Irish Violet

The good news is, this looks worse than it really is. But, what is true is that after 36 years as a beacon in Pioneer Square, Elliott Bay Book won't be calling it home anymore.

The silver lining is that the store isn't closing, merely moving to 10th Avenue on Capitol Hill: dripping ice cream cone distance from Molly Moon's, close enough to Neumo's to hear the PA, next to Cal Anderson Park and Oddfellow's. In short, you could spend a heckuva great day without moving more than one block in any direction.

Pioneer Square seemingly will never outgrow its Skid Row roots and the loss of Elliott Bay won't help the 'hood at all, but for the most literate city in the US, not losing Elliott Bay is the best news of all.

Now let's hope it bears fruit. Rainier cherries to be precise. It is indeed still February here in the Pacific Northwest, but we've had a winter of global climate change: no snow, less-than-average rain, and temperatures recently that kissed 60° F.

So, I'm trying my hand at growing something taller than an 6" indoor houseplant. We'll see how it goes.

The sample size is small (two) but I haven't even lived in my house for two months yet and already I've received collections notices for two people who never -- at least not in the last four years -- lived at my address.

First is one Jessica Panhallegon who seemingly went on a Gulf states bender. Emergency services were procured in both Houston and Baton Rouge that have yet to be reimbursed. Anticipating hearing from hospitals in Mississippi and Alabama next .

But Ms. Panhallegon was merely an appetizer. Andrew Jackson, your student loans are past due. No mention of what school of higher learning Mr. Jackson attended, but he's nearly $70K in the hole, and the friendly collections letter -- yes, I opened it -- already has told him that his credit score will be ruined. Poor soul.

At least, there is some positive financial news. I received direct deposit and General Electric shareholder dividend notices as well -- the addressee's name escapes me at the moment though. Perhaps I could funnel the incoming receipts to cover the outstanding debts.