Gleðilegt Nýár...Happy New Year

To all of my friends, wherever you may be, may the end of this year find you in good health and in the company of your loved ones. To those who may be enduring tragedy and suffering on this eve of the new year, I hope and pray that you are soon visited upon by God's providence and receive that which you need to survive, regain hope and begin to rebuild your lives. For all of us, may the new year be a kinder and more gentle year than that which is departing. May each of us find something to treasure in every passing day, hold precious those moments spent with family and friends, and take the time to celebrate life itself at every opportunity...Gleðilegt Nýár og Guð blessi ykkur

[Listening to: Ég komst hingað ein - Nylon - 100% Nylon (04:27)]

Snjór!!!

Loks...Jáhúúúú!!!

[Listening to: Standing Still - Jewel - This Way (04:31)]

Let Us Be Thankful And Keep In Our Prayers Those Who Are Less Fortunate

"Asia earthquake toll still rising

The death toll from the undersea quake in southern Asia is continuing to rise relentlessly as relief teams reach outlying towns and more bodies wash up.

The known toll stands above 50,000 but estimates suggest thousands more are dead, many of them children.

CONFIRMED DEATH TOLL
Sri Lanka: 18,706 dead
Indonesia: 27,174 dead
India: 4,371 dead
Thailand: 1,516 dead
Maldives: 52 dead
Malaysia: 44 dead
Burma: 30 dead
Bangladesh: 2 dead
Somalia: 100 dead
Kenya: 1 dead
Seychelles: 3 dead
Tanzania: 10 dead"

excerpts taken from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4131437.stm

[Listening to: The First Cut Is the Deepest - Sheryl Crow - The Very Best of Sheryl Crow (03:47)]

La Lune Magnifique

I know that it is technically two days past being full, but I had occasion to enjoy the splendor of a winter night's full moon as I walked this evening. The night was still and the pine forest was shrouded in a veil of freezing fog, yet the earth's mantle of cold damp air was sheer enough to allow the light of the full moon to illuminate the forest trail. Reflecting off of the frost and being diffused by the fog, the moonlight was transformed into a surreal glow that encompassed all that it touched and transported one into some etheral plane where neither form no shadow exist as distinct states of being. To stroll through this scene is to walk on the edge of reality and to lose one's sense of self for a brief moment in time and to perhaps, for that same brief moment, have one's soul touch the natural world that we humans so often blindly stumble through. There is no doubt that moments such as these will surely be deducted from my time spent in heaven...O, Já!

[Listening to: My Immortal - Evanescence - Fallen (04:24)]

Merry Christmas To All...

I want to offer my sincere wish that only the very best that this season holds will find its way to your hearths and hearts on this most joyous of nights. When I count my blessings this winter's night, my first thoughts and warmest feelings are for those of you closest to me, those with whom I have shared my life, my love, my very soul; whether you are family, an old and trusted companion, a past love, or a new-found friend; whether you are close to home, travelling afar, or living in some distant land; it matters not, as once we have met, once our lives are shared, once our souls have touched; our destinies are then forever entwined and no amount of time or distance can ever truly seperate us so long as we each continue to hold one another close in our hearts. So, cherish and embrace your loved ones whom you can be with tonight, and think fondly of and hold close in your heart and dreams those with whom you cannot, for they shall be thinking and dreaming of you...and so shall I. Merry Christmas and may God continue to bless us all!

[Listening to: Green Eyes - Coldplay - A Rush of Blood to the Head (03:43)]

Gleðileg Jól!!!

To my new and treasured friends in Ísland, I wish you all of the best that Jól can bring to you and your loved ones. Y'all have enriched my life by sharing with me your language, culture, and country and have opened my eyes to allow me to look at this world from a different perspective. Birna, Elín, Kolla, and Marianna; you have been gracious enough to guide me through the painful (for you most especially;-) process of learning your language and along the way you have shared with me a small part of your lives. There is no greater gift that I could have asked for or received than friends such as you and that which you have given me...Guð blessi ykkur

[Listening to: Ást - Ragnheiður Gröndal - Ástarljóð (íslensk) (04:12)]

News Flash...Snjór Fyrir Jóladagur, Kannske

Well, it remains to be seen, but that is the latest forecast...what the heck, it is Christmas after all...you know, the season for miracles...and the Red Sox DID win the world series;-)...you gotta believe, right?...so...WAHOOO!!!

You know, perhaps the Jólasveinarnir were saving up for one grand gift to leave in my shoe...and that means that there is hope yet, Elín;-)

[Listening to: Ást - Ragnheiður Gröndal - Ástarljóð (íslensk) (04:12)]

Ich bin der Süßigkeitmann

Mom, dóttir Victoria, og ég(I am the one cooking;-)
Candy making time...and this years Pecan Pralines are superb, even if I do say so myself;-)...Ho Ho Ho

Bara Þrír Dagar Til Jóla

...and I am waiting for Bjúgnakrækir to leave me a little something in my shoe, finally!

[Listening to: Green Eyes - Coldplay - A Rush of Blood to the Head (03:43)]

Og Kannske Hljómleikar Orð Er Hæfa

Sometimes the words to a song speak so strongly to your heart,
you just know that they were written for you...
and someone!
Sometimes those words open your eyes,
and your heart,
to the truth...
and to that someone!
Sometimes!

[Listening to: The Scientist - Coldplay - A Rush of Blood to the Head (05:09)]

Afdrif...Er Það Hægt

You know I had not given it any thought until this morning, but this is my old team jacket for my favorite football team...the Minnesota Vikings! I have been a dedicated fan of this team for many, many years and find it a bit ironic now, considering my recent acquaintance with my Icelandic friends...the world is often smaller than we consider and our fates more entwined than we could ever imagine.

[Listening to: Green Eyes - Coldplay - A Rush of Blood to the Head (03:43)]

Jólatré Minn

I think that this might be the best Christmas Tree yet!

...And Just Where Are Those Jólasveinarnir?

Askasleikir, Hurðaskellir, and now Skyrgámur have come to town and my shoe remains empty. Even a potato would be welcome now...well, maybe not quite yet...

[Listening to: My Immortal - Evanescence - Fallen (04:24)]

Christmas Draws Near and Still No Snow

Well, my friends in Iceland have snow, but it is in short supply here. I am ever hopeful that each new dawn will greet me with a fresh blanket of snow...perhaps someone is saving it as a Christmas gift for me! I can only hope...vertu svalur, y'all

[Listening to: Ást - Ragnheiður Gröndal - Ástarljóð (íslensk) (04:12)]

Music Meant to Soothe The Savage Breast

Birna has shared with me a couple of Icelandic tunes that are just fantastic. "Ást", sung by Ragnheiður Gröndal, is one of the most beautiful songs that I have heard, especially when one learns the meaning of the lyrics. I had not heard Icelandic spoken until this and now I know that it is not only an intriguing language, but a beautiful one as well. Birna also sent me a lullaby, "Bíum Bíum ,Bambaló", and I have found it intriguing, with a rhythmic, soothing, almost haunting melody that I have caught myself humming or whistling many times since I first heard it. What a wonderful gift she has given me in sharing a bit of the "soul" of her language with me!

[Listening to: Green Eyes - Coldplay - A Rush of Blood to the Head (03:43)]

They Are Here!!!

We have returned from our jaunt over the mountains to the airport to pick up my parents and kids. I did not realize just how much I missed them until I saw them get off of the plane! John, my son, has grown so much since this summer that it is hard to believe and I constantly worry about missing out on being as involved with his up bringing as I could have been. Victoria, my daughter, is as beautiful as ever and seeing her only makes me painfully aware of how much I miss her when we are apart. But, this is the time for celebrating being together and cherishing the memories that this Christmas will leave with us. God bless us everyone...and He has, indeed!

[Listening to: Sunrise - Norah Jones - Feels Like Home (03:21)]

Jól Is Yet Another Day Closer

Ja, only 11 days left...will I see something left by Pottasleikir (Pot Licker)...I hope so, but if not then I will still be pleased. With my family arrriving on Saturday, Christmas will be exceptionally merry this year. I also have new friends and new traditions to explore and today I heard from my friend Forrest who has been out of touch for so long that I was worried about his well being. Indeed, Jól shall be a very happy time for me and I hope also for all of my loved ones...Guð blessi ykkur

[Listening to: Can't Get You Out of My Head - Kylie Minogue - Fever (03:51)]

Bið Til Þvörusleikir

Okay, I have faith in the old "Pot Scraper". He will not fail to leave me a little something in my shoe, I just know it!...vertu svalur

[Listening to: Breathe [Album Version] - Michelle Branch - Breathe [US CD] (03:32)]

Nú Giljagaur, Stúfur Á Morgun

Well, the "Gully Imp" has been about all day and it is almost time for Itty Bitty to arrive, and still my shoe is empty. But, as Elín pointed out, at least I have not gotten a potato, so maybe I have not been so bad after all;-) There are still quite a few Jólasveinarnir yet to come out of the hills, so I am ever hopeful....vertu svalur

[Listening to: Can't Get You Out of My Head - Kylie Minogue - Fever (03:51)]

Er Ég...Með Bringi!!!

Gaman, gaman, allur gaman! Þökk, Birna!

You are a Geek Girl! You're competent, eccentric, and proud to be exactly who you are. It also helps that you're the smartest person you know. Meeting a guy is not a challenge for you, as long as you're willing to pull away from the computer. There's a ton of geek boys who are dying for a girl exactly like you. What Kind of Girl Are You? Take This Quiz :-) Find the Love of Your Life (and More Love Quizzes) at Your New Romance.

Hmm...Ég Er Gaman?

Yay! You're Little Miss Fun!!


Which Little Miss are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Ég? Alveg!

You're Mr. Happy! Good for you! :D


Which of the Mr. Men characters are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Já, Að Fyrsti Jólasveinninn Er Kominn...Wahoo!!!

Stekkjarstaur (Gimpy) is due to arrive today, though he has not left me anything in the shoe that I have left on top of my monitor (that is my virtual windowsill;-), I am still hopeful. It probably will take him, and the rest of the Jólasveinarnir (Yuletide Lads, probably best described as elves to us Americans) a little while to get all of the way to Washington from Iceland. Even if Stekkjarstaur does not find me I will patiently wait for the rest of the lads to see if I have been good enough to get any presents...vertu svalur og glaður allan tímann líka

[Listening to: What You Waiting For? - Gwen Stefani - Love.Angel.Music.Baby (03:43)]

Sprucing Up for Jól

What a busy weekend...I have been painting, replacing window sills, and cleaning in preparation for my parents arriving next weekend to spend Christmas with us. Larry and I climbed up Badger Mtn. this morning before dawn so that we could catch the sunrise from on top. It was a nice sunrise, but a cold front blew in as we climbed so it was quite cold and windy! Today we are going to put up the jólatré and finish detailing what I started yesterday, so it will be a busy day also. I did finally get to chat with Birna yesterday and I really enjoyed our conversation, hopefully we will have the chance to chat every once in a while...she is pretty cool;-) Speaking of being busy, I guess that I had better get to work or I will never get finished...vertu svalur

[Listening to: A Thousand Miles - Vanessa Carlton - Be Not Nobody (03:57)]

Af Hverju Ég Hlakka Til Vetur

Victoria and John at Snoqualamie Pass
Here is a pic of my kids playing in the snow up in the pass a few years ago. Gaman, gaman, O já!

[Listening to: I Always Get What I Want [*] - Avril Lavigne - Under My Skin [Bonus Track] (02:31)]

Over Hill, Over Dale

I have just returned from driving over Snoqualamie Pass for the first time this season and I was not disappointed. It snowed going over, rained coming back, and the entire summit was cloaked in the soft, white mantle that it will wear until Spring returns. I am surely ready for winter and hope that it will be a long, cold, and wet one, o já!!!...vertu svalur

[Listening to: Walkin' on the Sun - Smash Mouth - Fush Yu Mang (03:27)]

Just A Good Movie

If you get the chance, go see "National Treasure". It is a good, clean, fun movie that actually has a plot, lots of action, good special effeccts, no nudity, very little foul language (I actually cannot remember any), the good guys win in the end, and they do not kill a thousand bad guys in doing so. All-in-all a very enjoyable two and a half hours of movie watching, and you won't even realize that much time has passed...vertu svalur og glaður allan tímann líka

Going Native Am I?

Y'all might have noticed that I am including a bit more of the Icelandic language as time goes on. Well, that is partially as a result of my having hooked up with my good friend Marianna some time ago and her willingness to help me along as I stumbled along trying to learn her language. Along the way, I have made some other Icelandic friends and they have been wonderful in their assistance as well. Birna, Kolla, and Elín have all been great at helping me along without making too much fun of me;-) though I am certain that it took a lot of restraint on their part not to be ROFL over my attempts at using their language. My thanks to you all, you are the best and make this fun! Ó, vel á minnst, geðjast leiðrétti minn íslenzka svo að ég endurbæta...líka þessi;-)

[Listening to: Can't Get You Out of My Head - Kylie Minogue - Fever (03:51)]

Já, Draga Fyrir Er Jóladagur

Thanksgiving is past, the leftover turkey is gone, I have just put the lights up on the roof, and next weekend we will put up the jólatré...all signs that Christmas is just around the corner. I even have a shoe on top of my monitor, just in case the Jólasveinar decide to visit this side of the world;-)...vertu svalur og glaður allan tímann líka

[Listening to: Why Can't I? - Liz Phair - Liz Phair (03:28)]

Ég? Kannske!

Which OS are You?
You just knew that I had to try this one!
Thanks for finding us yet another cool one, Elín:-)

It Comes On Little Cat Feet

Another absolutley gorgeous cold and foggy morning! I was out before dawn and it was truly beautiful and serene. I do so love winter and the way that it re-invigorates life; I could only wish that it lasted longer than it does..oh well, c'est la vie...vertu svalur

[Listening to: Heaven - Los Lonely Boys - Los Lonely Boys (03:47)]

A Little Taste of Winter

Finally, a wee bit of snow fell this morning! Of course it will not snow much nor stay very long, but it is nice to see that perhaps winter is really coming after all;-) It shall not be long before I shall be on the slopes, O já...vertu svalur

[Listening to: Why Can't I? - Liz Phair - Liz Phair (03:28)]

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope that everyone who celebrates this holiday had as good a time with friends and family as we did. There was plenty of food for all, a goodly amount of leftover turkey for sandwiches, and good company with all. The weather cooperated for us here and we managed to spend a good amount of time playing football outside to burn off some of the calories. All-in-all just a beautiful day and I wish all of the best for you, my friends, during this holiday season. Guð blessa!...ahem, fyrirgefið þér, það er "Guð blessi ykkur" (þökk, Elín;-)

[Listening to: Sunrise - Norah Jones - Feels Like Home (03:21)]

Þessi er Ég!!!

You are a Maine Coon! You are larger than life, a gentle
giant. You are independent, but very affectionate with
your friends and family.

What breed of cat are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

This caught my eye on Hno Hno's page and thought that it was just about perfect for us cat-lovin' folks;-)...thanks so much, Elín:-)

[Listening to: Dreaming Of You - Selena - Momentos Intimos (05:17)]

Hmm...Ég? Já, Nokkuð!

Take the quiz: "What does your birth month reveal about you?"

May
Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs no motivation. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Not having many children.Hardworking. High spirited. Spendthrift.

[Listening to: My Happy Ending - Avril Lavigne - Under My Skin (04:02)]

Gaman, gaman! Saw this on Ásta Sóllilja's page and thought that it was cool, though I am not certain that it ALL applies;-)

Another Friend Added

Well, I have decided to add Birna to my "Friends" list since she has been so tolerant of my butchering of her native language and willing to tutor me without making too much fun of me;-) She has also been great in sharing some spectacular views of her side of the world with this vagabond-at-heart...a good friend indeed:-)...vertu svalur og glaður allan tímann líka

[Listening to: Standing Still - Jewel - This Way (04:31)]

...And One More

Here is another one from Birna. This one reminds me of Mt. Rainier, though on a smaller scale, and don't you just love the pastoral feeling of this view?...vertu svalur

A Mountain Shared

Mount Esja
Here is one that Birna has shared. It reminds me a lot of Badger Mountain below, even if it is half a world away;-)

It Doesn't Get Any Closer Than This

Okay, the official recount is over and our Governor is Dino Rossi...again...for the moment. But, since he won by only 42 votes out of 2.8 million cast, there is almost certain to be a hand-recount called, and paid for, by the losing Democrats. That will take almost to Christmas and if the results are reversed...well, who knows! What a mess...Happy Thanksgiving and vertu svalur, y'all

A Stellar View

I do so love winter, especially being out before sunrise and enjoying the magnificent beauty of the stars and planets as they shine in a perfectly dark, moonless sky, their splendor all the more enhanced by the crystal-clear and cold winter air. Venus and Jupiter still grace the predawn sky and Orion, the hunter, is moving towards his place of dominance in the winter night sky. Líf er góður, O já...vertu svalur og glaður allan tímann líka

[Listening to: My Immortal - Evanescence - Fallen (04:24)]

Monday Morning Fun and Games

Spent over 3 hours today learning how to program the radio-frequency lighting controllers in our new Professional Development Center. Actually, I was working with the electricians and figuring these out together, since no one had any experience with them...now we all know more than we ever wanted to ;-) For my part, it was the best "training" that I could have asked for, especially since I will be the one responsible for keeping these going as well as reprogramming the lighting schemes to suit our changing needs; you know..."other duties as assigned." They actually are pretty cool to operate, as well as being pretty finicky to program...too much fun

[Listening to: I Will Remember You - Sarah McLachlan - Mirrorball (03:44)]

It Must Mean Something Cosmic...

The moon was sure out tonight and had one of the biggest rings around it that I have seen in a while. Of course I know that the ring is caused by ice crytals in the upper atmosphere reflecting the moonlight and that it is almost a sure harbinger of precipitation in the next 24-72 hours, but it still is simply beautiful in the clear winter skies...vertu svalur

[Listening to: How Do I Live [DVD] [*] - LeAnn Rimes - Greatest Hits [Bonus DVD] Disc 2 (04:26)]

Badger Mountain

Badger Mountain in Winter
Thanks to Birna, who reminded me that I had not posted any pic's:-)

Go Dino, Go...

The recount is underway to determine who our new Governor REALLY will be. I suppose that it is only prudent with only 261 votes seperating Dino Rossi (THE WINNER) and ol' "What's Her Name";-), but it sure is dragging the process out. If you want to keep track of how it is going, please visit the official recount website and, of course, Go Dino, Go;-)

A Sunrise With A View

Larry and I climbed Badger Mountain at sunrise this morning and it was a gorgeous morning, cool and crisp and perfect both for climbing as well as for taking in the fantastic view of the Tri-Cities and Columbia River. The Badger Mountain hiking trails are indeed worth preserving and I am hoping that the efforts of the "Friends of Badger Mountain" are successful in acquiring this area for the enjoyment of future generations. If not, then land developers will undoubtedly be constructing $750,000 homes on "view lots" all over this area within a few years. I think that it is time that I joined in assisting this group in this worthy endeavour and would encourage any of my fellow Tri-City hiking friends to do likewise. If you have not taken the opportunity to hike this area then you should in the near future and make up your own mind as to the importance of preserving this land for outdoor enthusiasts...vertu svalur, y'all!

[Listening to: White Flag - Dido - Life for Rent (04:01)]

...And a Hothead...Hmmm

Take the quiz:
Natural Disasters

Wild Fire
Even a smallest most innocent spark can start something that will eventually consume everyone around you. You are a wild fire.

Quizzes by myYearbook.com -- the World's Biggest Yearbook!

Perhaps We Will Have Two Governors

Two weeks after the election, one day left to count ballots, almost 3 million votes counted, and the current results are...(R) Dino Rossi (my guy) leads by a total of 33 votes! Talk about suspenseful, there is no way of knowing which way this will go tomorrow, except for faith of course, and armed with that I know that it is Dino all the way;-)...see y'all in the winner's circle...vertu svalur

What, Me Intense???

Take the quiz:
Which American City Are You?

Seattle
Your dark exterior masks a caffeine driven activism. You'll take up a cause and you'll get ugly to advance it.

Quizzes by myYearbook.com -- the World's Biggest Yearbook!

Ursula, aka "Pinky"

Gee Brain, what do you want to do tonight?

Starring Together as "Pinky and The Brain"

Now, tell me that you do not see the similarities! Uncanny, isn't it?

Phoebe, aka "The Brain"

The same thing we do every night Pinky, try to take over the world!

Cold, Damp, and Beautiful

Another foggy night and it appears as if we will be shrouded in fog for the next week or so...weather more typical of January. And, the Leonid meteor shower is coming on the 19th...oh well at least the fog is soft and tranquil...kinda peaceful, ya know...vertu svalur

[Listening to: My Happy Ending - Avril Lavigne - Under My Skin (04:02)]

Soft, Peaceful Mornings

All of the celestial events occurring in the early morning hours and we are solidly fogged in, wouldn't that just figure? I really do love the fog though, it gives the day a soft and almost sensual beginning. Life is indeed a wonderful thing...vertu svalur og glaður allan tímann líka

[Listening to: Standing Still - Jewel - This Way (04:31)]

Ég

I found this on Kolla's page and thought that it was way cool:-)(I left the Icelandic responses as they applied to me, at least I think so...my Icelandic is still pretty weak!) Please feel free to copy, personalize and post to your page to share a bit about yourself...vertu svalur, y'all:-)

Á maður ekki að vera með?

ever had a song written about you? - nei
what song makes you cry? - Elton John - Your Song
what song makes you happy? - Sheryl Crow - Soak Up The Sun

height - 1.95
hair color - dökkbrúnt
eye color - blue
piercings - nei
tattoos - nei
what are you wearing? - blue jeans and a cut-off sweatshirt
what song are you listening to? - Evanescence - My Immortal
what taste is in your mouth? - peanuts and iced tea
whats the weather like? - blautt, kalt og ógeðslegt
how are you? - couldn't be any better if I tried
get motion sickness? - nei
have a bad habit? - nei
get along with your parents? - já
like to drive? - já
boyfriend - nei
girlfriend - nei
children? - já, two
had a hard time getting over somone? -Já
been hurt? - Já
your greatest regret? - not having the courage to take a chance on love
your cd player has in it right now? - my "Love Sick and Blue" re-mix
if you were a crayon what color would you be? - purple
what makes you happy? - life
whats the next cd you're gonna get? - Cat Power - You Are Free

seven things in your room?
Bed, chest of drawers, mirror, alarm clock, backpack, my two cats Ursula and Phoebe (aka Pinky and The Brain), a spider building a web in the corner

seven things to do before you die...
skydive, bungee jump, scuba dive, surf Waimea Bay, visit Australia, rail from Lisbon to Vladivostok (via Reykjavík of course;-), see one more total solar eclipse.

top seven things you say the most...
Hey, cool, take care, have fun, see ya, couldn't be any better if I tried, I love you

do you...
smoke? - nei
do drugs? - nei
pray? - já
have a job? - já
attend church? - nei

have you ever....
been in love? - já
had a medical emergency? - nei
had surgery? - já
swam in the dark? - já
been to a bonfire? - já
got drunk? - já
ran away from home? - nei
played strip poker? - nei
gotten beat up? - já
beaten someone up?- já
been onstage? - já
pulled and all nighter? - já
been on radio or tv? - nei
been in a mosh pit? - nei
do you have any gay or lesbian friends? - já
describe your first kiss - heaven on earth, with my first real love
wallet - já, but empty
coffee - já, já, já
shoes - hiking boots and Tevas
cologne - JS

in the last 24 hours you have...
cried - nei
bought anything - nei
gotten sick - nei
sang - já
been kissed - já
felt stupid - já
talked to an ex - nei
talked to someone you have a crush on - já
missed someone - já
hugged someone - já

[Listening to: Standing Still - Jewel - This Way (04:31)]

The Morning Stars Are Out

If you have not taken the opportunity to go out in the pre-dawn hours and observe the eastern sky, you might want to do so in the next couple of days. The Moon, Venus, Jupiter, and perhaps Mars (depending upon your location) will be visible near the horizon in close proximity to one another and it is quite a sight, especially if the sky is clear...vertu svalur

Now This Is Fit and Fun At The Same Time

There was an article in todays newspaper about the pastime of "geocaching" and we decided to check it out. A quick visit to www.geocaching.com resulted in our registration as "geocachers" and an immediate sortie out this afternoon to find our first geocache. Not only were we successful in finding, examining, and signing the logbook of our first geocache but we also hiked about five miles in doing so as well as enjoying a view of our town that we had not seen before. Considering how many years I have spent in the back country and the fact that hardly a week goes by without me finding myself somewhere off of the beaten path; I am surprised that I had not heard of this activity before. Check it out for yourself and let me know what you think, but for me it is too much fun...vertu svalur og glaður allan tímann líka

[Listening to: How Do I Live [DVD] [*] - LeAnn Rimes - Greatest Hits [Bonus DVD] Disc 2 (04:26)]

Climb For Clean Air

Well I finally got signed up for this climb and next July I shall be summitting Mt. Rainier for a good cause; the American Lung Association. That is assuming that I can raise the $3,500 in pledges for ALA necessary to be included in the climb, but it certainly will be worth the effort either way. BTW, if anyone wants to contribute towards this effort then please check out www.alaw.org/morris;-) I can not think of a better excuse to put the time and training into this effort and I am sure that it will be a blast! So, now the work begins...vertu svalur

[Listening to: My Happy Ending - Avril Lavigne - Under My Skin (04:02)]

The Boys of Summer...Next Year

Tonight was our last softball games for the year and we finished on a high note. The weather was cool, rainy and windy but we had a good showing of our folks and one of the more fun teams to play against. We lost both games, but the last one we played them close. The umpire had a good sense of humor and everyone just had a great time. I can not think of a better way to end the year and have everyone look forward to playing next year. Now its time to get ready for snow boarding;-)...vertu svalur

[Listening to: I Want You - Savage Garden - Savage Garden (03:52)]

...But The Curtain Never Went Up

Three days of rain on the mountain pretty well shut down the Mt. St. Helens show, well at least the viewing of it;-) We did have three great days of camping and hiking up high on the mountain; I do so love the mountains in the rain. It was not cold enough to snow but that cannot be too far off...vertu svalur

Off to the Mt. St. Helens Show

I am off to spend three days on Mt. Rainier. With any luck, I shall be high up on the S/SE slope where the view of any activity in the crater of Mt. St. Helens ought to be just about perfect. Not that I am wishing anything unfortunate on anyone, but if it is going to erupt, why not while I have a front-row seat;-)...vertu svalur, y'all!

Fall Is In The Air

What a nice couple of mornings we have had recently. The air is crisp and it is down right chilly in the mornings. The maple trees in the neighborhood are starting to change color and the pumpkins are ready for picking and carving for Halloween. Winter is on its way, O ja!...vertu svalur (quite literally;-)

From the Boardroom to the Links...and Beyond

I must say that yesterday was quite the interesting day. It started early with me running out and helping the gang set up for our annual employee golf game and barbeque, then home for a wardrobe change and then off to the convention center for a "Technology Roundtable Discussion" withour US Senator Maria Cantwell. I was quite impressed with her ability to absorb information, process it and then relate it as first-hand knowledge shortly thereafter. I could actually watch her and see the process churning behind her blue eyes as we each briefed her in turn on our different areas of expertise. Them in a matter of less than an hour, she was in front of the cameras, answering detailed questions about these technical issues and answering them both completely as well as correctly. It kinda makes me proud that I voted for her, even if she is a Democrat;-) Then it was back to the house for another wardrobe change and then off to the park for the barbeque and games (I totally missed the golf game). We had a beautiful late-summer day, good food, great company, and lots of fun playing soccer, volleyball, and frisbee. We packed it all in late in the afternoon and called it quite the day...vertu svalur, y'all;-)

[Listening to: Walkin' on the Sun - Smash Mouth - Fush Yu Mang (03:27)]

Parade Pics!

For those who wanted to see what we were doing with all of our weekends, here ya go...enjoy!

[Listening to: The Boogie Bumper - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy [Interscope] (03:38)]

The Whole Parade Crew, Except Me

That's Me Driving;-) 

It Really Is About The Kids, After All 

Life Is a Ball...Game

We had a good practice tonight, but then we had better after our rather dismal softball game last Sunday. Of course, the whole point is to get together and have a little fun and we have done that. I do hope that we do a bit better this Sunday, at least well enough that folks won't get discouraged. With only five teams in our division, we will get to know each other quite well and it would be nice to at at least give them some competition. But, I guess as long as we continue to have fun and improve our game a bit each time then we should be happy, and I will be at that...vertu svalur

[Listening to: Tubthumping [Original Mix] - Chumbawamba - Tubthumping (04:39)]

101 Trombones Led The Big Parade...

It was the same old gang doing the parade circuit this morning, in Connell for their Fall Festival this time. Actually, Karen, Jeanne, Jake (Jeanne's 3-year old grandson), Laurel and I were there; with the addition of Jeanne's son, and Jake's father, Chad and Karen's daughter Crystal. Even though Sandy did not make it this time, we did coerce Laurel into being the "Educational Princess" and ride on the back of the convertible, with Jake in his usual place in the car seat and me driving. Chad carried the banner and the others worked the crowds handing out candy to the kids along the way. The weather cooperated and the early morning rain gave way to a cloudy, but pleasantly cool day that was perfect for the festivities. What fun!!! That makes three parades on three weekends in a row that we have put the good name of ESD 123 "on the road" in neighboring towns. What fun it is and why we have not done this before no one knows; who knows perhaps by next year we will be able to field a real float. Not that Karen's Mustang convertible, festooned with ESD banners, and all of us in our maroon and khaki company colors isn't all that shabby, after all we are a hit;-), but we know that we can do it up better with a little time to prepare. We try and remember that this was thrown together in just a couple of days and that we did not anticipate it going beyond the first parade. Anyway, there is a parade in Pomeroy on Friday and what a wonderful small town that is; I have always enjoyed spending time there and I am certain that this one will be the most fun of all...vertu svalur og glaður allan tímann líka

[Listening to: The Boogie Bumper - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy [Interscope] (03:38)]

Brrrrrrr!!!

I will echo my friend Marianna in this sentiment. The morning started off just gorgeous, even though a storm was forecast for the afternoon. So, you know me, I figured that I would climb up and meet the weather coming down, and that is exactly what happened. Between the dramatic drop in temperature and the howling wind and me in only my hiking shorts and boots and at about 9,500 feet up, I thought that I was going to freeze before I got off of the snowfields, but even worse was the rain down below Pebble Creek. It was a cold, stiff drive back to the house and I am now sitting at home trying to warm back up. Too much fun, ya know;-)...vertu svalur, O ja!

Salve For The Soul

I had forgotten just how beautiful and relaxing a gorgeous fall day in Seattle could be. I planned my trip so that I could catch the ferry from Bremerton to Seattle in the morning and it was just the perfect day! Great weather, smooth water, and no crowds. When I landed in Seattle, I parked and spent a couple of hours walking the waterfront, Pike St. Market and REI. It was an absolutely perfect day for just hanging out and enjoying the Seattle scene. Now, a day of meetings and then I am off to Mt. Rainier for a day or so of camping and hiking before I return home. Life is good and so...vertu svalur og glaður allan tímann líka

Morning Stars

I was out running in the pre-dawn hours this morning and chanced to see Venus and Saturn in conjunction before the clouds rolled in and hazed the sky over. What a beautiful sight, especially with Orion just to the right of the pair, beginning its rise to its usual place of prominence in the winter sky. I hope that y'all got the chance to see them also. Now off to work and another day of wrestling with the myriad amount of details associated with keeping the K-12 community connected and data flowing...vertu svalur

[Listening to: Good Woman - Cat Power - You Are Free (03:59)]

What A Week

We managed to pull off the All-Staff Day with only about two weeks prep time and I must say that it was prettty doggone good! It did take the efforts of a lot of dediated, hard-working people who scarificed their personal lives for the last week, as well as Jeanne and I putting in I do not know how many long nights working and worrying over all of the details but, in the end, it got done. Jeanne did a fantastic job pulling everyone and everything together; she has some great leadership abilities and of course she is exceptional working with people. Everyone loves her and would do anything for her and I do not think that anyoine else could have pulled this off anywhere near as well as she did, if at all. The new and improved sound system worked like a champ, though we still have yet to get the projection system totally ironed out yet. But, the Boss was impressed and was generous in his praise, especially for our Assistants that really did all of the hard work. THAT was appreciated by everyone, especially those of us that usually get all of the praise and don't deserve it all. We do have one Hell of a team of good folks and this really demostrated that to everyone. Now t catch up on my sleep and maybe even dream a little bit about...O' ja...vertu svalur

[Listening to: Maps - Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Maps (03:44)]

Back In My Groove, Almost

I finally got up this morning and ran again, after a hiatus of almost three weeks! I do not know why, but I just have been unable to get motivated. Hopefully I can now put that behind me, but I am sure that my funk is linked to the recent cooling off of things and now that we are on the upswing again (at least I think that we are, but it seems that one can never be too sure, you know;-) my overall attitude should improve. Anyway, feeling tired but pumped and ready to hit the day head on, so 'til l8r...vertu svalur

[Listening to: Crush - Jennifer Paige - Jennifer Paige (03:23)]

I Have Been to the Mountain...

We managed to survive the retreat intact, but the expected tension was indeed there and it really spoiled some of the fun that we could have had. The professional collaboration with the schools' staff was great though and we did manage to have fun with the staff barbeque on Monday. I had four grills going at one time as well as cranking out some home-made ice cream; all-in-all we fed twenty-five folks and did so in fine fashion. Everyone ate, drank and made merry and then followed it up with a couple of hours of karaoke. It sure did make for a bleary early morning work session on Tuesday, O' ja...vertu svalur

[Listening to: White Flag - Dido - Life For Rent (03:40)]

Upwards and Onwards

Well, the phone system re-configuration is almost complete, the sun is shining, and I am three days into a week without my friend. What an empty feeling this week has left in me; I cannot wait until things return to normal. This weekend we are all off to our annual retreat with our small-school Superintendents in the mountains of Oregon and I am certain that it will be fun as usual. There is no doubt that we shall be under close scrutiny from all sides while together there and it therefore will be more important than ever that we act most correctly. Hmm...what a wickedly wonderful thing this life is; O, ja...vertu svalur

[Listening to: I Don't Blame You - Cat Power - You Are Free (03:05)]

Just Another Day In The Life...

In this era of gigabit networking over laser beams you would think that we would have the transmission of voice over copper lines down to a science, but then you would be...WRONG!!! Having spent another day watching and listening to technicians try to unjumble the mess that they have created out of our telephone system I am still awe-struck by the experience. I suppose that I should derive some small comfort from the knowledge that we do not understand everything about the way that the universe works after all, but then again I am trying to keep an office up and doing business. Well, we did manage to get the majority of the system functional and there is always tomorrow. I am beginning to think that I need a vacation before school starts myself, so perhaps I will follow Marianna's example and get out of town for a week. Hmmm, now if I can only figure out when...vertu svalur

[Listening to: Werewolf - Cat Power - You Are Free (04:08)]

Off to Paradise...Finally

Okay, well the day is almost gone but I am finally out of here and headed off to Mt. Rainier for what is left of the weekend. Cy'all and, of course,...vertu svalur

[Listening to: Free - Cat Power - You Are Free (03:34)]

Weekend Put On Hold...For Now

Well, it appears as if the mountains will have to wait at least one more day. The phone system vendor did a less than stellar job of re-configuring our system and we shall now have to continue the work tomorrow morning. At least the group hike up to Muir is not until Sunday, so that will not be jeopardized. I also got the chance to speak to Claudia's daughter, who recently graduated from high school, this evening. She has experessed an interest in becoming a fire fighter so I had the opportunity to impart to her my perspective on that career. She actually found it funny that after over twenty years of fire and rescue work, my one overall comment on my experience was that it was "a rock-solid blast", but then that is indeed it in a nutshell and she got it straight up. I hope that it leads her to explore it further, for there is no better career in the world, as long as you have the mentality for it. So, until tomorrow...vertu svalur

Just Another Weekend in Paradise

Just got finished talking with Julie and Carrie and we are all set to get together on Sunday and hike back up to Camp Muir. I know that this seems like it is getting old, but what fun it is and it will be great to see them again and spend the day catching up on "things". Anyway, after spending a week on this emotional roller coaster I could stand a strong dose of outdoor therapy. Besides, it is about time to start shopping (see Marianna, I really do shop when in a funk;-) for a new board for the upcoming season and that always puts me in a good mood. cya and, of course,...vertu svalur

[Listening to: The First Cut Is the Deepest - Sheryl Crow - The Very Best of Sheryl Crow (03:47)]

The View From Not-Quite-The-Top

What a fantastic day on Mt. Rainier! I did manage to get over the night before and up and on the trail on time. The climb up to Pebble Creek was easy and I certainly could tell the difference that a month of conditioning has made. The trek from there up to Camp Muir was strenuous, but I did make some acquaintances along the way and sharing the day with these new-found friends certainly made the experience that much more memorable. The weather was picture-postcard perfect - temperature in the 70's, clear azure-blue skies, not a breath of wind and an inexhaustible supply of sunshine...absolutely fantastic! On such a day I can think of no more beautiful and serene place to be than high up on the snowfields of Mt. Rainier. I lounged at camp Muir for a bit, talked with some of the other hikers and climbers, then reluctantly started down. I met Sheila and Cathy as I was running and skating down the upper snowfields and hiked/ran/slid/skated the rest of the way down with them. I always enjoy meeting new friends and some of the nicest that I have met have been while hiking and climbing. In fact, I have just received an e-mail from Julie and am now planning on returning to the mountain next weekend to join her an Carrie on a hike back up to Muir. What a great summer this has turned out to be; spending most of my weekends camping, hiking, and climbing; meeting some truly special people; and enjoying life as much as I can. Well, once again it is getting late and slumber beckons as another work week trails just behind the looming sunrise. So, until next time...vertu svalur, y'all;-)

[Listening to: Sunrise - Norah Jones - Feels Like Home (03:25)]

Off To The Mountain...Almost

I shall be hitting the road as soon as I get the new phone system up and running tomorrow so I may not have the chance to post again before I return. The weather promises to be absolutely drop-dead gorgeous and I plan on getting an early start and climbing up as far as I can before having to bail off, certainly at least as far as Camp Muir. I cannot think of a more beautiful place to spend a sunny, blue-sky day than on the snowfields of Mt. Rainier. I only hope that y'all have at least as good a weekend as this one promises to be...vertu svalur

[Listening to: Love Bites - Def Leppard - Hysteria (04:17)]

And What A Thoughtful Friends She Is...

Marianna is a doll for taking the time and trouble to translate some posts on her page so that I can start learning some Icelandic, hopefully without me causing some kind of international incident by my crude attempts;-) Though if nothing else, it shall undoubtedly be fun...O, ja...vertu svalur

[Listening to: My Immortal - Evanescence - Fallen (04:24)]

My Thanks To A New Friend...

Please note that I have put up a "self-portrait" picture in my profile. I have also added a place for links to "My Friends" pages on the sidebar to the right. For the inspration to finally make these changes, I must thank Marianna, my new-found Icelandic friend, whose page is at the top of the list (actually it is the entire list for right now;-) But, for now the night grows long and the dawn draws nigh, so 'til the morrow...vertu svalur (that's Icelandic for "bCool", you know;-)

[Listening to: I'm With You - Avril Lavigne - Let Go (03:43)]

Working For The Weekend (Again)

I just found out that my weekend hike on the snowfields of Mt. Rainier will be solo, again. I might drop Julie a line and see if she would like to join me, but then again, perhpas I shall just wing it and see who I meet this time. At any rate, it should be an absolute blast! I am certain that the weather will be perfect and I will be on the slopes early. Too much fun...bCool

[Listening to: Nothing Compares 2 U - Sinead O'Conner - Faster Than the Speed of Night (05:16)]

Working on The Weekend

All in all, not too bad, two new servers up and running, network prepped for Server 2003, the first 2003 domain controller on-line, catching some rays while the software loads and taking in the air show at the same time.  Boy, networking is sure tough work sometimes;-)...bCool

[Listening to: The Way You Love Me - Faith Hill - Breathe (03:07)]

What a Year It Will Be...

An update to the previous weekend's post; I was actually successful in making contact with Julie by e-mailing Rainier Mountaineering and having them forward it along to her.  She summits this weekend, so it will be interesting to see how she did.  I have also talked Larry, an OSPI staffer in our office, into climbing Rainier with me next year this time.  Jeanne and I were talking the other day and we are going to get a bunch together to whitewater raft, skydive, parasail and anything else that the group has left on their lifetime "I wanna do this before I get too old" lists.  Sounds like an interesting year coming up.  Anyway, here I am, missing Victoria and John, trying to squeeze all of the fun out of life that I can, and still babysitting three little kittens.  cya...bCool

From Atop A Mountain...

I could not have picked a more beautiful day to hike on Mt. Rainier, crystal-blue skies, lots of sunshine, no wind, and absolutely perfect temperature. I also could not have lucked upon a better time to climb up than I did, as I ran into two great gals, Julie and Carrie, on the trail. We passed each other on the trail several times before we chanced to talk and then ended up talking as we hiked and before I knew it, we were climbing together. We are all of the same generation and enjoyed chatting as we climbed, so much so in fact that we ended up climbing most of the way to Camp Muir before time dictated that we end the day. We then spent a while up around 8,700 foot elevation, resting, chatting, and eating. We then climbed down and parted ways at the parking lot, after noting that all three of us drove the same SUV, Chevy Blazers! They really did make the day for me as it gave me someone to share the experience with and I would enjoy hiking climbing with them again sometime. They also kept my pace down to where I had one of the best days I have ever had hiking and managed not to over-exert my recovering hamstring! Unfortunately I did not get any contact info for them before they left! Well, I do love a challenge, so I will have to figure out some way to contact them. Julie was conditioning for the American Lung Assoc. of Washington's annual Mt. Rainier summit climb next weekend. What a great cause and a great excuse to climb the mountain; you can bet that I shall be there for this event next year. Anyway, time for bed, gotta work tomorrow. Cya...bCool

[Listening to: Thousand Miles from Nowhere - Dwight Yoakam - Dwight Live (04:29)]

Just Another Day In the Life...

Interesting day...started it with a good run and kept on Victoria's (that's my daughter) heels the whole way, I don't think that she was expecting that. I told her that I would beat her at least once before our summer is up...we shall just have to wait and see;-) It looks as if I shall have this weekend all to myself on the snowfields of Mt. Rainier; everyone else has plans and I am determined to get in some hiking above Paradise, even if it is by myself; too cool! Besides, I need to scout out some good back country snowboarding spots that Barrett told me about, so first Paradise Glacier and then perhaps the Pinnacle Peak area; way COOL!!! Work was hectic, but the camaraderie was great and the day was over before I knew it. It really is the people that you work with, not the work that you do, that makes the job what it is, or isn't. Of course, some are better than others, but then that is a story for another day, so until l8r...bCool

[Listening to: My Immortal - Evanescence - Fallen (04:24)]

'Til The Morn

Time now for sleep, to slip into the shadowy world of our dreams where we can indulge ourselves in the lives and loves that we dare not let intrude into our conscious world...bCool

[Listening to: Love Bites - Def Leppard - Hysteria (04:17)]

Now this song really tugs at one's heart strings...le sigh

[Listening to: Dreaming of You - Selena - Dreaming of You (05:18)]

What A Weekend!

Well, we are now at the end of another weekend and I must say that this one was absolutely GREAT! Two days on Mt. Rainier with Victoria and John, camping and hiking up in the snowfields above Paradise. Crystal-blue skies, 60 degrees and no wind; there is indeed no more beautiful place in the world on such a day as that! Not to mention the peaceful communing with the forest, the mountain and each other; I do not beleive that we have had as good a time in many years...priceless;-) We followed that up with a day at Charbonneau Park swimming, frisbee'ing, and catching some rays; and then spent the evening at the River of Fire fireworks display. Today b-ball, trampoline, yardwork and a quick stop by the office (which made my day;-); again, just about a perfect end to a perfect weekend. Life is so good I just cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings...bCool

[Listening to: Maps - Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Maps (03:44)]

I like this one!

[Listening to: Nothing Compares 2 U - Sinead O'Conner - I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got (05:14)]

Off Together For Just A Bit

We just returned from a couple of days spent camping and hiking on Mt. Rainier It was absolutely gorgeous weather and we hiked up above Paradise in the lingering snowfields of the early summer. I think that this was actually good for the rehab on my hamstring; so much so that I plan on soloing the snowfields again next weekend after I drop the kids off at PDX. We ran into our friend Ranger Barrett Frobose again! When we lasted parted, he was heading off to bigger and better things, so imagine my surprise when he turned up again. It seems that he has worked his way up to Lead Interpreter at Ohanapekosh as well as being frocked as a Supervisor. None of this surprises me, of course; the first time we met him I was immediatley impressed by his knowledge, professionalism, maturity, and communications ability. There was no doubt in my mind that his potential would only be bounded by his ambition and this has apparently been borne out by recent events. Well, it looks like we shall enjoy his company for a few more years as a result. This was the best two days that John, Victoria and I have spent together. We spent the time enjoying the peaceful beauty of the forest and mountains, talking about life, and genuinely enjoying just being together. All of that and having the quite twilight hours to dwell in the halls of my dreams. Priceless, 'nuf said...b

[Listening to: The First Cut Is the Deepest - Sheryl Crow - The Very Best of Sheryl Crow (03:47)]