Meet the Bubble Guy
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A man was on the reserve’s green making the biggest bubbles I had ever seen. There were no clowns or children or camera crews around. Just him and the bubbles. I was clear that he made bubbles simply because he loved it.
“It’s a good day to make big bubbles,” said Ron Winter when I asked about his hobby.
Ron lives in Vancouver and bubbles in parks about twice a week, if the weather is right.
For him, bubbling is a relaxing, solitary activity. But part of its fun is that people often stop him to ask questions and chase the bubbles with camera phones.
“If you want to know how many children are in a neighborhood, just pull this out and you’ll find out,” he said.
He learned the craft from a book more than 15 years ago after he saw a bubble maker on public television.
His biggest bubble yet was about 12 feet in diameter, he said.
Ron tried bubbling on a recent foggy day and discovered that bubbles can freeze like glass when they hit the fog. One evening he made bubbles under a streetlight and passersby thought they were globes of fire. One morning he made bubbles as the sun came up.
“They glowed and you could see the sunrise in the bubble,” he said. “Every bubble is different; every one is unique.
“All the surroundings here – the trees, the sky, the birds – are reflected in that bubble, just upside down.”
How to make big bubbles:
- Look for a guide book in stores or online. Many come with their own wand.
- Fill a bucket with 11 cups of water, four ounces of glycerin and two cups of liquid dish soap.
- Dip the wand in the bucket and pull it out somewhat slowly.
- Pull the web’s wand back and slowly sweep your arm in the air.
- Close the web and watch the bubbles billow out.
- The best conditions occur in mild temperatures when there’s an updraft to carry bubbles up, up and away.
-Charity
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Angst Open House
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The new Gallery Row establishment, Angst, is having a grand opening on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 1015 Main Street, Vancouver, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with live music by Erik Sutten. Treats, wine and local artists will there with owner/curator Leah Jackson. Won’t you?
J.
Go to Marcell’s
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I know, I know. A picture is worth a thousand words. But I can’t remember to bring my camera everywhere. So I will just tell you: Go to Marcell’s.
What a great new coffee shop at 3100 Columbia Street in Vancouver. Already it has a local/hemp/natural clothing boutique, a book barter system, a cozy fireplace room, sweet patio, treats made a block away and Bridgetown coffee and tea.
As soon as the New Year, there could be a performance space, a bona fide bookstore and a kids play area.
I even ran into an old friend in there this morning, making it feel like my neighborhood spot. I think, I think I’m in love.
J.
New Thanksgiving Traditions
Filed Under A Green Life, Devour | Leave a Comment
On Thursday, Nov. 6, Urban Farm School will be hosting a garden-to-table dinner party in Ridgefield. Titled and themed “New Thanksgiving Traditions,” the three-course dinner will feature chef Anna Petruolo’s take on three fall vegetables: pumpkin, apple and kale.
Reservations are $25 and may be made by calling 360-852-3728 or emailing urbanfarmschool@gmail.com. Prepayment is required.
I hear these dinners are just lovely and sell out fast, so don’t wait.
J.
Martin’s Hike and Bike
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Outdoor enthusiast and steward Martin Hecht of Martin’s Hike and Bike has tasty fall tours planned that involve neither hiking nor biking.
Martin’s Hike and Bike’s Harvest Wine Tours will start October 4, offering wine tasting excursions on Saturdays and Sundays through November 23. Enjoy a scenic drive with stops at three premiere wineries of the Hood River Valley for just $85 per person, which includes tasting fees, snacks, water and transportation. Guests will be picked up at Skamania Lodge at 2 p.m. and will return at 6 p.m. Space is limited to 20 people, so register early by calling 877-290-8687 visit online. Groups of six or more will receive a 10% discount when booked in advance.
Happy trails!
J.
