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