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.