Everything I can move in the jeep is now moved - except for my electronics which are going next. Hard to believe it's been almost nine years in this place. Gonna miss the Dilleys...
With luck, I will be signing-on from Blackerby Street by tomorrow. Depends on GCI and my consultant, Mr. Rickey. My land line will also be off-line until we're squared away at the new digs. I've got my cell however.
So...without further ado, I sign-off from my nice little apartment on Glacier Highway.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Anatomy of a Move: Part 2
Whew! This is hard work. I've been moving my stuff jeep load by jeep load to the garage of the new digs. I'm still a little ahead of schedule; but that is because I've been keeping my nose to the proverbial grindstone.
Yesterday was kitchen day which took longer than I thought. Did the stove cleaning thing and packed up all the regular dishes as well as all the dry goods. I do believe there were several items in the back of several cupboards that were last seen when they were placed there at the time of my LAST move - almost nine years ago. It's possible that these items have exceeded their expiration date.
Yesterday at 3 PM I moseyed over to the title and escrow outfit for the formal closing. Must have signed my name fifty times. Most of the paperwork was completely unintelligible and many documents appeared to be the result of the recent mortgage/financial meltdown - things like attesting that what I said was my income is REALLY my income. A day late and a dollar short...
Still, the deal is done and after filing today the bank and I will be the proud co-owners of 4121 Blackerby Street. Yippee!
On Saturday my electronic devices consultant, Mr. Rickey, joined me on a shopping spree at Costco where a 42" Panasonic plasma TV, home theater sound system, 32" Sony LCD TV and various peripherals were acquired.
Today will be more moving and cleaning as well as a more mundane shopping excursion to acquire garbage cans, a mailbox and other less glamorous household appurtenances. And at 4:30 PM my exile to the garage will end as I obtain the keys to my new crib.
My furniture will not be moved until Thursday morning...it is possible I may be able to get a little painting done at the new place tomorrow. And Dougie will join me either this evening or tomorrow evening to hook-up new electronics.
It is also possible I will be without access to the internet for a couple of days as the move nears its climax.
TallyHo!
Yesterday was kitchen day which took longer than I thought. Did the stove cleaning thing and packed up all the regular dishes as well as all the dry goods. I do believe there were several items in the back of several cupboards that were last seen when they were placed there at the time of my LAST move - almost nine years ago. It's possible that these items have exceeded their expiration date.
Yesterday at 3 PM I moseyed over to the title and escrow outfit for the formal closing. Must have signed my name fifty times. Most of the paperwork was completely unintelligible and many documents appeared to be the result of the recent mortgage/financial meltdown - things like attesting that what I said was my income is REALLY my income. A day late and a dollar short...
Still, the deal is done and after filing today the bank and I will be the proud co-owners of 4121 Blackerby Street. Yippee!
On Saturday my electronic devices consultant, Mr. Rickey, joined me on a shopping spree at Costco where a 42" Panasonic plasma TV, home theater sound system, 32" Sony LCD TV and various peripherals were acquired.
Today will be more moving and cleaning as well as a more mundane shopping excursion to acquire garbage cans, a mailbox and other less glamorous household appurtenances. And at 4:30 PM my exile to the garage will end as I obtain the keys to my new crib.
My furniture will not be moved until Thursday morning...it is possible I may be able to get a little painting done at the new place tomorrow. And Dougie will join me either this evening or tomorrow evening to hook-up new electronics.
It is also possible I will be without access to the internet for a couple of days as the move nears its climax.
TallyHo!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Anatomy of a Move: Part 1
The day has come...I must actually start packing stuff. Where to start?..... I know... the computer room closet. This is where all the Xmas stuff resides. After ten years maybe the time to buy a bin for all the Xmas wrappings.
DONE. CLOSET CLEANED-OUT.
Then the entertainment center that has not held a TV for about 7 years; but has become the closet for photography stuff. This is dangerous territory...lots of old photos in old jackets...slides...grade school report cards...one never knows what one will encounter. But I persevere; without a single tear.
DONE. ENTERTAINMENT CENTER PURGED
The old desk - from my folks years ago - think Grandma Newman had another one just like it. It will be a focal point of the new house when you first walk in the front door. Today it was full of "stuff" - no more.
DONE. DESK CLEARED.
Tomorrow I need to pick-up the pace.
Or not.
Life is good.
DONE. CLOSET CLEANED-OUT.
Then the entertainment center that has not held a TV for about 7 years; but has become the closet for photography stuff. This is dangerous territory...lots of old photos in old jackets...slides...grade school report cards...one never knows what one will encounter. But I persevere; without a single tear.
DONE. ENTERTAINMENT CENTER PURGED
The old desk - from my folks years ago - think Grandma Newman had another one just like it. It will be a focal point of the new house when you first walk in the front door. Today it was full of "stuff" - no more.
DONE. DESK CLEARED.
Tomorrow I need to pick-up the pace.
Or not.
Life is good.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Homeward Bound
Well, time to mosey back up the road to Seattle. I'll arrive home tonight on AS 79.
Too short a trip - although I DID manage to squeeze tons of fun into six days. Yesterday I drove out to the coast. It was a beautiful day. I'll post a couple of pics when I get home.
Monday was the girls' day. I took Leah and Amanda to lunch at Veritable Quandary on First Avenue. I had a smoked chicken and mushroom crepe that was out-of-this-world.
For supper we went to St. Jack's, a newly opened French bistro. The charcuterie plate was very good although I was a mite disappointed with the entree. We then motored over to El Gaucho at the Benson Hotel for dessert - Bananas Foster with all of the at-table hoopla.
The subtext of dessert was that it gave me an opportunity to meet Nick, a server at the establishment and a person of interest in daughter Leah's life. He seems like a great guy - although it is possible that he was a mite flummoxed by our presence. Not the best circumstances for introductions. Nevertheless, it was a very satisfactory day all around.
I had contemplated motoring out to Leah's winery yesterday; but she said she was going to be swamped preparing 1300 or so wine orders for shipment to wine club members. And Amanda indicated that sleeping-in and reorienting herself to PDX was going to be the order of the day. So...not as much time with the gals as I had hoped; but still a very nice visit.
Tomorrow will be the beginning of a very strenuous period of time. Got to do some banking and other running around. And on Friday I will start packing my apartment for the move to the new house. Can't say I'm real excited about the moving part; but I AM excited about the new digs.
Cheers!
Too short a trip - although I DID manage to squeeze tons of fun into six days. Yesterday I drove out to the coast. It was a beautiful day. I'll post a couple of pics when I get home.
Monday was the girls' day. I took Leah and Amanda to lunch at Veritable Quandary on First Avenue. I had a smoked chicken and mushroom crepe that was out-of-this-world.
For supper we went to St. Jack's, a newly opened French bistro. The charcuterie plate was very good although I was a mite disappointed with the entree. We then motored over to El Gaucho at the Benson Hotel for dessert - Bananas Foster with all of the at-table hoopla.
The subtext of dessert was that it gave me an opportunity to meet Nick, a server at the establishment and a person of interest in daughter Leah's life. He seems like a great guy - although it is possible that he was a mite flummoxed by our presence. Not the best circumstances for introductions. Nevertheless, it was a very satisfactory day all around.
I had contemplated motoring out to Leah's winery yesterday; but she said she was going to be swamped preparing 1300 or so wine orders for shipment to wine club members. And Amanda indicated that sleeping-in and reorienting herself to PDX was going to be the order of the day. So...not as much time with the gals as I had hoped; but still a very nice visit.
Tomorrow will be the beginning of a very strenuous period of time. Got to do some banking and other running around. And on Friday I will start packing my apartment for the move to the new house. Can't say I'm real excited about the moving part; but I AM excited about the new digs.
Cheers!
Monday, September 19, 2011
The Ewoks - A Gentle, Peaceful People
A most amazing camping trip. Adam and I attended "Fire 13," a dance party in the wilds of Washington near a little town called Glenwood about thirty miles north of Hood River. The party was on about 80 acres of wooded land with a large grassy clearing where tents were pitched and three sound stages set-up. Around a thousand folks attended - some in Star Wars inspired costumes in keeping with the theme "An Ewok Village." Many of those NOT in costume appeared plenty exotic too.
Although it is likely that I was the oldest guest on the premises, I did not feel out of place and had a great time. We pitched our tent between two of the stages. The party did not take long to get started - and once the sun set there was a way cool laser and light show to keep everyone inspired. It is possible that various chemical substances also contributed to the inspiration...
In any event the party went-on all night. Indeed, it was still continuing albeit at a somewhat reduced tempo when we upped-stakes yesterday morning. I did attempt to catch a few hours shut-eye during the wee hours; but our strategic location between two massive sound systems was not particularly conducive to sleep.
I was very impressed with the friendly, well-behaved and generally laid-back atmosphere. My first Rave. Hah!
Although it is likely that I was the oldest guest on the premises, I did not feel out of place and had a great time. We pitched our tent between two of the stages. The party did not take long to get started - and once the sun set there was a way cool laser and light show to keep everyone inspired. It is possible that various chemical substances also contributed to the inspiration...
In any event the party went-on all night. Indeed, it was still continuing albeit at a somewhat reduced tempo when we upped-stakes yesterday morning. I did attempt to catch a few hours shut-eye during the wee hours; but our strategic location between two massive sound systems was not particularly conducive to sleep.
I was very impressed with the friendly, well-behaved and generally laid-back atmosphere. My first Rave. Hah!
Although NOT an officially recognized Star Wars character, Adam was well received in his Panda costume
A beautiful Sunday morning...the dance continues even as they began to break-down the stages...
So there you have it!
Well, this morning I hope to head-over to Jane's for a little photo shoot. Daughter Morgan left for college this weekend and mom and dad are feeling a need to sell her car. Daughter apparently refused to take pics for posting on Craig's List herself - a matter of principle in her mind, I'm sure.
Leah has the day off so I hope to hook-up with her for lunch and Amanda is due into PDX today so supper with my daughters is in the cards.
The weather is improving this morning...supposed to be a very nice week.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Portland Fun
Ah, back in my favorite city. Terry and I had a swift and uneventful drive from Seattle to Portland on Thursday after a good Thai lunch in Ballard with her mom. T. and I motored over to Jane's place, had a glass of wine and then off to supper at a nice local Greek restaurant in Sellwood. Delightful.
Yesterday I spent the day with my friend, Adam, getting organized for a quick camping trip (maybe). We plan to go up by Mt. Adams where there is an outdoor concert gig he really wants to attend. However this morning it is raining and kinda looks like it's going to be more serious than what the forecast predicted. So we'll see...
Last night was reunion night at Accanto - a very nice Italian restaurant on Belmont. I had dined there previously with the girls. A picture is worth the proverbial thousand words...so without further ado...
I spoke to Leah yesterday and we'll do supper tomorrow. Bet she's not happy with the rain either. Grapes need heat and sun this time of year. Amanda is supposed to arrive on Monday so there will be more dining. And I would like to get down to the vineyard on Tuesday if the weather cooperates.
Well, gonna do an anti-rain dance. Later gang!
Yesterday I spent the day with my friend, Adam, getting organized for a quick camping trip (maybe). We plan to go up by Mt. Adams where there is an outdoor concert gig he really wants to attend. However this morning it is raining and kinda looks like it's going to be more serious than what the forecast predicted. So we'll see...
Last night was reunion night at Accanto - a very nice Italian restaurant on Belmont. I had dined there previously with the girls. A picture is worth the proverbial thousand words...so without further ado...
Terry and Tim
Jim is contemplating relocation to Dallas. This announcement received mixed reviews
Jane and Julia
Alison and Dougie
I spoke to Leah yesterday and we'll do supper tomorrow. Bet she's not happy with the rain either. Grapes need heat and sun this time of year. Amanda is supposed to arrive on Monday so there will be more dining. And I would like to get down to the vineyard on Tuesday if the weather cooperates.
Well, gonna do an anti-rain dance. Later gang!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
City Fun
A very productive and fun day yesterday. After morning coffee, chit-chat with Marian, and a half-way decent workout I took the bus downtown for some power shopping. Clocked-in at Macy's about 2 PM and clocked-out about 4:30 PM.
I am an extraordinarily efficient shopper when I know what I am looking for...and yesterday I was on a mission. First order of business, wardrobe refurbishment. I hijacked an attractive young salesperson to be my sherpa and set-sail for Dockers Land. Found four pair and put the alterations department to work. Then a couple of shirts, two sweaters and a new outdoor vest. Bingo! Wardrobe complete.
I then legged-it upstairs to the bed and bath department to find furnishings for my new king size bed. This actually took longer than the wardrobe hunt; but in the end I was well satisfied and at a price that was quite pleasing. I got 20% off everything yesterday by virtue of a week-long sale and the bedding was already on sale. Bottom line - a $500 Ralph Lauren comforter with accessories for $178. Nice.
Having done all the damage I could afford at Macy's and being a mite fatigued, I repaired to the bar at the Mayflower Hotel for a martini before meeting my pals for supper. I love the bar at the Mayflower. Huge windows that look-out on 4th avenue. Great people watching venue.
Then off to an Italian joint in Pacific Plaza for supper with Mr. Milnes, Mr. Long, and Mr. & Ms. Ahrensfeld. We were seated at 5:30 PM and didn't rise 'til after 9:30 PM. Serious conversation and big time fun. Took the bus back to Ballard and was in the sack at exactly 10:48 PM.
A very pleasing day...
This morning I had another nice visit with Marian and am now at Tully's waiting for her and Terry to join me for lunch at a little Thai restaurant on Market Street. Then T. and I will head down to PDX. We should get down to Jane's place between 5:30 and 6:00 PM.
I have been somewhat disappointed by the weather - it's been cloudy and cool since I arrived - but no rain. Looks like the weather in Portland will be a little better; but the recent hot spell is over. No matter...
TallyHo!
I am an extraordinarily efficient shopper when I know what I am looking for...and yesterday I was on a mission. First order of business, wardrobe refurbishment. I hijacked an attractive young salesperson to be my sherpa and set-sail for Dockers Land. Found four pair and put the alterations department to work. Then a couple of shirts, two sweaters and a new outdoor vest. Bingo! Wardrobe complete.
I then legged-it upstairs to the bed and bath department to find furnishings for my new king size bed. This actually took longer than the wardrobe hunt; but in the end I was well satisfied and at a price that was quite pleasing. I got 20% off everything yesterday by virtue of a week-long sale and the bedding was already on sale. Bottom line - a $500 Ralph Lauren comforter with accessories for $178. Nice.
Having done all the damage I could afford at Macy's and being a mite fatigued, I repaired to the bar at the Mayflower Hotel for a martini before meeting my pals for supper. I love the bar at the Mayflower. Huge windows that look-out on 4th avenue. Great people watching venue.
Then off to an Italian joint in Pacific Plaza for supper with Mr. Milnes, Mr. Long, and Mr. & Ms. Ahrensfeld. We were seated at 5:30 PM and didn't rise 'til after 9:30 PM. Serious conversation and big time fun. Took the bus back to Ballard and was in the sack at exactly 10:48 PM.
A very pleasing day...
This morning I had another nice visit with Marian and am now at Tully's waiting for her and Terry to join me for lunch at a little Thai restaurant on Market Street. Then T. and I will head down to PDX. We should get down to Jane's place between 5:30 and 6:00 PM.
I have been somewhat disappointed by the weather - it's been cloudy and cool since I arrived - but no rain. Looks like the weather in Portland will be a little better; but the recent hot spell is over. No matter...
TallyHo!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Attention Shoppers!
Well, here I am once again in the bowels of beloved Ballard. Sitting at my favourite Tully's Coffee staring at the "for lease" sign across the street that once housed Lombardi's Restaurant. I was rather fond of Lombardi's - decent food at a reasonable price and a very congenial bar. Tough times...
Last evening Terry and I supped at The Dahlia Lounge downtown. Best duck I've had - maybe ever. Great atmosphere. Outstanding company. Tom Douglas, the owner and chef of the joint (and several other well regarded establishments in Seattle) was walking the floor. A real live celebrity chef of sorts.
T. and I were famished after an afternoon of shopping at Northgate. I purchased some bedding. Still need more however - as well as a wardrobe makeover. While packing for this trip I was forced to note that I have exactly two pair of casual pants that do not sport holes in the backside or very ragged legs. Doesn't much matter in Juneau...but I cannot wear worn-out togs here in America.
This afternoon I'll head downtown for more shopping. After a very nice clerk at Macy's failed to find either shoes or pants that would fit me I was given a consolation prize of a 20% off most everything coupon for a sale that starts today. I plan to take advantage of said coupon at the downtown store.
Tonight I will dine with some old high school pals, Kurt Ahrensfeld, Tim Milnes, and Brent Long. Looking forward to the company. Tomorrow T. and I will take Mumsy Harrigan to lunch and then hit the road to PDX and move dining and visiting.
Yippee!
Last evening Terry and I supped at The Dahlia Lounge downtown. Best duck I've had - maybe ever. Great atmosphere. Outstanding company. Tom Douglas, the owner and chef of the joint (and several other well regarded establishments in Seattle) was walking the floor. A real live celebrity chef of sorts.
T. and I were famished after an afternoon of shopping at Northgate. I purchased some bedding. Still need more however - as well as a wardrobe makeover. While packing for this trip I was forced to note that I have exactly two pair of casual pants that do not sport holes in the backside or very ragged legs. Doesn't much matter in Juneau...but I cannot wear worn-out togs here in America.
This afternoon I'll head downtown for more shopping. After a very nice clerk at Macy's failed to find either shoes or pants that would fit me I was given a consolation prize of a 20% off most everything coupon for a sale that starts today. I plan to take advantage of said coupon at the downtown store.
Tonight I will dine with some old high school pals, Kurt Ahrensfeld, Tim Milnes, and Brent Long. Looking forward to the company. Tomorrow T. and I will take Mumsy Harrigan to lunch and then hit the road to PDX and move dining and visiting.
Yippee!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Like Watching Paint Dry
Beginning to get organized for my trip. Spent almost SEVEN hours today with my laptop- I had not turned it on since I got back from Hawaii in February. First order of business: charge the battery. Then go online and spend hour after hour after hour after hour doing the various program updates. Fifty five for Windows - took over an hour. A couple of dozen for the antivirus program. Then Mozilla, Adobe, Apple and some others I've already forgotten. When I travel these days I'm like a pack mule. Suitcase, camera bag, laptop - at least I won't have my golf clubs this trip.
Yesterday was pretty damn nice - mid-sixties and mostly sunny. Alison and I hiked the dike trail where we saw an American Kestrel - a fairly uncommon bird for hereabouts. And lots of short-billed dowitchers.
This morning I hauled Alison and Dougie to the airport for dawn patrol. They flew to Seattle today and will arrive in Redmond, Oregon for the Juneau Fall Classic tomorrow. Fore!
Yesterday was pretty damn nice - mid-sixties and mostly sunny. Alison and I hiked the dike trail where we saw an American Kestrel - a fairly uncommon bird for hereabouts. And lots of short-billed dowitchers.
An American Kestrel
Not great pics - but no mistaking the identity
Lots of Short Billed Dowitchers
This morning I hauled Alison and Dougie to the airport for dawn patrol. They flew to Seattle today and will arrive in Redmond, Oregon for the Juneau Fall Classic tomorrow. Fore!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Seventy Years Ago Today
Just got back from coffee at mom's and am waiting for a call from my realtor. I should be getting a call any minute with the results of the appraisal.
Coffee included a stroll down memory lane today (it often does). Mom announced that it was seventy years ago today when she arrived in Juneau on the Alaska Steamship Company vessel the SS Aleutian. It was a cloudy and misty day with light rain and she thought it was heavenly. Mind you, she was recently delivered from southeastern Arizona in the pre-air conditioning era. In fact, for her family it was also the pre-electricity and pre-plumbing era. Mom still doesn't mind the rain...
With that said here's my favorite picture of mom from this era - probably a year or two later actually. She believes it was taken before, during, or after a night on the town. I reckon she was sixteen or seventeen at the time. Probably when she was working in the pantry at the Baranof. Hard to believe...
Coffee included a stroll down memory lane today (it often does). Mom announced that it was seventy years ago today when she arrived in Juneau on the Alaska Steamship Company vessel the SS Aleutian. It was a cloudy and misty day with light rain and she thought it was heavenly. Mind you, she was recently delivered from southeastern Arizona in the pre-air conditioning era. In fact, for her family it was also the pre-electricity and pre-plumbing era. Mom still doesn't mind the rain...
With that said here's my favorite picture of mom from this era - probably a year or two later actually. She believes it was taken before, during, or after a night on the town. I reckon she was sixteen or seventeen at the time. Probably when she was working in the pantry at the Baranof. Hard to believe...
Evelyn Lindstrom (Klump) center. Looks like they were having a fun night...
In other news, I have made reservations for a quick trip to the Great Northwest. I will depart Juneau next Tuesday the 13th returning on the 21st. Will visit friends in Seattle and do some shopping and then down to PDX for more visiting. Amanda should be arriving in Portland on or about the 17th so hope to spend some quality time with my daughters. And a big get-together with a number of old high school friends on the 16th.
Well...the phone just rang. Good news and bad news on the appraisal. The bad news is that I will be paying exactly what I offered (I thought the appraisal might come-in a mite lower). The good news is that it appears I'm getting a pretty good deal. I'm happy. The seller is happy. It looks very likely I will be moving-in on the first of October.
The sun is shining. I'm going to call Alison and see if she wants to go for a walk...
Later gang!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Welcome to September
A half-way decent day yesterday. Alison and I walked the trails near Dredge Lake. Lots of warblers and chickadees and a half-dozen or so American Widgeons on Chrystal Lake.
After our walk we motored over to the Mendenhall Glacier to check-out the bear scene. Lots of tourists. One bear. And a rangerette in the person of my old friend Annie McLean. She has really enjoyed working the visitors' center this season. She said they have a dozen regular yogi types working the salmon stream including cubs and a number of two year olds. Everyone on good behaviour thus far...
Townsend's Warbler
After our walk we motored over to the Mendenhall Glacier to check-out the bear scene. Lots of tourists. One bear. And a rangerette in the person of my old friend Annie McLean. She has really enjoyed working the visitors' center this season. She said they have a dozen regular yogi types working the salmon stream including cubs and a number of two year olds. Everyone on good behaviour thus far...
Matriarch of the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center yogi troupe.
So much for the dry weather, however. It is raining this morning. Beginning to look distinctly fall-like. September 1st. Yikes! Where did the summer go?
In other news, I continue to wait for news on the appraisal of my (hopefully) new home.
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