Pleasure vs. Tasks

So it has been a while since I did a post and I can only fault that to this amazing weather we are having in the pacific northwest. You see since the whole El Nino (pretend you see a ~ over the n ok as I do not know how to put it there) thing took hold and has created weird weather all over the country, we have gotten warmer than usual weather with cold spurts tossed in. This has created a lot of drama in people getting sick. I mocked a lot of them until I was struck down. I mean it is fierce! Once I got home from the trip I had a "little" chest cold. Well, on the 12th of February was over at Jodie and Rob's place for the opening and felt fine and by Sunday, the 14th I was down for the count. Did not get out of bed, it was sad. I had to cancel going to a much looked forward to Valentine's Day brunch! The following week was hell! Pure and simple. Rest, drugs, sleep, work, rest, drugs, sleep, work...you get the idea! Only could manage half days and since I had been on vacation felt I needed to try and keep going in a bit. I discovered an amazing drug called Mucinex DM. Sure it is like $14 a box, but boy is it strong. Kicked the pants off the cough that would not go away and I will be kind and not discuss phlegmfest '10!

It took the full box and a lot of rest and finally feeling better. Had to laugh when I call the tele-nurse at Polly Clinic. When I asked if there was anything else I could do she said, "Chris, you are not going to bounce back - you are no longer in your 20's and 30's. You will get better! But this takes time and you need to allow it to happen." True to form I am getting better.

So what that means folks is that for the run of the Olympics, I had a horrible chest cold. Did get to watch some events, but bed rest was #1 for me and I read a lot. Heck, I am current on The New Yorker and this morning I spent the better chunk of it reading a wonderful book my sister gave me for Christmas called Immovable Feast ~ A Christmas in Paris by John Baxter. Quite fun. Going to be taking it down to Astoria on the 19th to give to Michael to read.

Now mind you while rest was foremost on my agenda while ill I was not a lame duck. Michael came up from the coast and we did take the lightrail for a spin since he had not had the opportunity to ride it yet. Mind you this was after we got out of the elevator where we were stuck for nearly 25 minutes (Little did I know it was to be repeated that same week, but I was on a solo ride that time!). From there it was off to the Symphony where Marvin Hamlisch was conducting the Pops with a Tribute to Stephen Sondheim. Quite enjoyable and from what I have come to understand, each program was a bit different. Marvin was quite engaging with the youth in the crowd and that was delightful. He was just stunned that so many people had showed with the day being so beautiful outside. Well, the audience was more than entertained and it would have been without comment if he had included something to acknowledge "Into the Woods" but hey, always leave them wanting more is how the old saying goes!

Afterward, we made our way to one of my favorite restaurants in all of Seattle, Brooklyn. I had hosted one of my birthday dinners there. Michael got to experience the restaurant for the first time that day. Due to the antics of one of the guests at the party, Michael and I both wanted to dine there to erase as much of that experience as possible, but holding on to the dear memory of all those that did attend who did not feel so self-serving. Well, this meal did it. From our arrive during happy hour to being seated it was a meal not soon forgotten.

We began with our martini's of choice and enjoyed a dozen Quilcene oysters each if memory serves me correctly. From there we took our table and enjoyed a four-course dinner. Up first we decided that since we were going with beef Michael especially enjoys Merlot wine. They happen to carry a favorite of mine, L'Ecole No. 41 and it was delightful. The 1st course is a complete and utter display of indulgence - The dry bay scallop with fois gras. It is just stunning and something I treat myself to when I go there. Next up we split a Serrano Salad and this was a lovely melange of meat, vegetables and cheese to really make a nice transition to our main courses. Michael opted for the signature dish - the Carpetbagger (filet mignon sliced open and stuffed with a yearling oyster and then wrapped in bacon and cooked. I went with classic sirloin with a Gorgonzola butter on top. Finally, for dessert we both had coffee and Frangelico's while Michael had the molten chocolate cake I went with the key lime pie. They even put a candle in it so I could blow it out this time. After a nearly 2.5 hour gastronomic extravaganza we rolled into a cab and headed for home.

Michael headed for home the next day and I rested. It would be another week before I was really back on track. Heck even as I type this entry I have noticed a lingering cough here and there. Need to be mindful. So the week unfolded as the medals kept pouring onto the USA count and for Canada it was wonderful as they piled on more and more gold. In the end it proved to be a win-win as Canada won the most gold medals of any country in the history of the winter games and USA won more medals overall than any other country in the history of the winter games. Go figure.

The last week of February saw me pondering the move from my apt. as I got notice of a $122 rent increase. It has been 4 years and time for a change. I really like my apt. but wanted a different view. Sounds simple right? WRONG. I have looked at over 16 different places and while some have had stunning views, in the end, it is the stuff in the apt. that really makes me happy. I like a shower stall, not a bathtub. I love having the washer/dryer in the unit. The black and white in my kitchen is balanced by the tan color of the cabinets. There is the openness of the kitchen to the rest of the apt. Location, location, location. So I mention to Pam downstairs in the office I am looking and get a call last Thursday. Not only have they erased the rent increase, they lowered my rent by $30 a month. Well, that sealed the deal and I am staying put. no move and no dealing with all the hassel of what goes and what gets tossed, although I am still doing that!

Guess I will get started on packing up the Christmas tree now since it was up to only take down and move. Likely next Saturday since Moonsong comes on Sunday to clean. Will likely end up connecting with Direct TV as I refuse, just totally refuse to get Broadstripe. They are a horrible cable company. Yes I am still frustrated with the way that some Asians drive and the various sporting events do get me in a bit of a dither, but overall, I have a great view and the apt. really is perfect for me. I can go down and ride the ferry if I want to look at water and mountains or even go to one of the many parks and take in the view. One thing I am going to do is to get back into mass transit. Got away from it for a while and well, I miss it and want to get this old body moving again.

So this posting has been all about getting you current on what has been happening. A couple of things that did not get written up in details but should be noted:

Still play Settlers of Catan and it is a blast. Have won more than
lost, but it is not about that. It is about the fun of taking time with
friends and enjoying myself.

Got to have breakfast/brunch with 2nd cousins Amy and Damien last week at a
place called The Pancake Corral. Everyone needs to eat at a corral at
least once in their life.

Yes I mentioned getting stuck in the elevator, not once, but twice in one
week and while I did get a bit miffed, it was not directed at the staff, but oh
they got to hear it. But they are wonderful here and to take care of the
place.

Overall, the family is doing good. Mom is battling a cold herself and
they do get a grip, speaking from experience. Janet is coming up on spring
break and loving her pond and ducks. Steve and Karen seem to be holding
their own. Mike and Joyce are proud Grand Parents now and still are
dealing with challenges of raising their own kids. They are much better at
it than I ever could be.

The country is facing some serious challenges of its' own right now.
We are so stuck in the mud nothing is getting done and it is hurting
everyone. Not sure if we are really recovering or gearing up for who knows
what. Kinda scary and yet we press on.

Finally, it seems that some of you have had challenges posting a comment to this blog. Seems it can be a challenge. Some reasone it only likes certain email addresses. Sorry about that. Hope all of you remember that next Sunday, we have daylight savings time kicking in - get ready.

Cheers!

Viva Las Vegas & Hello Palm Springs!

Yes, I am now focused on finishing up on telling y'all about the trip so we can jump forward and talk about getting stuck in the elevator yesterday and the fire dept. coming out to save us! But I am so getting ahead of myself. When we last left you I had just gotten back into town and went to the Golden Nugget where I was to stay the following night. They had no rooms available. It must have been because of the "World of Concrete" conference was still going strong! So I ended up at Fitzgerald's two blocks down and got upgraded to a suite and free breakfast called the double down due to Mom and Dad having gone to the Fitzgerald many times in Reno. They were listed in their system as "lucky charms" and so got the room and breakfast for $27.79. My room faced Freemont Street and oh my was I so not ready for what happened at 8pm that night. Suddenly all the casino lights go off and then a 10 minute show begins that is LOUD and BRIGHT!! Yes, by day it looks very simple and tame and then the sun sets and the demons get to thrive! It is quite something:
















The first three give you a great perspective of how it transitions and the last was the view from my room per se. It was on my list, but who knew I would have a front and center seat. Good thing as I was in a back tower at the Golden Nugget the next night and did not leave my room once I got back, needed a down night. So Thursday morning I walk down and have the double-down breakfast...OMG! It is served on a turkey platter...2 biscuits and gravy, a good 6 eggs scrambled, 10-12 pieces of bacon plus hash browns and 4 slices of toast with juice and coffee. No, I did not finish it, not even close. So off I went in the car and did a drive of the Vegas Strip and oh my what a different perspective from walking. Then went and drove and just got lost a couple of times because I could. Took a side trip up to the Red Rock area and it is quite beautiful and for hiker's it is a joy. Would not mind returning on a future visit. Love, love, love the low temps...happy tourist, but a lot of the others are grumbling about how cold it is.

Due to the multiple shows on Freemont Street the night before, I decided I did not need to return and instead, I took a long shower and a wonderful afternoon nap, a true pamper experience. Then, I discovered that the in-room dinner special was Liver & Onions w/ Bacon and well, I was in heaven! Ordered it and it came with baked potato plus green beans, a Caesar salad and a choice of either Lemon or Banana Cream pie...I opted for the former. Oh and add three glasses of ice water and you have a feast for a king...or a queen...go figure. Enjoyed it and continued to read my book and well, it was just a lovely night in. No rushing and heck, I needed my rest as tomorrow would be The Desperado! This is no ordinary roller coaster. You get a breathtaking view of the valley from 209 feet up right before you plunge at tremendous speed into a succession of twist, turns and unexpected surprises. Ranking among the top ten roller coasters in North America and one of the tallest and fastest in the U.S., the Desperado is 2.43 minutes of pure heart pounding fun.

So off to bed I go and Friday had me making that horrible 45 minute journey to Primm, NV right at the border of California after enjoying an early lunch in leiu of breakfast at Sonic Drive-In. One of my favorite places to eat out when traveling. Tonight I would stay at one of three casino's at this spot in the road. Buffalo Bill's and oh my, I was not ready. Checked in and it was scary...went on the roller coaster and it was scary. Went and looked at the restaurants and they were scary. Snagged a bottle of water and a newspaper and called it good. Went to my room and read, watched a bit of TV and went to bed early, I wanted out of there early. Way too redneck for my tastes and I was on the road for Palm Springs by 6:30am the next day!

Palm Springs

Boy was I glad I got an early start...got over half way before the rain hit and boy did it hit! Complete downpours. Arrived Palm Springs to sheets of rain. Perspective, that day Palm Springs got 4.5 inches of rain. One day! More than they get in any month. Once I got checked in at Chap's Inn I was quite pleased to gt to market and get groceries and make up a light munch and then relaxed a bit followed by meting up with some friends and deciding that I would skip the cocktail party that night and instead went out and explored the city a bit. Interesting place and why do people live here again? Well, the rain let up for a midnight swim to occur and a wonderful way to guarantee a good night's sleep. Next day was very lazy with coffee by the pool and read the NYTimes! Love doing that on Sunday. Then began watching coverage of the Super Bowl. The highlight had to be the Tram up the mountain in the afternoon. Here are some pictures of the experience:

The cabins are equipped with floors that turn 360 degrees to show the show the whole area without moving. The last picture is what I saw as we came down the mountain as the city lit up. Quite lovely! So then Monday arrived and I took a lovely back road drive up to Las Vegas and what a treat it was plus I got to see something that you will not see anywhere else. Mind you, you are driving along in the backboards and suddenly you are seeing something you do not expect and have to rub your eyes as yes, there is Joshua's show tree! And home again, home again, I did, did, did!

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's off to the Grand Canyon we go...

For many of you in the US the weather has been less than stellar. Quite the opposite here in the great Pacific Northwest! We have had amazing temps and the sun is out yet again this day. We are going to be getting up to the mid-50's yet again this day. Michael has headed home from his brief visit and so as I wait for Amazon Fresh to deliver the groceries, I thought, let's get this blog updated. A lot to share.

Grand Canyon! What a treat, on the road in my Chevy Equinox. What a comfortable SUV and within the hour I had crossed the Hoover Dam. I had watched specials and read a lot about it, but boy, as you approach there is an anticipation that cannot be beat. Then the reality hits and you realize all too soon it is over. The security check point was so lame! Come on guys. The speed of traffic did allow to see some of the special touches along the way from the original, but soon all this will be changing! A huge construction project is happening and it all is to be done by this November. It is called the Hoover Dam Bypass. I think the original Hwy 93 will be there for the tourists, but all the truck traffic and people wanting to get on through will be taken via bypass and it is an amazing thing to see being built.

It was Tuesday and so I listened in on the marketing meeting call as I cruised through the Arizona desert. Arrived at El Tovar Hotel at mid-afternoon and was decked out in a beautiful covering of snow. It was magical to be sure. I had taken steps to make it so I only needs my small overnight bag and so as able to settle in quickly. The day was tempered by the fact that it would have been David's 39th birthday. I decided to dedicate tonight's dinner to his memory. After checking in I spent an hour or so up on the mezzanine reading email, etc. and then looked out and just enjoyed the view. Icicles 3 feet long hung like a guillotine awaiting the next victim. Took a stroll out and about before the sun set and the temps plunged. It was amazing to be so close to the edge of the Grand Canyon. It is just STUNNING! I went back to the room to relax and have a bit of a nap before dinner. At the El Tovar, you must make dinner reservations or possibly go without dinner. It is quite popular and I had made mine over a week ago. If you are staying at the hotel you can make them up to 6 months ahead and likely during the summer months that is wise. Lucky for me, it was not quite that horrible. Oh and know there is always the option of room service if you forgot to make that reservation and so you are not going to have to starve. That would be a pity.

I began with a couple of Chopin Vodka Martini's with blue cheese stuffed olives. Delightful. The first course was Deviled Crab Cakes with Sonoran Remoulade and it had a nice bit to it that was not overpowering and yet felt needed. For the next two courses, I decided on a Pinot Gris prepared especially for the hotel's Centennial. It is called El Tovar Centennial, Henry Estate, Umpqua Vally, 2007 and was available by the glass. The soup course was a French Onion Soup Gratinee. Just delightful and a nice small portion to allow for the multi-course dining experience to occur. Salad course provided an opportunity to indulge in one of the most amazing salads I have had in a very long time. It was a Spinach and Endive Salad. While initially sounding a tad boring, what they enhanced it with brought it to life and beyond. Only the spinach got dressed with the apple walnut vinaigrette which was a stroke of brilliance. Adding the Gorgonzola, Bacon and Sahllots just made it a home run! Even the house made rolls were a delight and while the Italian Herb Tri-pull Rolls were exceptional, the Cheddar Onions Biscuits could have been best left for a bowl of chili. A little break to enjoy the lovely murals and sand paintings above the fireplaces made the arrival of main course all the more special. Main course wine selection was Firestone Vineyards, Santa Ynez 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon. This was a peak of dining experiences on this trip and how better than a Grilled New York Strip cooked rare with Buttermilk Cornmeal Onion Rings. On the side was a vegetable blend of carrots and broccoli rabe plus fingerling potatoes that were roasted and quite forgettable. Dessert consisted of a lovely fruit tart that had an electric blue sauce for impact, whatever. Coffee and a Frangelico capped off the meal. All of that for just under $100. AMAZING!

While the meal was amazing, the elevation made sleeping next to impossible so my two night stay became a one night stay. I headed down to the lowlands the next day, but oh the adventure I would have on my way back to Las Vegas. So up early and got phone calls out of the way with staff and on the road back to Kingston, AZ and up a road over an hour to The Skywalk. Suppose to cost $29.95. Well, add tax and some other pass and poof, over $70! RIPOFF! Got there and then had to board a bus after going though a gift shop. Did I mention I did not even buy a glass of water I was so pissed off at all this money, money, money talk. Well, it was a walk out on the glass horseshoe in my booties that I got to keep! Back in the car and on the way back to Las Vegas I stopped at an In-N-Out Burger. The burgers are fine, but do not like their fries. Nasty. Drove on into Las Vegas and crashed but not before experiencing something that was on my list, but was so not prepared for it. Stay tuned!

Spring is in the air, but what happened to winter?

Hello there,

So not back to complete 100%, but did want to share a picture that just says spring to me.

Enjoy and Cheers!

Wayward Ho - Off to the Grand Canyon - pause!

Hello to one and all,

It is Sunday, both Valentine's Day & Chinese New Year (Year of the Tiger). I have been sick most of the day. One of those horrible chest colds and did not leave the apt. Missed Moonsong & David's Party which I am bummed about and yet, it was needed down time. Cannot believe I watched the entire Daytona 500 - complete with the hour and half delay! UGH! Needless to say, I was going to post about the Grand Canyon and yet still on the light headed side and so will hold, but it is coming as is the Skywalk over the Canyon and back to Vegas and on to Palm Springs...stay tuned!

Oh and yes, I am moving at the end of March and beginning of April!

If it is Monday, it must be time for the Liberace Museum

Hello everyone,

Yes, I took pause to remember David and now it is time to share his favorite place in Las Vegas. Mind you I did not know this when I booked this trip and added it to my schedule. It was, how shall I phrase this, sort of a mandatory stop on the tour for moi! I still remember going to Civic Auditorium with Aunt Pauline years ago and seeing his show. It was over the top and those cars and capes...oh my! We had such a ball and well, now seeing the official Liberace Museum I feel somehow complete. It is a series of buildings in what they call a compound whereas many of us would say an old strip mall. They have taken over the whole place and have a walking hall of fame that ties the various buildings together. What a trip. You start out with the pictures, hundreds of them. Then the cars, oh my GOD! Then the pianos...and out the door and on you go to the next building with the costumes and a complete redo of the Palm Springs master bedroom. Then there is the gift shop and cafe and "video theatre" when you can lunch and watch videos of Liberace. Officially, he never married because he was afraid he would do to his wife what his Dad did to his Mother and him...leave them. OK, so let's go with that version! The number of blue rinse ladies just having a field day is amazing. Oh Lee, if only a few more years had lapsed, maybe you would have been more comfortable with yourself.


From here I hoped the free shuttle back to the Flamingo hotel. Then walked over and had lunch at Serendipity 3 which recently opened this Las Vegas outlet at Caesar's Palace. The original is in NYC and a favorite of mine. The staff was jealous to know I had been to the original. Get over it kids! A yummy bacon and blue cheese burger with a frozen peanut butter hot chocolate gave me the energy to plow on and see the fountains at Bellagio again and took in the conservatory with the floral tribute to the Chinese New Year and the lobby with the Chihuly ceiling of glass flowers. Walking through one casino can take an hour and it did as I made my way to the tram (more like a monorail really!) that stopped at City Center (a complex that let's you see just what $8 billion can buy!) and then on to Monte Carlo. Now mind you, the Monte Carlo is RIGHT next door to the New York, New York but it still took me over 30 minutes of walking to get back to base. My feet hated me, but I know it was good for me.

Since it was Monday, I took advantage of The Nine Irishmen Pub. This is a bar that was designed and built in Ireland and then dismantled and shipped over here. AMAZING! What a delight and the bartender poured a perfect Guinness. I enjoyed happy hour so dinner and drinks came to a grand total of $24 with tip and that was two dinner items and 4 cocktails plus tip! This is one of the numerous eateries at the New York New York Casino and Hotel. It was up there as one of my favorite places in all of Sin City.


Took the evening to get things repacked and ready for the trip to the Grand Canyon. Decided that for the next several days, I would use only my purple carry-on bag that rolls. I could then leave the weekender bag in the car. Makes for an easy schlep to hotels and such. Also keeps me mindful of what room I have for trinkets. Keeping it simple and at the same time letting go of some clothes to make room. Over the course of the trip I let go of two pairs of pants, one sweater and four shirts. Not bad! Tomorrow will kick off with me heading to the airport to get the car at Avis for the drive to the Grand Canyon and my stay at the El Tovar Hotel. I am so excited! Cheers!

Remebering David Jackson

I am not going to go on and on, but I am sitting at the Las Vegas airport and in a few hours I will be home. This has been a trip I will not soon forget. Did a lot of things I never thought I would do and at the same time I paused and remembered all the good times David and I shared.

When Buddie told me that going to the Liberace Museum was a highlight of David's trip to Las Vegs, it gave my visit more focus. At El Tovar, I toasted his 39th birthday. And everytime I saw someone drinking a Dr. Pepper, I thought of him. Interesting. The picture is one that just is how I shall always remember him. It was fun David, rest in peace! Love, Chris