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!

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.

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.

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...

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.

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!

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. :-)

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:

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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....
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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!

GrrringoZ in Portland...

Wow, what a great weekend!
On a "wim" wife and I sort of decided to go to Portland and visit Helen and Chris. Since this was a weekend that really fit them well (kids "distributed" to various venues so house was sort of open), it was a quick decision.

It is all sort of fun. I've "known" Helen since sometime 1999, but never met her until she and husband Chris made it up to Seattle over Easter. We had far too little time together, so it was sort of agreed upon that we sometime should moosey on down to Portland and take care of the dinner we owed them.

Getting out of Seattle this Friday afternoon took some time, with I-5 southbound more or less congested all the way down to Chehalis. There the backsups suddenly evaporated. Sort of weird. No exits, no "less" amount of vehicles, but the "stall" just disappears. Someone better have done extensive studies on this.

In any case, we got to Portland a tad late, like around 10.30 PM. Helen and wife had planned on doing a short run (14+ miles) early on Saturday morning, so upon arrival, we had a beer, did the house tour, and chatted for some time. Wife went to bed, a bit later Chris got bored with "all the Swedes", and I sort ended keeping Helen up until at least 2.30 AM (not planned in order to give the family some running advantage, we just had a great chat into the "little hours").

Come Saturday morning, wife shakes me and asks if I'm joining them (the girls). I had planned for it, brought all the needed stuff, also knowing that Chris would pick "us" up as needed along the trail. But, after a few short moments of intense brain activity it was quickly decided that with less than 3 hours of sleep, the pillow felt much better!

Shortly thereafter, well sort of more than an hour later, someone bangs on the door and ask "are YOU coming?". It was Chris. It was now 7.30 and time to drive in to the "coffee shop" rendez-vous point (aka "end of trail") to collect the female members of the families.

A coffee shop that also allows dogs to be brought inside can only be described in one word: GREAT! Having excellent cinnamon rolls is just another excuse for being firmly planted in the couch. We ended up sitting there, sipping our javas until suddenly four all too fit women gathered up outside (in Chris' case, a "java" is more like a "super gulp" though).

Check these photos. Can you believe that they have just run not only 14 miles, but also the LONGEST distance anyone of them have run in years, maybe even in a life time (one of them with a stress fracture in the heel).

Back to the house for some bagels and breakfast, shower and getting ready for the highlight of the day; The Oregon Brewers Festival!

Sort of like the Seattle festivals, but this one had a good attribute. Beer was much cheaper! During the afternoon, the sun is also slowly breaking through what can only be referred to as a "marine layer", even though the term is not known in Oregon.
The event is nicely situated in downtown Portland along the Willamette River.

After sampling of brews, a dog walk along the waterfront and seeing the sun finally showing its full force, it was time to break up and go for some more serious stuff: Food AND Beer!

McMenamins/Edgefield winery is a small, or rather correct, large paradise for beverage lovers in Troutdale, just on the eastern outskirts of Portland. Even the wife liked the beer so much so she sent the wine back and asked for a brew - not a boad statement for a notorious wine "sipper"!

McMenamins is a destination that can not be described but has to be experienced. Closest comparison in Seattle would likely be compot with equal blends of Chateau S:t Michelle, Willows Lodge, and Redhook Brewery - but all situated on a dense "campus" in old and restored buildings (old looney bin?). Nothing that just has been "smacked up" to lure unknowing tourists.
Food was good, but service really sucked big time. Not the fault of our waitress, she just had too many plates (literally) to tend to. As it is most times, a management problem, not the individual contributor.

We ended the evening with a screening of "Team America" and those of us who stayed awake had a great time.

Sunday was off to a slow start. Tea and bagels, and then out to Cafe Delirium for the morning's "super gulp" of Mocha. Heading eastbound along the Columbia River Highway, we stopped at the Sandy River to give Phoebe a well deserved swim (she's been an angel this weekend) and continuing on to the Vista House and Multnomah Falls.

Our great weekend in Portland ended at an old traditional restaurant (name's passing me by) overlooking the Sandy River. Chicken, Baby Back Ribs and dumplings. Can it be more home cooking than so?

Helen and Chris; thanks for a great weekend and thanks for opening up your house also to the "big horse" (aka Phoebe).

We eventually took the long way home heading east along the Columbia River and then north from Carson (backside of Mount S:t Helens). Did the mistake of "chicken out and cutting out" to I-5 and - again - getting stuck in backups that started somewhere near Chehalis (what is it with that town?), instead of continuing on the small and winding forest roads until Randle. Oh well...

DoeZ it ever end....?

Yesterday, the "new" owner of the Seattle SuperSonics, Clay Bennett, again started low profile discussions with - this time - the City of Seattle regarding the future of the NBA team.

When will this end? The Sonics have a home, Key Arena, and in the spring they were dead set on leaving it in favor for the city of Renton - providing the taxpayers would have funded a new arena to the tune of some $300M (or, in other speak, $300,000,000).
A smart legislature decided to not even bring up that idea of "financing" for discussion, leading Bennett to likely move the team out of state.

But, is Bennett now getting cold feet, or is he just trying to gracefully get out of the KeyArean lease (runs through 2010).
Quoted from today's Seattle Times:
"KeyArena can be a fine building for certain events" but would not be profitable for the NBA even with a $200 million expansion, he said.
If the public wants the Sonics and Storm to stay here, "we need a new building" — whether at Seattle Center or elsewhere."

The most recent renovation of KeyArena - taxpayer funded and requested by the SuperSonics - is not paid off. The team does not even fill the arena today. Who on earth thinks the team would fill an even bigger arena? People do not go to see the Sonics due to the building, they go for the team, for the sports, for the entertainment. If the team is not "up to par" (=winning), people will not come.

Today's KeyArena is a fine "anchor" facility in the middle of the Seattle Center. It will remain a fine anchor facility and a great asset to the Seattle Center even tomorrow - with or without the Sonics and its greedy out-of-stater - and certainly w/o any injection of a few hundred million dollars. That money better be spent on our transportion system, most notably a tunnel to lead traffic away from our wonderful waterfront!

In-lawZ in town

Wife's dad+step mom, and brother+wife arrived today. Planned for the day was a trip on the boat out on the lake, if weather was good and time permitted, out on the sound and down to Pike Place Market.
After having had a scorcher for some time, the weather shifted and we got a good soaking Monday night. Even at mid-day today, I was still unsure weather this actually would work or not. As we packed up the boat to go down to the ramp, a few sprinkles fell on the canopy. Yikes!

Out on the lake, we got about 10 more drops, but it all turned out to be a perfect day; Few boats out, not too hot, no wait for the locks, and a quiet sound.
Wife of course was grouchy because the market closed shortly after we arrived, but speed limit in town is 7 knots, like it or not.
Market's open tomorrow and it'll likely be raining anyway.
Until then, enjoy the photos!

Zcorcher...

Well, today is HOT up here, VERY hot!
Still, nothing compared to Texas and other places in the south.
I used to go running when it was 105F in Texas w/o any major problems, in fact I even enjoyed it, but here (even though the air is fresher and the humidity is lower) it FEELS warmer. Man kind adapt and adjust quickly and accordingly.

That said, due to the fact my office is facing west and the sun also happens to set in that general direction, it is getting to be close to unbearable inside. Having the PC running does not help either. So, for a few hours now it is "PC-off" time and time to care of other stuff.

AmaZing SamZung

Not often that stuff seen on the internet truly impresses me, but this one is a price winner. Check out the Can-Can dancer a few minutes in.

And, once fully downloaded, do a fast replay (move the "handle" on the time bar manually).
Certainly beats the Soviet-era mass "routines" hands down. Amazing!

Znow on Granite Mountain

Decided yesterday to take the dogs hiking up in the snow. Picked the ONLY rainy day - but in retrospect also the perfect day!

Granite Mountain is a good training hike. About 3,600 vertical in just over 4 miles. On a hot summer day, it can be a smelter! Once you exit the forest at about 4,000 feet, you are exposed to the scorching sun. If hiking with dogs, there is a stretch here that has no or little water in the summer - and it is extremely hot. Caution is advised. Your pouch will suffer.

But today we were in lucky. It rained when we left Seattle, it was overcast at the trailhead and only a few cars. The air was lukewarm and full of refreshing humidity. Perfect day for a quick hike up. Shouldn't take more than two hours!

Dogs knew what was coming and happy to get out of the car. As soon as we started, they sped up the trail, but never further than that they always kept an eye on us. Guarding instinct is deeply rooted! A fair amount of water in the small streams along the trail indicated that there should be a fair amount on snow higher up.

Wife got sort of winded after about 40 minutes or so. Started talking about not making it!? I managed to move the pit stop until we were out of the forest and at 4,300 feet. Everyone got fed and watered. Convinced wife that we just had to make it to 5,000 feet before ANY discussions about turning around. The weather was really perfect, both for humans and dogs, but at 4,600 feet, just after the first little snow field (=very happy dogs), the sky opened up. A real squall with no clearing in sight. I trotted on, eager to get as far as possible. When we hit 5,000, it sort of just stopped, and the sun came out. I was soaked, but wife pointed out that "there's the summit" (she been there once before) - a good sign. Since the weather was clearing, and her spirits better, I convinced her to go "all the way". Would also allow for the dogs to get a good run in the larger snow fields on the Northern side of the summit ridge.

We spent about an hour on the summit munching down and lightening our backpacks. Saw a few marmots on the way down, always at a distance. 20 minutes fro mthe car, the sky opened up again and down at the parking lot, both dogs were very eager to both get out of the rain and into a "soft spot" to take a long snooze! All in all, in a slow poke pace it took as about 2h40m to reach the top. All together about 5 hours out in the "wild".

A truly good day in the mountains. Check out some of the pictures here below.

BTW, there was a traffic accident in the West bound lanes at I-90. Accident must have happened just about 30 minutes before we reached the trail head (State Patrol wooshed by us). A tractor trailer with a construction crane seemed to have "sort of" taken aim at a rock wall on the north side of the freeway. That happens...
But, was there really a need to keep the freeway blocked off during this entire time? State Patrol had blocked it down to just one lane before we got there, and that blockage was still in effect when we got off the mountain. Combined, that was much longer than 6 hours, choking the only true East-West route through the mountains.
All for a dinky little accident (it was not even reported on the news - even though we could see a news chopper from the summit).

(and yes, it is rain, heavy rain, you can see in the first image - click on it)

MoleZ

Moles, these small (so I am told) animals that can drive any sane person to the brink of nuclear war. Last summer we had tons of mole damage (see pictures), and I had weeks when over two full wheelbarrows had been dug up by these pesky critters. I am now just waiting for the house to drop down into a gigantic "void" underground...

I remember when I was young and read "Kalle Anka & Co" (Donald Duck for those of you who still think that Mickey Mouse is the star in the Disney empire) about Donald turning absolutely bonkers over the moles digging up his yard. We laughed at it.

It was then. Now I don't laugh any more. These guys (the moles) are active - although never when you watch - and can ruin any sized yard in no time. The only thing that seemed to work last year was a product called "Mole No More", even though it had no effect when sprinkled into their tunnels. But after two applications over the yard, the moles never showed - until now! Time to get more of the grey "stuff".

Hooked on YouTube(Z)

For those of you who have not "used" YouTube to "go back" to better times, maybe now it's the time!

Sort of by pure accident, I did peak at YouTube this past weekend to see if there was any footage of "past heroes". Well, it turns out there's TONS of it. Looking back, I likely spent a large portion of Friday and Saturday night listening to tunes (and watching) by Chaka Khan, Shakatak, Steely Dan, Level 42, Rose Royce, Captain and Tennile, plus a lot of other stuff from the late 70ies and 80ies.

Much of this is likely posted/uploaded to youTube w/o any consent from the RIAA and MPAA - and others. But, before these organizations go out and sue everyone and their GrandMothers, you've gotta relaize that the mere fact that this stuff is out there - illicit stuff - is actually good for (your) business.

Why and how? Well, in my case, I was able to take a nostalgy trip back to "better" days and re-live some of past musical memories. This triggered my interest as to what these performers are up to today, and subsequently ordering of a few DVDs and CDs from Amazon.com.

I can also certainly say that I am not unique in this aspect. Many of us are curious for new and old music, but not curious enough to shell out anywhere from $15-$20 for an album - UNTIL we have gotten a feel for "what's there". Services like YouTube and other sites do provide that "stimulant" that trigger an unknown "need" - resluting in the purchase of stuff we would never ever have looked at (at least not after we entered our 40ies).

In my case just being able to see some of Shakatak's earlier work (long after MusicBox Televison died out) was like being brought back to the days of "staying up all night at the dorm and watching (music) TV". Few of my friends back then listened to that type of music (well composed and well performed) but the fact that these guys (Shakatak) are still alive and better than ever, must be proof of something.



And getting the chance to see performers in their pink dresses (and big hair) from the 80ies, now looking like normal individuals - AND doing a better job when they are close to retirement, was pretty rewarding.

Fat, laZy Americans...

Well, that is a provoking title, isn't it?

In an article in today's edition of the Seattle Times, one can read:
"One-third of Washington residents say they traveled exclusively by car to get from one place to the other last year, NEVER walking, biking or using public transportation."

Wow! We live in a region of amazing beauty, where outdoor activities - and possibilities - are everywhere. if this study is any indication, many do not even bother to WALK to the local bar or the java hut (Starbucks) down the street.

People, walking and biking is good for you as well as for the nation. Try it out, at least once. But first make sure you can handle it, cause there's a real chance you might like it!

MidZummer in Zeattle

A few days late compared to Sweden, but earlier than past years, today was the day for the great traditional Scandinavian Midsummer fest up at S:t Edwards State Park. It is all organized by the excellent Skandia Folkdance Society.

A good crowd, nice weather when it mattered (before and during), Swedish "fika", "Sill o Potatis", +everything else Scandinavian, made this into a nice Sunday! There were tons of dogs in the park, a couple of black German Shepherds nicely decked out in flowers just what the day called for!

And, just as a traditional Swedish midsummer, the afternoon ended with a huge rain storm pulling in over the park. Luckily most had already left, but is sure looks gloomy.

Enjoy the pictures:

Garden WorkZ - 2

Last weekend (father's day) the dogs gave me a giant bamboo. Maybe not a giant plant yet, but one that will eventually grow to be huge. The canes (or is it trunks in Bamboo speak?) will get up to 4" thick. Pretty big for a grass.

A few days ago I did prep the spot in the backyard for this new addition. Moved tons (felt like it) of gravel out of the way and replaced it with a good mix of mulch from the compost. Bamboo went into the ground. For the first few days it did not look too healthy, but this morning, I've noticed that it has grown well over 2 inches just since yesterday lunch. There's still hope!

Since it was yard work day, I also tried to be a good citizen (eh, resident) and cleaned out all the English Ivy under the Holly tree. According to King County both English Ivy and Holly are deemed to be invasive plants and are to be removed. Both plants thrive, choking out everything else. But for us, the Holly stays. It is a big and beautiful tree that provides a good screen towards our neighbors (not that we don't like them but we also like a green, lush, private backyard). In case we ever change our minds and decide to go for the English Ivy style, I'm sure it will have no problems "catching a root" later on.

Once the Ivy was gone (about three full yard bins), the area really opened up. It was sort of a blocked off corner of the yard, but both humans and dogs can now wander there freely.

Next project will be to consider if to dig a well or not. People think it rains in Seattle all the time, but that is certainly not true. Summers are mostly bone dry and water can actually be an issue. On top of that, irrigation water in the summer is pricey and many - us included - let their lawns sort of go brown during the summer.
We have a corner of the backyard that traditionally have bene a bit wet and swampy. Previous onwer installed a long drain down to the street. I'm thinking of digging a deep well and lining with concrete pipes. The water can be better used in the yard than just "drained away". Stay tuned.

Zhame on CNN

CNN just announced that Larry King Live is "dumping" Michael Moore on Wednesday night for an interview with a newly released inmate, Paris Hilton.

OK, who really cares? The evening might have both informative and entertaining with Larry King spurring on Michael Moore over America's healthcare system (or lack thereof). But this time CNN bowed in for the greater ratings of Hilton. Dumbification of the media, even for the grand daddy of all talk shows, Larry King.

But, even though I really don't care, I'll be (together with the remaining 299 million) glued to the TV during one of the evenings runs of Larry's show.

And, maybe Michael Moore still pulled the longest straw. He's on for Friday night instead!

IZ annexation is getting closer?

King County has put a carrot out for the City of Kirkland: "Annex neighboring unincorporated areas and we'll help you with the finances over a 10-year transition period."

Annexation would increase Kirkland's population from somewhere around 45K to closer to 90K. Will it change the city too much, or are these areas already in all practicality part of Kirkland and it will only be an administrative change?

There are many tough questions around the annexation "yes or no" issue and likely no easy answers. At the same time, for some the issue has turned very emotional and many fear it will "destroy" our lovely city. There are arguments against an annexation, both for Kirkland residents and residents in the "PAAs" (Possible Annexation Areas). At the same time, good arguments can be made for an annexation.

Really the only right thing is for the public to discuss it and make their voices heard. There is tons of information on the City's web page, as well as some well formulated "against" arguments on the "Save Kirkland" web page.

So, get involved, study the facts, speak your mind, and contact your elected officlas at City Hall - since they are the ones that will make the final call for "yeah or neah".

Just don't sit around, do nothing, and later complain about the outcome. Instead, be a part of the solution!

GaZ Prices

Who ever thought one would appreciate gas prices at $3.09/gallon? But, believe it or not, the prices seem to have dropped quite a bit over the past weeks. Even the Shell station by SR-520, normally the most expensive around Seattle (it is the last one before the bridge) displayed a price today of $3.18. Last I saw there was over $3.50!

Not that it really matters (do not burn that much fuel in a summer), but the lower prices maybe just put the boat in the water...

Still, we are far from the prices I saw in Texas in 1996. Lowest one outside Hamilton was $0.69/gallon and regularly it was below a buck inside Dallas. No wonder everyone back then drove around in gigantic (spewing) pickup trucks.

Higher gas prices at least have gotten us to think before we take out the car, but we're still far away from the prices in most of Western Europe. For the nation, as well as for the environment, higher prices would be good, but it sort of sucks to have to shell out over $75 to fill the LandCruiser...