A New Chapter Begins

Last year for my birthday, I got a fun chair made and it arrived in time to enjoy a couple of weeks before all hell broke loose and I ended up in the hospital.  It comes from a place called The Whole 9 Yards in Portland, Oregon.

I choose the fabric on the seat and back.  The designer, Amy Estrien, picked the other three fabrics, one of which you cannot see as it is on the back of the chair.  I use it every day to do my exercises.  So why bring it up?  Well, I had not mentioned it before and it got moved back to its' original location today.  This was another step in getting the apartment back to "normal" so to speak.

Over the last week a lot has been going on...some highlights:

Was taken off oxygen
Am 5 pounds short of losing a total of 200
Drove my car for the first time in months
Reorganized the hall closet
Took a real shower
Got rid of the wheelchair
Doing just about all the chores (except garbage/recycle)
Cooked both lunch and dinner on the stove/oven for myself
Wore real pants plus socks and shoes
Bought a new bed

Now the list is filled with a lot of milestones quite frankly, but the new bed is a huge leap forward in saying good-bye to weeks, nay months, of hospital like living and having that overcast of being sick lingering in the air.  It needed to change and change it did. 

You can see the new bed (mattress & box spring) in the background.  Decided it was ime for a whole new chapter, so invested in 2 sets of sheets and a new quilt.  Colorful and fun, but with the "Big Fun Chair" at the foot of the bed, there was a clash.  Thus, switched the two chairs back.  I am liking how the apartment is looking.  Fresh and cleaned up, but still needs a good airing to release that lingering medicmal smell out of here.  Oh the joys of recovery!

The Wheels Keep on Turning

What is it about Ferris Wheels and their popularity around the globe these days.  In Germany, they are fixtures at Christmas Markets.  In London, the London Eye was built to welcome the millinium and proved so popular, they decided to keep it in place.  I have had the pleasure of riding it several times and it is magical and takes about 30 minutes to do one rotation.  It never stops, you walk to load and the step off lively at the end.  Quite fun. 

Then there is the wheel in Japan that has no center infastructure  to allow a roller coaster to go through it.  From Chicago to Singapore, Santa Cruz to Coney Island Ferris Wheels are big draws and helping to fuel a building of wheels in various cities.  Last week, New York City announced it was going to build on in Staten Island so riders can look across and see the NYC skyline.  Not to be out done, Seattle has joined the ranks of cities sporting a brand new "Great Wheel" that officially opens to the public at 4pm today. 

42 climate controlled gondolas will take passengers over 200 feet in the air and hover out over Elliot Bay nearly 40 feet.  $13 for three rotations will last about 15 minutes with one pod available to reserve with a flat screen, wine cooler and you get to have it for a half-hour.  You might notice the Space Needle on the left and that the top is painted orange.  It is actually "Galaxy Gold" and was the original color back when the World's Fair opened in 1962.  This year marks the 50th anniversary and so they decided to paint it for the 6 months of celebrating.  Personally, I cannot wait until October and see it go back to basic white.  Here is another view of the wheel looking south.

That would be the Seahawk's stadium on the right and it is now known as Century Link Field or among the media as "The Clink" which makes me chuckle.  What a delightful place the Emerald city is and right now the temps are perfect.  I would take them any day over what the rest of the country is having to deal with.  Happy summer!

The Roof That Moves & Curry Goes

I have a stunning view out of my apartment looking south.  Seeing various airplanes land and take off from Boeing Field as well as Sea-Tac is a lot of fun.  I can look to the east and see the former VA hosital that most recently served as Amazon's corporate headquarters and scan west to see Safeco Field where the Seattle Mariners play baseball.  A feature of "The Safe" as the local media refer to it is the retractable roof.  It is fun to catch it happening as it only moves about 7mph.  Below is a series of photos of it closing that were taken over about 10 minutes the other day.

An interesting point of interest is that when it is retracked like this, it is hovering over the railroad tracks directly below.  When they are playing, once they make the call to close the roof, often due to rain, then it cannot be opened until the game is over.  Oh and when the roof is over the stadium, unlike above, you can see the corporate headquarters of Starbucks.  ust a bit of a view on my world.

NEWS FLASH:  What a great day - Ann Curry is leaving the "Today Show" as co-anchor.  Oh darn!  I can be such a mean person, but I have never been a fan.  Guess it was not all her decision.  This from the Washington Post:

NEW YORK — Ann Curry is expected to officially make her exit from NBC’s “Today” show after one year as co-host.

She told USA Today she would announce her departure Thursday, ending a week of awkward television as she continued working after word spread that NBC was looking to oust her. She made it clear in the interview that it wasn’t her idea.

The popular morning show is facing its biggest challenge in the ratings from ABC’s resurgent “Good Morning America” since the mid-1990s. Curry said she will remain at NBC News, leading a reporting unit.

NBC’s Savannah Guthrie is expected to replace Curry.

I was wondering what was going on when they announced that Meredith Vieira was going to be helping "Today Show" at the summer games in London.  Heck, change happens, especially on TV if you are not bringing in the ratings.

London Olympics in 30 Days

Woke up at 3am this morning to see live coverage of the Olympic rings being dropped into place on the Tower Bridge.  Leave it to CNN to carry it live.  Each ring is the size of a double decker bus to give perspective.  Hey, that was the reporter's words, not mine. 

One of my favorite bridges in London.  What wonderful memories I have of my 5 trips over the past 15 years to this favorite city of mine.  Hopefully returning in the near future, perhaps next year if all works out.  During the Olympics, all the various bridges will be lit up in different colors reflecting the Olympic rings.  Opening ceremonies are Friday evening, July 27th on the NBC network, just in case you are interested.

Happy Birthday Curtis!

I do believe that if were to look under the definition of the word angel, you would see his name and picture. Seriously, he has made this journey so much tolerable. 

Since January, I have been in the hospital, gone through rehab and now been recouping at home. While numerous friends and one very special family member have visited, helped out with chores and meals, there is one person who has visited me in the hospital almost daily, took me to appointments without hesitation, did more chores than I can remember and has gotten to be very well known at the Walgreen's on Mercer Island getting perscriptions. I have known Curtis for years and he came to work with me at Events & Adventures 5 years or so ago.

Thank you Curtis for everything you have done.  You have no idea no idea how much I appreciate all you do.  Have a great birthday!

On this date in history, a couple of interesting things happened:

•  1997 Supreme Court upholds doctor-assisted suicide ban.
• 1991 ANC leader Nelson Mandela addresses congress
• 1896 1st movie theater in U.S. opens, charging 10 cents for admission

10 Day Countdown Begins

One of my favorite days of the year is 4th of July.  For those that do not know I just love fireworks and there are some amazing displays around the Seattle area to be enjoyed.  Last year, Markie hosted a bar-b-que down at his place in Southpark where there were so many fireworks being set off, it was deaffening to be sure.  I made my way home soon enough to watch the big displays on TV.  Macy's in New York City on the Hudson River and the wonderful display on Lake Union.

Back in 2008 Curtis and I had a unique opportunity to utilize a small private yacht.  We gathered 38 or so people and it was off to enjoy drinks, dinner and a night that would not soon be forgotten.  The picture above and below are from that year.  Yes, I have been quick lucky in life.

This year for the holiday, I think I may just stay in and relax and watch the two big displays on TV and avoid the crowds.  By the way, Bravo to Starbuck's for stepping up as the presenting sponsor this year.  All the more reason to have a iced coffee one of these days soon.  May do a good old fashion hamburger and just pause and say "Happy 236th Birthday America!"

What The Heck Are Those?

Why yes, they are old fuddy-duddy Velcro tennis shoes in that ever popular putty color.  Yes, folks, after how many months of walking around the apartment in Birkenstock sandals, I figured it was time to get serious about walking again.  Have been putting the walker aside more and more.  It is a very good feeling and the day saw me walking to and from the bathroom and kitchen to the living room numerous times. 

Spending the day doing a series of small projects from gluing seashells to a picture frame, to sorting DVD's and putting them away.  Photo CD's still call me, but a nap might win.  Have the Olympic Diving Trials on in the background and it is cool that they are being held down I-5 in Federal Way, WA.  Later tonight will be more coverage of the Olympic Track & Field Trials that are being held in Eugene, OR.  So folks, the pacific northwest is getting a lot of promotion this weekend.

Oh, some of you have not seen a picture of me since the beard went away due to using the CPAP for sleeping and so here you go, don't be afraid.  Yes, a nap is due and then I will need to do some prep for dinner tonight as I host Curtis to mark his birthday and his partner Josh. Markie will join us for steaks, asparagus, coleslaw and deviled eggs.  In closing, today is Gay Pride in New York City, San Francisco and Seattle among other cities.  However you may mark the day, I hope you have a great day.  If you don't celebrate the day, move on, this is not for you!

Fabulous Saturday

Had no idea the day would turn out the way it did when I woke up at 4am this morning. I do that to catch the live feed of the "Today Show" on Channel 5. On Saturday and Sunday they air it live. Lester Holt (left) is just one of my favorite anchors and so any chance to see him, I take it.  Not to mention the days are just counting down to the Olympics coverage.  Do not know why, but when the opening ceremonie happen, I become obsessed with them and can't get enough.  I know exactly where I will be on July 27th as they begin in London. 

After that it was on to the kitchen and a breakfast of cheese and eggs with iced coffee.  Saturdays see me refilling the weekly pill tray so I can have some clue on what to take when.  Called in 4 perscriptions and then it was back to the living area to start working on sorting another box, this time a hat box that was filled with DVD's, CD's and photo CD's.  Mind you, I have been putting things in there for 7 years and do not remember the last time I took something out.  One notable had to be the Carly Simon CD I remember I had to get and yes, it was there and still had the original wrapper on it.  So now I am going to be putting the DVD's in the binders I have for my collection and download the photos to the computer.

A short nap happened and calls placed to Rob & Jodie, plus a nice conversation with Connie plus I got to see Tyler who stopped by for lunch and helped with a few chores around the apartment.  I am doing more and more and that feels good.  But there are some things I still need help with, like garbage and recycling plus pulling clothes out of the dryer.  A quiet evening is planned with some veggies for dinner and shrimp.  Tomorrow I am will be cooking dinner for Curtis and his partner Josh as a sort of kick off to Curtis' birthday week.  Steak, Asparagus, Deviled Eggs and Salad.  Oh, and roasted potatoes for them. 

As I close for the day, did you know that in 1860 the Secret Service was created on this date.  Who knew?  I sure didn't, but hey, always good to learn something new every day.  Cheers!

Changes Continue to Happen

Whew!  What a week it has been.  Funny how there are long periods of "Why is nothing happening?" and then poof, things jump forward with lightening speed.  That is how it has felt this week.  From getting the apartment changed back last week, I began using the dining table as my office.  Now, about 10 days later, I have moved the "office" back to the computer cabinet.  And yes, I did it all by myself this morning.  It took many small steps, but it all happened by 8am.  See how good things happen when you get up early! 

Now the dining table is just that and is looking quite nice with an orchid from my second cousins, Amy and Damien.  The Golden Gate Bridge S&P still is in place and there is a new addition. 

It will be quite enjoyable to have a martini out of the glass, but the question remains, "Where did it come from?"  I had someone open the door to my closet recently and noticed a round container.  It was black and had a band around it, oh wait, here is a picture so you know what I am talking about.

Yes, it says Vixen.  I may be a Vixen, but the glass is quite lovely and hand painted.  This is not my first festive martini glass from this vendor as I received a "Birthday" martini glass from Curtis a few years back.  Well, I am completely at a loss as to where this glass came from.  If anyone reading this is the giver, I would love to hear from you.  Asked several people already and have had no luck, but boy does it make for a great who-dun-it!

I leave you this day with a fortune I got a while back, but have kept around as it is pretty good:

Nature, time and patience are the three best physicians.

Summertime, Summertime...

Yes, summer arrived yesterday at 4:09pm pacific time and it was good to see it arrive, as it means that we are on our way to fall and the beautiful colors, truly, my favorite season of the year.  OK, so getting a little ahead of myself, but I am in a very happy mood as I got some STUNNING news yesterday.  Back on May 29th, I stepped on the scale and was shocked and saddened to see that it read 618.5 and I had put on nearly 40 pounds.  How?  Why?  Questions were many and I was so frustrated.

Well, I was put on a diuretic and held steady to my meal plan.  Exercise continued at 6 days a week with new items being added weekly.  And so yesterday when I stepped on the scale and it read 497.2 I was FLOORED!  Down 121.3 pounds!  Amazed beyond words and totally giddy.  As the doctor said, I likely dropped 30-40 pounds a week in fluid and 5-8 pounds a week on the meal plan and exercise routine.  And so it goes as I continue on my journey to better health.  It is not a time to rest on my laurels, but hey, Jodie and Rob did stop by for a celebratory cocktail (vodka tonic w/ lime for me).  I was also pleased when Dr. Lindquist said I could enjoy some lemon sorbet as a treat.  Likely this weekend.

Speaking of sorbet, I remember in my youth that we looked forward to getting an ice cream each day when the ice cream man came round.  Now a lot of kids grew up with the usual ice cream truck (left) driving around often playing the theme from "The Sting" to grab your attention.  But in Ashland, where I grew up we did not have the trucks until well into my teens.  Back in the early years when we still lived at 697 Indiana there was a special vehicle that came round nearly every day and we would take our dimes out to greet the ice cream man.

Yes, this was our "ice cream truck" for many years.  Thanks to my brother Mike for finding this photo and bringing back some great childhood memories.  Cheers!

Summer arrives!

Good day to all as we welcome summer at 4:09pm this afternoon pacific time.  We are suppose to get up to the lower 70's today so it will be a lovely welcome to the season on this side of the country.  Watching the morning news and see that the east coast will be baking in the mid to high 90's.  UGH!  Yesterday was a very full day with it kicking off as Cindy, my physical therapist arrived at 8am.  After three rounds of walking with just the cane and then standing 5 minutes in preparation for Friday's advancement to taking standing showers, I was ready to sit back and relax, but not to be.  A dear friend arrived from Vashon Island with a huge bouquet of Peony.  One of my favorite flowers and a sure sign of summer.

What I initially did not know is that they came out of his yard at Sound Cliff.  It was so nice of Gordon to get up and go out to the garden and clip the fabulous blooms so Stephen could bring them into the apartment and fill the air with a wonderful summer scent.  They are native to western north America and is right up there with French tulips and Casablanca lilies as personal favorites.  It was a delight to have them as Stephen brought tulips to me in the hospital and sadly, I could not have flowers in the ICMU.  By the way, sitting in front of the flowers is a set of salt & pepper shakers in the shape of the Golden Gate Bridge which is celebrating its' 75th anniversary this year.

Soon Stephen had to be out the door and on to lunch with an old friend plus numerous errands, but it allowed me time to enjoy lunch before a fleet of professionals arrived to recertify me for the coming weeks.  After numerous questions and a blood draw, a bed bath followed and I was feeling quite nice by 5pm.  Markie arrived for dinner and two dear friends stopped by for a brief visit.

Dan and Keith are dear friends from Portland and while the visit was much too short, it was a delight seeing them.   Dan and I were born on the same day and same year and so share a special bond.  He was in the hospital earlier this year as well.  It will not be so long before I see them again.  While they were visiting Markie was in the kitchen fixing what has become a favorite meal.  Simple lettuce salad is on the right in picture and in the square glass dish are two moist and juicy boneless chicken breasts topped with a lemon pepper blend.  They are resting on a bed of asparagus that was cooked in an Alfredo sauce.  Have you said yum yet?  After enjoying a couple of episodes of "The Big Bang Theory" Makie departed and I had a quiet evening.  A perfect way to end a very full day.

Good-bye spring - Hello Olympics

And hello summer!  Yes, it arrives tomorrow at 4pm pacific time.  Many of you know that summer is not my favorite time of year.  I get through it.  But sunflowers are a bright moment of the season.  I really liked this image when I was looking for something to say summer-hello to me.  The air conditioner will be cranking more and I shall count the days until autumn arrives.  My first goal is to get to 4th of July.  That's easy, just a few days away.  Then it is a long dry spell until Labor Day Weekend. 

This year though, it will be different as there is a break in store for me that has me down right giddy!  Yes, I am talking about the summer Olympics in London that kick off July 27th.  The opening ceremonies always are enjoyable and I do plan to watch them with all the anticipation one can.  No I do not plan to try and compare them with the Beijing opening ceremonies.  That would not be fair.

But I have to admit I really like the logo NBC came up with for the Olympics.  It is spot on.  I will likely have to go and find something online with the logo.  Such a sucker for that stuff.  And I will arrange my schedule to take in as much of the action as possible.  So if you do not reach me from July 27-August 12, you know why.

Foggy Monday Morning

Woke up way too early this morning and decided to not try and just lounge as there is a lot to get done.  But in seeing the light of day arrive on the later spring day, I was thrilled to see the fog roll in and wrap the city in the comfort of mystery.  We have been so darn lucky this spring with cool temps and yet some lovely days with the 70 degree mark being hit. 

The past three days has had me sorting through a lot of paperwork.  Boy, how it piles up and yet, it is times like this where you get a chance to get a handle on it.  Attached a box of cards and various mementos that I knew one day would be put into scrape books.  Who am I kidding, that is so not going to happen.  Thus, I am going to make a memory box instead to visit and enjoy.  There was also attacking the wooden computer cabinet that had not been touched since January.  It was good to get things back in order. 

Slowly getting back to my old routine and yet it will never be the old routine again.  I exercise 6 days a week now - yes you read that right - I am exercising now!  But it is good to shake off the medicinal feeling that was in the apartment and get it back to feeling like my place.  Between walking without the walker last week and then the fantastic flowers being delivered, I felt there were several good kick start points to get moving forward.

There are still projects to get to, as there always is, but I am feeling so much better.  Plus, having Moonsong stop by and clean the space just gives it all a good shake out.  Breakfast was some great Greek Yogurt with protein powder and blueberries.  A great way to jump start the day.  Now, there is some writing to get to and work to be done.  Have a great day, I know I will.

Happy Father's Day

At this time of year I do pause and have great memories of Dad and the good times we had over the years.  He's been gone nearly 13 years now and I can still hear his laugh and see him holding a screwdriver at happy hour.  The enjoyment of having a good game of golf or yelling at the TV when football games did not go his way.

Christmas time had him putting up lights and boughs on the front porch at 697 Indiana (our old house) while at 1146 Beswick he was a master of the Bar-B-Que grill.  Adventures up to Lake-of-the-Woods and rushing home in summer of '69 to see the landing on the moon.  A master at packing a car for a trip, he took us on many an adventure to the beach or even our first trip to Disneyland when he won the trip from Carnation.  From Ragu to Chung King we had all sorts of products around from his years as a food broker and oh how we looked forward to helping him with the carnival at Sherm's Thunderbird Market each year. 

Enjoyed celebrating his 70th birthday at Tavern on the Green in New York City and oh the talks we would have about politics.  He was one to enjoy a good discussion, not a shouting match.  He would make the holidays special for us and was always in the kitchen making sure we had breakfast before heading off to school.  When I delivered the Oregonian newspaper, he helped me on many a rainy or snowy morning. 

Enjoyed being a member of the Elk's and know as "Easy Earl" on the golf course he had many many friends and never a bad word was said of Dad.  I remember his memorial service and all the people who showed up.  It was stunning and at the same time it showed just how many lives he had touched.  I'm glad to have called him Dad!

And We Are Back...

Greetings to those that might peek in and see what is up.  After a 7 month break I have decided to tip toe back to the blog a bit.  Not sure if I will be as aggressive as I once was, but heck, things happen and it can be fun to share.  Life did kind of step in and put a lot of things on hold for a while, but life is returning to normal.   

Last night, Jodie and Rob stopped by for drink, dinner and game playing.  We were going to have shrimp salads, but Jodie arrived with a new recipe for a zesty shrimp and avocado salad and I must say it was delicious.  We took it and filled romaine lettuce leaves to make taco-like munchies.  Steamed asparagus rounded out the dinner.  Afterwards, we played the game of Life and a lot of laughs were to be had. 

Markie stopped by earlier in the evening for a few minutes and a cocktail, but departed soon to head home and take care of two "global freeloaders" that had been staying at his place as they make their way from Fairbanks back to Michigan via San Francisco. Ambitious to say the least – especially since they are hitchhiking all the way and what a challenge the AlCan highway must have been.

The flowers you see were delivered yesterday and I was totally overwhelmed!  From a couple of friends out of the bay area, they are stunning.  The vase has got to be at least two and a half feet tall.  Overall, with flowers, the thing goes up at least 4.5 feet.  Just amazing and has been moved over by the window for better viewing.

This morning I was up early and puttering plus I got to enjoy a wonderful breakfast of iced coffee, scrambled eggs and bacon.  Yes, life is pretty darn good right now.  It is good to be back.  Cheers!