tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52282335040717427362024-03-13T11:56:44.997-07:00Kuboto FarmBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08680462833188999331noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228233504071742736.post-49147788048727635132009-11-03T13:45:00.000-08:002009-11-03T15:21:13.802-08:00We got Lolli & the kids all moved this weekend. It went pretty smoothly - with the exception of having to wait an hour and a half for the landlord to show up with the keys, well that and the fact that the power had some how been shut off in the week between the girls seeing the unit and actually taking possession. Minor issues when you have a couple of kids to feed, bath & bed down. But Lolli's daughter and kids went to stay at grandpas (10 minutes from the new place) and Lolli came home with us. Luckily we had plenty of trucks and people to move the stuff. So once we got in it all went quickly. <br /><br />We got home Saturday night and while I made Manicotti (sausage, leeks, spinach & four kinds of cheesey goodness) Lolli & Jay made this: <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SvCmpBvVqAI/AAAAAAAAByk/sVtp1qJCHC0/s1600-h/110309+018.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SvCmpBvVqAI/AAAAAAAAByk/sVtp1qJCHC0/s400/110309+018.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399999176989059074" /></a><br /><br />Unfortunately Pumpkin sat alone all evening on the front porch as we didn't get any trick or treaters. Never have. Seems no one wants to go up to the scary house on top of the hill. <br /><br />Sunday was a pretty quiet day. My Mom and a friend stopped by to walk their dogs. So we walked up to the top of the hill. We were standing up by the goat pens talking and watching the goat antics. One of the does, Bess has gone into season. Mr. Deeds was very assertively trying to 'charm' her through the fence. All the other goats of course are right there watching. So were standing there and just as there's a lull in the conversation, Belle (Mr. Deeds 1st 'wife') says 'No'. I kid you not. As plain as day and enunciated clearly, without any hint of goat bleeting. (i.e. No-o-o-o) A perfect No. If I'd been alone I'd have thought I imagined it. Now, I don't think Mr Deeds has much in the way of charm and you certainly don't want to be downwind of him, but I guess Belle still has a soft spot for him. <br /><br />OK, I guess you had to be there.<br /><br />Monday was quiet and uneventful. Jay and our lead tech are in a class all this week so there's not much going on in the office. The low point of the day was getting in my jeep to go home at 5:00 in darkness. Bleh.<br /><br />This morning I went down to permit office and took my camera thinking I could get pictures of the views. Unfortunately I hadn't accounted for building security frowning on me taking pictures at city hall, even if it was just out the windows. A more humorless chap I'd be hard pressed to find. Apparently he didn't think I was cute OR funny. Anyway, here's the outside of the building from a block away. It's the odd shaped one. The Department of Planning's on the 20th floor with 360* views of the city, bay and mountains. None of which you get to see here today. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SvCuBz5o4CI/AAAAAAAABys/7etIf8zpcaU/s1600-h/110309+024.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SvCuBz5o4CI/AAAAAAAABys/7etIf8zpcaU/s400/110309+024.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400007299352289314" /></a><br /><br />Then turning around, here's a picture of my favorite church in Seattle, St. James Cathedral. <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SvCvFOSE_BI/AAAAAAAABy0/rvz0nxBGMt0/s1600-h/110309+021.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SvCvFOSE_BI/AAAAAAAABy0/rvz0nxBGMt0/s400/110309+021.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400008457485351954" /></a><br /><br />Ok, well just the bell towers then. Here's what it looked like long ago. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SvCwwZt1iWI/AAAAAAAABy8/T42z0R5WAnw/s1600-h/Historicpostcard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 251px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SvCwwZt1iWI/AAAAAAAABy8/T42z0R5WAnw/s400/Historicpostcard.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400010298800572770" /></a><br /><br />Then in 1916 it snowed 3 feet in one day and this happened:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SvCwwqTO26I/AAAAAAAABzE/RRRkG9Yhf50/s1600-h/Dome%2520Collapse.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 313px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SvCwwqTO26I/AAAAAAAABzE/RRRkG9Yhf50/s400/Dome%2520Collapse.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400010303252388770" /></a><br /><br />It lost it's dome. <br /><br />Still all and all it's the best place in town to go to Christmas Midnight Mass, and they don't even care if your not Catholic! <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SvCxIxWpV9I/AAAAAAAABzM/HKX-chrCAv0/s1600-h/12th%2520ORD%2520Mass.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 313px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SvCxIxWpV9I/AAAAAAAABzM/HKX-chrCAv0/s400/12th%2520ORD%2520Mass.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400010717462616018" /></a><br /><br />One of my favorite things about the building is the 'Great Oculus' The eye of God looking down from heaven. You can see the lighter area in the Transept in the picture above. <br /><br />The eye of God, or the hole left over from the rotunda falling in? I guess it's a matter of faith. All I know is it's an awe inspiring place. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SvCzpl2dk4I/AAAAAAAABzU/0T9T6V0CPRw/s1600-h/liturgy-day-2.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SvCzpl2dk4I/AAAAAAAABzU/0T9T6V0CPRw/s400/liturgy-day-2.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400013480333775746" /></a><br /><br />Gratuitous picture of my smiling dog, because it's my blog and I can if I want to.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SvC6WCCBlRI/AAAAAAAABzk/t71HGc9EXNs/s1600-h/020.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 295px; height: 221px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SvC6WCCBlRI/AAAAAAAABzk/t71HGc9EXNs/s400/020.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400020840882476306" /></a><br /><br />Hope your all doing good! <br /><br />BBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08680462833188999331noreply@blogger.com97tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228233504071742736.post-22942046299322590762009-10-29T15:15:00.000-07:002009-10-29T17:47:17.719-07:00Now, where was I...It seems that I've let a another month slip by without posting. I'm lazy, I admit it. No excuses.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SuozrzfEl4I/AAAAAAAAByc/xo1oRLvhw5s/s1600-h/procrastination.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 317px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SuozrzfEl4I/AAAAAAAAByc/xo1oRLvhw5s/s400/procrastination.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398183931004884866" /></a><br /><br />Life is good, no complaints. Things at the farm carry on much as always. Except for the trees loosing their leaves and the eternal rain. I really wish we had more variety of types of trees around the house. Maples just aren't very interesting in the fall. The leaves turn yellow one day and drop the next. The cedars and doug firs are nice, but I'd love to have some oaks in the mix. I'll have to keep that in mind come spring, maybe do a little gorilla gardening on the city's green belt.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SuozHEKMwpI/AAAAAAAABxc/q5biQov8naM/s1600-h/IMG_0594.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SuozHEKMwpI/AAAAAAAABxc/q5biQov8naM/s400/IMG_0594.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398183299825582738" /></a><br /><br />We re-homed the goatie twins about 3 weeks ago now. The original folks who said they wanted them didn't pan out. Jay posted an ad on Craigslist on a Sunday night at 8:00 pm. he got 4 serious replies the next day, picked one and the family was pulling out of our driveway with the goats by 7:00 pm the next evening. He had told me all along that there was a market for them and I was the 'Doubting Thomas'. He was quite proud of actually having cash in hand for Summer & La De Da. Unfortunately I couldn't stop myself before reminding him of how much money was spent to produce those two. I really need to work on my internal edit function. I really can be a bitch sometimes.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SuozHu0bQtI/AAAAAAAABxk/Xj1KiBd1h00/s1600-h/IMG_0593.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SuozHu0bQtI/AAAAAAAABxk/Xj1KiBd1h00/s400/IMG_0593.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398183311276982994" /></a><br /><br />Anyway, he was quite pleased. Those were kids born to an un-registered doe, so having them go sell so quickly was even more of a surprise. We both thought there'd be less demand, but there ya go. The folks that bought them have a small farm just down the valley from us and 3 kids 8 to 14 years to look after them. Also the Mom is a Vet's asst. so we couldn't have found them better homes. The new-ish registered doe has been up in Mr. Deeds pen for the last few weeks so more babies should be coming soon.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SuozIBn5h2I/AAAAAAAABxs/34tNB1qaKXE/s1600-h/IMG_0583.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SuozIBn5h2I/AAAAAAAABxs/34tNB1qaKXE/s400/IMG_0583.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398183316324714338" /></a><br /><br />Work is going well, we could have more money coming in but we can pay the bills and still stick a little aside each month so no complaints there either. We did loose our youngest team member this last Sunday when he broke his leg (badly) and will be out for weeks if not months. Fortunately with the unemployment rate what it is we shouldn't have too much trouble finding a new person. I'd really like to find a woman to fill the spot I'm just not sure how to go about it. I'm sure they must be out there but I've never had any apply. It's a detail oriented job which (not meaning to be sexist...) I think would be ideal for a woman. While it does take some strength it's not like you have to be a weight lifter or anything. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SuozIc9ze1I/AAAAAAAABx0/djX7ZWeW-9Y/s1600-h/IMG_0584.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SuozIc9ze1I/AAAAAAAABx0/djX7ZWeW-9Y/s400/IMG_0584.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398183323664350034" /></a><br /><br />Jay had surgery on his foot two weeks ago to remove a small 'nodule' from the bottom of his foot. It hurt him a but when he walked. It was nothing, so much so that I can't even remember what the doc said it was. It was fun to have him somewhat immobilized on the couch and all drugged up. He was pretty entertaining. Not that it lasted very long, He's not one to sit around, unlike me. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SuozqpfKPcI/AAAAAAAAByE/El7lV0YZHGg/s1600-h/IMG_0586.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SuozqpfKPcI/AAAAAAAAByE/El7lV0YZHGg/s400/IMG_0586.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398183911141031362" /></a><br /><br />We lost our dear friend Buster this last weekend. Bus was the ex of Jay's cousin, the same cousin who sold us the farm. They were still very close regardless of breaking up. A smart, funny man we'll both miss very much. We lost so many friends in the late 80's & 90's that it was almost a common occurrence. Now when it happens it's a bit of a shock. He had lived for many years with AIDS and like most people who live with it, went up and down health wise. The drug treatments can keep them living for years. I guess we just got complacent, it just didn't occur to me that Bus could die this time. <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SuozrP8e3fI/AAAAAAAAByM/A-4ovCAUy7g/s1600-h/IMG_0588.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SuozrP8e3fI/AAAAAAAAByM/A-4ovCAUy7g/s400/IMG_0588.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398183921464565234" /></a><br /><br />Bus's dog Gage, a fine yellow lab gentleman with a touch of hip displactia, had been staying with us and cousin while Bus was in the hospital. Jay & I wanted to keep Gage as he's one of the puppies Bear was raised with and we love him, but Jay's cousin wanted him too, so we let it go at that. Besides, do I really need a large dog with medical issues? We'll still be able to see him and he'll be good for cousins heart right now. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SuozI-TBImI/AAAAAAAABx8/JjPZNnI8Wdw/s1600-h/IMG_0585.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SuozI-TBImI/AAAAAAAABx8/JjPZNnI8Wdw/s400/IMG_0585.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398183332611695202" /></a><br /><br />We're going to be helping Lolli move this weekend. Her oldest girl has separated from her husband and she and the kids have been staying with Mom for the last few weeks. While this has Lolli in grandma HEAVEN, they need more space. The bad part is the new place is about twice as far away from us as the current one. It will be closer to grandpa, who's also helping out so that's a good thing. I'm not too worried about it, Lolli will need a break on a regular basis so I know she'll still be coming to stay with us when she can. <br /><br />Bear's in my lap and I csan't type oveer him o I'll -stop licking me! close for now.<br /><br />XO-B&BearBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08680462833188999331noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228233504071742736.post-34891295549247768292009-09-03T13:32:00.000-07:002009-09-03T14:14:52.430-07:00rambling brain mush, shaken not stirred.My blogging muscles have atrophied. I've been meaning, trying to post all week but just haven't found anything to post about. So I'll just post any way. Just to get the ball rolling here. <br /><br />It's been a good summer - not great or fantastic, but good. The weathers been summer-y but not all out SUMMER, well except for that one week of 100*+ temps that did a number on the ferns and hostas I planted, but they survived and so did I. <br /><br />Work has been busy, which is good. There was at a luncheon put on by one of the general contractors we work with about week ago, kind of a round table discussion on ways to bring in more business in this 'recession'. Many of the people/companies at the table are really having a tough time finding work. We've been fortunate, with the exception of a slow spring when no one was spending money were doing ok. <br /><br />I love being in our new building. Little things like not having to move boxes to open a file cabinet to big things like having a big park and river side to walk during lunch or when I just want to get out of the office for a minute. The local mall is just down the road but I've been saving that for lunch hours when the weather turns on us. It's been fun getting to know the neighborhood feral cats. There's about 1/2 dozen of them. All skinny and skulking around. Their really not feral per say - as they will come up to you and let you pet them. Poor flee infested things that they are. There's also a group of five kittens (so tiny) in a bramble patch across the road. We called the Human Society but they aren't taking any more animals due to budget problems. Calling Animal Control is pretty much a death sentence (the county is pulling their budget as well) so we didn't try them. I know the right thing to do is to have them taken in, I just can't do it. <br /><br />I took a walk over by the river after lunch today. Watch a train carrying Boeing fuselages from the Renton plant into Seattle to get their wings, tails and wheels put on before being flown up to Everett (Say hi Moohaa!) to get their paint jobs before being delivered to customers. While i was looking across the river at that I noticed a family of raccoons washing their faces in the river. Looked like parents and an adolescent. The big one spied me across the river and told the others o high tail it for the underbrush. They were fun to see.<br /><br />I was driving back from having coffee with a blogger friend yesterday and drove by Boeing Field. There are like 20 planes sitting down there all painted and ready to go. Something I've never noticed before, they usually move those puppies right out. It made me wonder if customers are delaying taking ownership of the planes or something. Then about 1/2 a mile further down the road I went by the Union Pacific rail yard. There's about 50 idle engines sitting on the tracks. Again, something I've never seen. Makes me wonder if the recession is as 'over' as the nice folks in the administration would like us to think. <br /><br />I've had a lot of fun gardening this year. Tomatoes came in awesome, Corn that wasn't suppose to be midget, but is, I haven't tried yet as he years arn't big enough and probably won't ever be. The peppers came out great and the peas, but I didn't plant enough of those - I'll know better next year. Strawberries were great but we didn't get many. Meaning Jay & I didn't get many. Bear can pick his own and does. <br /><br />"Bear's Farm" now has 7 resident goats. Jay's been 'working' on me for weeks/months to get a registered doe so he can raise & sell registered kids. I finally caved. I was sitting outside on night and just got to thinking: Who am I to stop him? he does the majority of the work with them so what am I bitching about? - I won't bore you with my list of REALLY good reasons why we didn't need another goat. The two youngest babies are already promised by way of a craigslist connection Jay made. So we'll wait and see if that really works out. Anyway, Jay's got his new baby Cinnamon and he's happy. He (we) bought me a laptop and wireless router to keep me quite about it. Which might work for a short time. <br /><br />I hope you all had nice summers - I intend to be a little more present around here after being a flake for the last 3 months. Just be happy I made that promise not to rant about politics a year ago, there's so much political crap going on out there it's hard sometimes to keep my yap shut! <br /><br />Later!Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08680462833188999331noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228233504071742736.post-89278774943351112332009-08-08T08:58:00.001-07:002009-08-08T09:13:27.201-07:00Cuz you all love goats right?Sorry - I should write a real post but we've been up all night playing goat midwife. I'll be back soon to catch you up on the last month or so. We're all good here. Bess delivered two healthy little does this morning. Jay helped a bit with getting front legs lined up but Bess did the rest. Jay wanted a little buck for company for Mr. Deeds but two live does has him wagging his tail pretty good. (Right up until he crashed a few minutes ago) Ok. I'm rambling - Here's are Bess's girls, Summer and La De Da.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Sn2iYxgd0FI/AAAAAAAABwI/es_lhm5ztpQ/s1600-h/022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Sn2iYxgd0FI/AAAAAAAABwI/es_lhm5ztpQ/s400/022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367624877385568338" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Sn2iYUkZUdI/AAAAAAAABwA/s3EJLbbMfGo/s1600-h/019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Sn2iYUkZUdI/AAAAAAAABwA/s3EJLbbMfGo/s400/019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367624869617422802" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Sn2iXnqkkTI/AAAAAAAABv4/ikrOmDsmqgI/s1600-h/017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Sn2iXnqkkTI/AAAAAAAABv4/ikrOmDsmqgI/s400/017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367624857563730226" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Sn2iXAJPgwI/AAAAAAAABvw/89fFjEbebCU/s1600-h/016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Sn2iXAJPgwI/AAAAAAAABvw/89fFjEbebCU/s400/016.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367624846954955522" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Sn2iWexzOEI/AAAAAAAABvo/ZOGtifDD120/s1600-h/013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Sn2iWexzOEI/AAAAAAAABvo/ZOGtifDD120/s400/013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367624837998262338" /></a>Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08680462833188999331noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228233504071742736.post-36814598558100914562009-07-23T17:16:00.000-07:002009-07-23T17:52:55.649-07:00The little train the couldn't<div align="center"><br /><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Smj9gtWL6FI/AAAAAAAABuY/qxc6nAFD5gs/s1600-h/bark.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 391px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361814094754867282" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Smj9gtWL6FI/AAAAAAAABuY/qxc6nAFD5gs/s400/bark.jpg" /></a><br />We're taking vacation days today and tomorrow for a four day weekend. Took the new light rail train into downtown, well almost. The train that doesn't quite go to the airport, (that link isn't quite finished yet) didn't quite go to downtown today either. It stopped short of the downtown tunnel where you had to transfer to a bus. We passed on that part. Both trains and buses are suppose to use the tunnel but apparently there are a few kinks.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Smj_fgd0UaI/AAAAAAAABug/JaqJHtKXN5U/s1600-h/07230901.jpg.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361816273140601250" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Smj_fgd0UaI/AAAAAAAABug/JaqJHtKXN5U/s400/07230901.jpg.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a><br />Tukwila Station - about a mile north of the airport<br /></p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Smj_gGGPUgI/AAAAAAAABuo/HRU6myQIRNk/s1600-h/07230902.jpg.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361816283242254850" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Smj_gGGPUgI/AAAAAAAABuo/HRU6myQIRNk/s400/07230902.jpg.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a>Art ! (?)<br /><br /></p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Smj_guGtXAI/AAAAAAAABuw/3oGcp2hVA_E/s1600-h/07230907.jpg.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361816293981641730" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Smj_guGtXAI/AAAAAAAABuw/3oGcp2hVA_E/s400/07230907.jpg.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a>Green River<br /><br /></p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Smj_g-gHsEI/AAAAAAAABu4/mhrhM5oSDTA/s1600-h/07230908,jpg.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361816298383192130" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Smj_g-gHsEI/AAAAAAAABu4/mhrhM5oSDTA/s400/07230908,jpg.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a>Franklin High School<br /></p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Smj_hc-VrjI/AAAAAAAABvA/TXQ8avUBBlQ/s1600-h/07230910.jpg.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361816306563001906" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Smj_hc-VrjI/AAAAAAAABvA/TXQ8avUBBlQ/s400/07230910.jpg.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a><br />Downtown - just coming out of the Beacon Hill tunnel<br /></p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SmkCJNV2VPI/AAAAAAAABvI/Q4fH96j3r0o/s1600-h/07230911.jpg.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361819188584666354" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SmkCJNV2VPI/AAAAAAAABvI/Q4fH96j3r0o/s400/07230911.jpg.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a>Home of The Evil Coffee Empire</p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SmkCJTdRH2I/AAAAAAAABvQ/dq3W_O2Y0K4/s1600-h/07230913.jpg.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361819190226394978" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SmkCJTdRH2I/AAAAAAAABvQ/dq3W_O2Y0K4/s400/07230913.jpg.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a>Jay at Stadium Station not waiting for me - The end of the line today<br /></p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"> </p><br /><br />Miss Bess will be having her kids here in the next week or so. Our Vets 25th anniversary is on Sunday and Jay's been asked to bring the goats down for the party. <br /><br />Oh boy. <br /><br />We'll see how that works out. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SmkCJ99KxKI/AAAAAAAABvY/dsK-06RuD5E/s1600-h/7230914.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361819201634485410" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SmkCJ99KxKI/AAAAAAAABvY/dsK-06RuD5E/s400/7230914.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SmkCKKPUKmI/AAAAAAAABvg/IAsHJzioFbM/s1600-h/7230919.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361819204931824226" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SmkCKKPUKmI/AAAAAAAABvg/IAsHJzioFbM/s400/7230919.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Does this post reflect the complete mellowness that I'm feeling? <br /><br />***YAWN***<br /><br />-yep <br /><br />nap time.Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08680462833188999331noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228233504071742736.post-75094317549603420112009-07-10T14:12:00.000-07:002009-07-10T16:03:56.758-07:00A short quail tale.I don't feel like writing about the Quail but I said I would. Well, I'll spare you the whole long story. It's enough to say 100 were ordered, 80 made it to us alive. The numbers dropped precipitously since then and this morning there were 3. I know the post office called the morning they got the package, unlike the last order of chickens, they can't be blamed. Why we lost them all we can't figure out. <br /><br />What were we going to do with them? I have no idea. I don't why Jay & his buddy ordered them. It's a shame though, poor birds - maybe if the 3 live well try and keep them around as pets. <br /><br />A job I want: <br />Kitty corner from our building is the warehouse that stores the Miss Budweiser hydroplane. Two people (seem to) work there. The only thing I've seen happen there so far is these two guys playing their remote control cars in their parking lot. It's not like I'm some over-worked wage slave chained to my desk or anything but jeez guys, wax the boat or something, at least try to look like your working. <br /><br />From "The list of projects & dreams"<br />Ok, so now that the office is finished we get to move on to new projects. It's really a pity that Jay can't stand to have nothing to do. We're going our tonight to source material for the new "raised beds" or new garden in what is now part of our driveway. Don't worry there's plenty of driveway to go around. My idea was to build to 'C' shaped raised beds that face each other. Their not going to be "raised beds" really as much as they are really tall, large planters. They'll come up about 28"-32" - tall enough to easily sit on the wall while rooting around in the dirt. Here's a crappy little drawing I sweated over for about 2 minutes to show you.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SlfClq0oQdI/AAAAAAAABuI/5wIvAfHh14M/s1600-h/raisedbed.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SlfClq0oQdI/AAAAAAAABuI/5wIvAfHh14M/s400/raisedbed.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356964234186473938" /></a> <br /><br />So the roundy things are the existing trees and shrubs - the two red things in the middle are the planters - they should end up about 4 feet across - leaving a little "room" in the middle will probably have a fountain and a chair/table in it. It's about 10x10 in there - the whole thing is about 24' x 24'. The weird rectangle at the bottom is the side of the house. Hey, I'm NOT a graphic artist, ok? I originally wanted them built out of railroad ties but my contractor (Jay) says that would look too much like a fort ( I shrugs me shoulders & shakes me head) I already ruled out the fakey home depot retaining wall bricks. (I'm sure I posted about this before) So even though timbers would be SO much easier to work with, and I think would look just fine...were going rock shopping tonight - WAA-HOO!!<br /><br />The best part is Jay is "on the job" so this project isn't destined to end up half done, like one of my projects. (refer to the half painted yellow patio table & chairs or the 1/2 done oil painting for starters...) <br /><br />Anyway....<br /><br />It's Friday afternoon, the sun is shining and it looks to be a great weekend. Hope your having fun!Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08680462833188999331noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228233504071742736.post-85160843349291048572009-07-09T16:07:00.000-07:002009-07-09T16:50:19.899-07:00Life in the big city (well, Seattle at least)I got home last night to a neighborhood swarming with the police. When I turned on to the main road at the bottom of the hill I could see two state patrol cruisers blocking off two streets to the south of us and could hear sirens all around us. About 15 minutes after I got home and was out back with the goats a cop in SWAT tactical gear came around from the front of the house, didn't even hear him pull up. Anyway, he told us they were searching for an escaped rapist that was attempting to hide in the woods around us. I have no idea where he might have escaped from or when or where they rape occurred. He left us with the advice to bring the dog in the house as they were bring in the police dogs. We never heard anything after that - I watched the news and looked in the paper this morning but I can't find any report of the whole thing. It's not the first time I've seen a big police response to something and then never saw a news report - makes you wonder. <br /><br />THEN! this after noon Jay came into my office and mentioned that he noticed what looked like blood and a hand print in the hen house this morning. I started to give him a hard time about being clueless but then I realized that he really hadn't put two and two together. Anyway - I'm going to check it out when I get home and see if it really looks like a bloody hand print. I'll call the cops if it does. I guess I should be more freaked out about it but I'm not. Well unless it really is a hand print - I'll post an update on what I find - <br /><br />ANYWAY----<br /><br />On to something better - Pictures! ok - here's my new office <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SlZ8sO81gLI/AAAAAAAABtI/mEvBkPcqgqU/s1600-h/070909+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SlZ8sO81gLI/AAAAAAAABtI/mEvBkPcqgqU/s400/070909+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356605906173132978" /></a><br /><br />And the view out my much loved window to the parking lot...<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SlZ8s_USmWI/AAAAAAAABtY/Rdq7FUTEn4Q/s1600-h/070909+003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SlZ8s_USmWI/AAAAAAAABtY/Rdq7FUTEn4Q/s400/070909+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356605919156410722" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SlZ8smrfOAI/AAAAAAAABtQ/G6eEd256q6w/s1600-h/070909+002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SlZ8smrfOAI/AAAAAAAABtQ/G6eEd256q6w/s400/070909+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356605912542820354" /></a><br /><br />And the other two side of my fish bowl (I kid, it's not bad at all)<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SlZ8tsEn8II/AAAAAAAABto/PIzpDx_0Aws/s1600-h/070909+005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SlZ8tsEn8II/AAAAAAAABto/PIzpDx_0Aws/s400/070909+005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356605931170295938" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SlZ8tWNw_II/AAAAAAAABtg/8Fv1C9MbJ0Y/s1600-h/070909+004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SlZ8tWNw_II/AAAAAAAABtg/8Fv1C9MbJ0Y/s400/070909+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356605925303057538" /></a> <br /><br />Out in the shop...Big Red there needs to go to the dump then he can go back to storage - we only us him once in a while<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SlaABKeFWiI/AAAAAAAABtw/No3w6rarajM/s1600-h/070909+006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SlaABKeFWiI/AAAAAAAABtw/No3w6rarajM/s400/070909+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356609564282542626" /></a><br /><br />Down the long hall way - we have 4 office across the back of the building and to big ones above, upstairs<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SlaABdNSx8I/AAAAAAAABt4/e8ozoPMS_ak/s1600-h/070909+007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SlaABdNSx8I/AAAAAAAABt4/e8ozoPMS_ak/s400/070909+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356609569312393154" /></a><br /><br />And finally, Jay's office. We'll be working on getting him some big boy furniture soon - Right now it looks pretty funny - the "admins" have office suites, the owners have crap! <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SlaABykGUAI/AAAAAAAABuA/bYoQXALTx8o/s1600-h/070909+008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SlaABykGUAI/AAAAAAAABuA/bYoQXALTx8o/s400/070909+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356609575045189634" /></a><br /><br />Come back tomorrow and I'll tell you about the 100 baby Quail chicks that were delivered yesterday - tiny TINY little peepers.Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08680462833188999331noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228233504071742736.post-50404864472007642372009-07-08T12:01:00.000-07:002009-07-08T12:41:23.243-07:00I'm Back.Hello there - did ya miss me? I'm alone in the office for the first time since we moved in. The 'owners' have been in the office a lot ever since we moved in. Much more so than the ever were before we moved. Hopefully the new-ness will wear off soon and they'll be back in the field more soon. You can translate that to mean out from under foot too. Or in my office, or just generally in the way. Remember, respect is earned. <br /><br />Anyway, I'm really liking the new place. It's a great commute for Jay & I. We drop down the hill from home - get on the freeway and go south 1 exit and we're here. The fastest I've clocked it so far is 7 minutes. Now if there was just a grocery store, gas station and post office in between here and there commuting life would be perfect. <br /><br />I brought Bear into work with me the first few days but the general commotion around here was a little hard for him to deal with. Too many people moving around (to be followed around) and too much activity for him. It was a chore just to get him to settle down and stay put and as soon as I did have him settled someone would come in and start it all over again. On the third morning I was going to bring him in he balked. I was ready to go, picked up my keys and turned to him and said "Ready to go to work?!" He gave me a look, grumble and turned around and went upstairs to crawl back in bed. Well, OK then! We'll try it again sometime son - maybe 1/2 days would be more to his liking. Another issue is he knows the park is just down the road so he associates the shop with going to the park. He's pretty clear with the body language when he's wants to go play. Actually I think he'd rather stay home and see if Nana or an auntie will come play with him. The dog has a better social life than I do.<br /><br />I brought my camera today to take pics of my office and 'the window' (s), of course the battery is dead - so that will have to wait. My window looks out on our parking lot and the abandon house across the road. It's a strange little neighborhood. Residential and commercial/light industry all throw together. I've walked around mentally trying to date the structures and my best guess is it was a residential area first the came the businesses that crowded them out. There are still some inhabited homes in the mix though. Two of them across the street from our bay doors. Next to us is a family run business that sells ice making machines for restaurants and bars. Very nice people. They had us over for an ice cream social/meet and greet, which was fun, and very nice of them to do. <br /><br />The abandoned house across from the parking lot is completely over grown with plants, so much so you can barely see the house. It's also home to a large population of cats. There not exactly feral but not exactly tame either. They will come close to me but not close enough to pet. They're all very skinny, or more likely the look how cats are supposed to when not over fed by humans. <br /><br />The nearby park is Ft. Dent, it's also has the Starfire Sports Center in it. A large soccer/sports complex. The Seattle Sounders practise and play some games there. We can go out our back door and down half a block to the trail by the river that goes into the back side of the park. <br /><br />Across from the road from ice machine company is one of Odwalla's distribution centers. If you've never tried their juices I highly recommend their plain old straight up orange juice - the best I've ever had - anyway, they have cute drivers and a great product so we'll be cozying up to them given the first opportunity. <br /><br />Well I'll end this by teling you that we're all fine - just been busy - It was nice to take a little blogging hiatus but I'm back now so I'll blog more soon. It's funny how you can feel torn about blogging. First I didn't write because I didn't have time. Then it seems funny to read blogs will not posting(I know, weird) Then I felt bad for not keeping up with everyone - thank god it all just in my own head! <br />Sorry for dropping off the planet there for a while.Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08680462833188999331noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228233504071742736.post-7482013503887922802009-06-09T21:57:00.000-07:002009-06-09T22:17:01.629-07:00Goats!Two good folks asked for goat pics so here they are. Tonight we got to rassle 'em and apply flea stuff. They weren't all that into it. Little Moon can bleat at twice the decibels of her elders. Fun. <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Si8-cE99wQI/AAAAAAAABtA/TezP62CO9cM/s1600-h/015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Si8-cE99wQI/AAAAAAAABtA/TezP62CO9cM/s400/015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345559934802968834" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Si8-bg95zAI/AAAAAAAABs4/Lv_ywnKMQJY/s1600-h/018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Si8-bg95zAI/AAAAAAAABs4/Lv_ywnKMQJY/s400/018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345559925139033090" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Si8-berLQoI/AAAAAAAABsw/NsglqJ8vlbk/s1600-h/020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Si8-berLQoI/AAAAAAAABsw/NsglqJ8vlbk/s400/020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345559924523614850" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Si8-bINinBI/AAAAAAAABso/TsxuLlUCOpA/s1600-h/016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Si8-bINinBI/AAAAAAAABso/TsxuLlUCOpA/s400/016.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345559918493735954" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Si8-a4VGG9I/AAAAAAAABsg/CleGmSQEfsI/s1600-h/017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Si8-a4VGG9I/AAAAAAAABsg/CleGmSQEfsI/s400/017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345559914230455250" /></a><br />Bess, the one with the horns, is pregnant. She's due later this summer.Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08680462833188999331noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228233504071742736.post-81615425066429644262009-06-09T09:09:00.000-07:002009-06-09T15:05:43.679-07:00o.k...the chicks are chickens now, it's time to post :-)Say's Leann and she's right. Thanks for the kick in the pants friend.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SivqD_CEh_I/AAAAAAAABsQ/hlaL5GHJqVU/s1600-h/023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344622736985851890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SivqD_CEh_I/AAAAAAAABsQ/hlaL5GHJqVU/s400/023.JPG" border="0" />< href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SivqD_CEh_I/AAAAAAAABsQ/hlaL5GHJqVU/s1600-h/023.JPG"></a><br /><br />Well, there not quite chickens yet, more like pullets but I won't quibble.<br /><br />Hi! Miss me? I have no good excuses, well I do but that would be boring. I've been off enjoying summer and just haven't made the time to blog. We did hire a new guy after trying Craigslist to find help a few weeks ago. Things worked out great in the end but it was kinda funny (funny strange, not funny ha-ha) getting there. I got a good group of resumes to my surprise. I guess I can't be dissing Craigslist so much, well on the other hand...like I said we got a good bunch of resumes and I sorted through them and picked four of the best for the guys to interview. I wasn't surprised who they picked after the interviews as it was the best candidate on paper. (have I told you this already? too lazy to go look so carrying on...) After the interviews I decided to do a little checking online about the candidates and low and behold the guy we picked had a record for sexual misconduct with a minor. He'd been a school teacher right up till the time of his conviction - Eek! - Needless to say we didn;t hire him. BUT! we did hire everyones #2 pick who happens to be a guy about my age, has worked in the industry quite a bit of time, took time away to work in film production as a grip (the handymen of sets and stages) but he and his wife had to gave up the vagabond lifestyle with the arrival of their new twins. Anyhow, the new guy is working out great so far (knock wood) it's only been a couple weeks and he's out on the road on his own and doing a great job. <br /><br />So...Craigslist? who knew? <br /><br />I feel somewhat bad for not being around and/or coming by and visiting your blogs, but only somewhat. I'm really enjoying summer and playing in the garden and just generally outside playing until bedtime. I do need to get cracking and get around to see what every ones up to so I'll do that shortly. I'm sure my google reader is at some astronomical # of posts to read. <br /><br />Having fun in the garden. Jay's run drip irrigation out to the beds I planted earlier. I've got corn, tomatoes, peas, peppers and strawberries all jumbled in with the verbena, daisies, columbine, snap-dragons and roses - I like the jumble. It's kind of wild looking, my idea of an english garden. There an old saying on corn, that it should be "Knee high by the 4th of July" well mine was knee high on June 1st but I guess that won't hurt it any.<br /><br />Well that's all for now - I'll make my best efforts to not let WEEKS go by with out a post or a visit, but after tending my Facebook 'farm' and the odd email or two I can't resist the CALL OF THE SUNSHINE! <br /><br />Hope your all doing good. <br /><br />XOXOBC<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Si7cdDR9sJI/AAAAAAAABsY/chinxl5ieFU/s1600-h/ASUN1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Si7cdDR9sJI/AAAAAAAABsY/chinxl5ieFU/s400/ASUN1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345452199390326930" /></a><br /><br />This is the sunset last Thursday as a wind storm moved in. It went from 90* to about 80* in less then an hour.Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08680462833188999331noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228233504071742736.post-78924332793936893632009-05-14T09:36:00.000-07:002009-05-14T14:17:41.843-07:00Peep Peep Peep Peep Peep Peep Peep Peep<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SgxJALkie2I/AAAAAAAABsA/d2abqWk36LQ/s1600-h/09262008+103.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335719925982067554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SgxJALkie2I/AAAAAAAABsA/d2abqWk36LQ/s400/09262008+103.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />These little guys showed up in the mail on Monday. This time the shipment didn't go so well. They spent the weekend at the post office and I'm afraid got too cold. We've lost about 1/2 of the order of 25 so far. It's never happened before so I'm blaming the post office for not following the instructions on the side of the box: "Call Recipient" with phone number - idiots. They are currently in the basement in the kindercoop. You have to dance with Miss Lilly to get downstairs now. I swear someone removed the insulation in the basement ceiling. From the living room it's just peep, peep,peep, peep, peep. But it's not really annoying. They are fun to watch. <br /><br />Had a nice lunch with Fiwa and Mo on Tuesday. We went to the Olive Garden. I'd never been before. The food was good but he restaurant was really noisy - kinda hard to catch up with all the noise. We're planning a crafty-day at my house in the next couple weeks. (the emails coming Mo) anyone else wanna join ? (<a href="http://anonymousboxer.blogspot.com/">Anonymous Boxer</a>? I'm looking at you!) <br /><br />We're needing to hire a service mechanic for the company. I've been using the states unemployment website, Worksource looking for resumes but oddly haven't really found anything yet. You'd think more people would be looking but it's always been hard to find qualified HVAC people. I'd really like to hire a woman but you just don't see resumes just aren't out there. I'd like to hire a woman because I'm tired of dealing with 20-something guys who have never heard of a work ethic. Is that some sort of reverse sex discrimination? Well fine, sue me.<br /><br />It's bad enough that I broke down and placed an ad on Craigslist, We already have a recruiter who scours the job websites like Monster but we'd rather not pay the premium of going though an agency. I've heard a lot of wild stories from people posting adds on Craigslist and all the crazies it brings out. I posted the ad about 1/2 an our ago so well see if my inbox gets any crazy mail. Maybe I'll post them here if it does. <br /><br />Rain has been keeping me out of the garden this week. Even though I'm well ahead of my game plan so far this year I still have tons to do. We're suppose to get good weather this weekend so that's where I'll be. Jay's headed to his folks to 'do something' with their fish pond. The 10 to 15 fish we gave them years ago have multiplied to over a hundred and need thinning out. Some will come back to our place and some going to friends with new ponds. <br /><br />Be good & play well with others. <br /><br />B<br /><br />P.S. <a href="http://hope4grace.blogspot.com/">Hope4grace</a>, if you don't comment I'm going to hold my breath until I turn blue!Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08680462833188999331noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228233504071742736.post-81943820306695436732009-05-09T16:49:00.000-07:002009-05-09T22:20:31.350-07:00My God<div align="center"></div><div align="center">I do not find God in the temples of man,</div><div align="center">but in the sea, field, forest and sky.</div><div align="center">The power of the sun,</div><div align="center">the heat of the earth's core,</div><div align="center">the energy of the tree and rock</div><div align="center">are the same as the spark of life in me. </div>Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08680462833188999331noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228233504071742736.post-87161263980803225022009-05-05T14:11:00.000-07:002009-05-05T17:26:07.530-07:00To Anti-Gay Bigots Everywhere...I'm over the top on this video. I've probably watched it a hundred times. If I have your email address I've already sent it to you. I've gone viral on it. It's just such a pure fun, silly, childish reaction. But it sums up my feelings perfecly.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tuDJmVkPYpw&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tuDJmVkPYpw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08680462833188999331noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228233504071742736.post-74104187656656652332009-05-04T16:05:00.000-07:002009-05-04T16:15:12.415-07:00Cheers To A Great LadyJay's paternal grandmother passed away today. Grandma Ibsen was 85, as best I can figure. She was a woman full of life and gossip and fun. She hitched hiked to Seattle at the age of 16 to follow the man she loved. He turned out to be no good, but that didn't stop Grandma. She kicked him to the curb and found a better one. She loved and cared for more grandchildren and adopted strays like me, then I can count. She made wine, loved a good joke and might even flash her tits at ya. She was that kind of 'Lady'.<br /><br />Not a sad day at all. Grandma was ready to go a long time ago. I think of her today being completely over the moon at all the people she's getting to see again after so very long. She leaves us all with a treasure of good memories of fun times. <br /><br />Gods speed Grandma. Save me a spot next to you.Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08680462833188999331noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228233504071742736.post-792460263721164842009-04-30T17:09:00.000-07:002009-05-01T08:04:17.066-07:00Cat TalesDear Miss Lilly, <br /><br />I would say all this to your furry little face but your no where to be found. Not surprising after the apparent full day you had. Thanks for the 'gifts' I found when I got home. <br /><br />Thank you for leaving your friend, Mouse right by the kitchen table, and on the hard wood too! Made clean up a breeze. Bless. And by the way, nice job on the decapitation. Did you go to trade school for butchering? I don't think you could have made a cleaner cut with a cleaver. <br /><br />The feathers were a bit confusing. I mean it did still look like a headless mouse and all, and the feathers were the same color. Following fashion this year? It's nice your trying to expand your possibilities. It did take a while to find birdy. Your a clever one, you. The coat closet literally was the last place I thought to look, and so near the vacuum cleaner! Your an angel, love. <br /><br />Thing is, you know how I feel about you on the counters. This ain't <a href="http://catsonthecounter.blogspot.com/">Smocha's</a> place and you know it. Being up there is bad enough, but your absolutely forbidden to bring half dead birdy on your trips to the sink. But then, the counters really did need to be disinfected. I hadn't done them since Sunday so I see your point.<br /><br />And what is the deal with bring all your little past-due friends home? Do you think Bear gets bored since he's stuck inside while you can come and go as you please? Well worry no more, soon he'll be going to work with me in the mornings. <br /><br />While were at it, what have you been doing in the organ at night? I mean come on - the thing doesn't play itself. I hear you. Friends in there too? <br /><br />What I'm really curious about, because you failed to actually consume any of your little friends...What exactly was in the little pile of your stomach contents on the entry way floor anyway? <br /><br />Keep this up and I'll close the cat door until November.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SfpDDPWJJ6I/AAAAAAAABrg/oETy-5QPyFg/s1600-h/lilly32.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SfpDDPWJJ6I/AAAAAAAABrg/oETy-5QPyFg/s400/lilly32.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330646831884478370" /></a><br /><br /><br />Well? Go on...read the next one...Shoo!Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08680462833188999331noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228233504071742736.post-83081251677510764662009-04-27T12:24:00.000-07:002009-04-27T13:19:10.444-07:00A Big Hairy DealI picked up a new hair product the other day. I wanted something different then the crispy wet looking hair you get with your typical gel. I wanted something that would give me more 'touchable' hair. I went to Supercuts because I remembered a product one of the girls there had used on me. I remembered it smelled good and wasn't overly stiff. So now I no longer wear gel, instead it's a 'pomade'. I went there because I knew what it smelled like, kinda new what the jar looked liked and thought it would be the easiest thing to do. <br /><br />I'm somewhat regretting it. Not for the product itself. It is, and does everything it says it will, and it does smell nice. (Nice = Jay actually noticed it and commented on it) What gets me are the fascist fashion pin heads (I can say that cuz I was one once) who came up with the product marketing. As I stood there looking at it this morning I saw the product line is called 'D:tails', the product itself is 'H:def'. The pompous little marketing gnats must think it cool and edgy to misspell. It's not like they even saved a keystroke with the colon and all. But really I'm just mad at myself for paying 12 bucks for this goop.<br /><br />While considering male grooming, I think I struck on an idea that could be a real money maker in these days of economic decline. If you've hung out with guys much at all, or if you've tried to raise one your self at home, surely you've noticed that we tend to grow hair in places where no human body really needs, or should have hair. If you've flipped your guy over, or looked at his under carriage you know exactly what I mean. Now realise, this is coming from a man who's nearest and dearest could be mistaken for wearing a sweater in summer when he has his shirt off. We shear him bi-annually.<br /><br />So I was thinking about all the people, primarily woman, who have to put up with this hairy-ness. If we made hair removal both quick and easy, we could turn this idea into gold! Something like a cross between a Supercuts and a Speedylube. In fact the layout of a Speedylube store might make a great floor plan for this shop. The guy just rolls into the shop, hoist him up on a rack, depilitate him, and roll him on out the back door. In fact if we could include an oil change for his car in the mix, even better. Higher points on the manliness scale. It couldn't be named anything vaguely Metro-sexual either, it would scare them away too. We'll borrow 'Details' from the marketing gnats, you know, like you detail a car.<br /><br />And of course it would have to be quick, easy and COMPLETELY painless or you'd never have a return customer. I'm thinking like that 'Nads' stuff that nice Iranian lady and her daughters sell on TV.<br /><br />So there you go, all I ask is a small cut of the profits. Your welcome.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SfYSwGBwVnI/AAAAAAAABrA/dC9R-q5lmvI/s1600-h/L%26B.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SfYSwGBwVnI/AAAAAAAABrA/dC9R-q5lmvI/s400/L%26B.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329467826500556402" /></a><br />I posted this on my Facebook 'wall' yesterday: Some say good things come to those that wait. Some just call it procrastinate.<br /><br />The hidden message was that Jay finally found the receipt for the camera he gave me for Christmas that he broke. I've been putting off buying a new one hoping this might happen. Then I got to thinking. There was nothing wrong with the camera until he broke it. Why would they give us another one for free? I'm certainly willing to let him return it and do the 'shuck and jive' to get a new one, but I'm worried. Can one accrue karmic debt by association?Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08680462833188999331noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228233504071742736.post-4866163802564997612009-04-24T12:13:00.000-07:002009-04-24T14:46:38.735-07:00You Gotta Wonder...I'm used to people thinking I'm weird. I give them plenty of reasons.<br /><br />I bought a floor lamp last Sunday for the living room. It's a Japanese lantern style with the white paper shades. The thing is 10" x 10" square and 56" tall, comes up to about my shoulder. It's sat in the living room all week. Jay has sat next to it and never noticed it. Do you think my living room might be over crowded with 'stuff'? I love stuff like this. I'm not saying a word until he spots it.<br /> <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SfIT0bdjYCI/AAAAAAAABqY/EIg5YFNzTxg/s1600-h/rentmap.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SfIT0bdjYCI/AAAAAAAABqY/EIg5YFNzTxg/s400/rentmap.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328343100578553890" /></a><br />Here's a map of the old home town. The new office is located just to the left of the red dot. It's next to a place called Fort Dent. It was a was a blockhouse built on the orders of Territorial Governor in 1860 during the "Indian Troubles" It's located at the confluences of what used to be the Black River and the Green River (yes, the infamous Green River of the killer) It's at this spot that the two rivers merged and became the Duwamish River that flows into downtown Seattle. Here's what bugs me (refer to map when needed) At the turn of the last century Lake Washington (the body of water with Mercer Island in the middle) was lowered to sea level by opening the Montlake Cut. (just above the two 'T's in the word Seattle on the map) This dried up the Black River that used to flow out of the south end of the lake so it no longer joins the Green River. <br /><br />What I want to know is who is the one that comes up with river naming conventions? If the Black River no longer meets the Green River, how does it then become the Duwamish? Isn't it just the Green River all the way into town? <br /><br />These are the things that keep me up at night. <br /><br />By the way, locals...A piece or two of the Black River still exist as some sort of orphaned ponds. The Black River Riparian Forest is a GREAT place to spot Herons and Hawks, the occasional Eagle and their dinner, bunnies. Good trails to hike.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SfIXyNxOPMI/AAAAAAAABqg/w67ovX2XCMA/s1600-h/BLRP.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 87px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SfIXyNxOPMI/AAAAAAAABqg/w67ovX2XCMA/s400/BLRP.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328347460589731010" /></a><br /><br />I did a good job of getting all my plants planted this week. Well, that is except for 20 hostas and 10 ferns, and the new load I just bought this morning. I know I'm out of control but it will keep me out of the pool halls. <br /><br />Have a great weekend! <br /><br />BBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08680462833188999331noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228233504071742736.post-88719869785657474532009-04-21T12:56:00.000-07:002009-04-21T13:42:07.281-07:00Absolutely Nothing Fabulous<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Se4lA08GyrI/AAAAAAAABpw/6mecnJEqf-0/s1600-h/friend.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Se4lA08GyrI/AAAAAAAABpw/6mecnJEqf-0/s400/friend.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327236105366850226" /></a><br />This person sent me a "Friends" request today on Facebook. My first thought was: Oh great, ladies of the evening, just like MySpace. The reason I deleted the account a dear freind set up for me. <br /><br />Then I looked closer and saw we have 17 friends in common. Apparently I know her. Oops. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Se4nsaG0OTI/AAAAAAAABqQ/57qDxXn8rVw/s1600-h/goats27.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/Se4nsaG0OTI/AAAAAAAABqQ/57qDxXn8rVw/s400/goats27.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327239053101513010" /></a><br /><br />I'm told by the resident goat herder that the little one, Bess is pregnant again. These things are baby breeding machines! Bess spent the past few weeks up in the upper goat paddock with Mr. Deeds. We wanted to give the baby Silver Moon time to get a bit bigger before she was around Bess. Bess moved back into the goat barn with Belle & Baby last week. Leaving Mr. Deeds forlorn at the top of the hill. Hopefully this time we'll have a baby billy who can keep him company. Baby Moon goes right up to see Dad when ever we let her out in the yard - very cute. <br /><br />Another perfect spring day. It's 72* and not a cloud in the sky. I met the data cabling contractor down at the new office this morning and then stopped by McClendon's the local non-big box (yeah!) hardware store in town and bought yet more plants. Strawberries and tomato's, salvia and lobelia. It's all going in the perennial border mixed in with the flowering plants. I'm forsaking vegetable gardens with nice neat rows and going for the overgrown look. I really need to get busy with what I've already got at home instead of buying more. I'm really feeling the old "make hay in the sunshine" thing. I suppose I should set some goals on what I want to get done by the end of the week. Get the beds done this week and then have time for the containers on the porch this weekend. <br /><br />On the way back to the office I was listening to a very <a href="http://kuow.org/program.php?id=17362">interesting interview </a>on NPR. The guest, Joel Berg was making the point that we have a multitude of state and federal agencies overseeing food programs in the schools. One of his points was that if we eliminated these redundant functions we could feed all of the children in public schools regardless of their economic status. Another point was that if we reduced or eliminated the bureaucracy that's in place to prevent food stamp abuse it would more than pay for that program as well. I don't know where he got all his data or how valid his numbers were but it was pretty thought provoking stuff. <br /><br />It's too nice to be inside. I think I'll forward the office phones out to my cell and go get lost for a little while. Meanwhile, I'll leave you with this: <br /><br />Don't kiss your hunny, <br />When your nose is runny, <br />You make think it's funny, <br />But it's s-not.<br /><br />XOXOBCBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08680462833188999331noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228233504071742736.post-89455368081273842632009-04-20T13:43:00.000-07:002009-04-20T15:14:12.882-07:00I'd Like A Pony Please...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SezzRhwfBYI/AAAAAAAABpo/0p1ZtcK4Whg/s1600-h/MrBear.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SezzRhwfBYI/AAAAAAAABpo/0p1ZtcK4Whg/s400/MrBear.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326899941717509506" /></a><br />Random picture of my best friend, because you all haven't seen him in a while. <br /><br /><br />What a wonderful weekend. While Saturday didn't turn out exactly sunny it was nice and warm but with a thin cloud cover that just never really burned itself off. Sunday was warm and sunny and perfect. I didn't get a lot of my own planting done but was able to go over to my Mom's and help her get her deck containers sorted and planted so that's one annual task out of the way. Before tackling that, Mom and I had brunch at the Lake Route Cafe. I had the low-cal (not) eggs benedict because clearly I'm trying for a life time personal best in weight gain this year.<br /><br />Mom and I were talking at brunch about my sister and her family. Sis & BIL both got laid off from their jobs in the resort industry last winter. They worked for the same company. This same company that relocated them to Florida about 2 years ago. Poor guys are now sitting in a very large home down there they is starting to look next to impossible to sell. They're both looking for jobs back here in Seattle (sounds like BIL has found one) with an eye to moving back home. My niece has been up here for the last year because she didn't like FL and it was her senior year in high school and she wanted to be with her friends. <br /><br />The conversation made me regret opening my big fat mouth a few posts back about not really feeling the effects of the economic slow down. They're having a tough time all the way around. My poor sister is sick of living in a house that she needs to keep in realtor showing cleanliness for realtors and potential buyers that never come around. The easy solution for them is to leave the house there basically furnished and move back home and get on with life. What really surprised me was that they're planing to move in with my Mom for a while. I know there's nothing new about "boomerang kids". Well, ok we're all a bit old to really fall under that category, but you know what I mean. What really threw me was that my BIL, the lone republican standout in a family awash with die-hard liberals is actually willing to live with his mother-in-law! Don't get me wrong, we all love my BIL, but if that poor guy is willing to do that, even for a short time, clearly things are worse than I thought.<br /><br />I'm being somewhat silly about this but later I got to thinking about my niece. I really feel sorry for her. She's a great kid. Never been in any kind of trouble. She's very athletic, a jock really. She's been on the top soccer teams in the local leagues all through school. Just an all around great kid. What I worry about is they lifestyle she was raised in. I know for myself that my mother spoiled us quite a bit. I never realised it growing up but when it came time to live on my own it hit me between the eyes. The day's of salon haircuts and designer clothes were over for a while. My standard of living took a giant step down when I moved out of home.<br /><br />I wonder if this post is ever going to make a point? Well, carrying on....<br /><br />Anyway...<br />As I pulled away from Mom's my niece and her boyfriend pulled up in his new BMW. (high-school kid, driving a BMW...) What kind of shock are those kids in for? How are they going to be able to adjust to a new way of living. I don't think for a second their situation is unique. I know it isn't, we've got another young lad 'working' for us who was raised in a life style far above what his means will be as a lone adult. I wasn't at all shocked when the kids was 'sick' for a week after his Mommy bought him a brand new truck!<br /><br />Maybe this is just the way life is. Maybe all kids and parents go through this to some degree. Is it the same as adults always thinking the music their kids listen to is garbage? generation after generation? Is it just one of those universal things or has something changed in the last couple of generations? <br /><br />This is one of those posts that I should really go back and edit or possibly re-write/re-think but that's how I end up not posting for a week. I think I'll just hit publish and then go outside and play in the sun!Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08680462833188999331noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228233504071742736.post-40137899386891868552009-04-17T09:35:00.000-07:002009-04-17T14:30:20.672-07:00Life and DeathI had one of those mornings where you wake up and try to sort out which day it is. I convinced myself it was Thursday and got up and got on with the day. A pleasant surprise when I got to work and realised it was Friday! I've been stock piling perennials for the last week, hoping for sunshine this weekend to get in the garden and get busy. Weather forecast is iffy, well see. <br /><br />I had lunch with a girlfriend last weekend and we were talking about a 3rd mutual friend who has had a tragedy in their families life. A younger brother (an adult) is being charged with attempted murder for an incident late last year that happened outside of a dance club downtown. The victim was his girlfriend and mother of his child. Other parties were involved and lots of finger pointing everywhere. 'Kids' with guns. This guy isn't a thug or hoodlum. We know this young man and his GF. They've been to party's at our house. People I believe to be 'good kids' Good kids who thought it was necessary to carry a gun when going to a club.<br /><br />During the course of our conversation my friend told me that her three sons (all in their 20's) also carry guns and concealed weapons permits. I've known these boys their entire lives. Again they're not thugs or hoodlums either. Their rational is everyone is carrying them and they need to as well to be safe. My friend is as anti-guns as I am but beyond ensuring they have permits there's nothing she can do as they're adults.<br /><br />I've never liked guns. I don't talk about it much here but when I was a very young man my first lover was a private investigator. He ran a company that provided security and investigative services for a variety of clients. He carried a gun. I never liked it but I got used to it. He was a very safety conscious person and took gun ownership responsibilities very seriously. Unfortunately that didn't help him when he was jumped on the street by three guys. His gun fell out of his holster in the struggle and one of them picked it up and shot him. He died then and there. Had there not been a gun involved in that situation...<br /><br />I'd like to say I don't understand it but I kinda do. To these kids we're the older generation and we just don't "get it". They're used to it. There were guns in the high schools they went to. It so common to them they think it foolish to not carry one. I was discussing this with another friend and her comment was "Why would you want to go some place (dance clubs) where people carried guns" Why indeed. I guess that's how out of control the whole thing is. To them it's just an accepted part of life. I guess dying young is too. <br /><br />Seattle is for all it's posturing, still a small city. To call it 'urban' would be laughable to people from real big cities. What I mean is it's not like these kids were raised on "The Mean Streets Of..." They're just normal kids. With guns. <br /><br />I've been mulling this over in my mind trying to figure out what I feel about it. What can any one person do to fight against this? So far I've got scratch. It makes my blood run cold. Thoughts? <br /><br />OK, sorry for being so heavy, it's just what's been on my mind. It's nice to be at an age where working in the garden is all the excitement you need. <br /><br />Here's a bit of random-ness for you. I got this pic in an email from the Ex last night. It's our first apartment. Either the building hasn't fared well over the 20+ years, or my memories of it are filtered through the golden light of time. We had the top left unit. I planted the ivy hoping to have the effect of an old ivy covered building. Who knew it took ivy that long to grow. Seriously it's been like 25 years. I swear I can watch the stuff grow up the trees at my place now. Oh well, it seemed like a good idea at the time. It was a cool old 1920's building with insulated iceboxes opening to the hall and your apt. for your grocery deliveries. I always thought that was pretty cool. Could that tree have grown in the past 25 years? I have no memory of it. <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SejCD4Q130I/AAAAAAAABpI/LqBNidNVM_M/s1600-h/marthalee.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SejCD4Q130I/AAAAAAAABpI/LqBNidNVM_M/s400/marthalee.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325719931264032578" /></a><br /><br />I haven't been much of a blogger lately. So many folks are taking breaks or just not blogging much these days. Well, I am going to take myself in hand and re-commit to blogging here. I get so much out of it, I need to just get back in the habit and stop PROCRASTINATING. A word I hate, probably because I'm SO good at it!Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08680462833188999331noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228233504071742736.post-6793662490389776792009-04-02T12:40:00.000-07:002009-04-02T13:25:29.169-07:00None Of My BusinessThe phones at worked kind of picked up some this morning. It actually started ringing right after 8:00 am! One call from a developer sounds especially promising. <br /><br />It has been a little slow. I have to remind myself that it's always slow for us between the "heating" and "cooling" season. If folks aren't running their furnaces or A/C units all the time they don't break down as often. I've been listening to the talking heads on the nightly news too much. If you just went by them you'd think the sky was falling. I know the "economic crisis" is real, but I think it's way overblown by the media. Sure I know a couple of folks who have been laid off but in reality (at least my day to day reality) things haven't changed that much. <br /><br />The effects of the talking heads however are hard to avoid. I know it's keeping me from spending money I normally would. New furniture for example. I've been looking for months, have seen a few things I like that would work just fine but when it comes to giving up that money I just can't do it. The talking heads got into my brain and it keeps me thinking, what if? Multiple that by a few million Americans and we really do have trouble. Not that I have any answers here, just me spouting off. Lately I've been changing the channel to The Simpson's or The Family Guy at 6:00 o'clock. I think I'll just keep doing that.<br /><br />I had lunch at our house with a friend from my old Evil Coffee Empire days. She left about the same time I did. She's a full time Mommy now, living over on the peninsula. She brought her boys over for an overnight stay in town. I'd met her oldest when he was a baby and hadn't met the youngest. I wasn't surprised when they both turned out to be very articulate (for their age) young men. It really blew me away how the 7 year old would look me directly in the eyes and talk with such passion about comic books. Not surprising given how smart and wonderful his parents are. What did surprise me was that about 2 minutes after that he and his brother turned into whirling dervishes and careened all over the house, knocking over furniture and scaring the hell out of the dog and cat. I think Miss Lilly spent the night in the goat barn. I sure didn't see her. Don't get me wrong, they're great kids but...I'm sorry NONE of my niece's or nephew's would ever act that way in some one's home. Mom didn't seem to notice anything so I turned the TV on which had the expected result of instant child zombifcation.<br /><br />My own sister has un-friended me on Facebook. <br /><br />Sheesh, it's not like I was following her around asking "Can I play too" like the old days. Get over yourself Sis! - Not Really, I know she's only on there to keep tabs on my neice who's there as well. But it will make for great fun at the Christmas dinner table this year, if I can keep my mouth shut until then. "Mom!...." <br /><br />I ploted out the raised beds on our CAD program at work. Then had major sticker shock at the price of materials. I may still do it, but..well, see above...I've thought about scaling it back but if I have Mr. Jay locked and loaded to perform, er..build it I should probally get it all done at once, we'll see. <br /><br />As I'm told each Thursday morning:<br /><br />"We can see the light of Friday, make hay in the sunshine!"Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08680462833188999331noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228233504071742736.post-30418592980261961252009-03-30T10:54:00.000-07:002009-03-30T12:00:56.879-07:00Make Hay In The SunshineWhat a wonderful weekend! It was sunny and clear most of the time, all day on Sunday. I even considered putting on sunblock at one point. We had lots of company. It seemed like there was hardly anytime at all that somebody wasn't at the house. I still haven't picked up a new camera but fortunately my Mom's friend Jane came by and took some pics. Unfortunately it was her back up camera and the snaps aren't the best. <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SdEIaE683KI/AAAAAAAABo0/byRVBzOexMU/s1600-h/sil2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319041878991887522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SdEIaE683KI/AAAAAAAABo0/byRVBzOexMU/s400/sil2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SdEIZ_R0cyI/AAAAAAAABos/IbU4N4oHd2Q/s1600-h/sil1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319041877477192482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SdEIZ_R0cyI/AAAAAAAABos/IbU4N4oHd2Q/s400/sil1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SdEIZY5LlCI/AAAAAAAABok/tpbX4kBltko/s1600-h/sil0.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319041867173303330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SdEIZY5LlCI/AAAAAAAABok/tpbX4kBltko/s400/sil0.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SdEIaNUJjOI/AAAAAAAABo8/OT6JiK7SUKg/s1600-h/sil3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319041881245060322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lQGCmPuxA-M/SdEIaNUJjOI/AAAAAAAABo8/OT6JiK7SUKg/s400/sil3.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />Momma, baby and goatboy.<br /><br />Our friends Lorrie & JP came and spent Saturday night with us. We didn't do anything but sit around the kitchen table and laugh so that was perfect. At some point during the evening we had been talking about the chickens, then poultry in general. JP and Jay got it into their heads they wanted to raise quail. How they came up with quail is any ones guess. Long story short 100 quail chicks will be shipped to us the week of July 6th. My only request was they build a cote to house them in. It's a scary thing when I end up being the voice of reason. They plan to let them go free. I guess they think the birds will stick around, well see. JP & Lorrie have a place bigger then ours with more woods so they'll take most of the birds. Should be interesting.<br /><br />I spent a few hours in the front yard with a measuring tape and a bunch of rocks planning where the new raised beds are going. Jay's on board with the concept, now were just quibbling about materials. Jay wants to use those textured cider block things that you get a the Home Depot/Lowes. Their fine but not what I'm going for. Those bricks are great for retaining walls and things but I don't want the first impression of the area to be "Oh, you went to Home Depot". Those bricks are to ubiquitous for me. I want something a little different. The timbers I found also at Home Depot are 8" x 8" buy 8 feet - they've been used before and show it. Their labeled as "retaining wall quality timbers" There nice and chunky and roughed up. They look like they were creosoted (new word?) sometime in the past but it's quite weathered now so I think I should be ok with them not contaminating the soil. I thought it was funny Jay was set on the bricks since it's going to be him lifting most of them. Hah! (not really, I will help...point...supervise...what ever...)<br /><br />I'm chomping at the bit to get planting in the garden. I bought a couple of those cans of wild flower mix to plant in some of the larger, rougher areas of the yard which are to big to make into proper flower beds. I was all ready to get going on that this weekend until I read on the label to wait for the ground temperature to be 60 degrees. How in the hec do you tell what the ground temp is? Stick a thermometer in it? Guess I'll just wait a month and go for it. <br /><br />Lolli was busy this weekend too. Please take a listen to my beautiful girls, beautiful voice. She's being backed up by her band Atlantis. She rocks my world!<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wHDs_GVUTLo&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wHDs_GVUTLo&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Hope your all doing good!Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08680462833188999331noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228233504071742736.post-56345361395776100692009-03-26T10:08:00.000-07:002009-03-26T10:40:14.328-07:00Poor neglected blog...Life had been busy at the farm. Baby is finally now feeding on her own. It's been a long slow process from having to hold Belle immobile while baby nursed to slowly getting her used to the baby nursing on her own. But thankfully it's working. She gaining weight and growing just as she should be. And life can get back to something other then goats 24/7.<br /><br />It's finally looking and feeling like spring. It so nice to have longer days and not feel like it's almost bedtime as soon as I get home. It's just not quite warm enough to get outside and play yet. I've finally figure out where I want to put my raised beds and now I'm just waiting for Jay to 'buy off' on it. I want to use a part of the driveway/parking area that's directly in front of the house. I want to place the beds in a square with an open place in the middle for benches. Eventually adding trellis to go around it all. It's also close to the water tap and I can get Jay to run irrigation out to it. I think I'll just go and buy the timbers and get things going. Jay hasn't agreed yet but he also hasn't said no either. This is a trick I learned from him. It's hard to stop something already in progress.<br /><br />Work has been slow and quiet. Not too worrisome as it's normally quiet this time of year. We've had the guys working on the new office so it's almost ready to move into. They'll texture and paint this weekend and the carpet will be layed next week. It's good we had something for the guys to do during the slow time but paying salaries with out money coming in can only last a SHORT while. Two big commercial jobs start next week and that should carry us into summer - thank goodness.<br /><br />We got our taxes back from the accountant on Monday and were pleasantly surprised that we had in fact saved more than enough to cover them. I was a bit nervous. We need to get better about projecting what they'll be. I don't like that feeling of not knowing. Thinking about that, I just now realised the whole first quarter has gone and we don't even have a plan yet for next year! Eeek!<br /><br />I really haven't got anything newsie to tell. Things have just been humming along. I wanted to get something posted as I don't normally go for ten days with out a post. I haven't even looked at my google reader for days - I'm sure it's completely out of control. I'll get to that after I get today's paper work done.<br /><br />Still haven't replaced the camera yet. I just know as soon as I do we'll find the receipt for the broken one. I'll do something about it this week. I don't want to miss any more goatie baby picture moments. I'll post something soon.<br /><br />Hope your doing good!<br /><br />BBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08680462833188999331noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228233504071742736.post-28563980092185074762009-03-16T15:59:00.001-07:002009-03-16T16:24:30.607-07:00Nothin MuchWe woke up to snow again yesterday morning. Luckily the monster sizes flakes were falling to a ground temperature of about 40* so nothing stuck. Typical weird spring weather here. The afternoon brought lots of wind and gusts. I spent part of the afternoon watching the two Doug Firs that were planted about 15 feet from either side of the house 90+ years ago. They've been trimmed over the years to protect them from high winds but they still really get to moving in a storm. Every time we have a windstorm I think that maybe they should come down. I'd hate to do it but it's better then getting crushed in the house.<br /><br />A pretty quiet weekend all and all. My Sister is up visiting from Florida and she and my mother stopped by for a while. Aside from that, there weren't too many goat visitors this weekend. The baby is doing good. I think we've settled on the name Silver Moon for the marking on her nose that at first looked like a moon but not so much anymore. She'll probably end up with a weird nick-name like Moonie. She's a feisty little baby and very human socialized. Too much so if you ask me. She's growing and changing quickly just like any baby I suppose. She jumps and spins and tries to head butt. She's also a cuddler, always wants to climb up into your lap. Good, cheap, farmy entertainment I tell you.<br /><br />I found my new desk on Friday. I'd been looking for weeks. I wanted a plain old wood desk with a center 'pencil' drawer. As easy as it sounds it was tough to find. Most of the used office furniture places now sell pieces of cubicles and apparently the modern worker no longer needs a pencil drawer. The one I found is pretty cool. All wood with a fine grain that I can't identify yet. It's large (huge!) and from the 1940's I'm guessing. At least that's what the drawer pulls and styling look like. I took the big company truck back out to Greenlake today to pick it up. Luckily the store owner was nice and helped me get it loaded up. I would have seriously hurt myself trying to move it on my own. Once I got it back to the new office I took a better look at it. There's something about old furniture that intrigues me. I was hoping this piece would have something lost inside or something unique about it. When I took out the center drawer I found the remnants of tape and a torn corner of an envelope that had been stuck to the bottom of it. I love this kind of stuff. I wonder what was hidden there and what kind of stories my desk could tell?Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08680462833188999331noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5228233504071742736.post-79571281754911667872009-03-12T16:13:00.000-07:002009-03-12T16:34:14.588-07:00HelloI've been having a hard time posting lately. Not that I don't feel like it, I'm just tired of hearing myself talk. Talk, type whatever. You ever get like that? I've been thinking about it a bit lately and I find myself just wanting to be quiet and listen. I guess it's part of getting older and maybe more mature. I sure wish I knew this or thought these things say about 20 years ago. Better late then never I suppose. I don't mind getting older. I seem (to me at least) to be happier as I get older. I have more patience with people. It's easier to see others opinions and opposing views. I'm appreciating things more then I did when I was younger. Nothing deep or moving here, just thoughts. I guess the best part for me in learning and having these 'skills' (?) is that it's balanced by still feeling like a kid. Still loving to play and be silly. I've said it before (and I'll say it again) I don't think you really ever grow up when your not a parent.<br /><br />ANYWAY...<br /><br />It's all goat, all the time here lately. I feel sorry for the little thing and seem to be the only one who thinks they should be left alone as much as possible and not handled. Hard to do when everyone and their brother wants to come by and hold the cute baby. I say my piece and just stand back and keep out of the way.<br /><br />Feedings are nearly every hour when were at home, every two when were not. Jay stops by the house during the day while were at work. Momma really seems to have all the mothering instincts down except for the nursing. Nursing now consists of Jay hold Belle immobile while Lolli or I keep the little one on her teet, getting as much milk as quickly as she can. The Vet says to keep at it and eventually Momma will relent and let baby feed on her own. Hard to believe it's only day 3.<br /><br />Today baby started to show some real activity. Chasing after Momma in the paddock yard and trying to do an unassisted launches off the ground. She jumps straight up in the air, testing her legs I suppose. It's hysterical to watch. No real name yet but Lolli & Jay have taken to calling her Moon-xxx - Moon-whatever strikes them at the moment. This comes from the light marking on her nose which at first resembled a star but has grown into a half moon - We'll see, I think we should get to know her personality a little better before we name her.<br /><br />I'd post more pics but Mr. Man dropped my (new) camera in the goat barn and it no longer works. He say he bought the insurance for it when he bought it a Christmas but where the receipt might be is any ones guess. <br /><br />Hope your all doing good -<br /><br />BBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08680462833188999331noreply@blogger.com18