Swanda's Fabulous Blog

What An Amazing Day!

2011-11-05T17:50:00.001-07:00

This is what Beacon Ridge looks like as the autumnal colors are reaching their peak and it is stunning to be sure as the skies were dusted with clouds and oh was it crisp. An amazing day and the last of daylight's savings time, roll those clocks back tonight.While the ridge is stunning, one needs only look down from my apartment, #512, and see the rich colors of the zen garden. They really did pick some delightful replacement trees to enhance the garden at this time of year. What a joy to see these beautiful colors.Mother Nature was doing a grand job of creating a blaze of color and abundance outside and so inside I decided to get Halloween packed up and put out Thanksgiving. Yes, I am sort of like Nordstrom in that I feel each holiday needs a nod and thus the dining area has been transformed into a bounty of rich color, enjoy. Below is a detailed shot of the dining table.

Happy Halloween! I'm Back, Sort Of...

2011-10-31T03:54:00.000-07:00

Will be playing catch op in the coming days from the trip to Ashland and now San Francisco. Lots to share, but for now, be it a day of more treats than tricks!

Heading South...

2011-10-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

Hey folks, I am off to see mom for a few days and will catch up when I get back on Sunday. Looking forward to the drive and the fall colors. By the way, on this street just up on the left is Standing Stone Brewery where Mom and I will enjoy lunch on Thursday.

Breakfast du Jour

2011-10-19T06:45:00.000-07:00

For the past two plus months eggs have become my friend. I have them fried, poached (not good at this at all), hard-boiled (awesome for deviled eggs and egg salad sandwiches, plus my favorite - scrambled. I use butter and cream plus some cheese on top and can you say YUM! Well, I sure do. Coffee with cream is beverage of choice and we got it good. I decided to pause this AM and share just what gets me going at least 5 days a week. The weekends often sees a sausage or bacon addition and as happened this past weekend, a delightful omelet. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, without hesitation.

Hide & Seek

2011-10-18T18:51:00.000-07:00

So Markie stopped by on his way to the airport last night as I noted in my blog. I happened to mention that he should get me a souvenir from Miami. Well, he got home this morning and indeed, he got me a trinket. He added it to my shelf unit, do you see it there. I got home this afternoon and was tired. Did not look around, just went and crashed and napped. Connie and I were chatting when he texted, "See your present?" And I had not. I did not look for it. Do you see it, a lovely globe from the Florida. I have a real deep love for snow globes. Don't give me a rain globe or a glitter globe. Markie did not. He knows me all too well. But where was it, do you see it below?

It took me 5 seconds to see it and was amazed. Laughed and got up and walked over only to have another good laugh. It was a globe alright...a sand globe! Ya gotta love a guy who knows you all too well. Markie, you are one in a million!

Seriously, you cannot take a snow globe on the plane, but the sand globes are totally cool. I love it. Just crazy enough to be an instant treasure. And so there you go, Markie flew back and forth across the country and all I got was a sand globe. LOVE IT!

Pondering The Blog On Monday

2011-10-17T19:46:00.000-07:00

After a weekend of fun and getting a lot of stuff done, I was pondering what would I post today? Seriously, work was steady and full, but boring. Took an afternoon nap and enjoyed a simple dinner, but nothing was coming to me. The hours ticked off and I was getting more and more worried about what would fill this day's posting. And then it happened.Yes, Markie stops by the apt. on his way to the airport. He is flying to Miami on a red-eye via Alaska Airlines only to turn around and fly home in the morning and thereby getting enough miles to sustain his Gold status. What people will do for miles and upgrades. But seriously, the carry-on bag just had to be captured and shared. Too mucking futch! Sometimes, life drops nuggets of laughter at just the right time. Enough said.

A Tale Of Two Countries

2011-10-17T19:12:00.000-07:00

There is a Blog called BillinExile and I copied this entry to share. The first photo is in New York City this past weekend. The second photo was taken up in Canada, city not shared. You gotta love the difference. What else is there to be said?

Major Project Done

2011-10-16T19:32:00.001-07:00

Last January I went online and found a store having a sale where I got two binders to hold DVD's. I then felt it would be great to consolidate all the DVD's to just the binders and get rid of all the containers (hello recycle) and kept putting it off. Well, that was until today. I got all of them done and only a few did not have to surrender to the binders: Complete series of "Queer As Folk" plus "The West Wing" and "Book of Daniel" along with "Wonderfalls" both short lived, but funny. Also have first seasons of "Brothers & Sisters" along with "Glee" and "Oprah's 20th Anniversary Set" and "Highlights from Johnny Carson" to add flavor. Rounding out the extras are two volumes of Julia Child and the entire "Tales of the City" plus added years. That is going to be touring as Ani wants to see it in California.

So when I got the two binders, they offered free foil stamping on the cover and here is a close-up of what I decided to call them...look close!Yes, I was amused and so now my binders are sorted in to generic, gay-theme, Christmas & adult. To think I own fewer than 100 DVD's and less than 100 CD's let alone no ipod. Go figure!

THE Sunday Brunch

2011-10-16T18:57:00.001-07:00

This is our destination for brunch. Have not been in ages and quite excited. I love the places that preserve the old building or house and turn it into a business. Rather than knocking the building down and creating a new featureless space, the old brick beauty got refurbished and maintains a little character.

And so the Hi-Life is a converted firehouse that now serves as a restaurant. You've got the nice brick interior with high ceilings and ample space. If you tacked on a fireplace and let people slide down poles then you'd have the perfect atmosphere.

The price isn't the cheapest in the Seattle area for standard breakfast food, but it's not gonna kill you either. Chippy staff here and even on the weekend it has a more mellow vibe. Overall, it's a pretty good brunch choice.So we met up and snagged a table as they opened at 8:30 with Mick arriving a few minutes later. Rob & Jodie were already parked and waiting when I arrived 15 minutes early. Coffee was up first and not bad, but I make better. Waiting for Mick we shared a piece of Apple Coffee Cake. I held to two bites and it was moist and tasty. They do a seasonal menu and also all the art work changes quarterly.

Jodie opted for the traditional biscuits & Gravy. I gave her my hash browns and we called it good. She said they were better than average. The High Life holds a special place for her as it was where Rob took her out to breakfast the very first time. Yup, all together = Awwwwww! They are just about the cutest couple I know. Did I mention here yet that they are getting married next year!? Here there are plans to go with a whole Cinco de Mayo theme complete with a pinata in the shape of a wedding cakeNo, do not adjust your computer or eyes, this is a breakfast pizza. Rob ordered it and shared he would again in fact. Eggs, pico de gallo and chorizo made for a festive Mexican theme for his brunch. Hmm, do you get a sense of a theme developing on that side of the table. They keep saying the fact that the reception happens to fall on Cinco de Mayo is totally happen chance. Me thinks they doth protest too much! Ole!Had not seen Mick in a few weeks and always good to catch up. He seems to have dined in quite a few of the breakfast joints around town and had a favorite dish ready to order here. He had the Chili Verde Slinger - Green chile & braised pork stew with pepper jack, stacked on a bed of spiced hash browns. Get two eggs any style & toast. The garnish of some fresh fried tortilla noodles was perfect. By how fast he ate it, it must have been good.Last, but not least I decided to try a seasonal special. Called the Pig in the Orchard Omelet - Smoked pork, Fuji apples, sharp cheddar cheese & red onions folded into a scallion flecked omelet shell. Served with hash browns & toast. Had them hold the onions, actually asked if they could grill them a bit, but they left them off. Hash browns to Jodie and I ate a half slice of bread and a quarter of another. Quite controlled if you ask me.

Next weekend the place will be a zoo as they celebrate the 100th anniversary of the building and here is a blurb on their website: Come celebrate the 100 Year Anniversary of the Old Ballard Firehouse #18 on Saturday October 22nd. All day festivities which will include a family style pancake feed & firemen chili cook-off!

I'll be driving up to Portland from Ashland and will miss it, but I have to admit I am pleased to be getting back to doing things as the pounds begin to fall off. I like being back on my game.

Oh My, Did I Really Do That?

2011-10-15T18:50:00.000-07:00

Friday had Jodie & Rob stopping by for cocktails and discussing Halloween. We enjoyed catching up and they are just wonderful friends. I enjoyed blueberry vodka blended with vanilla vodka and add a splash of tonic. Think blueberry pie and vanilla ice cream. Three are perfect, but not four. I repeat, do not try to do 4 of them or you might need some help remembering the calls you have made and commitments as well.

Thankfully among friends we had a lot of laughs and I had committed to two brunches on Sunday and toss in a Worldmark reservation request for next year. I slept very well and was up early and got a ton of crap done and done. Phone calls, dishes, reading and laundry. Heck groceries were delivered and I am ready to entertain! Sounders played and oh my what a loud crowd it was. But have to love the cooler temps outside. How I love autumn.

Friday Frozen Find!

2011-10-14T18:37:00.000-07:00

I've admired it and driven by it numerous times. But since its appearance on the southwest corner of Fourth and Blanchard in early June, had no idea who built the Belltown popsicle.

Just that it looks ... delicious. It makes me smile every time I see it.

The 17-foot steel and apoxy dessert sits on property owned by commercial real estate developer Martin Selig -- no stranger to the oversized. He's built many of Seattle's most notable skyscrapers, including its tallest -- the 76-story Columbia Center, which he sold in 1989.Selig is also behind some of downtown's signature commissioned office park art. Seen the bronze man and woman relaxing on benches across from the Cinerama? The aluminum runners frozen mid-step off Elliott Avenue? Earthy and metallic, these and other pieces in his public collection look nowhere as colorful -- or refreshing -- as his newest.

"Whoever created this should be given the Nobel Prize for Awesomeness," Belltown blogger Igor Keller wrote about the popsicle. "This is simply one of the greatest things ever made by human hands."

Nothing near the sculpture identifies its creator, though a plaque should appear there soon, Selig said.

How did Selig come to embrace an artist with such different tastes?

"I guess I married her," he said.

'OMG - a giant popsicle!'

Catherine Mayer's art is all about first reactions. When she considered what should go on the corner of her husband's Belltown office building, her answer came quick.

"I said, 'Oh. My. God. A giant popsicle!'" she recalled. "And he said, 'OK!'" Mayer, 61, married Selig in 2006. She had one particular popsicle in mind for that corner. It was red, like the ones she got as a kid from the ice cream guy in New Orleans. It had two sticks, not one, like the ones she could split to share half with her brother.Mayer has been working to make multi-sensory art that inspires positive reactions in the form of murals, animations and sculptures. The popsicle was perfect.

"If you think of them, you can almost smell them and taste them," she said.

The popsicle is her first piece of outdoor public art in downtown Seattle, but it won't be the last.

"It's the first of a series of things that went through my mind as I envisioned the popsicle," she said. "Childhood things that made me smile that I loved."

Stay tuned: The next sculpture could appear somewhere in the city within a year.

And this time, we might just know who made it.

Special thanks to KING5 for their posting of this story.

Why Is Greenwich The "Centre Of Time & Space"?

2011-10-13T15:09:00.000-07:00

It dates back to October 1884. At the behest of the President of the United States of America 41 delegates from 25 nations met in Washington, DC, USA for the International Meridian Conference.

At the Conference the following important principles were established:

It was desirable to adopt a single world meridian to replace the numerous ones already in existence.

The Meridian passing through the principal Transit Instrument at the Observatory at Greenwich was to be the 'initial meridian'.

That all longitude would be calculated both east and west from this meridian up to 180°.

All countries would adopt a universal day.

The universal day would be a Mean Solar Day, beginning at the Mean Midnight at Greenwich and counted on a 24 hour clock.

That nautical and astronomical days everywhere would begin at mean midnight.

All technical studies to regulate and extend the application of the decimal system to the division of time and space would be supported.

Resolution 2, fixing the Meridian at Greenwich was passed 22-1 (San Domingo voted against), France & Brazil abstained.

The National Maritime Museum have kindly given us extracts from the Conference minutes.

On The Road Again

2011-10-12T14:33:00.000-07:00

Next week, I will head south on Wednesday and stop for the night in Portland and see Janet. Thursday, I'll wake up and head south to see Mom for a few days. Things are not going well and so I want to spend a few days chatting and going to arrange for a complete house cleaning. On Saturday, I will head north to Portland and spend the night with Janet again. Sunday will have me doing a drive by in Long Beach to get the tuna from Michael. Each year we are blessed to enjoy some fresh caught and canned tuna. It is divine.

Back in Seattle, I'll drop off the cases to Helene and Moonsong. Then home and crash for a few days until I fly south to San Francisco on Thursday, the 27th.Upon arrival I'll get settled and spend a few days getting to attend events and on Saturday, the 29th will help out with the big Halloween Party. From there it will be a chance to see Alcatraz and see the Bay Area clubs to a flash mob Thriller dance. That should be a hoot. Hope to get a chance to see several friends and then it will be home again. My oh my! Who knew the day would take a 180 degree turn, but then again change is in the air and this is but the first couple of turns.

National Coming Out Day

2011-10-11T14:31:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is a day to come out if you have not. I cannot imagine what life would be like not being able to live free and happy. Plus, this is a really cool photo I snagged from Bill in Exile's blog and had to share.

For All The Worried Boys & Girls

2011-10-10T12:16:00.001-07:00

There have been a few days lapse without posting, but they are now caught up here. Today is a holiday up north don't you know plus a whole different one down here in the USofA, so go have fun!

In Honor Of Our Friends To The North...

2011-10-10T12:14:00.000-07:00

There Is A God!

2011-10-09T14:18:00.000-07:00

A festive Halloween Goblin stopped by to see how I was doing and decided to take things into their own hands and help me out. How kind and with just a tad of direction (READ: Compulsive to a fault) it really turned out festive and fabulous. So glad to get up the decor to be able to enjoy for a couple of weeks.

Praise all as my apartment got a bit of a festive touch this fine day. Yes, the dining table did get the most attention, but look how cute my cookbook caddy is. Something completely new this year is the addition of the hand swizzle sticks. They are fun. This on is especially fun.

Frappe Of Food

2011-10-08T14:13:00.000-07:00

Yes, life can be hellish at times. All my food had to go through a blender or be mashed up completely for a couple of days. Hell, just go out and buy a case of two of Gerber's and be done with it. Ick!

The Unplanned Weekend

2011-10-07T14:07:00.000-07:00

In life, there are things that happen that you do not plan on. As I have been losing weight I have been feeling better and the clothes keep getting bigger. It's a good thing. Sadly, some things can happen that are just a fact of nature and spoil it all. Well, one of those things happened tonight and after a brief visit to the emergency room, if you call three and a half hours brief, I arrived home to a mess of a place as Amazon Fresh had delivered groceries just before everything broke loose. I just had to turn a blind eye and let it all be. It will all get settled, but for now, rest is a top priority. Needless to say, this is being posted several days later, but I wanted you to know why Friday was not a festive posting, but just you wait, they get better.

The Joy Of A Note

2011-10-06T14:01:00.000-07:00

It was a delight to receive an actual hand written note this day from a good friend. Markie, Helene and my sister, Janet, are among those that write Thank You notes. They have told me that I inspired them to do so. Sadly, for the past couple of years I have fallen into the majority and have stopped writing to people.

When I got my mail, it was a collection of sales fliers, offers for credit cards, catalogs and requests for donations. Plus, one envelope that glowed as it was hand written. I am going to make a commitment right here and now that by the end of the month I will be sending out notes and cards again to dear friends and family. Just in time to do my time honored custom of Christmas-New Year Cards. I like to send them the day after Christmas as it is then when we have time to pause and read after the holiday rush. Happy Writing!

A Journey One Pound At A Time

2011-10-05T18:52:00.000-07:00

Needless to say, weight has been a challenge for the better part of my life. I have tried just about every diet there is and get frustrated. I have always been trying to loose weight for someone else, but not for me. Well, earlier this year I had a few internal messages tell me I had to do something. They were not good messages and so I talked to my doctor and began quietly to work at the weight. Let me tell you there is a lot to work at. Dropped the majority of carbs and hello protein and fats plus 20 units of carbs a day. Bye-bye to sodas, chips, ice cream, and pasta plus bread. And today I went to weigh in as I do every two weeks. It is the journey, not the numbers. But you do need to pause every once in a while and catch your breath.Today was such a day. Yes, the clothes are getting more roomy and I can feel a change, but the stomach tells me otherwise. It is truly a case of I am my father. The initial weight is coming off my legs and backside. As I sat and talked to John, my doctor, he stated that this is not unusual and that for the next few months a cane may be in order to create a triad of balance and to relieve some of the stress on my legs. It is a case of being the artichoke pit with the tooth picks stuck in. So sometimes you have to take two steps forward and one step back to get somewhere. Today, I am 52 pounds lighter than when I started. But it is a heck of a relief, now let's keep this going.

National Taco Day

2011-10-04T17:10:00.000-07:00

It’s National Taco Day! A taco is a traditional Mexican dish made with chicken, beef, vegetables, or seafood. The filling is folded inside a soft or hard tortilla and garnished with toppings such as cheese, salsa, or guacamole.

In 1520, the conquistador Hernando Cortez wrote to King Charles V of Spain to describe his experiences in the New World. In his letter he mentioned a delicious meal the Aztec inhabitants prepared with “tlaxcalli” or “tortilla.” It is the first historical reference to tacos!

Today, tacos are enjoyed all over the world. Invite your friends over for make-your-own tacos and celebrate National Taco Day!

I Have Been Sucked In!

2011-10-03T17:17:00.000-07:00

Janet, my sister, and I have been texting and calling each other as we watch each week. Mind you, we do not vote, heaven's no, that would mean we had gone to the dark side. Rather, we chat about the dances and the judges remarks. It has been a hoot and quite frankly, the GLBT contingent has been doing ok. We shall see how the results go tomorrow night.

We also chat about "Project Runway" and "Amazing Race" so we do have plenty of opportunity to dish and discuss who is going to make it and who will be going home. It is a way to stay connected across the miles. Funny how television plays such a roll in our lives and yet, how I do enjoy turning the damn thing off and enjoying the silence.

A Day To Catch Up

2011-10-02T16:38:00.001-07:00

Laundry, check!

Dishes, check!

Brunch, check!

Phone Calls, check!

Backlog of NYTime, check!

Backlog of Seattle Met, check!

Nap in the afternoon, check!

Yup, it was a good day and so there you go...later.

Time For Transition

2011-10-01T11:04:00.000-07:00

This is the arrangement of Stargazer Lillies that was in the picture last Sunday of Moonsong. Now they have burst open and the apartment smells great. Once they have peaked, it will be time to take the apartment into the autumnal look with pumpkins, corn, grapes and various festive decor for the new season. For today, I shall enjoy the flowers, the overcast skies and catch up on some reading. Enjoy the day.

We Finally Found A Cafe

2011-09-30T10:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Carl & I headed off to Woodinville for breakfast and some wine tasting. Let me share from a loving heart-space...it is not easy to find a place for breakfast in this little hamlet. Seriously, it was a challenge! But did we score in the end.
Folks, I wanted to hold off on this place so it could get its' just desserts! Why? Well, let's start with comfort food without wondering about health codes -- that's what Woodinville Cafe delivers. Seriously, they offer many items that you can normally only get at a greasy spoon type of place, but there is no grease on these spoons.

Whatever you order, there will be a LOT of it. Breakfast any time, including delicious pancakes with many toppings and they have a version of potato pancakes you will find nowhere else! Oh and the bacon isn't cheap thin stuff, it's lovely, smoky bacon. That's a review from trying 4 strips myself.

The eggs, scrambled for me, are heavenly. Try the Monte Cristo, the chicken fried steak, as people around us did, they looked awesome. And be sure to order a home-made shake to go with your meal! They are sublime... and ginormous, but even better = peanut butter!

The service is super friendly and Lee made us laugh a lot. Atmosphere is much nicer than a diner, it makes you feel like you are on a train to great food. I can't get enough of this place... and there are others owned by the same proprietor. Mmmm, give it a try.

A Day In Woodinville

2011-09-29T17:38:00.000-07:00

After a fabulous breakfast at Woodinville Cafe (which will be discussed in greater detail tomorrow) we were off on our journey to introduce Carl to Washington wines. Initially I was going to take some pictures of us drinking, but them something happened. Nature. It was a beautiful day and the grounds at Chateau St. Michelle are stunning. Here is a wonderful picture of Hydrangeas and then a stunning base of a Cedar tree. Wowzers, what a fun way to give wine tasting perspective.

Columbia Winery was just across the street from our first stop. It was quite a lovely facility and the most crowded as there were two limo buses parked with people all swarming around. The first picture is of the building as you approach and the second was some wild flowers on the grounds. Talk about details, a guy was going around and carefully repainting all the yellow curbing.

Silverlake Winery was our third stop and it was fun. Carl tasted pear wine for the first time. I have to say, in looking at the wineries from a different point of view is making the day a bit more fun. Each stop really shows how the arrival is as important as the experience.

Our last stop was the Woodhouse Wine Estates. Carl was put over the edge with a tasting of 10 different wines. Here they have a great patio area and what are they growing? Why tomatoes of course! It was a fun day.

All told Carl bought 3 bottles of wine and we had a lot of laughs to be sure. I was amazed to learn that there are nearly 50 wineries and tasting rooms in the Woodinville area. This was not my first visit, but one thing is for sure, it will not be my last. A very good memory to be sure and this is now Carl's last night as he flies south tomorrow. Thanks for coming up, it's been a good time.

Rosh Hashanah Greetings

2011-09-28T17:25:00.000-07:00

Happy 55th Markie

2011-09-28T16:32:00.000-07:00

So Markie always does something for his birthday. One year a cruise another was a flight on the Concord. This year he decided to go to New Mexico and stay in a cabin out in the middle of nowhere that has iron rods in the ground all around it to attract lightening. Why do I have a feeling you are not going to see that on my bucket list.

But to each his own - Happy Birthday to you kind sir!Thanks to Markie for the photos from his blog!

Carl Arrives & Sleeps

2011-09-27T17:17:00.000-07:00

My friend Carl arrived tonight and we enjoyed a great Thai dinner. But all too soon he was crashed out as he had worked all night before boarding a plane to fly up here. He's a nurse and a physician's assistant and works crazy hours. But he got in safely and we welcomed his arrival by cracking open a bottle of Washington Merlot and catching up on all that was fit to chat about. He was asleep by 9pm. I decided to stay up to watch the results show for DWTS. The vacation that was to be is on hold for the most part. Did make it in yesterday, today and will go in tomorrow, oh joy!

Oh Yes We Did Have Fun!

2011-09-26T19:29:00.000-07:00

Jodie & Rob stopped by to share a champagne tasting as they begin planning their post wedding reception that is planned for May 5, 2012. Now, if memory serves me, Cinco de Mayo is on the same day. Am I right? Well, how do you like the party hat I suggested for Rob. Now, the "hat" for Jodie was a complete fluke and is too funny! And oh my, is she a happy camper or what?OK, that is better Jodie. But you can't fault her too much, it was a warm day and wet and humid = UGH! We introduced Helene to Blokus and the bottle of champagne was gone all too soon. It was a leisurely Sunday and heck, let's have another bottle of something...and when did it stop?Yes, the spoils of a very festive afternoon! Rob even went downstairs and got sushi for Jodie. After last weekend and the impact just two pieces had on me, I passed. Rob grilled some tri-tips and there was pate and before all this Helen and I enjoyed a festive Hawaiian lunch. It was a good day.

Moonsong & Flowers

2011-09-25T11:07:00.000-07:00

So this is Moonsong who I have talked about numerous times. Today he actually cleaned the apartment with me here. I had a lot of crap to get to on the computer and it was kinda weird weather outside and so I worked away as he did and before he left I took his picture. To the left you will see a small vase of white lilies that I got yesterday and just over his right side is a HUGE bouquet of stargazer lilies I got. All of them for $20 bucks. How I love Amazon Fresh. This is a quick post as Helene is due in 20 minutes and then Jodie and Rob are stopping by. Kinda social day, but that's ok after having a nice quiet day yesterday of reading and just futzing about the apartment. Did have nice chats with Janet, Mom, Michael and Ani. Carl arrives Tuesday and we shall see how much of a vacation I am able to work out of the week.

We Are Hitting The Pause Button...

2011-09-24T10:51:00.000-07:00

Catch up tomorrow!

Ladies & Gentlemen, My Favorite Season!

2011-09-23T10:41:00.000-07:00

This day marks the beginning of autumn and it is hands down my favorite season of the year. The colors and the time changes that happen with the nights growing longer brings out the candles and I begin decorating the apartment for the season and then add on the Halloween and then Thanksgiving add-ons. Christmas will not soon be popping. This is going to be a Christmas to remember! Will be in NYC from December 6-11.

Aloha - Do You Deliver?

2011-09-22T10:26:00.000-07:00

I was so not in the mood to cook tonight, too hot. What are you going to do? Have a luau-inspired meal from North Shore Hawaiian BBQ. They offer genuine recipes from the Pacific Islands that are characteristic of the sweet and tangy food from the area. Alongside their traditional beef, pork, chicken and seafood dishes, they like to offer the best sides--fresh salads, filling soups and delicious appetizers. If you’re up for trying something a little different, have a taste of gyoza or island fried rice. Seriously, we are talking awesome food. When Mom visited we did short ribs and they were finger licking good. I like to kick the rice to the curb and get more salad. They will do what you want when you want. I love them for that. It was so good I might see if Helene would like to try them on Sunday when she come for lunch. She is due just after Moonsong finishes cleaning. Have I told you how much I appreciate Moonsong and his cleaning? It is such a treat to come into a lovely fresh smelling apartment that is all fresh and clean. Yeah!

Seven Years Ago...

2011-09-21T10:14:00.000-07:00

Tropical Storm Jeanne has caused severe flooding on the Island of Haiti leaving tens of thousands homeless and over 500 deaths. The 30% city of Port-de-Paix is now covered by water with just a few house tops visible and along the coast and nearby plantations are reported to be under water. And in the city of Gonaives where roads around the city were transformed into fast flowing rivers and 80% of the population is affected. In the years since the various storms, earthquakes, hurricanes, and all various weather related storms seem to be taking up more and more of the TV time. Seriously, is there a day that a news broadcast does not begin with "Breaking News" and poof off we go again. Recently the hurricane going up the east coast and the following flooding pushed aside the tornado's that had hit the mid west not 6 weeks earlier. And here in the northwest, it was just a very nice and mild summer. We were very lucky.

Pay Day Is A Good Thing

2011-09-20T10:06:00.000-07:00

At Events & Adventures we get paid on the 5th and 20th of the month. Odd, but I go with it. Well, this month had been a tad unusual in that Labor Day was the 5th so we got paid on the 2nd and then had to wait over two weeks for another pay day. Well, it arrived today and I was rather impressed at how I was able to make the dollars stretch a bit further. Rack a bit of it up to making more meals at home and I was glad to have a groove going in doing fun marinades and glazes for meats. Yum. Deviled Eggs are becoming a common staple of entertaining when people come over and trying different things in them. Tonight it is Polish Sausage with melted cheese on top. The other thing is drinking so much more water.

Bad Juju Switch-A-Roo

2011-09-19T16:42:00.000-07:00

Curtis went to Africa earlier this year and brought back a beaded neck ring for me and it was a lovely gift. But, oddly, I kept feeling weird when it was in the apartment. I moved it around and finally went to Curtis and shared my situation. He had a mask that I really liked when he showed it to me and we agreed to a trade and now I have the lovely mask above in my abode and he is giving the beaded piece to his 91 year old grandmother. A perfect ending to the situation and I am a happy camper.

Hello Rain, It's Been A While!

2011-09-18T16:35:00.000-07:00

How perfect! Feeling a bit under the weather and it is raining outside thus lending itself to just canceling the day and staying in bed and enjoying the wetness and calm of the day. How I love the rain!

We Are On A Countdown...

2011-09-17T16:30:00.000-07:00

Autumn arrives next Friday, the 23rd!

The Art Of The Note

2011-09-16T16:14:00.000-07:00

The Do's and Don'ts of How to Write Thank You Letters
The Etiquette Basics You Need to Know

They're such a simple concept. A thank you letter, or note, is an expression of appreciation for a thoughtful act, expression, or gift. But the potential formality of this thought can be intimidating. Many people think that the wording of a thank you letter has to be perfect, and this causes so much anxiety that the notes are never sent. Before all the other rules, just remember that an imperfect letter that comes with heartfelt sentiment is better than a perfect note that was never written.

In order to relieve some of the anxiety on this subject, here is a simple guide to the do's and don'ts of thank you letters. You may discover that in some cases where you thought a written letter was required, it's not. I'll also give you a few sample letters just to get you started. But remember, although I'm providing a formula, you'll need to personalize your thank you note to make it meaningful to the recipient.

The Do's of Thank You Letters

Send your thank you letters as quickly as possible.

Letters may be sent on informal stationery, except for wedding thank you notes which are generally sent on formal stationery.

Always make specific reference to the gift that is the subject of the letter, such as "Thank you so much for the blue sweater. How did you know that was my favorite color?"

Always send letters in the following situations:
•Wedding gifts.
•For sympathy letters, flowers, or mass cards.
•To the hostess after a party that was hosted in your honor.
•For bridal or baby shower gifts.
•For gifts that were received by mail.
•After being entertained by your boss.
•Gifts received during a hospital stay.
•After being hosted as a houseguest for one or more nights (unless it's a close relative or friend who is doing the hosting).
•For notes or gifts of congratulations.

Thank you notes are not required in the following situations, but would still be a nice gesture:
•After being a guest at a dinner party.
•After a job interview (not required, but definitely a smart idea).
•For birthday gifts that were received and opened in person, and you already thanked the giver personally.
•When a friend has helped you out with a special favor such as babysitting, a meal when you were sick, running errands for you when you are incapable.
•To the sales representative who has entertained you personally as part of a business relationship.

The Don'ts of Thank You Letters

Don't delay in sending most letters. Generally letters should be sent within a week of receipt of the gift or gesture. The only exception to this timing is as follows:

•Thank you letters for hospital gifts should be sent as soon as the patient is well enough to send them, whenever that is.
•The current guidelines for wedding gift thank you letters are that the letters should be sent within three months of receipt of gifts. However, given the potential monumental task that would pose to the bride and groom after their honeymoon, it makes sense to send notes out as soon as gifts are received (often wedding gifts are sent prior to the wedding date).
I cannot stress enough the importance of personalizing thank you letters. I have attended large children's parties where parents hand out pre-written thank you letters as guests leave the party, even though gifts haven't even been opened. In my opinion, there's no point in even giving a thank you in this case. Thought was given to selecting just the right present for the birthday boy or girl, and without a specific thank you for the gift, the giver will never know how much the gift was really enjoyed. This kind of thank you is merely a check note on the party list, and conveys no sense of personal appreciation.

Even though most thank you letters can be sent on informal stationery, that doesn't mean it's okay to use a piece of paper torn from your shopping list pad. Find note cards that reflect your personality, and keep a ready supply on hand. They don't need to cost a lot of money. In fact, if you shop diligently, you can find inexpensive, attractive cards in the dollar stores.

There's no need to lie if you dislike a gift. If something is not to your taste, you should still show appreciation for the thought that went into selecting it for you. You can always say "Thank you for the thoughtful (fill in the blank). I will always think of you whenever I use it."

Special Thanks to Diane Palito for the helpful tips.

100 Days Until...

2011-09-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

Most people, Christian or not Christian, love to welcome Christmas day because that is an off day where free food is abundant and people looks less temperament than regular day. Every 25 of December, People celebrate the birth of Jesus with gifts, wines, cakes and free foods. Million people anticipated those day but some are just do not care about it because they fact that 25 December was the birth of Lord is unknown. Here, we are going to check 10 interesting facts about Christmas. Some fact will probably answer the doubt of non-believers.

1. Fact 1: Nativity Scene, At first, Alexandria’s theologians celebrated the birth of Isaac every 20th may. Before 200AD, 25 December was same as other regular day. First people who proposed 25th day as the day to celebrate the birth of Jesus was Pope in Rome at in 380 AD. Some scholars believed Pope picked a wrong date because 25th December is the same day when pagan’s celebrate the birth the sun of God

2. Fact 2: Street Carol during Christmas Eve was started in England by a rich entrepreneur. He hired songwriter and singers to cheer the perambulation night of Christmas and the custom spread out to other cities in England afterward. From many Choruses had been made for the Christmas, We wish you a merry Christmas is the most popular.

3. Fact 3: First Christian who initiated the custom of Christmas gift card gifting and exchange was Sir Henry Cole in 1843.

4. Fact 4: Gift giving custom and send celebrated card is in fact not a new tradition. In ancient Rome, to respect the goddess of New Year, Strenia, Romans used to share or exchange some of their valuable stuff to other people who have believe with them.

5. Fact 5: Christmas tree was not available before 16th century. A Christmas custom to include Christmas tree every Christmas season was started by a German priest, Martin Luther. He took a cedar tree from the forest and brought it home to teach his children that Jesus was coming from stars and he went to earth to save human .

6. Fact 6: Before 1600s Christian in England celebrated Christmas every 25th December. However, in 1644, Parliament act banned all practices of Christmas celebration and customs. The regulation of prohibiting the celebration of Christmas was also happening in Boston in 1659 until 1681. The end of the prohibitions act ended after Governor Sir Edmund Andros led the city.

7. Fact 7: Fact about Santa is not lie. He was a real living figure. Before 16th century, the popularity of the generosity St. Nicholas spread across Europe. He was known as a good caretaker and gift giver. In France, his name was known as ‘Père Nöel’. In Germany, ‘Père Nöel’ was known as Christ kind or Christ Child and in US, ‘Père Nöel’ was popular as Kris Kringle. In US, Dutch Settler renamed Kris Kringle as `Sinter Klas’. After view decades, Sinter Klas changed to be Santa Claus.

8. Fact 8: Pro Roman pope disagree that he had picked wrong date to mark the birth of Christ. They argued, It was pagan who adopted 25th December as the birthday of their god. They believed Mithras cult was born far behind the tradition of Christmas and they adopted the date to spread doubts.

9. fact 9: Word Christmas and Xmas literally has same meaning. In Geek alphabet, X is called Christos that means Christ in English.

10. Fact 10 Christmas gift, The tradition of gift exchange of gift giving symbolizes the day when the baby Isaac received 3 gifts from 3 wise men Balthazar, Melchior, and Caspar who traveled from hundreds of miles followed the star of Bethlehem to find the king of all Jews. Those 3 people gave marry 3 gifts for Isaac Frankincense, Gold and Myrrh that represents pride, fame, and suffer.This is last Christmas facts I can give to you and I hope you like what you read.

On This Date Since 1900...

2011-09-14T19:58:00.000-07:00

2010 Pfizer sponsors a study of the smoking cessation drug Varenicline, suggest governments would be wise to fund smoking cessation treatments
2010 Ukranian prosecutors claim that in 2000, former Interior Minister Yuriy Kravchenko ordered the murder of journalist Georgiy Gongadze
1998 Week of Fed Cup
1997 49th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards
1997 Bank One Senior Golf Classic
1997 Chicago Whites Sox retire Carlton Fisk's number, 72
1997 Karrie Webb wins LPGA SAFECO Classic
1997 Loren Roberts wins CVS Charity Golf Classic with a 266
1996 A's Mark McGwire is 13th player to hit 50-home runs in a season
1996 Dean Headley takes 3rd cricket hat-trick of season, Kent vs. Hampshire
1996 New York Met Todd Huntley sets record of 41 home runs by a catcher
1996 Tara Dawn Holland (Kansas), 23, crowned 70th Miss America 1997
1994 All 28 baseball owners vote to cancel rest of 1994 season
1992 1st subway car completed to be exported from U.S. (to Taiwan)
1991 Carolyn Suzanne Sapp (Hawaii), 24, crowned 65th Miss America 1992
1991 Freshman Marshall Faulk of San Diego State rushed for NCAA record
1991 Magic Johnson weds Erieatha "Cookie" Kelly
1991 U.S. performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site
1991 386 yards and scored 7 touchdowns as the Aztecs beat Pacific 55-34
1990 Ken Griffey, Sr and, Jr., hit back-to-back home runs in 1st inning
1989 Calgary Flames become 1st NHL team to play in U.S.S.R., win 4-2
1989 Jeff Reardon is 1st to record 30 saves in 5 consecutive seasons
1989 U.S. performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site
1988 U.S.S.R. performs nuclear test at Semipalitinsk, Eastern Kazakhstan U.S.S.R.
1987 "Les Miserables," opens at Rock Theatre, Vigzinhaz Budapest
1987 107th U.S. Mens Tennis: Ivan Lendl beats Mats Wilander (67 60 76 64)
1987 Cal Ripken's streak of 8,243 consecutive innings (908 games) is broken
1987 Ivan Lendl defeat Mats Wilander to win U.S. Tennis Open in 4 hours 47 minutes
1987 Toronto Blue Jays hit a record 10 home runs vs Baltimore Orioles
1986 Bo Jackson's 1st home run - a 475-foot blast (longest at Royal Stadium)
1986 Bomb attack in Paris, 2 killed
1986 Bomb explosion on airport Kimpo at Seoul, 5 killed
1986 Judy Dickinson wins LPGA SAFECO Golf Classic
1986 Saskatchewan and Hamilton play 1st CFL regular-season overtime game
1985 Susan Akin (Miss), 21, crowned 59th Miss America 1986
1984 1st MTV awards-Bette Midler and Dan Aykroyd host
1983 U.S. House of Representatives votes, 416 to 0, in favor of a resolution condemning Russia for shooting down a Korean jetliner
1982 36" snow Red Lodge, Montana
1982 Cindy Nicholas of Canada makes her 19th swim of English Channel
1982 Trevor Baxter sets skateboard high jump record of 5' 5.7"
1981 Entertainment Tonight premieres on TV
1980 "Charlie and Algernon" opens at Helen Hayes Theater New York City for 17 performances
1980 Donna Caponi Young wins LPGA United Virginia Bank Golf Classic
1980 Dwight Clark begins NFL streak of 105 consecutive game receptions
1979 U.S.S.R. performs nuclear test at Semipalitinsk, Eastern Kazakhstan U.S.S.R.
1979 Theodore Coombs completes 5,193 mile roller skate from LA to New York City and back to Yates Center, Ks
1978 Braves' Jim Bouton, 38, beats Giants, his 1st win since 1970
1978 Portugal government of Da Costa falls
1977 Christmas Tinto sentenced to 7 years in Robbeneiland South Africa
1975 Kathy Whitworth wins LPGA Southgate Golf Open
1975 Pope Paul VI declares Mother Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton 1st U.S. saint
1975 Rembrandts "Nightwatch" slashed and damaged in Amsterdam
1975 Robin Yount breaks Mel Ott's record, playing in 242 games as a teen
1974 Charles Kowal discovers Leda, 13th satellite of Jupiter
1973 Indianapolis is awarded a WHA franchise
1973 Israel shoots down 13 Syrian MIG-21s
1973 President Nixon signed into law a measure lifting pro football's blackout
1972 "Waltons" TV program premieres
1972 Jason Miller's "That Championship Season," premieres in New York City
1972 West Germany and Poland establish diplomatic relations
1971 Cleveland Indians and Washington Senators, play 20 innings
1970 Stevie Miracle marries Rita Wright
1969 Kathy Whitworth wins LPGA Wendell-West Golf Open
1969 Males of Swiss kanton Schaffhausen rejects female suffrage
1968 1st broadcast of 60 Minutes on CBS-TV
1968 Detroit Tigers' Denny McLain's 30th victory of season
1968 Dmitri Shostakovich' 12th string quartet, premieres in Moscow
1968 U.S.S.R.'s Zond 5 is launched on 1st circumlunar flight
1967 Melville Abrams Ball Field in Bronx named
1967 Thomas Pell Wildlife Refuge and Sanctuary opens in Bronx
1965 "F-Troop" premieres
1965 4th meeting of 2nd Vatican council opened
1964 WCVE TV channel 23 in Richmond, Virginia (PBS) begins broadcasting
1964 Walt Disney awarded Medal of Freedom at White House
1963 Mary Ann Fischer, Aberdeen, South Dakota, gave birth to America's 1st surviving quintuplets, 4 girls and a boy
1962 U.S. performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site
1961 Dmitri Shostakovich becomes member of CP of U.S.S.R.
1961 U.S.S.R. performs nuclear test at Novaya Zemlya U.S.S.R.
1960 Chubby Checker's "Twist" hits #1
1960 Coup under Col Joseph-Desire Mobutu in Congo
1960 Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi-Arabia and Venezuela form OPEC
1960 KERA TV channel 13 in Dallas, Texas (PBS) begins broadcasting
1959 Soviet Union's Luna-2 is 1st spacecraft to land on the Moon
1959 WQEX TV channel 16 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (PBS) begins broadcasting
1958 Jackie Pung wins LPGA Jackson Golf Open
1958 WTAE TV channel 4 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (ABC) begins broadcasting
1958 Yankees win 24th pennant, and 9th under Casey Stengel
1957 Great Britain performs nuclear test at Maralinga Australia
1957 U.N. resolution deplores and condemns U.S.S.R. invasion of Hungary
1957 U.S. performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site
1956 1st prefrontal lobotomy performed, Washington D.C.
1955 Herb Score sets rookie record of 235 strikeouts (en route 245)
1954 B Britten's opera "Turn of the Screw," premieres in Venice
1954 Giants' Willie Mays gets 82nd extra-base hit, breaks Mel Ott's record
1954 Hurricane Edna (2nd of 1954) hits New York City, $50 million damage
1954 U.S.S.R. performs nuclear test
1953 Comedians Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara marry
1953 Yankees clinch 5th straight pennant with 8-5 win over Indians
1951 Giant's Bob Niemans homers on his 1st 2 at bats
1950 Western allies rearm West Germany
1948 Gerald Ford upsets Rep Bartel J Jonkman in Michigan 5th Dist Representative primary
1948 Ground breaking ceremony for United Nations world headquarters
1948 Milton Berle starts his TV career on Texaco Star Theater
1947 61st U.S. Womens Tennis: A Louise Brough beats M O duPont (86 46 61)
1947 67th U.S. Mens Tennis: Jack Kramer beats Frank A Parker (46 26 61 60 63)
1944 6,500 Dutch/Indonesian captives sent to Junyo Maru
1944 Gulpen, Meerssen and Maastricht freed
1944 Hurricane hits New England: 389 die
1944 U.S. 28th Infantry division occupies 1.5 km of Roscheid
1944 U.S. 4th Ivy League Inf division pushes through Westwall
1943 Comedians Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara marries
1943 Yankees clinch pennant #14
1942 Battle of Edson's Ridge (Japanese assault) at Guadalcanal
1942 German troops occupy train station Stalingrad-1
1942 Yankees clinch pennant #13
1940 Congress passes 1st peace-time draft law
1940 German bomb hits shelter in Chelsea; 100s die
1939 British fleet attacks German U-39 boat
1939 Minister Winston Churchill visits Scapa Flow
1938 Graf Zeppelin II, world's largest airship, makes maiden flight
1936 Paul Waner ties Rogers Hornsby's NL record of 200 hits for 7 times
1933 2 billion board feet of lumber destroyed in Tillamook Oregon fire
1933 Schaduwproces-Rijksdagbrand opens in London
1932 Military coup in Chile under Arturo Alessandri
1930 Detroit Lions (as Portsmouth Spartans) play 1st NFL game, win 13-6
1930 Nazis gain 107 seats in German election
1929 49th U.S. Mens Tennis: Bill Tilden beats Francis Hunter (36 63 46 62 64)
1929 A's clinch AL pennant with a 5-0 win over White Sox
1926 Guido Companions birthplace as a museum opens
1924 Walter Johnson elected AL MVP
1923 Jack Dempsey KOs Luis Firpo in 2 for heavyweight boxing title
1923 Miguel Primo de Rivera becomes dictator of Spain
1923 Red Sox 1st baseman George Burns pulls off an unassisted triple play
1919 British regime forbids Sinn Fein Dail
1917 Kerenski regime declares Russian republic
1917 Provisional government of Russia forms, Republic proclaimed
1916 Christy Mathewson pitches and wins his final game
1914 German staff-chief von Moltke replaces von Falkenhayn
1914 German troops withdraw from Aisne/invent trenches
1913 27th U.S. Womens Tennis: Mary K Browne beats Dorothy Green (62 75)
1913 Cubs Larry Cheney hurls record 14-hit shutout against Giants (7-0)
1905 Albert Cuypstrat street market in Amsterdam inaugurated
1905 Dutch AR-politician AWF Idenburg named governor of Suriname
1905 RAC Tourist Trophy, 1st run, on Isle of Man
1903 New York Giant Red Ames no-hits St. Louis, 5-0 in a 5 inning game

Double Wham - 2001!

2011-09-13T19:48:00.000-07:00

The shock of what had happened had not passed, but we did begin to get back on track...

13th Sept. 2001 : Commercial air traffic restarts from most airports in the U.S. after all air traffic had been grounded following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. After another night of firefighters and rescue workers digging through the rubble of the twin towers hopes are fading to find any further live survivors of the bombing, the current toll is an estimated 20,000 missing.

13th Sept. 2001 : Osama bin Laden has been named As Prime Suspect behind the terrorist attacks on the United States two days ago by the Secretary of State Colin Powell.

Sunday Supper

2011-09-12T15:30:00.000-07:00

Sunday was a perfectly lovely day. Moonsong rang early and rescheduled to clean and so I was able to kick back and read. How delightful. A nap was tossed in plus doing sheets and getting things in order for the coming week. Markie was due at 5pm to make dinner. He said he had pulled some lamb shanks out of the freezer and oh my what a treat was in store. But first up was cocktails.

I rather enjoyed trying the Blueberry vodka with diet tonic over ice. Cool and refreshing for a change of pace and since the temps had topped off just over 90 it was spot on. After a couple of those and enjoying the smells of the kitchen as Markie prepared dinner, it was time to enjoy the Atkins friendly version of Osso Bucco. Mind you I say this as I forgot to take a picture last night and the image I found that was closest to what Markie presented is on a bed of carrots. We did not have them. Mind you we did not miss them. Add a lovely salad with blue cheese dressing and viola, a great Sunday Supper. For those that have not gotten to enjoy Osso Bucco, it is an amazing melt in your mouth, fall off the bone dinner. But the sauce, oh my goodness and Markie was clever to trade out ingredients and make it so the dish was basically carb-free! Mind you, I loved the sauce so much I opted out of wine with dinner and enjoyed a couple of glasses of the sauce. There was nothing to dredge it in and so drinking it was the only option. The juniper berries added flavor and the bits of burnt garlic made it tasty. Life is not always difficult.

For those who would like to try, here is a recipe:

Osso Buco
Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis

Prep Time:15 min Cook Time:2 hr 0 min
Level: Easy Serves: 6 servings

Ingredients
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 dry bay leaf
2 whole cloves
Cheesecloth
Kitchen twine, for bouquet garni and tying the veal shanks
3 whole veal shanks (about 1 pound per shank), trimmed
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
All purpose flour, for dredging
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 small onion, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
1 small carrot, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
1 stalk celery, diced into 1/2 inch cubes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup dry white wine
3 cups chicken stock
3 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon zest

Directions
Place the rosemary, thyme, bay leaf and cloves into cheesecloth and secure with twine. This will be your bouquet garni.

For the veal shanks, pat dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Veal shanks will brown better when they are dry. Secure the meat to the bone with the kitchen twine. Season each shank with salt and freshly ground pepper. Dredge the shanks in flour, shaking off excess.

In a large Dutch oven pot, heat vegetable oil until smoking. Add tied veal shanks to the hot pan and brown all sides, about 3 minutes per side. Remove browned shanks and reserve.

In the same pot, add the onion, carrot and celery. Season with salt at this point to help draw out the moisture from the vegetables. Saute until soft and translucent, about 8 minutes. Add the tomato paste and mix well. Return browned shanks to the pan and add the white wine and reduce liquid by half, about 5 minutes. Add the bouquet garni and 2 cups of the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover pan and simmer for about 1 1/2 hours or until the meat is falling off the bone. Check every 15 minutes, turning shanks and adding more chicken stock as necessary. The level of cooking liquid should always be about 3/4 the way up the shank.
Carefully remove the cooked shanks from the pot and place in decorative serving platter. Cut off the kitchen twine and discard. Remove and discard bouquet garni from the pot. Pour all the juices and sauce from the pot over the shanks. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon zest.

Ten Years Ago Today...

2011-09-11T10:37:00.000-07:00

I remember waking up at my apt. in Portland on 22nd Avenue and going in to get coffee going and I turned on the TV. I thought to myself, "it is too early to have Diane Sawyer on?" Little did I realize what was happening and soon calling everyone I knew telling them to turn on their TV's and most were tuned in by the time the 2nd plane hit. The rest of the week was numbing. It was unreal seeing the towers collapse on live TV. A year later Mick and I were in Paris on the anniversary and they did a visual tribute at their city hall much like the above.

The Heat Is On!

2011-09-10T11:23:00.000-07:00

I am so trying to stay cool. Thank goodness for air conditioning. With the heat on I decided to get all the chores done this morning and that included 2 loads of laundry, dishes washed and got initial prep ready for tonight as Rob and Jodie are coming over for heavy snacks and drinks. It is too hot to consider dinner! Tomorrow Markie is stopping by to cool off and have dinner - yes, I take a ribbing for having AC, but it does draw in those needing comfort.

Travel Trinkets

2011-09-09T11:00:00.000-07:00

March had a group go over to Ireland and Julie, my event coordinator out of Santa Clara, was so sweet and found a lovely Waterford crystal seahorse for me to use as an ornament. It will be the first ornament on the tree when it goes up in November. You just never know when another item comes into the house, but I have really tried to live by the policy that if something comes in I let something else go. Trying to find balance.Curtis, my event coordinator in Seattle, lead a group to Africa this summer. He went looking for something that had purple in it and found the beaded color that was more along periwinkle. It is most interesting and several people have tried it on. My head is too big and so it becomes a sort of faux-hat on my head. It is fun and a festive conversation piece.

A Sticky History

2011-09-08T17:09:00.000-07:00

On this date, back in 1930 life changed forever. Today is when Scotch Tape was developed as a brand name used for certain pressure sensitive tapes manufactured by 3M as part of the company's Scotch brand. Yes, a lot has changed over the years and one thing I know is that I have one of these black tape dispensers on my desk. I think they are a staple of many offices around the world as we seek to have a dispenser that will work with you as you try and hold an article or photo in place as you reach for the tape to get an item stuck together just perfectly.Although it is a trademarked brand name, it has sometimes been used in the United States and elsewhere as a generic term for transparent adhesive tape. The Scotch brand includes many different constructions (backings, adhesives, etc.) and colors of tape. Use of the term "Scotch" in the name has a pejorative origin. A customer complained that 3M was manufacturing its masking tape too cheaply, and told company engineer Richard Drew to, "take this tape back to your stingy Scotch bosses and tell them to put more adhesive on it."Who has not been impacted by Scotch Tape. Seriously, how often do you ask for adhesive tape. Nope, I didn't think so. Presents just look better and it has so many uses. I have to laugh that now the big push is the pull pre-cut packs. I can see the impact come the holidays, but boy what a blitz on that new option with the school year kicking off. What I know is that I need to stock up for the upcoming holiday season to be prepared.

What Happened To The Weather?

2011-09-07T17:47:00.000-07:00

OK, so Labor Day happened and poof we are heading into the 80's and may hit 90 by the weekend. Yikes! Thank you air conditioning. Work, sleep, repeat. In this weather, I am not a big outdoor kind of guy. Yes, that is shocking news to be sure. LOL But I have to tell you it has been an awesome summer with temps in the 70's for the most part touching 80 from time to time and many cooler nights. This is the kind of summer I can totally relate to. What also has me excited is that in 3 weeks I catch the Victoria Clipper for an overnight in Canada and Carl will be joining me from California. we are going to kick it all off with a 7 hour wine-tasting and lunch. How nice. The funny item is the hotel we are staying in is right next door to where Uncle Markie always stays when in town. And so it goes.

So Do You Agree?

2011-09-06T17:45:00.000-07:00

Here are other highlights of Zagat’s annual fast food survey:

Most Popular Mega Chains:
1. Subway
2. McDonald’s
3. Wendy’s
4. Burger King
5. Taco Bell

Top Overall Mega Chain:
1. Wendy’s
2. Subway
3. McDonald’s
4. Pizza Hut
5. KFC

Top Healthy Options:
1. Subway
2. Wendy’s
3. McDonald’s
4. Taco Bell
5. KFC

Fast Food Chain with Best Burger:
1. Five Guys
2. In-N-Out Burger
3. Wendy’s
4. Burger King
5. McDonald’s

Fast Food Chain with Best Wings:
1. Buffalo Wild Wings
2. Wingstop
3. KFC
4. Zaxby’s
5. Pizza Hut

Quick Refreshment Chain:
1. Red Mango
2. Pinkberry
3. Jamba Juice
4. Smoothie King
5. TCBY

Fast Food Chain with Best Coffee:
1. Starbucks
2. Dunkin’ Donuts
3. McDonald’s
4. Peet’s Coffee & Tea
5. Caribou Coffee

Catch Up Tomorrow...

2011-09-05T10:34:00.000-07:00

The Menu for Dinner Last Night

2011-09-04T10:15:00.000-07:00

Realized I had not shared the menu, likely due to the cocktails and wine...but it was a fun evening. Markie brought Pineapple vodka and I have to admit - SHOCKINGLY - it was not too bad with tonic. But I did have a plate of deviled eggs topped with crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick to balance out drinks. To say they were hoovered would be an understatement. Seriously, a dozen eggs gone in minutes.

Dinner continued with a lovely Caesar salad with crab complete with blue cheese dressing. It was a wonderful addition by Markie and yet Mick did not want to indulge as he does not care for crab. But he was able to take care of his needs by a quick trip downstairs. I finished prep of the main course and into the oven it went at 400 for an hour.

Mick was in need of carbs with dinner and so he went downstairs and got some fried rice and a pork dish of some sort. While he enjoyed some with dinner, he ended up leaving it at my place. Well, it kept talking to me over and over to the point that I got up at 2AM and went in and washed it down the garbage disposal. I know me all too well, if it had gone in the garbage it would have still talked to me and I was so over it. I still did not fall back asleep until nearly 6:30AM. Thank the goddess I don't have to work until Tuesday!
The main course was a bacon-wrapped pork loin and it was a thing of beauty. As you can see, it is ready to go in the oven. With the salad and appetizer, it was a lovely meal. Mick was also able to satisfy his need for dessert by getting himself two chocolate dipped cream puffs and ate those as Markie and I finished eating.

Dinner Party

2011-09-03T10:02:00.000-07:00

After a full and trying week at the office it is time to enjoy the holiday weekend and that means hosting friends for dinner. Markie has had me over several times this summer and I have not seen Mick for quite sometime. Mick is by his own admission "absent-minded" and so often forgets people when his attention is redirected like it was most of the summer with Brett. well, Brett has moved back to Hawaii for school and so I thought I would be a nice guy after being ignored for months at a time and invite him over as well. It was an interesting evening.

Flowers, Flowers Everywhere

2011-09-02T09:30:00.000-07:00

Flowers are such a personal thing and everyone has their favorite. Roses are right up there and lilacs pop in the spring. Color is one thing to consider but scent is always a factor. One of my favorites are Stargazer Lillies. They have the bright pink and a room can become totally consumed in their scent in only a few minutes. Last night I had a delivery from Amazon Fresh and three bunches of lillies arrived to make two lovely bouquets.

Yes, it is Friday of Labor Day weekend, and the apt. is filled with the wonderful smell of flowers.

While Stargazer lilies are so colorful and delightfully scent filled, I have to say my favorite lilly is the Casablanca. They are white and so huge. Having a centerpiece of just them makes for a clean and simple statement. This one is by the bronze torso and near my bed so I see it first thing when I am getting out of bed. What a nice way to start the day. Have a great weekend everyone

Blog-cation Over

2011-09-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

Greetings one and all,

The past 6 weeks has been a much needed blog-cation. It was timed with another project. Losing weight. Yes, the body was expanding at an unhealthy rate and being over 50 I knew something had to give. It is a blend of Atkins and South Beach for no better word adding in a strong dose of doctor consult and with bi-weekly weigh ins, so I am not obsessed by a scale. Instead, it has been a lot of retraining my eating habits. The amount of food I consume is down and at the same time I find I am more picky on what I eat. There is no longer the "clean plate club" feeling that I have lived with for so much of my life.

43 pounds have shed themselves these first 6 weeks and I know it was a bit of a jump start to get going. Need to drink more water according to the doctor and to think 6-8 glasses a day was enough. Nope and then that means visiting the WC more often and well, therein I get more walking in as I to and fro. It's all good. So as we go into the holiday weekend, I'll take some time and bring you up to speed on what else has been going on.

Victoria On My Mind

2011-07-24T18:06:00.000-07:00

By now many of you have heard of Groupon and the offers they extend. Well, I went and bought so half off coupons on the Victoria Clipper and so they need to be booked by next Sunday and used by end of October. Going to head up last week of September and then again in late October. Going to do a winery tour on the first trip and plan on doing that one with a friend from California. The second trip would be a go as we go trip and just have the dates. Often I get to join Markie at the Worldmark property that is right on the inner bay. My first trip is going to have us at the Coast Hotel which is right next door. Got a screamin' online deal for a night and also a dinner voucher for the Blue Crab Grill and have been wanting to try it for some time. Should be a good time for us.

A Day Of "Get To's"

2011-07-23T17:03:00.000-07:00

This was a day of "get to's" and so what does that mean? Well, there are things that you want to "get to" and just do not seem to have the time during the week, such as:

Cooking food ahead including a dozen hard boiled eggs

Calling old friends and either talking or leaving messages

Putting DVD's in the binders you got back in January

Catching up on posts in the blog

Taking a long and earned nap

Sorting cards and letters and tossing some and keeping others

Recycle the old fan

Breaking down boxes and recycle them

Making a list of "get to's" for the future

Sending some long delayed emails

Checking some old websites you have not been on in a while

Prep bills to be paid

Store last month's receipts

Read a magazine

Sort stack of books to be recycled

Ordered a stool, clothes and groceries online

Yes, it has been a very good day indeed!

Horror In Norway

2011-07-22T16:43:00.000-07:00

The 32-year-old Norwegian man suspected of Norway's shooting and bomb massacre calls his deeds "atrocious" yet "necessary" and will explain in court, his lawyer said.

Anders Behring Breivik was arrested after Friday's massacre of 85 people — mostly teens — on a tiny forested holiday island that was hosting a summer camp for the youth wing of Norway's ruling Labor party. Breivik was also charged in the bombing of Oslo's government district, which killed seven people hours earlier.

"He has said that he believed the actions were atrocious, but that in his head they were necessary," defense lawyer Geir Lippestad told TV2 news.

Lippestad said his client was willing to explain himself in a court hearing on Monday. The court will decide at the hearing whether to keep the suspect in detention pending his trial.

If convicted on the terrorism charges, he would face a maximum of 21 years in jail, police said.

It was unclear what unleashed the bloodshed, though news agency NTB said Breivik was a member of a gun club and legally owned firearms. At the shooting, police said Breivik carried a Glock pistol and an automatic weapon. Police said Breivik surrendered to authorities and has since confessed.Deputy police chief Roger Andresen declined to comment on the possible motive for the killings, but said: "We have no more information than ... what has been found on (his) own websites, which is that is goes toward the right (wing) and that it is, so to speak, Christian fundamentalist."

Breivik, who liked guns and weight-lifting, belonged to an anti-immigration party and opposed multi-culturalism, Islam and the "cultural Marxists" of the establishment.

A video on the YouTube website promoting a fight against Islam apparently showed pictures of the suspect, wearing a wetsuit and pointing an automatic weapon. The pictures appear at the end of an approximately 12-minute video called "Knights Templar 2083". The video has been removed from the site Saturday afternoon.

While police said Breivik was previously unknown to them, people who knew him said he was quiet, if intense.

"He was rather introverted at school, even though he was a good student," said Michael Tomola, who knew Breivik from the age of 13 to 16 at the school they went to in an Oslo suburb.

"I'm very surprised by this (attack). I had a good impression, although he became very engaged in subjects he cared for. He got very extreme about things he cared for," Tomola told Reuters.

Online activity
His Internet activity traced so far included no calls to violence. Facebook page set up last week included a variety of interests such as hunting and political and stock analysis.

His tastes in music included classical and trance, a hypnotic form of dance music.

A Facebook profile for an Oslo man of that name and age was removed early Saturday. It included a profile photo identical to the one being used by Norwegian media. In the profile, he listed himself as "single," "Christian" and "conservative" and says he is director of Breivik Geofarm. It had listed interests including bodybuilding, conservative politics and freemasonry. The account had no posts.

In comments from 2009 to 2010 to other people's articles on website www.document.no, which calls itself critical of Islam, Breivik criticized European policies of trying to accommodate the cultures of different ethnic groups.

"When did multiculturalism cease to be an ideology designed to deconstruct European culture, traditions, identity and nation-states?" said one his entries, posted on Feb. 2, 2010.

Another entry dated Feb. 16 last year said: "According to two studies, 13 percent of young British Muslims aged between 15 and 25 support al Qaeda ideology."

Breivik wrote he was a backer of the "Vienna School of Thought," which was against multiculturalism and the spread of Islam.

He also wrote he admired Geert Wilders, the populist anti-Islam Dutch politician, for following that school.

Wilders said in a statement on Saturday: "I despise everything he stands for and everything he did."

With Thanks to MSNBC for this information and photos.

One Month Down & Two To Go

2011-07-21T16:35:00.000-07:00

It is no secret, I do not like summer. Of the four seasons, it is my least favorite. I really like autumn as the days grow cooler and there is the abundance of color as the leaves turn color. Pumpkins and Halloween make for a lot of fun and the days grow dark earlier. Then we get into the holiday season and winter arrives. What an awesome time as it gets cool and quiet. Things slow down a bit and after the holidays we have a bit of time to catch our breath as the new year shows so much opportunity. A clean slate. Then as February comes to a close there is a yearning to throw open windows and doors and welcome the arrival of spring with all the variations of green. Pastel colors and Easter we all try and think about putting a new face forward. And then plop - summer arrives. Hot, triple digit, sweat, smelly, long days and short tempers. No, I am not a fan, but I get through it and just try and stay cool. Cheers!

We Are So Lucky In Seattle

2011-07-20T16:17:00.000-07:00

So this heat wave business is getting really out of control as the country is just getting plastered with record temps left and right. A dome of heat and pressure is sitting over us right now and no relief is in sight. Now mind you that is happening in most of the country and not here in Seattle. Nope, we are so lucky. Here is is the 201st day of the year and they were showing on the weather forecast this morning that in the first 200 days of the year we have been below normal for highs each day 172 of those 200. Mind you we have been at regular only 23 and on 5 days we got above the average high. We have had 1 hour at 80 degrees this year, ONE HOUR! Too amazing for words to be sure.We have had some stunning days of beautiful weather and there have been a lot of days that we want to forget, but come on folks, look east and be glad. Talked to a friend this week and at 11pm in Virginia it was 96 degrees without the heat index figured in! ICK!

All I can say is that I love living in Seattle and I have my AC at the ready to keep me comfortable and relaxed. But I do have to ponder that with all this stress on the power grid in this country, doesn't just make it such a target for some of those crazy people around the world? I do worry at times about how they might take aim and shut down one or more of the power plants and begin a full roll out black out- YIKES! Stay cool and drink water!!

If It's Tuesday, It Must Be Markie...

2011-07-19T16:09:00.000-07:00

The week of being a social diva! Who knew. After the Ya-Ya weekend it has been playing catch-up on dinner with friends. Markie comes over and we have a lovely meal of some type of protein and usually a salad. Toss in a few cocktails and a bottle of wine perhaps and poof, a meal is born. Pork or lamb are the usual suspects and it has been known to happen where I call and say, "Break out the steaks, I need beef!" And he does. Today was a complete and yet quite welcome surprise. He did a lovely job and above is a picture of some lovely Tilapia. Granted, they did not look like that, but had been cleaned and were white fillets. Butter, lime spices and poof, we're cooking and loving it. The one thing I am noticing more and more is that I am eating less and less. But no problems there. Still eating 5 times a day and the energy is on the way back.

Wonderful Dinner

2011-07-18T15:58:00.000-07:00

Actually it was Wonderful who came over for dinner. He is a dear faerie also know as Jeff Crandall and is an amazing poet who is a master with glass. He has done numerous works that are displayed around my apartment. From the moment you walk in the door (a wall piece to the left) to martini glasses, poetry bottles and a glorious poetry globe piece that glows in the evening. Just a delight to have such magical and wonderful items throughout the apt. You can learn more by visiting his website for Inverse Studio. We enjoy Thai food and good chat. Sadly, when the clock ticked 9, it was time to end the evening as I had a full day ahead tomorrow and needed to get up early.

France or Italy?

2011-07-17T17:49:00.000-07:00

Biking might be going on in France, but Michael brought an amazing quiche to the table on Sunday as he made a fabulous deep dish quiche with an amazing overtone of Italy that it became a story of epic proportions. Seriously, it was a thing of beauty. And yes, I blew it and did not take a picture. I need to have the camera out more often. He added some roasted potatoes and then Rob & Jodie stopped at Top Pot Doughnuts for Maple Bars. Add in some coffee and Prosecco and poof you have a lovely brunch.

Voula's, Blockus, Tour de France

2011-07-16T17:44:00.000-07:00

Yes, try and tie all these together and see what you get? Well, for the Ya-Ya's, it was morning, noon and night as we had a day that was filled with light and laughter. Breakfast was a delight and no one at the table finished their breakfast and do take time to read the review I posted. It was a lot of fun to get there finally and in the first 40 minutes, the place packed out.

Afterwards, it was nap time and we then gathered together for an afternoon of games and we played Blockus and it is a hoot, especially when drinking wine! Now one would be proud to know that we carefully paced ourselves throughout the afternoon and evening and only 7 bottles of wine were drained. From white to red, we tasted a bit of everything. After some games of "A Christmas Story" and dessert we capped off the evening watching a stage of the Tour de France. All I can say is OH MY GOD!

Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

2011-07-16T17:29:00.000-07:00

While so many places in Seattle keep trying to be more and more hip, but a holdout still thrives on the shores of Lake Union. Tucked behind the boatyards a few doors down from Dunn Lumber, Voula's Offshore Cafe serves breakfasts substantial enough to power fishermen through chilly days at sea -- or weekend rowing-club warriors, as the case now may be -- and there's not a latte machine in sight.

Pouring strong drip coffee since the 1950s, Voula's has been operated for the past two decades by Voula Vlahos and her sons, Sikey and Nikos, who add unabashed Greek zip to American diner classics. The Greek Hobo Breakfast ($9.95) is a snappy example. It's home fries and scrambled eggs, but with extra zest from feta cheese, mushrooms and Greek sausage. It tastes a lot better than it looks.

Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" stopped by a few years back and they highlighted the following:

PIÑATA BENEDICT.................................................10.95
Our in-house smoked pork and poached eggs on grilled English muffins,
topped with chipotle hollandaise sauce. Served with hashbrowns.

SMOKEY THE SALMON...............................................10.75
Three eggs scrambled with our in-house smoked Alaskan King salmon,
cream cheese and green onions. Served with hashbrowns and toast.

HOBO............................................................ 9.95
Country sausage, onions, mushrooms, hash browns, and eggs
scrambled together and topped with cheddar cheese.

GREEK HOBO...................................................... 9.95
Greek sausage, onions, mushrooms, hash browns, and eggs
scrambled together and topped with Feta cheese.

NAKED HOBO...................................................... 9.95
Mushrooms, onions, green peppers, hashbrowns and eggs
scrambled together. Topped with choice of Feta or Cheddar cheese
and tomatoes.

BILLY BISCUITS.................................................. 9.95
Biscuit and gravy, hashbrowns and two eggs.

CHINESE PANCAKE................................................. 7.65
Plate-sized pancake with minced ham and egg inside.

Ya-Ya Weekend Goes Fluid

2011-07-15T17:14:00.000-07:00

Originally we were going to be in Yakima and then things got crazy for Katrina aka Flying Dog and so she opted to postpone until autumn. Not a problem, we can have a get together here in Seattle. Thus, the theme popped "Christmas in July" since I love Christmas and it was to be in July. We would watch "A Christmas Story" and play the game by the same name. Also, we would do a big theme dinner with turkey and all the trimmings plus gifts and a train ride up towards Mt. Rainier. Well, it did not quite work out that way. This was a killer week and I was not at top energy and Michael was in a conference a lot of the week. Rob & Jodie played host to his sister and husband on Friday and well, it rained! Yes folks, for those of you outside the northwest, we hit a high of 62 on Saturday and it rained. Thus, no train and we decided to let the weekend unfold. Well, read on and see how it all turns out. Michal and I stayed in on Friday and enjoyed some adult beverages plus Pad Thai. A wonderful beginning...

Back In The Saddle Again

2011-07-14T17:09:00.000-07:00

Feeling batter to be sure. Work was a challenge to be sure as the boss had a bit of a lapse in memory that nearly cost me my work situation. Calm minds and perseverance saved the day and I still have a job to go to tomorrow. I also have to say that I sat there tonight watching "Big Brother" saying I cannot believe I am watching this mindless program over and over again. Get this, I watched the entire hour. OK, stop it!

My Mind is in a Fog...

2011-07-13T17:06:00.000-07:00

Summer Colds Suck!

2011-07-12T18:51:00.000-07:00

Here's a happy image of oranges as I am sick with a good old-fashion cold and it is nasty. You know you are not feeling well when you are always cold, even with AC off. Add to that drinking insane amounts of fluids and I...yes we are talking yours truly, forgot to eat today until like 3pm! Bad Chris. But I just wanted to sleep. Back to bed.

Let Summer Mindless TV Begin

2011-07-11T18:33:00.000-07:00

Yes indeed the TV schedule is packed with all sorts of shows that require little brain power. Food Star or Design Star? Are you gonna Wipeout or watch and see who will be eliminated next on Big Brother? I find in chatting with friends we all have our guilty pleasures and that is just fine. By the way last night I won the tri-fecta of Design Star as I picked the winning room, the winning contestant and who would be going home. It could be a fun summer.Oh sure there are people out there who go for the trashy novel for summer and I still enjoy a good trash read. This is that time of year when we eat lighter and grill more food outside. Ice is always in need and fresh fruit is a must have with all the berries and melons that nature has to offer. Yes, summer time and the living is easy. But while all of this is good and fun, for me, air conditioning is the key to having a fun and festive summer. I must have it to sleep.

Sunday Childhood Memories

2011-07-10T18:22:00.000-07:00

On days like today it is so fun to just sit back and relax and not think too much about the now. Rather, I enjoy thinking back to childhood and the trips to the beach house on the Oregon coast and also the numerous weekends up at the cabin at Lake of the Woods. The laughs and good times we had for years. No camping for us, but boy did we get to have fun. From the boat trips on the lake to getting more water in the jug when at the lake to running into Seaside for the rides or stopping at the bakery in Cannon Beach for the famous Haystack bread. Yes, it was a lot of fun and so nice to look back at.

Weekend Break

2011-07-09T12:41:00.001-07:00

Hello there and welcome to the weekend. Why is it that 4-day weeks are so damn exhausting? I really had to push to get things done and stress was at an all time high. Last night was a nice break with having Rob & Jodie over for dinner and drinks. Had time to do some planning as we ramp up for "Christmas in July" weekend for the Ya-Ya's next weekend. Dinner was pork loin roast with green peas on the side. We did not get to the watermelon. That is something that I have noticed these past several weeks, portions are shrinking. I am eating less and less as I restructure my eating sessions. It has been an interesting adventure going in and stripping down all the foods that I am no longer eating and seeing the shelves go bare. It is all about fresh and not pre-packaged. Simple clean foods and using spices and herbs for the added flavor.

Funny how you can still learn something new nearly every day. I had long chats today with three dear friends and sharing how this path is revealing and that Moonsong and my doctor have been so helpful in stepping forward. Mobility is being addressed in ways I had not thought of before. Sometimes it is all in the baby steps before the broad strides are made. Tonight I am going to kick back and relax and watch some "Yard Crashers" and "Curb Appeal: The Block" while enjoying some chicken wings.

We Have Lift-Off...

2011-07-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

The space shuttle Atlantis lifted off for the final time this morning!
It was the 135 shuttle launch mission.

Do You Remember?

2011-07-07T19:37:00.000-07:00

Bicentennial Minutes

I woke up last night, or rather this morning at like 3AM and could not get this out of my head. I so remember these every night for like two and a half years.

Bicentennial Minutes was the name of a series of short educational American television segments commemorating the bicentennial of the American Revolution. The segments were produced by the CBS Television Network and broadcast nightly from July 4, 1974, until December 31, 1976. (The series was originally slated to end on July 4, 1976, but was extended to the end of the year.)

The series was created by Ethel Winant and Louis Friedman of CBS, who had overcome the objections of network executives who considered it to be an unworthy use of program time. In 1976, the series received an Emmy Award in the category of Special Classification of Outstanding Program and Individual Achievement.

The videotaped segments were one minute long and were broadcast each night during prime time hours, generally at approximately 8:57 P.M. Eastern time. The format of the segments did not change, although each segment featured a different narrator, often a CBS network television star. The narrator, after introducing himself or herself, would state "This is a Bicentennial Minute," followed by the phrase "Two hundred years ago today..." and a description a historical event or personage prominent on that particular date two hundred years ago during the American Revolution. The segment would close with the narrator saying, "I'm (his/her name), and that's the way it was." This was an offhand reference to the close of the weeknight CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite, who always ended each news telecast by saying, "And that's the way it is."

The Bicentennial Minute on July 3, 1976 was narrated by Vice President Nelson Rockefeller. The Bicentennial Minute on July 4, 1976 was narrated by First Lady Betty Ford. The final Bicentennial Minute, broadcast on December 31, 1976, was narrated by President Gerald Ford. (This was also the longest Bicentennial minute.) After the series ended, the time slot of the Bicentennial Minute came to be occupied by a brief synopsis of news headlines ("Newsbreak") read by a CBS anchor.

*With thanks to Wikipedia for the information!

And the Winter 2018 Games Go To...

2011-07-06T19:13:00.000-07:00

No, not anywhere in the USA, I just really like this graphic. It went finally on their third try to Pyeongchang. Yes, South Korea was awarded 2018 Winter Olympics. As noted on http://www.msnbc.com/ The South Korean city of Pyeongchang was awarded the 2018 Winter Olympics on Wednesday after failing in two previous attempts.

Pyeongchang defeated rivals Munich and Annecy, France, in a landslide in the first round of a secret ballot of the International Olympic Committee. Needing 48 votes for victory, Pyeongchang received 63 of the 95 votes cast. Munich received 25 and Annecy seven.

The Koreans had lost narrowly in previous bids for the 2010 and 2014 Olympics. "Koreans have been waiting for 10 years to host the Winter Games," bid leader Cho Yang-ho told The Associated Press. "Now we have finally achieved our dream." Pyeongchang will be the first city in Asia outside Japan to host the Winter Games. Japan held the games in Sapporo in 1972 and Nagano in 1998.

Fabulous Fireworks

2011-07-05T18:33:00.000-07:00

The nation's capital kicks off our tour of fireworks and this is an amazing picture. You just cannot make this stuff up. The colors and iconic buildings make for a wonderful sight. This does not hint at the nasty weather that whipped through Washington, DC on Sunday stopping the rehearsal for the big show that is a PBS staple. Another favorite is the show put on by the Boston Pops and I have to say that their finale was the best as it was set to Sandi Patty's full rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner" that I still remember hearing the first time back in 1986 at the end of the 4-day Liberty Weekend. You can see it on You Tube and she is introduced by Peter Jennings. I sure miss him.Without a doubt, top honors for show stoppers goes to Macy's fireworks display that is shot off on the Hudson River. Six barges shoot off a nearly 30 minute display and this year it was a nod to the 125th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty. The music was all over the place and worked quite well. Katy Perry's "Firework" has become a staple I fear of all shows. I watched 6 different displays and it was one of two songs in every show, the other was "Star Spangled Banner." The Empire Building got a much deserved 2nd appearance here in the blog. Love what they do with light on the top of the building. See June blog for Gay Pride lighting!And finally Seattle shot off a grand display and I watched it on TV, but at the same time I sat and looked out my window to the south as there was a string of fireworks going off along a slice of land that is country owned and there was a non-stop show going on down near my friend Markie's house. I watched for nearly 2 hours non-stop. Awoke just before 1am and sure enough, fireworks were still going off...Yankee Doodle Do or Die!

125 + 235 = Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T06:32:00.000-07:00

Good Morning America and Happy Birthday! Yes indeed and tonight the rockets red glare and bombs will be bursting in mid air. Will you be part of the zaniness. I plan to have a low energy level day of relaxing and then head out later this day to be part of the festivities. May all of you have a great holiday and glad you stopped by.Macy's fireworks honors the 125th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty. With a nod to Wikipedia - The Statue of Liberty (Liberty Enlightening the World, French: La Liberté éclairant le monde) is a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, designed by Frédéric Bartholdi and dedicated on October 28, 1886. The statue, a gift to the United States from the people of France, is of a robed female figure representing Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom, who bears a torch and a tabula ansata (a tablet evoking the law) upon which is inscribed the date of the American Declaration of Independence. A broken chain lies at her feet. The statue has become an icon of freedom and of the United States.

It is an awesome sight and I so remember when Janet, my sister, came up for Thanksgiving in the late 80's and we ventured out to the Statue of Liberty in the bitter cold and yet that just did not matter. It was just awe inspiring.This is America's 235th birthday and so get out and enjoy. I am heading down to Markie's for a fun al fresco dinner with friends and from what Markie has shared there will be a plethora of fireworks going off. Whatever you decide to do today, be sure to be safe and sane so you can share the details tomorrow!

Reading and Learning

2011-07-03T18:22:00.000-07:00

It has been a weekend of reading. Got caught up on the last of the backlog of New Yorkers including the July 4th issue! That makes reading 11 issues in the last week. Markie is buried in them now. I also took on the New York Times today. I am feeling rather smug, if only overnight. Glad I do not have to face the office tomorrow, but rather I plan to have a mellow morning and then make deviled eggs for the get-together at Markie's tomorrow evening. I believe it will be 5 or 6 of us tomorrow. May stay late or I might get home early and watch fireworks on TV. FYI Macy's fireworks will be on NBC stations at 9pm.Fun Fact #1 = I learned an interesting item about bar-b-que vs. bar-b-cue. It seems that the former refers to the actual cooking device. The latter refers to the food that has been cooked. Thus, the bar-b-cue was cooked on the bar-b-que. Go figure. I never knew? How many of you will be cooking on a bar-b-que tomorrow? Or will you be using a grill? Yes, most of us will just be grilling meat tomorrow as cooking bar-b-cue takes hours.Fun Fact #2 = There are still 371 Drive-In's around the United States. When was the last time you went to a drive-in? Have you ever been? It was a staple of growing up and I still have vivid memories of seeing "Old Yeller" at the Lithia Drive-In in Talent. It is now a sub-division. And so goes another memory.

Mid-Summer Memory

2011-07-02T12:27:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago my brother sent the above image. Boy did it suck me back in time. We used to listen for the bell that would clang to let us know the ice cream cart was coming. Seriously, we would get our nickels and dimes together and get it going. Too funny. This was before all the motor carts puttering around playing the theme from "The Sting" that would drive people nuts. Oh the memories that began to pop up that I had not thought of in years. From the sand box up in the corner of the property to the shack that was the "store" to go shopping in. The sledding and the snowmen plus all those Christmas memories that still live on from 697 Indiana Street. Our house until we moved when I was in 4th grade.

Seriously, Can She Look Bad?

2011-07-01T18:52:00.000-07:00

Catherine at Canada Day festivities - Love the hat!

Oh Canada!

2011-07-01T12:07:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the second half of the year 2011. We kick it off with a salute to Canada on their 144th birthday. If you have not visited in a while, you have not missed a lot as the past two months were like a faux vacation for me. I had a heck of a spring and the blog took a back seat. Work was challenging and a dear friend moved to Idaho to be more comfortable as her cancer proves more invasive. Mom's dementia continues to be more challenging for all the family and weight issues moved front and center. Hosted a really good pity party and now it is over. Life happens and we need to take it one day at a time. Also, I am finding that it is OK to admit that I am not perfect. Maybe I just thought I was. But at least I have a weekend that will be a nice blend of fun.

Empire State Building Pride

2011-06-26T12:04:00.000-07:00

This was an awesome picture I saw on another blog and had to snag and post here. We have the flag on top of the Space Needle, but this is just amazing how they used color and light.

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T20:35:00.000-07:00

Coming Up On Half-Time

2011-06-18T12:12:00.000-07:00

Often we look at half-time as being related to football or some other sport, but not baseball if you think about it. That has the 7th inning stretch. But I am getting so far off base that I need to come back around. I am referring to the middle of 2011. Yes, in two weeks we will be rolling into the 4th of July weekend and kissing the first half of the year good-bye. It is also when summer finally arrives in Seattle and not my favorite time of year. But you know what, I will get through it. So today and tomorrow are my days. The past month has been way too social and I am really glad to downshift and take the weekend for me. Now don't go getting crazy, all it means is that I am reading a backlog of magazines while doing the 3 or 4 loads of laundry. Add in the dishes and recycling plus I am going to make a tamale pie this weekend. Some of you might remember me sharing the recipe back in April when I went down to see Mom for Easter/Birthday/Mother's day.

But there are some of those projects that I want out of the way such as mailing packages long sitting in the dining area and finally sorting out all the papers and crap that have been sitting on my fabulous bench Lars made for me to clear that up. All these are things that will be tackled over the summer including saying good bye to more dishes in the kitchen. Transferring CD's to the binders and Helene will be taking the book shelf north soon. Thus begins the discussion of getting a Kindle. Dare I join those walking away from books. Pondering to be sure.

Oh and before I close for the day, I can tell you that I have had a successful week of being chip free and pasta free. Working at doing the salads and protein. Slowly getting all the veggies back on track and seeing some pounds shed. Just walking around with too many and the ankle is not doing good. Want to keep going and it is day by day. Heck, this day has been banana, oatmeal and coffee. Score! Lunch will likely be a sandwich and apple I think.

Did You Show Your Pride?

2011-06-15T17:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Flag Day and seriously, how many of us paused to honor the flag. I know I did not and for that I do show regret. We need to pause and respect all that is behind our flag, the men and women who serve so we may be free. But dang it, why is it that I lust for Canada's flag all the more? Hmmm...and don't get me started on the rainbow flag. Seriously, don't get me started on the $50,000 that the Space Needle is saying we need to donate to charity to see our flag on top of our unique icon. And we are walking...

Hello There, Been a While

2011-06-14T18:07:00.000-07:00

Well folks, I've been in a funk and can't really tell you why? Not depressed, just fried. Is this my mid-life crisis? It is one of those things where I get home from 10-12 hour days and just can only sit dazed looking out the window or watching the news.

Lots of dinners that are salads and meat of the day plus I have gone backwards on the chips and pasta. So I step up and start anew every day. It is coffee, banana and oatmeal for breakfast and then I go from there. I sometimes make it and sometimes not.

Taking on a few projects for the summer in wanting to shed a few more things to get the apartment leaner and there in be a reflection of my life as well. I am trying to keep to my new eating routine and while I am not eating twigs and sticks, I am enjoying good food. Last night was a steak and salad and tonight I am enjoying turkey dogs and some pineapple.

This is my first step back and so it is not long, but thanks to all for their encouraging words of support. See you again soon. Cheers!

Weird & Weirder

2011-06-06T18:13:00.000-07:00

Weird = Arrive home to find a plethora of Schilling spice tins and boxes in the kitchen left by Uncle Markie no doubt.

Weirder = The photo I was going to use was found on the Internet after I typed in "Schilling Spices" and what makes it so "weirder" is that it is a picture I took. Look carefully at posting on March 8th and you will see that is my TV cabinet I sit at to type this and the TV I watch. Oh my goodness! It is now a Google image.

So I shall get a photo and add but the camera is having an issue right now. Hope to have it fixed by tomorrow. Markie is coming over for Copper River Salmon again and would love to get a picture of it.

But now, time to enjoy some Thai chicken breasts for dinner. YUM!

The Day

2011-06-02T19:18:00.000-07:00

5:15 AM - Awake

6:00 AM - Oatmeal, Banana & Coffee

6:25 AM - Shave, Shower & Shine

7:34AM - At my desk

9:25AM - First Break

11:00AM - Training session

1:00PM - Conversation w/ Curtis

2:08PM - Rip apart Ryan's calendar

3:39PM - Sit and chat with Lucy, new controller

4:23PM - Out the door after second break

5:07PM - Walk in apartment

7:23PM - Calls done and having dinner

Later = Good Night

Hello June...

2011-06-01T18:04:00.000-07:00

The month kicked off with a tornado in Massachusetts and it is only the newest chapter in a spring of stunning weather. From extended cold and snow in the northwest to the earthquake in Japan and then all the tornadoes. One can only hope for the best to one and all, but yet, so much devastation. Quite scary. As for me, I just try and pause and appreciate all that I have. Took some time away from work and ventured to Las Vegas for a couple of conferences. One, I was able to present an interesting speech and an extended Q&A. Then came a weekend of socializing and meeting new people from all over the country. Who knew!? Interesting to be sure and I have to say, I think I am just a bit too old for some people. For me, I like chatting and socializing and enjoying a fine dinner. I found all too quick that Las Vegas for many is all about drinking, gambling and sex. Mind you, I am not being pious, but come on guys.

It was wonderful to get home Monday and begin getting the place back in shape. Work has just flattened me out the past two days so I am moving a bit slow. Finding balance is my goal right now. Taking it slow and steady. When I got home this evening it was all about getting the bathroom and kitchen back in order. That is done and done with laundry going and dishes running. Tomorrow I shall begin getting the living room caught up and by the weekend it should be ready for a good cleaning by dear Moonsong. He is amazing to be sure. Some socializing will be had and yet I plan to keep some alone time. It is really needed.

Hope all are keeping up with the change in seasons and know that I have now gotten to enjoy Copper River salmon three times = so very good. More to follow - Cheers!

Hello To You!

2011-05-30T20:43:00.000-07:00

Hi there! Yes, I have been out of touch for a while. The merry month of May was anything but. From all the national stories of devastation to the local stories of work stuff, this 5th month of the year saw my Mom turn 88 and at the same time see a lot of change at work.

I cannot make excuses, but rather just share. Life happens and it might mean bumps. I went into a funk of sorts trying to keep all the staff upbeat. I need sleep now, but more to come. Used my off time to recharge. Talk to my dear sister Janet or several dear close friends who heard me cry out, life gets complicated.

Just home from Las Vegas and it was an amazing weekend and future blogs will peel back the layers to show what has been going on. Know I am good and yet need to do some real work if I plan to see the 60's in my life path. And so it goes. But more to come.

Be Back Soon!

2011-05-13T17:28:00.000-07:00

The blogger was down a lot this week:

Blogger Status

Thursday, May 12, 2011
Blogger will be in read-only mode while we resolve some maintenance issues. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Posted by Eddie at 12:35 PDT

Tuesday, May 10, 2011
We've identified a problem rendering some blogs containing the popular posts widget. Our engineers are fixing the issue and the it should be resolved shortly.

Thanks for your patience in the mean time.
Posted by Andrew at 01:25 PDT

Monday, May 09, 2011
Blogger will go into read-only mode at 10:00PM PST for about an hour for maintenance.

Update, 10:40PM: The maintenance is complete. Thanks for your patience.
Posted by Brett at 21:17 PDT

Trying To Refocus

2011-05-03T18:07:00.000-07:00

After the weekend it is not easy to just just and be back in the swing of things. The past 10 days have proven enough to put anyone to the test. From the trip to Portland and on to Ashland and then back to Seattle to experience the tornado's, the royal wedding and finally the death of Osama Bin Laden made for a mental stew of swirling challenges. Add to that work issues of all sorts and poof, a minor meltdown. Sadly, all too soon since the last. How long can I mange this. I refuse to back down and today showed just how far I will push the envelope. Totally mocked my boss. I would never have done that before. But dang it, I am so not going back to Phoenix. Cannot believe that Kyla walked on us and to think two staff "did not realize how serious it was" is total crap.

So today I do laundry and put dishes away. Write some notes and begin to review what I want to get done in the coming year. Have met a nice guy named Richard and we will see what happens. To think a man who actually can speak full sentences. What a joy. Stay tuned. I am enjoying a light dinner and some television. Plan to call it an early night and push forward with yet, another day. This too shall pass. Yes, sort of a boring post and yet I am feeling very low-key tonight and at the same time I am trying to keep current. But one thing I refuse to let go is that it was 209 years ago that Washington DC became a city. Yeah! That is why the picture above was selected.

TERMINATED - Bin Laden Dead

2011-05-02T17:43:00.000-07:00

These images serve as evidence as to why I will not be sad he is dead.
I remember that day as if it was yesterday.

May he rot in hell!

May Day Traditions - The Lighter Side

2011-05-01T08:02:00.000-07:00

One of the fun moments of May Day is making the cones of flowers and delivering them in secret around town. The fun we had and it was so easy. Clipping flowers around the yard and just making a lot of color to bring a smile to a person. What a wonderful memory. I sent May Day Flowers around to friends a few years back and it was such a joy to hear from those near and far about the memories it brought back. Memories are something that you just cannot take away, but rather they are to be savored! My oh my, the 5th month of the year has arrived. I have been to one May Pole Dance at the annual Ravenna Ravine ceremony. Not my big thing. The warm sun and potluck just make for stomach aches to be sure. No, I am going to lay low this day and enjoy some pampering, good phone calls and do a few chores around. The past 10 days have been just a bit too much for me. Need to take time to get the apt. in order and gear up for a month that will be filled with a lot of celebrations and fun. At the same time it is an annual challenge for me. While many look to summer with great anticipation, I do not. I "get" through summer. Not my favorite season. It is, in fact, my least favorite and it is still spring so I try to hold perspective. But I do have air conditioning and autumn is only a few months away and that always puts a big smile on my face. Love the change of color and this year I do plan to finally take my Fall-B-Que tour! They say third time is the charm.

The Royal Wedding - A Footnote

2011-05-01T06:14:00.000-07:00

The past week has been filled with every bit of information we needed to know to be part of the Royal Wedding. It was magical and a delight. I took Friday off from work to watch as I know many others did as well. But now it is time to bid farewell to the celebration and yet how can you do that without at least a couple of fun pics to keep a smile going. Found both of these on the Telegraph Newspaper site and they both made me smile. Hope you enjoy. I have to say I want the hat to the right. It inspires me to host a hat party this summer to be sure. Have not done one of those in years. My, I think you need to go back to living back on Ainsworth for the last time I attended a Hat Party. Oh the balloon sculptures that we had and the fun everyone had. Lots of laughter to be sure. Now as for the next picture, it was one of those that you look at and go - REALLY? Seriously, when did you have time to put that all together. Leave it to the Queens to upstage a Queen! I so want to have that hair. The shower curtains are fun, but seriously, it is the hair that gets the vote from this poster. Make it a fun day and stop and have a good laugh, we all need to from time to time to be sure.

Who Knew In 1952?

2011-04-30T17:01:00.000-07:00

Mr. Potato Head would be 1st toy advertised on television.

The Royal Wedding

2011-04-29T16:46:00.000-07:00

It is the other story of the week and why I stayed home from work on Friday. Funny how I had so many plans and they all fell to the wayside. It was a day not to soon be forgotten. Glad Jodie and Rob stopped by for a while. Otherwise, it is now all a bit of history.

Tornado Alley

2011-04-28T16:41:00.000-07:00

One cannot be catching up on posts and not note the two major stories of the week. The horrific tornadoes in the south are just horrible. Hundreds dead and it is not the worst month yet. How sad. From floods to earthquakes and on to cyclones and tornadoes, the world has seen its' share of bizarre weather this year.

Return To The Salt Mine

2011-04-27T16:28:00.000-07:00

I had set the week up so I had two full days in the office. Who knew it was going to be a massive first day back. Processed over 800 emails and it was Administrative Assistant Appreciation Day so lunches all around. Financial requests put in and chatted with many staff. Stressed and feeling it but I'll get through. Pushed hard and made it through. But it was not without stress.I did not happen to mention that on Monday, upon my return from Portland, I got to enjoy a lovely tea with Lars and Anita. We celebrated Easter Monday and what a delight. It was also the annual White House Easter Egg Roll and this year I got one of their Eggs.