Becky, Harvey (pictured above) and I spent a nice weekend at her parents’ house. It’s not that far from Seattle, but it seems like another world. Quiet, relaxing and beautiful. It’s nice to get out of downtown every so often. And Harvey really likes going on trips!

Last weekend, I saw Dar Williams play at the Aladdin in Portland. Dar was, of course, amazing. She always is. But what really caught my attention this time around was the opening act: The Ben Taylor Band. Ever since seeing them Sunday night, I’ve had their songs stuck in my head. I got their CD in the mail from CD Baby a couple of days ago and have been listening to it nearly nonstop.

Not all of the music on the album is really my style. In fact, most of it is not really the kind of thing I’m normally into. But Ben’s voice is captivating and the lyrics are generally great. It’s enough to keep it in my CD player for quite a while.

I was amused by this bike locked to a railing directly under a sign reading “Do Not Secure Bikes To Railings.”