Seahawks Beat Giants

 With a raucous crowd, the Seattle Seahawks toppled the New York Giants 27-13 yesterday (October 30th) in a game at Lumen Field.  The Giants, were 6-1 and like the Seahawks, defying all expectations as far as how they would perform this season. 

It was the battle of two fired up teams, both left for dead by the experts in preseason.  It was the perfect game for Seahawks fans like me. 

Now there is talk about post season hopes for the team.  I am just enjoying the wins and what the team has done so far. 

Happy Halloween!

 Boo! Have a Happy Halloween!

Seahawks vs New York Football Giants

 

Go Seahawks!

The Birthday Boy

Dasher in his birthday crown.  He doesn't seem fine of the look.

Happy Birthday, Dasher!

 Our Doggy extraordinaire turned 11 today!

Jerry Lee Lewis, ‘Great Balls of Fire’ singer, has died

Rock and Roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis has died, he was 87.

WSU Flag Flies

WSU flags fly in the background as always on ESPN College Game Day.

Even though the Cougs played last Thursday.

Go Cougs!!

 The Washington State Cougars take on the Utah Utes tonight (Thursday, October 27th, 2022) in a rare Thursday night game!

A Moment Of Goodwill In Washington Senate Race

In spite of a tough debate and a pretty nasty campaign, Washington US Senator Democrat Patty Murray and her Republican challenger, Tiffany Smiley were able to shake hands at the conclusion.  

The debate took place last Sunday.

Simon & Garfunkel - The Story Of Bridge Over Troubled Water

This video describes the genesis of one of the greatest pop songs of all time. 

Maple Valley Visitor

This character was seen lurking in our yard this past weekend.

Farmer's Market - Maple Valley, Washington, USA - June 2022

The Maple Valley Farmer's Market has shut down for the season.  I think it is safe to say that it has become a local institution.

Celebrating Fall At The Pumpkin Patch

 This picture, taken of our family, got over 100 "likes' on Facebook.  It was taken the Sunday before last, (October 16th), at Fletcher Farm in Issaquah. 

Let's Go Seahawks!

 Seattle Seahawks are playing the LA Chargers this afternoon (October 23rd).

More Great Halloween Decorations

This "graveyard" can be seen in Belmont Woods.  Again, while walking the dog.

New Wine Honor's Stan Barer Memory

Seattle area restauranteur Russell Lowell has announced a new wine label in honor of his fishing buddy and my cousin, Stan Barer.  In the above article by feature writer Patti Payne in the Puget Sound Business Journal, Lowell announced the creation of "The Purple Barer".  The wine brand was created from Cabernet Sauvignon from Cooper Wine Company.

The Purple Barer is only available at Lowell's Bothell restaurant and sells for $120. 
 

King Felix Returns to Throw First Pitch

Arguably, the greatest Mariner pitcher of all-time, Felix Hernandez, who did not get to play in the post season, during his career, threw out the first pitch last Saturday's (October 15th, 2022) home playoff game. 

Gigantic Skeleton In Patrick's Faire

 The side of the street where we walk Dasher in nearby Patrick's Faire neighborhood has some real creative and eye-catching Halloween decorations, but we like this tall skeleton the best.  

Dasher In The Pumpkin Patch

Dasher poses at Fletcher Farms in Issaquah, where we continued our Fall tradition of visiting the pumpkin patch.

Marathon Playoff Game Ends Mariner Season

 Whether in T-Mobile Park or listening streaming or watching on TV, last night's game looked promising.  The big hitters like Altuve, Alverez, and Bregman were not slugging the ball.  The Asto's offense was finally silenced but sadly, so was the Mariner offense.  

After Jeremy Pena's homerun in the 18th, the game was finally over, the Mariners had lost in three games to the one team that been trouble for the team since it entered the AL West from the National League in 2013.

The Mariners played in its first post season since 2001 and this was its first home game since then.  All it would take in nine innings was a single run to win and force a game 4.  They just couldn't do it. 

The future looks promising, though.  Julio Rodriguez (pictured above) and Luis Castillo have signed for the long term. The M's fans are realistically looking toward a better 2023.

Thank you to the Seattle Times for the picture.

GameDay At Knoxville

ESPN Gameday is at Knoxville.  Home of the Tennessee Volunteers.

It is my wife's alma mater.

WSU Flag on ESPN Gameday

On Gameday on ESPN, Ol' Crimson is now a full commercial.

Kraken Get First Win In Season

 Congrats to the Seattle Kraken, who beat the LA Kings 4-1 for the team's first victory of the 2022-2023 season.  Picture from the Seattle Times. 

Beat The Astros--Second Try

 After Tuesday's devasting loss, the Mariners will try to even the series today (October 13th, 2022) with the game scheduled at 12:30pm PDT.  Go Mariners!!

Bridge Over Troubled Water--Chava Mirel

Normally, I wouldn't post from a service, but this version of the Simon And Garfunkel's classic Bridge Over Troubled Water by Chava Mirel at the Temple De Hirsch Yizkor service was so touching.  She posted it on Facebook last night.  

Heartbreaker Loss To Astros

 The worst case scenario came true yesterday when the Seattle Mariners lead throughout the entire game but lost in the last inning when Yordan Alvarez blasted a walk off home run in the bottom of the 9th. 

Fans, turning to message boards, blamed manager Scott Servais and Mariner pitcher Robbie Ray, who came out in relief.  While the decision making seemed odd, Houston is one of baseball's best teams and extremely difficult to beat.   

Beat Houston! The Seattle Mariners Play Astros

 The Mariners now take on the Houston Astros in the first game of the American League Division Series today (Tuesday, October 11, 2022) at Minute Maid Park   The first pitch is scheduled for 12:37pm PDT. 

Full Moon In The Morning

This morning, the moon was just as prominent.

Beautiful Fall Mioon

A full moon lit up the sky last night.

Rick Rizzs Calls Mariners Epic Comeback & Wild Card Win (Postgame Celebr...

The Mariners pulled out a remarkable comeback yesterday.  Down 8-1, they beat the Blue Jays 10-9.  

One of the most amazing playoff games of all-time. 

Beat The Trojans

Cougs play USC. Go Cougs!

Good Bye To KGO San Francisco

 San Francisco's Legendary KGO, probably, the first talk radio station that I ever listened to, is going off the air after 80 years.  

I had not listened in decades, but have fond memories of listening at night in Walla Walla, when you could hear far away stations.  KGO would have lively talk about Bay Area and national issues with colorful calls from listeners.  I believe it has always been owned and operated by the ABC radio network.  

Call in talk shows have slowly disappeared in favor of co-hosts, who generally banter amongst themselves and guests that they invite. 

Mariners Shut Out Blue Jays

The Mariners took the first game of the best of three playoff series, 4-0.  Thank you to the Seattle Times for the picture.

Let's Go Mariners!

 Mariners play Toronto in best of three, north of the border.  Game begins at 1:07 pm pdt and can be seen on ESPN.

Loretta Lynn Had A Washington Connection

 Legendary Country singer Loretta Lynn, who died Tuesday, had a Washington connection. The singer spent the early years of her career, in Custer, WA, a town about 120 miles north of Maple Valley. 

Lynn and her husband moved there, so he could get farm work after the mines in Butcher Hollow closed.  Lynn often performed in the Haynie Grange, pictured above.  

The Lynns were living in Washington, when they drove around to radio stations around the country, trying to start her career. 

Celebrating Yom Kippur

 

The Kennydales Suite Madame Blue

Just up the road from Maple Valley, Issaquah Salmon Days took place this past weekend.  

One of the features of the event is rock bands like this.  

Live Music In Maple Valley

Isabella Kay performed an amazing set at Maple Valley's Vintage Wine And Espresso. Kay performed some country music, as well as songs by Whitney Houston and Journey.

Mariners End Long Playoff Drought

Who wouldn't want to change places with Cal Raleigh?  The Mariner catcher earned his place in Mariner, and perhaps, Seattle sports history by belting a walk-off pinch hit home run to defeat the Oakland A's 2-1 and put the team in the MLB playoffs for the first time in 21 years. 

Coming in the years after a 116-win season, the post season drought was the longest of the 4 major North American professional sports teams. It was met with disgust and often disinterest from many of the local fans.  Yet, many diehards like myself were forever hopeful. 

This will be the first post season for a team not managed by Lou Piniella.  Piniella led the team to its first four post season appearances. 

Scott Servais, now in his 7th year, is the current skipper.