Just Ask Johnston Twice A Week

Editor's note: Nearly two years ago - Dec. 11, 1991 - Steve Johnston started answering readers' questions on all aspects of Eastside life in our weekly Thursday Life section. Since then, he's written 90-odd (sometimes very odd) editions of his column. In the process, he's attracted so MANY questions that we finally gave in to the inevitable - and decided to unleash him twice a week.

Starting today, Eastside readers will find Just Ask Johnston on Tuesdays here on the Local News cover, as well as Thursdays on the cover of Eastside Life. Just keep those calls and letters coming!

Hey, Johnston: On Old Redmond Road, west of 140th Northeast, between the apartments, there's a goose-crossing sign, except goose is spelled "GUS" and I'd like to know why.

Answer: This question was thrown to our vast reading public last week and Jean McCabe (Goddess of the Goose) called to say she knows Gus. Matter of fact, she says, Gus is a personal friend (she feeds him daily) and was insulted when she read him the question.

It turns out that Gus the Goose IS NOT a goose at all. Gus is a muted swan that has lived in the area for the past 10 years. In fact, McCabe said, Gus chases geese away from the lakes there.

Gus lives around the big 6001 Village complex and spends his days going from one lake to the other. Of course, one lake is called Swan Lake. The sign was put up because Gus likes to walk between the lakes (he doesn't fly much or very high) and he's getting on in years. "He would rest in the road and back up traffic for miles," she said. "We decided to put up the sign to make sure he wasn't hit. Gus is a very well-loved swan. Although he is a little cranky."

There are a couple of things the neighbors don't know about Gus. One is his age. He was given to the neighborhood by the state 10 years ago because he was fighting with other swans at his old home. The other thing, McCabe says, is they don't know how to tell if Gus is a he or a she. Well, who does nowadays?

Hey, Johnston: I've noticed a helicopter hovering over Bellevue Square around 7 a.m. Tuesdays, dangling something from a long rope. What is it?

Answer: Kemper Freeman coming to work? Ha! We know Kemper actually arrives at his office in a sedan chair carried by four Nordstrom employees.

So what is it? Bellevue Square is putting in new air-conditioning units and this is the easiest way to haul them around. This will continue through October.

Hey, Johnston: This is your mother calling as a follow-up to our nautical-terminology exchange (Just Ask Johnston, Aug. 26). In your Sept. 2 paper in the fishing outlook, you'll see the word: "landlubber." That's what I said earlier. Hang in there, big boy.

Answer: Thanks, Mom. You were slurring your words when you called last time and we thought you said "land lover." Stay out of the liquor cabinet.

How to Just Ask Johnston: This column appears Thursdays on the cover of the Eastside Life section and Tuesdays on the Local News cover. Leave your questions about any aspect of Eastside life on Steve Johnston's voice mail at 464-8475. Or write: Just Ask Johnston c/o The Seattle Times, Suite 100, 10777 Main St., Bellevue WA 98004.