Janet Bressler sips coffee and takes in the view from the second-story deck of her home in Wallingford. Seattle's skyline is visible to the right.

Jazz guitarist Al Turay, 83, has been playing in Seattle clubs since 1935. He's had a teaching studio on Northeast 45th near Stone Way for 30 years.

Robert Prado shows off a couple cakes he sells at The Erotic Bakery. After a controversial opening in 1986, Prado says today that 80 percent of his sales are to women for bachelorette parties.

Mothers-to-be work out in a prenatal yoga class at the Good Shepherd Center, which houses a variety of classes.

In May, 300 people in the street laughed, clapped and cheered when the switch was thrown on the neon sign atop the new QFC grocery store on North 45th Street.

Ron Petty stands with his popular sculpture, "Animal Storm," in front of Wallingford Center.

Neighborhood resident Martin Hayes is considered by many to be the finest Irish fiddle player today. He tours extensively but still manages occasional local performances, including Bumbershoot last year.

Becka Warren works in the compost area of Seattle Tilth's demonstration garden at the Good Shepherd Center.

Artist Laurie Chambers stands outside a one-time child's playhouse in her backyard which is now an artist's studio space. It is an effort by Chambers to help other artists find affordable space.

Terry Furchgott and Glenn Leichman cross Wallingford Avenue with their dog, Lucky, during an early morning walk.

George Swanson and his son, Danny, eschew the throwaway mentality. Of course, their business, at Swanson's Shoe Repair, is in retreads.