Opened up a construction blog (KirklandZoo is Building) for those who like to follow our remodel in more (boring) detail.
Address is simple: http://constructionzoo.blogspot.com
(can also find it in the links below to the right)
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Friday, August 24, 2007
Another great example of Customer Zervice!
About two weeks ago, I dented my propeller badly while manouvering very gently down in the bay. BIG BUMMER!
Before heading up to the wedding in Winthrop, I sent an e-mail to the PropShop up in Mukilteo (where I incidentally bought my now broken propeller just two years ago) to inquire as to weather they had any rebuilds, used ones, or just a new propeller of the right size. Just wasn't that eager to shell out $$$ for a propeller - again!
Rick Sandstrom e-mailed me back a few days later, telling me that they had my size, on the shelf, ready for pick up, but no used ones in that size.
Given that I had some time today, I packed the dog in the car and moosied us all the way up to Mukilteo. Ended up in the Friday rush hour but still made it there in about 30 minutes. Could have been much worse...
First good news is that Rick determined he could easily repair my damaged propeller.
Second good news was that the propeller I needed was waiting for me, just to be picked up.
Before doing that, I asked him if I should go up in pitch (from my current 14x19 RH to a 14x21 RH) for my new propeller. I could then have one with a little bit more of torque (14x19), and one that would allow for a little bit better fuel economy and also higher speed (14x21). Of course he did not have that one in, so we decided to order one from Volvo. While filling out the papers, his colleague Rod emerges from the shop with an "almost" new propller with the exact dimensions we were looking for.
So, for less than the price of a brand new propeller, I am getting my old one (14x19) repaired, and an "almost" new one (14x21) as a second set up. Sweet package deal, and it should also push the top speed closer to 50 knots, while still - and much more important - allowing for better fuel economy while just "puttering around" the lake and the Sound.
I could have saved a few bucks and ordered a propeller on-line, but these guys are skilled local craftsmen and should be supported! On top of that, today they not only delivered great customer service, but also a great deal!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Rhododendron haZ gone to Woodinville...
As part of our remodel, the large rhododendron in front of our front steps had to go. It is a large beautiful piece, with abundant red/rose colored flowers. But, it is also in the way and simply too large to be relocated to an unknown spot in our yard.
So, I did what anyone would do these days; I did put out an ad on Craiglist for a "free Rhododendron, just have to dig it up and haul it away". Due to its size, I really did not expect any takers, but to my big surprise, after less than 30 minutes, I had a few replies. Eventually settled on "Doug and Linda" from Woodinville, since they seemed less to be "no shows" (all too common on Craigslist ads). They came around last Thursday and looked at it, decided they wanted it and also had a perfect spot on their 4 acres in Woodinville. The rhodi will be getting a new home!
We decided for Doug to come around on Wednesday morning (yestersday) to dig it out. Well, he really did not show up in the morning, but when he did, we got hard at work. After a few hours, we had most of the root system exposed and cut off. We also did find the old concrete septic tank. Sort of a surprise, but I should have guessed it to be there somewhere, since the house was on a septic system up until in the late 80ies.
Today was followed by more digging, then a couple of attempts to "de-locate" the rhodi by trying to pull it and its rootball out on the driveway. Did not succeed until we went for the heavy machinery; chain and full ton truck. The rhodi was finally loose and now a "movable object".
Over the next three hours, Doug and I fought with the "beast" on the drive way. It was hard enough to get it to where we wanted it, the big plant constantly tipping over or plain just not moving at all. It was even harder to get this monster up the ramps onto the truck bed. But little by little, about 1/2 inch at a time, we finally managed to get it all the way up and secure it on the truck.
It was quite a sight to see Doug pull away with this "monster" on top of his already big truck. According to Linda who called later in the evening to say "all OK", they got constant cheers and thumbs-up driving home.
At the end of the day, the rhodi got a new home, Doug and Linda were happy for their new garden "decoration", we got the construction area cleared out, and maybe most importantly, we did not have to kill a perfectly healthy plant!
Lesson learned; If you're ever in the need to get rid of something that can be useful to others, put it out on Craiglist. It might make someone happy!
BTW, here's a good link for anyone interested in transplanting rhododendrons, or their general care.
So, I did what anyone would do these days; I did put out an ad on Craiglist for a "free Rhododendron, just have to dig it up and haul it away". Due to its size, I really did not expect any takers, but to my big surprise, after less than 30 minutes, I had a few replies. Eventually settled on "Doug and Linda" from Woodinville, since they seemed less to be "no shows" (all too common on Craigslist ads). They came around last Thursday and looked at it, decided they wanted it and also had a perfect spot on their 4 acres in Woodinville. The rhodi will be getting a new home!
We decided for Doug to come around on Wednesday morning (yestersday) to dig it out. Well, he really did not show up in the morning, but when he did, we got hard at work. After a few hours, we had most of the root system exposed and cut off. We also did find the old concrete septic tank. Sort of a surprise, but I should have guessed it to be there somewhere, since the house was on a septic system up until in the late 80ies.
Today was followed by more digging, then a couple of attempts to "de-locate" the rhodi by trying to pull it and its rootball out on the driveway. Did not succeed until we went for the heavy machinery; chain and full ton truck. The rhodi was finally loose and now a "movable object".
Over the next three hours, Doug and I fought with the "beast" on the drive way. It was hard enough to get it to where we wanted it, the big plant constantly tipping over or plain just not moving at all. It was even harder to get this monster up the ramps onto the truck bed. But little by little, about 1/2 inch at a time, we finally managed to get it all the way up and secure it on the truck.
It was quite a sight to see Doug pull away with this "monster" on top of his already big truck. According to Linda who called later in the evening to say "all OK", they got constant cheers and thumbs-up driving home.
At the end of the day, the rhodi got a new home, Doug and Linda were happy for their new garden "decoration", we got the construction area cleared out, and maybe most importantly, we did not have to kill a perfectly healthy plant!
Lesson learned; If you're ever in the need to get rid of something that can be useful to others, put it out on Craiglist. It might make someone happy!
BTW, here's a good link for anyone interested in transplanting rhododendrons, or their general care.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Camping with dogZ
After wedding, we spent one night up along XXX river, camping with the dogs. Of course this was not the typical bone dry weather one normally see up around Winthrop in the summer, but rather a sprinkly weekend - leading to wet and dirty dogs.
All that said, it all worked just fine. The guys kept their guard up and protected the camp from those pesky tree hopping animals (squirrels) that were trying to attack us all the time. If they just could leave the yellowjackets alone though...
Got to use an old Coleman lantern I picked up at a thrift store during our "scavanger hunt". With a little bit of cleaning and a new wick, it even ran with the fuel that was left in it. A beacon in the dark night! Strange though since during camping in Scandinavia, you rarely ever need any (additional) light - all thanks to the very bright summer nights (even in late August).
Inside the tent, most of the complaints actually came from the wife who either was too cold (initially) or (later) too hot. Add to that the claim that the matress did not provide enough comfort. But the headlamp worked great!
I woke up a few times listening to the rain and searching after wet puddles inside. But, there were none. Even this crappy, poorly designed, poorly manufactured tent managed to keep us dry. I am so much looking forward to buying a true "Scandinavian designed" tent where the rainfly is an integral part of the tent, and not just a piece of nylon cloth one tosses over to keep the rain out.
After packing up, but before getting back into the the car for a slwo drive towards Seattle, we had to take Herbie up to a campground and rinse him off. He was so dirty he simply was not allowed in the car. For a small dog, he can collect an amazing amount of sand in his fur (sorry, hair), and it always manage to end up in the wrong spots. But, we found a little stretch of pavement where he could dry off walking back to the car. All good!
Back home, they slept and slept, and slept. Don't think I've seen such a bunch of tired dogs in a long time. and this even after (in their eyes) a rather boring drive home. But I got to check out the power plant along Highway 20 and also the "cities" of Newhalem and Diablo. They are so tidy, looking almost like old officers' quarters from an army installation somewhere, but I guess that the power companies in the early 20th century where run much like the armies of those days.
All that said, it all worked just fine. The guys kept their guard up and protected the camp from those pesky tree hopping animals (squirrels) that were trying to attack us all the time. If they just could leave the yellowjackets alone though...
Got to use an old Coleman lantern I picked up at a thrift store during our "scavanger hunt". With a little bit of cleaning and a new wick, it even ran with the fuel that was left in it. A beacon in the dark night! Strange though since during camping in Scandinavia, you rarely ever need any (additional) light - all thanks to the very bright summer nights (even in late August).
Inside the tent, most of the complaints actually came from the wife who either was too cold (initially) or (later) too hot. Add to that the claim that the matress did not provide enough comfort. But the headlamp worked great!
I woke up a few times listening to the rain and searching after wet puddles inside. But, there were none. Even this crappy, poorly designed, poorly manufactured tent managed to keep us dry. I am so much looking forward to buying a true "Scandinavian designed" tent where the rainfly is an integral part of the tent, and not just a piece of nylon cloth one tosses over to keep the rain out.
After packing up, but before getting back into the the car for a slwo drive towards Seattle, we had to take Herbie up to a campground and rinse him off. He was so dirty he simply was not allowed in the car. For a small dog, he can collect an amazing amount of sand in his fur (sorry, hair), and it always manage to end up in the wrong spots. But, we found a little stretch of pavement where he could dry off walking back to the car. All good!
Back home, they slept and slept, and slept. Don't think I've seen such a bunch of tired dogs in a long time. and this even after (in their eyes) a rather boring drive home. But I got to check out the power plant along Highway 20 and also the "cities" of Newhalem and Diablo. They are so tidy, looking almost like old officers' quarters from an army installation somewhere, but I guess that the power companies in the early 20th century where run much like the armies of those days.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Wedding + Winthrop = AmaZing!
Last year we got an invite to "Karen and Kent's Wedding" (yes they were out early, so early that I initially thought the wedding to be in August of 2006).
Have to go far back here. I initially met Karen on a ski lift in Alta, February 1995. Later that night I sort of caused Annie from Hartford, CT, (met her by the ski lockers earlier that day an mentally forced her to go skiing even though she was tired) to break her nose after a way too long session in the pool, hot tub, sauna (in that order, combined with beer). Karen was at the Alta Peruvian Lodge together with her dad and brother. As it happens, Karen's dad is a doctor and he "corrected" Annie's broken nose that were same night. Karen and Annie were also, unbeknownst to each other, sharing one of the fabulous "dorms" at the Alta Peruvian Lodge.
Karen and I have been friends ever since, and when I lived in Texas and frequently visited Seattle, I could always count on having access to a bunk in the in the "basement suite" at the house she shared with a bunch of fun room mates in Wallingford. It was more fun than Hilton or Sheraton. It was also here that I really learnt the "room mate" concept. Something that is just very rare in native Sweden.
Karen also took the time to really show me the best of the Pacific NorthWest, something that I'm endlessly thankful for and hence, as you know, this is now my home!
Over the years I managed to keep up the contact and visit with Annie (remember, broken nose...) a number of times. Annie eventually got married to this crazy Brit (Chris), a "fake" guide she met on a trip to the French alps. They were both, with wonderful daughter Sarah, visiting us in Seattle last summer. And Annie met Karen again for the "first" time since that accident prone Saturday, some 12 years ago. As an added surprise, Karen's dad was also present! Ready to take care of any more noses.
From the very first time I met Karen I was amazed by her work. Immensely talented and the stuff that would come out of her hands was not only "artsy" but also fun. She eventually broke out of the corporate mold, dared to jump into business for herself and opened an art studio.
When I got married in 2000, there was no debate who I wanted to have as "my" witness. Karen was my first really close friend in Seattle, so she was a given!
So, it was therefore with great joy we looked forward to the "Karen and Kent Wedding" this weekend in Winthrop. Karen had finally met someone that could keep up with her and be her true "mate" (to steal a quote from one of her room mates)!
Winthrop is about a 4-5 hour drive from Seattle. Boring slog up I-5 (traffic jam) but when you start following the Skagit River it turns pretty and the crossing of the Cascades in many ways reminds me of stretches of Norway. Arriving on the other side, you are normally greeted by eternal sunshine and dry weather. Not so this weekend. It was unseasonably cold (about 75F insted of the more normal 95F) and therefore perfect for the pooches and outdoor activities.
We arrived at the Virginian and it took a while before they could find my reservation. But, once all that was done, we settled in a cosy cabin styled room with solid log walls. Best of it all, they charged less than indicated in my reservation and as far as I know, only charged a small flat fee for the dogs.
Before us in the check-in line was two girls and a guy on Harleys. Noted that one of them was not a "real" biker chick, but out here visiting her friends. She rode with the fat guy. It did not take long to figure out that they all got the room above us. There was a lot of "riding" going on all night and likely also some "girl-on-girl" action... Kept me awake in any case. Beth slept through it all, ears plugged up.
Saturday morning started with breakfast at one of the many coffeestands in Winthrop. They all have it in common that there are yellowjackets EVERYWHERE, and with a dog that likes to chase/eat them, we stocked up on some Benadryl, hoping not to have to use it.
The wedding "procedures" started with a fun scavanger hunt through the town of Winthrop. But the "K-9 Assessors" probably did not do all that well, despite a hard effort. We got at least a chance to see a lot of this fun little town during hours of walking, including even given the dogs a few chances to swim in the river.
Wedding was typical Karen "affair", i.e. not like anything else! It was a wonderful outdoor wedding with guest from all over. There was even a shaman from Russia (city of Khabarovsk) with some "holy" tea, in which the couple literally tied their knots.
The "theme" for the day was silly hats, and there were some amazing creations among the guests, too many to be shown here.
Karen is not the one who you'd normally see in a dress, but she had on a beautiful wedding gown, dressed at the bottom by a pair of orange Keen sports sandals. Very fitting, very Karen! Kent was a tad more "classic" in his tie-less black suit. They looked simply very, very, happy during this great outdoor ceremony, followed by a great dinner/dance event at the "Winthrop Barn".
Apart from the amazingly vimsical wedding cake (photo), a cool thing was that Karen's dad had bought brandy when they lived in Spain, some 40 years ago. That brandy was already then 80 years old and hence now 120 years. Yum...
Take a peak at the following photos, and hopefully you'll get a good feel of a great weekend in Winthrop!
Have to go far back here. I initially met Karen on a ski lift in Alta, February 1995. Later that night I sort of caused Annie from Hartford, CT, (met her by the ski lockers earlier that day an mentally forced her to go skiing even though she was tired) to break her nose after a way too long session in the pool, hot tub, sauna (in that order, combined with beer). Karen was at the Alta Peruvian Lodge together with her dad and brother. As it happens, Karen's dad is a doctor and he "corrected" Annie's broken nose that were same night. Karen and Annie were also, unbeknownst to each other, sharing one of the fabulous "dorms" at the Alta Peruvian Lodge.
Karen and I have been friends ever since, and when I lived in Texas and frequently visited Seattle, I could always count on having access to a bunk in the in the "basement suite" at the house she shared with a bunch of fun room mates in Wallingford. It was more fun than Hilton or Sheraton. It was also here that I really learnt the "room mate" concept. Something that is just very rare in native Sweden.
Karen also took the time to really show me the best of the Pacific NorthWest, something that I'm endlessly thankful for and hence, as you know, this is now my home!
Over the years I managed to keep up the contact and visit with Annie (remember, broken nose...) a number of times. Annie eventually got married to this crazy Brit (Chris), a "fake" guide she met on a trip to the French alps. They were both, with wonderful daughter Sarah, visiting us in Seattle last summer. And Annie met Karen again for the "first" time since that accident prone Saturday, some 12 years ago. As an added surprise, Karen's dad was also present! Ready to take care of any more noses.
From the very first time I met Karen I was amazed by her work. Immensely talented and the stuff that would come out of her hands was not only "artsy" but also fun. She eventually broke out of the corporate mold, dared to jump into business for herself and opened an art studio.
When I got married in 2000, there was no debate who I wanted to have as "my" witness. Karen was my first really close friend in Seattle, so she was a given!
So, it was therefore with great joy we looked forward to the "Karen and Kent Wedding" this weekend in Winthrop. Karen had finally met someone that could keep up with her and be her true "mate" (to steal a quote from one of her room mates)!
Winthrop is about a 4-5 hour drive from Seattle. Boring slog up I-5 (traffic jam) but when you start following the Skagit River it turns pretty and the crossing of the Cascades in many ways reminds me of stretches of Norway. Arriving on the other side, you are normally greeted by eternal sunshine and dry weather. Not so this weekend. It was unseasonably cold (about 75F insted of the more normal 95F) and therefore perfect for the pooches and outdoor activities.
We arrived at the Virginian and it took a while before they could find my reservation. But, once all that was done, we settled in a cosy cabin styled room with solid log walls. Best of it all, they charged less than indicated in my reservation and as far as I know, only charged a small flat fee for the dogs.
Before us in the check-in line was two girls and a guy on Harleys. Noted that one of them was not a "real" biker chick, but out here visiting her friends. She rode with the fat guy. It did not take long to figure out that they all got the room above us. There was a lot of "riding" going on all night and likely also some "girl-on-girl" action... Kept me awake in any case. Beth slept through it all, ears plugged up.
Saturday morning started with breakfast at one of the many coffeestands in Winthrop. They all have it in common that there are yellowjackets EVERYWHERE, and with a dog that likes to chase/eat them, we stocked up on some Benadryl, hoping not to have to use it.
The wedding "procedures" started with a fun scavanger hunt through the town of Winthrop. But the "K-9 Assessors" probably did not do all that well, despite a hard effort. We got at least a chance to see a lot of this fun little town during hours of walking, including even given the dogs a few chances to swim in the river.
Wedding was typical Karen "affair", i.e. not like anything else! It was a wonderful outdoor wedding with guest from all over. There was even a shaman from Russia (city of Khabarovsk) with some "holy" tea, in which the couple literally tied their knots.
The "theme" for the day was silly hats, and there were some amazing creations among the guests, too many to be shown here.
Karen is not the one who you'd normally see in a dress, but she had on a beautiful wedding gown, dressed at the bottom by a pair of orange Keen sports sandals. Very fitting, very Karen! Kent was a tad more "classic" in his tie-less black suit. They looked simply very, very, happy during this great outdoor ceremony, followed by a great dinner/dance event at the "Winthrop Barn".
Apart from the amazingly vimsical wedding cake (photo), a cool thing was that Karen's dad had bought brandy when they lived in Spain, some 40 years ago. That brandy was already then 80 years old and hence now 120 years. Yum...
Take a peak at the following photos, and hopefully you'll get a good feel of a great weekend in Winthrop!
Monday, August 13, 2007
NorthweZt Economy in the Tank?
Seattle Times in their Sunday's edition yesterday had the "monthly" housing statistics from the NW Multiple Listing Services. In our small area, the median price for the sales that closed in July had gone up 40.4%, compared to July of last year - over FORTY precent. In real numbers this mean that the median sales price this July was $824,900, compared to "only" $587,475 last year.
OK, the "population" size is small, there was 83 closed sales this July compared to 64 July last year, an increase of just under 30%, nowhere close to anything to draw conclusions for the larger market in general, but it is still an indication that this remains an attractive area, and people are willing to pay top $$$ to live here. 98033 is becoming the new "90210" and as per one definition, I guess we are a "real-estate oasis".
My take is that there is a larger number of larger "Kirkland Boxes" that have been sold this year. This is newer/brand new homes, with their floor area maximized - literally - to the utter limits of what is allowed on a certain lot. Most of these houses are large, with minimal yards and setbacks. I guess people like it that way and pay for the sheer interior space. But are they pretty? Far from!
There is somewhat of a housing slump in large portions of the nation. I have steadfast told everyone over the past years that we (Pacific NorthWest) have been "smarter" in that we have not seen any dramatic price increaes, but instead a slow and steady pace over a longer time. I guess I have to eat my own words this time. Just hope that the crazy increase does not lead to a similar sudden drop. Well, August data will be out in a month. Let's see what comes out then.
BTW, when I say "slow and steady pace", I just noted that the sheer tax assessment of our house has doubled since 2002. Yikes, also means that the tax bill has more than doubled...
For a better view over all of King County, check out the following post. Not as rosy, but far better than the nation as a whole.
OK, the "population" size is small, there was 83 closed sales this July compared to 64 July last year, an increase of just under 30%, nowhere close to anything to draw conclusions for the larger market in general, but it is still an indication that this remains an attractive area, and people are willing to pay top $$$ to live here. 98033 is becoming the new "90210" and as per one definition, I guess we are a "real-estate oasis".
My take is that there is a larger number of larger "Kirkland Boxes" that have been sold this year. This is newer/brand new homes, with their floor area maximized - literally - to the utter limits of what is allowed on a certain lot. Most of these houses are large, with minimal yards and setbacks. I guess people like it that way and pay for the sheer interior space. But are they pretty? Far from!
There is somewhat of a housing slump in large portions of the nation. I have steadfast told everyone over the past years that we (Pacific NorthWest) have been "smarter" in that we have not seen any dramatic price increaes, but instead a slow and steady pace over a longer time. I guess I have to eat my own words this time. Just hope that the crazy increase does not lead to a similar sudden drop. Well, August data will be out in a month. Let's see what comes out then.
BTW, when I say "slow and steady pace", I just noted that the sheer tax assessment of our house has doubled since 2002. Yikes, also means that the tax bill has more than doubled...
For a better view over all of King County, check out the following post. Not as rosy, but far better than the nation as a whole.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
HelliZh Run and a night at the MovieZ
Due to boat issues, we had to bail on the Steamboat Festival at the Center for Wooden Boats. That sort of sucks, but a rock is a rock is a rock, and with no marine shops carrying Volvo propellers, well, boat remained home. So did the family. Wife sleeping, me taking care of the backyard.
Until I mentioned that I'd take Phoebe for a walk. That eventually resulted in a small argument and getting dragged in (or out) for another 14 mile run. I was up for a different route, preferably with some "scenery", but wife was dead set on "no hills" (what does she think, this is the Pacific NorthWest with ONLY hills).
So, ended up taking the same (boring) route as Sunday. Sammamish River Trail. did not feel good but I was at least "fluid". Could have gone a bit faster - thanks to great music in my ears, a first! Wife was behind, but did keep up OK.
Home again it turned out we were about 15 minuters faster than last weekend, but wife complained and told me she "hated every minute" of the run. My comments were of course "I did not pick it" and "why did we not turn around?".
After a quick shower, a bite to eat, we put the camping chairs in the car and went down to Carillon Point for an outdoor showing of "Casino Royal", the latest bond movie (part of the outdoor summer movies, organized by HopeLink). We hit the parking just in time, and got pretty good spot for our chairs.
Sitting outside on a slightly chilly summer night, with a good flick and a comfy chair, well it does not really get better. The legs needed som rest and we both enjoyed the movie before going back home and hitting the sack.
Until I mentioned that I'd take Phoebe for a walk. That eventually resulted in a small argument and getting dragged in (or out) for another 14 mile run. I was up for a different route, preferably with some "scenery", but wife was dead set on "no hills" (what does she think, this is the Pacific NorthWest with ONLY hills).
So, ended up taking the same (boring) route as Sunday. Sammamish River Trail. did not feel good but I was at least "fluid". Could have gone a bit faster - thanks to great music in my ears, a first! Wife was behind, but did keep up OK.
Home again it turned out we were about 15 minuters faster than last weekend, but wife complained and told me she "hated every minute" of the run. My comments were of course "I did not pick it" and "why did we not turn around?".
After a quick shower, a bite to eat, we put the camping chairs in the car and went down to Carillon Point for an outdoor showing of "Casino Royal", the latest bond movie (part of the outdoor summer movies, organized by HopeLink). We hit the parking just in time, and got pretty good spot for our chairs.
Sitting outside on a slightly chilly summer night, with a good flick and a comfy chair, well it does not really get better. The legs needed som rest and we both enjoyed the movie before going back home and hitting the sack.
PropellerZ and RockZ = Bad Thing...
Well, while VERY SLOWLY looking for a spot to drop anchor last night, I went a tad too far into the bay (sandy/muddy bottom) and therefore dediced to back out a boat lenght or so.
Put the engine in reverse, and on idle start to go back - to suddenly hear "something" and the engine quickly stalling. Darn, a rock! And not only "a" rcok, the ONLY rock in that entire part of the bay.
One blade sheared off, about 1 inch or so, the other baldes essentially untouched.
I guess the lesson's learned. Even when in familiar waters, there's always unknown "stuff" lurking underneath.
Oh well, the joy of boating...
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Put the engine in reverse, and on idle start to go back - to suddenly hear "something" and the engine quickly stalling. Darn, a rock! And not only "a" rcok, the ONLY rock in that entire part of the bay.
One blade sheared off, about 1 inch or so, the other baldes essentially untouched.
I guess the lesson's learned. Even when in familiar waters, there's always unknown "stuff" lurking underneath.
Oh well, the joy of boating...
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Tuesday, August 07, 2007
DirectBuy - A Zcam!!! (or DirectRipOff)
For months we've been "tormented" by calls and mailings from this "outfit" called "DirectBuy" (you might have heard of them, their ads and infomercials are everywhere), so last week we finally decided to drive up to Bothell, just to shut them up (and also to sort of silence our own curiosity).
Being rabidly suspicious of ANYTHING that smells like timeshares, or when a large sum is asked to be paid "upfront", w/o really seeing what it is you get, DirectBuy for sure did not disappoint us!
This is a "buyer's club", with massive (that is a major understatement...) savings compared to buying "retail". In order to "benefit, you of course have to be lured in to becoming a "member". They do this with a pretty sleek presentation and repeatedly trying to get you to understand how much (or rather how bad) retailers are and how much they "dare" to mark up their prices - and there is nothing you can do about it - apart from joining DirectBuy. Hmm, what is wrong with this picture? Never heard of a free market with competition and freedom to shop where you so choose (normally where you deem to get the best combination of low price, product quality/features, good service, etc)?
BTW, the "sleek" presentation (a video interrupted twice by an entrance of the "membership director") is hosted by a "Leisa Hart". Not to judge other people's looks, but there is something really sinister in the way she uses her mouth. Both the facial expressions as well as the actual words used (scripted of course). Nothing that would help to get a better perspective of DirectBuy in any case.
But, enough of personal attacks.
DirectBuy promises you "savings" (up to 60% or more) but NEVER shows you the prices you will pay - not until you shell out (in our case) $5,350 for a three-year "membership" with possible annual renewal of $200 for up to seven additional years after that. All for a sweet total of $6,750. A big chunk of change to drop into someone's franchise.
For this is what it is. This is a franchise, and you do business with the "local" owner. If he/she goes out of business, you might have hours (of driving) to the next "showroom" (overstatement, the facility is more like a place with tons of bookshelves filled with binders) where you can "shop". And, since you'll never realize any savings unless you "shop" there, your initial investment now starts to sound a bit steep and unsecure.
As a franchisee, it is supposedly a good business, at least as long as you manage to sign up new members. New members pay for the old ones and pay for the neverending "expansion" (this since there is no "profit"(?) on any of the merchandise).
In any case, we were pretty dead set on not signing up, and we left (happily) not having done anything stupid!. The only good thing I can say about these guys, is that at this location (Bothell, WA), they actually did not use any of the "strong arm" sales tactics far too common at similiar outfits. Sales tacticts that are used to essentially pressure undeciding or "negative" customers by sending in "managers"(?) with ever more "impressive" titles.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
RelativeZ in town
Phone rang this morning. No idea who it was, but turned to be Michelle, wife's cousin. She now happens to live only about three hours away (just south of Portland), with her hubby Dennis. Wow!
Wanted to go out for dinner, but since the weather was nice, we tricked them to come East for a BBQ and some wine. A late arrival resulted in a late dinner, but we had a heck of a time.
Dennis and Michelle, great to meet you both, and we are already looking forward to next time!
Wanted to go out for dinner, but since the weather was nice, we tricked them to come East for a BBQ and some wine. A late arrival resulted in a late dinner, but we had a heck of a time.
Dennis and Michelle, great to meet you both, and we are already looking forward to next time!
RunnerZ
Wife shook me about 7.30 AM, claiming that I had been given an extra hour to sleep.
After some slow moving, out of bed and so on, I was finally in the basement putting on my running shoes (wife, they are still too big).
Left the house sometime areond 8.00 AM and heading over the hills towards Sammamish River Trail. Plan was to do 14 miles in the morning hours. I actually felt pretty good/great, even considering I have not put in that long distance since the half-marathons of last summer.
I guess I should not be surprised, but I'm rarely up and out this early on a weekend, so it was pleasant to see so many bikers/runners/walkers along the Sammamish River Trail. It does get some good use - and not only people heading to the brewery.
A bit over two-houers later we "sailed" in through the front door. I had no problems continuing, but it is a bit boring running these distances out on the streets. Trails in the mountains might be more physically challenging, but it is easier on the psyche. The natural beauty just sort of keeps you going, and going, and going...
Nice run, but I still think wife was a bit mad at me since I could do it w/o any "real" effort. :-)
After some slow moving, out of bed and so on, I was finally in the basement putting on my running shoes (wife, they are still too big).
Left the house sometime areond 8.00 AM and heading over the hills towards Sammamish River Trail. Plan was to do 14 miles in the morning hours. I actually felt pretty good/great, even considering I have not put in that long distance since the half-marathons of last summer.
I guess I should not be surprised, but I'm rarely up and out this early on a weekend, so it was pleasant to see so many bikers/runners/walkers along the Sammamish River Trail. It does get some good use - and not only people heading to the brewery.
A bit over two-houers later we "sailed" in through the front door. I had no problems continuing, but it is a bit boring running these distances out on the streets. Trails in the mountains might be more physically challenging, but it is easier on the psyche. The natural beauty just sort of keeps you going, and going, and going...
Nice run, but I still think wife was a bit mad at me since I could do it w/o any "real" effort. :-)
AlaZkan Way Viaduct
I wrote this on a King5 blog, but sort of got to like it, so I'll post it here as well:
-------------------------
The Alaskan Way Viaduct is overdue for a collapse. Tragic, yes, but it will happen. Act of nature or just lack of maintenance. Wait and see (SOP in the City of Seattle).
Let’s instead take it down, planned and organized, open up the BEST ASSET this city has - its water front - and put the traffic underground!
The voters turned that down - at the price tag provided. I doubt there are many that would say "no" to a tunnel if it was priced reasonably.
About a year ago, a new waterfront tunnel opened up in Gothenburg, Sweden. It is just about the same length as a tunnel in Seattle, same capacity, and same purpose; Get through-traffic away from downtown and the waterfront!
The difference however is that that tunnel was built for less than 10% of what WSDOT and other "experts" have indicated a tunnel would cost in Seattle (~$500M versus ~$5,000M).
There is something very wrong here. Sweden is a high cost country. Public building projects are pricey and take long time. BUT, they are of good quality, they do last. What reasons/factors here in Seattle would justify that a similar project would be 10 TIMES more expensive?
WSDOT, City of Seattle; You CAN do this - “on the cheap”, w/o sacrificing anything in along the way! Just make sure you hire the right people, the right contractors, people with experience and make sure that there is not a lot of "padding" of pockets along the way.
This city deserves an open waterfront, its people deserves a safe transit and transportation system.
With the money saved, we can put trains on the Eastside and ease up the always jam-packed I-405. Maybe there would even be money left for SR-520?
But no, now were are going to spend billions in sending light rail across the lake, on a bridge that was not designed for it, and even if the transit package is approved in November, we will not see the benefits until maybe sometime around the year 2020, or later. At least 15 years out!
Take another look at the transit package. Make sure we have money for maintenance (=avoid a Minneapolis disaster), and spend the rest wisely, instead of just building more, and more, and more, and more....
-------------------------
-------------------------
The Alaskan Way Viaduct is overdue for a collapse. Tragic, yes, but it will happen. Act of nature or just lack of maintenance. Wait and see (SOP in the City of Seattle).
Let’s instead take it down, planned and organized, open up the BEST ASSET this city has - its water front - and put the traffic underground!
The voters turned that down - at the price tag provided. I doubt there are many that would say "no" to a tunnel if it was priced reasonably.
About a year ago, a new waterfront tunnel opened up in Gothenburg, Sweden. It is just about the same length as a tunnel in Seattle, same capacity, and same purpose; Get through-traffic away from downtown and the waterfront!
The difference however is that that tunnel was built for less than 10% of what WSDOT and other "experts" have indicated a tunnel would cost in Seattle (~$500M versus ~$5,000M).
There is something very wrong here. Sweden is a high cost country. Public building projects are pricey and take long time. BUT, they are of good quality, they do last. What reasons/factors here in Seattle would justify that a similar project would be 10 TIMES more expensive?
WSDOT, City of Seattle; You CAN do this - “on the cheap”, w/o sacrificing anything in along the way! Just make sure you hire the right people, the right contractors, people with experience and make sure that there is not a lot of "padding" of pockets along the way.
This city deserves an open waterfront, its people deserves a safe transit and transportation system.
With the money saved, we can put trains on the Eastside and ease up the always jam-packed I-405. Maybe there would even be money left for SR-520?
But no, now were are going to spend billions in sending light rail across the lake, on a bridge that was not designed for it, and even if the transit package is approved in November, we will not see the benefits until maybe sometime around the year 2020, or later. At least 15 years out!
Take another look at the transit package. Make sure we have money for maintenance (=avoid a Minneapolis disaster), and spend the rest wisely, instead of just building more, and more, and more, and more....
-------------------------
Friday, August 03, 2007
Customer Zervice Praise!
A small article/letter in the Seattle Times triggered me to comment on "good" cusomer service:
Last weekend we were in Portland. Had turned of all the computers at home, but forgot to switch off the surge arrestor/power strip for my wife'scomputer. Home on Sunday night, her PC would not start. It was (stone) dead. The oven in the kitchen indicated "PF" (Power Failure), sort of strange in the middle of the summer, no thunderstorms, no foul weather. Good friends and neighbors told us that power had been out for about two hours on Saturday.
So on Tuesday I took wife's PC apart to test the power supply. Dead! Late Wednesday I remembered that APC (the surge arrestor manufacturer) has an "Equipment Protection Policy". I went to their web site and and tried to look it up. Took a little while but found it. Called them, too late, after office hours. My little device (purchased for $30 in 2002) carries a $75,000 "Equipment Protection Policy".
Yesterday I called them again. After getting the run-around via an IAVRS (inter-active voice response system), I got to a live person (Janelle Blacklock). She had some problems hearing/understanding, but after about 10 minutes on the phone, we were all said and done. I had a case number, and about 30 minutes later, also had an e-mail with additional information. I was sort of happy.
But, my jaw dropped today, less than 24 hours after my call, FedEx delivered a new replacement device from APC. Talk about service!
OK, the problem was/is not the APC part (it is still working), but the way their warranty works is that I will have to send "my" (old) APC device to them. Their tech lab will investigate and see if it (surge arrestor) has been exposed to any "power surges" (you can see that in the actual silicon "arrestor"). If they find evidence of that, they will assume the responsibility and repair my wife's PC.
Likely a fat chance that will happen, but I am still VERY impressed with their customer service.
Even though a new PSU for her PC (assuming that is the only thing that is wrong) can be had from Dell for just around $40, I sort of decided to give their "process" a try. Now I do not regret it!
Last weekend we were in Portland. Had turned of all the computers at home, but forgot to switch off the surge arrestor/power strip for my wife'scomputer. Home on Sunday night, her PC would not start. It was (stone) dead. The oven in the kitchen indicated "PF" (Power Failure), sort of strange in the middle of the summer, no thunderstorms, no foul weather. Good friends and neighbors told us that power had been out for about two hours on Saturday.
So on Tuesday I took wife's PC apart to test the power supply. Dead! Late Wednesday I remembered that APC (the surge arrestor manufacturer) has an "Equipment Protection Policy". I went to their web site and and tried to look it up. Took a little while but found it. Called them, too late, after office hours. My little device (purchased for $30 in 2002) carries a $75,000 "Equipment Protection Policy".
Yesterday I called them again. After getting the run-around via an IAVRS (inter-active voice response system), I got to a live person (Janelle Blacklock). She had some problems hearing/understanding, but after about 10 minutes on the phone, we were all said and done. I had a case number, and about 30 minutes later, also had an e-mail with additional information. I was sort of happy.
But, my jaw dropped today, less than 24 hours after my call, FedEx delivered a new replacement device from APC. Talk about service!
OK, the problem was/is not the APC part (it is still working), but the way their warranty works is that I will have to send "my" (old) APC device to them. Their tech lab will investigate and see if it (surge arrestor) has been exposed to any "power surges" (you can see that in the actual silicon "arrestor"). If they find evidence of that, they will assume the responsibility and repair my wife's PC.
Likely a fat chance that will happen, but I am still VERY impressed with their customer service.
Even though a new PSU for her PC (assuming that is the only thing that is wrong) can be had from Dell for just around $40, I sort of decided to give their "process" a try. Now I do not regret it!
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