Guilty As Charged!

Sharknado was a bonafide social and cultural hit, averaging 5000 tweets a minute for a total of 1,987,000 social media mentions in less than a week when it came out last year. Though it drew over just 1 million viewers during its initial airing on SYFY, below average for this type of Syfy original movie, there is no denying its impact on all social media as people continue to talk about the film throughout the weekend, building more buzz for its next airing, the following week when it was the most watched show on cable that night.

This opened the door to the sequel and it was so bad it was laughable and had me in tears from laughing so hard.  Yes, while I missed the first movie, I caught the second one last night and it was a hoot.  Truly one of the worst movies I have ever seen.  Of course, now I have to see the original and I am sure more sequels are to come.

No Post Saturday XVI

Yes indeed, it has been 5 weeks...enjoy your day!

What's In A Name?

A fun little thing on facebook to see what your name means.  So here is what it had to say about mine...

Careful: you give a lot of attention to details
Helpful: you are someone who helps people without seeking something in return
Reliable: you are someone who takes responsibility and can be counted on
Intuitive: you have the ability to know what is going to happen before it happens
Sincere: you are someone that acts from your heart

Time To Make The Wine

'Mary Poppins' 50th Anniversary

Mary Poppins is a 1964 American musical fantasy film directed by Robert Stevenson and produced by Walt Disney, with songs written and composed by the Sherman Brothers. The screenplay is by Bill Walsh and Don DaGradi, loosely based on P. L. Travers' book series of the same name. The film, which combines live-action and animation, stars Julie Andrewsin the titular role of a magical nanny who visits a dysfunctional family in London and employs her unique brand of lifestyle to improve the family's dynamic. Dick Van Dyke, David Tomlinson, and Glynis Johns are featured in supporting roles. The film was shot entirely at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California.

Mary Poppins was released on August 27, 1964 to universal acclaim, receiving a total of thirteen Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture—an unsurpassed record for any other film released by the Walt Disney Studios—and won five; Best Actress for Andrews, Best Film Editing, Original Music Score, Best Visual Effects, and Best Original Song for "Chim Chim Cher-ee". In 2013, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".

Back To School Time

While catching up on facebook posting I came across a posting by a friend who had seen a comparison of the 70's to today.  I was more than amused.  With a nod for the posting to Wide Lawns and Narrow Minds, I offer you CLICK HERE and read an amusing post.

Bye-Bye BoBo

This morning the alarm went off way too early at 3:45AM so that we could be sure he was up and going as the cab arrived at 4:30AM to get him to the airport.  His flight was at 7:40AM but the roads are a bit on the insane side as they have Hwy. 99 shut down for construction.  It is a traffic nightmare out there.  So he made his was downstairs and in the cab with no problem.  I miss him already!  But now it is no longer seeing the side of the wall as when he is leaving, but rather, seeing it as when he is returning and that is October 29th.

He flew to Phoenix, AZ this morning and will be there two weeks and then up to Las Vegas for several weeks.  After that it is on to San Antonio, TX for a couple of weeks before heading back here for the winter.  I know it will be a challenging couple of months, but somehow I will plow through them and get things done, just a tad slower than when he is here.

Oh, by the way, I do call him BoBo a lot and that came from the fact that he has two tattoos on his calves.  One of Yogi Bear and the other of Boo Boo.  Well, I said BoBo the first time and it just stuck.  So there you go.

Ah, The Fine Art Of Regifting

A couple of weeks ago we had a delightful visit from the Colonels.  They surprised Markie with a gift.  Well, it is something he did not think he would ever use and yet for some reason he thought of me.  Rather than waiting the usual 6 months before regifting, he decided to fast track and brought it over last night.  Yes, I am now the proud owner of a "As Seen On TV" bacon bowl set.  OMG!  I have seen the commercials and when he delivered it I was amazed.  I do plan on trying them out.  May wait until Damon's return, but they will take up residence in the kitchen.

Above the bacon bowls is some new camera that got Damon all atwitter last night.  I believe it is some new kind of camera that will be going on the market.  It is a prototype of some sort.  And one can only wonder why Pokey and Gumby were included but there you go - the salt and pepper must always be included.

Visitors For Dinner

If it is Saturday, there is likely someone popping over for dinner.  In this case it was Markie and his friend Dave who is in town for a visit.  He lives in Tokyo and gets to the states every now and then.  He has known Markie since 1985.  We had an evening of laughter and good conversation.  He is involved in electronics and so hit it off famously with Damon.  Dinner was a combination of some of the summer's hits from previous dinner events.  A lettuce salad with blueberries and feta.  Deviled eggs and main course was a pesto pasta with shrimp and grape tomatoes.  A nice refreshing dinner and many thanks to Damon for taking the lead on the main course.

Ah Youth

My sister posted this picture today on facebook.  It is the four of us kids back in our younger days - yes, that would be me on the left.  It was taken when we lived at 697 Indiana Street.  My sister, Janet, is holding me and then that would be oldest brother Steve and then Mike.  It is always amusing to find the old photos and have a chance to look back in time.  Do not think that pose would be possible today.  Ah, a much simpler time when we were young and carefree.  Then we go up and things get complicated.  But in the end we still have each other.  Have a great weekend!

How Something Can Go VERY Wrong...

I know it is the hottest rage this summer and yes, ALS has raised over $30 million in the process, but this just has me laughing beyond belief!  Many thanks to my friend Rebecca Dunkle out of NYC for sharing this with me.  I needed a good laugh today!  Hope you laughed too.

Another Project

Two years ago I went to Convergence in Chicago and presented there and in the process I met Damon.  It has been a great two years.  Last year we marked our 1st anniversary in New Orleans.  This year he departs on Monday for Phoenix where this year's Convergence will be held and be my representative as I cannot attend.  At that point we will officially kick-off Emerald City Convergence 2015.  My friend Markie used the above photo and the tag line of "Come to Emerald City Convergence at the end of the Rainbow.

I thought it was the perfect picture and the whole buildup is fun in that the past few years has been all about spewing out all the information at once.  I have opted to roll out the presentation with a lot of teasers and mentioning things to get people excited.  We are giving out plastic gold coins in Phoenix that they can bring to Seattle and use to win bonus prizes, etc.  There will be a lot of work ahead and I am glad that Damon will be there to support as will a lot of others.  This is not a one man show.

A Blast From The Past

I have known Hardy Myers for 34 years.  Our paths have come and gone and last night we had a chance to catch up for the first time since 1996.  He has done quite well for himself.  He is President and CEO of a company called AVST based in southern California.  He is in Seattle regularly and before stopping by last night realized that he had driven by my apartment complex several dozen times over the past year.  We met back when I was attending Willamette University.  It was summer and he was attending a music camp.  We hit it off and have touched base through the years.

He hit it off with Damon very quickly and they were talking a mile a minute - almost to the point of creating a new energy source.  I was amazed at how good he was at challenging Damon on electronics and just kept shooting questions.  There may be a potential work opportunity for Damon with a gentleman Hardy knows so will keep you posted.  Additionally, as the night wore on we discussed the possible future opportunities for myself and my health, etc.  All proved to be fruitful.  Could not believe how fast 5 hours flew by.  He plans to stop by again in the near future and not wait another 18 years!

A Rose By Any Other Name

Damon surprised me today with roses.  They were a gift to mark our 2nd anniversary of meeting which will be Labor Day.  Alas, he will not be here but in Scottsdale, AZ.  He has been here a couple of months and will return October 30th for the winter and likely longer.  We had a rather lengthy discussion and it seems that we agree we want to spend more time together.  He really like Seattle and wants to make it his home base.  Las Vegas is just not cutting it and he knew that.  But I really felt he needed some time to be free after Doug's death last year and not rush into anything.  Time has passed and we really do enjoy our time together.  He got a box of chocolates from me over the weekend and is enjoying them.  What a great way to kick off the week.

Another Grilling Experience

As Damon's current visit winds down we took time to get together with Jodie and Rob one more time.  The food was good as usual.  No not good - it was pretty dram great!  They arrived around 3pm and we played our first of two games of Catan.  Dare I share that I won not one, but both games last night?  Indeed true.  It even shocked me.

Prior to their arrival I assembled the main course.  Boneless pork chops wrapped in bacon using BBQ sauce as the glue to hold the bacon together per the recipe.  Now mind you, the recipe calls for two strips of bacon per chop.  If two is good, why not three!  Oh my!  Well, the end result kind of went sideways a bit.  The first time I made these, I did them to recipe and cooked them in the oven.  No problem.  On the grill was an entirely different experience from Damon shared and some bacon got a tad crunchy.

Mind you, it got crunchy, but did not go to waste!  With a tad bit of blue cheese dressing it was simply delicious.  The main course had two salads.  I made a lettuce salad and added raspberries (Yes Janet - GASP!) and offered Feta cheese on the side and ground walnuts as well.  A raspberry - walnut vinaigrette was the dressing of choice.

Jodie brought some delightful appetizers including little Brie tartlettes with sauteed onions and some wonderful crab dip.  But below is the salad course which were grape tomatoes stuffed with mozzarella and basil.  Like a miniature Caprese salad.  Quite refreshing.  Dessert was some of the wonderful Nanaimo bars that Moonsong had made for Damon.  Oh what a way to top off the meal and evening.  A series of different white wines were enjoyed throughout the evening.  Good times and wonderful memories.

Weekend Brunch Consideration

Now, I have to admit I am tempted by the thought of making these tasty treats.  But, it might just be me, but it looks like it could get complicated.  Thankfully, the weekend allows for opportunities like this to try a challenge.  Alas, not me this day.  It was blueberries and yogurt with a petite vanilla scone for breakfast.  Lunch will also be simple as Jodie and Rob will be stopping over for games and dinner.  We will be grilling bacon wrapped pork chops for dinner.  Both Jodie and I are making a salad.  Have a special treat for dessert.  Should be a fun day.

Seriously, It Is Closer Than You Think!

Double Surprise

Working away and knowing it has been another challenging week, I had my eyes on getting done for the day and relishing in the fact that it was Friday Eve.  The phone rings and it is my friend Steve from Vancouver, Canada.  He is on his way back from Portland where he did some work and decided to say hello.  As the conversation progressed, it was discovered of all things he was just about 5 minutes away from my place and so came on over on short notice.  A delight to see as I had not seen him in person in over a year.  He looked good and was became fast friends with Damon.  We had a good visit and he was on his way to try and beat the rush traffic in Everett when Boeing lets out for the afternoon at 3pm.

The afternoon continued and after work I decided to take a nap as the day just took its' toll on me.  After a very satisfying 45 minute nap I awoke to my phone ringing and it was Jeff - the gentleman who does those wonderful art bottles - and he was in the neighborhood and had some time before an appointment.  He asked if he could stop by.  Sure.  Not three minutes and he was calling to be buzzed in.  Indeed, he was close by.  We had a delightful chat and got caught up on life before he had to depart.  What a wonderful way to cap off a day that started out pretty darn blah!

Left-On!

We are a force to be reckoned with!

Happy Lefthanders Day to all!

Robin Williams - RIP

The announcement of his death last night just knocked me over.  I initially was not sure why, but after so much thought and consideration it was the fact that here was a man who made so many people laugh and be happy and yet was not happy unto himself.  I get how depression can set in.  I have had short bouts of it myself to be honest, but often after a good meltdown and cry I get back up on my feet and move on.  I realize all too well it is a nasty condition and quite pleased that it has not taken up long term residence with me.  Special kudos go to Damon, he keeps my in perspective and laughing.

The past weeks have been hard and at points I have just about completely lost it, but so thankful for my many friends and family that keep me in perspective.  Yes, work also does its share of making me crazed, but there have been all too many points in the past few days where I just look and go - really?  Working from home has given great perspective and it makes me appreciate all I have all the more.

Truly A Day Of Nothing

It was a day to forget and just let that be all that is said.  

I got nothing.

Another Fun Evening

Heather and Deb came over last night and we had a ball.  Had not seen them since last October I believe.  They had not been to the new apartment.  Arrived with fantastic T-Bones in hand with a marinade found on the back label of Montreal Steak seasoning.  Quite yummy!  While they provided the main course, I took care of the rest.

Yes, should the salads look similar to Friday's dinner, you are correct.  They are great and in the case of the pasta salad, had enough left over to handle both meals.  Add some beer and wine and presto, a great meal for all.  Below is a close-up of the steaks that are on the platter above.  It was great seeing them, but two dinner parties back-to-back is a bit of a challenge, glad I have today to regroup.

Happy Haunted Birthday

Happy 45 Anniversary to the 999 happy haunts at Disneyland's Haunted Mansion. 

A Night To Remember With The Colonels

Tonight the Colonels (Kate & Eric) arrived for a must delayed visit.  We had not seen each other in years.  What a delight to see the two of the again.  They are on a 2 month journey up to Alaska and back to Kentucky.  They are such a cute couple.

Markie joined us and with Damon it made five for dinner.  We kicked off the evening with cocktails and a lot of laughs and story telling.  Soon it was time to get the grill going.  It was marinaded chicken this evening.

As you can see, we were having too much fun and almost forgot to take the dinner shot.  So besides the BBQ chicken which was marinaded in a balsamic herb dressing.  So good.  Also made the asparagus and strawberry salad that has been so popular this summer.  The other salad was a pasta salad with pesto dressing, toasted pine nuts & grape tomatoes.  On the side was sliced olives and feta cheese.  Proved to be mighty tasty.  Yes, that is a yellow water pitcher doing double duty as a wine cooler!

As you can see from the above and below Eric and I think alike and wear our napkins to catch the falling food...Keeps the shirts clean.  It seemed by the comments that everyone enjoyed dinner.  For dessert I served a luscious lemon ice cream with blue berries.

One thing that the Colonels do on their travels is to take along Waylen and Earl, their pet frogs.  Earl is the naked frog by the way.  They pose for pictures and this was one that - surprise - Damon came up with.  Always a good time when he is around.

Bloody Mary Anyone?

The "Chicken Fried" Bloody Beast will be available this Saturday on a first-come-first-served basis at Sobelmans Pub and Grill--it includes the standard Sobelmans garnish (cheese, sausage, pickle, olive, onion, mushroom, asparagus, scallion, shrimp, lemon,brussels sprout, tomato & celery) for 4 regular Bloodies, two Baconadoes (skewers of bacon-wrapped jalapeno cheeseballs) & a whole fried chicken, fresh from Ray's Butcher Shoppe in Greenfield, Wisconsin!  You could have a heart attack just looking at it.  My thanks to Barb in Kentucky for sharing this.

Chef Damon

Since Damon arrived we have been working hand in hand getting food prepared.  I do a lot of menu planning and prep and he does the cooking with my guidance.  He has been doing a fantastic job of it.  Well, last night he totally surprised me by having me select a dish on his tablet and he took it from there.  I did make a couple of substitution suggestions, but the rest was his doing and it was fabulous.  He made a stir fry of broccoli and turkey with leeks over pasta.  Yummers!

A Fun Time With Good Friends

Last Saturday Rob & Jodie stopped over for the afternoon into evening for a couple of games of Catan, dinner and also the parade I made reference to in yesterday's posting.  We started the afternoon off with presenting Rob with a delayed birthday gift.  He is a self-proclaimed troll and we found a fun statue of one and then had the base made for it.  It declares - ROB - Best Troll Ever!  He loved it.

Since I am on oxygen it is not likely that I can get too close to the grill to cook.  Thus, Damon has gotten several lessons in grilling and today it was with Rob.  They were going to make Brawts - 3 varieties - hot and spicy, chicken and beer.  All three styles would be grilled and Rob got Damon his own apron.  He is one proud cook.

Below are the three beers Rob used to marinate the brawts.  We all got to have a taste of the beers and the Mississippi Mud was mighty tasty!  They simmered a couple of hours on the stove while we played our first game of Catan.  The day was one that was really an enjoyable memory.

As the clock ticked away the parade was due to start.  I got underway about 7pm and was quite festive. While watching the parade Rob saw a vendor selling the alien inflatables and commented how he wanted one.   Jodie snuck down and got one for him - he was one happy alien owner.  They are such a cute couple and dear friends.

As you can see in the above picture the parade is passing us by and while not as noticeable, the grill is cooking up a platter of brawts.  Now mind you I am not one to make suggestive statements, but the below picture is just a tad on the obscene side if you get my drift.  But oh was the neat mighty tasty!

But know that other food graced the table.  Prior to dinner we enjoyed nibbles of smoked salmon, cream cheese, crackers, smoked Beecher's Flagship cheese and a bacon & blue cheese spread that was amazing.  At dinner, I made a salad of greens, blueberries with choice of vinaigrette.  On the side we had Gorgonzola crumbles and crushed walnuts for those wanting a little something extra.   

 Dessert was a complete surprise - It was national cheesecake day earlier in the week and so to honor that they brought along The Cheesecake Factory's newest flavor to share...OMG - Lemon Meringue!  Lemon Cream Cheesecake Swirled with Lemon, Topped with Layers of Lemon Mascarpone Mousse and Housemade Meringue on a Vanilla Crumb Crust.  We loved it and totally forgot to get a picture and so here is one from their website...

And so sets the sun on a fabulous day...but it continued into the evening with a second game of Catan.  Fun all around and by the way, the below picture Damon clicked while watching the parade - stunning.

Let's Have A Parade!

OK, so will call it a parade in spirit...the following series shows how truly "community oriented" it is.  This is a summary of images of the exciting action of the parade that ran for 90 minutes.  Below are highlights and unique images of the parade.  Tomorrow I will follow-up on the rest of the day as we did have a good time.