tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144072972011-04-21T16:54:34.576-07:00My 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...PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1791100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-48430878378506653842009-01-04T11:10:00.001-08:002009-01-04T11:10:59.459-08:00

Bob Hall GullsOriginally uploaded by PACNWTXNIn contrast to Seattle's frozen Green Lake, we enjoyed sunny beaches over our holiday break.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-13641609149649456572009-01-04T11:08:00.001-08:002009-01-04T11:08:58.442-08:00

Seattle Snow - Everyone's OutdoorsOriginally uploaded by PACNWTXNAfter several days of snow, cabin fever set in, and people (and dogs) of all ages went outside. Sledding ensued.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-91969292941133269532009-01-04T11:07:00.001-08:002009-01-04T11:07:38.015-08:00

Greenlake Frozen w Man on PierOriginally uploaded by PACNWTXNSeattle 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.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-47375420841005890242007-12-17T13:22:00.001-08:002007-12-17T13:22:19.250-08:00

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

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-58834365691829030692007-12-16T17:38:00.001-08:002007-12-16T17:38:22.984-08:00

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...

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-34610769918732216882007-11-13T11:31:00.001-08:002007-11-13T11:31:28.884-08:00

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.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-23831059856012701892007-10-24T13:37:00.001-07:002007-10-24T13:37:46.313-07:00

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

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-12077184929509400512007-09-14T09:29:00.001-07:002007-09-14T09:29:13.404-07:00

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

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-92229302283247837792007-08-28T09:35:00.003-07:002007-08-28T09:35:50.933-07:00

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.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-68960640833113412082007-08-28T09:35:00.001-07:002007-08-28T09:35:06.730-07:00

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.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-35546705290799847482007-08-11T23:27:00.001-07:002007-08-11T23:27:56.091-07:00

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.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-10276474394403344422007-08-11T23:24:00.001-07:002007-08-11T23:24:53.699-07:00

San Juan Sunset Clouds Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN Another great sunset that we enjoyed while on vacation...

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-64132650247086840912007-08-11T23:23:00.001-07:002007-08-11T23:23:35.875-07:00

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!

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-39436476449753384462007-08-11T23:21:00.001-07:002007-08-11T23:21:33.182-07:00

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...

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-30644633373057125922007-08-08T10:58:00.001-07:002007-08-08T10:58:03.214-07:00

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

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-29918683458123482072007-07-26T16:45:00.001-07:002007-07-26T16:45:25.644-07:00

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...

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-78675792488833131232007-07-13T17:43:00.001-07:002007-07-13T17:43:34.792-07:00

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

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-10920775586908740352007-06-11T22:05:00.001-07:002007-06-11T22:05:18.368-07:00

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.)

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-959952201412989812007-06-11T22:00:00.001-07:002007-06-11T22:00:33.853-07:00

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.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-82504291949846594162007-06-05T08:57:00.001-07:002007-06-05T08:57:45.425-07:00

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

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-82286403503771476412007-05-25T10:59:00.001-07:002007-05-25T10:59:11.299-07:00

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

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-25028059314173680012007-05-21T09:25:00.001-07:002007-05-21T09:25:13.421-07:00

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

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-23550962978574001832007-05-07T08:48:00.001-07:002007-05-07T08:48:02.951-07:00

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?

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-10700120807878866902007-04-19T14:29:00.001-07:002007-04-19T14:29:58.764-07:00

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

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-4023985468744034602007-04-16T12:25:00.001-07:002007-04-16T12:26:57.662-07:00

Talay Thai - SnoqualamieOriginally 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

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-33582730449343325252007-04-13T13:59:00.001-07:002007-04-13T13:59:03.154-07:00

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...

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-72211985352004865892007-03-29T22:36:00.001-07:002007-03-29T22:36:26.294-07:00

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.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-12818880737906184612007-03-29T22:35:00.001-07:002007-03-29T22:35:08.116-07:00

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.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-66182684516547774212007-03-29T22:34:00.001-07:002007-03-29T22:34:11.102-07:00

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.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-49903760963936751472007-03-18T20:37:00.001-07:002007-03-18T20:37:00.542-07:00

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

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-50201404551928213472007-03-18T20:23:00.001-07:002007-03-18T20:23:11.097-07:00

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.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-10139080422350894492007-03-10T08:18:00.001-08:002007-03-10T08:18:22.341-08:00

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...

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-21953720129700038302007-03-10T08:17:00.001-08:002007-03-10T08:17:27.559-08:00

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.)

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-25680159302191710572007-03-10T08:16:00.001-08:002007-03-10T08:16:25.608-08:00

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.)

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-43201122401726529072007-03-10T08:15:00.001-08:002007-03-10T08:15:28.611-08:00

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.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-19436145434752320342007-01-31T10:45:00.001-08:002007-01-31T10:45:32.680-08:00

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.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-61861163599550204442007-01-31T10:44:00.001-08:002007-01-31T10:44:36.133-08:00

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!

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-36523971307270118812007-01-31T10:42:00.001-08:002007-01-31T10:42:25.867-08:00

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.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-26102892281496911822007-01-21T15:46:00.001-08:002007-01-21T15:46:23.506-08:00

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.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-80957000853120000072007-01-21T15:45:00.001-08:002007-01-21T15:45:57.929-08:00

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.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-36153453842766791552007-01-07T17:29:00.001-08:002007-01-07T18:05:18.152-08:00

Miracle FinishOriginally 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

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-82254159196644286362006-12-29T18:06:00.001-08:002006-12-29T18:06:42.034-08:00

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

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-28069837626379075132006-12-29T16:28:00.001-08:002006-12-29T16:28:15.219-08:00

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.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-84280597589283044232006-12-29T16:27:00.001-08:002006-12-29T17:00:25.849-08:00

Tagine Step 3 - Simmer for 2 hoursOriginally 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

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-78417898592377992042006-12-29T16:25:00.001-08:002006-12-29T17:07:23.936-08:00

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.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-88559419846656060382006-12-15T16:15:00.001-08:002006-12-15T16:19:39.911-08:00

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

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-66524723495534628192006-12-15T16:13:00.001-08:002006-12-15T16:20:27.176-08:00

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

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-34646775236206310442006-12-10T18:59:00.001-08:002006-12-10T18:59:41.262-08:00

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.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1162785009526330442006-11-05T19:42:00.000-08:002006-11-05T20:23:50.176-08:00

Vatican - St Peter's DomeOriginally 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

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1162784892702214152006-11-05T19:40:00.000-08:002006-11-05T20:23:50.105-08:00

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.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1162770779566738332006-11-05T15:45:00.000-08:002006-11-05T20:23:50.018-08:00

Colosseum Gladiators Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. Don't worry - no lions were present.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1162770675538946102006-11-05T15:44:00.000-08:002006-11-05T20:23:49.941-08:00

Colosseum Exterior Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. Our trip to Italy was mostly intended to be a non-touristy occurrence. However, when in Rome...

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1162767294830569732006-11-05T14:47:00.000-08:002006-11-05T20:23:49.864-08:00

British Airways - The plane Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. Frequent flier miles rule! This 747 took us across the Atlantic to Italia. The service was unbelievable, there were plenty of entertainment options, and we were just all-around happy campers. Plus, the flight crew loved the fact that we were newlyweds.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1150318352749767342006-06-14T13:49:00.000-07:002006-11-05T20:23:49.792-08:00

Ferry Tail Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. Taken on the way out the other end of this ferry boat in the San Juan Islands off the Northwest coast of Washington State. Wish we were back there instead of in the office!

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1149656304906434052006-06-06T21:55:00.000-07:002006-11-05T20:23:49.634-08:00

Morning Commute Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. Taken between bus stops, this made my morning.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1149020037964108842006-05-30T13:10:00.000-07:002006-11-05T20:23:49.557-08:00

Docking Station Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. This is the original type of docking station and doesn't involve a laptop or a monitor. This grain terminal is consistently filling cargo ships on the Puget Sound. I run on the Myrtle Edwards waterfront park path along the water, and stopped to take this one afternoon. From a nearby sign: The pouring rate from shipping bins to vessel at

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1146797826525434142006-05-04T19:54:00.000-07:002006-11-05T20:23:49.483-08:00

Fremont Tower Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. I've always wondered what it looks like to stand at the base of a radio or electrical tower to see what it looks like, and now I know. One more thing to cross off of my list... Now I just need to climb one and look down.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1146797773892308162006-05-04T19:53:00.000-07:002006-11-05T20:23:49.403-08:00

Kinnear Color Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. I met a geocaching friend (Grossi) at Kinnear Park to find an extremely tough puzzle cache left 2 1/2 years ago. She found it in no time. While there, I snapped several pictures, but I think this one best illustrates the colors around Seattle right now.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1146426080285934182006-04-30T12:41:00.000-07:002006-11-05T20:23:49.324-08:00

It's Spring in Seattle! Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. This is Green Lake. Today, there were droves of dogs and their people walking, running and riding the trail, as well as kayaking, sailing and fishing. It's good to see the town wake up!

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1146426013359766042006-04-30T12:40:00.000-07:002006-11-05T20:23:49.248-08:00

Green Lake Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. ...and this is the actual lake. This is one of the personal-boat launch points. In the distance you can barely see mountain tops.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1145326597415712112006-04-17T19:16:00.000-07:002006-11-05T20:23:49.170-08:00

Lion's Gate Bridge Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. This picture was snapped near where the S.S. Beaver crashed in 1888.This is Vancouver's Lion's Gate suspension bridge on a rainy day.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1145326424296492822006-04-17T19:13:00.000-07:002006-11-05T20:23:49.096-08:00

Racoon by SS Beaver Plaque Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. I was here at Stanley Park in Vancouver, B.C. to snap a few pictures of the historical monuments with my GPS, and this racoon wanted in on the action. He wasn't bashful at all...

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1145326370092899852006-04-17T19:12:00.000-07:002006-11-05T20:23:49.021-08:00

May These Gates Never Close Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. This is the International Peace Arch at the United States' northern border, taken from the Canada side. Up until a few years ago, a plank from the original Mayflower ship was inside the arch, but it was removed due to water damage. There is now a time capsule inside that will be opened in 2021.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1144820795854657432006-04-11T22:46:00.001-07:002006-11-05T20:23:48.945-08:00

Lets go Swimming! Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. Two faithful labrador retrievers wait on a Madison Park dock on Lake Washington. The cascade mountains are visible in the background.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1144820770201878332006-04-11T22:46:00.000-07:002006-11-05T20:23:48.870-08:00

Mercer Island Suspension Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. This suspension footbridge is in the center of a large greenbelt park, in the center of an island, in the middle of Lake Washington. Mercer Island is betweeen Seattle and Bellevue, which are connected by I-90. I've always thought of this place as a highway exit along my morning commute until I explored the island today on the way

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1143151630677795462006-03-23T14:07:00.000-08:002006-11-05T20:23:48.792-08:00

Leggo Geocache ViewpointOriginally uploaded by PACNWTXN. Another stellar view on a winter afternoon from a different park on Queen Anne Hill - this was taken at stage one of a geocache: Leggo of that cache!

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1142645999129147512006-03-17T17:39:00.000-08:002006-11-05T20:23:48.715-08:00

Crane Brothers Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. As large cargo ships full of crated goods pull into the Puget Sound, they dock near cranes such as these to be unloaded. Niles is the crane on the right, and Frasier is to his left.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1142645935335899952006-03-17T17:38:00.000-08:002006-11-05T20:23:48.645-08:00

Sound Sunset Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. Taken from my office window as the sun was setting. This is the same angle as my previous pictures - you can barely see the Olympic Mountains to the right.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1140722946940652672006-02-23T11:29:00.000-08:002006-11-05T20:23:48.570-08:00

Mt Hood Layers Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. This is Mount Hood, an icy volcano near Portland, Oregon, towering over Christmas Tree farms of various maturities. I had never seen a farm like this before moving to the Northwest. I thought they grew in parking lots...

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1140722494941435342006-02-23T11:21:00.000-08:002006-11-05T20:23:48.392-08:00

Kids on a Rope Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. Has anyone else seen this? Apparently all it takes to get kids across downtown is a rope. Some of the munchkins were laughing and loud, while some were crying. They had two things in common, though: 1) They were bundled up far more than necessary for the weather conditions (just in case), and 2) They got SO much attention wherever they went.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1140722236284413572006-02-23T11:17:00.001-08:002006-11-05T20:23:48.218-08:00

Brush Cherry Bonsai - After Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. Here's how the same plant looks after pruning the weaker foliage and wiring the branches. Provided that my thumb turns green, this cherry tree will grow a thick and tapered trunk with nicely opposing horizontal branches over the next few years (but never grow over 2 feet tall.) We have a long way to go...

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1140722110218438552006-02-23T11:15:00.000-08:002006-11-05T20:23:48.018-08:00

Brush Cherry Bonsai - Before Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. One of my goals was to start a career that allowed me to be home enough to have a plant. Today was the day! We picked up a brush cherry bonsai starter plant, and this is how it looked before pruning and wiring the branches. While it looks fine to me now, it will look better after training the branches and a lot of patience.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1140416612020839042006-02-19T22:23:00.000-08:002006-11-05T20:23:47.944-08:00

Washington Mutual Tower Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. The sculpture-filled park at the base of this building will be where I hide my next geocache in a series focusing on art and architecture in downtown Seattle.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1140416325039515382006-02-19T22:18:00.000-08:002006-11-05T20:23:47.871-08:00

Seattle Office View Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. Same view, better camera!

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1139506654240105762006-02-09T09:37:00.000-08:002006-11-05T20:23:47.795-08:00

New Office View (Phone Pic) Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. I cannot complain about the view from my new office. Today is a clear, 43 degree day, and I can see the Olympic Mountains, West Seattle, and the ferry boat traffic into Elliott Bay.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1139177574959408352006-02-05T14:12:00.000-08:002006-11-05T20:23:47.719-08:00

Salsa to be... Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. As preparation for the superbowl festivities, we prepare to roast tomatoes, serranos, jalapenos and a habanero pepper or two over an open flame. I enjoy the rich colors before preparation, and the spicy flavor afterwards.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1138338563180616612006-01-26T21:09:00.000-08:002006-11-05T20:23:47.646-08:00

Sunset Boats from the Rooftop Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. I enjoy taking my camera and a hot mug of tea up to my rooftop deck to watch the sunset... (in this particular case, on crutches. :-)

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1138338428345934732006-01-26T21:07:00.000-08:002006-11-05T20:23:47.576-08:00

Looking uphill from the fall Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. I had a great day skiing at Snoqualmie, but unfortunately, on one of my last planned runs of the day, my ski caught in the snow, and I tore a ligament or two in my knee. If you look closely at this picture, you can see the impression in the snow where I rolled.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1138338355338972442006-01-26T21:05:00.000-08:002006-11-05T20:23:47.501-08:00

So much snow! Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. During my time off between jobs, I decided to go skiing near Seattle since there had been record amounts of snowfall. This picture was taken from the Summit at Snoqualmie.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1135965037376684692005-12-30T09:50:00.000-08:002006-11-05T20:23:47.431-08:00

Christmas Ships Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. This is the main vessel (an Argosy cruise boat) that held the Tahoma Girl's Choir. The choir serenaded Madison Park's beach with Christmas songs.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1135964968461490592005-12-30T09:49:00.000-08:002006-11-05T20:23:47.357-08:00

Rudolph Guides the Boat Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. Every year, a group of hundreds of Seattle yachts, motorboats and sailboats on Lake Washington are led by the Argosy to Madison Park for a Christmas show. This particular boat held Santa and his Reindeer. Some of the sailboats decorated their sails as Christmas trees, and in past years, the grinch has made an appearance.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1135964893825928882005-12-30T09:48:00.000-08:002006-11-05T20:23:47.267-08:00

Atlanta Sunrise Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. This was my view one morning after I arrived in Atlanta on a redeye flight.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1135964824595913112005-12-30T09:47:00.000-08:002006-11-05T20:23:47.193-08:00

Queen Anne Olympic View Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. I took this picture on the other side of Queen Anne hill while the Slat Rat and Ski Boy searched for the 'Backwords at the Top of the Hill' geocache. In the background are The Brothers - matching Olympic mountains covered in snow. The foreground includes the Magnolia Bridge and many moored sailboats.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1135964714440355032005-12-30T09:45:00.000-08:002006-11-05T20:23:47.126-08:00

Queen Anne Cachers Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. Slat Rat and Ski Boy search for the 'Moon Over Queen Anne' geocache. This park overlooks the Lake Union seaplane landing area. (Note: I am LONG overdue in downloading and posting this and the next 4 pictures. This picture was taken several weeks ago.)

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1134232223819420122005-12-10T08:30:00.000-08:002006-11-05T20:23:47.045-08:00

R2D2 Likes Lee High School Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. R2D2 stopped by the Christmas parade in Midland to inform me that he is not related to the red barbecue smoker pictured below. (Slatrat - yes, he's talking to you)

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1133708977698187352005-12-04T07:09:00.001-08:002006-11-05T20:23:46.962-08:00

Steven's Pass Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. It's great to see the ski lifts running and plenty of snow this Thanksgiving. The snow industry in the Northwest was hurting throughout the season last year.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1133708970232188662005-12-04T07:09:00.000-08:002006-11-05T20:23:46.881-08:00

Snow Dogs at Steven's Pass Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. Life is full of contrasts... Earlier this week, I was in flat and sunny Atlanta. This was my first snowshoeing experience, about 2.5 hours NE of Seattle. I met up with an old friend and met two new, along with four dogs who loved the snow.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1132855613718340212005-11-24T10:06:00.000-08:002006-11-05T20:23:46.800-08:00

Walrus at Arctic Building Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. In June, the Slatrat, Deepbluethought (not their real names, of course) and I took a trip away from work and placed a geocache right below this walrus. During that time, 55 people that I don't know have come and signed the log for the cache, and logged their responses online (see link below.) I took this picture on my return trip

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1132855452276762222005-11-24T10:04:00.000-08:002006-11-05T20:23:46.714-08:00

Arctic Building Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. Courtesy of The Mercury Project, who found the "I am the Walrus" geocache in downtown Seattle. (see the next post.) The Arctic Building was built as a club for newly wealthy gold panners returning from Alaska, and is adorned by walri.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1132112536522388662005-11-15T19:42:00.000-08:002006-11-05T20:23:45.840-08:00

This is CNN. Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. You know, CNN Headquarters. And the Georgia Dome where the Falcons play. And the fog rolling away one morning. This is the view from my Atlanta hotel each morning and night. I know this probably counts more as 'Deep Southeast Ramblings', but hey - this is where I am most days lately. I still enjoy the Pacific Northwest on the weekends...

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1129572940651175562005-10-17T11:15:00.000-07:002006-11-05T20:23:45.762-08:00

An Anchorage Slatrat Goes to Washington (Park Arboretum) Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. This is the famous Slat Rat (cross country skier) down in my neck of the woods. Literally. She is standing on a mossy bridge in the Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle. This picture (taken by the Ski Boy) is a perfect Pacific Northwest prototype. There is green everywhere, with Western Red Cedars

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1129174771696656682005-10-12T20:39:00.000-07:002006-11-05T20:23:45.690-08:00

Heading Out Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. Taken from the front of the houseboat, this is our escort on the last trip of this vacation.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1129174606947316412005-10-12T20:36:00.000-07:002006-11-05T20:23:45.619-08:00

Summer Paradise, Hot Water, and Wahoo Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. Here are the three boats that we lived on for a week - Summer Paradise is the houseboat on the right.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1129174525908638572005-10-12T20:35:00.000-07:002006-11-05T20:23:45.543-08:00

Amazing Rainbow Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. Deep into Lake Powell, Rainbow Bridge is the world's largest natural bridge - formed by flowing water finding a shortcut underneath, rather than around rock formations.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1128374608229499402005-10-03T14:23:00.000-07:002006-11-05T20:23:45.468-08:00

Brilliant Utah Cloudscape Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. Only two weeks ago, I saw the brilliant Northern Lights in Alaska. Now - I got to see the Southern Utah version in the desert...

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1128374538514457532005-10-03T14:22:00.000-07:002006-11-05T20:23:45.397-08:00

Cloudscape Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. On the way to Lake Powell, we stopped to admire this sunset.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1128374274504740072005-10-03T14:17:00.000-07:002006-11-05T20:23:45.321-08:00

A Cloudy Sunset Reflection Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. This is the reflection of an amazing sunset on our rental van, on the way to Lake Powell.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1128366191097632792005-10-03T12:02:00.000-07:002006-11-05T20:23:45.254-08:00

You are a Social Moderate (55% permissive)and an... Economic Conservative (61% permissive)You are best described as a: Centrist Link: The Politics Test on Ok CupidAlso: The OkCupid Dating Persona Test

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1127410234031018282005-09-22T10:30:00.001-07:002006-11-05T20:23:45.181-08:00

Las Colinas Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. Ah, back in Las Colinas, Texas. It's been awhile! This time, it's only for a few days, though.

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14407297.post-1127410212291508812005-09-22T10:30:00.000-07:002006-11-05T20:23:45.102-08:00

Los Amigos Originally uploaded by PACNWTXN. I was SO happy to see los amigos again after almost a year, and to top it off, we all went to Freebirds!

PacNWTxnnoreply@blogger.com0