Grin and Bear It

I'm half way though the personal training sessions that Lindsay got me for my birthday. They're going great, but they kick my ass. I feel like this polar bear. It's good to go to someone that'll make you do exercises that you wouldn't normally do, but I'm finding it hard to work in what I know works for me, on my off days. Once the sessions are over I'll take what I've learned and mix it into my normal routine. It's been a good experience overall, and I'd recommend personal training to anyone now. It was a good birthday gift from Loo, for sure.

Seattle, Sunny Side Up

Just before I left for work this morning, I snapped this pic of the sun.

But I Did Stay at Holiday Inn Express Last Night

Speed Vest for Cyclists

A Few Good Photos

You Eat What You Touch

Hockey Night in Seattle

Loo, with her new powers and influence (working at the Kent Events Center) got us some tickets to see the Seattle Thunderbirds play hockey at the Key Arena last night. It was a suite game. No really, she got us tickets in a suite with some of the other people from her work. Not only are they nice people, good to know she'll be working with a nice bunch, but the game itself was great. Double overtime with a shoot-out win by Seattle. Frankly, I don't know jack about hockey, but I read as much as I could in Wikipedia before we went as not to have to ask too many (dumb) questions (e.g. "What quater is it?"). Turns out that watching hockey on TV isn't nearly as good as it is live. It's easier to track the puck and watch the plays develop, the sounds of the skates, and of slapshots being fired off, are much better in person. Then again, most sporting events are better in a suite, but this one was exceptionally good. Hockey, you're on the good list now. I think I understand you.

Pergola, More Than a Funny Word

I finished up the backdoor pergola today. There are a few more toe nails that I need to put in the beams, but because I was working in the rain and (strong) wind today I wasn't enthusiastic about getting the pneumatic framing nailer out or the tall ladder, but I did get the majority of it put together and affixed to the house. Like everything it was a good learning experience, and I enjoyed an excuse to build something. Next step, and the real reason for it's existence, is to fit the top beams with 2 sheets of clear Plexiglas to keep the rain off the back door walkway during the winter. Where does one buy Plexiglas sheets? Might also get some vines growing on it too, but that's still undecided. PS: You can get a good look at the fence gate in the second shot. I made it look like another panel as not to be disruptive to the eye. That's my Dad's influence showing. I can't wait to get some back door landscaping done, but that might have to wait.

American Haka

This reminds me that America is still what I think it should be, somewhere. Aside from the inept and wrongly elected President, greedy wall street and a propensity to put troops in the wrong place (Darfur anyone?) our population of immigrants is our keystone, our investment in the future. That and it reminds me that Texas rocks.

Most Importantly...

...Loo has a new job! A really cool one too. I'm proud of her, as usual. Check out her blog here to read all about it.

Flowers, For You

For your enjoyment, a few snapshots I took while spending the afternoon at Volunteer Park, with Mom and Lindsay, over my Birthday last weekend.

Heat Flash. Getting Old, Or New Heater?

So one more thing that we did recently? We bought that thing, above. We got a new gas heater for the house. The old one was suitable for the Smithsonian, as it was from what our home inspector said, 'just after the war'. That's WWII people. That's an old heater. We'd have kept it longer, but last year we limped it along after a a ton of blow outs, some learn as you go repair work and the realization that it was probably only 50 or 60% efficient. So we dropped the cash and got a new one. The new one is literally about 1/4 of the size of the old one. Heck we even ran a line for a soon to be installed gas stove while the plumbers were here, so we're ready for the cold and wet winter, and ready for kitchen appliance updates soon too. Here's the old beast:

Back! From the Fair

It feels like forever, from the last time I blogged. I was 34 years old the last time I did, now I'm 35. That's a long time! Well, actually, my birthday came and went and busy has been the name of the game. Between Mom visiting, checking in with friends, and working on the usual house projects, I neglected the blog. Over the next few days I'll be posting a pic here and there to pay it back, in spades hopefully. Today's update...Cara & Brent (plus their awesome kids) took Lindsay and I to the Puyallup Fair. It was the first time I'd ever been, oddly. Loved it. Too much fun, too much to see, too much food. With all that food - you can watch me grow (round in the middle). This poor guy won't be round in the middle too much longer. How depressing would it be to have your butcher cuts drawn on your side?