LaughBlog

drama queen

2008-06-12T10:45:00.000-07:00

You probably already read about it in the trades, but anyway, here are some shots from Ballard High's production of Guys and Dolls. The curtain rose and fell over six sold out performances in April.

This was Larkin's first time auditioning for the school musical and she landed a small part as Irish immigrant Martha, one of the Mission girls. They would usually take the stage en masse, a sea of red piety, with Larkin leading the way carrying various signs.

There was much singing.

And dancing.

And a big finish!

It was an impressive production. The kids were obviously giving it their all, and having a lot of fun. Doesn't get better than that!
-k8-

Vantucky

2008-06-05T17:44:00.000-07:00

One of the many things I did over the past month+ since falling into blog oblivion was to attend a library conference in Vancouver. That's Washington's Vancouver, not the highly desirable, very cosmo, soul-enchanting city in British Columbia. Our own Vancouver is directly across the Columbia River from Portland, OR, and serves as its less popular big sister who keeps getting passed up for the dance. I have to tell you that I found her to have a lovely personality, a strong back, and a good sense of rhythm.

Being that close to Portland made it a prime op to dine with my favorite brother in the whole entire world. Here he is doing his thing. Looks a lot like my thing, doesn't it?

Unfortunately, I took a whole lot of extremely boring conference pictures. Lucky for you, I will not be sharing any of those. Instead, I'll tell you about going in search of a really old apple tree. I mean a Really Old apple tree.

I heard tell there was this tree, see, somewhere along the Mighty Columbia, and it was considered the oldest known tree from Washington's earliest apple-growing roots. Who wouldn't want to see that?!

I would have been helpless in finding this fabled tree, what with all the other trees distracting me, if it weren't for a most fortuitous sign.

Following the arrow, I went under a rail overpass & voilà! Pommier! In bloom, no less.

And nearby was this Official Rock, proclaiming:

So it was all true about the Really Old apple tree. That made my entire conference experience 10 times better.

Upon my return home, the oddities continued with Eartha greeting me enthusiastically.

And the day finished with yet another freak snow occurrence! Check out these chilly buds. -k8-

walking the walk

2008-05-12T21:22:00.000-07:00

With spring so busy springing around here, I haven't made the time to sit down and tap out a proper entry. But then I received a CD of pictures that made it impossible for me not to make the time.

The disk was compliments of Dave "Longshot" Lonergan, the official photographer for Team Laugh. For those not in the know, Team Laugh is the MS Walk team that I co-captain with my sister, Sarah. Check out a few of these top notch shots from Dave...

First this one of Team Laugh before starting out. Back row, L to R, is Dave, Emerich, the space where Tim & Martin would be if they weren't busy gabbing, Max, and Rob. Middle row is Pam in the red scarf, Nick, Emma, Maya, Larkin, Jen, Malila, Sandra, and Tom. Bringing up the front is Kate, Eamon, Rowan, Sarah, and honorary team member Chas, who actually walks with his sister's team.

Most everyone either dressed for the "laugh" theme, or were willing to wear some of the festive props Sarah brought. None was more willing than my zany nephew, Max. Only the foolish fell for his "smell my flower" trick!

With over 4000 walkers, it would have been easy to lose each other, so we had an official team beacon I kept tied to my backpack. It bobbed above the masses and I hear it was easy for my teammates to spot from anywhere.

Rowan's BFF, Eamon, was on hand for the event. He dedicated his walk to his dad, Andy, who's learning to live with ALS.

My pal, Tina, captains her own team, RIBS (Roosevelt Icy Beverage Society).

Everyone who was anyone was there, including these Storm Troopers, who briefly took some of our gals captive.

It truly warmed my heart every time I walked behind a group of my teammates and saw those signs on their backs! (This is the one picture I took, not Dave.)

Martin and Emerich enjoy a water break.

Everyone had big smiles on their faces as they crossed the finish line. Sarah, Pam, and Sandra collect their high fives from the welcoming committee.

Despite the sore feet, Malila and Larkin keep smiling.

Once everyone reassembled, it was off to a fabulous brunch at the Eastside Grill, with the owner hosting us in the private dining room that overlooks Lake Union. They even picked up half our tab! Be sure to patronize their fine establishments...and tell them "Library Kate" sent you!

For our first year as Team Laugh, I was overwhelmed with what we accomplished. With 20+ walkers, we raised over $1500 in donations toward MS research and programs. Thank you so much! But just as surprising was how fun it was. There was a real sense of team spirit, and that we were doing something that collectively counted for more than the sum of its parts.

I hope even more folks can join us next year. And this time, bring a friend!
-k8-

arts education

2008-04-28T11:28:00.000-07:00

Here's another postette so that you don't give up on me before I write something more ample.

On a day the kids had off from school last month, we hopped a Metro and headed downtown to SAM.

In this picture, Rowan creates as Larkin looks on. Not sure who that other kid is. -k8-

eartha kitty

2008-04-23T20:24:00.001-07:00

This is just to tide you over until I post a real entry. Who doesn't love a cat sitting in the window on a sunny day? -k8-

breaking like the waves at malibu

2008-04-07T07:51:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely spring break. I can't tell you what a pleasure it is to be with my family when they're all on a break from school. It used to rip my heart out leaving for work each morning during spring, summer, winter, and all the other school vacations and holidays. As tough as it is to be a school teacher, Tim agrees that it's nearly impossible to beat the benefits of all the time off. Indeed, if it weren't for those breaks, he wouldn't be able to rebuild, allowing him once again to face those students with positive energy and a faith in our future. But getting back to spring break...

It started with an ironic snow storm that hit as I finished loading up the man-van (which Tim usually drives, but we swapped for the day...to me, it smells like sweaty soccer balls & pizza...). Once packed, I gave the dogs some Dramamine. They both suffer car sickness. Despite the medication, Leo threw up on the way there and on the way back. Good times.

My next mission was picking up Rowan and his best friend, Eamon, who got out of their respective schools early for our adventure. We drove north to catch the Edmonds-Kingston Ferry over to the Olympic Peninsula. Our timing was impeccable, arriving just as a ferry was boarding, so we were across in a little over 30 minutes. Resuming our drive to the final destination of Port Townsend, we checked into our lovely old rental house at Fort Worden by 3pm.

I was thrilled with the roomy, simple, and comfortable accommodations. We had an old duplex with 2 floors, 2 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms. The boys got right to work on that banister, but they had a few technical difficulties.

There was a big front porch, too, which made a good place for Rita & Leo to hang whenever we weren't out exploring. No dogs allowed in the houses, so we transformed the man-van into Dog World for the weekend, which is where they slept. It worked out pretty well, but now it smells like sweaty soccer balls, pizza, AND dog breath. Mmmm. (I was glad to eventually get my car back.)

Back in Seattle, Tim finished up his school day, picked up Larkin from her school, and headed to Emma's. I was especially glad to have her join us, as she and Larkin have been best friends since kindergarten, despite moving apart after 1st grade. They have a deep and abiding friendship, and this isn't the first family vacation that's included our "extra daughter."

By the time they arrived at the house, it was time to put dinner on the table. We made a heap of burritos and salad, inviting our friends Martin and Chas to join us. (As you can see, Chas isn't always a gracious guest. Not to worry, though; he's brandishing a paper sword created by young Eamon, master of markers and scissors.) Chas and Martin rented a duplex down the road, making the trip in Chas's sweet Prius. Here it is enjoying the weather.

A couple of other families were also going to join us, but the plague came down upon their homes prior to the trip, causing one to drop out altogether. But Emilie, Malcolm, & Owen rallied and were able to arrive on Saturday. They just missed the spread we put out, yet were able to score breakfast burritos at the Fort Worden Commons. And not just any breakfast burritos, either. Everything at the Commons is made with organic, local products from within 150 miles. (Later in the weekend, Emilie was taking Owen for a "driving nap," and reported back that she'd come across a drive-through creperie not far from the Fort. A drive through creperie?!) I love Port Townsend!

Breakfast procured, we all hiked around the Fort, making our way beachward. On the way, we found our first battery, where once there were cannons facing out to sea. Fun to climb on, but only a taste of what we were eventually to find. More on that later.

Down on the beach, we played in the sand for a good while.

I went with a breakaway group for a walk down to the lighthouse. It seemed not THAT far from the pier to the lighthouse, but a large expanse of sand can be deceptive, and it turned out to be at least 3 miles round trip. Well worth it, though! It reminded me of the one at Discovery Park.

Saturday evening we hosted the gang at our place, hanging out and cooking up a big spaghetti feed. There was activity throughout the house. The girls took turns having bubble baths in the quaint old clawfoot tub upstairs. Malcolm played a pretty dubious game of Apples to Apples with the boys. Owen and I had a lot of fun playing with pipe cleaners, spreading them all over the living room in a colorful display. Wow!

After some together time Sunday morning, we bid a fond farewell to the TD family. The 4 remaining adults indulged in the Commons' locally famous Sunday Brunch, which is quite the affair. Again--organic, very local, wholesome-yet-decadent, yummy goodness! Before we left for brunch, Tim set up the laptop and projector. The kids stayed at the crib and watched Astro Boy on the big screen, which added to a calmer meal and a smaller bill.

Bellies full, we leashed up the dogs and our remaining band of eight hiked up Artillery Hill, not knowing that we were about to have everyones' favorite time of the whole weekend!

First we came upon Memory's Vault, followed by a couple of miles of genuine American ruins. There were various odd concrete structures, and mile after mile of old batteries that grew out of the hillside in a labyrinth of cement and earth. There were tunnels and rooms and iron doorways and bars. There were ladders and stairs everywhere, going up and going down. The ones going up led to old cannon sites and beautiful vistas. Others led to pitch black tunnels we knew we shouldn't walk through without flashlights, but had to anyway.

I could see a faint light at the end of one dark expanse, so with a little boy clutching either side of me, we made our way through using the flash on my camera. This helped us avoid falling into the depths of hell, or tripping over sleeping vampires, but as this photo clearly reveals, we did manage to walk right through a ghost. Or am I seeing things?

I caught this shot of Martin in front of an excellent example of the rusted iron we encountered everywhere.

We found this mural and poetry painted on the side of the old radio building. Irie!

The iron door at the bottom of the stairs was bolted shut, so we couldn't investigate the SWITCHBOARD any further. But given what looked like blood dripping over the S, I was fine with that.

When we finally trudged down the other side of Artillery Hill many hours later, everyone was exhausted and elated. Sadly, it was time for Martin and Chas to leave, but we were happy for such an exciting and sunny day. Our family had one more night at Fort Worden, but the kids were all pretty tuckered out from the long hike, so we enjoyed a quiet evening lounging around and watching movies.

After feeding the kids, tidying the house, and checking out, we left the packed-up cars behind and headed out for one more hike. Having not yet found the old military cemetery, that was our first destination. We located it down a short trail in a direction we'd not yet been, and it was beautifully tended. We found another trail beyond the cemetery with a sign and arrow pointing the way to "Chinese Gardens." We walked for at least 2 miles, and all the while I'm imagining cherry blossoms and lily pads. But the trail finally opened up onto gorgeous, rolling hills and a meadow by a pond. Not a cherry blossom in sight. Apparently, the area is named for truck gardens operated by Chinese families during the late 1800s. We took a short respite there, the view was so pretty. We watched a kite flying way off in the distance.

It was with heavy hearts that we finally turned our backs on that intensely peaceful scene, and started the journey home. I drew the short straw and was back in the man-van with the boys and dogs. We were a convoy of two until back on the mainland, then we headed different routes to return our extra children to the proper authorities.

It could not have been a better weekend, or have come at a better time. I was in serious need of a reminder that there's the stuff we do all day, all week, all our lives...from morning until night, all in order to maintain our place as humans in this self-created circus called Life. And then there's the stuff that matters, the real stuff: quality time with my children, my husband, my friends; quiet time communing with nature, with animals, with the written word, with my own thoughts and feelings; preparing and serving wholesome foods for others, with love and without expectations; ample time outdoors, breathing deeply and feeling my integral connection with the Mother Ship. -k8-

america's future in song

2008-04-05T18:57:00.000-07:00

My previous post mentions a vocal clinic. It was held at Chief Sealth High School in southwest Seattle, although the last one I chaperoned was held at UW. I shot this clip from behind Ballard High School's choir as they observed another school's performance. It brought back memories, since my high school choir did a Beach Boy tribute. About 25 years ago. Oy!

This one was first rate. -k8-

kidz on the streetz

2008-03-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

I was chaperoning about 25 teens on a school bus yesterday coming back from a vocal clinic. The choir director asked the driver to stop at a strip mall so the kids could buy lunch after their long morning. As they filed off the bus, I slipped some money to Larkin, to which she enthusiastically responded, "Beastly!" and continued off the bus. Whatever that means, I'm pretty sure it's not "thank you." But it was definitely positive, and I got to learn a new word that the kidz are saying. You know, the kidz on the streetz. Keeps me young.

A few days ago, Rowan was following an adult conversation that turned toward the undervaluing of nurses in our country. Remembering when he broke his collarbone on the playground in kindergarten, Rowan reminisced about having to visit the school nurse every day to have his shoulder iced. Luckily, I had paper & pen in front of me and was able to catch it verbatim. "Yes! For instance, I am exceedingly grateful to Nurse Alice. Though she put me in considerable misery, it was oddly satisfying."

I don't think that's what the kidz are saying. -k8-

you know it's you, babe

2008-03-15T08:37:00.000-07:00

I sold the Corvair! Long live the Corvair!

Those who knew her know what a heart breaker this has been for me. Never was there a more stylish, handsome car. I mean, look at this beauty! Man, did we turn heads...

A couple of years ago I got a hankering for a new hobby. I wanted to learn how to work on & maintain my own car. Given the complexity of today's computerized engines, this meant looking for something older, simpler.

And then our eyes met...a 1964 Corvair Monza. It was love at first sight. I have never fallen for a car like I did for Babe. Sure, she may have been Unsafe at Any Speed*, but I was completely taken with her clean, classic lines. And I loved the sound of the air-cooled rear engine (trunk in the front). Alas, that was shortly before the fates took my life & threw it at the fan. In addition to some parental crises that occupied my energies and weighed down my spirits, the stick shift became difficult to operate when I had a numb, pained right arm. Same with the clutch & my left leg. So every time I didn't drive her for a spell, she'd stop running.
*What is it with Nader? Why is he always making trouble?

I made a meager attempt to sell when she was still running, but my heart wasn't in it. After she died yet again from lack of use, I made a more concerted, but still not enthusiastic attempt to sell her. I think I was still lingering in denial. It's a comfy place!

Now, in the context of a new lifestyle that does not include filling every last minute with responsibilities and appointments, I sold her. And it was a pleasure. Here's why.

I ran a new ad, slashing the price lower than ever, which generated a lot of response. One gentleman, Mark, was very interested. I would even say that based just on the photos & description, he was downright smitten. Ahhh, a sorry sap, just like me. I knew he was my man. He wanted to come by that very evening, but lived out of town & couldn't make it before darkness fell. The next day, I saw a man pull up & start looking Babe over with eager interest. I came outside, extended my hand, and said, "You must be Mark!" No, he says, "Dave."

So after a little while, Dave says, "you mind if I just try to get her started right here? If I can, I'll probably buy her." Sure, good luck! I went inside & discovered 2 messages from Mark. The first was letting me know he was on I-5 heading my way. The 2nd message was to "sincerely apologize" for the "inexcusable language" he'd used on his previous message. Apparently, someone nearly ran him off the highway, causing his to scream an expletive right before he hung up. I was glad he called back to explain, as I was concerned about the guy with Tourette's heading my way.

A few minutes later, I see another fella has joined Dave & they're both ducked under the hood. I head out, extending my hand, "Mark, great to finally meet you!" No, he says, "Allen." So Allen sticks around chatting us up & we establish that he's 2nd in line for the car if Dave doesn't end up taking it. Right then, Babe's engine roared to life and within another minute, Dave was driving her around the neighborhood. I can't tell you what that did for my heart. It actually swelled & I became teary eyed. What a sucker.

Ok, so just as Dave comes pulling back around the corner, another truck pulls up & a good ol' boy pops out, looking alarmed to see the car running. "Tell me that's your dad or your husband that just got her running," he says as he comes toward me. "Mark?" I say, extending my hand. "Yeah, great to finally meet you, Kate."

I had to break it to him that not only was Dave not my dad, but that he'd likely buy the car, and if he didn't, there was a 2nd guy in line already. Oh, Mark was a sad looking fellow then. After Dave pulled up, the 3 of them started talking about the car, and Dave & Allen could see how much Mark had his heart set on it...Dave actually started to waver. "Well, maybe not. You really want her? If you want her, I guess I could step aside." I am not kidding...within another minute, the 3 of them had (d)evolved into a Chip 'n Dale routine. Oh no, I couldn't! Oh, but you must; I insist! Indubitably!

I told them I'd give them some time to talk amongst themselves while I went inside. The sad thing was that I knew this wasn't the car for Mark. See, along with his big heart came an even bigger gut. I mean really big. Babe is a small car. Without even seeing him try, I knew he could not physically fit behind the wheel. Not even possible.

Which is probably what led to the final conclusion, that Dave was the proud new owner of Babe the Blue Corvair. He paid me right then, cash. (It should be noted that despite this long & sordid tale, I sold her for $400 more than I originally paid.) Mark told me that it was worth the trip just to meet such a "peach of a lady." Awwww! The guys stood around talking with me a bit longer before we all hugged (yes, hugged) goodbye.

Craig's List, my friends. It doesn't just help you buy & sell things, it helps build community. The next day, Mark sent me an email saying that while he was disappointed not to get Babe, she couldn't have gone to a nicer guy. And further, he was so glad to have made 3 new friends out of the deal.

Indeed. -k8-

rushin' roulette

2008-03-11T16:27:00.001-07:00

I don't mean to rush headlong into a new posting without allowing my previous hommage à l'amour to adequately linger, but I can't take the chance. I took a friend on one of my favorite urban hikes to El Carreton today because I knew it would be right up his arroyo. And how does he repay me for this insider information? He threatens me.

That's right. We're just walking along & I'm pointing out this 'n that, saying I'm going to post this here blog, see? And then he just ups and says, "Not if I do it first," and starts snapping pics & shooting videos. Whatever!

Mr. Fancypants Blog Stealer was especially impressed with the new public art we have on the Interurban Trail. There are at least 6 different installations running along either side. Each is a different "flip book" style for when you run or ride past quickly.

The volcanoes are so bright and colorful. It's not until you get very close that you realize the pictures were made from all different kinds of gummy candy.

My personal favorite is the series that starts as a little fawn with antler buds that grow to be this impressive rack.

I walk this trail every day, so I was really worried when I saw workers in orange jumpsuits setting series of metal posts in concrete. I thought...well, I'm ashamed to admit that I completely assumed they were doing something stupid and ugly. Public art never crossed my mind. (Carving K +T into the concrete did, though, so I carved.)

Why did I assume the city would want to stick it to us somehow rather than beautify our trail? Because I'd been recently collecting evidence of how extremely ghetto our stretch of the IU Trail is, compared to once you pass over the city line at 145th into Shoreline. It's as if the clouds part, sun streams in, and thousands of little angels flock around, singing joyfully.

By crossing one small street, you enter a world of fancy brickwork, sculpture, covered seating areas, random art and benches, trail maps, center lines, landscaping, obvious maintenance, and most importantly, trash cans.

Unfortunately, when they linked our stretch of the Trail up with part of the larger IU system, they merely paved a former community-use greenbelt from 110th to 130th. This invited much heavier traffic, but the city supplied no amenities to support that use, nor any apparent maintenance. Not even a single garbage can. So this leads to partly-responsible citizens tossing their dog poop bags into the bushes rather than carrying them home. And while I certainly understand the inclination to part with that little package ASAP, it merely creates a bigger problem than if they'd simply left the pile on the ground.

But then came the art.

Hey, look how easily I'm distracted! Show me some pretty, shiny things & I won't even notice the dozens of plastic bags dangling off blackberry brambles like some hellish Christmas scene.

But let's end on an up note.

Please enjoy this short video of Tim taking Rowan's scooter for a spin on the IU Trail. Be sure to note what he has in his hand. Good citizen! -k8-

neurotica

2008-03-09T23:39:00.000-07:00

This week was Tim's and my 15 year anniversary, so I am writing this as a gift to my husband. Though we’ve known each other over half our lives now, we had our first date 15 years ago, March 1-8, 1993. Our first date lasted a week.

That was back when I still lived in Bellingham & was the editor of The Echo newspaper (anyone remember that rag?). Due to an arrangement with an advertiser, I had use of a cottage on the Oregon coast. I was 6 months into being a newly single parent, so I was very tentative, but Tim & I had been dancing around the obvious for awhile. I summoned my nerve & invited him to join me at the cottage. I’ll never forget how excited and nervous we were on that long drive to Newport, OR.

There was so much magic that week. The dunes, the endless beach walks (including the discovery of a beached ship, the Perseverance, which we took as a sign), cooking together, finding that rare Redd Cross album. And more than anything, the way we found that we fit together, in so many ways, in such a natural way. And so much laughter. My face ached from all the smiling.

When we got back to Seattle, it was hard to part ways, but I had to get back to my baby in Bellingham. I’d never been away from her that long before. After I returned to real life, I was filled with fear and doubt. But I got home after my first day back at work & found a vase of irises on my front porch with a very sentimental note.

From then on, we put a lot of miles on Tim’s VW bus & my old Toyota wagon. We never went more than 3-4 days before one of us made the drive. This went on for about 4 months before I manufactured a business opportunity in Seattle and started house hunting. Larkin & I moved into a wonderful duplex in the Wallingford neighborhood in July of ‘93. Tim moved in with us on a more permanent basis 6 months later. We eloped 2 years later and were married in the living room of the cottage in Newport, where we had our first date.

What are the lessons learned after 15 years? Patience. Communication. Humor. Romance. Keep the love at the forefront. Keep the family there, too. Keep the passion alive. More patience. More humor. Don’t give up; keep trying. Listen. Listen. Talk. Listen. Listen. Talk. Even more patience. More passion. More humor. Perseverance.

I still can’t say that I believe humans to be one of those very few species that naturally mate for life. But I can say with all assuredness that if it’s possible, I found the bird to fly there with.

Happy anniversary, Tim. I love you, honey. -k8-

no garfield is good garfield

2008-02-27T07:45:00.000-08:00

I detest Garfield. I mean the comic strip cat, not the musically precocious Seattle high school. Why? Is it the perpetual mean-spirited humor? Is it the way he regularly abuses the dog character, who's portrayed as a drooling idiot? Is it the pathetically cat-strated Jon, Garfield's master, who makes me want to burn those books? Yes, it's all of that. But it's more.

Rowan loves Garfield. No, he doesn't just love Garfield...borrowing from Woody Allen, he lurves, loaves, absolutely luufs Garfield! And we have a house rule: if he'll read it, it will come. So the house is full of Garfield books. Which I could handle. Y'know, avert my eyes & such. Except that Rowan likes to read the "funny ones" out loud for others to "enjoy."

Hey, parenthood don't come for free; I know this. But I ask you, a combined total of over 50 hours in labor, all those diapers, the sleepless nights, the hospital trips, My God--the PTA MEETINGS... haven't I suffered enough?!

Apparently so. Because some internet angel saw fit to create, just for me & my kind, this New & Improved Garfield comic strip. If you are anything like me, you won't be disappointed. -k8-

can I get the 4-1 on that?

2008-02-21T17:52:00.000-08:00

I thought turning 41 would be a real downer. I mean, how boring is that? 41?! Yawn.

Boy, was I wrong. Dead wrong.

While drinking my morning tea, I finally got to open a big "don't open until 2/19!" box that had been taunting me for many days. It turned out to be a teapot commissioned by dear ol' Da, from a potter in London, Ontario who was his student back in the '70s. Doesn't it look handsome sitting between my 2 favorite Dryden Pottery pieces.

The day continued on the upswing as the family headed out on a hike northward with a soccer ball and both dogs, about 2 miles up the Interurban Trail, all the way to my new favorite taquerilla, El Carreton. (See previous post for a complete review of this fine eatery-in-a-bus.)

Later that afternoon, basking in the sun and breathing the crisp air, I enjoyed a long solo soak in the hot tub. Meanwhile, my very excellent husband created a fabulous feast that featured thai chili glazed salmon...mmmmm! Rowan was in charge of table decorations.

I made strawberry chocolate crepes for dessert. Cake schmake. Larkin presented me with a sprightly green knit cap so freshly finished that it was still warm!

Late that night I found Rowan had placed a final surprise on my bed. He explained the next day that he knew how great it was to get money for your birthday, but he wasn't sure if I'd gotten any, so he plundered his piggy bank.

From here, 41 doesn't look so bad. -k8-

2008 shows me the love

2008-02-16T08:22:00.001-08:00

I've been meaning to post more pictures and highlights from 2007, but 2008 keeps getting in the way! And what a loving, generous year it's been thus far.

Take this act of kindness, for example. We asked Chas if he knew the maker of his blue rocking chair, because we really liked it and wanted to track one down. A few days later he shows up at our door with the chair. His story was that when his new couch arrived, it made his living room too cramped. Riiiiiight...

Speaking of generous, but also of brave, here's Larkin at the wheel. I'm sitting in the passenger seat while she practices. That's the generous, brave part.

Does anyone tire of seeing this animal love fest?

Many days before Valentine’s Day™, Tim came home with these beautiful tulips for me. I love spring flowers above all others.

Here's the view while saying the pledge of allegiance at our local caucus. Hadn't said it in many years, but it came right back. I will whole heartedly support either democratic candidate, but I have to say after the caucus experience that there are some folks out there who have gone completely Obomkers. Clintonians appeared to be more of the nose-to-the-grindstone, let's-get this-current-mess-cleaned-up, type people, while the Obomites have their heads in the clouds with their eyes toward the future. A lot to be said for either perspective, though I prefer a mix of both. I think it would be too much to hope for to have the two as running mates, but I am still hopeful one of them will at least ask Edwards to partner up.

We attended the annual BHS Music Program spaghetti dinner benefit. Larkin performed in 2 choirs, and we enjoyed fellowship with a few friends who came to show their support. None was more supportive than little Eli (photo credit: Rowan Murray).

I thoroughly and completely destroyed Tim the other night in a brutal Scrabble battle. He even tried desperately to get points for "presatanized." Would anyone have allowed that? It seemed like blatant capitalization of my brilliance, and anyway, when would you ever use that word? "He seemed like such a nice boy when he was presatanized. Once he was satanized, things really went down hill." Tim got back at me yesterday, though, by beating me in 5 straight games of racquetball.

Many folks know about my love for Highway 99 and my intentions to someday write its history, titled, Highway 99: Route 66 Turned Upside Down. One can always find historical hotspots along its stretches. Take this gas station I passed the other day. Time warp!

Another Hwy 99 treasure: an old school bus converted to a Mexican restaurant. You can order to-go out the side window, or you can step inside for a sit down meal. That's what I did. And whoa, 4 carne asada tacos and a Coke for 4.49? You'd pay that much in Tijuana! The Mexican couple that run it are warm and friendly. He takes the orders while she does the cooking. !Muy Bueno!

We loved seeing Emma's play performed at the Seattle Rep. She was one of 4 high school students who's plays were selected for professional performance. Emma's was particularly funny.

Snow has been a more regular visitor this winter. I took this shot from our deck and didn't alter the colors at all. What a captivating light there was that day!

Rowan created this snowman all by himself. You can see the pride of workmanship on his face.

The sounds of the birds in our trees can be deafening some mornings. When you watch this, turn the volume up to eleven. -k8-

larkin in wonderland

2008-01-22T07:26:00.000-08:00

Today brings us our 2nd in a series of 2007 highlights. We have a Very Special Installment for you!

After giving up a weekend a month all year to do restoration work for the Student Conservation Assn, Larkin then spent 15 days on Mt. Rainier last August. Her group worked on closed portions of the Wonderland Trail that were ravaged in last winter's storms. They tented in a rustic Forest Service camp with pit toilets and no showers.

Upon her return, I asked Larkin to be a guest writer on LaughBlog to tell us all about her experience. Unfortunately, school started soon thereafter and the idea was pushed to the bottom of her to-do list. But I have the next best thing: Larkin agreed to let me transcribe this letter she sent from camp.

-------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, August 19th, 2007

Dear Mom, De, Robo, Rita, Eartha, and Fish,

I miss you guys a lot. But mostly I miss home. I'm ready to come home now but I won't. It was all fun at first. Now it's just getting up early, eating dehydrated food and sandwiches, working 8 hours a day, peeing in the woods, trying to hold poo until I can get to the camp bathrooms, eating cheese and rice with every dinner, and sleeping in a tent with 3 other girls. Not to mention that I smell terrible and may never be able to scrub away all the dirt on my skin. And the blackheads, so many new blackheads. And right now it's raining. It's our rest/rec day and R**, M**, and I are hiding in our tent until noon, when we all have to pack into the van and drive around Rainier looking at places we haven't seen yet. That is, places we don't live or work.

When I get home I am going to immediately abuse all the privileges I don't have here. I am going to take at least a 30 minute shower then spend the next hour in the bathroom with my mirror and beauty products. Then I am going to go on the computer and email or message everyone I have ever known. Then I am going to watch High School Musical 2 on demand, then I am going to do something else disgustingly self-serving that I haven't thought of yet. The whole time I am to listen and sing along with loud music. And at some point I am going to eat a large steak and/or a large amount of raw fish.

I'm really sorry if this sounds disappointing and you wish I would talk about more fun things, but I'm really tired and I don't want to do anything but sleep and write today. We have had 5 workdays and will have 6 more. The next rest/rec day is Thursday.... I have made some really good friends here at least. B** is uber awesome and W** is really cool (but totally geekin'). I wouldn't ever see M**, but I'll probably talk to him on MySpace. M**** and R** both go to Ballard, and B** is switching there this year from Summit.

I'm tired and I think we're going to be eating lunch then leaving soon, so I don't know how much longer I have to write. Again, I miss you guys and the real world so much. I can't wait to see you all in about a week. Mucho hugs and kisses.

Love you all, Larkin

P.S. I meant it about the steak and raw fish, I've been having cravings for 3 days now.

P.P.S. I figured out Fish's name, it's Murcucio, as in Romeo & Juliet (my spelling is wrong though).
-------------------------------------------------------------

By the time we picked her up 8 days later, she was glowing--triumphant, proud, and oh so smelly!

Disappointed, she asked? Tim and I were both in tears by the end of her letter, between all the laughing and the swelling pride. She's really quite a person, that Larkin. -k8-

lucky 07

2008-01-11T09:10:00.000-08:00

Here's a smattering of random moments caught over the course of 2007:

With a trailhead only half a block from our house, we spend a lot of time walking, riding, or playing on the Interurban Trail. I love this picture of Rowan running to catch cousin Max's toss of a super bouncy ball.

Bonus: see if you can read what's written on the ball...you may have to click on the picture.

About 10 blocks north on the trail sits this freight container off in the brush. I regularly see damp blankets and discarded food containers underneath, betraying a private, semi-dry spot to avoid the Seattle rain. When this graffiti appeared one day, the irony did not escape me.

Keeping with the Interurban theme, here's Tim and me in early '07 sledding the modest hill that runs down to the trail. There's so little snow, you can see the grass poking through, but around here we'll take what we can get!

Louis and Mark's feet as they run through a little stream's waterfall in the Japanese garden.

Rod by sconce light.

I found this picture online when doing a search for "Allgeier," the adopted name I grew up with and is on my legal birth certificate. This is the grave of my dad's dad, killed in WWII. Albert would never get to meet his son, who was only 7 months old at the time. His young, beautiful widow would soon remarry and add 8 more children to their blue collar, Catholic family in Erie, PA. I find it amazing that though I never knew the man, and though I'm not likely to ever visit Margraten, I can nonetheless see my grandfather's gravestone in the Netherlands American Military Cemetery. I love the internet.

Since we met in the student union at college when we were 19, I've been telling Tim what great hair he has. Imagine my delight when I found these two pictures! The orange shirt one is from a July '06 camping trip, and the black shirt is almost exactly 1 year later. As you can see, Tim got a wild hair in 2007. You'll find that when I eventually post the July '08 Tim-by-Lantern-Light picture, his hair will be back to its more modest self.

I'm cheating here, since this picture is actually from '06. I like to call it "Kid Soup." Note the weaponry necessary to keep them in line. Needless to say, we drained and cleaned the hot tub the next day.

There are so many more good ones...this may have to be Part One in a series. -k8-

make it suntory time

2008-01-10T19:19:00.000-08:00

Highlights since Christmas:

Spending new year's eve in Portland with my baby bro, who faces the big three-OH! this year.

Hot chocolate dates with special friends, such as Owen the Fairy Princess.

All the quality time spent relaxing with the kids and critters. And check out those fabulous fingerless gloves Larkin knit for me.

Another successful contract training, first one in an academic setting. Yay! I got to bill someone for my services! Yay!

Getting to know little Adeline, the sweetest angel this side of Cloud 9.

Finding a home for the piano, thereby reclaiming the living room. How about that feng shui!

One night in the shadow of the Space Needle watching Rod and Tim work a bottle of Suntory, like outta Lost in Translation. -k8-

squeaky toys

2007-12-25T12:16:00.000-08:00

This is a little something I like to call

Christmas Carnage...

-k8-

blades of glory

2007-12-24T16:15:00.000-08:00

We had our annual holiday rendezvous with Sarah's family yesterday, which is always the quintessential Seattle Experience. We meet at the Seattle Center, which is a giant park and cultural mecca built for the 1962 Worlds Fair. It includes such icons as the Space Needle, Monorail station, and EMP, as well as the opera, ballet, theaters, museums, sports arenas...I could go on and on. But for one magical month every Christmas, it also features a semi-outdoor skating rink. Seattle doesn't come close to achieving the temperatures necessary to sustain an outdoor rink, making this one extra special.

We started the morning in the Center House enjoying assorted Starbuck beverages and baked goods, followed by a gift exchange. The coolest present had to be the ducks and honey bees their family gave us. We really appreciated that gift because it will keep giving in a meaningful way for a long time.

We also feasted our eyes on the extensive, tiny Victorian village that is set up each year. Rowan stood in line to be first when the conductor started allowing kids to help him operate the electric trains that wind through the village. He even scored a wooden train whistle from the conductor.

With those festivities concluded, we all headed for the rink where we paid a dour man in a little booth for entry and skate rentals. Each year, I'm reminded of when I was a kid and ALWAYS owned my own skates. Being raised in the east and midwest, I could always count on months of good skating. My favorite pond was in Fredonia, NY. There was an old shack next to it where you could warm up by a stone fireplace, and buy bad hot chocolate in a styrofoam cup for a quarter. It was the best bad hot chocolate ever. I always burnt my tongue.

From about 4th grade on, the day after Christmas usually meant hopping a Greyhound bus for the 8-13 hour trip to spend the rest of winter break with me dear ol' da in Ottawa, Canada. Upon arrival, there was always the initial visit to the skate-swap place to trade in our outgrown skates for "new" ones. It was essential to have skates there, as Ottawa boasts the longest skating canal in the world, winding for 8k through the city. Throughout the long winters, the canal is dotted with hot chocolate huts and chip shacks, and intricate ice sculptures that are judged in an annual contest.

And every winter, right up to yesterday, there's that ache I get in my ankles after I've been at it for awhile. But like all the years before, I ignore it and keep skating. One of the beauties of the outdoor rink is the way your feet eventually go numb. I find this to be a key endurance factor. I just plain love to skate. I can still do simple spins, but I'd need less of a crowd to attempt anything more adventurous. This short-timer rink was packed in no time, with a large number of the skaters being Rowan-sized or less and using little "walkers" to stay upright.

Larkin impressed everyone by boldly skating alone for the first time this year, and with enthusiasm to boot. She took a couple of spills, but just kept on going. In fact, she was the last one off the ice and could have gone longer. That was enough to thaw my frozen feet right there!

As tradition dictates, we finished off the rendezvous with an all-family spin on the old carousel outside the rink. I love that thing. Each horse has unique decorations that tell a story about its life before it was captured and rooted to a pole. Some are madly gnashing at their bits, some look like they're prancing happily. I saw one with tears in its eyes, and one armed for battle. The one must have known something about the other.

It's Christmas Eve now, and as I write, I think of the different family and friends near and far who may read this. I wish for each of you a moment of pure, childlike joy that allows you to access that feeling of unfettered freedom and limitless possibilities.

Merry Christmas to all! -k8-

hug-a-teacher day

2007-12-18T09:25:00.000-08:00

He makes a real difference to a lot of young people on a daily basis.

My hero. -k8-

snow dogg

2007-12-15T09:57:00.001-08:00

Lest you think we're nothing but sunshine and granola over here, I have proof that we occasionally experience actual "weather."

Behold, Leo's first snow!

Tim took this one in our front yard, under my favorite birch tree. A very unusual Seattle scene. -k8-

thanks were given

2007-12-11T10:03:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving we declined all offers (no matter how tempting), loaded backpacks, and hiked all over Discovery Park with the kids and dogs. We walked for hours, looking for shells and pretty stones, discovering gnome trails and hobbit holes. The day was cold and clear.

As the sun dipped over Puget Sound, we sat on a scenic overlook to enjoy a deluxe picnic, complete with turkey sandwiches and mashed potato chips.

For all of this, I am truly thankful. -k8-

morning fire

2007-11-27T08:13:00.001-08:00

Did anyone in Seattle catch yesterday's truly magnificent sunrise? I took this picture out our bedroom window, and while a bit blurry, it wasn't altered in any way. The sky was on fire! -k8-

rowan double feature

2007-11-12T13:21:00.000-08:00

I know that I just blogged about the little guy, but it happened to be Rowan's 8th birthday last weekend. He had a party on Saturday with 8 of his school chums. We decked the double-doored garage out fiesta-style, leaving one door open to courtside.

In between showings of old cartoons like Fat Albert and Tom & Jerry, the kids played out on the court. Soccer, basketball, scooter & bike riding, and a lot of chalk art. Even Rita got in on the action.

Rowan received a nice collection of gifts from his friends, but none has been more highly prized than this Naruto headband. He has barely taken it off since.
-k8-

eye of the tiger

2007-11-09T11:16:00.000-08:00

Another autumn and the Ballard Youth Soccer Club comes to a close with the mighty Wallabies enjoying a respectable, though at times humbling, season. Here they are immediately following their final game, with Rowan front & center, and Coach Trish in the background.

Ahhh, it takes me back to days of yore and my happy times with the Orange team of Fredonia, NY. Perhaps you've heard of us?

Dig the cutoffs and turquoise necklace...love those '70s!

-k8-

shower mixed with sunshine

2007-11-08T08:07:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, we attended the baby shower of friends I married in Mexico last January. Yes, they wasted no time.

Fortune tellers Jaime & Larkin are reading Tamara's rune stones...can you guess what her near future holds?

And Gus was kind enough to model Baby H's new hat. Originally knit for Rowan by his big sister, it

was their special gift to the new parents. -k8-

k9 unit

2007-11-06T20:57:00.000-08:00

I had a request for a puppy progress report, which I'll answer more fully by email, but here's a picture taken last weekend. Leo is about 4 months old now and maybe 10 pounds. Rita is a gentle and tolerant big sister. -k8-

use of force

2007-11-06T07:48:00.000-08:00

Despite the heavy, damp fog sitting over Seattle this morning, the weather during the last 2 weeks has been spectacular. Yesterday I snapped this picture of narcissus bulbs sitting in our sun drenched dining room. They are just poised to bloom...

-k8-

hello, my name is kate

2007-11-05T12:15:00.000-08:00

I'm afraid I fell off the blog wagon again. Thank you to my sponsor, Emilie, who pulled me out of the gutter by suggesting I post pictures of the kids' Halloween costumes.

Taking it one day at a time...

Larkin was the goddess Athena, but was way too busy to stop for the camera. She did email me this self-portrait from her cell phone, however. You'll have to imagine a gold & brown goddessy looking costume, but aren't her hair & makeup fab?!

Rowan was a skeleton. I decided not to fix the red-eye in this picture since it adds nicely to the overall look. He had a great time trick-or-treating and came back with a major haul. The best part? He's very generous with his candy! -k8-

if only, just once

2007-09-07T09:47:00.001-07:00

I had been telling everyone I could that they should see an exceptional Irish film, Once. The male lead from that movie is also the frontman for The Frames, who were performing in Seattle recently. Watch Glen pull an adoring fan up on stage to accompany him...I only wish it could have been me! -k8-

it's a boy!

2007-09-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

Yes, we have been truly blessed with a sweet little bundle of joy...and hair!

We adopted Leo yesterday after multiple visits with him at his foster home, making sure everyone had good chemistry. He's a terrier mix shelter puppy, about 10wks old now, with the oddest combination hair. He should grow to be smaller than Rita, but probably not really small.

They called him Moose, but since he doesn't answer to it yet, we've changed his name to Leo. I think.

The family has been wavering on names. Here are some of the other top contenders...feel free to place your votes!

Leon

Louie

Diego

Seamus

KC (Kid Canine)

-k8-

moose

2007-09-01T10:12:00.000-07:00

chicago spit-n-bean

2007-08-24T17:23:00.000-07:00

After our triumphant return from Eastern Washington in mid-July, Tim took a weekend to go watch soccer in Vancouver, mirroring much of my recent trip there, including his accommodations and means of transportation. It was a nice hurrah for him before he plunged headfirst into 40...ouch!

We celebrated that milestone with a family trip to Chicago. Kathleen flew in from San Diego, so we were able to spend some quality time with her, Tim's brother & his sigO, and the dads.

And check out all the wacky art in Chicago! These are all located in the Millennium Park. As if a giant silver bean isn't enough, they have these spitting fountains with giant video closeups of people's faces. Most awesome!

Then there's the Gehry-designed Pavilion where we watched some hip hop and spoken word performances. Fellow Seattleites will see the family resemblance with EMP. I highly recommend a visit to this impressive park next time you're in the Windy City. -k8-

ketchup

2007-08-13T16:53:00.000-07:00

Ok, let's take a few steps back in time and try to relive those glory days of July. They included, but were not limited to, camping on Lake Wenatchee, followed immediately by a further trip east to visit friends in Spokane.

This was probably the first camping trip I really didn't enjoy much, though I'm kind of embarrassed to say why. We're experienced campers, but this particular time and location it was so incredibly dusty and dirty and buggy and HOT, that it was really difficult to be comfortable. And these weren't normal bugs; these bugs were prehistoric. They ALL flew and many had long tentacles, and long pointy teeth, and made ominous clicking noises as they flew, taunting us. Mainly Larkin; she's still traumatized.

Here's one bug who at least had her looks going for her.

You'd think that camping by a lake, even during an intense heat wave, would be ok since one can simply jump in the water regularly to refresh and escape the mosquitadactyls. In case anyone else was not aware of this, I can tell you most assuredly that when the State Park boasts a "glacier fed" lake, they actually do mean that it's melted ice. Very clean, very clear ice water.

The first day none of us could really even get in, not even Rowan, and he'll do just about anything in the quest for adventure. Eventually I developed a technique of entering very slowly, allowing for the pain to dissipate into numbness before submerging a little more. Once my whole body had gone numb, it was possible to stay in. Rowan is still a little blue, though. And we got home over a month ago.

One highlight though was renting a pedal boat and going out for a couple of hours with Tim and the kids. We went ashore little Emerald Island and found a giant eagle's nest and saw all manner of water fowl.

After returning to the boat, things started turning all Gilligan when the rudder intermittently stopped functioning, and the boat started taking on water. We worked so hard to get back to shore, and were so hot and spent, that Tim forgot about the water's temp. In order to pull us in, he leaped out of the boat when it was about chest deep. I thought I was going to have to perform CPR; it was like someone had stomped him hard in the gut. Not pretty.

It was with much relief that we broke camp and descended upon the de.lite.ful home of Mark and Maggie in (who knew?!) Beautiful Spokane, WA. They were gracious hosts, providing us all deluxe accommodations, even Rita Dogg. It was Hot there, too, but the shady patio and icy beverages helped negate the effects. Plus Mark did all the grill slaving.

Oh, and we got to spend the day at a pleasant body of water...in your face, Lake Wenatchee! Fish Lake was definitely not glacier fed, so I was able to get in and out pain-free. But it was still very clean, such that I not only felt but could actually see the little trout nibbling at my toes. There was much frolicking and sand play and relaxed revelry. Here's Tim, hard at work deflating rafts (pre-haircut!).

Having moved there from Seattle a year ago, Mark and Maggie managed to find a home in the loveliest neighborhood near amazing Manito Park. With 90 acres of varietal gardens, a conservatory, fields, and playgrounds, it's a regular destination for their family. I was most captivated by the Japanese gardens, which were so graceful.

My favorite part of the visit were the extensive evening walks we took that meandered through different parts of the park and neighborhoods, somehow always managing to swing by the corner ice cream joint, The Scoop. Mmm...coffee flavor the first time, then coconut.

I look forward to my next opportunity to see more of Spokane. And it wasn't just the ice cream or the sterling company. Really, I had no idea. For instance, did you know there's a giant waterfall smack dab in the middle of downtown? Yeah, well I didn't. Mark took us on a quick tour of their downtown library and I was able to take this shot from one of the many large windows.

The departure was bittersweet. Sad to say goodbye to our far away friends, but glad to know we were heading home to our own beds and the cool of Seattle. Temperature and otherwise. -k8-

so barry white, but more real

2007-08-10T17:17:00.001-07:00

better than the mr. tea!

2007-08-06T20:59:00.000-07:00

Somehow all this free time I have is eating up every spare minute, such that I have become Blog Challenged.

So as not to shock my system by posting too heavily after a month away, I'll start with something light. And what's lighter than cereal? Mmmmm...cereal.

I spied this in the SkyMall catalog that lives in the airplane seat pockets of every flight. It was such an exceptional product that I had to tear it out & scan it into this blog. Otherwise, you might not believe me that for only $79.99 (+ tax and shipping) you can have your very own Breakfix® Cereal Dispenser! That's right, no longer will you be bothered with that pesky opening and closing of the cereal box every morning. Now you can open it just the one time, pour it into the BCD, and away you go! -k8-

suite 16

2007-07-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

What, another posting so soon? There's some sort of blinge and plurge thing happening here...

Naw, I just couldn't wait to write about the fabulous time I had in Portland for Larkin's Sweet Sixteen Extravaganza o' Fun. Two of her friends joined us for a stay downtown at the always impressive Multnomah Hotel. We had a suite and a sweet time!

Highlights:

--walking every inch of the Saturday Market

--palm readings

--shooting pool

--primo sushi
--swimming

--4am reminder that it might be time for sleep

--shopping the Hawthorne District

--crepes with the nice French lady

--hats!

Adrienne and Serena were excellent company. I'd road trip with those gals anytime!

We all slept the whole way home. I had to drive, so I slept fitfully.

Larkin on her actual birthday, unable to decide on just the Right Wish. -k8-

relativity

2007-06-30T21:54:00.000-07:00

How kind of you to return, with the scant hope that perhaps I've posted even a scrap of a morsel of some news, happy for the most fleeting of pictures...even one of Fish would do. (Larkin has a red angel fish. I think its name is Fish, but I'm not entirely sure.) I have no pictures of Fish.

Speaking of Larkin, she and her cousins are in the other room alternating between gasping and screaming and laughing and maybe crying, as they watch a horror film called The Messengers. I know it involves farm tools, which can be extremely terrifying. Last I checked, they were all clinging to each other under 3 blankets. I declined to watch it as T is away in Vancouver (Doing what I did--see previous post--but with more soccer and jazz. And beer.) and I can become a big baby after watching a horror movie. The kids have each other, and I don't think they want me squeezing into bed with them tonight, afraid to sleep alone.

But back to the subject of me not blogging since before going on a leave of absence over 2 weeks ago. I have nothing to offer as an excuse. Wait, let me think for a minute if that's true. Hmmm. Yup, I really couldn't tell you why I dropped the blall right when it would seem I finally have time for more creative endeavors. Maybe it was my semi-shell shocked state for the first week or so of freedom. It was more than a little unsettling how quickly and easily I could disappear from a world I'd so heavily invested in. It's a reality check, an ego check. Everyone is replaceable. I've got to find my own place. But enough about that.

Had a great time today at the zoo with Max, Maya and Rowan. Played in the park after and the kids climbed trees.

We met up with Emilie and Malcolm and their little guy, Owen. He's super cute and I got to hold him a bunch. That's just good for the soul, holding a baby. It's like you absorb a little of their life essence or something. (Dark Crystal anyone? Gelflings?)

Uncle Em rode by on Big Bird for a little visit. Played some frisbee with the kids, chatted up Owen's visiting grandma. -k8-

sabbatical survey

2007-06-12T18:21:00.000-07:00

What should I do during my 3 months off?
All suggestions will be considered.
Please comment below.

Meanwhile, here's some shots from the recent past...

Rowan mid-flight at the Green Lake playground. I know it's blurry, but man, what an action shot!

Here's Pat showing me around Chihuly's boathouse studio, where she occasionally gets asked back to work for special events, though she left Dale's employ a few years ago. The table is over 80 feet long, cut from an old growth doug fir he found in Alaska.

I love this shot of my city kids waiting for the Metro.

-k8-

groundhog day

2007-06-09T11:12:00.000-07:00

Charlie packed up the Silver Weenie before hitting the road with Toby on Thursday morning. It was a wonderful visit and I was especially glad to have him here to talk with during a time of great transition for me, whatever that ends up meaning.*

Anyhoo, I got this terrific email from him this morning and had to share. He's on his way east to DC to be with his mom for her 92nd birthday.

"Lovely overnight stay in the natl. forest east of Butte, MT. Got up, had coffee, Tobes and I get in the truck, start the engine. Crash, bang! Terrible noises from the engine. Turned it off. Chirp, chirp, continues the engine. Pop the hood. There's a ground hog ensconced under the fan, and 6 blades on the fan broken off. Chirp, chirp goes the fellow. And I can't get at him to remove him. He doesn't appear harmed. So I start the engine and limp back into Butte and the local Chevy place. All work stops while everyone is enthralled with my plight. Finally they call the spca officer who comes out and tho they get the little bugger out of my truck, he's loose in the service department with ten men running around trying to capture him. Finally trap him and he's off back to the forest. Meanwhile, I sit here waiting for a new fan to be installed. Right. Guess who is going to open the hood henceforth before starting the engine! And guess who is very unlikely to ever crawl into another engine compartment! Love you, Da"

You can't make this stuff up. Well, you can, but I know I didn't and I'm pretty sure he didn't either.

Another funny thing from this morning. I was lying in bed and Tim was in the kitchen making tea. I heard this snippet of conversation...

Rowan: Hey dad, can you get me, uh...

Tim: An apple?

Rowan: Yeah, that's right...you took the words right out of my mouth, T.M.!

*Two days ago I requested and was immediately approved for a 3 month leave of absence from work. I'm still in a mild sort of shock that I actually asked and that they actually said yes. It begins next Thursday. Huh-what?

sore butt, happy heart

2007-05-31T19:54:00.000-07:00

I took a therapeutic break from reality last weekend by going to Vancouver, BC. Da was heading north to visit old friends in Victoria, so he dropped me off at the good old Buchan Hotel.

Ahhh, the Buchan. It's old stylie, shabby chic...with an emphasis on the shabby. But it's inexpensive, clean, charming in its own way, and best of all has the PERFECT location. It's only a block from one of the greatest places on Earth, Stanley Park, and not much further to English Bay. Down the street is a stretch of eateries that could feed any member of the United Nations with authentic home cooking.

I brought my bike and a good back pack. Since my subconscious caused me to leave my cell phone in the car as Da drove off, I was without a phone or a clock for those two and a half days. Not even in my modest room was there a clock. Serendipity.

I awoke when it seemed right and I didn't rush the morning. I found the perfect spot for tea, done right, as they so faithfully do in Canada.

I biked constantly, stopping whenever something caught my fancy. The small fleece throw I had in my pack served me well for spontaneous lounging on my travels, and I also had a good mix on my ipod. I ate much sushi. And I read a lot. The Blackbelt Librarian. The Art of Possibility (which has my head spinning with yes, you guessed it, possibilities). England, England by Julian Barnes. Still slogging through that; not my fave of his, for sure. I also read a People magazine. Cover to cover. And I'm not ashamed to admit it.

I rode all over Gastown, even the scary parts, and I scoured the Denman--Davie area. Dig this picture of Critical Mass riding straight down Denman. They stretched for miles! I would have joined them if I hadn't recently dismounted and locked up near the library down the street. It was time for sustenance.

And may I just add, thank god for the Joe Fortes Public Library. It was via their kind guest passes and free internet that I was able to make arrangements with Da for my pick up. While I didn't have his number to call (it was in my phone), I knew he always had his pocket PC on him. The one with the wireless internet access wherever he goes. Total tech geek.

Most of all I explored Stanley Park. The big storms last winter did major damage, and a section of the seawall on the northern point is closed. The silver lining was that I took this great detour though the deepest part of the Park's forest. The trails were far more interesting and some were quite adventurous. There's still full on old growth in there, and a whole heapin helpin of earth's beauty! And critters to spare! Here's some visual proof.

This monster cedar had fallen across the trail and someone marked its age, based on the rings. You can see my bike next to it, which should give you some indication of the size of the tree.

Hard to see (click on photos to enlarge) are the blue heron left of center, and the turtles and mallard on a log below center in this picture of Beaver Lake.

I lost count of how many great blue herons I saw, but here's one on the hunt, while a duck is mid-flight, and in the distance another log of critters.

These curious young raccoons were searching under every rock in the shallows of Lost Lagoon.

Stanley Park has beautiful totem poles.

The statue Girl in a Wet Suit sits watching the tide go in and out.

This getaway refilled my well. I came back ready to allow for possibility again. -k8-

hey mom

2007-05-22T17:32:00.000-07:00

Recent quotes from Rowan:

"Hey mom, didn't we descend from someone who came over on the cauliflower?"

"You know, mom, pokemons first came from monsters that could minialize in your pocket."

magic

2007-05-19T08:25:00.000-07:00

My father is a scientist and a deep thinker. So I can always count on him to draw my attention to important matters of great relevance. Like this one from Japan. Be sure to watch it to the very end.

Then there's this trailer for a sure Oscar contender. Not actually from my father, but in keeping with my video theme for today. -k8-

beautiful day, ugly fish

2007-05-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, it was good to be the Mom. The morning began with gifts, including an excellent Kid-Made™ clay bowl and an African basket filled with goodies. This was followed by a walk through the Ballard Sunday Market to gather flowers and produce for dinner. We ate breakfast as we strolled. I had a tasty spinach crepe made alfresco.

After heading back home, Da hung with the kids and went grocery shopping for us while Tim and I took a Metro bus downtown. We were on the KEXP guest list for an afternoon show at the Triple Door. I'd not heard of this quirky, Swedish threesome, but Tim had and got us both excited about seeing Peter Bjorn & John. I can now say with great authority that they're a poppy, hipster-duffus sensation! Catchy and cool, it was a short session that left us time to walk down to the Pike Place Market. We wandered through a labyrinth and found a hidden away courtyard almost under post alley, where we enjoyed our lunch alfresco (I see a theme emerging).

After hopping the 358 back up Aurora, we walked home through the cemetery. Lots of visits to moms of yore going on there; lots of families and flowers. Back at the crib, I succumbed to a rare nap and as usual, awoke feeling like an ugly fish swimming through cloudy gelatin. Yes, it's as enjoyable as it sounds. Luckily, nothing clears away the fog quite like sipping a cup of tea in the hot tub. Just say NO to naps!

Meanwhile, in keeping with our dining theme for the day, Grill Meister Murray did some mad mixin & scratchin alfresco. Ribs, asparagus, hush puppies (no sh*t, hush puppies!), and a wild mushroom saute. Oh, and he and the kids baked a rustic apple pie-ish thing, too. Not too sweet, the way I like. With fresh whipped cream.

Why can't every day be mother's day?! -k8-

mother's day = peace

2007-05-13T08:10:00.000-07:00

Here is the original Mother's Day Proclamation, penned in Boston by Julia Ward Howe in 1870:

Arise, then, women of this day! Arise all women who have hearts, Whether your baptism be that of water or of tears Say firmly: "We will not have great questions decided by irrelevant agencies, Our husbands shall not come to us reeking of carnage, For caresses and applause. Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn All that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience. We women of one country Will be too tender of those of another country To allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs. From the bosom of the devastated earth a voice goes up with Our own. It says, "Disarm, Disarm!" The sword of murder is not the balance of justice! Blood does not wipe out dishonor Nor violence indicate possession. As men have often forsaken the plow and the anvil at the summons of war, Let women now leave all that may be left of home For a great and earnest day of counsel. Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead. Let them then solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means Whereby the great human family can live in peace, Each bearing after his own time the sacred impress, not of Caesar, But of God. In the name of womanhood and humanity, I earnestly ask That a general congress of women without limit of nationality May be appointed and held at some place deemed most convenient And at the earliest period consistent with its objects To promote the alliance of the different nationalities, The amicable settlement of international questions. The great and general interests of peace.

Happy Mother's Day to all, or in other words, peace! -k8-

end of week

2007-05-06T21:58:00.000-07:00

It was an overly full weekend, but lots of good stuff happened, so I can't complain. Highlights:

Sarah and Bill's annual Cinco de Mayo potluck, this year doubling as a housewarming party for their newly finished dream castle in Issaquah. We all went, including Gramps, bringing the makings for Sangria (with cinnamon sticks and lots of fruit). It was an insanely packed affair. How can they know that many people?

There was not one, but two pinatas. Starting with the youngest and working up from there, Bill spun the blindfolded kids before their turn. He even allowed interested adults to join in on the 2nd pinata. I was going to volunteer, but a big strong guy got to it ahead of me and that was that.

Once candy hit the ground, Rowan became a human vacuum cleaner (though when he noticed a little girl who hadn't gotten any candy, he gave her some...very smooth!).

In the picture of Rowan, you can see Bill on the far left, Maya holding hands with her fella on the bench, with Max up high to the right. In the picture of Larkin, you can see a creative teen on the right who turned the obliterated 1st pinata into a festive mask!

L and R stayed behind at their cousins' house for the night, while Tim, Da, and I headed back to Seattle. Once we hit downtown, we drove to the Seattle Art Museum. After a long and ambitious expansion, SAM reopened Saturday morning with a public party lasting 35 hours straight and free to all. Though they had to regulate the entrance line throughout the event, we magically arrived during a lull that allowed for us to walk right in.

Though photography is prohibited in many of the galleries, I managed a few shots. It was an exciting night and we didn't leave until I'd purchased a family membership. It's so good to have SAM back again, and to see so many people as excited about it as I am!

Sunday morning we all drove east again to my sister's Unitarian church in Bellevue, where Maya was going through a Coming of Age ceremony. It was really lovely and Maya just beamed. What a beauty!

Leaving there, we drove further east to visit Mary Kay and Niko, and see their new house for the first time. It's in Preston on the Raging River. Niko was at their old house, so we didn't get to see him, but MK gave us the full tour. They have a river in their back yard...it's so awesome!

See the rocks & trees on the left side of the river? That's not the opposite shore, that's their island! Their property line extends across the river...I believe they have arrived! -k8-

me dear ol' da

2007-05-04T19:16:00.000-07:00

You may have felt a disturbance in the force or caught the glint of aluminum or detected that certain scent in the air...that's right, Charlie's back in town!

With a few days notice, Gramps arrived yesterday for a month's respite in our driveway. As most of you know, he's been a perpetual turtle with an airstream trailer for his shell ever since retiring in 2001. This time he left all hares in his dust, traveling from Prescott, AZ, to Seattle in 4 days flat. He'd decided this is where he wanted to be, and we're glad to have him.

Note the beautiful colors and artwork inside the Silver Weenie. Also note the many aquariums behind Rowan that each house a tarantula--my father's latest interest. He's always got a new hobby going and I'm definitely looking forward to the next one.

Rita was so happy to play with her old friend, Toby. This was our first time seeing him post eye surgery. Now he's a pirate dog with a permanent wink...Arrrrgh!

On a completely different note, I was trying to take some shots of the clematis blooming on our deck. It is so breathtaking. But Tim was feeling disruptive and kept leaping in front of the camera. I threatened him that I'd post the pictures if he kept it up.

He kept it up. -k8-

twin falls

2007-05-01T22:18:00.000-07:00

Our hike on Sunday to the Twin Falls in Olallie State Park was refreshing, invigorating, sometimes awe inspiring. My sister Sarah's family and our friend Dave met us out there. (In fact, it was Dave who'd originally suggested the hike.)

It was perfect for the kids, though plenty of hills and miles to traverse so we all got a workout. I really felt SPRING out there. So many wildflowers and a thousand shades of green.

The falls are something else. Pictures don't do justice since you can't get a true sense of size.

We spent some time river side having snacks and admiring the surrounding beauty.

The girls whispered away on a boulder. After a refreshing dip, Rita stretched out in the sun. Happy kids. Happy dog. -k8-

elemental, my dear watson

2007-04-29T10:08:00.000-07:00

The ol' man and I had a dining experience last night that I won't soon forget. It's nights like this that make me truly appreciate living in our fair city.

Elemental @ Gasworks is an EVENT disguised as a restaurant. And come to think of it, it's a restaurant in disguise. We knew it was located where Wallingford Ave bottoms out above Gasworks Park. And still we had to search for it. This was a late meal, so it was almost dark. Elemental has no exterior sign. It was not until we got close enough to hear the soft hum of the diners and the clink of glasses that we knew we'd found the place.

We had to wait about 20 minutes to be seated. There are only 5 small tables and they don't take reservations. But they also don't advertise or, as we discovered, bother identifying themselves. They don't want walk-in business. You kinda need to know what you're getting yourself into in order to truly be open to the experience.

And we were. Shortly after we were seated in the best seats (corner table facing the rest of the room), Phred brought us tiny glasses of a clear liquid and then scurried away before we could ask what it was. Turns out that was good, as Phred doesn't want to tell you what he's brought you to drink until after you've tasted it. He's a wine and spirits master.

It turned out to be a sherry of such quality that I actually enjoyed it. Also on every table is a tall, sleek carafe of cucumber infused water. Best damn water I ever had! We drank 2 full carafes over the course of the meal. (And by "we," I mean me. Water lush.)

When Phred returned to ask if we'd like cocktails before dinner, Tim said that we'd just have wine with our meal. Phred clapped his hands together with delight and scurried off again, I thought perhaps to fetch a wine list. No. He came back with our menus and 2 small flashlights. (Did I mention how dark this restaurant is?) He left and returned with white wine on ice in fun glass tumblers, served with a straw. Again, gone before we could ask what it was, though he did mutter, "to lubricate the decision making process," as he turned away. I never drink white wine, but it was very refreshing!

Their food is in the form of small plates, so that you end up ordering many courses. Apparently if you order "wine with your meal" as we did, they bring you a different wine with each course and charge a flat fee per person. Phred chooses the wines based solely on what you order. The menu is hand written on a piece of sheet metal. You definitely need the flashlight.

Our favorite of the dishes, called Spinach Gnudi, was a ricotta and spinach dumpling swimming in a pool of tomato and pine nuts. It was heaven in the mouth, so complex in its simplicity. The funniest dish was the Spiced Quail with Goat Cheese Stuffed Endive. Funny because when it arrived it was so small, it made us giggle. We made jokes about roasted hummingbird, and save me the drumstick, and so on.

But the most amazing thing we had was dessert. It was an Earl Grey Pots de Creme. We each took a bite, letting the soft foam melt over our tongues, waiting, waiting...and then! Finally it emerged, just when I started wondering why they call in Earl Grey, there was the unmistakable oil of bergamot. Tim and I were searching each other's faces and we both suddenly got wide-eyed and said, ahhhh! Simultaneous foodgasm. This final course was paired with a minute glass of tawny port. Again, it must have been very good as I usually revile the sweet wines.

Ok, as if this all weren't amazing enough, the bill arrived and there was no place to add tip. How could this be after the superlative care and attention we'd received from Phred? It seems that he and Laurie, the chef, don't believe in tipping. They price their offerings at the amount they need to survive and keep doing what they're doing.

Beside the owners Phred and Laurie, there is a 3rd person assisting in the kitchen and hand washing dishes. That comprises their entire staff. And they buy local, organic ingredients. The menu changes every Tuesday.

We'll be back. -k8-

TGIF

2007-04-27T19:39:00.000-07:00

Just returned from mom-daughter sushi night. Mmmm-mmm. The boys went for pizza and to watch a Shorewood High soccer game. We're all glad for the weekend, though I have to work Saturday. I'm teaching a Prepare training for the library's student assistants. The class is 4 hours long, so it has to be done on evenings or weekends to accommodate their school schedules. Good times.

Speaking of good times, many were had on April 15th when our family participated in the National MS Walk. All over the country, people walked to raise money and awareness about this disease. We were joined by my sister Sarah and her family, plus one of my work pals, Dave, and his fine son. Down in Portland, my little bro Don got his walk on, too!

We were part of a larger team called Bunnie Luv, made up of many members of our friend Chas's family, though he ended up not being able to join us for the 5 mile walk after a bout with pneumonia. He's better now.

I was overwhelmed by the support shown by friends and family, not just through donations or walking, but through encouraging words and messages. I want to offer another heartfelt thanks to all!

Though I do have to work tomorrow, that gives Tim a chance to catch up on his lesson plans and grading. On Sunday we want to go for a hike with the kiddos and whatever friends we can rope in. If you're reading this, you're invited! -k8-

07 catch up

2007-04-25T19:28:00.000-07:00

Ok, I promised highlights. My word is my bond!

The highest light of the new year was heading to Mexico in late January to help our friends E & T get married. I had the honor of performing both the informal-but-legal ceremony in Seattle & the formal-but-not-legal ceremony in Troncones, Mexico.

Once they were safely married (the day after we arrived), we all got down to vaaay-cationing! The respite from the Seattle winter was heaven.

We got home just in time for the "retirement" of my longtime mentor, whose former position I have been temporarily filling ever since.

This was followed shortly by my 40th birthday, which was made not nearly so traumatic due to the super sweet party thrown for me by my very wonderful friends.

This picture should give you some indication as to the level of Cool & Class in the room that night!

Little known fact: Benicio Del Toro and I were born on the exact same day. -k8-

Primo Blogundo

2007-04-24T11:27:00.000-07:00

Rowan and I are home sick with a stomach bug, so what better time to start that blog I've been meaning to create? I will try to recap the highlights of this year so far, in time. Today, I'll just start with the recent past.

Before being struck down, we had a lovely Earth Day. Larkin had her monthly weekend working for the Student Conservation Assn, and they spent it rebuilding trails and hill steps at the Arboretum. Having returned from a library conference in eastern WA late Friday night, I joined her on Saturday for some quality mother-daughter time, digging gravel. Sunday I spent gardening on our own patch of earth. Larkin stayed home Monday not with the flu, but with arms and shoulders so sore she couldn't face the fast moving world of high school. She's back in action today. So far, she and Tim show no signs of this illness.

Only three weeks until I stop working at the downtown library. As much as I love that building and the romance of the whole notion, I will be so glad to be rid of the commute and the higher profile. I want to spend my energy differently.

The weather has been manic. Here's a recent shot from our deck, looking NE. If not for the clouds, you'd see the Cascade Mountain range. The rainbow makes up for it. -k8-