groundhog day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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-