Issaquah, WA is a little city with a big heart and big ideas, about 15 miles east of Seattle. Surrounded by the Cascade mountains, also called the "Issaquah Alps" with lakes, parks, trails and green space adorning the area. It boasts incredible walking trails, parks, (2 just for dogs, Bark Park!), a trolley, a historic downtown, and The Issaquah Salmon Hatchery. We have fun in Issaquah. We have car shows, and a public market. Issaquah enjoys being on Lake Sammamish. Issaquah zip codes include 98027, 98029, and part of 98075. Issaquah Undressed is a blog about Issaquah WA and about local real estate - larrykcragun@yahoo.com or phone 206.618.3724. WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING ADVERTISING ON THIS BLOG. CALL LARRY AT 206-618-3724 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Swedish Fall Heart Lecture Series

October 8th, 2011
Posted by Kathleen Cragun Click Here To Comment »

Another way Issaquah residents benefit from our new  Swedish Hospital:

Heart Lecture Series Call 1-800-SWEDISH (793-3474) to sign up.

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Thursday, Oct. 13 at Swedish/Issaquah:
New Technology in the Treatment of Heart Disease

Atherosclerosis, heart-valve disease, rhythm disorders: What do they mean to you? At this lecture, you’ll take a journey through the anatomy and physiology of the heart and learn about common (and not-so-common)heart problems
and leading-edge treatments to address them.

Thursday, Oct. 27 at Swedish/Issaquah:
Peripheral Artery Disease: Call to Action

So, what’s all this I’m hearing about “PAD” (peripheral artery disease)? This interactive lecture
will explain how our peripheral arteries function, the signs of severe disease, how blockages and side
effects are treated, and many ways to keep them healthy.

Feeling Wild, Free Yourself At Salmon Days

September 30th, 2011
Posted by Kathleen Cragun Click Here To Comment »

The 2011 Issaquah Salmon Days is here! Saturday and Sunday, October 1 & 2. Grande Parade, Salmon-spawning action, Art & Crafts, Field of Fun, Foods of the World, Great BBQs, Live Entertainment and more.

I am bummed. I will miss it this year. I have been walking around with the aid of a knee brace but think it probably not wise to do all the walking I would need to do to take in the Festival. Here are some photos from years past:

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FOR MORE INFO www.salmondays.org

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group

September 26th, 2011
Posted by Kathleen Cragun Click Here To Comment »

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group

Second Monday of each month

At: Our Savior Lutheran Church
745 Front St South

1:30pm in the library.

Questions? Contact Suzanna Eller 206-938-8298

Take Me America – Village Theatre’s Production

September 20th, 2011
Posted by Kathleen Cragun Click Here To Comment »

Everybody wants to come to America. At least that is the desire of this asylum seeking group in the new production of Take Me America. Seven people thrown together from different countries, cultures, religions, attitudes and circumstances have their chance to soften the hearts of seemingly hardhearted government officials who have the power to determine such fates. Each is desperate in their plea. If asylum is  not granted they say they will be killed, tortured, buried alive or worse.

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Will the immigration authorities error on the side of compassion or will they be cautious not wanting to take a chance that one of them might be a terrorist hoping to bring America down? What would you do?

Take Me America - Village Theatre production Photos by Jay Koh - Property of Village Theatre

The 7 asylum seeking people – Photo by Jay Koh – property of Village Theatre

Take Me America - Village Theatre production Photos by Jay Koh - Property of Village Theatre

The three who must decide – Photo by Jay Koh – property of Village Theatre

Take me America depicts the unique journey of those on both sides of the fence in this rock musical. One said “It is not a left story nor a right story, but a human story.”

For more info go to www.villagetheatre.org

Three Events This Saturday!

September 16th, 2011
Posted by Kathleen Cragun Click Here To Comment »

Issaquah Grange Supply is having their Customer Appreciation Day!

zHome is having their Grand Opening!

AND Issaquah Highlands is having a community garage sale!

zHome Grand Opening-Open For Tours This Saturday – Sept 17th

September 16th, 2011
Posted by Kathleen Cragun Click Here To Comment »

The long awaited zHome is complete. Grand Opening is this Saturday. Tours will be conducted each weekend beginning Sept. 17th Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 11-5 through October 30th. Come and see what all the buzz is about.

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OB Speed Dating – Swedish Hospital’s Great Idea!

September 12th, 2011
Posted by Kathleen Cragun Click Here To Comment »

Yes, Swedish Hospital is not an ordinary hospital. Tomorrow they are having  Speed Dating to find the right doctor for you. This is a time that you want to have the best fit with a doctor that understands your needs and and your baby’s. If you have wondered how to find that doctor, here is an idea.

OB Speed Dating – at Swedish Hospital in Issaquah – to register http://www.swedish.org/obspeedating

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Summer is Here!

September 9th, 2011
Posted by Kathleen Cragun Click Here To Comment »

Ahhh. Summer finally made it to Issaquah, and it is almost the middle of September. While those with kids in school (or at least the kids) lament this late arrival, it offers others a little extra vacation time at lower rates and less crowded beaches.

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A bright spot in this late summer weather!

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It’s OK to get wet, it is still warm.

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Have a wedding outdoors.

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Paddle away.

Sail away.

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Enjoy the view from Chuckanut Drive

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Visit faraway places, like Bellingham, WA

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Go fly a kite at Crescent Bar. It may be your last chance!

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Play volley ball in the Columbia River.

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Go tubing.

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Just relax while you have the chance.

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Go home and go to work. Summer will end even if it’s late getting here, won’t it??

The best part about living in the Pacific Northwest is you don’t have to go very far to have a vacation.

Issaquah Icons Calendar – Error in October Calendar

September 8th, 2011
Posted by Kathleen Cragun Click Here To Comment »

We gave out many calendars for 2011 that featured photos of Issaquah Kathleen took for our blogs. Unfortunately an error was missed on our proof,  the month of October is incorrect. It has NO MONDAYS! While it may be nice to think we didn’t have to deal with Mondays for a whole month, the rest of the world will still have them. We hope this will not cause you any problems and very much regret our error.

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Please don’t book anything from this calendar for the month of October as it is incorrect.

Animals in Issaquah

August 16th, 2011
Posted by Kathleen Cragun Click Here To Comment »

McNugget is still alive & well. Now he has his own mirror!  This chicken’s vanity has no bounds. Checkin’ out the chicken is his favorite pass time.

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Searching for a new kitty? How about a Traipse Bengal? (see below) Stunningly beautiful.  Notice he is on a leash. Be warned he is a little more active than your common everyday cat.

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Speaking of cats, have you been to the Cougar Mountain Zoo recently?  They have 3 adorable cougar kittens. They don’t stay small very long.  I’m going soon, I will share my pictures.

ArtWalk August 2011

August 6th, 2011
Posted by Kathleen Cragun Click Here To Comment »

You miss a lot when you leave Issaquah for a month. Concert on the Green, Shakespeare on the Green, Music on the Streets, ArtWalk, just to mention a few. I was back to be able to participate in ArtWalk for August last night. There is only one more this season, September 2nd.

It was a cloudy but warm evening, no rain, very enjoyable to stroll down Front Street enjoying offerings. As a picture is better than a thousands words I will share a few.

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Last, never to be left out, a salmon carved in a bench I have walked by many times but never spotted.

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I wonder why there was no exhibit at the train station?? And there were fewer people than usual, why??

It’s Time To Enjoy This Great City, The Sun Is Shining

July 29th, 2011
Posted by Larry Cragun Click Here To Comment »

The next Art Walk is August 5th. Go hungry, restaurants will be open, lots of them. Our local artists are terrific.

Horse Sculpture

The always fun and educational National Night out is August 2nd. This is hosted by the local Police Department. I expect you will get great bear information there too. Oh, and last year they served hot dogs.

National Night Out

It’s Quite A Facility

July 28th, 2011
Posted by Larry Cragun Click Here To Comment »

Have You Visited The New Swedish Hospital Yet?

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A Greater Appreciation For Our Salmon

July 23rd, 2011
Posted by Larry Cragun Click Here To Comment »

There is a great story told here in Issaquah, the story of the Salmon. In our 12+ years in Issaquah we have been to the hatchery, photographed the Salmon, and enjoyed Salmon Days.

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The miracles surrounding the return of the Salmon are many and are fascinating. I join the many of you in the pride of our Issaquah Salmon. I encourage you who might be nearby, or coming to Issaquah to set early October aside and be both a witness and student of this species.

I was just given the ultimate birthday present, an Alaskan Kenai Sockeye Salmon experience.

Alaska's Kenai River

This year has been a record run in the Kenai, everyone was catching these mighty Sockeye, even me.

This past week I learned much more, and appreciate more.

I would say it began at the mouth of the Kenai. I stood on the bluff overlooking the river. The scene was frantic. I had never heard of or understood dipnetters. That day 260,000 Sockeye entered the river. To some it’s about their years supply of food. An Alaskan family of 4 are allowed to catch 55 salmon. They usually work as a team: one member netting, one dragging and killing the fish, one cleaning, and another getting them ready to take to the freezer.

This site was wall to wall people, not in a sporting way – just netting as many as they could as fast as they could. It was frantic and fascinating. It was serious business. People everywhere, campers and RV’s behind them, and a few spectators like me.

Alaska Kenai River Mouth July 18, 2011

I spoke with a gentlemen standing by me. He came to Alaska 30 years ago. At that time the fishermen agreed to be taxed to hire a team of experts to help preserve a diminishing resource, their Salmon. He was part of that team. They executed, on a multitude of ecosystem, initiatives to preserve this Alaska heritage. “You must be proud of what you see today” I offered. ” Yes” he said, “but we never envisioned this.” How so I asked? “This has become such an important benefit, even an entitlement to Alaskans, that it would be difficult to take it away from them.”

I was able to both fish from a private cabin, and from a boat. As we covered the river by boat miles and miles of sport fisherman lined the banks. Unlike dipnetting, casting for fish is an experience of a great fight. What a thrill.

I struggled with the concept however, it’s called the “Kenai Jerk” Drop a hook in the river – let it float downstream – and pull it out expecting a fish on the end. Today I woke with more acceptance for the sporting part thinking of an analogy. Trolling, is putting your line in the water and boating along until a fish is hooked. This was the opposite, the fish do the trolling, the fisherman justs stands there doing the Kenai Jerk. It’s like the reverse of trolling, the fish do the trolling.

If you hook the fish anywhere but the mouth, it’s called snagging and you are required to let it go. I let a whole lot of fish go this week. However, hook them in the tail or in the middle, and away they go. Let them go or they will at times get your hook, line, and sinker. I must admit it was a little tiring losing my hooks. All in all I decided it was sport. For sure it was a great experience.

When the Salmon arrive in Issaquah they are near the end of their life cycle. They have so far beaten the odds. They have been able to overcome all types of opposition in their fight to return to spawn. Those caught by Issaquah Fish Hatchery end their journey but it is an important step as they make it possible to replenish the salmon for a run another year.

In Alaska the other part is more vivid. I recommend both, there is a greater appreciation to be gained.

Consider The Benefits Of Map Your Neighborhood

July 8th, 2011
Posted by Larry Cragun Click Here To Comment »

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The City Of Issaquah is supporting the map your neighborhood program. We know from recent events that a disaster can hit anywhere by surprise. This community program helps us in being prepared in case of an emergency. It has the immediate benefit of getting to know our neighbors. Click this sentence for the link to the city Map Your Neighborhood Site. It has complete information for your review.

We have added the link in our sidebar under “Local Community Links”.

The photo above is of the entry of the new Swedish Hospital. Tomorrow is the public open house. I really encourage you to visit, it is a terrific addition to our community. One interesting fact that relates, is that it is built to be a command center for the entire King County should there be a major disaster.

It is also a community place to visit. They say Saturday and Sunday breakfasts will be to die for. Pardon the pun.

Highlands Day & Swedish Hospital Tours – Saturday July 9th

June 29th, 2011
Posted by Kathleen Cragun Click Here To Comment »

Highlands Day in Issaquah Highlands is always a fun time for all attending. Food, Fun & games have all the ingredients for a fun family day at this annual street fair. This year it is being held a little later. Usually it is before the 4th of July in June. This year it is a bit after the 4th. The reason is this year it is in conjunction with a special day celebrating the new Swedish Hospital, July 9th. Another reason for merryment is the excitement Swedish’s coming to Issaquah brings. Tours of the new facility along with fun things for kids and giveaways make this a must do.

Highlands Day Bear

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This is not your ordinary hospital! TO SEE WHY Click the text below:

Swedish Hospital – Not Your Ordinary Hospital

Issaquah Highlands Garage Sale Saturday 9am-4pm

June 17th, 2011
Posted by Kathleen Cragun 1 Comment »

The semi-annual IH Garage  Sale is June 18. This is not just one garage sale, but many. Residents all over the Highlands have their own garage sales. In addition this year there is a large community garage sale at Village Green. Donations of items will be for sale to benefit the Ben Towne Foundation, a pediatric cancer research charity. Hours are 9 am to 4 pm.

A Good Will truck will also be there to take donations from those of us who are just not in the mood to have our own garage sale.

Happy bargain hunting.

IH Garage Sale 2008

Tastin’ n Racin’ This Weekend

June 9th, 2011
Posted by Kathleen Cragun Click Here To Comment »

Lake Sammamish State Park is the place. Hydroplane races and beer are the agenda. 9:00 am to 7:00 pm June 11 & June 12. Buy tickets and find out more at  www.tastinracin.com or at the event. Other food &  fun for folks of all ages. Photos from previous event. 3-8 pm on Friday is a Happy Hour. Free admission.

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Tastin' n Racin'

Moon Mansion – Weddings & More

June 3rd, 2011
Posted by Kathleen Cragun Click Here To Comment »

Located in North Bend, not far from Issaquah is a picture perfect place for a wedding. Moon Mansion’s ambiance includes a setting on a beautiful country estate where on a summer day weddings can be outside with a picturesque view of mountains or inside where an elegantly curved double staircase provides ample choices to accommodate a brides wishes. For us it was raining (no surprise) so we chose to remain indoors.

A huge kitchen allowed our family to serve menus of our own making or catering is also available. Six bedrooms with stunning bathrooms give luxurious spaces to come the day before to prepare, decorate, have a rehearsal dinner and allow many family members to stay the night. There seems to never be enough time to get everything done for a wedding and reception. We even had a breakfast the morning after the wedding for those who wanted to stay or come back. Moon Mansion’s website is www.themoonmansion.com. Available for other functions too.

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Sean and Cherisse, the flame of your love will bless your life forever. We love you!

June 13 UPDATE on Moon Mansion. We regret to inform you that as of June 2 Moon Mansion has been stopped from doing business by court order for not having the correct permits. Hopefully this is just a temporary situation.

Your Life On A Page – Remember?

June 1st, 2011
Posted by Kathleen Cragun Click Here To Comment »

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