Oliver Enjoying Nice Weather

Oliver enjoyed a walk at Lake Wilderness Park.

You Never Even Call Me By My Name

I was never a huge Country music fan, but always loved this song, since I played it when I was a Country Musci DJ at KTEL.  The artist, David Allan Coe died Wednesday (April 29th, 2026).

 

Tacoma High School In Lockdown After Student Stabbing

Terrible news in our own backyard as reports of a stabbing at Tacoma's Foss High took place this afternoon (Thursday, April 30th, 2026).  

Six are reported to be hospitalized including the suspect in the stabbing.  Four are reported to in serious or critical condition. A security guard was also among the injured. Although, the My Northwest website now reports the  condition for four victims have stabilized ,

 

New York State Of Mind--Middle Age Dad Jazz Band

I think they nailed this song. A Billy Joel classic.

 

The Baby Bunnies

This is actually, a magnified version of what is happening in the hutch.    You really couldn't see anything in the last post.

Everyday changes a little, we will keep it wired and isolated for probably another week. 

 

Rabbit Hutch

Baby bunnies are growing next to our house

Sam Hunt--Former State Senator

This one brings back memories, Sam Hunt, then a teacher, as I remember, was running for the Washington State Legislature.  He lived in Pasco.  At the time, I was in Junior High, both me and my family were active in Democratic politics.  

Hunt had a primary opponent named Bob Barnes. Barnes, who lived in Walla Walla, was 20 and a former ASB president at Walla Walla Community College.  He was sharp, engaging, and well spoken.  I was happy to volunteer for Barnes.  

Hunt would win the nomination, but lose in the general election to Jeanette Hahner, a Republican, from a well known Walla Walla law firm that included her and her husband.  Hahner and her family would change the spelling of the name to Hayner (the way it was pronounced), she would go on to a long and distinguished career in both the House, then the State Senate.

Sam Hunt, sometime, would move to Olympia, where he would be elected to the state house in 2001, moving on to the state senate in 2017.  After two decades in the legislature he retired in 2024.

Sadly, Sam passed away over the weekend.  The Cascadia Advocate has a complete write up on his career.  Click here

President Survives Assassination Attempt

 

The White House Correspondents' Dinner at the Hilton in Washington,DC needed to be evacuated after shots were fired in the entryway to the ballroom where the event was held last night (Saturday, April 25th,2026).

A law enforcement officer was shot, but saved by his bullet-proof vest. No word on other injuries. 

Seahawks Pick Notre Dame's Price

 With the last pick in the 2026 NFL draft, the Seattle Seahawks picked Jadarian Price, a running back from Notre Dame.

The Seahawks are in need of a running back since Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III left in free agency for the Kansas City Chiefs.

For more on the pick click here.

Hanging Out With Rock Stars

 I'm posing with The Underhills front lady Manisha. This was taken on New Years Eve.

Taylor Wins Civic Award

 Congrats to Auburn Deputy mayor Tracy Taylor.  Media Maven reports that Taylor was chosen to receive the Regional Hometown Hero Award.  The award was present by King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. 

Taylor, well known as a former traffic reporter for several TV and radio stations in the area, is the fourth recipient of the award.  

You can read her acceptance speech by clicking here.

More Signs Of Spring

The trees in the back are showing their colors. Only lasts a short time so we have to enjoy it while we can.

Cobain Memorial 3

A headstone honoring Kurt Cobain at the site which is under the bridge in Aberdeen.

Cobain Memorial 2

Kurt Cobain Memorial

Grunge rock star, Kurt Cobain who died in 1994, is is honored in his hometown of Aberdeen, with this exhibit.

Cobain was the lead singer of Nirvana.

We passed through on the way back home from Ocean Shores.

Dean Of Area's Political Columnists--Joel Connolly Dies

 

 

I was shocked yesterday (Thursday, April 16th, 2026) to read about the passing of former Seattle PI political columnist and current blogger, Joel Connolly.  

For the past 5 years, I've been reading Joel's work in the collaborative blog, Post Alley.   Post Alley features blogs from several writers, who talk about Seattle topics, mostly in politics.  Connolly's work, I felt was the most interesting and enjoyable to read. 

In addition, his writing appeared in the Cascadia Advocate, a blog put out by the Northwest Progressive Institute.   Many of his writings appeared in both. 

I became a regular reader after Connolly wrote a beautiful post about my cousin, Stan Barer, which you can read by clicking here.

Connolly's last column for Post Alley was published on the day of his death.

Tributes to Connolly have come from both sides of the area's political spectrum.  He will be truly missed. 

Ocean View

Enjoying the sunrise in Ocean Shores.

Thow It All Away--Brandi Carlile

 From the first Brandi Carlile CD that I purchased, perhaps, the first she recorded. 

Controversial Reporter Russini Resigns

This story has gone for tabloid to main stream, mainly because it involves a well-known sports reporter and an NFL football coach who took his team to the Super Bowl.  

Journalism is based on integrity and when the reporter is thought to be less than honest, it is tough for them to be taken seriously, thus, sports reporter Diana Russini has quit her job for The Athletic. 

Russini was pictured with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at a Sedona, AZ resort. 

Refreshments At Hops N Drops

The "Spiked Root Beer" at Hops N Drops in Maple Valley, looks as good as it tastes. The restaurant also offers non-alcoholic coctails (often referred to as mocktails), as well as great food dishes. 

Stop Draggin' My Heart Around Garage Cover

Another fun video cover by the Middle Age Dad Jam Band, with Jackie Tohn as guest singer.  I think they pull this off real well. 

 

Ichiro Statue Broken Bat

 Rick Rizzs shows off his professional chops when the freakest of freak accidents occurred duiring the unveiling of the Ichiro statue at T-Mobile Park. Rizzs was quip to make a quip as the cover somehow caused the bronze bat to break.

The incident went viral as it indeed was an embarrassment for the Mariners organization.  It may have been good luck though.  The team snapped a five game losing streak and has, at this writing, won two games from arch rival Houston. 

 

Bob Dylan Appearing On Johnny Cash Show

At the time, I was unfamiliar with Johnny Cash, whose TV show ran from 1969 to 1971, so I missed this episode. I did not really know about Bob Dylan either, but his appearance on a network prime time variety show, could only have shown his respect for Johnny Cash. 

 Cash, widely considered the king of country music at the time, is now remembered as a cultural icon. 

 

Christine Falls--Rainier National Park

 This waterfall is amazing.  Christine Falls, at first I thought it was "Prestine Falls".  But if is indeed, a sight to behold in the Rainier National Park. 

You can find out how it got its name by clicking here.

 

Touring The Mountain

Mount Rainier from the Henry Jackson Lodge.

Trees Of Patrick's Faire

One of the great things of Maple Valley, the tall evergreens give it the rural feel 

This picture barely does it justice as the giant trees of Patrick's Faire Park are visible from two blocks.

Grease By A Garage Band

The Middle Age Dad Jam Band does a  lot of fun covers on You Tube. 

 

Happy Easter

 

Bobo Still A Seahawk

 Jake Bobo, a clutch receiver, as well as a great blocker will remain with the Hawks,  

Bobo became a restricted free agent at the end of last season.  He signed an offer sheet with the Jacksonville Jaguars.  The Seahawks had 5 days to match the offer.  I'm pretty sure that most teams don't. However, the Seahawks realized the importance of keeping last season's Super Bowl team together as much as possible and resigned the wide receiver.

Bondi Out As AG

 It seems like Pam Bondi's time as Attorney General in the Trump administration has ended.  It was announced today that Bondi was fired by the president, and will be replaced by Todd Blanche, who has served as deputy AG.

Passover 2026 Begins

 

April Fools Day 2026

 Stay on your toes!

Oliver Gotcha Day Anniversary

Three years ago, we brought an unnamed puppy home, who a few days later, we named Oliver 

Seattle TV Personality And Legendary Singer Dick Foley

 

Dick Foley,once a Grammy nominated performer with the Brothers Four, who later would be widely recognized as a Seattle area TV personality, has died. 

Foley helped formed the Brothers Four with three fellow fraternity friends at the University Of Washington in the late 50s. 

They performed the song, Greenfields, on the Ed Sullivan Show and the song shot up to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

Around this area, Foley is probably remembered as the long time host of Northwest Afternoon on KOMO 4.  Even if you didn't watch the show, he was prominent on the promo ads. 

I met Dick a few years ago when he shipped a guitar at The UPS Store in Bellevue. It was a real treat to meet such a legend.

 

Rick Rizzs Interview

It's a promising season for the Seattle Mariners.  It's also the last year for announcer Rick Rizzs, who is interviewed by veteran KING 5 personality Joyce Taylor. 

 

Kraken Group May Bid For Sonic Franchise

 With the price of acquiring a franchise in the NBA well into the billions.  Fans may be wondering who could put up that amount of money.

Word is that the group that owns the Seattle NHL Kraken and a good portion of the Climate Pledge Arena, could come forward to put in a bid for the team. 

The group, now branded as One Roof Sports and Entertainment is led by Kraken majority owner Samantha Holloway and team CEO Todd Leiweke (both pictured above),

The team is expected to play in Climate Pledge Arena.  

Opening Day Fun

We watched the Mariners 2026 season opener from the Hit It Here Cafe at T-Mobile Park.

We actually had tickets for the 300 level.  But in spite of the crowd, we were about to get a table right away, while enjoying a perfect view of the pregame ceremonies and the game.  We stayed our table for the  entire game. 

A fun time was had by all in spite of our team being on the wrong side of a 6-4 score.

It's Opening Day For Mariners

Big expectations for our Seattle Mariners as the 2026 MLB season gets underway tonight (March 26th, 2026).

Spring 2026

Our tree in the front yard is in bloom. One of my favorite things to photograph.

Grease Is The Word

 We enjoyed the musical Grease last night (March 24th, 2026) at the Village Theater in Issaquah.  While the iconic theme song from which I created the headline for this post, was not performed in the production.  All of the other iconic songs were.  

Even though it was the first night it played there, everything went smoothly.  

Of course, we remember the movie of the 70s, starring John Travolta and the late Olivia Newton-John, which featured an almost cartoonish look at 50s teenagers.  Of course, beneath the silliness, it featured serious things that made the teenage years difficult, like acceptance, lost love, and conformity. 

The play preceded the movie and started on Broadway in 1972.

Grease will play at the Village until May 3rd. 

More On Possible NBA Expansion

 

NBA Votes To Explore Expansion! Sonics Return Clears First Hurdle

 The wording seems less than convincing, but I believe the reality is that NBA is returning to the area. 

The NBA has voted to explore the possibility of expanding into Seattle and Las Vegas.  The Seattle Sonics left in 2008, after being sold a few years earlier to a group from Oklahoma City.

Live Music In Issaquah 2

 The Brian Nay Band with the Genesis classic, "That's All". 

Live Music In Issaquah

We got together with friends Marjie and Rick and enjoyed listening to The Brian Nay Band at Vino Bella in Issaquah.  

This was after a great meal at the Sunset Grill. 

The Famous CBS Radio News Jingle

 

CBS News Radio To Shut Down

 Say it ain't so, Joe! Sources say the radio news division at CBS, long a news source for the country will shut down on May 22nd of this year (2026). 

 Perhaps, the most prestigious news source over the years, it featured such luminaries as Edward R. Murrow (who went to what was then Washington State College), Douglas Edwards, and Walter Cronkite. 

I remember, in my childhood, hearing news reports on the hour on KUJ in Walla Walla,until it stopped network news in the late 70s.  More recently, KIRO, here in the Seattle area, where one of its reporters, Heather Bosch, was elevated to work nationally for the network.

The radio news department at the Columbia Broadcast System began in 1927.

 

Elk In Cannon Beach

From our trip to the coast, earlier this month.  Elk grazing in Cannon Beach.  

Tom Jones And Janis Joplin

We forget that TV in the 60s could be electrifying.  We remember Janis Joplin as an underground artist, usually, but here she is on network TV.  ABC, which marketed to a younger crowd then the two other networks, carried This Is Tom Jones.  

This duet with Jones and Joplin is widely considered the best act of the series 

 

Missing My Father After 10 Years

It was 10 years ago today (March 18, 2026) that my dad, Alan Barer passed away.  I still miss him.  
 

Mr Bojangles--Tom Jones Sings While Sammy Davis Jr Performs

I was only 12 or 13 when I watched the performance of Sammy Davis, Jr and Tom Jones singing Mr Bojangles on the Friday night variety show hosted by Jones.  It was such an amazing performance that it has stayed with me throughout the decades.

The actual name of the show was This Is Tom Jones.  It ran on ABC for three seasons. 

Davis sang the song as well as performed it in his live acts.

Tree Repair In Our Backyard.

The trees, that were damaged in the Friday the 13th snowstorm are back up, so we are hoping for the best.

Closing Of Redmond Institution

 

The Cascadia Advocate recently took a somewhat break from politics to lament of the closing of Blazing Bagels, which apparently closed its locations without warning, leaving its employees, suddenly, jobless

My memories of Blazing Bagels are when Bob brought them in for employees as a reward for working on Saturdays at The UPS Store.

The Cascade Advocate is a blog for the NPI, the Northwest Progressive Institute. For the full story click here

 

Happy St Patrick's Day

 

NBA To Finally Vote On NBA Expansion

 We could know next week, (March 24th and 25th, 2026), whether the National Basketball Association will once again have a Seattle team. 

Multiple sources are reporting that the NBA Board Of Governors will meet to vote on whether to consider granting expansion teams to Las Vegas and Seattle

The Seattle Super Sonics, which was the area's first major professional sports team, left town in 2008 after being sold to an Oklahoma City group. 

Since then, the area been teased, often cruelly about a return. 

While many area fans have turned a deaf ear to the NBA, many more have grown skeptical that this region will see a returns.

The target for a team to appear on the court, would be the 2028-29 season. 

Damage From Snowfall

We potentially have lost two trees from Friday's snowfall.  It really hurts to lose one. We are hoping one or both can be replanted.

Walking The Beach

 I enjoyed walking the beach with Oliver on our trip to the Oregon Coast. 

White Stuff In Maple Valley

I don't know what train it took, but winter finally arrived here.  On March 13 no less.

The first measurable snowfall is here, right when we are thinking "Spring".

Loving The Beach

"I love the Sea" was inscribed in the sand by a creative beachgoer in Seaside, Oregon.

Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve

On our way to the Oregon Coast, we visited the Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve, which was just South of Olympia. 

Walker Walks--Will Sign With Chiefs

 2026 Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III will be leaving the Seattle Seahawks.  Multiple sources are reporting that the running back is ready to sign a three year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs.  The deal is said to be worth 45 million. 

Snackin

Elk grazing at the Cannon Beach Museum.

Serious Problem There

Wow, the Kelso Red Lion is on fire. We passed it on our way to the Oregon Coast.

MLB Expansion?

 

Portland has to keep the Blazers from leaving

Iran War

 We are in a war with Iran, I am all over the map on this.  Many moderate supporters of Israel say this was necessary.  I want to see more facts and find out if there is an exit strategy. 

Noem To Be Reassigned

 Well, it took over a year, but President Donald Trump has made the first change in his cabinet, replacing the embattled Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, with Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin.  

Noem, the former governor of South Dakota, was at one time, thought to be a rising star in the Republican party. Her speaking of shooting a family dog and her hardline approach, including an eye-opening TV advertising campaign, along with comments on at least two shootings by ICE agents, as well as an alleged affair, has soured her with Republican senators, along, of course, with Democrats.  

DC 25--More White House

v

 I just had to post this collage that Google put together of our White House tour of 2025, this even has some pictures that I had previously missed.  

It's hard to believe the trip was almost 10 months ago.  If you have any questions, put them in the comment section, since there is no narration.  

Steve Playing Jr Hockey

My brother, Steve from his hockey days in the mid 70s. My parents would drive him and his teammates all over the state to compete.

Great Review Of MLB Parks

One thing that distinguishes Major League Baseball from other pro sports is the personality and history of the ballparks.  In this video, You Tube sports commentator Brodie Brazil gives his ranking of every park in the two leagues.

 

Touring Frank Lloyd Wright 2

More from the Tallesin West museum, honoring Frank Lloyd Wright.  

The lush green grass really stood out in the desert.

Pop Music Writer And Performer Neil Sedaka

 

Neil Sedaka, a prolific songwriter and singer in the early 1960s, who is now better known for songs in his comeback in the mid-1970s has died. His 87th birthday was only weeks away.

Sedaka, a native of Brooklyn was famous for songs like "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do", Calendar Girl" and "Happy Birthday Sweet 16".

His later work would include "Bad Blood" which he sang with Elton John and "Laughter In The Rain". 

He also wrote the Captain And Tenille classic "Lov e Will Keep Us Together.

Spring Ball 6--The Wrap up

 A composite video of our visit to Mariner Spring Training.

My Parents Wedding 2

My parents with their bridesmaids and groomsmen.

My Parents Wedding

Steve posted this on Facebook. My parents with their parents and grandmothers in 1956 at my parent's wedding.

I would  meet both great grandmothers.  

On the left, my mom's grandma lived in New York. On the right, my dad's grandma lived in Walla Walla.  Both were mothers of my grandfather's.

Spring Training 5--Warm ups

 From Friday's game (February, 20th, 2026)

Mariner Spring Ball 4--The Padres

The Padres share the Peoria Sports Complex with the Mariners. They were also the M's first opponent this season.