made it over to 21st Ave at Noriega. Wow, when reader Tim said there were geegaws he was right. Click on the picture to see it bigger.


Helmets, plastic horseys, hubcaps, signs, and flamingos!




What is actually creepiest is the sound. Kind of like hundreds of low-note wind chimes.

Brick and Tile

This is an interesting mix of materials. Haven't seen anything else like it in the Sunset.

Rock On

I don't like rock facades. This just can't be original, can it? It is out of scale with the white ornaments. The staircase must have been stucco.


And yet I don't like rock (or brick) that has been painted all one color. But there is something so funny about this:


I don't know, if I had a house with fake rock on the front I would probably paint the house a neutral color pulled from the rocks. I don't know if I would have the guts to paint the rocks like this. But if I did it would be shades of pink.

Eclectic

I'm not sure what I think about this house. But I can't stop looking at it. It is kind of fun:


But I wonder what it used to look like. Here it is with its neighbors: