And Then They Were Gone

After an emotional and fun-filled week, Victoria and Jarrett flew out of Sea-Tac to day and headed home. I did enjoy their company, Victoria certainly has developed into the bright, pretty and charming daughter that every father wishes for and her beau Jarrett actually seems to be a nice guy (doggone it;-). I will miss Victoria's companionship and Jarrett's good humor, but it is now time to start putting my life back together and that I must do by myself. But, before they left, we wandered through downtown Seattle, managed to make some new friends in the form of four foreign visitors; David, Frank, Tomiaka and Jus; from Belgium, China, Japan and France, respectively.

These young men are visiting our country, heading for southern California, travelling and sleeping in a Chevy Van...too much fun. We met when they were in need of a tire being changed and kept crossing paths with them until we finally asked them to join us in a walk down to the waterfront and ate with them at Ivar's, Victoria's favorite place to eat in Seattle.

They are a bright group of young men enjoying life and we left wishing them well in their journey.

On our return stroll through downtown, we ran into an old acquaintance...a clever young man who entertained us on New Year's Eve at the Space Needle. We had another good laugh recalling his quick wit and good nature...it is often remarkable the way in which we make friends as we travel through this life, but always a wonderful experience:D

After a tearful good-bye, I watched as Victoria's plane departed and headed back home to face whatever tomorrow brings...

...it should prove to be an interesting New Year indeed.

Celebrating the New Year in Style

Victoria, Jarret and I decided to make the most of the opportunity to celebrate New Years and not anything dampen our holiday spirit. Besides, I had a promise to keep about having as much fun as I could in the new year and I always keep my promises...ALL of them;-) So, here is what we did...




So, who knows what the new year might bring, but if this is indeed to be the "Year of Togetherness" for those in love, then I suppose that there could be worse things...for all of us who are in love;-)

Gleðilegt Nýtt Ár

On this eve of another new year, one filled both with opportunity and uncertainty, I wish to offer to my friends and loved ones, wherever they may be, my passionate hope that at the dawning of 2007 we will find---

A renewed sense of hope and optimism for all of mankind, everywhere
That we all, no matter our differences, treat each other as brothers
And walk life's path hand-in-hand with our sisters.
That no child should ever again go to bed hungry
And that genocide, global-warming and pandemics are all just a bad dream
That all who know me will always think fondly of me,
And that no one, anywhere, should ever consider life to be so hopeless as to end it prematurely.
May we always find the time to take pause in our lives to stop and smell the roses,
That we never miss an opportunity to say to our loved ones, "I love you!",
And that we always, always, always, remember to hug our children and remind them that they are the reason that God smiles!
I can only hope that y'all have the opportunity to love life as much as it deserves to be,
That life is as kind to you as you deserve it to be,
And that you share your love with all those you hold dear and close in your heart.
May y'all enjoy the Happiest of New Years and know that all of my best wishes and love go out to you, no matter the distance between us,
For how hollow would our existance be indeed, if it were not for the love that we share!

She Is Here...and So Is He

I picked up my daughter Victoria and her boyfriend Jarrett from the airport yesterday. Omigosh it was great to see her and catch up on what has been happening in both of our lives over the past few months and, for once, I had more to talk about than she;-)

Of course, her and I simply pick back up from where we left off last, so it is just a warm and comforting conversation, even when covering the more difficult aspects of our lives...I am so very glad that she is here:D

Jarrett seems to be a very nice young man and they do seem happy together and definitely in love. I hope to get to know this guy who is so important in my not-so-little-anymore girl's life, but am certain that her good judgement held sway when they chose to become friends.

Anyway, I look forward to an enjoyable week spent with these two...and who knows, I might even get to like this guy;-)

Christmas For Just The Two Of Us...For Now

Despite all of the recent turmoil, John and I did enjoy being together for Christmas, even if the most important people in each of our lives were with us in spirit only;-)

He's Finally Here!!!

My son John has finally arrived to spend Christmas week with me. I picked him up at the airport in Seattle today and was I surprised at seeing him. He has grown another couple of inches and now stand only abut 2 inches shorter than his Dad (that would be me;-) Of course, being my progeny, he is strappingly handsome, blonde-hired and blue-eyed, athletic in build...a real heart-breaker-to-be, I am certain. Seriously, I am so very proud of the tall, handsome, well-mannered young man that John has turned out to be. In light of his mother and I divorcing when he was 7 years old, I have always been concerned about any latent ill effects that this might have had on his personality, yet here he stands at 16, tall, intelligent, well-adjusted and articulate...everything that I could have expected from a son of mine...and more. God has truly blessed me in having John as my son and I plan on us having as much fun as we can in the short time that he is here.

What European City Do You Belong In?

You Belong in Dublin

Friendly and down to earth, you want to enjoy Europe without snobbery or pretensions. You're the perfect person to go wild on a pub crawl... or enjoy a quiet bike ride through the old part of town.

What European City Do You Belong In?

Take Time To Smell The...Leaves

As we all rush through our busy lives, too often we overlook some of the simpler, subtler and more precious of this world’s pleasures. The fall season is now full upon us, with the first breaths of frost coaxing from the trees the full spectrum of their fall colors; golden yellows, brilliant oranges, and, finally, the fiery, blazing reds that catch our eye…and cause us to catch our breath. Indeed, ere too many days are past, we shall be visited by the first snows of winter, so if you have not yet done so, I entreat you to take time this week to enjoy what may very well be the last few glorious sunny days of the season. My new-found autumn haven is a secluded, soft, grassy hill where one can lay in the warmth of the afternoon sun, gaze dreamingly into the sapphire-blue sky, enjoy the rich, earthy smell of damp fallen leaves, and feel the cool tingle of the fall breeze on one’s skin; giving one cause to think longingly of the waning days of summer. Share, if you can, these moments with a good book, the company of a dear friend (even if only by cell phone;-) or the loving memory of someone whom you hold close in your heart, if not in your arms. For surely these are the days that God created to allow us a brief glimpse of what wonders as might await us in heaven and it would be tragic indeed if we did not take pause and embrace them.

Er Þessi Ég? (Is This Me?)

Your Rising Sign is Gemini

You often feel torn between two dominant personalities. Sometimes you're adaptable and friendly; other times indecisive and unsure. No matter what, you're the life of the party or conversation. Witty and talkative, you entertain with your stories and gossip. It's a bit difficult for you to finish what you start - jobs, friendships, relationships... There's so much you want to try. You often bite off more than you can chew.

What's Your Rising Sign?

School Days, School Days...

It looks like I may have survived my first university exams in over 15 years My Pre-Calculus test was the toughest and most important, but I think that I did well, even with life and work competing with my studying. The class is small, only about 10 regular students, but the instructoir is good, contrary to the reputation of CBC's Math Dept. I am glad that this class is going well, since math is going to be such a large part of my astro-physics studies. Now, I have to get back to homework and packing for my flight over to Seattle for a couple of days of meetings. See y'all later!

What Planet Should I Rule?

You Should Rule Jupiter

Huge and hot, Jupiter is a quickly turning planet with short days and intense gravity. You are perfect to rule Jupiter, because you are both dominant and kind. You have great strength and confidence, but you never abuse your power. You are always right. Even if you make mistakes, you compensate for them... before anyone knows it. Headstrong and ambitious, you always have a goal in mind. You are optimistic and believe thing things will always work out.

What Planet Should You Rule?

A Magical Moment in the Sun

Saturday I climbed up past Summerland on the east flank of Mt. Rainier and made my way up over Panhandle Gap. In fact, I think that this hike/run constituted a "personal best" in terms of speed and endurance over the approximately 15 miles that I covered that day. I say that "I think" because I never take such things seriously enough to actually time them...life is too short;-) At any rate, I literally ran the 2+ miles up from Summerland, over the gap and out on the ridgeline to a point overlooking the Sarvent Glaciers, and then back again, racing nightfall the whole way...too much fun!

During my trek I did find a rock outcropping that projected out over the Sarvent Glacier, some 500 feet below. I climbed out and sat there on the edge of oblivion, enjoying the cool air, deep blue skies and last vestiges of warmth from the late afternoon sun, all the while looking out over the Fryingpan Creek valley and marveling at the pristine mountain beauty displayed before me. This late in the day there was not another soul within miles and I truly felt as if all of this magnificence was placed there for me to enjoy.

Just when I believed the moment to be as perfect as possible (well, except for...you know;-), a pair of golden eagles soared around the edge of the canyon, flying towards me over the icy expanse of the glacier below. Taking notice of my presence, they abruptly reversed their course, letting loose a loud, piercing screech, seemingly voicing their displeasure at my unwanted intrusion into their domain. Then, as they turned, banking and exposing their undersides to the setting sun's soft, warm light, they literally exploded in a brilliant display of amber and gold, rivaling the beauty of the sun itself. Then they were gone, leaving me sitting there alone, breathless in my wonder at the magnificent display of nature's beauty that I had just witnessed.

The lengthing of the shadows from the mountain behind me presaged the coming of darkness, hastening my departure and lending urgency to my descent back towards civilization. Although I climbed down the mountain that day, I left behind me on that rocky outcropping an imprint of my soul and took with me a renewed appreciation of nature's beauty and a re-invigoration of my spirit that will surely sustain me for many days to come.

Ah, Campus Life...Again

Okay, so it has been over ten years since I went to school, and thirty since my last university math class, but I still tested out in the 34-52% range in algebra and trigonometry...good enough to skip a semester of pre-calculus. I started out this morning just planning on testing and then starting class next week. I ended up spending the entire day at the college; testing, counseling, registering, buying books *ugh*, paying tuition (NOT...being a state employee;-) and finally attending my first pre-calculus class tonight *PHEW* What a day it was, and what a blast I had...even I could not believe the effect just being back on campus had on my enthusiasm and energy level...I was so excited that I was told that I was acting just like a little kid on Christmas morning...and that is exactly how I felt:D I just hope that the enthusiasm lasts for the next 10 years or so, for this, that is...I know it will last a lifetime for her;-)...but, until it wears off...JAHUUUU!!!! (on both sides;-)

Erin Gruwell!

Last night I had the pleasure of listening to and meeting this famous author of "The Freedom Writers Diary", which is a compilation of writings by an amazing group of disadvantaged, inner-city students of hers. As amazing as her students and their stories are, they are nothing in comparison to her...charming, eloquent, dynamic and inspirational...AND a fellow revolutionary, fighting the good fight against bureaucracy and the sterile, stereotypical treatment of human beings. The experience of hearing her speak in person and getting to actually meet her touched and absolutely enchanted me. If y'all have not had the chance to read this book, I would encourage you to do so...I am about to read it again for the third time...and watch for the movie, due out towards the beginning of next year...I'll be at the screening, too cool!:D

Bumbershoot Rocks...and So Do The Veronicas!!!

I spent the day yesterday in Seattle at the Bumbershoot music festival. The music was fantastic, with the Steve Miller Band, Copeland, and Sparta among the groups that I took in while there. I ended the day with The Veronicas and Jess and Lisa did not disappoint me...they were every bit as beautiful, charming and rocking as I imagined them to be...especially Lisa *sigh* (I caught her eye early on in the concert and I have been smitten every since;-) Their music was even more awesome in person and I will catch them every time they are playiing anywhere even close to me. Of course, there were quite a few local artisits occupying the street corners and they were every bit as entertaining as the big name bands. Being Seattle, it was at least as much fun watching the people as it was the bands. Folks of every size, shape, description and mental state were out in profusion. The day was picture perfect, sunny, blue skies, warm, just made for laying out in a sunny spot in the grass and listening to a rock band bang it out on stage in front of you. I cannot think of a much more enjoyable way to spend Labor Day and I will be back next year, once again!

Back to School!!!

After a 10 year hiatus from furthering my education, Friday I enrolled as a student at Columbia Basin College with the intent of beginning my life-long goal, that of acquiring a PhD in Astrophysics. Okay, I know that it sounds like a fairly lofty goal and I must admit that it does seem daunting, even to me, but you know, if I never get started at it I will most certainly never complete it. Besides, I estimate that it will take 10-15 years for me to achieve my goal, given that I shall have to continue working full time during that period. But what an amazingly satisfying achievment it shall be when I complete it...I just can't wait for the first class to start:D I shall be taking my mathematics pre-requisiites at CBC and then transferring over to WSU to continue on toward my doctorate. All that it took to get me started is for me and my best friend to agree to nag each other until we both started on our goals...she started working on her MBA this fall at WSU and now I am off and running towards my PhD. It shall be interesting to see which of us gets the furthest and how fast we get there, though in the end the most important thing is that we accomplish something...and, of course, it is always more fun to do it together;-) See y'all around campus, dudes:D

Back From Paradise

Our trip to Glacier was absolutely spectacular. We hiked over 75 miles across the Continental Divide, walked through some magnificent country, saw grizzly bears, were chased by a forest fire and soaked up as much of the high-alpine country of this beautiful place that we could. Check out the pictures at the usual place, I promise to caption them soon. I can best sum it all up by saying that we are planning on returning next year to explore some more (especially the places the fire kept us away from this year;-) Vertu svalur, y'all:D

The View From Above

Off To Glacier

Well, I am off to Galcier National Park for a much-needed 10-day holiday of hiking and climbing. I have been trying to get here all of my adult life and it looks as if I will finally succeed. From all that I have heard, it is backpacking's Mecca and I might just have so much fun that I won't come back;-) Watch for the pics in a couple of weeks...vertu svalur, vini minn;-)

A Fire In The Sky

I took advantage of a brief respite in the sultry summer nights of late and once more took to the hills at midnight, enjoying the first cool evening in over a fortnight. I eventually outran civilization, escaping the glow of the city and passing beyond the desert hills that normally hide the southern sky from my view. I found myself standing in awe at the vast expanse of starry sky that lay spread out before me, resplendant in a beauty usually reserved for the dark, cold nights of winter. There, center stage, lay Scorpio, menacingly poised in its eternal pursuit of the mighty hunter Orion, preceded in its traverse of the heavens by the brilliantly illuminated planet Jupiter, who seemed to pause momentarily before slipping out of view below the western horizon. The archer Sagittarius followed behind Scorpio, completing the procession of the prominent summer constellations that marched across the sky before me. As I stood there, I was enveloped in a cool breeze that momentarily caused me to forget the blistering heat of the day. But ere that memory was washed from my conciousness, my gaze was drawn to the center of Scorpio's wide expanse by an intense red glow in the heavens...Antares, a distant, yet massive red super-giant star, a red-hot ember that seemed to smolder in the darkness of the night, reminding all who viewed it that despite the refreshing coolness of the evening, the morrow would indeed witness the return to dominance of summer's province. It was under the baleful glare of that siren of summer that I turned homeward, knowing that when sleep finally o'ertook me, I would once again dream longingly of Father Frost's coming and welcome the passing of the season of the sun.

The Way To The Top

John and I spent our last day together climbing the snowfields up to Camp Muir. John has tried this exhausting hike before but has never been able to make it. The day broke out clear and calm, with those all-too-rare beautiful deep-blue skies that you only see in the mountains. The snow was perfect for climbing and we made record time in traversing the snowfields. As you might have suspected by now, we did indeed make it to Camp Muir and basked in the warmth of the sunlight as we lay on the rock slopes overlooking the encampment. The, it was off at a dead run back down, plunge-stepping and skating at breakneck speed until our legs were so exhausted that they threatened to fail us and send us out of control into the rocks bordering the snowfields. Then, too soon, it was over, we were back down on the civilized trials and heading back to camp. John left the next day, headed back to Texas, but carrying with him the satisfaction of having bested his own expectations for himself and standing in triumph at the pinnacle of one of the many personal acheivements that he will undoubtedly attain during his long life to come.

Camp Muir

John hjá Camp Muir