SteelyDanZoo

I had just turned 19, home for the holidays from the military, when during a New Years Eve dinner with friends, something "Steely Dan" played through the speakers. I was confused, and no it was not the beer. I thought the band was "Steeleye Span", British folk/rock band I heard a number of times over the years but never really liked. What I heard now, I liked!
On some empty tapes I recorded what I managed to find over the following days, before returning north to the "barracks". As spring arrived up in our winter paradise, tracks from Aja and and Gaucho was played troughout our little "dorm".

Little did I know at that time the band "Steely Dan" was just about to break up, or that it would have a profound impact on my musical taste over the next three decades. The tape with Aja and Gaucho followed me to France, returned to Sweden and University and while there, found some brethren that was just as fashinated with this band's music. In the days of vinyl and mail order, we tried to get our hands on as many albums as we could. But, it was already in the mid- to late 80ies, and they were harder to come by (in Sweden). Everyone listed to EuroPop or HardRock.

Somehow, Steely Dan still followed me. Only to be challenged once in a drunken while by the loud music from Rufus & Chaka Khan.

During a layover at Schipol, (Amsterdam) in 1991, I pick up a portable Sony CD-player. I was suddenly on a quest to "replace" all my vinyls with CDs - it was the new medium and you just "gotta have it"!

During trips to Paris, walking the mega stores and some of the smaller 2nd hand outlets (not yet common in Stockholm), I managed to compile a decent collection. I again stumbled over "Steely Dan"; now on CD format it was so "easy" to drag along on long business trips. The CDs became more and more numerous and eventually I traveled "home" and with the help of my dad, built a very tall stylish CD rack in black laquer. It did not take long until it got filled.

About the same time, I left Sweden and moved to Dallas, TX. One day in the late summer of 1994 I saw an ad for "Steely Dan playing at the Coca-Cola Starplex" in the local paper. What? The band that broke up more than 10 years earlier was playing together again? Some quick research and no, it was no (Royal) scam. The band was to play at the Starplex on September 2nd, a Friday. My friends in Texas did not even know what "SD" was and showed little interest for a drive to south of downtown (back then a seedy area) for a concert with some "unknowns". Hence, I decided to go by myself ($25)!

It was a great moment! I finally got to see the band that had shaped my musical life/taste over the past decade and a half - live! I so much liked what I saw, I deciced to drive down for the Saturday night show as well, now buying a ticket cheap from a scalper outside the arena ($15).

During both these show, Walter Becker sort of spent most of the time in the background and let Georg Wadenius, a fellow Swede, lead the guitar work throughout most of the shows. I remember Wadenius from my younger days but was likely too young to appreciate him or his musical style back then. These two night though, he was a star - a guitar guru!

During intermission I walk up to the beer tent at "the top of the hill". Behind me is a kid, likely not old enough to buy beer, since he told me he wasn't even born when SD released their first record, and he had never heard of them before. But, he liked what he saw/heard. And me, never in a million years did I think that'd I be standing here, listening to a band that in my view was dead, only available on CD/vinyl.

These two concerts likely will go to my book as two of the best live performances I've ever seen.

Work came in between and I sort of lost track of Steely Dan's whereabouts (remember, this was really before the era of the internet). I travelled extensively in the US/Canada and simply did not have time to follow a band that just did an "encore".

A move to Seattle, a marriage, and a few years later, Steely Dan plays at the Gorge, in George, WA. Again, an amazing performance by the band. Donald Fagen shows a not little bit of arrogance to the audience, but some excentricity is allowed/expected from someone that makes heavenly music. The show is a great mix of old and new, and some really spiced up live acts.

The Gorge is likely one of the most beautiful settings for ANY outdoor music venue. The backdrop with the majestic Columbia River and the sunset is truly amazing. I do not think an artist has played "outdoors" until he has played "the Gorge". About three hours east of Seattle, it is still a venue that is easy to access thanks in large to the I-90 freeway that essentially goes "door-to-door".


Then, this past Friday, I was given tickets to Steely Dan at the "White River Amphitheatre". A gift from the dogs in the family (yes, really).

Wife and I start driving south mid-afternoon, only to get stuck in rush hour traffic south on I-405. It takes almost 90 minutes to travel 20 miles and finally get onto SR-167 heading south towards Auburn. Amy, Eric, and their friends are doing the same route but on the west side of the lake. They stop for Taco del Mar along the way and eventually decide to drive all the way to the venue. We've heard horror stories bout traffic around the venue, so wife and I gamble on the Red Robin shuttle from the SuperMall. Grab a quick pizza before entering the shuttle. It is a fun crowd, with a fun bus driver. A real" big mama" that is a pro at shuttling concert goers by keeping the mood up on the bus despite the horrid traffic situation. Get a call and Amy+friends are just passing the casino when we are to leave the parking lot. She tells me that they are not really moving at all. Hah, maybe we'll beat them in the shuttle!

White River Amphitheatre is a beautiful arena in the middle of the Muckleshoot Indian Reservation. But, one has to ask who the h-ck would consider placing a concert arena in the middle of nowhere with NO significant access roads? We had heard about the traffic situation (and hence the gamble on the shuttle), but it is possibly even worse than what one coould imagine. The drive is not far, possibly 35 miles, but it takes MUCH longer than the 150 mile drive to the Gorge. Just does no make sense!


Upon arriving, Michael McDonald has already opened (on time?) and is hacking away at his piano. He's got a great band. Some good old Doobie Brother's tunes as we enter the arena, just to order Chai Tea.

Any Steely Dan concert will draw an odd crowd. There's everything from old grannies, to punk not even out of high-school. But they all share a fascination for the music from some very skilled - and excentric - guys. Looking over the crowd, one sees both long pony tails - and a few mullets - in the marijuana haze over the seating area on green slope.

The concert is good, not great, but it is mainly due to Donald Fagen deciding on NO encores. When he is done playing, he is done. No matter what the audience wants. It really feels a bit cheap, but on the other hand, if that makes for good song writing, all power to him.

As far as I could tell, there were very few songs (if any) of the new material played this night. Suits me fine, but one would guess they'd push a bit for their new albums. On the other hand, they sell themselves, and in some ways the older music has more of a "bite".

All in all though, it was a great evening and even the ride home was fairly effortless. Shuttle took us to the car and we really could snooze our way through traffic!

Thanks to Dogs (and wife) for getting me such a nice present!

SonicZoo

Sometime last week, Sonic's owners lead by Howard Schultz (CEO Starbucks) announced that the (Seattle Professional BasketBall) team had been sold to a group of investors from Oklahoma. After that announcement the emotions in the Pacific NortnWest have been running high.

First, I applaude the Seattle City Council for taking a hard stance on the KeyArena. In my view - and others - it's a fine arena. No need for some $200M+ infusion of capital and renovation. Seattle area has so many more needy projects; Alaskan Viaduct, SR-520 bridge, bike lanes, transit system ,etc, etc. The list can be made long.

But, as most people don't understand these days, "Professional" sports is just that. It is no longer "sports" but big business. No fault in that, even though a pure "home team", built out of the younger generations training for a "club" feels better. Such a team is more anchored in the community, and cannot just be lifted and "sold" (out). You would have to sell the kids with that as well.
But, that's not how it is done in America. Sport is big business and teams relocate to the market where the teams owners can generate the most profit. Nothing wrong with that. Any business would do that, and the "Staff" is small enough to tag along. Think about relocating Microsoft. It'd be a major brain drain as people would hesitate to follow the company to Oklahoma City. A sports team is easier. Players and coaches are tied by contracts. They follow (the $$$).

In Sonic's case, I feel no "evil" toward Howard Schultz & Co. The loss of Sonics is sad for Seattle but paying what the owners wanted to remain here, it'd be plain stupid - given all other priorities. As for the fans, yes sad for them, but this is business, not sports. If the teams felt they needed a higher profit, raise ticket prices and see if that works. Likely outcome would be that the fans would shun the team all together and go/do somewhere/something else.

And here is the core in this issue. Seattleites has a plethora of activities to choose from. We live in the most amazing part of the United States. In North America only Vancouver B.C. can provide even a challenge. We are not a city that is without options, should we have no professional sports teams. The audience/fans have so much to choose from, be it skiing, sailing, boating, hiking, fishing, "hanging out", traveling, music, movies, golf, local politics, food. The list can be made long.

I used to live in Dallas, TX. The options were (due to natural/geographical and meterological restrictions) limited. Once could play golf/tennis (when it was not too hot outside), go to the movies, restaurants, etc, but that was pretty much it. Hence, the market for professional sports was much bigger because people in general had nothing better to do. Seattle is a VERY different "market". The options are far greater, and hence the "competition" for the audience - and its dollars - is much more pronounced. Possibly not such a great "market" for a sports team.

On top of that we have a topopgraphy that makes traveling harder and more congested (compared to Dallas, Oklahoma City, houston, etc, etc). That shrinks the available market even more. Few people would travel from Chehalis to see the Sonics, since that could be a major undertaking, while a trip from Ardmore, OK, to American Airlines Center in Dallas, would only be a long "swoop" down the same (open) freeway.

In the text above I have assumed (?) that the Sonics are leaving. Only time will tell if that is true or not. Whatever happens, they'll be missed, but Seattle, Starbucks, and Howard Schultz lives on. After all, it's only business...

SummerZoo

Over the past two weekends, Kirkland has again shown why we love this place so much.

Weekend of July 14-16 had the "Kirkland Arts Center SummerFest". A great showing of what this community is like in the summer. The marina was full, boat all over the lake, kids playing and swimming at Marina Park, dogs juimping in and out of the water. All surrounded by a large number of artists, vendors, and people strolling. A great addition to this year - and something I hope can happen on a more regular basis - was the wine tasting in the Marina Park Pavillon. Can a location for a glass of wine be much better...? Do we really need to wait until next July for that?

This weekend, downtown was again filled to the rim. This time with crowds and cars. Antique cars, customs cars, muscle cars, bikes. You name it. Even for those who are not specially fond of automobiles, it is hard not to enjoy and be amazed by the excellent paint and body work displayed on these "summer vehicles". I have soft spot for the small British convertibles, as well as the deLorenas of course. Even though they got a good challenge this year by some modified deThomaso Panteras.

The event was much larger than in past years, and I dearly hope it was a success for the organizers as well, so we can expect it again - next summer!

SummerZissle...

Walking into the kitchen on Friday afternoon, looking at the thermometer in passing. It's displaying 99.9F. And this in an area that's been in shade all day. Walking over to the bedroom (north side) and checking there as well. 99.8F! In Kirkland, along the shores of cool Lake Washington?

Upon entering the kitchen again, the digits decide to move past 100F! 30 minutes later, they settle on 101.7F. A remarkable temperature in this part of the country.

The family has a somewhat mixed relationsship to the temperature. Wife is hot and complains about the weather. She succumbs to the basement and decides to make that her bedroom until the temperatures are back to normal. One dog follows her down as well. A couple of the cats and big dog decide to "stay the course" and follow me around. They are not comfortable, but it is clear that they prefer my company (?) over to giving in to the heat. Just as an option, I leave the door open to the garage so they can sneak in and benefit from the cooler temperature down there, or enjoy the cool concrete.

I have decided not to complain about the heat. Does no good (cannot change it...), this is still nothing compared to the years in Texas, and in a not too long time, we will have forgotten all about this and complain about the rain/cool temperatures. Hence, better enjoy it while we can, even though it IS hot!

KirklandBoat on the Zea

With a day that can only be described as PERFECT, we pulled in to the marina late last night. Friends in town from out of state, first time I've seen them in years. What could be better than "taking on water" and showing them Seattle from the "other side"?

Some minor issues with carburators delays departure, but once out on the lake, engine is running better than ever. Smooth "sailing" along the shores. Does a run past Bill Gates' house (Annie desperately wanted to see it) and then over towards MontLake. No wake, no wind, and the lake is as smooth as a mirror.

Checking out the house boats along Lake Union before heading for the locks. Only two boats ahead of us and less than a 5 minute wait. Wonder what the sound will look like?
Out there, it is just as nice as the lake. No winds, no wake, and just some smooth and tall waves from a passing ship. Fun roller coaster ride!

We hit Bell Harbor Marina and find a guest spot on the "reservation". $10 for 4 hours is not that bad. Meet up with friends and family at Marriott (within a stone's throw) for a sunny and lazy happy hour with snacks and beer.

Before departing, and picking up another crew member, a pass by Marriott's "lounge" to get some freshly baked cookies and fruit. Fear the time is a tad late for a safe passage back, but turns out it could not be better. Wind has picked up a tiny bit, but just to provide more of a salty breeze (so different compared to boating on fresh water) and also to give us a clear view of Mt. Rainier. No wait at the locks and the ride back home across the lake is as good as the ride out. Back "home" around 10PM and it is still HOT, with really no relief stepping in to the water. Can a Kirkland evening really be any better than this?

CraZy Run...

My wife decided some time ago that we should run the half-Marathon of the SeaFair marathon. She has been pretty good in training regularly, I haven't. Probably gotten 10-15 miles totally in over the past few months, but that's it. Exercise have mostly been "walking the dog".

So, low and behold, today was the day. Wake-up at 6 AM(ouch!), chased out of the house at 6.30 AM in order to find a parking spot and be on the line to see the start of the Marathon at 7 AM. We missed that with a few minutes but were on time for our start at 7.15 AM.

Crowded field, quite a few that looked like they should not run, and quite a few that one gladly could run after... In other words, it's a mixed field.

Wife starts out way too fast for my taste, but I keep up and somewhere around the 4 mile mark, wife is no longer to be seen (behind me). I tell myself to run my race, not someone else's (it is easy to spick up speed way too early), but find a group pf people that seem to have a good pace.

I feel good, gaining on people on the up hills, and loosing some going downhill. At 8 miles, time is 01h07m. Wow, With just about three miles to go, I should be crossing the line at about 1h30m. Not bad for a guy who has not trained at all.

Coming down towards Richards road, heading north towards I-405 freeway and Bellevue downtown. I can almost see where the race is to end. But here, lesson one. Remember how long a half-marathon is. It is NOT 11 and some miles, but 13+ miles. In order to match that distance the organizers have sneaked in a "detour" (at least in my mind) and the course heads south, AWAY from the finishing area. I start to loose steam (maybe more mental), and also a bit concerned over cramps. Slows down a bit, not sure it helps but it feels good. Once the course turns north again, I remember how far it is to the finishing area from here. I get really tired. Start walking, streching my calf muscles until someone bumps my back with a "no walking" alert. Wife has caught up, and she is steaming towards the end. I try to keep up but realize that I have nothing left to keep up that pace for another mile or so. I remember to "run my race", and that finishing behind wife (=shame) is much better than not making it at all.
All in all, I cross the line at a respectable 01h52m03s, better than the race I did back in 1999 when I actually trained a lot. Not too far behind wife either, she only beat me with about 30 seconds.

We finish early enough so see the winner of the full marathon cross the line. He is a very small and thin guy from Kenya, and in about a time that is mine +30 minutes, he has run the double distance. Amazing. Wife goes up to congratulate him, and we figure he should have a pack of "groupies" and staff following him. But no, he just sits on the curb, catching his breath, drinking some water and looking like this is a day like any other day. We later see him leaving the area, still alone, no groupies in sight.

Oh well, another beautiful Sunday in the Pacific Northwest. I might be talked into doing this again, something I most likely will have forgotten, should the opportunity occur...

MarineShop cloZed on a weekend?

Saturday is wife's birthday. Apart from all the "regular" stuff, we also plan for a run into Seattle for some birthday feeding.
On the way to "downtown" I manage to convince the driver to pass by Newport Shores and Mercer Marine. I am in dire need for some gaskets and seals for my newly cleaned carburetors.

Hitting the marina, just to find Mercer Marine CLOSED!
If you are in the recreation/leisure business, boating is still recreation for me, how come you actually dare to have a place closed on weekend day, a day when most boaters are looking for "stuff".
And, Mercer Marine being the only Volvo Penta dealer around, I really have no other choices than to return on Monday.
But, this still bugs me. I guess a call to Volvo Penta of North America is in place. I'd be happy to represent them, but these days, most of the stuff can be found on the internet from more or less scrupulous e-tailers in Florida.

However, I think Volvo Penta could be much better represented in the Seattle area than by these guys. Closed on a Saturday? They must be kidding!

(Note added on Monday 07/10/06:
Biked to Mercer Marine. With only one customer ahead of me, there is still a bit of a wait. The guy who eventually comes to help me out is friendly, but I can almost tell I know as much or more about boat engines and drives as he does. After scanning through their inventory, I leave with only about 10% of what I came for. The most important I got though; the gaskets for the high-pressure fuel line. All the other gaskets are in good shape, and can be replaced when the season's over and boat is undergoing winter maintenance.
Note to self: Next time in need of boat parts, don't even bother to bike/drive to MercerMarine. Better getting on the phone and order stuff from elsewhere. Likely faster, but MUCH cheaper. Sad, since I really like to support the local merchants, but I hope that someone reading this is nice enough to pass the message to Mercer Marine.)

Planning CommiZZion's meeting

Last night's meeting at the Planning Commission was a disaster.
Not for the hard work of the commission members, but for the lack of respect some people in the audience showed others with dissenting views - as well as the rules of the meeting.

The meeting was essentially all about looking at rules/regulations to curb the construction of "monster houses" that are totally out of "wack" in the neighborhood(s). One such regulation that was disucssed was the FAR, Floor Area Ratio. Essentially limiting the amount of square footage one can build on a certain lot. For some people living on smaller lots, it did not sit well. Others, me included, wanted more stringent regulations in order to prevent "over building" on smaller lots.

Kirkland is changing on a daily basis these days. The value of the land is such that most builders/developers do not see any rationale in keeping a smaller, older, house and remodeling it. No, in order to be "marketable", it has to be a new house with 3,000 (new) sqf or more. Realtors at the meeting claimed that "anything esle cannot be sold". Surprises me when I see old ramblers, in all shapes and qualities, selling for anything north of $600K and not staying on the market very long.

I have nothing against these big houses - as long as they are also given big lots - and a design that somewhat blends in with the surrounding neighboorhood. That said, there are some good examples on mega houses, "out-of-neighborhood-style", that have been nicely designed in to the surrounding area. A few of them (Tuscan style) can be found along Waverly Way.
But, squeezing big houses in close together on tiny lots changes an open neighborhood, and the city, in a way that is hard to revert from. Once that change has taken place, and all open space is gone, I dare to challenge those who wanted to "preserve" property values in the first place by building bigger. Once we have changed our beloved city, and allowed for all the trees, the open spaces (I am not saying parks), the sight lines of lakes and mountains, the city is no longer the same. The increased density have created something few of us longer like, less love.

When I hear comments like "I can not build 4 bedrooms on same level as the kitchen", I think immediately that the lot is too small, or the rooms are too big. It is a tough choice, but if you want the lake and city view, very short walk to downtown Kirkland, you will have to buy two smaller lots and combine them for the big house. Or give up one of the "desires", or move, or ...

TulipFeZtival

Just got back from the TulipFestival outside La Conner. Sunny but windy day, skies clear and not a cloud, a bit on the cold side. Perfect day, since the crowds is likely otherwise unmanageable (traffic was bad in spots regardless).

Parents had planned to go to Amsterdam, but that fell through, so they crossed the polar ice cap for their third visit to Washington State - and the tulips here. Not a bad choice, heh?

Colors seem to be predominantly red and yellow, and they make for impressive scenery with the snow capped Mount Baker in the background, all under the watchful eyes of the neverending blue sky. Pretty, and we get a lot of good pictures taken. My guess is that some will show up on a Christmas card...

After flowers it is time for the obligatory visit to "downtown" La Conner. We're all hungry, so how come most (food) places in La Conner closes at 6 PM - on a Saturday - in the middle of their peak tourist season? An architect we know has designed one of the new places, nice deck towards the water, and even a little "doggie watering station" next to the entrance. It looks great, but when we try to pull the door, it is locked. At 6.05 PM? See people inside cleaning up, pay no attention to the "stupid" tourists at the door.
Lesson learned. If you are going to La Conner, eat first, bring a picnic, or realize that they really don't want you to visit at all. After some strolling, we eventually find a little neat wine store where we sample some wine and some cheese. Parents not too eager on the wine thing, we walk down the street to a local diner. It is "regular" American style food. Setting is maybe not the prettiest, but the wait staff is friendly, the prices are really reasonable and the portions huge. I think there will even be enough left over to feed dogs hiding in the car. And, most importantly, I get my micro brew - finally!

La Conner (apart from closing early...) has changed a bit since our last visit. Many buildings seem to have vanished and there is now a nice Lodge straddling the waterfront. I really like its design, and take tons of pictures, hoping to be able to incorporate some of that (design) at home.
In front of said Lodge, an old wooden yacht that has seen better days is moored. Looking closer, I see it has a Swedish flag at the mast. Walk down, but find no one home, apart from a sign telling us the 65' "ship" is for sale. I hope it goes to someone with both funds and a good heart, since it'd be waste to see such a beautiful vessel end up rotting away in the hands of a well meaning owner w/o money for its upkeep.

Ski Zeason have come and gone...

OK, many weeks have passed since anything was written in this space. Time for a short update, and also an attempt at more regular entries. With the great snow we've gotten up in the Cascades, there has been a few wonderful days up at Stevens Pass. Actually, the very first skiing in a few years. First the winters were crabby, then it was too much traveling (for work) and the finally, this winter, SNOW. Plenty of it. Over the past 35 years, I've had many great days skiing. Most memorable and on the "top 10" are probably the three years I spent in the French Alps. Living in Tignes Le Val Claret (http://www.espacekilly.com), never being further away from a slope than 2 minutes, 24/7, was simply the best. I have no idea of how many days of skiing I actually got in during those years, but it was more than I managed since. At the same time, I sometimes wonder how it came to that I did survive. Back in those days, there was little talk about the danger of avalanches, rock falls, getting lost in a white out, etc. Skiing was simply about finding "great lines" down the mountain. You followed the "locals" a few times, and when you felt comfortable, you went on your own - totally disregarding the fact that changes in snow conditions voided what little you learnt over the previous days. But, we did so much "stuff", extreme skiing of the days - with out ANY safety equipment (beacon, probe, shovel) and many times one even went alone - the 3-4 hour lunch break was precious and dragging people around (visiting tourists) had to wait until a you had a full day off. At lunch you wanted to get in maximum vertical!I specifically remember one time in the spring of 1983. I had taken the cable car up to La Grande Motte, did a few warm-up runs on one of my favorite slopes, a long and wide empty dance floor served only by two double chairs. It was exposed on top of the glacier, a bit to the side, and few people bothered with it (probably considered a bore due to its location). It resulted in short lines and A LOT of skiing - a hidden gem in plain view!Anyway, up to the summit again, crossing over the glacier (yes, alone) and then up to the summit of "Dome du Pramecou". It is a mild mountain on its south side, but with a wonderfully steep north face where all wind driven snow was dumped (deep powder as late as May...). In order to get there, you had to traverse the glacier, aptly named "mer de glace" (sea of ice), hike up to the summit and I think all that labor kept many away. The run down was as great as ever, soft snow, but no Utah powder (which I did not know at the time, but you just don't find that in the Alps). From the bottom of Pramecou's north face, one can ski down a couloir, or take another small hike up to the summit of a small peak with a name I no longer recall, but it can end up in a viciously steep and narrow couloir run back to the village. From up there, EVERYONE could see you - if they looked up that is... But, this day I was lazy and took the couloir down towards the valley where the cable was located (cable car is long gone and replaced by an UNDERGROUND tram that ferries skiers up the mountain). The couloir was as good as it could be after having been skied w/o any new snow for a couple of days. It was always in the shade and the snow was cold any nice. This steep and narrow chute, was accessible via a long traverse and hence frequent by quite a few on a daily basis. Even so, it rarely turned to ice until very late spring. Out of the couloir, I cut out to the left (north), and traversed a the shaded wide open East face of the "unnamed mountain" in order not to have to take the slope back down to the cable car. I've done this many times. You keep altitude and get a decent run in the final fall line down towards the village.
Tired after only three great descents in one? You can always rest on the way back up again. I did so, sitting in one of the cable cars going back up, looking to the west to see if I can see my tracks in the dark shadow of the unnamed peak. To my amazement (and later horror), the entire side of the mountain is now a debris field after an avalanche. It must have happened when I was waiting in line to get up again. Had I been 10 minutes or so (=one more run on top of the glacier) , I would not have been sitting here today at all. I'd probably be one of the small "snow boulders" strewn across the mountain side. Next day I did take a look at these small snow boulders, they were about the size of a VW Microbus and just as hard. It would have hurt, really bad, to be there when they came down from above... I'm not religious, but I do believe in fate and the importance of having impeccable timing...
Oh well, just another day of skiing in the wild 80ies. When there really were no rules!

I return to Tignes summer of 1986. I am greeted with the sad news that M. Perinet (my landlord) and "George" (the local butcher) have died in a climbing accident on the same glacier. "Mer de glace" ends just south of Val Claret with the "ice fall", or "le langue du glacier". It is a popular ice climbing spot in the late summers when the real ice actually gets some exposure. What I hear is that the glacier "calved" and they were crushed under the falling ice. Took many days before their bodies could be recovered. Looking back, it could just as well had been me...

Christmas Zoo

Managed to get everyone in front of the camera. Above you can see the resulting card...

Went to pick up "the" ham last night. Traffic was horrible - as expected but that it'd take an hour to get out of Ballard was more than could be anticipated. The drivers are also horrible, mamas in minivans or large SUVs trying to drive them like small souped up Hondas of the 90ies. People, get a grip, relax and we'll all get there safely and in due time!

Took the dog out to a friends house for some running around (dog) and coffee (me). Always nice to meet up and "reflect" before Christmas. And, to see some great decorations. Still have ways to go before we get there.

Dinner over at neighbors. Food wonderful as ever. So glad they are neighbors, but even more, the best friends you can ask for. Truly unique!

Weekend away in Znow...

Spent last weekend at a lovely place on the south slopes of Mt Rainier. Apart from being secluded, we were given the best wrap/massage one can imagine. Supposedly the mud in the wrap was "Moroccan Silk Mud", direct from the Atlas Mountains! The weekend was also the tail end of the very cold weather we've had for a while. Well, now all you up north, everything is relative, we rarely dipped below 25F, -4C, but is was cold for this part of the world where we normally have very mild and wet winters. The "wet" part came straight back after the weekend. We are now soaked and it is unseasonably warm. I really like white and cold winters (what I experienced in northern Sweden), but I also have to admit that this is not too bad. If it gets much colder, heating bills skyrocket due to the shoddy building standard/insulation levels here. Well, that part (insulation levels) will hopefully be fixed by next winter.

Zaturday

Day turned out much nicer than anticipated. Walked the dog to downtown for a cup of java and a chat. Nice to kill a few hours in the company of good friends and having a dog is always a good reason to actually walk - instead of taking the car. No major distance today, but probably 5-6 miles. On the way home, someone on the leash held me back. She must have been tired.

Sun came out. Lake was flat as a piece of glass. Boat should have been out, but man, it was cold. Have to wait until the "real" Christmas light cruise in a few weeks before thinking more about "being out there". Still have some work to do on the dash, and new wiring for the running lights. All in due time.

Back home, downed a late breakfast of oatmeal, student grub that never goes out of fashion. And, most important; it is pretty good for you as well.

And, when all this was said and done, it was now time to put up those (darn) lights. Went to the basement to pull out the two boxes that were nicely organized last year. Had four strings of "icicle lights" up last year on the highest roof line and it looked good. Guess we'll do the same procedure this year in that area.
Pull each string out of their respective bags, only to find out that several bulbs are out, gone, poof. Darn, why can't anyone making lights that last more than one season? But, on the other hand, they were probably only $2/piece, so one does not really have a legitimate reason to complain. Most would just have tossed them in the garbage, run down to the corner store and buy new sets. Not me, not time for the city dump yet! Replaced the burned bulbs with stuff salvaged from last year's "corpses", and once that was done, up on the roof. Sun's out, but it is freeeeeeezing cold.
Pull out, or rather try to, the strings that I so nicely rolled up and organized last season. Icicle lights look good once they are up, but are they a mess to "get out" and then also hang up nicely? Curse and promise myself that for next year, regular strings, w/o tentacles, will be the way to go. Just not worth it. Still cold up here. Better finish up and get down inside where it's warm and toasty.
Move the ladder to the front, pull an extension cord, and, voila, all lights are working and it does look good! Nothing compared to the effort of our across-the-street-neighbor/friend, but he cheated and had the entire family/army over to help hang his lights. Wonder how far he'd gotten by himself?
Anyway, will continue tomorrow. Still pull some strings around the deck, the trellises, and then also the boat (both because it looks nice, but also because it'll be parked in the street for a while and having lights on it will hopefully deter anyone that otherwise accidentally might run into it.

After coming back from a quick shopping spree over to "Freddie's" (nothing interesting, just staples) had to cross the street to let out/let in, count, and feed the zoo there. Out of town in Florida and it is fun to care for their monsters when they're gone. House looked like a train wreck, torn doggie toys all over, but no turds today. But, are those guys happy to see me! Finally found all four cats. Not sure how the last one got in, because I could have sworn that he was outside - staying there - when I walked in. He literally must have crossed my back. Good though that everyone's inside. They are all listening to "Delilah" tonight - as all the nights. Not my choice, but the master left that on when he left. Maybe it keeps them quiet.

Oh, one last thing. Our hated ISP (because of their high price), Comcast, have finally opened up the pipe and you can now have streaming music - both good selection and good quality (likely 192 kps or better) - flowing out in the house. Needless to say, my favorite channel is the Smooth Jazz channel. Never can go wrong with that. You just get used to it and get happy/good mood when you hear it. Pretty different from the Clash and Sex Pistols that ruled my days back in 1979...

Dinner at home, cleaned up the kitchen. Looked at tired animals at home (+tired wife). Looked through the window. Lights still on, no bulbs out - good. Time to hit the sack!

It's Znowing

Yesterday we actually saw the first snow of the season. It was not what we really would like to call snow, too warm for that, but it did for a while actually cast a shade of white on the green lawns and bushes. The weatherman tells us we might still see more of it over the weekend, so maybe, maybe...
And, of course the wet snow (it was really wet, walked the dog while it was coming down, got soaked) prevented ANY efforts in putting up those darn lights. Wife also wanted a "special" design, something along these lines - see here. Not sure if I'd survive that design for more than a few minutes. A bit too loud for my taste - albeit pretty lively - and Christmas is still far away...

Have also now formally after a wonderful hiatus and vacation gotten into the serious job searching mode. Polished resume, talked to head-hunters, and the like. Will soon start pester my local contacts once I've scanned the open postings and determined which ones are worth while pursuing. Should be good get back into "it" again.

If all bodes well, we will also take the boat out once more this season. A trip around Lake Washington to check out the Christmas decorations is always a worth while effort this time of the year. Even though it can be COLD out there. But, seeing everything from the sea(lake) side gives it a different flair. Argosy Cruises are also in December running “cruises” around the lake and they come around a few times singing Christmas carols. It is quite pretty seeing these decorated and lit ships, blasting traditional Christmas carols ashore. If you want to know more when and where these ships are to be found, check here.

Christmas or "just" Holiday?

Sometimes this country's political correctness can drive one mad. At the moment there is a debate whether this is "holiday times" and not Christmas times, whether the trees we raise and decorate all over are "holiday trees" instead of Christmas trees, etc, etc.
Bill O'Reilly on the Fox News Channel, a person that normally has pretty skewed views on most about anything, and someone who never lets his guests make a point, last night he actually did something really good;
He vocally pushed for Christmas being put back into Christmas! Finally, someone that stands up for a good ol' tradition!

I am no religious freak, or not really religious at all (but I would like deem myself somewhat spiritual), and Christmas for me is not really a religious holiday, but it is a holiday of peace, joy, family, food, friends, winter and snow, and a time of the year when we get to relax and reflect over the time that has passed.

It has gone way too far when stores starts to change their displays from "Christmas Sale" to "Holiday sale", out of fear of alienating or offending people. I'm sorry, but if you can't stand "Christmas" a few weeks of the year, this is probably not the place for you.

I would not like to go to North Africa, to find out that they removed Ramadan, just out of fear that I'd be offended by all the events during that time. Nor would I like to go to China and find out they cancelled the Chinese New Year, just because it does not match up with "my" New Year.
We are all different in one way or another, just as countries are different. They have different history, background, ethnic composition, geography, weather, location, political system, or lack there of. All those things are what make this planet so amazing. We can travel and experience different things.

How horrible would it be if I traveled to country X, just to find it exactly like "here at home"? Same franchise driven restaurants, same cars, same traditions, and same political correctness. No, when I travel I want things to be different. That both makes traveling fascinating, as well as makes it educational. By traveling to different places, or should I say “places that are different”, we might actually learn something while we are away having fun.

Some places we travel to are deemed “dangerous” by the state department, and that keeps the mainstream American traveler out. Not a bad things, since too many Americans (or Europeans as well for that matter) in one place has a tendency to destroy and ruin the “”difference”, the reason why we traveled in the first place.
If you just want sunny skies and fair weather, go to Florida or Arizona. If you want sunny skies and an experience for life, go to Central America, South East Asia, the Caribbean, or some other “sunny” spot on the planet. But, do not expect it to be “like home”. That said, there are many fascinating places in the US as well, places that are far off the beaten path, and places that are really different.

One case that has captured the (fascination of) American media over the past six+ months is the case of the missing girl from Alabama, Natalie Holloway.
The fact that the girl is gone, missing, not found yet, or whatever we call it, is a horrible fact for the parents, the family, and her friends back in Alabama. But, she went to a different country on vacation, a country that is not the United States, a country that neither has the same rules, regulations, or traditions as the United States. Therefore, neither should we expect its judicial system to work as in the United States.
As much as I support the parents in their quest of finding their daughter, or worse, finding out what actually happened to her, I am totally against any type of boycott or other means of twisting the arms of the Arubans in order for them to “adopt” US’s standards or procedures for their police and judicial work.
It is a different country, let it remain that and let the girl be found. End of rant!


After a wet week, we have started to see some spots of sun up here in the Pacific Northwest. December is almost here and for once, there is actually snow in the mountains. Maybe we can look forward to A ski season worth the name this winter, instead of what we’ve had in the past, warm and sunny times with snow levels almost not even hitting the peaks of our majestic and wonderful mountains.

Well, that said, the sun’s out, and that’ll likely mean that it is time to attack the outside Christmas decorations. I am not sure if it is due to historically cheap energy, or some other reason, but in most parts of the United States, we homeowners spend a lot of time and take pride in decorating the outside of our houses with lights this time of year. Let’s call them Christmas lights, even though most of them are popping up just after Thanksgiving, and disappearing sometime in the early beginning of the New Year. That is too sad, since the lights are beautiful and they’d be even prettier with some snow in the background, snow we rarely see any of until we are into January down here in town.

Well, enough of this. Time to actually set up those damn lights….:-)

First posting

Well, so it has finally happened. I have not only decided to, but also actually gotten a spot in Cyber Universe to post some thoughts and pictures. This will not be a very active place holder, but hopefully someone, sometimes will find these "thinkings" interesting.