The World

 

Anna's Hummingbird
July 5, 2026

Moving on from my previous post, Happy 4th, to share a happy capture of an Anna's Hummingbird just to the side of my front deck on Sunday, July 5. I believe she is one of my regular visitors, although that is truly difficult to say for sure.  Clear blue skies provided plenty of sunshine. Temps in the mid-70s, which seemed like a blessing considering the heat wave over most of the Eastern USA.

The World

In the image below you'll see 3 cruise ships here in Seattle on July 1st. The ship closest is the Virgin Brilliant Lady, then the Carnival Miracle, and further out, The World. Yes, that's the name of the ship. Turns out people on that ship own their staterooms/homes/apartments and, if they wish, they sail with the ship wherever it goes. (Excuse me for this, but, yes, it simply sails around the world.)   According to The World's website, they call the homes "residences".  There are 165 residences of various sizes. Each year, a very limited number of private residences priced from USD $3.5 million to USD $15 million become available for resale. According to the website, Residence 1106 is currently “accepting offers” above USD $4,750,000. Details are on the website. If you will be making an offer, please let me know about it in the comments. 😂

Cruise ships out front on July 1, 2026

Quick Eagle Update

If you've been with me since early this year you'll know I've been following Bald Eagles from hatch to fledge on the YouTube stream provided by Friends of Big Bear Valley.  The Eaglets, Sandy and Luna, fledged on June 28 and 29. I've continued to keep an eye on the stream and, yes, the birds have returned to the nest everyday so far. The parents are bringing food to the nest for them. Below is a brief video of food delivery to the two young Eagles on Sunday afternoon, July 5, at about 4:37PM ... this is about one week after fledge ...

Thank you for stopping by John's Island.

Heat, Harbor, and a Hint of History

 Ships and Harbor Views

Two RoRos in ONE pic ... very unusual.
RoRos are vehicle carriers ... imagine them full of cars.
The southbound is headed to Port of Tacoma.
The northbound is probably returning to Asia
for another load ... or possibly American vehicles
going that way.

In yet another 2 for 1 shot we have 2 of Seattle's
afternoon tourist adventure ships.
At bottom: Argosy Tour Boat
Middle:  Salish Sea Tours
[For better, larger views, click on images]

Early morning shot of one of our cross-Sound Ferries.
The sun was lighting up the ferry but no so much
so the background which is West Seattle (in the near)
and Vashon Island (in the far distance).
The RED ARROW points to the Emergency Craft.
It is suprising how often a ferry deploys its
Emergency boat to help mariners in distress.

Golden Bear Training Ship
Cal Poly Maritime Academy
This vessel visited Seattle in late June.
Read more about the Golden Bear

Crew of Golden Bear as it arrived in Seattle.
This picture posted in local media by a crew member.
Would have been watching with binoculars if
I had know their time of arrival.

Another summer visitor ...
USCGC Eagle
Training cutter for future officers of the USCG
Read about the USCGC Eagle
My only disappointment ... It wasn't at full sail! 😢

Speaking of a sail boat at full sail ... here is a
colorful one!

My first time to see this ship visiting Seattle.
Per the ship's website ...
The Villa Vie Residences is not a cruise
ship ... it is a LIFESTYLE.
Read about living on this ship.

Keeping track of tariff effects ...

Recent container ships have looked similar to this one.
This is a small load of containers.
This cargo vessel is arrived from Asia
in early July.

This MSC Container ship is departing Seattle
with a very small load. Notice all the empty
spaces for containers.
Early July capture.

A curiosity ... Not sure if it has anything to do with
tariffs ... but this is my first time to see a PIL Container
Ship in Seattle. The red hull and blue containers give the 
ship a unique appearance.
Read about KOTA LUKIS Container Ship

Stamps - Hint of History

What is the most valuable, rare USPS stamp?   Answer:  The 1918 USPS 24 cent airmail stamp featuring the Curtiss JN-4 “Jenny” biplane (image below ... NOT in my collection 😓) 

In 1918, one sheet, of 100 stamps, was inadvertently printed with the plane upside down. The stamp was printed in two passes: first the red frame, then the blue plane.  One sheet inadvertently had the plane printed upside down—likely due to the sheet being rotated or the print plate misaligned during the second pass. Of the 100 stamps possibly still in existence, the most recent auction of one “Inverted Jenny” sold for approximately $2 million.

Want to read more about the Inverted Jenny?  Take a look here.  (Wikipedia)

Skies

The morning of the Full Buck Moon was partly cloudy and I was afraid I would miss my monthly picture of the Full Moon. I'm happy with the way a break in the clouds allowed the shot below.

Full Buck Moon
July 11, 2025

Clear skies sent me to Kerry Park
for this overview shot of Seattle
looking south ... Mt Rainier in the distance.
July 12th

I mentioned heat in the title. It has arrived. July 16 and 17 Seattle reached over 90F (about 32C) during the afternoons. So far, it hasn't been as bad as last year. Most of the snow cover on Two Brothers mountains, in the Olympic Range, has melted. How it looked July 11th ...

Two Brothers Mountains
Olympic Range as seen from Seattle
Mid-July 2025

Critters

My friend and blog follower Tim sent me this
photo of his sweet pups ... Arthur and Poly ...
while enjoying an afternoon siesta.

It's tough to post without including at
least one shot of my hummers.

While watching and waiting for hummers I noticed a
crow sitting atop a utility pole across the street. I 
believe most folks think of crows as a nuisance.
But really, they are an interesting bird.

Lastly ... A critter stamp 😂

Stamps (First Day Covers) and Critters ... two
hobbies in one image. This year, 2025 is the Year of
the Snake in the Chinese Zodiac
Read more about it (Wikipedia)

Speaking of Critters ...

I'm linking up with Saturday's Critters

Love critters? Check it out!

Closing thought ...

Sharing ... Do you get daily emails from those you've done business with in the past? Especially ones that might be health related? Well, I do. One of the issues I have with this is all the advertising that is included. I recently received an email from WebMD entitled 13 Ways to Beat the Afternoon Slump. As I read through it, I didn't really encounter anything new, but thought it was nice to see several good tips organized and well presented. So, I copied the information, removed the ads, and share it with you below. Let me know if you enjoy. 😊

13 Ways to Beat the Afternoon Slump

Written by Danny Bonvissuto

Medically Reviewed by Shruthi N, MD on February 09, 2024

Take a Walk

Your body isn’t built to be alert and productive 8 hours straight. Your levels of the hormone cortisol go up and down all day, which can leave you feeling sluggish in the afternoon. Take a walk to get your blood flowing. Even if it’s just around the building or the block, the change of scenery will also reenergize your senses.

Eat a Good Breakfast

Do you skimp on your morning meal or skip it altogether? If so, you’re missing out on important nutrients that help you concentrate, problem-solve, and be productive. It may also cause you to overeat at lunch, which can spike blood sugar. This leaves you tired and hungry a few hours later.

Do Energizing Yoga Stretches

Yoga is all about slow movements and deep breaths, both of which get your blood moving. It also helps you release any tension you’re holding in your body. You don’t have to get on the floor. Just back away from the computer and do some neck rolls, shoulder rolls, and a few seated side bends. Remember to breathe.

Drinkwater

Your body runs on water. When you don’t get enough, everything slows down. Drinking a glass of water will not only make you feel less tired by carrying nutrients and oxygen to your cells, it also helps keeps your blood pressure and heartbeat in check.

Sip Green Tea

Eight ounces of brewed green tea has slightly more caffeine than soda, and all of it’s natural. Green tea also has plant compounds called catechins that give you a powerful antioxidant boost.

Take a Break From Work

Tiredness is your body’s way of telling you it needs something. And that something might be as simple as a break. It’s tempting to keep working. But when you give your mind and body a few minutes away, you’ll be more focused and productive when you return.

Open the Blinds

Don’t underestimate the power of light. At a core level, your body takes its cues from light to know when to wake up and when to go to sleep. If you’re feeling tired during the workday, bright sunlight or a light therapy lamp can help you feel awake and alert.

Try a Standing Desk

If you have a desk job, most of the action happens in your mind. Your arms may move a bit on a keyboard, but your lower half stays static. If you alternate between a sitting and standing desk, it keeps your body and blood moving.

Grab an Energy-Boosting Snack

These keep your body fueled and offset energy dips in the afternoon. This is a good time to get vitamins, minerals, fiber, and a solid hit of protein in: Reach for yogurt, a piece of fruit, or crunchy vegetables.

Cut Back on Sugar

Like caffeine, sugar gives you a quick, easy boost, but you’ll pay for it later with low blood sugar and a big drop in energy. Get healthy amounts of sugar naturally from fruit or drinks with 100% fruit juice.

Take a Catnap

Give in! A quick nap could be just what your body needs to reset and feel refreshed. Seta 15-minute timerand shut the door to your office or recline the seat in your car. Aim to get your nap in before 3 p.m. so it doesn’t mess with your nighttime sleep cycle.

Turn On Energetic Music

Ever notice how a song can boost your mood and wake up your whole body? Music tells your brain to produce more dopamine, the hormone that helps you feel pleasure. It also helps your blood flow more freely. Think of it as audio caffeine.

Chew Gum

It’s not about how many bubbles you can blow. The physical act of chewing gets your heart rate going and increases blood flow to your brain. This wakes your body up and makes you more alert.

Thank you for stopping by John's Island. I look forward to hearing from you in the comments.

John

More First Day Covers

My posts focusing on Stamp Collecting have generated more positive response than I anticipated. In my last post, I described the especially interesting (to me) part of stamp collecting known as First Day Covers. I scanned a few more ... take a look below ... be sure to click on images for a better view.

Recognition for one of my favorite parts 
of the US Government
Saluting the Library of Congres
April 21, 1982

Most of my followers are Seniors 😊
Don't mess with my Social Security!
50th Anniversary Social Security Act
1933 - 1985

History of Transportation is one of my interests.
Bread Wagon 1880s
Transportation Series of 1887 FDCs
Issued November 22, 1986

Sports!
Winter Sports Games
Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 1988
Hoping my blog friends in Alberta see this.

Monarch Butterfly
(One of my favorite Butterflies)
First Day of Issue May 17 2010

Hummingbird
(One of my favorite critters.)
The art goes beyond the stamp itself!

For those of us who enjoy writing
old school style.
Quill & Inkwell
February 14, 2011

In my earliest memories of politics this man was President.
I had a lot of respect for him.
This FDC In Memoriam Dwight D. Eisenhower
1890 - 1969

I'm guessing there are hundreds of stamps featuring
the United States Flag.
This 6 cent stamp was issued May 30, 1969

Honoring our partnership with our great neighbor 
 Canada - 50th Anniversary Migratory Bird Treaty - 1906

It's a good thing we bought Alaska when we did!
100th Anniversary Purchase of Alaska
1867 - 1967

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Update May 31 for Saturday's Critters

In Big Bear Valley, California, there is an Eagle Nest Cam, operated by Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV). This year, the mother Eagle, named Jackie, laid the first of 3 eggs on January 22. On March 2, the first “pip” on one of the 3 eggs appeared. Pipping is the crack in the shell as a bird begins to hatch. By the morning of March 4, two fluffy chicks shared the nest with mom, and Shadow, the dad. The 3^rd egg hatched on March 8th. A significant snowstorm occurred around March 13. The storm brought over 2 feet of snow to the area. One of the eaglets unfortunately succumbed to the storm and died around that time.

For the remaining two eaglets, FOBBV chat indicated that a “fledge watch” was started on May 13 ... about 10 weeks after hatch and the earliest expected date for the birds to take flight. The fledge watch is a wide window … May 13 to approximately June 10. Early this morning, May 31, both birds are still in the nest and appear to be read to fly away any day now. The eaglets are named Sunny & Gizmo. See link to YouTube below.

I did not discover the FOBBV nest cam until May 10^th when the nest made the ABC Evening News and David Muir advised of the webcam. Since May 10, I’ve spent hours watching the stream and it has been a complete fascination.

Here are a few screen shots moments of interest ... all photos credit Friends of Big Bear Valley ...

March 5

March 13

March 25

May 19

May 26

Thanks for stopping by John's Island!

Sharing links:

 Michelle's Thankful Thursday

and

Saturday's Critters

It's About Time

Reminder:
Daylight "Saving" Time begins
tomorrow morning at 2:00 AM
(March 9, 2025)
in USA 

100 years ago there were no smartphones to check for accurate time. At that time, the most accurate time was provided by Western Union Time Service. This little folder (cover image above) was issued to advertise their service to banks, stores, and offices. How did they know the exact time? They got it from the United States Naval Observatory, where a telescope was used to track time by looking at the stars. How did they get time from the stars? By measuring the time it takes for the Earth to rotate exactly once a period of 24 hours could be determined precisely. (I know, if you're a Flat-Earther this is problematic, but just go with the Earth is round this time. 😉) What does all this have to do with Western Union? Once accurate time was determined at the Naval Observatory a signal was sent daily over the Western Union Telegraph System to update clocks all across the nation.

Click on image for larger image ...
possibly readable.

Learning Table Manners, postcard from 1939 ...

An old postcard from my collection.
This one is titled "Learning Table Manners"

Postmarked July 17, 1939
To Mrs Lucy Graves, PO Box 94, LeMoille Illinois
no ZIP code 😉

Ok, I flipped the card so you can read the message.
I love the way J. E. Stelzer signed the card
with his nickname "BROMO" as in Bromo-Seltzer ...
a headache remedy invented in 1888.

I love the title and description.
Enjoy more critters at Saturday's Critters!

Daffodils

Spring time is Daffodil time in the Pacific Northwest. In my last post (Feb 7th) I included an image of daffodils breaking the ground. Out on walks, I continued to watch those Dafs and snapped a few more pictures of the progress. I combined those pictures into the collage below.

Same Daffodils, different days.
A little over a month from breaking ground to bloom.
[Click on image for larger view.]

Nature makes an ordinary traffic circle
look pretty good.

Stamps

More poster stamps to share. The stamps below were issued by the Northern Pacific Railroad in the early 1900s. This group is titled Wonderland Series 7. 

10 Stamps Wonderland Series 7

Clockwise from top left:
In the Heart of the Cascade Range
At Canon Beach Near Astoria, Oregon
On the Summit of Mt Hood, Oregon 11,225 Feet High
A Glimpse of the Columbia River

Clockwise from top left:
Mt Rainier Wash 14,408 Feet High
From the Summit of Mt Spokane
The Gallatin River Montana
Sport on a Mountain Trout Stream
The Celilo Falls Columbia River
Green River, Cascade Range Wash

Skies

March 5 - Clouds and Sun near sunset
looking across Puget Sound to
the Olympic Mountains

Another March 5 capture after sunset.
The thing that interested me ... the shadows of
the rain falling from clouds in the distance.
The Chopper was a happy coincidence. 😊

This week's question ...

Do you get ads ... ALL OVER ... when moving around the Internet? I sure do and some of them are amusing. I have an example for you below. It's a screenshot of an ad from an investment company. I do like the art ... the couple ... who don't look old ... enjoying something to eat with their dog along side. I made one modification to the ad. Can you find it?  😂

Closing thought ... 

By Richard Paul Evans

Thanks for stopping by John's Island!