Bob Hall's Gulls

Bob Hall Gulls
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN

In contrast to Seattle's frozen Green Lake, we enjoyed sunny beaches over our holiday break.

Seattle Snow - Everyone's Outdoors

Seattle Snow - Everyone's Outdoors
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN

After several days of snow, cabin fever set in, and people (and dogs) of all ages went outside. Sledding ensued.

Frozen Green Lake with Man on Dock

Greenlake Frozen w Man on Pier
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN

Seattle had one of the most intense snow storms in years. This picture of a frozen Green Lake was taken after it had started to melt.

Seattle Center Christmas

Seattle Center Christmas
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN

I snapped this before a Seattle Thunderbirds hockey game. It's great to hear holiday music at one of my favorite places in the world with my favorite person in the world...

Speaking of my favorite person, she recently started her own blog to keep folks back home posted on our daily doings. At the same time, I've slowed down on my original mission for this blog since I no longer have to travel for work:
"My camera's log from across the country - from moose to midnight sun, and from sunsets to skylines, these are a few of my favorite things..."

I've appreciated your comments, and may come back online, but for at least a few months, this blog will be going radio silent.

Historical Marker in Seattle

Historical Marker in Seattle
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN

It's been awhile since I've seen a Texas Historical Marker, so I was shocked to see this hanging on the wall at our favorite German restaurant here in Seattle. This sure seems like brilliant marketing from the folks in Shiner! Any Texan would certainly notice...

Outnumbered!

Outnumbered
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN

The guy with the rugby ball is a coworker buddy who is originally from South Africa. He invited me to one of his games so I could see what it's all about. It was a hoot to see a quiet, technical developer dude turn into a crashing, bashing steamroller with a hatred of those in green jerseys.

Piano Bench

Piano Bench
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN

Various organizations in the Seattle Arts scene have built benches around the International Fountain at Seattle Center to promote the arts. The benches range from kitschy and touristy to clever.

This is my favorite, the Piano Bench, sponsored by Seattle Opera. Yes, you sit on it. No, your butt doesn't play tunes - the keys are for display purposes only. Oh, and there may be a geocache near it.

Yuniesky Betancourt Rules.

Yuniesky Betancourt Rules.
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN

Since I have been following Seattle Mariners baseball, I've been a big fan of Ichiro Suzuki. He is a solid, efficient hitter and baserunner, and is not all about swinging for the fences (although he does hit them out of the park.) To me, he is the anti-Bonds. He is even popular enough in Seattle to have a sushi roll named after him - the Ichi-Roll. When I first stepped into Safeco field six years ago, he hit a homerun right as I stepped up to the field.

This week, I went to the game with my company and client, expecting to see Ichiro add to his stats. Unfortunately, I think I talked him up too much to one of my coworkers who doesn't follow baseball. As is normally the case when I open my mouth, I jinxed Ichiro, and he had a sub-par game. Thankfully, the story doesn't end there.

After the Mariners beat the Red Sox soundly and repeatedly (good thing I don't know any Boston fans), and approached the division lead in August, Seattle lost some steam and went on a losing streak. We badly needed a win to get back into the running.

Thanks to Yuniesky Betancourt's walk-off hit in the bottom of the ninth, we got that win, and we saw a rare display of emotion from the team. The M's dugout cleared, and the players ran out to pick up Betancourt onto their shoulders. Walk-off hits are my favorite plays in baseball, and Betancourt may be my new favorite baseball player.

International Film Festival

International Film Festival
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN

My company's summer retreat had a film festival theme, and it was entertaining. Twelve internal teams volunteered to create their own indie films, and some were just amazing. It helps that we happen to have a film director on staff, but it's funny to see people that seem so corporate producing and acting in short films.

Retreat-ing Sunset

Retreat-ing Sunset
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN

This is one of many great sunsets at my company's summer retreat at a resort North of Seattle. British Columbia is just across the water.

Drowning Worms

San Juan Fishing
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN

I definitely enjoyed fishing while on vacation. The fish enjoyed nibbling on my line but not biting; I still caught enough to eat. While fishing, I met two otters and a seal. They say hello.

San Juan Sunset Clouds

San Juan Sunset Clouds
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN

Another great sunset that we enjoyed while on vacation...

Wedding Cake

Wedding Cake
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN

One year later, this was the leftover top section of the cake. Woohoo! One year down, many more to come!

San Juan Sunset

San Juan Sunset
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN

One of several great sunsets that we enjoyed from our fishing pier while on vacation in the San Juan Islands...

Orca Spyhopping

Orca Spyhopping
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN

While on vacation on nearby San Juan Island, we drove out to Lime Kiln State Park to see if we could spot any orcas from the distance. Instead, we got quite the closeup show. Somewhere around 10 orcas came up to the shore to meet us. This one was actually closer than it looks. It was out of the water more than this, but the camera caught him on the way back down into the water. We saw mother whales teaching their newborns to fish, full breaches, and generally playful whales that day. Quite an experience... (By the way, can you imagine being in that kayak?)

A lot of paperwork for this key...

A lot of paperwork for this key...
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN

We did it - we bought a house! We signed the papers, moved in, changed the locks, and promptly left town for a week's vacation. Hectic times, but well worth it. Vacation pics to follow shortly...

Pig on Parade

Pig on Parade
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN

When I first came to Seattle 6 years ago, I was impressed by the pigs on parade in downtown Seattle. My favorite was the original Starbucks pig, dressed in a burlap coffee bag with coffee beans all over him. Since then, the pigs have been on sabbatical, but this year, they're back to support the 100th year anniversary of the Pike Place Market. While maintaining a geocache downtown, I snapped this phone pic of 'A Picture-Perfect Pig'.

Late for work?

Relay finale
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN

If I look like I am about to die, it's only because this was the end of the Fremont briefcase relay race. Running with a phonebook-loaded briefcase in a double breasted suit and tie isn't as easy as it may seem. :-)

(Note that the part of me which you do not see has on shorts and running shoes.)

5K Briefcase Relay

Prerace
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN

We were all-business from the waist up, speed racers from the waist down. This is the Pacific Northwest Texans team, just before starting the wacky Fremont 5k Briefcase Relay. Each of us took a 1K segment, and had to run with a true briefcase in hand. Briefcase contents: 1 greater Seattle yellow page phone book.

Brisket and chips

Brisket and chips
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN

I have been on a beef-brisket-smoking frenzy lately, even though my meat consumption has gone way down since I've been up here. A friend of mine from Texas (who now lives in Seattle) threw an ‘Official Texas Barbecue’ last weekend, and I was responsible for the brisket. Naturally, I had to practice again, so I had a great excuse to smoke several briskets over the past few months. I don’t have an offset wood smoker, but I am able to adjust the propane grill for this purpose. I just put the mesquite chips on the outside burners, and don’t turn on the central burners. That way, the mesquite chips smoke, while there is no direct heat on the meat. My first few briskets of the year didn’t turn out as well (thank you to those who offered to be guinea pigs!), but the last round was excellent. My updated formula after all of this: indirect heat at about 250 degrees, for about an hour per pound.

Corporate Soccer

Corporate Soccer
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN

Corporate America isn't all that bad, especially for responsible companies who care about their people. My latest example: the sense of community at my current client is actually pretty amazing (in this case - their international athletic community.) As I waited for my bus (in which my transit fees are paid by my company in an effort to reduce traffic, greenhouse gases, etc.) on a perfect Seattle afternoon in front of this corporate intramural field, I was entertained by a fast-paced soccer game. Directly behind the goal were two volleyball games, and behind the other goal (not pictured) was a softball game. During lunch, a buddy/coworker of mine occasionally goes to play Rugby. I often see Cricket matches here, and am slowly learning how different it is from Baseball. Oh, and by the way, games are always happening, not just during off-hours. I love springtime in Seattle...

What bird is this?

What bird is this?
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN.

This crazy bird had no fear of us or our camera. This pic was taken less than a foot from the bird. While I barbecued a brisket, this mother bird was cruising through the yard digging for worms. She would fly away abruptly (to feed it to her young?) and then come back a few minutes later. My question: What kind of bird is this? I know that there are some avid birders who read this blog who may be able to help...

Complete Barkfast Nutrition for Dogs

Complete Breakfast Nutrition for Dogs
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN.

We saw this at an upscale grocery store in town, and I couldn't pass it up after laughing in the aisle... Peanut-butter flavored dog CEREAL. Have you ever seen a dog try to eat peanut butter? Clearly the little dog on the box is trying to get it unstuck from the roof of his mouth. The New Dog Times? Barkfast Squares? Who came up with this? Who is the target market for this 1950's Pleasantville-for-dogs marketing? I love finding stuff like this.

Modest Mouse at the Paramount (Sneaky Phone Pic)

Modest Mouse at the Paramount (Sneaky Phone Pic)
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN.

We got last minute seats to see Modest Mouse at the Paramount Theater this past weekend. Wow.

First of all, the theater is amazing. It was built in 1927, and has ornate detail EVERYWHERE. Even the drinking fountains are made of inlaid marble sculptures. The sound quality is unbelievable because of the curves and angles built into the theater. It was definitely engineered so that one could hear the crisp details, even in the cheap seats. This phone-cam picture shows a fraction of the detail. There are several domes and chandeliers in the ceiling.

Second - it was great to finally see the mice. Isaac Brock is one intense lead singer, and he lost his voice early on. That didn't stop him from screaming it out until the very end of the show. The band's newest member, Johnny Marr (former guitarist and lyricist for the Smiths) brings a whole new level to the band. By watching his stage presence, it is clear that he's been doing this for awhile (and will hopefully continue for awhile.) Another interesting element - seeing two drummers playing simultaneously brought energy to the performance. They almost seemed to be competing with each other for intensity, but their motions were both perfectly timed. The only drawback to the show was some occasional microphone feedback. Brock would get mad at the feedback and knock the offending mic over. That happened several times. It was hilarious...

I have two recommendations. If you get a chance to see a show at the Paramount, go. It beats a sports arena ANY day, and you’ll see attention to detail that is rare these days. Second, go see Modest Mouse.

Talay Thai - Snoqualmie

Talay Thai - Snoqualamie
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN.

We had an amazing opportunity to be test subjects for a friend's brand new Thai restaurant in Snoqualmie, Washington this weekend. For those of you who are not from the Seattle area, Snoqualmie is a rapidly growing suburban area with a shortage of authentic Thai food. (Twin Peaks was also filmed here, for you early-90's pop culturists.) The owners regularly commute to Thailand to see family, and many of the decorations were brought back on those trips. It was clear that the long hours and hard work on the details of the restaurant paid off, from the hardwood floors and trendy music selection to the unique details and quality of the food.

I left full and happy after trying almost evevrything on the menu, and honored to be a part of the process. :-) I recommend the Bok Noodle appetizer and Pad Kee Mao for the entree. The restaurant officially opened today at:

Talay Thai
7713 Center Blvd SE STE 150
Snoqualmie, WA 98065

Roof Access?

Roof Access?
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN.

At my current client-site, men have to take their business onto the roof.

It surprised me on my first day here that there's a half-door in the men's restroom leading to the roof. No one else seems to notice...

Springtime Sunset

Spring Sunset
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN.

This evening I was lucky enough to capture one of the more breathtaking sunsets over the Olympic Mountains... It first looked like the mountain was on fire.

Springtime in Seattle - Front Yard

Spring - Front Yard
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN.

This is what happens in Seattle in the springtime. Everything grows here, and it takes almost no effort, as long as you're happy with what pops up.

Grape Hyacinth

Grape Hyacinth
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN.

We had to do some research to figure out what the heck this rapidly spreading bulb plant is, and it turned out to be Grape Hyacinth. It's everywhere! It even grows in the cracks of the sidewalk here.

Leader of the Pack, Lion Around

Leader of the Pack Lion Around
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN.

I took this photo at Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo several weeks ago. We saw lions, tigers, bears, zebras, wild dogs, gorillas and on and on and on. There were so many animals, and the crowds were small since the weather had just become favorable. I learned that drinking and supporting shade-grown coffee is one of my best ways to contribute to animal habitat. Bring on the espresso!

Swim of the Penguin

Penguin
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN.

I took this photo at Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo several weeks ago. Penguins are faster swimmers than I thought, and they were hard to catch on film.

Ski Jump

Ski Jump
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN.

Although I'll never go down one of these, this will be the site of the 2010 Winter Olympic Ski Jump events at Whistler, B.C. (near Vancouver.) It would be amazing to be here for the Olympics since they're so close to home, but tickets and rooms are already hard to find, three years ahead of the events...

Whistler

Downhill
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN.

This picture is looking down at what will be the site of the various men's downhill ski races in the 2010 Olympics at Whistler, B.C. (near Vancouver.)

George Bush's Childhood Home

George Bush's Childhood Home
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN.

Agree, disagree, love or hate, this is where he lived in Midland, Texas. (And yes, that's my GPS at the bottom right of the sign.)

Santa Rita #2

Santa Rita #2
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN.

(Taken from my phone) This was one of the original oil wells in the Permian Basin, and now stands at the Petroleum Musem.

Caffe Vita Anyone?

Cafe Vita Anyone?
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN.

Blue Onion Bistro is known for the 'Best Chicken Fried Steak in Seattle'. They also have great coffee. I'm guessing it's from Caffe Vita based upon the subliminal advertising here. I always enjoy pouring the cream into the coffee and watching the colors swirling into this large, colorful and comforting mug.

The Big 3-0

The Big 3-0
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN.

...thousand, that is. I bought my Jeep 5 years ago (new at the time), and just passed the 30,000 mile mark yesterday. Sounds like a reason to celebrate!

Espresso Ducks

Espresso Ducks
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN.

Quack. I need caffeine, give me caffeine. ESPRESSO NOW. Quack.

I saw these guys while walking from the bus stop to work one day and thought they'd like to be blogged.

Field Closed - No Trespassing

Field Closed - No Trespassing
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN.

Dogs and their people enjoyed this snowy day at Greenlake, and we enjoyed watching them chase each other. On the other side of the (closed) field, there is a sign that forbids dogs, too.

Bump on a Log

Bump on a Log
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN.

Greenlake is normally not so calm and still. Here's a picture of the lake after a mild snowstorm last week.

Miracle Finish

Miracle Finish
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN.

In their first game of the 2006 season playoffs, the Seattle Seahawks barely escaped with a one-point win over the Dallas Cowboys. I truly felt like a Pacific Northwest Texan - I couldn't lose on this game!

The headline in the Seattle Times/PI the next day read "Miracle Finish". I got to enjoy the game with good friends in Belltown, and this shot was taken in downtown Seattle when I went back the next day to pick up my car.

Seattle's Public Market During the Holidays

Seattle's Public Market During the Holidays
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN.

Posted a few weeks late: This photo was taken from the window of Matt's at the Market with the Slat Rat and Ski Boy during our annual holiday dinner. Seattle's Public Market is the official farmer's market on the waterfront, and to me, it is the center of Seattle. My guess is that most people know it from the Pike Place Fish Market where fish fly through the air past visitors, and the original Starbucks coffee shop.

West Texas Sunset

West Texas Sunset
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN.

One of the benefits of being in West Texas is that almost every night, there is an evening light show. This was taken on the way to Christmas dinner.

Tagine? I just want dinner.

Tagine Step 3 - Simmer for 2 hours
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN.

We decided to try out a tagine (also spelled as tajine), a North African cooking pot for stewing meals slowly over low heat. The idea is to chop up spices, brown the meat, and then cover with this funny-looking lid to let it simmer for 2 hours or more. The tagine works by letting the liquids condense and re-circulate, maintaining the moisture and resulting in fork-tender meat stews. It was quite tasty...

New camera! (and the cake ain't bad, either)

New camera!
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN.

This was one of my first test photos from my new camera. I can already tell a difference, and I haven't even read the manual yet. Check out the detail on the crumbs and powdered sugar of this Gingerbread cake.

Seattle Weather Escapade 2: Branched Windshield (phone-cam pic)

Seattle Weather Escapade 2: Branched Windshield (phone-cam pic)
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN.

The Pacific Northwest has had its share of wind for the past few days. Two local bridges had to be shut down because of sustained winds over 50 mph, and there are pine trees and branches all over the roads. Today as a team member and I drove, we noticed a car next to us with a broken windshield. Upon further inspection, we saw that there is a tree branch sticking out of it! Either the owner suffered a drive-by attack from a gang of Douglas Firs, or they didn't feel like clearing it out before driving...

Seattle Weather Escapade 1: Snowman 2007 Client (phone-cam pic)

Seattle Weather Escapade 1: Snowman 2007 Client (phone-cam pic)
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN.

I am currently consulting at a large software company with a good sense of humor. About a month ago, the Seattle area got hit with a snow/ice storm that shut down the city for a few days. On the first night of the storm, I walked out of the office to see this guy guarding the door. Snowmen are common, but the details on this one were not. At the bottom of his midsection, I saw that he has a full color security badge (he's from Bangalor), as well as his company issued cup for a hat. I got a good laugh out of him before I slipped and fell on my butt...

Bonsai - December

Bonsai - December
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN.

Patience is definitely a virtue with this Bonsai, and it has only been about a year since I started pruning away... Check out the 'before' pictures below to see what I mean.

St. Peter's Basilica Dome

Vatican - St Peter's Dome
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN.

More of Italia: This was taken from the inside of St. Peter's Basilica. My camera couldn't possibly capture the intricate detail. Everything in here was incredibly detailed, from the floors to the statues, confessionals and tombs. This dome (also called the cupola) was designed by Michelangelo, and served as the model for the U.S. Capitol building.

Gianicolo

Gianicolo - Main
Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN.

This statue commemorates the battle of Gianicolo for Italian independence. This is near Vatican City on one of the hills of Rome, and has great views of the city. There is one statue for each of the men who fought in the battle, including Garibaldi and Medici.