Goodbye 2009

2009 ... the year has been full of new adventure. Not all good but not all bad. I am looking forward to 2010 to see how exciting life will become.

If it is not fun, why not?

Merry Christmas to All...

Here we go ...

“Sign of the Crime” premieres November 13 at 10:00 p.m. Eastern/Pacific. Two brutal murders put a city on edge. The crimes appear to be related but investigators cannot be sure. The killer -- or killers -- use fire to destroy evidence, leaving police with lots of questions and not enough answers.

Still no clues or preview on the Internet...

10:00 PM
Forensic Files
Sign of the Crime - NEW!
This should be the one... I get this station on channel 49 I think...

80th Birthday Dinner

We all got together for a delicious dinner at Buca Di Beppo. Good food & family fun for Grandpa's 80th Birthday Dinner.

Julia, the boys and I gave a gift of honey. We personalized it with this label.

New chimney and New cabinets

Julia gets certified.... for diving....

Graduations

Getting the photos out there ... lots of photos too.

Arron with Grand Pa & Ma.

To see more Arron photos

click here

Sarah with friends.

Soon we will post more of Sarah.

no place to click here yet

Lake Chelan Hike

This was a great hike ... lots to tell but I will let the pictures do the talking today.

Click here to see the photo album.

Senior Prom Pics - Just A couple to see

Arron finally surrendered the Senior Prom photos one of the dads took. He looked grand if I may say so.

More on the jkkay WEB if you Click Here

New interactive web site

Welcome to GoHiking.... gohiking.pbworks.com

This new web site will help us plan hikes and other activities. The site is by invitation only.
I emailed many ... if I missed you let me know and I will forward you an invitation. On this site you can add and edit your name on the event that you want to attend. You can list the equipment you can bring for the specific group activity such as a group campsite item, or a dinner dish you want to bring to the BBQ.

Walls Falls - May 16

The weather was great, the hike was good and we even had our choice of several parking spots. We were even home for lunch.

Click here to see the whole photo album.

After the hike and lunch we went to Bellingham to support Sarah in her Relay for Life.

Busy day but very worth while, any day we can spend with the kids is a great day. Half with Corey and Arron and Half with Sarah. Just does not get any better.

Lake Chelan Plans begin

Here are the plans for June 20 & 21

Shorten the hike from 3 days to 2 days Saturday June 20 and Sunday June 21. That way no one needs worry about getting time off work. This will also shorten the distance to 6.8 miles instead of the 17.5 miles. Instead of 2 nights it will be 1 night.

I expect this hike will be OK for us who have missed hiking for a few years. The trail along here does rise and fall but the bigger bluff hike overs are on the other section of trail we will be cutting out.

We all know the limit of 12 on wilderness trails so by my count we have room for 5 more. (Corey + 2 friends, Arron + 1, Jim + Julia) = room for 5.

Click here for the latest thoughts and plans on the Lake Chelan Hike.

Reservations locked in....

Making plans and moving forward. I faxed my wish to hike the Wonderland Trail to the rangers at Mt. Rainier Park. I was somewhat certain I had missed this years opportunity since I was two months late seeking a reservation. Desperate I got creative on my application and did some silly attention getting remarks in the date boxes. Less then 20 minutes later a ranger called me and was puzzled by my application. He told me he could not process it the way it was filled out. By the end of the call, which I was not certain was going the right direction for way too long, I had my wish for 3 nights on the Wonderland Trail.

Arron and I visited the trail in 2004 or so and loved every moment of our hike. Now with additional miracles Julia, the boys and I will be able to visit the trail again this year. Problems do lurk though, Corey is working full time doesn't know if he can get enough time off, Arron is not certain what day college will start, and I got bumped from dive school in May to be rescheduled in September. Julia has still not tested her overnight hiking and will be concerned about this wonderful hike. All and all I am still hopeful this wonderful hike will happen. I have this passion to share this beauty with everyone that will listen. To reminisce about this hike long ago we need to climb into the way-back-bus. Set the clock to 1972, I fell in love with this section of trail and still think of it one of the best hikes of all time. I remember how all of us young scouts were required to bring our back back packs to the church before the hike to be weighed. I remember a lot of focus on packing light. The first day went well, we ate good and slept in the under a single golden tarp in the meadow at Summer Land. On the second day the trail was dusty and I had enjoyed getting dirty. By dinner time my Scout Master told me not to come to dinner until I put on a clean shirt. Imagine my pride, not everyone that gets patted on the back could disappear in a cloud of dust. Being a good scout went to my back pack to get a clean shirt. Unimaginable horror pulsed in my veins as I discovered I had packed so light I did not have any extra shirts in my pack. With dinner on hold it only took me moments to devise a plan.

I ran to the creek and began washing my only t-shirt. Soon the creek turned brown as the dirt left my shirt. To make certain all the dirt was out I pounded it against rocks, rubbed rocks on it and when I felt not a speck of dirt remained I washed it again. Cleaned beyond doubt I held it up for final inspection, to my surprise I noticed a galaxy of holes. Obviously the shirt was of poor quality and could not with stand a good creek side washing. Standing bare chested along the mountain stream the evening chill caught my attention, I noticed the warm rays of sun were disappearing as the sun slipped behind the ridge. Still not concerned I strolled over to the camp fire. I was certain the warm fire would dry my shirt in record time. As the night got colder I became impatient and moved it closer to the fire while I went to eat. When I returned I was surprised to see the shirt was a dirty brown again. Had someone tossed dirt on my clean shirt? No they had not, the fire had warmed and the shirt had dried, the two became one. As I picked my shirt up to inspect it the poor quality hole studded fabric began cracking and crumbled. Having no other shirt I put it on and realized how it smelled very badly of smoke. Proudly I wore it to bed that night. By morning I was wearing an interesting smelly pair of sleeves attached to a collar. This wonderful shirt would last another two days until I was greeted by mom and dad at the end of the trail. Of course they refused to let me into their car, eventually I bartered my way in but only after the shirt was tossed in the trash.

Summer hiking, biking and get going....

• May 16 Challenge your legs to a hike up Mt. Si. Carry water and a snack. Lunch for survivors will be at North Bend Bar and Grill.
• June ?? Shake the spiders out of your backpacks. Lets go sleep in the woods and have a couple smores, this will be an easy overnight hike anyone can handle. We have not picked a location yet but it will be great.
• June 19 - 21 [changed] Fathers Day Weekend. Almost too late in the year but the weather suggests this 3 day 2 night Lake Chelan hike will be great. I want to see how the forest has re grown. Last time I was here was after the huge Lake Chelan fire 2004?
• July 5 - 7 Fishing trip to Ross Lake - Cougar Island 4th annual trip. The Kids and I sleep on Cougar Island and usually have the island to ourselves.
• July 18 & 19 a stroll to the rim of the the crater on Mt. St. Helen's - reservations a must. I have two tickets for Julia and I, would be great to bring the boys so I am looking for two more tickets.
• Late August / early September .... Wonderland Trail Summerland to Box Canyon.

If you are doing something fun that others can join in and share the experience, please email me. I will be working on a web based summer fun calendar as a central point to look at and stay in touch.

Breaking News! New Health Drug Available

Click on headline above for news story.

Happy Birthday Dr Seuss - March 2nd

Dr. Seuss' Birthday -- Born on March 2nd in 1904

Google's artistic flair
When Julia and I went to Vancouver we found an art gallery that had several original pieces of Dr. Seuss' on display. I was unaware of his political art pieces and several interesting ways to look at life. I am glad he is best known for his children's story books. He certainly captured my interest in his beetle battles. No! I don't like your hat.

Boarding Weekend Spectacular!!

Julia and I stayed local and enjoyed a great weekend of Ski and Boarding.. We were at Stevens on Sunday night, the snow was falling, the runs were great and no one was on the mountain. The video of Julia was destroyed by my unsteady hands and wobbly legs. Monday we spent on the west side and and found ourselves at the REI Winter clearance. We cleaned up and made the manager cry. Julia found a great ski helmet that looks made just for her. We also dipped our hands into the REI Garage Sale bin. I found a tent that I could not pass up. Tag told a story of the first owner using it a couple times before the they figured out they did not like the design. A "Half Dome" may be the best tent made. It was in nearly perfect condition, at garage sale price plus 50% off last marked price. Yikes, did I really need a tent? NO! But I thought it needed a good home anyway. Julia found a great camp pillow for $5.

Merle and Doreen went to Sun Peaks for the weekend. Merle must have gone crazy if this picture tells us anything. Did he come home in one piece? Dinner later to see, and lets make plans for next year...!

Arron's Birthday Weekend

We started Arron's Birthday weekend celebration with a fine dinner at the Lobster Shop on Jan 31. Yum Yum...

Can you guess what Julia is doing?

1. hiding from the camera
2. licking her plate
3. showing off her ring
4. looking for the logo
   

Feb 1 the after dinner snow at Stevens Pass was good, crowds were nonexistent ...Skiing was perfect.

We out lasted the boys on the slope ... seems they froze over waiting for the adults to tire out...

Hardwood Floor & Floods

UPDATE with new pictures off Arron's phone.

During Christmas we received a little snow as seen here with Corey standing on top of the pile. Notice how his knees are even with the railing on the deck !


After the snow it rained a little, melted the snow and caused wetness.

This is the building in Snohomish with the flood guage. This flood was pretty good but it did not pass the 1977 flood. We needed about 6 or 8 inches more to beat the record.

Looking at the Snohomish River Bridge from town to the airport. Notice the walk way into the river.

WOW, I almost forgot to share the great news. I no longer have traffic cones protecting the holes in the kitchen floor. I ordered up a refinished floor complete with a cherry - brown stain for a warmer look. This all happened during the floods, so while I ran around working in flood water everywhere, Grandma and Grandpa let Corey and I sleep over.

Arron, was more comfortable finding himself stuck north of the Snohomish River, lord knows he didn't want to miss any time at school during the flood. He bunked with his mom until the Snohomish River returned to its normal course. I didn't get many photos until after the weekend arrived but still you can see the retreating water. Arron has a picture trapped in his phone showing the level on the Snohomish depth board. This flood was a couple inches from the past record. I promise a photo soon. This shows the alternate route that opened a couple days before the highway opened.

Snow Bird Update

Not a lot of news other then the weather is warm and the sun, yes sun still exists.

Saturday they will arrive and visit many friends.

Mt. Si - in January

On Saturday we conquered Mt Si...

Julia the incredible hiker resting waiting for me to catch up.

Eric, Merle and Doreen were going hiking and although we slept in we were able to catch up to the crowd as they were coming down the trail. We were only a half mile from the top so we pushed forward knowing we would be late for after hike burgers, but it was worth the accomplishment. Seeing the view from the top and getting our feet in the snow too. For both Juila and I this was the first time on Mt. Si and we loved the challenge and vowed to do more hiking to be ready for a long trip this summer. Julia's knee is impressive and well.

Jim helps Bo to the Mt. Si view.

Ok- I learned how to rotate a video ....

Jim Stars in "Forensic Files" Case

Lights, camera, and some make-up action - this is the true behind-the-scenes making of an upcoming episode of the TV show,

"Forensic Files." Jim was the lead detective on a double homicide back in 1995. I do not want to reveal much of the case, but the crimes were gruesome, terrifying the community. The 20-month investigation is intriguing and leads to a satisfying end where the killer is captured and convicted to life without the possibility of parole.

Jim reviews a tableful of information - over 650 tips were documented, investigated and prioritized. Check the grin - he should not be that happy being up so early on a holiday (MLK Jr) - he is obviously delirious from his 16-hour study session the night before.

Here producer, Mike Joseloff from NYC, directs prosecutor, Don Raz, and Jim on a scene. Soundman, Ed Liming, signals camerman, Stan McMeekin.

Jim works the investigation - scene 5 take 2.

Unfortunately, my little chocolate gave out except for this last one - hmmm - looks suspiciously like Jim's front seats, but so clutter free... the things you do for Hollywood. Just when the street scenes were about to start - lights, sirens, action!

(Pencil in the Date October 16th @ 10 PM as the projected date this should be on. Maybe someone can "Tivo" this for a pizza party the next day.)

Click for Forensic Files - Whats new.

We are not listed yet... so .... don't look to hard. jk

Parents Flee Winter Weather

Broken pipes, shoveling snow and water water everywhere the panic stricken parents in Shohomish flee the cloudy Seattle weather.

They write in code of course ... We are in Redding Ca. left Sutherland Or. @ 9 AM arrived here 2 PM will spend the night. Water pump has a leak so will need to get it repaired, we may enjoy the sun here for a day or so.
Mom & Dad

Saturday Jan 17 they report in with glorious tales of fine home cooked dining in local restaurants near Bannon State Park a short distance from Lodi California on Thursday.

Friday night was spent in their favorite stop in Boron California. No side trips this time because they are dashing to the Fountain of Youth Trailer Resort on the North East side of the Salton Sea. Mom looks forward to warm weather and swimming in the pools.

2009 First Ski & Board Trip

On Friday the 2nd day of 2009 we went snow boarding. Conditions were good, the wind was calm and the crowds were not bad. We took the Suburban on it's first ever ski trip. The snow boards and Julia's skis fit nicely inside. This was like driving in luxury compared to the past several years of squishing into the truck with the kiddie seat as a back seat.

Julia went with her new years theme...
"something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" I helped her obtain this goal by leaving her skiing back pack in the house while we packed the Suburban for our first trip of the year. You might wonder what did this pack pack contain? Actually nothing much just her gloves, hat, goggles and all the stuff one likes to have to be skiing in 20 degree snow covered mountains. We were loaned a pair of goggles and went to the lost & found where we borrowed gloves and a hat. Arron wore my gloves, Julia wore Arron's gloves and I wore the glove shells from the lost and found and we were in business. Julia tested her new skis, knee and brace, I tried to keep up as she streaked down the mountain side.

I forgot the camera too so there are no photos of this first adventure, do believe this will not happen again. I will always bring her gloves, goggles, hat and camera from now on. Sorry, sorry to break in here, but I must interrupt to say that Julia forgot her gloves, goggles, and hat, and Julia will remember to bring them from now on. OK, Jim may continue...

Dinner at the Bull's Tooth Pub and Eatery was great as usual. Oh yeah, and get better, Moe! We missed Doe and Moe on the hill - just no one to chase.