whatSnoo2K
January
2K ~
Ski Buddies season is in full swing. Have spent a lot of time working
on various projects and layouts. Found out there'll be a big ol
raise coming soon ~ Woo hoo. My best friend Mike is dating
a wonderful woman named Melissa - in fact he's friggin moving IN with
her. We'll see how that all works out . . . Went to Rossland, BC
for the Red Mountain trip. It was incredible - great mountain and
incredible weather for the whole trip. Keith celebrated his 21st
birthday there and confessed that he's considering becoming Canadian -
he likes the way they talk . . . I'm praying to the Viking storm gods
for terrible cold air and tons of precipitation. Yottenheim!
Get up on those slopes y'all!
February
2K ~
SHOULDER DISLOCATION! So much for an injury free season. I'm down
for the count, since it doesn't look like this year will have gothic pack
like '99 to hold us into the late spring. Maybe the money saved
on riding can spend on ramping up the photography business.
It's been six months since moving into this place in Edmonds, WA.
Happy to say it was a great experience to purchase a home, albeit a condo.
Looking forward to finishing up some home improvements this spring and
recouperating the shoulder injury. Ben, now in FL, is getting settled
into his new bungalo in Ft. Lauderdale. Never been there before
- wonder how it sizes up?
Well, should you ever dislocate your shoulder, take your time and heal right. Don't get all uppity and try and lift things you shouldn't . . . like I have. YEE OUCH! Have been for a couple of rub downs which help, but for the most part, March has been a painful reminder of falling back and screwing up my left shoulder. I'm getting excited to get the hell out of Dodge. Going to see Eleanor in Meridian - it's been months since we've been together and she ALWAYS comes over here to this side of the world. It should be great to see her, Dave, Mason, Cutter and Isabell. Never been to rural Idaho. Too bad I'm down for the season - they live at the base of a good mountain. sniff . . . Had a great St. Patty's and have enjoyed catching up with some of my busy friends.
bonus pic for march
What a month! The Kingdome came down for all to see. Mixed emotions about that - I watched on TV with my Dad on the phone. We had several good memories of fun in the Dome. It was a part of our history and a unique Seattle landmark. There's supposed to be a sense of renewal, considering we're going to start erecting a new football stadium . . . but somehow I feel remorse. I was fotunate enough to take two trips in April. First stop was Meridian, ID where Elle, Dave and all their little Starrs helped Uncle Eric feel right at home. We did the domestic thing and enjoyed catching up - and yes, I got barfed on by Isabelle. Nothing else like it to remind you about the circle of Life. Next, San Francisco. I made a couple of new friends and saw an ocean beach I missed as a local. Most importantly, got to spend some quality time with Linda - my "other mother". She is a wellspring of Love and encouragement in my Life. We picked up where we left off back during Halloween as if we hadn't missed a beat. Seeing Linda reminds me how strong Love can be, that it knows no boundary based on age, gender, time or space. Just hearing her voice and latest escapades recharges me. She is an angel in my Life.
This is a very difficult entry to compose. The fellow with the dog on his lap is Cecil Sharp. The picture was taken this last winter at a Luau we both attended. On Friday, May 12th at 10:30 pm, 2000 . . . Cecil passed on. He had a severe anaphylaxic reaction to a food allergan, probably something with a nut oil in it. He died at home with his best friends Joe and Jeff at his side. He passed on in Jeff's arms. Paramedics administered adreneline, but without success in reviving him. Cecil had just turned 40 and was loved dearly by everyone he knew. We all feel cheated - there was so much more living for us all to do together. Joe is Cecil's best friend and roommate, and everyone is working hard to help support him and let him know how loved he is. Gratefully, Cecil did not suffer a long horrible death - it was swift. It's going to take a long time to heal about this. Anyone who knew Cecil, feel free to visit his memorial Webpage we are putting together in his honor. Cecil was a peace with all those around him and his loved ones are devastated at his loss. What a testament to a Life well lived.
E X P E R I E N C E
After 18 years of listenting to Annie and Dave (eurythmics) I was able to see them live at the Exeperience Music Project Grand Opening. Haven't been so moved since climbing to the top of the Ko'olaus on a full moon and leaning into the howling wind. Also met my sister's Birthmom face to face for the first time. Wow, it's been a heavy month! Work is good - very challenging and rewarding - got promoted and assigned to a project that should afford some travel. Have spent a lot of time with Joe - reinventing what Life is like after losing Cecil. He's an amazing guy - seems to be taking it all in stride. The photo for this month is a study shot of the EMP building at Seattle Center. If you're coming to the Emerald City, make sure to visit EMP and the newly refurbished Space Needle. It's a Seattle Must Do. Anyone have feedback on the following cities? Boston, Dallas, Raleigh, Ft. Lauderdale or Chicago? Looking to travel this next year to as many US destinations as I can. Would love to hear from locals in those cities about scenery, time of year to travel, "off the beaten path" recreation, etc. That's all for this month!
EMP
was phat
Washington has had a lot of beautiful days this summer - thankfully was able to take advantage for a couple weekend warrior sessions. Here's a shot taken by my buddy Rob while we were up on the Olympic Penninsula. Had an great weekend with him - went all over the area, drove out to the Hoh Basin and paddled the Montlake Cut. Been enjoying lots of BBQ action, and the body is almost fully recovered from the accident and shoulder injury. Before we know it, snowboard season will be here again. I'm hoping to go camping with my best friend Mike and also get down to Venice Beach CA to visit Mark in September. Hopefully we'll have a long hot Indian summer so we get more of those incredible Seattle sunsets.
Ah . . . Puget Sound! Many a long, carefree summer afternoon I've wheedled away the hours beachcombing, water skiing, inner tubing and just plain soaking up our beautiful harbor. The Sound was carved out by Artic glaciers which covered the Canadian and US Cascade range, depositing rich soil throughout the basin upon recession. It's always been important to me to have water nearby. A small lake or river just won't do it. The wax and wane of the tide, ocean winds and the power of the surf are a necessity. We don't get pounding surf inside the channel, but out at Neah Bay (home of the Makah Nation and traditional whaling waters) the swells reach several feet and make for a very satisfying roar. I've included two bonus shots this month - three very special Hawaiians I'm blessed to know: Deb, Kanoe and Kekoa. We share very good times together, no matter what the venue. Deb works at AWS also, and it's always a joy to see her smile and "talk story". Hawaiians have a word for the love between good friends and family and these guys express it all the time: OHANA.
September
2K ~
Here's another incredible Washington attraction. Got quality time with
Mike down in Longbeach, WA. Checked out military ruins, Lewis &
Clark landmarks, remote lighthouses and of course the ceremonial beach
fire. Both of us burned our fingers tending the fire . . . does that
make it a rite? "Mom", (Connie is Mike's real Mom, my assimilated
Mom) and Dave took great care of us and have been working hard on their
beach house down in Ocean Park. LongBeach is Washington's Coney Island,
as far as I can see. Lots of rubbernecks in town for the weekend gawk
and waddle. Work has moved to Redmond ~ a refreshing change from downtown.
Have been spending lunch with lots of good friends that you tend to
drift apart from when you don't work nearby. Looking forward to Maui
and the Bay. Have a powerful good feeling about this Fall and Winter.
October
2K ~
What a fantastic month! It's great to have arrived at a point in Life
where travel is possible. Very excited to spend the end of the month in
Kihei and San Francisco. Going to enjoy the first vacation with two good
friends John & John. We're gonna skin dive and explore. Maui is a
very slow relaxed environment, compared to busy Waikiki. Have waited a
long time to see Linda in San Fran as well. We're going to break her in
on Halloween in the Castro. Can't believe she's lived there her whole
life and hasn't seen this CRAZY spectacle . It's gonna rock big time!
Hoping to share a quiet Thai dinner with my Linda somewhere in the city
on 10.27.00 - a big Happy Birthday to all my brother & sister Scorpios.
.
Nov
2K ~
It was such an incredible journey! Had a great time exploring Maui with
J&J. We hit every snorkle beach there was on the island! Fish were
everywhere, weather was perfect and a woman got bit by a SHARK! We were
met with that news at the snorkle shop as we rented our flippers. We had
our eyes peeled underwater, that's for sure! Saw a little white tip shark
out at Molikini crater, but it was nothing to worry about. Will NEVER
forget the crazy ride out around the south tip of Maui aboard an ocean
class catamaran. We were lunging and soaring up and down on 4 - 8 foot
breakers. WOW. Pretty intense stuff! Arrived in San Francisco just before
my 31st birthday and got my wish - had dinner in the Tenderloin at this
great diner with my "other Mother" Linda. Stayed with my good
friend Michael in the Mission. It was a wonderful relaxed visit - caught
up with a couple long time friends, went to Halloween with Mom in the
Castro (see the blond twins for a sample of the great time everyone had),
and made a couple new buddies. Looking forward to spending Thanksgiving
in ID with Elle and the kids. Got to see my favorite Hawaiian family again.
Thanksgiving was great - although Elle had to cancel due to family issues . . . came up with Plan B pretty quick - BLACKCOMB! That's right - first run of the season on a 30 inch pack. For those of you who don't ride or ski, that's like shusshing down cement. Hard cement. Found all the rocks still uncovered by the base! Nonetheless, had a wonderful time with good friends and new ones. Ate some incredible Whistler cuisine and enjoyed an ITALIAN Thanksgiving dinner. Never knew buffalo made cheese, but I ate some.
Will be updating my Snow page soon with new layout, graphics and informational links. Make sure and send me good pages, sites, resources you know about for your area of the country . . . yes YOU!