Here are a couple photos.
The alpine flowers are in full bloom on the mountain.
Mt. Rainier
Mount Adams. Looking to the south from the saddle of Pinnacle Peak. Mt. Hood was visible, but I don't think you can see it in the photo.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Perfect Pinnacle Peak
My friend Dan and I hiked Pinnacle Peak today. We just hiked to the saddle. It's only a 1.3 mile hike, but the altitude made it quite challenging.
Here are a couple photos.
The alpine flowers are in full bloom on the mountain.
Mt. Rainier
Mount Adams. Looking to the south from the saddle of Pinnacle Peak. Mt. Hood was visible, but I don't think you can see it in the photo.
Here are a couple photos.
The alpine flowers are in full bloom on the mountain.
Mt. Rainier
Mount Adams. Looking to the south from the saddle of Pinnacle Peak. Mt. Hood was visible, but I don't think you can see it in the photo.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Steffen and Katie's Wedding
Congratulations to Katie and Steffen Bernard. Their wedding at Bridal Veil Lakes was wonderful. The weather cooperated with abundant sunshine and a perfect temperature. The bride's dress was elegant with what appeared to be multiple layers of lace. Very modern but harking back to another age of formality and innocence. Speaking of modern, one of the grooms attendants was a woman. Here. Here. The moving and smart ceremony, eloquently officiated by our own Tonya, included a nod to marriage equality. Joy is universal as should be the right to marry. Thank you Katie and Steffen.
It was nice to see many family members. From California - Effie and Jim Blubaugh, Lara, Jon-Erik, Asher and Dinah Storm. From Washington - Monna Maddy, Sharon and Al Ausman. From North Dakota - Tonya and Bob Omdahl. From Alaska, the mother of the groom, Barb Bernard. From Oregon, the groom's brother and best man, Hans Bernard.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Monday, April 30, 2012
Back to the Blog
Today was the first day I've checked WarroadRoots in a LONG time! I see there is still activity, so I will do my part to post some interesting tidbit or photo at least once per week.
Today's observation: one can learn a lot when they take the opportunity to admit they need some help. I observed this specifically tonight in a 1 hour golf lesson. Felt like a totally different experience by the end of the hour. Now, I just need to apply the principle more broadly.
Today's observation: one can learn a lot when they take the opportunity to admit they need some help. I observed this specifically tonight in a 1 hour golf lesson. Felt like a totally different experience by the end of the hour. Now, I just need to apply the principle more broadly.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Jiro Dreams of Sushi
I saw Jiro Dreams of Sushi last night in a theater. You can also get the DVD through Netlix. This is what the Netflix blurb says.
This delectable documentary profiles sushi chef Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old master whose 10-seat, $300-a-plate restaurant is legendary among Tokyo foodies. Ono is also a father, whose sons struggle to live up to his legacy and make their own marks.
If you have Netflix, just wait.
This delectable documentary profiles sushi chef Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old master whose 10-seat, $300-a-plate restaurant is legendary among Tokyo foodies. Ono is also a father, whose sons struggle to live up to his legacy and make their own marks.
If you have Netflix, just wait.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Why So Many Movies, Jim?
I went to see Safe House last night. It was actually good. I was ready for just a formulaic thriller that would entertain me but that I wouldn't care much about. It turned out to be a well acted and directed movie. While still formulaic, it held my attention. My main criticism is that the chase and fighting scenes were sped up for effect. A friend of mind mentioned that when I asked her if I should see the movie. So, of course it was very obvious to me. I wonder now if I would have realized it if I hadn't known. Anyway, it will be a good film to stream or see on-demand.
I saw the new Will Ferrel Casa Di Me Padre movie last Saturday night. Blazing Saddles for this time. Just be prepared to be offended constantly, which makes it worth seeing.
The highlight of my movie going week was seeing one of my top 5 movies of all time, Casablanca, on the "big screen". It was the 70th anniversary of the film's release. So, here's my story about Casablanca...
Bill and I went to Greece and Turkey in 1999. It was in the "salad days" of my time in Georgia. The trip started in Athens. It was pre-Olympics. Seeing the Parthenon and Acropolis were a dream come true. We did get in trouble for taking photos of sacred objects. I pride myself on not being an ugly American, but I guess I can be. I loved Athens. Although, we had to limit our outdoor times as the pollution was so bad. It is one of those places that truly lives up to its reputation - good and bad.
We then moved on to the next leg of the trip. Air Greece, or whatever it's called, was on strike so our 1/2 hour flight to Santorini turned into an awful 8 hour ferry boat trip. It was not a cruise ship! However, I soon forgot about it after arriving in Santorini. A mystical place if there is one. After a couple days, we couldn't even remember what day it was. Santorini is in my list of top 5 places in the world. Why the need for all the lists is beyond me. If you get a chance to visit it, do. Our next stop was Mykinos. Nice, but forgettable. Although, the scenery on the beaches was nice. We ended the trip in Istanbul, which is where my Casablanca story begins.
We arrived in Istanbul. Made it through the very scary passport checkpoint and went to our hotel, Four Seasons Hotel It's an an old Turkish prison converted to a luxury hotel. Sublime is the only descriptor necessary for it.
Bill got horribly sick the day we arrived. We learned later it was strep throat. He was so sick he didn't get out of bed for three days. I saw the sites on my own. The tourist areas of Instanbul are full of very aggressive street merchants. To this day, it's only the second time in all my travels that I have felt at risk. The other time was when I got lost in the old city of Jerusalem. I was by myself as I had decided not to go with the group that day. I went to Israel on a tour with Mom. But, that's a whole other story. I don't think I have felt threatened like Istanbul ever again. And, Johannesburg, South Africa is no picnic! But, I digress.
One evening, after I had dinner in the hotel, I was watching TV while Bill was hallucinating from a high fever. I had on CNN International and the story broke about John Kennedy Jr's death, July 16th 1999. I watched the story for awhile and then started flipping channels and landed on a station playing Casablanca. While the movie was on, the Muslim call to prayer was playing in the city. I knew I was in a foreign place when I heard that. It's quite a beautiful, yet haunting sound to hear for the first time. I watched Casablanca, perhaps for the first time. I was riveted, and have been riveted ever since. So to recap, Turkish prison converted to the ultimate in luxury hotels, another death of American "royalty", Muslim call to prayer playing, very ill partner all while watching Casablanca. A movie that captures the best and worst in all of us.
All the memories of that trip to Greece and Turkey flooded back to me after watching the movie. That is what movies that rise to the level of art do. Help us remember that life is full of wonders and hardships, gifts and sacrifices and if we sit still, sublime moments that add layers of depth to who we are.
I saw the new Will Ferrel Casa Di Me Padre movie last Saturday night. Blazing Saddles for this time. Just be prepared to be offended constantly, which makes it worth seeing.
The highlight of my movie going week was seeing one of my top 5 movies of all time, Casablanca, on the "big screen". It was the 70th anniversary of the film's release. So, here's my story about Casablanca...
Bill and I went to Greece and Turkey in 1999. It was in the "salad days" of my time in Georgia. The trip started in Athens. It was pre-Olympics. Seeing the Parthenon and Acropolis were a dream come true. We did get in trouble for taking photos of sacred objects. I pride myself on not being an ugly American, but I guess I can be. I loved Athens. Although, we had to limit our outdoor times as the pollution was so bad. It is one of those places that truly lives up to its reputation - good and bad.
We then moved on to the next leg of the trip. Air Greece, or whatever it's called, was on strike so our 1/2 hour flight to Santorini turned into an awful 8 hour ferry boat trip. It was not a cruise ship! However, I soon forgot about it after arriving in Santorini. A mystical place if there is one. After a couple days, we couldn't even remember what day it was. Santorini is in my list of top 5 places in the world. Why the need for all the lists is beyond me. If you get a chance to visit it, do. Our next stop was Mykinos. Nice, but forgettable. Although, the scenery on the beaches was nice. We ended the trip in Istanbul, which is where my Casablanca story begins.
We arrived in Istanbul. Made it through the very scary passport checkpoint and went to our hotel, Four Seasons Hotel It's an an old Turkish prison converted to a luxury hotel. Sublime is the only descriptor necessary for it.
Bill got horribly sick the day we arrived. We learned later it was strep throat. He was so sick he didn't get out of bed for three days. I saw the sites on my own. The tourist areas of Instanbul are full of very aggressive street merchants. To this day, it's only the second time in all my travels that I have felt at risk. The other time was when I got lost in the old city of Jerusalem. I was by myself as I had decided not to go with the group that day. I went to Israel on a tour with Mom. But, that's a whole other story. I don't think I have felt threatened like Istanbul ever again. And, Johannesburg, South Africa is no picnic! But, I digress.
One evening, after I had dinner in the hotel, I was watching TV while Bill was hallucinating from a high fever. I had on CNN International and the story broke about John Kennedy Jr's death, July 16th 1999. I watched the story for awhile and then started flipping channels and landed on a station playing Casablanca. While the movie was on, the Muslim call to prayer was playing in the city. I knew I was in a foreign place when I heard that. It's quite a beautiful, yet haunting sound to hear for the first time. I watched Casablanca, perhaps for the first time. I was riveted, and have been riveted ever since. So to recap, Turkish prison converted to the ultimate in luxury hotels, another death of American "royalty", Muslim call to prayer playing, very ill partner all while watching Casablanca. A movie that captures the best and worst in all of us.
All the memories of that trip to Greece and Turkey flooded back to me after watching the movie. That is what movies that rise to the level of art do. Help us remember that life is full of wonders and hardships, gifts and sacrifices and if we sit still, sublime moments that add layers of depth to who we are.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
Sunday, February 5, 2012
AppleTV Frustrates Me, Movies and My Social Life
First of all. The visual piece because every post has to have a photo. Tatum and Uncle Jim with JP Patches. If you grew up in Seattle in the 60's, you know who he is.
It's another beautiful day in Seattle. Sunny with a high temp in the 50's.
Last night I decided to do my laundry and watch Moneyball on AppleTV. "Doing laundry on Saturday night?", you might ask with eyebrows raised. Well, it happens. One's social life ebbs and flows. Mine is ebbing right now. But, I digress. So, I was watching Moneyball and at 59:37 minutes into the movie, I get the scrolling circle of "oh, crap, it's buffering and AppleTV can buffer for what seems like a long time". Then, I get message that says Moneyball will be ready in 3 hours and 29 minutes. Whatever!
I switched to an episode of MI-5 while I was folding my laundry. Then watched Saturday Night Live through Weekend Update. I think the quality of Saturday Night Live is also ebbing. Just like my social life. Although, there was a bit on Downton Abbey which was funny.
I finished Moneyball this morning. It's a great movie. Jonah Hill is wonderful in it. Of course, Brad Pitt is impeccable. I think that he has his star thing under control while Clooney doesn't. Anyway, here are my current rankings for Oscar nominated movies. I have created some new categories:
"Okay films but never should have been nominated, but they don't ask me"
"I didn't see these movies and don't plan to"
"YOU SHOULD SEE THIS MOVIE"
Films that were nominated for best picture. My Rankings
1. "Hugo"- See comments in last post.
2. "The Tree of Life" - See comments in last post.
2. "The Help" - See comments in last post.
3. "Midnight in Paris" - See comments in last post.
4. "Moneyball" - Nice film. Jonah Hill rocks. Brad Pitt is great.
"Okay films but never should have been nominated, but they don't ask me"
"The Descendants" - See comments in last post.
"The Artist" - See comments in last post.
"I didn't see these movies and don't plan to"
"Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close" - see comments in last post.
"War Horse" - see comments in last post.
YOU SHOULD SEE THIS MOVIE
"Melancholia" - Obliteratingly great. Should have been nominated.
"We Were Here" - For those who don't remember the 80's, had their head in the sand, or it was just too painful, a moving account of what AIDS did to my contemporaries. The movie was a reminder to me to be thankful for each day.
"Bridesmaids" - I do think women can be raunchier than men. Delightfully so.
"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy - Wonderful period piece. Intelligent.
It's Superbowl Sunday. I am going to watch the game with friends. Two of them who aren't football fans but love to entertain. Madonna better be good. TMZ is already slamming her and she hasn't performed yet.
Enjoy the hype. See you 'round the pool.
It's another beautiful day in Seattle. Sunny with a high temp in the 50's.
Last night I decided to do my laundry and watch Moneyball on AppleTV. "Doing laundry on Saturday night?", you might ask with eyebrows raised. Well, it happens. One's social life ebbs and flows. Mine is ebbing right now. But, I digress. So, I was watching Moneyball and at 59:37 minutes into the movie, I get the scrolling circle of "oh, crap, it's buffering and AppleTV can buffer for what seems like a long time". Then, I get message that says Moneyball will be ready in 3 hours and 29 minutes. Whatever!
I switched to an episode of MI-5 while I was folding my laundry. Then watched Saturday Night Live through Weekend Update. I think the quality of Saturday Night Live is also ebbing. Just like my social life. Although, there was a bit on Downton Abbey which was funny.
I finished Moneyball this morning. It's a great movie. Jonah Hill is wonderful in it. Of course, Brad Pitt is impeccable. I think that he has his star thing under control while Clooney doesn't. Anyway, here are my current rankings for Oscar nominated movies. I have created some new categories:
"Okay films but never should have been nominated, but they don't ask me"
"I didn't see these movies and don't plan to"
"YOU SHOULD SEE THIS MOVIE"
Films that were nominated for best picture. My Rankings
1. "Hugo"- See comments in last post.
2. "The Tree of Life" - See comments in last post.
2. "The Help" - See comments in last post.
3. "Midnight in Paris" - See comments in last post.
4. "Moneyball" - Nice film. Jonah Hill rocks. Brad Pitt is great.
"Okay films but never should have been nominated, but they don't ask me"
"The Descendants" - See comments in last post.
"The Artist" - See comments in last post.
"I didn't see these movies and don't plan to"
"Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close" - see comments in last post.
"War Horse" - see comments in last post.
YOU SHOULD SEE THIS MOVIE
"Melancholia" - Obliteratingly great. Should have been nominated.
"We Were Here" - For those who don't remember the 80's, had their head in the sand, or it was just too painful, a moving account of what AIDS did to my contemporaries. The movie was a reminder to me to be thankful for each day.
"Bridesmaids" - I do think women can be raunchier than men. Delightfully so.
"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy - Wonderful period piece. Intelligent.
It's Superbowl Sunday. I am going to watch the game with friends. Two of them who aren't football fans but love to entertain. Madonna better be good. TMZ is already slamming her and she hasn't performed yet.
Enjoy the hype. See you 'round the pool.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Did Facebook Kill the Blog?
I was thinking that maybe Facebook has killed the blog. FB is certainly more real time and connects people in a much more collaborative and conversational fashion. I mentioned it to Jill and she opined that a blog still has a use when you want to discuss something at length. I see the point. So, I am not going to shut down WarroadRoots. And, the subject of this post is Best Picture nominations.
Best Picture
"The Artist" - Nice film. Nice premise. Weak storyline. I wanted it to end before it did. Perhaps, a gimmick.
"The Descendants" - George, George, George. Over-hyped. Over-rated. Almost over Clooney. Nice movie, but does not belong is the category.
"Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close" - Haven't seen it. Won't see it. Just can't get past Tom Hanks.
"Hugo"- Movie making magic. Have to go with this for best picture.
"Midnight in Paris" - Great movie. Owen Wilson rose to the occasion.
"The Help" - What can be said? Every American should see it.
"Moneyball" - haven't seen it yet. Hope to.
"War Horse" - Won't see it. I really don't want to watch Horses get slaughtered in man's attempt to kill one another.
"The Tree of Life" - Ok, be prepared to work to watch it. It's like reading War and Peace which I have never finished. I did finish The Tree of Life while others walked out of it. See it.
So, Hugo is my pick. I haven't seen Moneyball, but I don't think it will match Hugo.
More picks later.
And here's a picture just to make the post visual.
Best Picture
"The Artist" - Nice film. Nice premise. Weak storyline. I wanted it to end before it did. Perhaps, a gimmick.
"The Descendants" - George, George, George. Over-hyped. Over-rated. Almost over Clooney. Nice movie, but does not belong is the category.
"Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close" - Haven't seen it. Won't see it. Just can't get past Tom Hanks.
"Hugo"- Movie making magic. Have to go with this for best picture.
"Midnight in Paris" - Great movie. Owen Wilson rose to the occasion.
"The Help" - What can be said? Every American should see it.
"Moneyball" - haven't seen it yet. Hope to.
"War Horse" - Won't see it. I really don't want to watch Horses get slaughtered in man's attempt to kill one another.
"The Tree of Life" - Ok, be prepared to work to watch it. It's like reading War and Peace which I have never finished. I did finish The Tree of Life while others walked out of it. See it.
So, Hugo is my pick. I haven't seen Moneyball, but I don't think it will match Hugo.
More picks later.
And here's a picture just to make the post visual.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Seem like a long time
It has been a long time since I have posted. I started a new job four weeks ago with Providence Health & Services. A great and large organization - 55,000 employees. Yes, I am now working for nuns. I never thought I would work for a faith based organization. However, I am and it's proving to be very worthwhile and engaging.
I am working in Renton. After all these years, I have ended up working a few miles from where I grew up. Well, I am not sure how much I grew up there. I think most of the "growing up" occurred much later in life. Anyway...I went into work today as my area is extremely busy. This was the view out my window.
After 2 1/2 hours I decided to head home as I didn't want to get stuck at work. Here was the view out of my apartment window around 1:30 pm.
It's a winter wonderland out there. I think the temperature is dropping and so the city will probably shut down.
I was watching the Packers lose today. Condolences to my friends Shafel and Keven who are both from Wisconsin and big time cheeseheads. The San Francisco - New Orleans game yesterday was very exciting. I hope San Francisco beats the Giants
During the game I decided that homemade soup would hit the spot. I walked to the grocery store and bought the ingredients for Weekday Vegetable Soup. I have started cooking as it's less expensive than eating out and a lot healthier too. Anyway, my soup is simmering. Here's a photo of it.
And now for you Rod Stewart (when he was being authentic) fans
Movie Reviews
Since seeing The Girl with the (too long) Tatoo, I have seen
Sherlock Holmes. Well worth seeing. It was fun.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy - Excellent. Great period film. The critics sort of panned it. I thought it was brilliant and engrossing.
One more thing. The soup was delicious.
I am working in Renton. After all these years, I have ended up working a few miles from where I grew up. Well, I am not sure how much I grew up there. I think most of the "growing up" occurred much later in life. Anyway...I went into work today as my area is extremely busy. This was the view out my window.
After 2 1/2 hours I decided to head home as I didn't want to get stuck at work. Here was the view out of my apartment window around 1:30 pm.
It's a winter wonderland out there. I think the temperature is dropping and so the city will probably shut down.
I was watching the Packers lose today. Condolences to my friends Shafel and Keven who are both from Wisconsin and big time cheeseheads. The San Francisco - New Orleans game yesterday was very exciting. I hope San Francisco beats the Giants
During the game I decided that homemade soup would hit the spot. I walked to the grocery store and bought the ingredients for Weekday Vegetable Soup. I have started cooking as it's less expensive than eating out and a lot healthier too. Anyway, my soup is simmering. Here's a photo of it.
And now for you Rod Stewart (when he was being authentic) fans
Movie Reviews
Since seeing The Girl with the (too long) Tatoo, I have seen
Sherlock Holmes. Well worth seeing. It was fun.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy - Excellent. Great period film. The critics sort of panned it. I thought it was brilliant and engrossing.
One more thing. The soup was delicious.
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