The HALL Family Weblog

NEW BLOG

2007-05-18T23:50:00.000-07:00

We have moved to a new Blog site because there was a technical meltdown at this location in December '06. It looks like it's back up and running, but we'll stay with the new link ... join us at our new site, if interested at http://iokahouse.blogspot.com

Decorating for the holidays

2006-12-09T09:04:00.000-08:00

Generally we get ALL the Christmas decorations down from the attic, and I create as much of a mess as possible as I decorate the house. This year I'm trying a slightly different approach. Calling it the "ease into the holidays" plan. Yesterday afternoon I put up a little tree (with little decorations) on the landing upstairs.

Today (maybe) we put up the outside lights.....

Happy Birthday, Ken!

2006-12-05T21:25:00.001-08:00

We celebrated Ken's birthday tonight with 'Mickey Tacos' and some pretty wonderful cheesecake. Hailey liked grandpa's tacos, but she was REALLY interested in that dessert!

Back from vacation

2006-12-04T17:15:00.000-08:00

We are back from a two week vacation in Mexico. Spent the first week with our friends in Mazatlan – swimming in the ocean, eating great food, visiting some not-the-normal-tourist sights, walking miles on remote and beautiful beaches. It was a very fun week with Gary and Kaaren. They are wonderful hosts and great tour guides, especially in the yellow 'UW-VW' Van!

Rumor had it that Pacifico Beer Company put on an extra shift to handle the added demand.

Then we flew to Acapulco for another delightful, but a bit more laid back, week. Acapulco city is BEAUTIFUL – very large, lots of hills and stunning views. We hired a driver for one of the days to show us the sights -- saw the cliff divers (look closely at middle pic), town’s main square, flea market, Johnny Weissmuller’s (aka Tarzan) hideway, etc, etc. We loved the city but were glad to get back to our quiet hotel about 30 minutes away.

We went from swimming in the ocean one day to shoveling snow (and ice) in the driveway 24 hours later. We even came home to a surprise snowman in the backyard!

Go, Fight, Win!!

2006-11-30T18:08:00.000-08:00

Here is the newest member of the Huskie cheer squad. Go Huskies!

1st snow this winter

2006-11-30T18:01:00.000-08:00

Here is Hailey having fun in the backyard during our 1st snow of the season. She loved the cold white stuff.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2006-11-22T06:47:00.000-08:00

Hailey, Stephanie and Ken would like to wish everyone who visits this blog a very happy and safe Thanksgiving.

Yogi's home away from home

2006-11-18T21:41:00.000-08:00

Whenever we take a vacation, Yogi gets to go to Ron and Tommie's home and hang with them and their 3 dogs. We'd like to think he misses us...but we not exactly sure. We know he sleeps on their bed, eats ice cream, plays with an unlimited supply of tennis balls, follows Tommie wherever she goes and hangs with Ron in his shop. I think we might miss him more than he misses us! Here he is today getting reacquainted with his buddies.
THANK YOU, RON & TOMMIE!
No postings for a while ..... it's up to Hailey and her parents to keep this Blog updated.

Crab googles

2006-11-12T14:16:00.000-08:00

Hailey loves to wear these crab googles, she also requests that dad wear them. I think she looks a lot cuter than daddy in them.

Go Huskies!!!

2006-11-12T14:09:00.000-08:00

A couple of photo's of Hailey in her new Husky outfit.

Grandpa, Dad and Hailey

2006-11-11T08:04:00.000-08:00

A quick photo of Dad, Grandpa and the R.H.T.* as we passed her from our car to Ken's car.

Hailey carried that blue insulated bag all evening. Inside was a sippy cup and a couple of crackers. She couldn't be bothered to carry Pooh, so he went in Grandma's purse instead!

* Red Headed Terrorist!

Good Dog, Carl!

2006-11-09T21:23:00.000-08:00

Carl, of the "Good Dog, Carl" children's books, and his 'mom' (illustrator/author) were at a bookstore on Bainbridge Island tonight for a new book signing. Since we had given Hailey a "Carl" book when she was little(er), we had to go meet the celebrity. Carl was very happy to play ball, pose for pictures, eat treats and generally get poked and prodded by lots of little people. His 'mom" was very happy to autograph all the books, new and old, brought to her by his adoring fans.

Play Dough Recipe

2006-11-08T21:17:00.000-08:00

MIX:

2 cups flour
1 cup salt
2 tbls cream of tarter
ADD:
2 cups water
1 tbls oil
Food coloring of your choice

Cook over medium-low heat, stirring until thick. Knead until smooth.

AH, what one can find on the bulletin boards at a preschool!

Falling off the bed

2006-11-07T22:02:00.000-08:00

Yogi is so big, he doesn't even fit on the extra large dog bed. Guess he's exhausted from trying to keep dry during this miserable weather.

(Note the cat on the OUTSIDE, waiting for his third feeding of the evening).

60 degrees and flooding

2006-11-06T17:20:00.000-08:00

To say that it's "raining" here might be an understatement. Even for a Northwest native, this is unbelievable. Torrential rains, high winds, high surf, and significant flooding everywhere.

The Seahawks play tonight on national TV. I guess we'll manage to keep our weather reputation!
Photo was taken at about 8 this morning. YUCK!

Hand-off from Gramma B. to Gramma C.

2006-11-06T16:58:00.000-08:00

Last night in the wind and rain and dark, I took Hailey over to Grandma Carolyn's house where she will stay until her parents return tonight. The hand-off of bags and diapers and potty chair and books and toys was rather sad. Then I went home and started looking for all the little items that had been 'relocated' by our guest!

(Oops, hope her Mom and Dad don't notice the pacifer in her mouth! That's suppose to be just for the crib....)

BTW, after an early morning emergency visit to the orthopedic Doctor, it's been determined that Florence has a bad bruise near her tail bone/hip. She was VERY lucky -- no fracture, no surgery, no hospital stay. She was sent home with a prescription for pain-killers, a walker and a directive to stay off ladders and stools. It may be close to 8 weeks before she is back to dancing a jig.

Another trip to G-G-Florence

2006-11-05T15:40:00.000-08:00

We went to town to see Great Grandma Florence again this afternoon. Her neighbors, Savon and Avalon were there and quite happy to meet Hailey. Picture taking was a must!

Florence fell off a short step stool on Friday (while washing her walls!). She has a very sore hip and is unable to walk without assistance. She refused to go to the emergency room over the weekend, so we'll be calling the Dr's office early tomorrow. A petite, 85 year old woman, with severe osteoporosis and a stubborn streak -- not a good combination.

More tomorrow...

The next Barbra? Bette? or, Britney?

2006-11-04T17:26:00.000-08:00

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Busy Weekend!

2006-11-04T15:43:00.000-08:00

Hailey is spending the weekend with us while her parents are in Las Vegas with some neighbor friends celebrating a 40th birthday. We've been VERY busy -- school yesterday morning with Miss Debbie; shopping for videos (Curious George and Little Mermaid); books to read; songs to sing; toilet training to be worked on; food and candy to be negotiated; jewelry to be worn; Yogi to be 'messed with', and even a visit to Great Grandma Florence’s house. It's really tough work entertaining the grandparents, as the top right photo shows!

Toddler proofing the house

2006-11-02T21:23:00.000-08:00

As our frequent little visitor gains speed and dexterity, we are attempting to adjust our house to meet those new challenges. She also remembers EXACTLY where all the good stuff is kept. I decided it was time to clean out and organize the bathroom drawers filled with old medicine, bandaids, cough syrup, lotions, etc. I dumped everything on the dining room table and was amazed at the sheer quantity AND at the long past expiration dates!

More Halloween pictures

2006-11-02T21:12:00.000-08:00

My brother-in-law John sent some pictures of their grandaughter, Ella (we think she is about 3-1/2). There is something about this picture that tells me Ella knows she is BEST BUNNY in the world!

The Great Little Pumpkin Tricks & Treats

2006-11-01T22:49:00.000-08:00

PHOTOS JUST IN FROM LAST NIGHT'S GREAT CANDY GRAB ... Hailey's handler reports "We went to Winslow where they closed down the streets for the kids to trick or treat at the merchant locations. After a moments hesitation, we jumped right into trick or treating like we had been doing it forever..."

Mr Incredible

2006-10-31T20:49:00.000-08:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

In the absence of an updated photo of the darling adorable and perfect Hailey in her Halloween costume, I am posting a picture of a work colleague that was sent to me today. I promptly forwarded it to a couple of customers that we manage together. One responded back that he was … “speechless”. Thankfully, they had already signed a multi-year contract BEFORE they saw this picture!
David – you ARE incredible.

The Great Red-Headed Pumpkin!

2006-10-30T12:16:00.000-08:00

Hailey was decked out as a pumpkin for school last Friday, complete with the perfect hair color for the outfit!

Rumor has it there is a SECOND outfit for trick-or-treating tomorrow night when she hits all the businesses in Winslow where her Dad works ... what a lucky girl!

Walking, Walking, Walking

2006-10-29T20:16:00.000-08:00

Dancing and prancing along in the woods with a steep terrain, lots of fallen leaves that hide the trail and stinky dog breath in your face can be pretty exhausting for a 2 year old.

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Girlfriends

2006-10-28T19:11:00.000-07:00

There is something about the friendship of a girlfriend that can never be replaced. A few nights ago, my buddy Tina and I met for dinner and a little shopping. The photo's not the best, but a pose would have meant that we had to stop talking.

Grillin' and Chillin'

2006-10-23T19:10:00.000-07:00

It's still so mild these days that we're able to enjoy a glass of wine (and a quick phone interruption) outside on the deck while waiting for some steaks to cook on the barbeque.

The weather guys are telling us the snow level will drop to 3,500 feet tonight (snow in the mountains!!!) and rain for the next few days ... but tonight, who cares!

Hailey and her loyal servants

2006-10-23T19:04:00.000-07:00

Another photo from yesterday's walk on the beach.

In case there is any question -- she has us totally and completely wrapped around her little pinkie....

Delightful Sunday excursion

2006-10-22T21:29:00.000-07:00

We went over to Hailey's house for brunch this morning. While mom and dad fixed breakfast, we had time for some singing and dancing and reading. (Note the foot position on her servant, Grampa).

Then we took a walk on the beach -- just south of Foulweather Bluff, the entrance to Hood Canal. It was ANOTHER glorious fall day.

Hailey and her Dad had to check out the little sea creatures hiding under the rocks...

Eagle Dive Bombers

2006-10-21T09:28:00.000-07:00

We just watched a couple of large eagles pester a smaller bird in the water that had caught a fish. They dive bombed this poor little guy for about 10 minutes, trying to convince him to give up his food. His buddies paddled quickly away, probably trying to avoid the attention of the eagles. And the big boys on the raft?...they appeared to just sleep through the whole show!

Our perfect dog

2006-10-20T21:24:00.000-07:00

Yogi went for his "dip-tet" yesterday and was proclaimed "perfect" by the vet. We agree that this 115 pound, big boned, poorly mannered Golden Retreiver is close to perfection. Here he is helping Mickey get some exercise in the front yard, at the end of the day. (One of them tires quickly).

Brussel Sprouts

2006-10-17T21:38:00.000-07:00

I'm attempting to introduce some new vegetables into our meals these days. I had tried, and failed, in the past with Brussel Sprouts but recently we went out for dinner and the best part of the meal was these funky looking veggies. So, I decided to give it a go again.
I steamed them a bit too long – but once again, I am convinced that a little garlic, olive oil and butter can make ANYTHING taste pretty good.

My Dahlia hibernation experiment

2006-10-13T20:27:00.000-07:00

Somehow I have gotten hooked (and slightly successful) growing Dahlias in our garden. There are a couple of reasons -- first, they are very easy to grow, and second, we have a nice warm spot with good ventilation. I may have created a monster as one good tubular in the spring can show up as 5 intertwined 'tubs' in the fall. I'd lost quite a few in years past due to our wet winters, so I've taken to digging them up and storing them away in the garage. In the past I didn't concern myself with the colors but I had some rather ugly combinations this year. SO, I'm TRYING a new color identification process. I marked them all last week (after I'd cut them down) and then tonight I dug them up and marked them with a magic marker before they went into the box. ......I have absolutely no idea if this will work, and it's a bit of a pain in the neck. We'll know next summer if it's worth the work!

Another beautiful Sunset tonight

2006-10-10T20:00:00.000-07:00

Going on a sleepover

2006-10-10T19:29:00.000-07:00

Mickey headed out for a sleepover with 5 guys down at a friend's cabin. Here's what a 60-year-old packs for a camping trip:

sleeping bag and pillow (forget about roughing it)
large cooler filled with lots of breakfast fixings (he's on duty for the morning meal)
cards and poker chips
Crown Royal and similar liquids

Hopefully, the cooler will come back with a couple of whole salmons bought at water's edge from the local Indians....and, given the refreshments most likely consumed, it's probably a good idea they are staying put. Yogi wanted to go on this excursion, but he's been tasked with protecting me tonight!

New Blog Link

2006-10-10T14:23:00.000-07:00

I just heard about two guys that left this morning from Times Square in NYC and plan to hitchhike to every state capital within the next 50 days (hmmm...how will they get to Hawaii and Alaska?). I've linked to their site in case anyone is interested. They have a GPS map that shows where they are at any moment and it may be amusing to track their travels and postings.
Ah, what the internet brings us!

Sunset in the Northwest

2006-10-09T18:55:00.000-07:00

The sun dipped behind the Olympics tonight at @ 6:15pm. Maybe not the official Sunset time, but it's what we measure as the start of evening. While this feels early, we're still a few weeks away from Pacific Standard Time when the clocks will "Fall Back" an hour. That's when the evening will really come early!

Women: Know Your Limit!

2006-10-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

Our friend, John sent this to me and explained it was Tina's "wife training video". ... (Trust me, it's not!).

Women: Know your limits

Stealing apples (with permission)

2006-10-08T20:04:00.000-07:00

Our neighbor is away for a couple of weeks...just as his beautiful apple trees are bearing a bounty of fruit. He spends all Spring and Summer nursing those trees along, coaxing them to bear fruit, chasing the various predators away AND then he leaves town! His loss, our gain .... :)

P.S. YIKES...I should have activated spell-check on this before I posted! So sorry,,,, :<}

Boyz in da' hood!

2006-10-08T14:26:00.000-07:00

The old raft appears to becoming a popular and busy spot for the local seals and otters. Where it use to be an occasional nighttime resting place, lately they have been hanging around during the daylight hours as well. If it's not "The Gang", it's the local Cormorants, Eagles or Seagulls. Always interesting sights (and sounds).

INTRODUCING:The new WELL HOUSE!

2006-10-05T20:26:00.000-07:00

Here are some exciting pictures of the new well house recently built with love, care, incredible architectural and engineering prowess, and pure masculine brawn by Mickey and Joe. B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L!

Time to put the garden "away" for the Winter

2006-10-04T20:35:00.000-07:00

It's been a glorious Summer and early Autumn here in the Northwest. The garden looks tired but remarkably good, considering it's October. The weather is suppose to be nice (re: dry) through the weekend, so I'll start to dig up the Dahlias, deadhead the perennials, pull out the tired annuals, prune some of the bushes and try to decide what gets moved around either now or in the Spring.

My back hurts just typing these plans! ... Maybe I'll just go on a bike ride or watch the Husky football game with Mickey! ... the plants be damned, let the slugs have their final feast.

How to keep the grandparents occupied...(continued)

2006-10-01T19:01:00.000-07:00

Hailey walked the new trail (almost) completely unaided, including navigating over a big log. She was a little dirty and dusty by the time we made it across the bridge but quite proud of herself.

Later in the morning, Grandpa and Hailey played some computer games on Disney.com.

THREE MONTHS TILL MY NEXT RETIREMENT!

2006-10-01T13:21:00.000-07:00

I have set January 1st as my official quit-the-job-and-figure-out-what-next-I-do date.

Zippadeedoodah-Zippadeeday!!!!!!!

Lots to do at Grandpa and Grandma's house

2006-09-30T21:09:00.000-07:00

We are 'practicing' for a longer stay in several weeks. so Hailey is spending the night with us. We have fed the dog and cat (several times), listened to the Husky football game with Grandpa (on the radio), sat and watched Yogi eat dinner, rocked out with Grandma with the iPod (to Wizard of Oz, of course), and now we are watching Finding Elmo (while Gandpa is STILL listening to the game).

Las Vegas, Baby!

2006-09-28T18:05:00.000-07:00

We spent a few days in Las Vegas celebrating my 50th Birthday with our friends Tina and John. We stayed at a lovely hotel (Bellagio), saw the fabulous new Cirque du Soleil show "Love" (all Beatles music), dined at some incredible restaurants, shopped (but didn't buy) at some VERY high end stores, sunned (it was in the 90's), went to the Liberace Museum (only in Vegas!) and gave several Casinos ALL our money. (The photo with the slot machines in the background is in the AIRPORT!)

It was a total BLAST ... and we are really glad to be home!

Boat is out of the water

2006-09-22T21:02:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, it's time to get the boat out of the water and store it for the winter. This evening at high tide, Yogi and I drove the truck and boat trailer and met up with Mickey and "The Whaler" at the local boat launch. Yogi was quite thrilled to be included in this little excursion and spent the 15 minute car ride with his head on my shoulder. He'd really prefer to be in the front seat...or better yet, on my lap.

I'm cracking myself up taking pictures while I am in the car...(and, yes, yes, I know....).

My Thursday's in town

2006-09-21T21:13:00.000-07:00

Almost every Thursday morning at 9am, I have a meeting in downtown Seattle with the company's largest customer -- Nordstrom. I'm up at 4:30 (yes, that's 4:30am), on the 6:20 ferry to Seattle and then finally to our office by @ 10:30am. It's always a really wierd and busy day as I pack in all my office chats and face-to-face meetings into this one work day.

For some reason I had the camera with me today, so I snapped a shot while driving on the I520 bridge (note the grey weather and rain). Then one of the sales guys stopped by for a quick chat.....

A new home project begins

2006-09-19T20:07:00.000-07:00

After years of conversation we've decided to ... (dare I say) ... REMODEL THE MASTER BATH. We started the process with a trip to the bookstore to look at the myriad of home improvement and remodeling books, look at the pretty (and often unrealistic) pictures and get some ideas. Today we met with the contractor and the cabinet guy ... more, much more to follow.

NAME THIS BUG!

2006-09-16T20:38:00.000-07:00

We had dinner last night with Kaaren and Gary Netwig, and Kaaren mentioned this wierd bug they saw on their beach near the north Shore of Hood Canal.....She sent me the picture this evenng and since it was the most interesting (visual) thing that happened today, I decided it would be the post.

Ideas, anyone?

P.S. It was bugging me (pun intended), so I checked out our Audubon Field Guide and discovered this little critter is a BANDED ALDER BORER (aka Rosalia funebris), part of the beetle family; Habitat: Broadleaf woodlands; Eats dead wood of broadleaf trees.. Season: April-Sept....

Life can move on now that we know.

Changes in the weather

2006-09-13T21:32:00.000-07:00

It's been a glorious summer, but it time for a change in our Northwest weather. Today was cooler and cloudy and rain appeared in the late afternoon.

An early evening walk in the woods and a check around the garden shows the Dahlias in their last weeks of bloom. Soon I will dig them all up and pack them away for a winter hibernation.

A new blog link

2006-09-12T21:32:00.000-07:00

I received an email from my sister-in-law, Claire announcing a Blog she has just started. It's called "A Seat at the Table" and reflects some of her interests and beliefs as a Feminist, Catholic, and 60-year-old Woman. Some of you will scratch your head and find it a bit 'wierd', a few others that I know check this Blog occasionally may find it quite inetersting and thought provoking. I've added the link in our Link's section on the left. Enjoy ... and, Thank You Claire!

Never to early to start talking about the upcoming ski season

2006-09-12T08:47:00.000-07:00

A couple of Mickey's ski buddies (Keith, Fred and Art) came over last night to order their season ski passes for Crystal Mountain, eat some lasagna, drink some beer AND talk a bunch about sking, sking, sking. First things first, Mickey helped them get their ski passes using the online 'early buy' discount.

Yogi was in heaven with five dog lovers at his house. His evening included a tour of the woods, preview of the new well shed, and (I'm sure) some extra dinner.

Mastering the art of chopsticks

2006-09-10T05:01:00.000-07:00

For the last evening of Sarah & Lauren's visit to the Northwest, we went once again to Hakata's (Diana's become a regular in her short time here). Hailey loved drinking the Miso soup right from the small lacquer bowl, and Sarah got quite comfortable eating her Sushi with chopsticks (starting with a tasty Cucumber Roll).

No more kisses, Dad. I'm tired.

2006-09-08T22:04:00.000-07:00

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Lauren had gleefully accepted an extended period of kisses and hugs and tickling from her Dad while I scrambled to find the camera. By the time it was located and aimed in the right direction, the fun was over and she clearly told us it was time for bed.

Million Dollar Babies

2006-09-08T21:54:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Mickey showed the girls a few tricks on the speed bag tonight.

Perhaps we'll see them on the WWF tour someday?

Playing with Grandpa

2006-09-06T21:04:00.000-07:00

Mickey worked at engaging the girls in some reading this afternoon and generally distracting them from climbing the stairs or otherwise harmng themselves. We THOUGHT we had a relatively baby-proof home, but Sarah & Lauren have proved us wrong!

Sing Along

2006-09-05T21:01:00.000-07:00

We sing with Hailey quite often. One of our favorite songs is Take Me Out To The Ballgame. I particularly liked when she stops and asks where those pesky little girls are (aka: her Cousins Sarah & Lauren). When she finds out they are sleeping, she knows she has Grandpa and Grandma ALL TO HERSELF and proceeds on with the song.

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It's as tough as it looks

2006-09-05T20:28:00.000-07:00

We were trying to get a photo with Hailey, Lauren and Sarah together with us. We hadn't planned to have Yogi in the frame.

This gives you a good idea of the chaos.

Dancin' in the street

2006-09-04T14:53:00.000-07:00

New Trail in the woods

2006-09-04T14:41:00.000-07:00

This morning, three infants, 1-1/2 sets of parents and 1 pair of grandparents took a walk in the woods to check out the new connecting trail that Grandpa and Uncle Joe had put in a couple of days before.

Perfect (wet) Angels!

2006-09-01T20:58:00.000-07:00

Mickey and I gave the girls a bath today and what a grand (and wet) time for all! We finished the Spa treatment with a massage, blow dryer on the hair and a couple of drops of aromatheraphy oil on their faces and head. Ahhhhhhh!

Spoons, Spoons Everywhere

2006-08-31T22:20:00.000-07:00

At one point, I wasn't sure who owned which arm that was connected to which spoon! Diana THOUGHT she was feeding the girls but Lauren decided her mother was a little hungry, so she took it upon herself to feed her.

Dinner at Hakata's

2006-08-30T22:07:00.000-07:00

Hailey and her parents joined us for dinner at our favorite Sushi restaurant tonight. We were just a gang of nine, but when we left it looked like a battalion of ninety had been in our place. Luckily, we are frequent patrons....and, we left a big tip!

It was a lost cause to get us all smiling and in the same picture frame. I was just going for the "essence of the evening!

Lions, Tigers, Bears & Popsicles

2006-08-30T21:58:00.000-07:00

We had a great trip into Seattle, with a visit to the Woodland Park Zoo. The girls (young and old) just loved being out and about, but the guys (Dad and Grandpa) were interested in seeing the animals that could "kill you and/or eat you" (meaning: the petting farm is nice and quaint, but let's not spend all our time here). We saw some cool animals, walked through lush forests and heard sounds that made me think we were on an African Safari.

The girls favorite part of the day might have been the Strawberry popsicle bought as a lunch time treat.

P.S. I had posted a pic of all of us taken just before we left the park, but then went to Joe & Diana's Blog and they had the SAME photo! You'll have to link to their site to see our smiling faces.

ONE, TWO, BUCKLE MY SHOE....

2006-08-29T22:56:00.000-07:00

Great-Grandma Florence

2006-08-29T22:46:00.000-07:00

Mickey's mom, Florence was over on Sunday to celebrate her 85th birthday and spend time with her great-grandchildren. As she was leaving, she EASILY got down on the floor to give a last kiss and hug to each of the twins!

Tri-Babes continue to celebrate

2006-08-29T22:34:00.000-07:00

A subset of the Kitsap TriBabes gathered at a neighbors on Sunday evening for a final "High Five". Several of us live near each other and trained together, or carpooled to the BRICKS (remember: Bike-Run-ICK) during the weeks leading up to the triathlon. The sense of accomplished was great, the chance to spend time with some wonderful women was even better.

A 50th Birthday Party Celebration

2006-08-29T22:22:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday night we had a party in celebration of my upcoming 50th birthday. It was great fun -- the weather perfect, the food delicious (or so we heard), and most of my closest friends and family in attendance....I wish I could have bottled how I felt that night.

Lots of activity at Ioka these days...

2006-08-29T22:11:00.000-07:00

After the Triathlon was finished, Mickey and I kicked into high gear getting ready for the Birthday party celebration AND more importantly, the arrival of Sarah and Lauren (and their parents). After the purchasing and/or collecting of cribs and toys and baby food and diapers, the finishing touch was the installation of the TWO new car seats....

Very tired tri-athletes

2006-08-20T20:18:00.000-07:00

It's the end of the long awaited and much stressed over Triathlon weekend! Yesterday Steph and I headed over to Seattle to register, 'rack the bikes' and eventually meet up with our Support Crew. We all went over to a Carbo Load dinner with the training group from Kitsap County -- all 120+ Kitsap Tri-Babes and their families and supporters!

My swim 'wave' started at 7:29AM and Steph got wet about 30 minutes later. The good news -- I crossed the line (still standing) AND cut a minute or two off last year's time.

Ken, Mickey and Hailey were superb cheerleaders, dressed in matching Kitsap Tri-Babe supporter t-shirts.

Go Mommy! Go Grandma Betsy!

Peanut Butter with a dash of flea medicine

2006-08-18T20:03:00.000-07:00

Yogi is easily persuaded into taking his monthly flea/heartworm medicine when it's coated w/ a big spoonfull of peanut butter. In the past, he would eat everything in his food bowl and leave the pill practically untouched.

We have found yet another of his many food weaknesses!

BTW, can you tell I'm scraping the bottom of the blog posting barrel? Yikes!

"Surrender Dorothy"

2006-08-16T08:18:00.000-07:00

As we were mooring the boat last evening, I looked to the Southern skies and saw this.

(PLEASE... tell me you get the 'Dorothy' reference?? I will be so dissapointed if you don't!)

Whaling Days 2006 (revisited)

2006-08-13T13:32:00.000-07:00

Melissa Ford sent me a couple of photos from Whaling Days that depict the day pretty well. Another of Hailey at the starting line of HER race (what the heck is everyone yelling about?) ......her fan club waiting nervously by (remember all that we coached you)....her Trainer at his own race (Thank god, that's over. Where's the beer garden?)

Final prep for next week's Tri

2006-08-12T21:16:00.000-07:00

This morning 120 Kitsap Tri-Babes got together for an organized final prep for the Danskin Triathalon. We swam 1/2 mile, biked 13+ miles and ran about 2 miles (a mile short of the actual 'Sprint Tri' next weekend). This helps get us past the jitters and unknowns for the big event.

Steph, of course, looked barely winded when I passed her on my way out on the run and she was heading towards the finish line. The picture of the 2 of us is just before we started the swim, and then I asked one of the volunteers to take a picture when we all hit the water.

YAHOO!!!!

The Tax Man calls Florence

2006-08-11T20:58:00.000-07:00

Grandma Florence got a letter today from the IRS questioning her last year's tax return. She called her accountant REALLY SPUN UP!!!!!!!

This is a candid photo of Mickey, the accountant, after he had picked up the letter and was rechecking his numbers. His finger placement gives you a good idea on HIS mood.

Two against one (duo et mano?)

2006-08-08T18:52:00.000-07:00

Mickey, Ken, Yogi and I took a quick trip down the beach late morning for a -2.7 low tide, in search of the elusive Hood Canal Geoduck. We (I say that VERY liberally, as I only carried a shovel and the camera) came home with two and cooked up the delicacy as part of an early dinner. It amazing what a little garlic, olive oil, butter and garlic can produce. (We’re thinking of trying that same recipe on an old tennis shoe…..)!

Joe will smirk at the need for a Geoduck barrel (aka ‘gun’) and shovels. He was quite proud of his mano-et-mano fight he’d undertaken a few years ago. I was even able to find the old picture that recorded the occasion. Makes me proud, Joe!

Fish Fear Us.....(or, laugh at us)

2006-08-06T21:59:00.000-07:00

Yogi, Mickey and I went fishing for cuthroat this evening. We had a ton of hits, brought quite a few up and it was quite fun(ny). These little guys were obviously the slowest and weakest to get captured by us....It was Catch and Release, thankfully!

P.S. Ick, Ick, Ick...they are slimy little suckers; My actually TOUCHING them was ONLY for the photo op!

Establishing control over the inhabitants of Ioka

2006-08-02T21:26:00.000-07:00

Hailey spent about an hour or so with us this morning. By the time her parents arrived, she'd firmly established control over her Grandpa Mickey and Stubbs and was VERY close to wrapping Yogi and me around her cute little pinkie!!! ... we know it's only a matter of time.

It's official...the company has been sold

2006-08-01T20:40:00.000-07:00

Pitney Bowes to Acquire Print Inc.
"Pitney Bowes Inc. has signed a definitive agreement to buy 100 percent of the stock of Print Inc. for approximately $47 million. Subject to the completion of customary conditions, this transaction is expected to close during the third quarter of 2006.....".

Well, it actually closed yesterday, so the CEO invited a handful of long term employees for a blow-out evening in Seattle. He even invited his favorite employee spouse (Mickey) to join this select group of about 20. Since the pics from last night were too dark, I've included a pic from a past Sales Recognition trip to Mexico where Gary and Mickey bonded over Tequila.

Who knows how long I'll be employed with the new company. I don't really care, but I think my best strategy is to lay low and just see what happens.....

Good Bye, Ford's! See you soon!

2006-07-30T21:49:00.000-07:00

The Ford Family headed home to Portland this afternoon. We picked up Yogi after he'd spent the night with them and said our sad good-byes. We decided it might be time for a good soap & warm water scrub down as he'd spent almost every day for the past month in the Canal with Jasmine, Amanda and Salty.
We expect he'll be quite blue when he realizes his pals aren't coming to pick him up in the morning.

Family birthday celebration

2006-07-30T21:40:00.000-07:00

We headed to Seattle yesterday evening for my brother Hugh's 60th birthday celebration! What a great, great guy -- that looks pretty ridiculous with this combination baseball cap/birthday crown on his head.

Olympics 2024 Track & Field entrant

2006-07-30T21:15:00.000-07:00

Hailey ran in her first track race at Saturday's Whaling Day Run. While Mom and Dad competed in the 4-miler, Hailey spent time with her Sports Psychologist and Dietician. She completed the 25 yard kids dash in record time, assisted by her trainer (Dad), with her manager (Mom) waiting at the finish line. The athlete was a bit confused about half way down the course, and had a minor panic, but managed to cross the finish line with a personal best.

Go, Hailey, Go!!!

Summertime at Hillbend

2006-07-27T21:19:00.000-07:00

Hailey posing in her pool.

Hailey loves to put on any shoes that she can find.

Hailey in a cute outfit from Uncle Joe, Aunt Diana and her cousins Sarah and Lauren

2006-07-27T21:05:00.000-07:00

Hailey loved the birthday card with a picture of her cousins on it. It will be great for them to get together in about a month.

We love the dress Hailey recieved from her relatives in New Hampshire. Thank you Uncle Joe, Auntie Diana, Sarah and Lauren. Pink is her favorite color. We may have to wait a little while for the hair clips, but they are very pretty too. Hailey wanted to put them on as soon as she opened her present.

Huff's (and 1 set of Halls) Family Picnic

2006-07-23T08:12:00.000-07:00

Mickey and 3 of his cousins have been meeting every month for lunch for the last year (I've now named them the "Fourth Friday Boys"). They decided it was time to organize a gathering. Yesterday we meet at Bob Huff's house in Chico. Another HOT, HOT day, but fun anyway.
We even got a rare picture of Hailey with Great-Grandma Florence. Not a good one, but a picture, nonetheless.

Happy Birthday, Hailey! TWO YEARS OLD!

2006-07-21T22:39:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad and Grandma's and Grandpa's galore helped Hailey celebrate her second birthday this afternoon. It was a HOT, HOT day so the Birthday Girl lounged in her wading pool, drove around the backyard in her new Jeep and was otherwise feasted and feted by her adoring fan club.

It was with great determination that she tackled her cake and ice cream. All in all, another good day for Hailey!

Only 13-1/2 years until Hailey gets her driver's license

2006-07-21T22:07:00.000-07:00

...but who cares! Grandma Carolyn, Uncle Mike and Aunt Laurie got her a motorized Barbie Jeep (complete with CD type music system) for her birthday. She doesn't quite have the steering, forward power and braking combination yet, but it won't be too long. THEN, look out!

"Whaler's Rule!"

2006-07-20T22:05:00.000-07:00

Is life GREAT, or what!?!

A hot day on the cool water

2006-07-20T21:29:00.000-07:00

Roughing it in the wilderness

2006-07-19T17:13:00.000-07:00

Hailey and her parents set up a tent at water's edge for a sleepover last night. They have a beautiful (and huge) new tent, including a queen size blow-up mattress! (The camera woman was a bit off her game during tent set-up; So, no pictures). Mickey and I had our old, tired and slightly cramped tent that we 'shared' with Yogi. Yogi had his cushy bed, and we had some old camping pads. Needless to say, we're looking forward to our bed tonight!

No camp out is complete without s'mores over the campfire. The Fords joined us for dessert and brought their own skewers. Hailey felt no need to have her marshmallows toasted (or burned). She was trying to get as many of those white puffs of suger in her mouth as possible (until Mom and Dad noticed)!

Part A inserts into Slot B, which joins with Part G, which ...

2006-07-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

Here is Grandpa putting together a baby crib that's ready at a moment's notice for a sleep-over with Hailey and when Lauren and Sarah come to visit!

Ken's Triathalon

2006-07-16T21:17:00.000-07:00

With minimal training, Ken completed a Sprint Triathalon this morning with impressive results. His cheerind squad yelled him on through each of the stages and were hovering at the finish line when he cruised in looking like he'd just been out for a little jog.
WAY TO GO, KEN!

Jasmine & Amanda's Doggy Day Camp

2006-07-16T21:11:00.000-07:00

A glimpse of how Yogi spends his day with Jasmine, Amande and Salty.
No wonder he sleeps from the moment he gets home until they come to get him the next day. What a life!

Engineers gone bad

2006-07-16T21:03:00.000-07:00

New Card Game Unveiled

2006-07-16T20:42:00.000-07:00

Amanda Ford (age 8) developed, designed and produced a new card game named "FLOWERS" that we played Friday night after they had been over for dinner. It's loosely similar to "Go Fish", but SO MUCH MORE FUN! Once you 'go out', you have to put your hands on your head. Ken had stopped by to pick up Mickey's bike so he dealt in for a hand or two.

DOIN' THE DANCE

2006-07-13T08:13:00.000-07:00

I'm still practicing with this video posting......and obviously haven't got it all figured out! There really IS a video, so click on the square.

Bear with me...eventually I'll be producing bad feature length films! :)

Salty tries to engage Stubbs in play

2006-07-11T19:53:00.000-07:00

Salty hasn't been around many cats and was quite curious about Stubbs, the cat.

Stubbs, however, was waiting patiently and hoping to be provoked so he could show us all he's "King of Ioka". Salty kept his wits about him AND an appropriate distance.

Dinner on the deck

2006-07-10T21:50:00.000-07:00

A long time friend of Mickey's, Gary Netwig, came over tonight. A good meal and a couple of beers on the deck.

Other than a cool and grey early evening, it was quite delightful.

Heading out to take on Homeland Security?

2006-07-10T21:32:00.000-07:00

The mini-container ships are back in the Canal. We have heard they are running practice exercises as "escort boats for high value navy equipment". If you look closely (and enlarge) you'll see a surfaced submarine tucked in nicely between the 2 security boats AND several smaller boats protecting THOSE boats.

Mickey considered taking a run at them in the rowboat...then he reconsidered and just stopped at the dive bag hooked to the buoy to get a couple of waiting live crabs.