It is Fall so what better time to look at a Leaf

This weekend I looked at the new Nissan Leaf. So now I must do the mind over reasonable need exercise.

Price $32,000 but.... never again would there be a gas bill, yes electrical bill will climb but less than a hot tub.

100 miles, before I need to start walking. Hm,,, lots of e-gas stations being built at tax payer expense, in and around King County and other communities. At a commercial charging site it will take about 30 minutes to 80% charge. Not bad I need to take more time to relax. Who knows what rate the charging will cost.

50 miles out 50 miles back... Can't go to Bellingham with out finding a charging station, can go to Renton Kent and Tukwilla. Could get over the mountains but not back home. Stop in Issaquah would be a must.

I will need to begin a log of trips I make in my Prius. How many times do I really need to go outside the 50 mile ring? How many mini trips in a day, like one to Star Bucks for coffee.. one to Lowes, over to Jamba Juice and back home. They must all count as one trip if less than 6 hours between the run.

How much do I spend in gas a year? Not too bad since I drive the Prius with 48 MPG for 10,000 mile average.

$ 7,500 tax credit, Washington State incentives, unknown exactly what that is ... (?) maybe a pass on the emissions station visit. Personally that would be almost worth it all by its self.

Oh and my favorite a chance to be teased again for being such a nerd.

Kitchen is looking better

At long last the main kitchen cabinets have been installed. Final touches are being done and pictures "developed".

Can there be a sunset with no sunrise?

Love grows strong each day,
A family does not part,
Sitting home alone.

Notes wondering why,
Path is clear in times gone by,
Ask yet do not see.

St Helens done #2

The gang...

We all had a great time ... Clouds in the morning up to about the 5000 foot mark then clear blue the rest of the day.. and yes I got to see my flowers.

Rescue Diver -- Done

Completed a rescue diver class and a crab hunt in July. Good times each.

NOAA - a done deal.

14 projects in 8 days of diving, 24 dives, lordy my ears have been tested, 30 foot, 850 yard underwater compass swim, Lift bag practice - raised a sunken boat, sunk a raised boat. Evidence collection, locate, photo and package. Jumped off two high entry dive locations, enjoyed being under the David Starr and most important of all there was MATH and I did math with funny symbols and letters. (If my 12 grade algebra teacher is reading along at home, think I actually understand how a letter can be a number now, can I get that D- changed to a C?)

My Bags are packed and I am ready to Go....

Off to NOAA Dive School, 14 days of study and underwater challenges. I will enjoy and look forward to this new level of experience. Kids know, and Julia knows.. I will be in an altered state. All will be good. So lets party Saturday the 19th. Where when I have no Idea but alcohol should be involved.

Bo goes on Vacation

Adventures of Bo...









Fine diggs in KerbyVille at the Kerbyville B&B












A sunset walk to the River...








Next Morning a zippy drive to the Oregon Caves.










Concured snow in the mountains










Short Drive to California









Lunch on the on the Jetty in Cresent City








Fine Dining in Coos Bay.

Surfing in Sea Side

and later a shower








Lucky Bo

A Little April Wind

I took a boat ride on April 2nd... Enjoyed a good ride.














Winds were 47 mph with sustained with gusts to 51 mph.
Notice the traffic on 520 ... the water was splashing over the cars.

Jim has another one! March 2010 at Anthony's

Del & Arlene make the celebration more fun :)

Looks Mighty Fine in Those Fireman Pants

Guess he found something to do Sunday... my driveway has never shown so brightly.

I feel like a fine dinner... Surf and Turf

Friday Julia and I when skiing at Stevens Pass.

Saturday morning I took the boys diving.

That leaves Sunday. What shall we do?

Diving and more diving.

Last weekend I made six dives in two days. Am now an "advanced dry suit diver" whoo hoo! I do like the dry suit, didn't think I would. No pictures yet maybe Julia has a sneaky pic to share.

OK, here you go. Bo stares quizzically at Alki amphibian. Snow

God, Country and Fast Boats

Went for a boat ride.

Was a very hard day at work.

Nice boats that go fast.

Amen

(Click for more photos)

Orcas Island - A day trip

A day trip to Orcas Island, a day we had talked about for over a month. The day was beautiful, sun was warm, spring bulbs were blooming and even a Cherry tree in Moran State Park was turning pink. Corey, Arron and Julia let me tag along on the trip. Actually I expected they wanted to leave me behind a few times. Orcas is a true gem in the San Juans and I was quite the gem myself. Despite this, everyone had a good time, which I am thankful for.

Click to see photo album

Snow Shoeing fun

It was a little windy on the switchbacks, actually it was very windy. We abandoned the idea of going to the towers and switched to the Crest Trail North out of the parking lot. Light snow and a good trail. Turned back to be out by dark. Dinner at Zeeks. A perfect day.

(More photos click here.)

Kaylei - The best of the best.

Way to go Kaylei ... looking good.

Would love to see you in action some day.

It is Winter ... did you notice?

There is snow in them there Mountains ... Let's go skiing ....

2010 Gold Medal Winner.... takes time out to go skiing with local Snohomish boy...

Remembered

2009 has been one of those years for local officer deaths. Not too much to say, we are all affected in some way. It is comforting to know that although we have experienced more deaths in our region, as a nation 2009 was the lowest number of officer deaths in several years. 2009=120, 2008=138, 2007=193, 2006=156, 2005=164, 2004=164, 2003=147, 2002=159, 2001=242 (72 on 9-11).

Washington still has one more local deputy to remember as we start 2010.
Deputy Sheriff John Bernard
Grant County Sheriff's Office Washington

End of Watch: Sunday, January 3, 2010

Age: 52 Tour of Duty: 4 years

Cause of Death: Automobile accident

Deputy John Bernard was killed in a single vehicle automobile accident. He was on patrol when his vehicle left the roadway and rolled at Road No. 5 NW, about nine miles south of Ephrata and southeast of Quincy. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Deputy Bernard had served with the Grant County Sheriff's Office for four years. He had also previously served as a county corrections officer and with the Ephrata Police Department. He is survived by his wife and two sons, one of whom is also a Grant County sheriff's deputy.

2009 total in the line of duty officer deaths: 120

• Accidental: 1
• Aircraft accident: 4
• Assault: 2
• Automobile accident: 33
• Duty related illness: 2
• Gunfire: 47
• Gunfire (Accidental): 2
• Heart attack: 7
• Motorcycle accident: 4
• Struck by vehicle: 6
• Vehicle pursuit: 3
• Vehicular assault: 9