PacificNorthwestLife

we recently had, here in the Seattle area, a dog who died in a hot car. We even had a baby who died in a hot car.
The other day, we were at a buffet in Everett--when what do we see? a couple leaves their schnauzer in their Durango, which was halfway and eventually all the way in the sun. What made me so mad was: now I had to decide whether to: say something to them, or leave them a note, or break a window (last resort). it was sunday, so there was no calling Animal Control--they probably don't have time anyway.

I heard a study was done that showed that the temperature inside a (sealed) car can get to 160 degrees in half an hour. dogs and kids won't last long in such heat, even with the window cracked and with water to drink.

anyway, I ended up leaving a note in their car. it said that the next time "I break window."

so much for social engineering and the green movement. It turns out that neither of my 10-15 year old vehicles qualifies for the Liberals' stimulus plan: "cash for Klunkers" program. What a joke. Their calculator rates both of my Toyotas at a lower than actual MPG---and it still isn't low enough. What a joke. They say my van gets 19---like that's not low enough!!! That's alright--I don't want any of mister Wonderful's handouts anyway. And if GM and them go belly-up for various reasons--well, too bad for them. That's Capitalism!

found a terrific European-style deli in the strip mall w/Albertsons on the Mukilteo Speedway at Beverly Park Dr. Had a sandwich, which was of course, primo, and didn't taste like the assembly line sandwiches you get elsewhere. European Delis are always good for sandwiches.

They also have a number of Hungarian entrees, which I'm going to go back for. It's always nice to have something different.

It's called "Budapest," and they're open 9-9, tuesday-saturday.

enjoy!

everybody thinks a certain talk radio host is nuts for talking about a new revolution of sorts. I'm not so sure he is nuts. there's enough conservatives out there to make it happen--though not enough to "win" I'm afraid.

As for the Obama voters, I just say: keep drinking that media Kool-Aid. Everything will be okay, right?

the do-gooders of the Leftist Regime are determined to push government healthcare down our throats. It doesn't bother them that it doesn't work all that great where it's used now, or in the past. Don't confuse them with the facts, just get that Nanny State even fatter.

Just remember folks--that once this idiotic juggernaut passes, then the government will decide if you are worthy to recieve your healthcare.
--Oh, and just so you know, you will no longer be able to do as the rich do in Canada or Mexico: you won't be able to just go to another country and get good health care for a price. The last one will be gone.

It'll be just like the DMV. Isn't it great?

I stand in solidarity with Michael Vick--you know, he's the dastardly dog-fighter Quarterback from the South. What bothers me is all the hoopla about it, and there's not a lot of hoopla over all the people who have been killed and maimed by pit bulls over the years--ever since they became "popular" with certain types of people.

of course, the dog-lovers and their supporters always lament that the dogs (vicious killers) had to be put down---or want to blame the owner for the vicious attacks. Yeah, maybe they should have kept the beast locked up, but I'm not going to blame them. The dogs are bred to be aggressive, etc. They shouldn't exist in civil society.
they should be completely exterminated--or use them on the battlefield maybe. Then again maybe not.

So I hope Michael Vick gets a high-paying NFL job--just like the one he earned. And let them boo, the ninnies. I seriously have to wonder about any so-called "man"--who would boo Vick on the field. Especially if they are supposed to be so macho and all.

so we're in the midst of a "heat wave." We're experiencing the mid-90s this week, and everybody is melting. I'm just glad I have Air Con at work !!! There's a perk for you ! I've even considered working at least one overtime day this week---since there's Air there.

Since this happens for a short time every year, a lot of homes just don't have Air Con. We find ourselves driving around for the Air, or going to the mall.

So next they'll be declaring a drought, global warming, sunspots, and you name it. Hang in there folks. It's called Summer. Happens every year.

loathing work a lot nowadays, I opted to go to the latest Mobile Home Park Re-Zoning meeting last night. It started at 6, and I was of the assumption that it would only last like 45 minutes at most. Well, the thing went for 3 hours. I knew the whole time it was going to be long; but sitting in the front, and having played hookey at work--I was compelled to stay for the whole darn thing. When I got up to go home, I was dismayed to see that most had already left some time ago.

So while all the mostly seniors had petered out, there I was sitting there listening to the PLanning Commision go thru their motions, discussion, and so forth. Pretty boring stuff. However, I thought to myself, only in the United States of America (though I'm sure it happens in select few other countries).

a bunch of concerned and uneasy residents of a community--can come together and state their gripes, etc., and the planning commision (a bunch of volunteers) can have a civil discussion about it and proceed for "the greater good for the greatest number."

This kind of thing could go away under the current Leftist regime. Don't get me started....

Anyway, the crux of the meeting was: proceeding with calling certain mobile home parks--mobile home park zones. Recently, some parks have been closed and sold for other development; so folks (mainly seniors) are deeply concerned about being evicted from their homes, etc.

I'll take any excuse to miss work. Yes, even in the midst of a recession.

well, after some 5-6 years of master-ship with my dog Boone, we had to part ways. He had developed a lump of cancer in his jaw/gums; so he had to "go away." Anyway, now that he's gone, I miss him. And I always have the regrets about what had to be done. I'm not sure if Lilly has figured out what really happened or not. She learns a lot about things from those cartoons--a little too much I might add (but that's another subject).

had an easy, nice time, at the Soccer game. .....and I'm talking about the monster crowd---they may very well have filled the place---with screaming "English team fans" helping out. We're talking about like 60,000 in one place. Anyway, had more encouragement than discouragement on this one. yeah, there were a few of the usual brilliant debaters, saying things such as "F*** Jesus," but there's always a little of that--and I always lament where those people are at. I mean I get it, but it's sad. Most of them were raised in the church in some way, and they have rejected the God of their upbringing. Too bad (and mostly for them, not to mention their grieving parents). Also had your typical "Dyke Display" of them kissing and dancing in front of me like little jesters in the court--shocking indeed--I've only seen this a million times in the last 14 years. Once again, brilliant debating tactics of the "super-enlightened" bunch. I'm talking about the lack of philosophical training--no understanding of the simple rules of debate and discussion.
Saw my co-worker there, and held him up a bit. I forgot about the Stigma, since I live it*.
*the Christian life, that is

In the same way that they train kids to mock and lecture smokers, I'm going to teach my kids to mock battery-cars and also to laugh. I love the new (popular model) commercial where the background singers are singing: "dum, dum, dum." I couldn't think of anything more appropriate! what an absolute joke. Realized an interesting fact when in Reno: the smaller the town, the bigger the vehicles, and vice versa. I love it! Up here in the burbs of Seattle, there's a lot of rancher-types, so I see Duallies all the time, along with the usual compliment of gass-chugging trucks that are use to tow things like maybe 2-3 times a year (maybe). some of them even get dirt on them. amazing.
I've always hated gos-hogs, but the battery cars are not the answer. Hey, that's a great bumper sticker!

I'd like to talk about commercial radio. These are the stations known to me as: KSOS, K-C/DC, etc. It boggles the mind how these stations can play the same stuff over and over for like 20-30 years! Incredible. Last week on our trip, I thought I wouldn't have to hear an AC/DC song for just one week---please! I hate AC/DC. anyway, I quit commmercial radio many years ago (13 years to be exact), and they're still playing the same old song and dance. Unless, of course, they're like our local rock station--who decided to have like 3 talk show during the course of the day. and in between you get this idiot DJ, playing the same old laugh tracks (and songs) and such---and everyone thinks he's cool (rock station types). No thanks. The "oldies" station here did finally go away, but the classic rock station might as well take its place. Of course there's still an oldies station on AM, but it's older stuff--like 40's and 50's. Why is there still AM radio anyway?
Well, I just hope that there's a better selection of music on the the HD playlists.
So I listen to my two local "listener-supported" stations. Even though they are online and can be streamed anywhere you get an internet connection--they are still mostly supported by local folks. KEXP.org has the best format. No commercials (well sort of), and new music, and if it's not new, it's not something that gets played on KSOS everyday for eternity. My lottery fantasy is to: start a radio station that plays all the OTHER SONGS ON THE CD. what a concept!
Speaking of AC/DC, they're touring again. Economy must not be that bad--when they're willing to throw away money on some Washed Up old Australian rockers. I love Australia, hate AC/DC. did I mention that I hate AC/DC???
I understand why commercial radio still works: people like things that are familiar, even if they've heard the songs a quintillion times. I like the repitition on my stations--hearing a song I know and like. but the difference is that they play them for like two weeks and that's it. Then they bring them out now and again, rather than day after day for millenia.

we discovered a great Philippine restaurant in the University District; they had all the Philippine favorites. there was no american food, but it's not a problem if you can eat Philippino food. they do have some great recipes that they love to prepare for fiestas and such.
Anyway, it was a nice alternative to the Chinese buffets we always go to. They tend to be "muggy and smelly" on the inside, and always packed with people. ... while this place was empty (I love it) and of course the Filipinos there were friendly and nice just like they tend to be. It was like being back there a little bit.
Great Filipino food, nice prices, nice folks. Doesn't get any better---and that's in the U-District at University and near 50th (food row there).

I'd like to talk about Chiropractors. For some, it's a sore subject; for others, it's a nice subject. It's one of those love or hate things. I happen to love the concept--since it has helped me over the years. ONe of my co-workers just had back surgery and was off for who knows how many weeks--he was overweight, and perhaps leaning over a little too much at work or whatever, and instead of just losing the weight and getting his back checked by a Chiropractor, he went the Medical Ministry route. So now he can't ride a roller coaster with his kids or whoever, and he's close to my age. Of course the great pitcher Randy Johnson had back surgery too. I thought for sure he was done for after that; but he's had some great years since then, so it's not always bad.
Back in like 1997, when I had a bad back and hips, and was limping around at work, taking Ibuprofen like candy for like two weeks--a guy at work says to me--"maybe you should go see a chiro." ...and it was like---duh! So I found one in the University District back in 1997, and I've been going to her ever since--now in Green Lake. My Chiro. is very learned in her practice, and is always doing some new thing--so she keeps up apparently. I'll hate to lose her whenever she retires.
But here in my neighborhood, rather than 25 miles away, are two competent Chiros. I just haven't been to see them yet. My mom saw one, and felt better. At least the insurance is still paying for it, unlike Naturopathy. That was the thing I was talking about not being in Georgia--Naturopaths. Here they have a University for it. I should go there and learn stuff.

so here I was--all set to tackle the yard work for four days of weekend--and what happens, well my back "goes out." Perfect timing, right? Well, at least it didn't happen on our road trip. I'm just hoping that I can get into see my Chiro. today--before it gets worse. Sometimes I wonder if she's dropping little bombs. Know what I mean? We were talking about NO CHIROS in Georgia. Could it be? NOOOOO, come on.

Lets talk about Pets, shall we? I've been "picking up" after dogs and cats---basically all my life. I'm so done with it. no more pets after our current dog goes away. I can't stand to give him up for adoption, since he's old and needy--and I'd worry about him. But he represents a small percentage of allergy according to the allergy test given by the Medical Ministry (maybe that's what they'll call it). The kids can plead and beg, but no more pets for me.

had a nice Reno trip. I saw the people I wanted to see--for the most part--and got some rest (!NOT!). It was virtually impossible to get a good night's rest, between the toddlers and my mom's pugs snorting and such at 5 in the morning! Pets--well that's another subject. Anyway, the picnic went off ok, thanks to my friend--whom we call--"Braveheart"(he's really into that movie and concept); Braveheart did the cooking, while I got the condiments. Picnic success. The wind came and went, but didn't blow us out!....and the "budget cuts" at the park made for some light crowds. Hung out with my mom, and my nieces and nephews-the rest of the time. got to know my cousin Jackie and her daughter- a little better.
We didn't get to stay at my new favorite hotel in Shasta City--the Treehouse Inn--but found a place in Weed, CA, on the way back. got lost in Shasta City since I took the wrong exit--nice town--nice and small. Then we marathoned it 12 hours to Seattle. I hate those marathons! (and I say that every time).

having a nice time in Reno, NV, with my Mom and other relatives. Went to a "triple A" ball game---the Reno Aces vs. the Sacramento Rivercats. The Rivercats won handily, as they are the division leaders. they are the "farm team" for the Oakland A's. Hardly ever a cloud in the sky here--a nice change from the Seattle weather scene.
The minivan had a broken door; but my Toyota mechanic here fixed it for only $90. I don't know how they make money--considering they worked on it for like 2 hours. His place is called the Auto Clinic- on Mill Street. We had a nice breakfast at a smaller casino called the Tamarack Junction. Great food, great service.
We'll head back on saturday, and stay at my new favorite hotel in Mount Shasta.