Narrows Bike Commuter

Classic TR3

2011-11-05T13:55:00.001-07:00

What is cooler.

We like p b 'n j for lunch. Then we read... then we nap.

2011-11-04T16:10:00.001-07:00

Having. A visit to g'mas.

Felix NOT giving up those beans...

2011-11-04T08:16:00.001-07:00

Grandkids....

2011-11-03T19:22:00.001-07:00

We miss Theo and Ozzie....

Lotsa Kids...

2011-11-03T19:15:00.001-07:00

We have Penny and Felix here and to make things interesting, Alycia and Danny came by. She showed up with a just caught Salmon from Key Peninsula. Danny was scaring us with his halloween Teddy Bear Head costume.

October 17..

2011-10-17T08:16:00.001-07:00

A bit more color change on tree #1

It's FALL.

2011-10-15T15:25:00.001-07:00

My dad's Vermont Maples always bring color to the change of season.
There are three planted in our yard after he mailed the saplings to us in the usps system in 1981. They each change color at different times and each a different explosion of colors.

Amazing..from the smartphone now.

2011-10-13T11:56:00.001-07:00

Hope I can add content on the run now with Android.

This Tesla would be nice to own. Looks like a Lotus Elise

2011-10-13T08:57:00.001-07:00

This is from phone.

Still Bikin'1

2011-09-03T21:08:00.000-07:00

It's been a good biking season though it started late as far as the good weather is concerned. I have done a couple of good events this season. The STP was completed in July ...it's a 206 mile ride from Seattle to Portland. I did this with greater ease than prior years and that surprises me with my continuing aging process! The 2nd good ride I did was my favorite, though the toughest of the two. This is a three day event called the Courage Classic Bicycle Classic. It's a fundraiser for Multicare Childrens Hospital Child Abuse division. The ride goes over three Cascade Passes, Snoqualamie, Blewett and Stevens. It's a three day 175 mile ride and is tough but fun and extremely well supported. I continue to ride daily to and from work, each way being 10 miles so 20 per day. As long as it does not rain I can complete 100 miles a week and not drive my car to work. I've been enjoying my year of biking on a 1998 Trek USPS carbon fiber bike...very nice. Bought it from Craigslist. OK. that's enough.

December 2010

2010-12-11T19:27:00.001-08:00

Here we are, DECEMBER!! How'd we get here so fast!??

Danny Moving on....

2009-11-28T14:28:00.001-08:00

Danny worked hard for this particular day of graduation. He is fortunate to have had a terrific Judge and pleanty of friends surrounding him.
Danny received many cards of support from some of his dearest friends.
This is some more of his support team.
We had a dinner at Anthony's in Tacoma to celebrate the occasion.
You have to have a group shot.

A Wee Bit of April 2009

2009-11-28T14:15:00.000-08:00

The above photo is of our small bike riding group from church. This shot is at the Java Fusion in Tacoma which is one of our regular hangouts on our Tacoma ride.
Hal and Diane are avid riders who have more stories than I can imagine. They've ridden many miles and hiked more!
We did a loop around Pt. Definance and stopped to pose for a pic with the twin narrows bridges behind.
We had a dinner at Denny's and I think Jeff paid for it...if not he owes me.
On one bright day this was the group. It included Al and Gordy along with Doug, Hal and Jeff.

Delta Airlines Boarding Pass

2009-08-28T16:58:00.000-07:00

Here's the lovely "Boarding Pass" that the Genius Agents of Delta at Indy Airport give you. IF YOU GET ONE, RUN TO THE NEAREST EXIT, THESE ARE NOT BOARDING PASSES!You'll be sent BACK from the Security Area pronto....and if you have the time, you MAY get things corrected (if you persist cause they Delta does NOT care)....

The worst part was the complete incompetence of the employees, starting with the supervisor who didn't follow through on the correction, then the idiot non professional complete distant employee correcting things would not look me in the eye, NOR WOULD SHE make it clear the casual placement of items on the counter were for me (why not give them to me??).........and when asked about same would not look me in the eye and certainly no one even acted as if we were even there.... an APOLOGY??? forget it, that went out with the in-flight dinners.

Thank you Delta Agents...Delta Idiot Agents.................

Other than that, we had a great flight!

Doug

Need to Update

2009-07-02T12:42:00.000-07:00

Update coming soon!

Daffodil Bike Ride 60 mile 2009

2009-04-19T20:39:00.000-07:00

Today, Jeff and I did the 60 mile loop from Orting. This was part of the Daffodil weekend Festival. We had amazing weather and I managed to stop and take a few photos. Here are some quick shots of the incredible Mt. Rainier. These shots show the "Lenticular" cloud that often forms over the summit.

Naoko Visit !!! Feb 2009

2009-02-08T21:16:00.000-08:00

We have Naoko visiting again from across the vast ocean! She always brings happiness where she goes. We shared her happiness with all the family on Friday evening with all of our family visiting. Check out the awesome photo of the gathering! For more Naoko
visit photos check out Picassa ...here's a link...

Naoko visit photos please . .

the VAIO laptop lives again....

2009-01-31T20:04:00.001-08:00

The ancient Vaio is back in business. I replaced
backlight of the LCD screen for $10. So I keep
the thing limping along....

This is what your laptop screen (or any lcd screen)
looks like when torn down. A variety of light catchers,
image creating sheets and very delicate and precice
surfaces. Don't loose the order!

This is the old backlight... a 14 inch pencil lead thick
light tube that has to be soldered in place and
replaced in an exact position or light will be uneven.

Here's the light tube across the surfaces.

Afer soldering and replacing the light tube here are
the connecting wires for the light power. I should
have shown the ribbon cable connection that fell
apart... that was a victory to reassemble. The entire
project was made necessary when the pinkish glow
lead eventually to flickering and then complete
blackness. So I figured after not wanting to buy an
entire screen ($15o.) I'd chance playing with the
old...what do I have to lose. I worked, I'm happy.

Penelope is ONE YEAR OLD!!!

2009-01-18T17:12:00.000-08:00

I really like this silly cellphone picture of Penny on her One Year Birthday celebration. This was shot at Casa Lobo in Bellingham. The actual party was an afternoon event that was well attended by drop-ins. I think I'll post a video....

South Ferry Station vanashing....

2009-01-06T20:42:00.000-08:00

Here's a short video I found of the South Ferry Station in Manhattan. There is a new station soon to open which will eliminate the South Ferry Stop. The oddity of the old station is shown and here

South Ferry Video

More Snow!!

2009-01-04T22:13:00.000-08:00

At 4 pm this area had no snow...

That table had no snow on it earlier this afternoon.

I hope to get some snow tires tomorrow....that should surely make the snow stay away. We have another dumping happening as I type. We have had about 4 to 5 inches since 5 pm. It is now 10 pm.

The Ride Back

2009-01-04T15:00:00.000-08:00

Leaving Kennewick in the Snow...chained up AGAIN!

Approaching the Dalles Dam on the Columbia

Continuous party time as we travel...

The knitting co-pilot...left with one glove...arrived with two.

One of many many waterfalls... Worth a trip of their own.

We had quite the adventure getting to Kennewick. Our trip was timed between two storms and we had clear sailing over the pass. The trip on Rt. 82 was good climbing out of E'burg over Manastash Ridge, elev. 2800 ft. The van stopped running at the summit and after we stopped to figure things out the van started and ran effortlessly. We believe something iced up as we passed over the summit. The van ran without any hint of problem after this. We did do the dry gas additive in Kennewick.
On Jan 1 the passes were closed and we were delayed to Friday for possible trip home. Even then, the pass situation and trip to the pass was very questionable. We drove the long way home via 82, 84, the beautiful Gorge and I-5. The following pics show a bit of the fine trip.

New Years at Dave and Lydias

2009-01-04T14:34:00.000-08:00

January 1st had SNOW...what else is new?

Celebrating the arrival of 2009 !!!

Party Girl!!

Let the Games Begin!!

Can't describe this... some end of year ritual.

For more New Years photos, click on this
link...

New Years Photos

Christmas 2008 photo link

2008-12-27T16:21:00.000-08:00

Check out Picassa for more great Christmas photos...here's a link...

More Christmas Photos Please

Olalla Christmas 2008 and SNOW!!

2008-12-27T14:45:00.000-08:00

Here's some action in the family room with JamarBoy (the friendly piano!)

Danny gives Alycia another (!) Christmas gift! I need to get her 'Red Coat' picture too.

Chris Jones and Tyler made an awesome classy dinner, food and placesetting.

Sherm, Judy and Daniel came to visit too. Judy shows off her earrings.

Scratch artist, Theo!!!

Christmas is preceeded by Sandras birthday celebration. Here you see Tyler decorating that cake. Sandra received a new KitchenAid Mixer as a birthday gift. You see in it the photo. Sandra used her mixer for the first time to make her own birthday cake!

We had Sno Snow SNOW this past week. I found my old Peugeot bike had fallen over and had an interesting accumulation of snow. Looked like a good photo subject to me.

A real gift this season has been the interesting Danny Lewis. Here he's playing piano with his mom.

Andy is showing Theo the cool special effects visual glasses. These create little angels when you look at the Christmas tree lights.

The only way Ken could drive on the snowy roads was with big chains. Here he's finally removing the chain mounted tires and putting standard tires on. That's easier than removing only the chains due to the difficulty in remounting them. That truck did go anywhere with those chains on.

Sandra shot this wintry scene on our drive to Bellingham last week. It reminds me of the poem...

In the bleak midwinter

Frosty wind made moan,

Earth stood hard as iron,

Water like a stone;

Snow had fallen,

Snow on snow,

In the bleak midwinter,

Long ago.

Theo, Theo, you are the center of attention of that Todd dog.

Here are Three Generations!

Thanksgiving!!! mmm mmmm good!

2008-11-27T23:44:00.000-08:00

We really had a great Thanksgiving. I'll add text tomorrow...gotta go to bed.!!!

OK, OK, I'm going to update....BACKWARDS...!!

2008-11-23T19:12:00.000-08:00

Let me start by saying I've gotten so far behind in posting that I'm going to Post the lastest for fear I may never post the latest otherwise....
This post is SANDRA GET'S A GREENHOUSE!!!

OK, so there was this idea from Sandra to replace the greenhouse we had that was crushed by a tree two years ago. Take a look back..

http://narrowsbikecommuter.blogspot.com/2006/12/2nd-time-what-next.html

That was the end of that greenhouse. Sandra looked at various replacement ideas and found a fantastic used greenhouse on Craigslist. We drove over to Renton area to check it out and it's a winner. The brand is SunGlo and is very very good.

The inside has plenty of work space and extra shelves. There's a fan as well as a built in misting system. Ken and I are going over there Wednesday to transport it on his flatbed! This should be an experience. It is 8 foot by 10 feet. Look out, here we come! All this for $650!!! New about $2500.

This is the back of my "NEW 1993 " Eurovan! It's awesome ....so far. The latest upgrade...(nice word for repair) is the left rear bumper 'end' as it's called. I also installed a new lightswitch for the headlights which had a nasty habit of turning off the headlights while driving at night...not the best plan. I found the two parts OnLine at a great VW parts place which gave great prices...and free shipping on orders over $50. The Van is coming along just fine. I've registered and insured it and even have the Good To Go auto bridge payement sticker on the front window.

Before I put on the left rear bumper end this is how it looked. I also had an odd shifiting linkage problem. I was driving home from work the for the first time when I suddenly found I only had 3rd and 4th gear!!! I felt the shifter was awry!!! Upon investigation the movement of floor shifter left and right for 1/2 and reverse, as well as Reverse was unavailable! The van needed my attention. I slept on this after doing research and did my own improvement on the fix. There pivot ball for the shifter had no 'anchor' and seeing the design a poor one, I created a very secure one using a stamped steel box wrench, bent into a "U" shape and using JB Weld, I secured the situation better than new. I'll give it a test and let you know in a few years how it's doing.

Ahhh, the wonder of the MV interior! You gotta love them rear facing seats, folding table and rear seat/folding bed!! There is in this photo a crooked non functioning fluorescent light on the wall. Well, it's straight and working now. Ken had a replacement tube and we coaxed the old one out without breakage. It's always an adventure to figure out these little items.

Now, here is the rear. There are two nice storage cubicles as well as a huge area under the rear surface. That cavern goes forward under the rear seat across the each side! With two clips removed the entire structure back there can be removed for hauling a washer, or stove or whatever!! The rear hatch extends out 4 and 1/2 feet and is an awing of sorts. You could have a cooking area back here!

How many years ago did Dad send these Maple Trees from Vermont? I'm guessing about 27 years ago! He sent them via UPS as small 2 foot "Wood Products." Over the years we've watched them grow always reminding us of Mom and Dad and our New England connection. Each year we look forward to their greening in spring but most of all for their brilliant colors in the fall. We have so much green and overcast that the brilliant colors of these trees brighten up our surroundings as well as ourselves for two months! When the last of the leaves fall off it's a darker time of the season but an announcement that Thanksgiving is here.

This is a photo, a Macro shot of a fresh fallen leafe with water droplets magnifying the leaf structure.

This is one beautiful leaf!

It's not always overcast, and when the sun shines in fall it's the best of all!

During this summer fun we attended a performance by Alligators at the Public Library. They were doing a gig to celebrate a summer reading program. We attended as a family with Judy's daughter Jennifer visiting from the Southwest. As Theo enjoyed dancing to the music, we also drew chalk art and enjoyed free cookies!

Above is Alycias art and below is Doug's attempt!!

We ended up with quite a lot of chalkart, it's really fun.

Here are the listeners!

The happy mom/son combo! Theo makes his mom smile!

Theo! Either getting ready to chalk, walk, dance, or drum!!

--------------
NEXT..... WE HAD A VISIT FROM NAOKO!!!
.....she visited in September... photos and
more soon!!!

I rode my Bicycle to Bellingham via Friday Harbor

2008-07-04T06:38:00.000-07:00

On Monday I rode from Olalla to Port Orchard for ferry rides to Seattle. I stayed at the Pendergrass house that night - just 21 miles that day. Tuesday I rode from the University of Washington part of Seattle to Anacortes/Friday Harbor - a 92 mile day. On Wednesday I rode from Friday Harbor/Anacortes to Bellingham... an upwind ride and very hilly near Bellingham - a 60 mile day.

Foot passenger ferry to Bremerton from Port Orchard

Other foot passenger returning, Seattle Ferry arriving Bremerton

On way to Seattle, here's a Bremerton bound boat

A slice of Seattle

My bike at rest by ferry

I wish I could afford another BIKE...Ducati...

Logan and Luke growing larger!!!

Some nice folk who let me launch my trip from their house..
Jan and Ken Pendergrass

A couple on Day One to the East Coast!!! yeeks!

Wide underpass for bikes, Burke Gillman Trail

Old Highway 99 Latte stand!!

Crossing slough in Everett

La Conner

Anacortes!! heading for the 5 pm Friday Harbor boat

...made it!! beautiful day... only bicycle on board.

Self portrait arriving Friday Harbor

other island ferry

Awaiting Barb and Ken and company..from Orcas Island

Lauren, Rich, Ken, Barbara at their B&B

I love this place!! "The Doctor's Office" - Latte and good food

The "Genius" and old fishing boat from Gig Harbor

Barb and Ken watching boats load/unload

Sue, Travis, Paul, Deanna and family 'house'

Tourists ...

Leaving Friday Harbor for Anacortes and Bellingham

Awsome latte stand

Mud Bay Rd, along Pedilla Bay

Derelict boats

Hills on way to Bellingham

Another awesome latte stand in Bellingham

Future bicyclist... Theo!

the Bellingham clan...Sarah, Andy, Theo and Penny

Tour de Blast 2008 - Mt. St. Helens

2008-06-22T07:24:00.000-07:00

Such a peaceful scene of Mt St Helens, it's difficult to think it was so devistating.

Here we are after awaking at 3:15 am...getting ready and driving 2 1/2 hours, Jeff, Tyler and me(Doug) behind camera, leaving Toutle High School. We have to sign in and get moving. It's 6:30 am.

Shortly after leaving at about mile 12, Jeffs bike breaks a spoke. This is not good as the wheel continues to groan.

Here we are at the first rest area. The Longview Rotary Club has things running smoothly at these rest stops. There are various energy bars and fruits as well as water and power drink available. Of course sani-cans are available too.

Shortly after photo Jeff (that's him ahead of me) had to bail out. His wheel got cranky and repairs not eminent. With the larger grades ahead and for safety he returned for a successful ride in the future. He told us to go on!! This one's for Jeff!

This awesome bridge was built by the federal government after the 1980 Mt St Helens blast blew away the roads and bridges in the area. This is the Hoffstadt Creek bridge some 370 feet above the creek. I love this photo with no cars on the roadway. The viewpoint was easy to get to though bikers too busy riding to stop...except for me.

Tyler impressed numerous folks with his original biker gear. I called it the beach bum look. Everyone in spandex looked boring so this original style was refreshing. There is a roadway above and beyond Tyler which is where we are heading and it is some 300 feet higher and about 1/2 a mile around a horsehoe curve to get to. We found this to be the theme during the ride....and guess what's around that corner???yes, another climb!

Here I am taking a photo in my camera phone even though there is no coverage. That's some wild hair, blown by with wind up there which was very strong at 45 mph! The ride was almost canceled up at the top because of the winds. In front of me but 5 miles distant is the blast area of Mt St Helens. That was quite the blast May 18,1980! Sandra and I were in Prosser and heard it blow! That's over 100 miles away! We were stuck there for two days with ash blocking our exit northward and rivers filled with debris blocking the west side.

This is a long chunk of snow guiding us to the bikers rest area at the top.

Wind and snow would be the words for the top of the climb. We arrived at Johnstone Ridge view point 4 hrs 44 min after we left. It took us 2 hr 40 min to return. 42 miles up, 42 down, total...84 miles.

Tyler strikes his victory pose!! He has made it!!!

This is a beautiful shot of the mountain, enjoy.

Unfortunately the downhill and its speed end in a crash at times. This is a shot of a crash scene. The biker was airlifted out after his crash on the downhill curve and apparent side gusting wind. All traffic was halted until the scene was cleared.
Here's a little bit of video...

A couple of facts, the ride started at 500 ft elevation, and had a maximum elevation of 4200 ft. The ups and downs made the ride a cumulative 8000 ft. elevation gain. Not the greatest, but plenty for one day.

For an after ride dinner, we stopped in Centralia (a fantastic little town..get over to Main Street - Classic Americana) and ate at Gibsons !!! It is awesome! Great food and Great service.

Bike Ride April 26

2008-04-29T06:59:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday we had a fine bike ride with a group of bike riders from church. We had a ride from a park and ride in Gig Harbor over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge via the Cushman bike trail and on to the Scott Pierson Trail in Tacoma to a terminus at Bertolinos Coffee Shop. We did stop at the Java Fusion Cafe at the top of the grade from the bridge on 6th Ave. We had some riders who had to return earlier to attend committments but everyone enjoyed the incredible scenery and the nice rider on a dedicated bikepathway.

Rainiers Game

2008-04-07T07:06:00.000-07:00

First let me say, the 'no food and drink' rule at a Rainiers game should not include a handful of most excellent Seattle Chocolates for my guests. I don't find them to be a terrorist item, nor am I about to throw them at anyone! This is a venue where THEY throw items INTO the crowd FROM THE FIELD...Tee Shirts etc, sometimes with a SlingShot! That being said...
I apparently don't focus on the game but the 'focus' ofmy camera instead. Here are some pix of a couple of cool moments. A Ball Touching the Wood......Broken Bat caught breaking... and a couple of other general interest shots when a huge tarp is put out when the rains came. Oh, and a brilliant announcer of some sort, I think he's waking up from the rain delay. The Rainiers did win.

Chilly Hilly ... a little silly

2008-02-26T20:52:00.000-08:00

Did the Chilly Hilly bicycle "season opener" on Bainbridge Island this past Sunday. Jeff Kramer and his friend Mike and I were a "team" and we rode the 33 miles around the Island. Last year Jeff and I did this ride with Danny and the weather was crappy! It was rainy, cold, windy, overcast, totally unfriendly. The break areas were muddy and there was simply no joy in the day except in the feeling of success for persevering this gruelling ride. There's a total elevation gain of some 2700 feet. The island barely gives you a chance to recover from a climb. Not soon after a slight decent there is a climb that seems in excess of that decent. Some climbs are so severe that many bikers this early in the season yield to gravity and walk their bikes up the incline. I am happy to report I was not among them. I have a technique of not overdoing so there is always a bit of reserve either in my legs or at least in my head to get me up hills. I find a reasonable cadance and stick with it. My bike had a little jumping of rear gears but held on for the day. Yesterday the cable to the rear deraileur broke and I had to limp along with three front rings to choose from after locking the rear on #2 large sprocket to get me around. Today I repaired it good as new. I forgot to say the day of the Chilly Hilly was spectacular this year and over 4000 riders were present. Enjoy some the the photos, all taken with my camera phone!

Our stop at the Treehouse Cafe (above) was a nice pause near the end of the trek. This is not a race and stopping to watch riders cruise by is a great deal of fun. With only about 4 miles left after this stop I felt a little sad the ride wasn't longer.

As the day went on and we were on the southeast corner of Bainbridge Island the view looking towards Seattle was fantastic. I was riding up from the view of Seattle on a grade passing a wonderful street called Creosote Way, when I could see a ferry departing Winslow on it's way out the channel towards Seattle. I turned the bike around and rode down to a spot for a quick photo of the ferry with Seattle behind...click.....coooooooooooool!

We never worried about our time of this day but the Finish Line shown above was a welcomed sight. Jeff and I had stopped at various rests and views along the way awaiting our friend Mike riding a very 'classic' bicycle. When we arrived at the finish we found Mike had arrived 1/2 hour earlier!
To view last years miserable ride follow this link
http://narrowsbikecommuter.blogspot.com/2007/02/chilly-hilly2007.html

Mt. Rainier AWESOME Pix from 2006

2008-02-17T20:20:00.001-08:00

Somehow I didn't post any of these photos of Mt.Rainier taken on my last trip to Indianapolis in August 2006. On this particular Sunday morning the flight was going via Phoenix, AZ and therefore to the south from Seattle. The weather was incredibly clear as we departed Seattle and I took some shots of the Puget Sound where I live. In this photo we are looking south towards Tacoma and on the extreme right the land juts in and out, and the 2nd point is about where we live just out of sight. The island in the center is Vashon Island\\

As we gained altitude and flew southward the pilot made in interesting announcement to the effect that it's a clear day and we've got permission from control to swing over for a view of Mt. Rainier. Well I could not believe what I soon saw out my window. I told myself to remain calm and just get the shots! I went for a mix of shots that included the airplane, the ground, the distance,

a little video,

and most of all as we came closer the peak of Mt.Rainier and an amazing view INTO a crater.

The sunrise cast a shadow across the peak and somehow we were at the right altitude, at the right time, etc. etc. Likely never happen again!!
When these opportunities arise I remind myself of shots missed and why. This time I had Fresh Batteries, Plenty of Memory Storage, Knowledge of the Camera, a Plan, and most of all Coolness!!! Just get the Shots!!!!!!!!!

ok folks....here's how to RELAX...take a lesson

2008-02-16T12:36:00.001-08:00

Penelope, oh Penelope........how do you do?
I've never seen such a relaxing baby. Take a look, take a lesson.

I like the lost child in the blankets. This could be bad on laundry day! When I first held Penelope I wasn't sure she was in the blanket she was so small. She's not that way now though as shown on Andy and Sarahs blog.

and then there is her brother, Theodore.........

Fe-brewary 16 ..longer days!!!

2008-02-16T09:30:00.000-08:00

Well, the days are FINALLY getting longer. The mornings not quite so dark both in light as well as feel. It's nice to see some light coming through the blinds at 6:30 am.... for those of you up that early! I am now encouraged to awake at that time so I get ready for my BIKE ride to work... finally. The rains have let off some so there may soon be some predictability to things relating to two wheeled travel. I so miss the ride in the afternoon to Tacoma, over the Narrows Bridge. That time of day was a warmer part of day for such activities. Of course that meant riding home in the dark at 11 pm but that was fine since there was very little traffic and I had an awesome trail worked out. Sometimes in my 12 mile trek back to the Harbor at night I would encounter only 4 cars on my street travels. But alas when the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge opened in July I had been transferred to a job in Gig Harbor. So I never was able to ride on a daily basis over that new bridge. So now I work days and must deal with different traffic patterns and a lack of trails. I do however have a pretty good ride. The only problem is the heavier traffic on my new commuting hours so I have to be extra cautious. The past couple of months have been dreary for any bike riding, especially in the a.m., with cold rainy weather and darkness being completely incompatible with my idea of a bike commute. But as I said in my opener "Well, the days are FINALLY getting longer." YES

The Top Photo is a very nice pic of my commute through Gig Harbor. Off in the distance is Mt. Rainier some 80 miles away. This is my 2nd day of riding my 10 mile ride to work. This morning the temp was whopping 37 degrees. The Lower Pic of my bike in front of the Tides Tavern is for reference only, I don't barhop on my way to work, or anytime for that matter. This pic was taken on my first day of riding to work this year and the temp at 7:30 am when I left was a nice comfy 32.7 degrees. It's actually quite comfortable, just wear gloves over gloves.

I usually ride straight through the Harbor to and from work not stopping to 'smell the roses' but I really liked stopping on this particular first ride home. The new park on the onld Eddon Boat Works site is a nice place to pause. All that's missing is a latte stand, but Suzanne's is only a short distance from this spot.

I couldn't let that first picture, topmost, of the Harbor get ruined by the ugly mug blocking the view. So here's the shot without the biker. Absolutly beautiful water!

I FINALLY RODE THE NEW BRIDGE!!
Last week I set a goal to ride over the new bridge. The rains wouldn't let me all week and on Sunday afternoon the weather cooperated and off I went.
The wind however was in force and almost stopped my plan. I strained to keep moving at times. The force of sideways winds some 200 feet off the water is something to experience.
I managed to keep up on two wheels and was happy to get to Tacoma. I rode the hill up to the War Memorial Park and took some pics of the bridges from that viewpoint, to prove I did this...

I then rode back over the new bridge stopping midway for a photo op. I shot video and the noise of the wind was defining. I thought about sailing and wanted to be down on the water on a fast reach heeled over and having a blast!!! Perhaps someday.

Welcome Penelope May Lewis . .

2008-01-18T21:45:00.000-08:00

What a great time we're having here in Bellingham with Penelope May, age 17 hours... Sarah and Andy have done it again! Theodore seems to enjoy his sister up close. Here are a few photos.

Oh, Theo loves his Christmas gifts!

2007-12-26T20:23:00.000-08:00

Theo was very busy with his new gifts! He didn't exactly open the package, but he enjoyed the contents!

Theo Likes Spaghetti!!

2007-12-26T20:21:00.000-08:00

Boy can Theo eat! ...he's learned how from his Daddy!

More Christmas 2007 .....

2007-12-26T19:45:00.000-08:00

What a day we had! Family fun, food and gift exchange. I got SOCKS! and a wallet, (no cash though..) and some interesting reading in books! Then today, the day after Christmas I got ...MORE SOCKS and some Vermont items including YES, MOXIE. Oh what fun it is!!
Tonight, Sarah and Andy drove to Seattle to see/hear an "Alligators" gig. The benefit for Sandra and Me (and Danny) is we have Theo!! We've gone shopping with him and we're back home.

Christmas 2007 ...the Start!!

2007-12-25T10:12:00.000-08:00

We're up! Ken, Tyler, and Danny are here with Sandy and myself. We've had Sticky Buns for breakfast... a treat we were introduced to by Sarah Arnold last year. Oh, she's Sarah Lewis now. Theo and his mom and dad will by here later today. We've chatted with Bryan on the phone and it sounds like he's got a houseful! We're enjoying good weather with a threat of snow for later... let's hope so!

Christmas Village 2007

2007-12-15T22:15:00.000-08:00

Always a nice feature at Christmas time is Sandras creation of a Christmas village. It's always fun to see what gets added. This time we have a 'bridge'!! and lots of bikes.

Ornaments of the Ages....

2007-12-15T21:37:00.000-08:00

Here's a closeup of some of our fine ornaments!

We be Decoratin' .....

2007-12-15T21:08:00.000-08:00

Hi all. Today I was given the task of selecting a Christmas Tree. This is no easy task. Last year I had the assistance of Tyler and Naoko. This year no one helped me so it was a difficult task. Sandra had many specifics of which I could not fail,"a good looking tree from all sides, tall, capable of hanging lights and decor on...no missing branchs, straight.....etc." Dave (here visiting with Lydia) didn't want any part of the selection... a wise man. Lydia was supporting me, but she is Sandra's lifelong friend so I was concerned. To protect my delicate situation I drew up a Contract stating my position. Sandra signed, with conditions, but I felt protected... The first place I went to was where we found the tree last year. The selection was not good this year, the trees were sheared like little fat men! Ever see a chubby fully round Christmas tree? Well, these didn't fit the bill for the new house or Sandra! I found a "U-Cut" on Fagarud Rd. that had a great selection. There were so many I froze at one point and couldn't distinguish one from the other! I strolled a bit on my own and finally saw one that fit the requirements. I measured the tree, ahhh yes, a good clean balanced 8 Feet! The tree, a Noble fir, didn't look tall enough, but I reminded myself to 'trust the measurement.' So I began cuttin and thought, I hope it's not too short!! So, I took that tree home in the back of my van with the door open and went in the house through the back laundry room. I realized then it was big. It was difficult to get in and after drying it some I placed it into a stand and at that time Sandra and the others arrived home and were please with the tree I selected. It is a good tree after all! We've decorated it with white lights and our ornaments of the ages! Have a look!

It's Been a Year!!

2007-12-12T06:43:00.000-08:00

I'd like to say it's gone fast but this past year since the tree impacted our house AND our lives has been a slow year. Though it has been a long year it has been a great year as I look back. It started with a windstorm a year ago blowing a Hemlock tree over onto our bedroom roof and putting an end to our sleep! From that terrorizing moment Sandra and I have readjusted our lives for the past year. The oddest part of that moment in the middle of the night is that we had to pick up Naoko in the morning. While we were moving furniture from our messed up bedroom into other parts of the house we had to get creative in our limited space for entertaining a special guest. Not only did we lose the use of our bedroom, we also lost the use of the dining/computer room since we now stored our mattress and other bedroom furniture there. And so it would be for almost 10 months. Seven of those months we lived in the old house, the next two we lived in the fifth wheel while we had our old house demolished and land cleared and new house put in place. But alas we now have certificate of occupancy. It all seems so new that we still expect the owners to show up at any moment telling us to leave. It's been a year of watching Theo grow as well! I think he made the year go quickly! From that amazing windstorm, we have had quite the amazing year. It was great having Naoko here for her first Christmas experience! Theodore sure enjoyed her 'domo! domo!. I've included a photo from last Christmas of us all.

From Sailing to Snow in Two Hours

2007-12-01T19:20:00.001-08:00

This has been a very interesting day. I took Danny to Magical Strings to work and as I came home off the hill, I saw sailboats with spinnakers flying as they sailed north through Colvos "west" Passage on a semi-annual "Round Vashon Island Race." There must have been a hundred of them. I could see them from one end of the Island to the other from the high vantage of Olalla "highlands." I couldn't help but stop and view them from an opening in the trees. If it were a bit clearer you'd be able to see Mt. Rainier in the background of all these photos.
But the day had more interest in store. About an hour later some snow began to fall, and more, and more, and before you know it we were all white on the roof of our house and in the yard. Most interesting! I began to fear for a power outage and the resulting long time of waiting to be put back on one. I went to Home Depot and picked up a moderate, actually quite small, catalytic heater. It runs and propane and is safe indoors, and has a CO montitor with shut off if needed, even an anti-tip shut off. Anyway, I put it on and have heated the house for some 4 hours now to see it's ability and the temp in the house has gone up two degrees and outside has dropped a degree! Pretty convincing.

Thanksgiving 2007

2007-11-23T08:57:00.000-08:00

Wow! What a great time we had with lotsa friends in our new humble abode! The fixin's were terrrrific! The day was sunny and cool and made for a perfect Turkey Day!

Danny likes kids!...and he's funny

2007-11-18T23:23:00.000-08:00

Danny was doing "play" with some kids at church today... he also was playing piano.

A couple more Photos with Doris...

2007-11-18T23:18:00.000-08:00

Here's a little more of Happy Doris! This is a fun time with all the residents all around with members of their familys. The staff were awesome in preparing a fine Thanksgiving dinner. Residents made some small gifts for us to take home.

Temporary Porches!!!

2007-11-18T23:01:00.000-08:00

I am posting these from my "media" room, pictures of that to follow. There are photos of Sandra and I enjoying a pre Thanksgiving feast with Doris Lamb. There are also photos of the decks Ken designed and built for the 3 entrances.... now if we can get the county in to check 'em out and scram!

We Had Guests from the East!!..and North!!

2007-11-07T13:24:00.000-08:00

Dave and Lydia dropped by to help test our new house for drop-ins... it went well! They slept on the living room floor on a mattress from the 5th wheel. They along with Andy Sarah and Theo are our first official guests! Can't wait to entertain on furniture!

OK, OK! We're IN!!! and Lovin' it!

2007-11-05T21:41:00.000-08:00

Quite a bit more space than the 5th wheel. We had great visitors this weekend! Sorry to Bryan and Kathleen and Natalie! This SHOULD HAVE included you!!! We owe you roomy lodging!!!

how Theodore treats his guests!!

2007-10-25T22:23:00.000-07:00

You gotta love these kids!

More MORE ...Before We Forget!!

2007-10-23T21:44:00.000-07:00

Ferry to Whidbey Island...Bellingham....

More...Before We Forget!!!

2007-10-23T21:33:00.000-07:00

After getting Kathleen, Natalie, and Bryan off the plane and visiting a bit, we went out and about to Gig Harbor, Port Orchard and a trip to Bellingham via the ferry at Port Townsend.

Before We Forget! !

2007-10-23T21:26:00.000-07:00

It's soooo easy to forget what we did when we did so much all over. Sooooooo, here are some things we did with photo proof we did.

Visitors from the East...

2007-10-16T09:26:00.000-07:00

Bryan and Kathleen and Natalie are here visiting!! We are happy jammed in the 5th wheel while we watch for any progress on the new home. Here are some pix of what we are up to.

a Talented and Beautiful Flower Girl!

2007-10-01T22:22:00.000-07:00

Tyler posted some interesting pix of Naoko and I was inspired...

Take me to Japan!!

2007-09-16T07:34:00.000-07:00

Here's and anxious fellow heading to Japan!

Space Available!

2007-09-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

OK, it's time to get something on this cleared area!

Logs, Logs, Logs!

2007-09-11T21:29:00.000-07:00

I got home today and couldn't get in the drive.... a logging truck was being loaded by Don. So, I parked on the street. Tomorrow the Cedars get picked up. Tomorrow the ground where the house goes will be leveled. Sandra and I spent this evening marking the position of the house. I also installed a coooool locking lever handle door latch on the new little shed.

Yard Panorama

2007-09-09T20:07:00.000-07:00

Here's a panorama of the yard as it is this weekend. We're hoping the pile of rubble will be gone Monday. This is a wide shot taken with 5 frames and starts looking north and ends looking south. It's goona be nice!

crunch, crunch, chomp, chomp

2007-09-06T21:59:00.000-07:00

it's quite the show to watch it go

the MAIN EVENT!

2007-09-05T05:53:00.000-07:00

No, the house demo is NOT the MAIN event... the necessary removal of a couple of old Cedar Trees was a sad but accepted "Main" event. After seeing a lot of clearing going on, it came time to see the beautiful tall Cedars located at our front door be taken down! They didn't go easy but their removal created a lot of much needed space and light. There is a lone, tall Cedar Survivor a bit further out which now will be the largest tree in the clearing. Here's a little video of the passing of our Cedar Tree friend! Ken, Danny and I watched the tree get worked on by the amazing skill of our tree remover. Sandra chose not to view the event.

Bellingham Vacation....

2007-08-07T10:14:00.000-07:00

I took off some time to get up to Bellingham and help Andy and Sarah build a fence for Theo. The fence is good for Todd Dog as well. After researching and planning, some browsing/shopping at Lowes and Home Depot, we were able to finally pound some holes in the earth and support a fence. The project was a lot of fun and rewarding. I enjoyed working with Andy and keeping and eye on Theo with him while we worked on the fence. At times Sarah was off on more serious work with her interpreting career making 'the men' fend for themselves as Theo directed his world. Sarah was too easy to please and never complained about the dirty stinky workers. We had a great time. For me it was total flashback to having 3 boys that age. Just for that it was a great weekend. Here are some supporting photos.

During the weekend Sarah managed to locate a cool stroller for two children. She 'stole' it at $30. and Theodore loves playing with the wheels and checking it out! Anopther accomplishment was the elimination of the large amount of unwanted foliage in the garden area. I brought my nasty gas driven weed/brush whacker and Andy and I surpised Sarah with the area cut down when she got home from working on Monday.
Before I left for Olalla on Monday evening, we went out to dinner in Bellingham, and posed the family for a photo at a '60's Modern Architecture setting.

Miscellaneous....
on Andy and Sarah's refrigerator I found 'the Flying C's'
on top of their refrig....CAN YOU SPOT THE PANASONIC DIGITAL CAMERA!???!!!
on top of My Head I am posed with Ed's cool Pikes Peak Hat...
a single shot of what's left of the shed here in Olalla...more to be dismantled.

Crowd Close UP!!

2007-07-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

Finally, Tacoma Narrows Bridge Opening!!!

2007-07-17T19:51:00.000-07:00

I can't remember when it started but here's a small record of the opening day festivities when the Tacoma Narrows bridge #3 opened! Now we begin paying tolls to cover the expense of construction. It's been interesting watching yet another bridge constructed. For me I've seen the Tappan Zee Bridge across the Hudson River built when I was 7 or 8 years old. Then when I was a Teen, the Verazzano Narrow Bridge was constructed and my high school band attended opening day ceremonies. Now I have followed this amazing construction of another suspension bridge. The bridge has been open for two days so far and it appears to be staying up!!
We'll keep an eye on it.

Gig Harbor Maritime Parade!

2007-06-02T18:42:00.000-07:00

Today I took advantage of my new 'saturday off' status and participated in a Parade! Multicare needed folks in the Gig Harbor Maritime Festival parade so I volunteered, and rode my bike as well! There's a YMCA/Multicare sharing of facilities so the 'healthy' bike riding idea was ok. My other worker, Vikki was on her bike as well. So, here's a collage of the photos taken of the day. There were far more people in the event than I had imagined and the parade took two hours for everyone to parade by!

Danny Has a Birthday!

2007-05-15T18:01:00.000-07:00

Well, another year older for Danny is what's new for him! Here's a photo essay of the event. We ate at the Wild Orchid in Tacoma and had dessert at home. The IceCream cake was awewsome! In attendance for the celebration was Sandra, Doug, Tyler, Uncle Ken and Danny!

Mothers Day '07

2007-05-15T16:46:00.000-07:00

We ate at Spiros for a quick lunch where Theo gave his Grandmother a Mothers Day card.

'twas a nice Mothers Day. We visited GreatGrandmother Doris and had a nice time with Theo and eating shortcake.

My New Work Place

2007-05-08T21:07:00.000-07:00

Well, after many years of swingshift, I am working days! To make it even better I work in Gig Harbor now... and to top that, i'll be avoiding all the tolls of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge when they beging in August. The new place is a new facility my employer, Multicare, is building in Gig Harbor. Take a look at some shots I've taken.

Birthdays

2007-05-08T20:49:00.000-07:00

Today is Barb's Birthday, Happy Birthday! Last Friday was Tyler's BD and we, Sandra, Danny, Tyler and Doug, went out to the Boathouse in Bremerton. It's a nice place under a cool old bridge. Here's a couple pix and a shot of Tylers recent transportation acquisiton, a 1986 Saaaaaaaab 900.

A Visit to Doris

2007-05-06T15:56:00.000-07:00

Sandra and I visited her mom today. Doris is doing fine, and had the new shoes on her feet which Sandra bought her last week! That's a first... She really liked talking about Theo.

We enjoyed talking and viewing photos on her walls.
Sandra and her mom looked at the Sunday paper. Next Sunday we're planning a small outing for Mom's day.

Theo in Chicago....

2007-05-06T15:51:00.000-07:00

I saw some awesome Chicago water features on my sisters blog and decided to adapt one. Heeerre's Theo!

At the finish line....

2007-02-25T20:24:00.000-08:00

Here's Danny getting a welcome at the finish line.

Unicycles in Chilly Hilly

2007-02-25T20:18:00.000-08:00

The Unicycles were at Chilly Hilly. They are interesting to watch climb and decend hills, as well as the dismounting/mounting of the wheel!

Danny rides!

2007-02-25T20:13:00.001-08:00


Here I go!

Chilly Hilly....2007

2007-02-25T19:56:00.000-08:00

Well, we dun it... we did the Chilly hill, not far, 33 miles, but very HILLY! I can't recall any real flat sections. The ride took hills that went up and down constantly. The total rise, elevation gain, whatever, was 2800 feet, so it was a bit tough. Tyler had to work so he couldn't attend. Danny and I went with Jeff Cramer from church. He and I did the STP last summer. Some 4000 bikers signed up for this event, though I think the rain kept many away. Here's a couple of features showing the day.

Doug

The Mountain! .... is OUT!

2007-02-24T13:30:00.000-08:00

Here's a view of Mt. Rainier from I-5 crossing over the Puyallup River. Taken on a trip to Bellingham last weekend with Sandra driving at 60 mph! The cloud formation over the summit is known as a "lenticular" cloud, it's an interesting sight. Read more here.... http://www.komotv.com/weather/faq/4307492.html

NOT TOO much of a Good Thang.....!!!!!

2007-02-11T21:56:00.000-08:00

Oh boyyyyyyy, what a great dessert we've discovered!!

Can't tell you the name, just that it's CHOCOLATE!!! but is cake-like.

Had it last night with Sarah and Andy and all, AND AGAIN TONIGHT!!

Oh boy!!!

That was good, but better was holding Theo!! Here's a photo of the two of us together. He's got cool hair! Just a reminder....here's an awesome Theo pix..
http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7825/2946/1600/Baby%20Jesus%20015.jpg

TyTyTyTy

2007-01-28T21:57:00.000-08:00


Doing what he do.

Mr T has been recording this evening. As I type he's doing some intriguing string stuff on the keyboard, before that was some awesome organ sounds, and prior to that was guitar strummin', some of which is recorded here for your enjoyment. All this being fed track by track into his laptop.
He and Danny have been doing recording lately but the sounds they've been making are unheard since they don't bring home any 'rough drafts.' Soon, we'll get something though.

Bridge Progress

2007-01-28T14:59:00.000-08:00

I took a couple of rides over the Narrows Bridge this week and got to see the new bridge's progress. Take a look at the last couple of sections being positioned. The last two sections are seen on the ship in this photo taken Thursday. On Friday the ship was gone and both sections suspended on the new bridge awaiting squeezing into place. This was a great moment for me as I recall the first of three boatloads being delivered last year and seeing the first one get lifted. Take a look back at last Sept. with a stange view of bridge deck.... http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5678/3552/1600/HPIM1859.jpg

On this trip I also got to ride the new bike trail along highway 16. It's 10 feet wide and smooth and goes through a cool tunnel under 19th street. That's one of those busy streets you hope you don't have to cross. After that it goes by Cheney baseball field (minor league for Mariners) and ends up near the Target store just a block from the Allenmore Hospital and Bertalinos Coffee Bar! Here's a short video of riding through it....

The trail is just under 3 miles long and links with the existing one near the bridge. When the new bridge is complete it will have a 10 foot wide bike/pedestrian lane as well. In addition to that the Cushman Trail going to Gig Harbor from the Bridge is going to be extended to Purdy in the near future. Good biking will be had!

an Olalla Christmas 2006

2007-01-10T10:23:00.000-08:00

Here's a brief video of a fine Christmas! Even with a tree through our roof we had a fantastic memorable Christmas.

Naokokokoko back in Japan!!

2006-12-29T09:30:00.000-08:00

I found this cool website which allows you to follow a flight path of any plane and best of all the program was free! So it was fun to see the progress of Naokos Flight NW 7 back to Narita airport in Japan.

Tyler and I watched as Naoko went through the "shoe department" and it looked like she kept the ones she had. We offered some spare 'official carryon' bags but she opted for the brown paper bag. She must have learned that from Tyler.

Here they are showing her hand held shot that she does so well. Her camera is a Fuji with a pretty wide angle lens....I'm jealous..again. Bryans camera makes me jealous too.

We ate at the Wild Orchid in Tacoma the night before her flight. The food was very delicious and we enjoyed our time together with Tyler and Naoko, Sandra, Danny, Sarah, Andy, Theo and myself.

On the day after Christmas we ate and ate and ate.... seems we did a lot of that. There was a balance of good healthy vegetarian and the taste of recently acquired fowl. It was all great!

Tyler is seen here enjoying some interesting Japanese treats. Naoko is advising him of their origins and benefits.

Theo is going to miss his dear entertainer. Naoko became Theos prized help in moments of distress. She would get his attention doing things Theo enjoyed, these "secrets of Japan" are now known to us. Thanks Naoko!! and "domo!, domo!"

Heeere's US!!! Don't we look nice?

and it's Christmas Day!!!

2006-12-25T14:42:00.000-08:00

What a day it's been! We're enjoying fine weather after a night of downpour. This is Theodores first Christmas and he was very very good!...so Santa says.

Gift opening began after a snacktime called breakfast. We enjoyed pastry that was begun Christmas eve.

This is the 'high angle' camera look, if it were Bryan's camera it would be a dramatic wide angle...it's the best I can do.

Here are two brothers posed for excitement. Those are Boylan pop bottles in the window, some are Birch Beer!!!! Very very good with Almond Hershey bars, best with Birch Beer.

Sarah and Danny are opening Theos gifts. Danny was Mr. Christmas as usual.

Naoko is showing off the awesome photo that Tyler mounted in an antique 'looking glass' that was very very cool. Many of Naokos gifts were handmade and will be highly prized!!

A couple of brothers playing like little children!!

it's a CABOT Christmas!!!!

2006-12-24T23:30:00.000-08:00

We GOT SOCKS!!!! wE LOVE em!!! and got a Red Shirt and cool Christmas Bike Helmet ornament....Thanks Kristin! Ed! Lori!!

And we had fun doing it! Naoko helped, and we entertained Theo and Sarah!

So,now it's bedtime and tomorrow is Christmas morning!

it's Christmas Eve...Eve!!

2006-12-23T20:20:00.000-08:00

Time for Candies!! Tyler and Danny are busy, Woody is Hopeful!! and "JR (wayne...) is patient. Sandra is watching the Sound of Music.... Naoko is in Seattle visiting her "host family" with whom she stayed when she attended school here. She will return here later, we miss her! She makes a good fire when she's here....

Here she is making a fire go.

Naoko also will have a stocking for Christmas!

Olalla Electrical Power Problems....

2006-12-16T14:44:00.000-08:00

Here's an idea of what the roads and power lines are like around here. No telling when we'll have power back. The forecast is for cold weather too.

...2nd Time!!! What Next!

2006-12-16T12:07:00.000-08:00

The weather prediction for high winds on Thursday night were correct! It was a night of darkness withoug power and tremendous winds. We heard falling trees all over and we heard many close ones and finally another hit us! No more greenhouse, and another damaged eve! Ken and I spent Friday clearing this one and taking down a threatening tree that wanted to impact the 5th wheel trailer. And...this was deliveryday for a NEW kitchen stove...which did happen,.....but is useless without POWER!!!

... a Rude Awakening!!!

2006-12-13T19:26:00.000-08:00

This is what woke Sandra and I up last night! This old Hemlock dropped on the corner of our house missing us by a foot! We're happy it decided to hit above the corner rather than the window directly!

All we really wanted to do today was visit with Naoko and Tyler! We finally did!
Thank you for coming here Naoko!!!

SeaTac Airport CHRISTMAS TREE!!!! .....(before weak administrators!!)

2006-12-11T17:42:00.000-08:00

This photo was taken last week when SeaTac Airport celebrated Christmas... Americas most popular celebration.... There is no reason to take down the trees at the airport except for weak administrators who reflect our weak elected officials. Anyway, here's a fine photo of a fine family posed with the Christmas tree adding interest to the photo. There also is no reason a Menorah could not be displayed as well, after all this is the season of Hanukkah. So here is a rare picture opportunity that I'm glad I documented!

Here's another photo.....this is "My Three Sons..." (and a SeaTac Airport TREE behind)

...arriving at 8 lbs. 10 oz... Annika Ellen Lewis ! !

2006-12-08T13:34:00.000-08:00

Kathleen and Bryan Lewis are the proud parents of a brand new baby Girl!!!! That's really cool!!! Check her out!!
Her name is Annika Ellen Lewis!!! Born just a couple hours ago in Columbus, Indiana. She weighs 8 lbs. 10 oz.
Congratulations Kathleen and Bryan!!! Welcome Annika!

and we Ate and we Ate and we ATE!!!!

2006-12-02T11:11:00.000-08:00

Tyler really made quite the fine dinner for all of us! He and his assistants prepared a meal of delightful vegetarian foods. Sandra made Pumpkin Pies!!! Everyone brought something to enjoy. It was great! Friends came by and we had a good time!
His time in Japan has brought many fine stories home. It's nice to have him here for now.

Nice 'n Cold!!

2006-11-28T12:24:00.000-08:00

OK, I got firewood so we'll stay cozy. The animals "neeeeed" it they work soooo hard! Here are some pics of the wood, gathered off a pile of downed timber. There's my trusty 26 year old Echo chainsaw with it's original sparkplug!... starts great! Then there's some worn out animals seeking comfort. Woody still wants to chase the frozen soccer ball, what a goof. OH, and there's the cat reaching for 'more heat!' under the cabinet where the heat comes out. This is what Tyler is coming home to. It'supposed to be in the teeeens tonight and he'll be piced up at 6:40 am tomorrow... Brrrrr.

Day after Thanksgiving . .

2006-11-24T19:45:00.000-08:00

Zzzzzz....
Zzzzz...
can't get enough of theeezZee..

Theo sayz.... "now that I've had my 'Thanksgiving dinner' I'm feeling much better!

Theo Road Trip to GreatGrandmother Doris

2006-11-07T09:03:00.000-08:00

Theo took a little trip to see his Great Grandmother Doris. He was well behaved and his Great Grandmother Doris was very happy to meet him for the first time.

Theo Visit..(Andy Sarah too)

2006-11-06T12:37:00.000-08:00

Theo came to visit this weekend and he is getting bigger...."Theo's getting LARGER"
He also is so alert! Handsome boy too.

We also had to say goodbye to Andy Sarah and Theo.... here's the video!

We did Harvest Festival....

2006-11-01T00:09:00.000-08:00

Here is a Collage of some pix of the zany evening we had at Harvest Festival... It was great seeing friends new and old having a great time.

We also were part of a game station called "Plinko..."
Check out some action from one of our 'return' visitors..

Leaves Leave . . .

2006-10-30T22:28:00.000-08:00

This years cooler than normal, and dryer then normal Fall has made our Vermont Maple trees turn colors in a beautiful way. They don't change at the same time so it's fun to see the timing which has gone on for a month. This shot is a few days before the leaves all left! A wonderful way to be reminded of Dad who sent these tree gifts some 20 years ago as small twigs. They remind me of trees of the Northeast. So with a glorious bloom of yellow they say goodby for another year. Soon we'll be engulfed in grey skies and wet. The holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years with their bright colors and lights will get us through those darker days. But before we know it, those maple trees will bud a faint green to remind us of the cycle we follow.

With winter upon us I went to the store in Gig Harbor and bought some furnace filters. Since it was a nice day I thought I'd try carrying them home on my bike. I did but it was not easy. If I bound them too tight with bungy cord they'd collapse so I took care to tighten just enough.
A better system is needed.

I found these cool treats at home the other day after Sandra and Lydia went to Seattle. The coffee flavor cookies were good! Pocky is always the best!!!

Saturday evening in Olympia

2006-10-23T13:48:00.000-07:00

Well, it's October when I go to Olympia to video the Job's Daughter Washington event. This year I arrived early enough I was able to setup and take a walking tour of downtown Olympia. I found a great latte (double-tall please) and enjoyed that muchly! It held me for the evening. Of the 9 contestants 4 were finalists and then a 'winner.'
One of the more intersting storefront displays featured this assortment of Japanese booklets and some awesome travel bags. This made me think of Tyler and a suitcase we have that resembles these.

This is an interesting wall I found in an alley in downtown Olympia. There was a Japan theme here and Mt. Fuji and Mt. Rainier were apparently 'sister' mountains.

Sunny Outing

2006-10-22T18:30:00.001-07:00

Great day for a picnic and Doris visit.