Ozzie Smith--Walla Walla Padres

 

My brother Steve sent me an article from my hometown paper, The Walla Walla Union-Bulletin.  

Ozzie Smith played in Walla Walla for the Single A Minor League Baseball team.  Tony Gwynn also played for the Walla Walla team.  Both were Hall of Famers, but I think more was written about Smith during his playing days there.  

Smith, considered one of the best shortstops of all time, would go on to play for the San Diego Padres  from 1978-1981, then go on to play for the St Louis Cardinals from 1982-1996. 

I posted an article about Smith, when I had a subscription to the Union-Bulletin archives.  But the above is focused on Smith and his career ambitions. 

Tatiana Schlossberg--JFK Granddaughter Dead At 35

 Tatiana Schlossberg, the 35 year old granddaughter of the late President John F. Kennedy has died.  Schlossberg announced that she had been suffering from a deadly form of leukemia this past November. 

Now Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg, how has seen the tragic loss of her father, mother, brother, and many uncles, aunts and cousins, is now faced with the loss of a child.  

Tatiana was a writer and a journalist. 

My Mother's Engagement Announcement--December 1955

 Steve has gotten into the "time machine" that is the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin archives and posted this announcement of my parent's engagement, according to Steve, in December of 1955.  They would be married in February of 1956 in a ceremony at the Marcus Whitman Hotel. 

May 2025--Visiting Washington DC

 One of the highlights of 2025 was visiting Washington, DC last May.  We saw the monuments, the White House, both houses of Congress in session, several museums, and this video, of touring the US Capitol. 

Brigitte Bardot Dies

French film icon Brigitte Bardot has died. She was 91.   She was recognized as an international sex symbol in the 60s and 70s.

The actress retired at 39 (1971), using her fame to become an animal rights advocate. 

 

Go Seahawks

 Playing the Carolina Panthers today (December 28th, 2025).

Entertainment Icon Turns 100

 A very late (two weeks) happy 100th birthday to Dick Van Dyke, one of a handful of stars still around from my childhood. 

Enjoy Your Holiday!!

Cougs Beat Utah State

 

Congrats to our Cougar football team, who in spite of losing its head coach for this past season, defeated the Utah State Aggies, 34-21 in the Famous Potato Bowl. 

Andy Williams - Silver Bells (Official Lyric Video)

Now, a little holiday entertainment. One of my favorite Holiday songs.  

From Thursday's Victory Over The Rams

 It was the craziest game.

The Christmas Song (Cover by Lucia Flores-Wiseman)

A tip of the hat to Lucia Flores-Wiseman, for reaching the finals on the voice, putting Maple Valley on the map.

Seahawks Do The Impossible

 In something that to Seahawk fans looked like a Rocky or Rudy movie and to Rams fans, a nightmare, the Hawks beat the LA Rams 38-37 with an overtime 2-point conversion.  

Seattle was down by 16 points in the fourth quarter and really did not seem to be playing with spark. Then Rashid Saheed, acquired by the Seahawks at this year's trade deadline, took a punt 58 yards to the endzone.  The Seahawks went for a two conversion by necessity.  

The Seahawks would score another touchdown with an improbable two point conversion to send the game into overtime.

The Rams scored a touchdown in the overtime, making a Seahawk comeback difficult if not impossible.

 With one possession to get down the field to get to the end zone, the Seahawks pulled it off, setting the stage for a kick for the tying one-point conversion.  However, the Seahawks, not known for gambling decided to go for a two-pointer, meaning a win or lose situation.    

As you know, regular one pointers are practically automatic, but two-point conversions are, perhaps, one of the toughest plays, requiring the team to run or pass it into the end zone. Darnold, luckily was able to hit Eric Saubert for the game winning play.  

The team clinched a playoff berth and currently is the number one seed in the league.  The victory was on a Thursday night, making it even more spectacular. 

Hanukkah Celebrated

Amid an amazing holiday light display is this beautiful Hanukkah menorah in the subdivision near Tahoma High School in Maple Valley.

Maple Valley Lights House

As we try to do every year, last weekend, we visited the Maple Valley Lights exhibit. It's going on throughout the Christmas season at 22629 SE 263rd Place, here in Maple Valley.

 

WATCH: King County officials give update after Green River levee failure...

A levee broke in South King County this morning (Monday,December 15th, 2025).  Our blog will continue to monitor the situation. 

Rob Reiner And Wife Found Dead

 He undoubtably was one of Hollywood's best-known figures.  Actor and Director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner,  were found murdered in their home.

Reiner became famous playing the Liberal son-in-law Michael Stivic in the iconic show "All In The Family". His directing credits include "When Harry Met Sally" and "A Few Good Men".

His father, Carl Reiner created the Dick Van Dyke Show, one of the best loved programs in TV history. 

Hanukkah Has Begun

 Happy Hanukkah!

Seahawks Host The Colts!

 Go Seahawks 

More Of The Christmas Firetruck

 

Maple Valley Christmas Firetruck

 It's actually Jerry Woods Holiday Engine and it was in Maple Valley last night (December 13th, 2025). This was taken as it roared into our cul-du-sac. 

Lake Red Dog

Maple Valley landmark the Red Dog is totally flooded in this picture from Thursday (December 11th, 2025).

Kirby Moore Announced As New Coug Football Coach

 Sources say, that Kirby Moore, a native of Prosser (167 miles from Pullman), has been chosen to be the head coach of the Washington State Cougars. For the past three seasons, Moore has been offensive coordinator at Missouri.

Moore's older brother, Kellen is the head coach of the New Orlean Saints. 

A press conference will be held Tuesday, December 16th to introduce Moore. 

Drainage Pond Full

A little closer to home.  The stormwater draining pond, normally dry, is resembling a lake.

Snoqualmie River Rages

 From our friends, Rick and Marji, dramatic footage as the Snoqualmie River swells after several days of rain. 

Rainstorm Brings Flooding

Cedar River outside the banks.

Retired Seattle News Legend Bryan Johnson

 

Seattle area broadcasting blog Media Maven reports that retired news reporter Bryan Johnson has died. He was 89.

Johnson, who stayed with KOMO 4 in Seattle until 2012 was a trusted and well-respected source, as well as a connection between the old and the new. He began with KOMO, working mainly radio news in 1959.

Neuheisel Rumored To Be Considered For WSU Football Post

 WSU football fans seem to be divided on unconfirmed rumors that TV analyst and former college football coach, Rick Neuheisel is being considered to run the program.  

Neuheisel is known for his charisma and telegenic appearance, points that could win over recruits and donors.  

In addition, his son Jerry is an offensive play caller at UCLA.  It is thought that he could arrive with Rick as a package deal, with the proposition of Jerry becoming offensive coordinator and possibly take over eventually as head coach when the senior Neuheisel retires. The Cougars were successful doing this with the basketball program when Dick Bennett was hired as head basketball coach, son Tony, was his assistant, eventually taking over and starting a stellar college coaching career.  

Not every Coug fan is on board with a possible Neuheisel hire as many remember him as the brash Husky football coach.  If that wasn't enough, Neuheisel is not known for having a spotless record at his coaching stops.

However, the rules to the college game have changed and many think that Neuheisel is the man to navigate the waters. -

No Hard Feelings (2023) - Maneater on Piano

Caught this on You Tube before actually seeing the movies.  

By slowing down the song, you really understand the words.  The line "she's sitting with you but her eyes are on the door" kind of describes the Washington State Cougar football coach situation.

The Snowy Season

Usually, around this time we see a snow game and today was no exception.  The Cincinnati vs Buffalo game came on TV right after the Seahawks great victory over the Falcons.

Rogers Leaves WSU For Iowa State

 After one year one season with a .500 record, word is out that Washington State head football coach is leaving Pullman for Iowa State.  

Matt Campbell, the previous coach at Iowa State, has accepted the head coaching position at Penn State.

The Cougs became bowl eligible with their win over Oregon State in the last game of this past season.  Jesse Bobbit, this past season's defensive coordinator, will take over as interim coach if the Cougs accept an invitation to a bowl game. 

Taylor Chosen As Auburn Deputy Mayor

 

Former Seattle TV and radio traffic reporter and current Auburn City Councilwomen Tracy Taylor has been chosen by her fellow members to be the city's deputy mayor.   

Taylor was chosen by a 4-3 vote over the incumbent deputy Cheryl Rakes.

Taylor promised to work to bring unity to the council as they work to better the community. 

The deputy mayor assists the mayor of the town and would assume the position if the mayor becomes unable to fulfill her duties. 

Auburn is 16 miles from Maple Valley. 

Why Erin Andrews' HOLIDAY Comments Struck a Nerve

Erin just repeated what our WSU professor said in his intro speech for TV news class. 

Simple Minds - Don't You (Forget About Me)

A little music from the 80s today.

Gabriela's Now Open

Gabriela's, which used to be Stocton's until it closed, is open now for breakfast.

We ate their last Saturday (November 29th, 2025) and the food and service were great. 

Eventually, I would expect, the establishment will have a full opening for all three meals.

Cougs Kill It Saturday--Then Seahawks Crush Vikings

 Great weekend for my favorite football teams as the Washington State Cougars avenged an earlier loss this season and, Saturday (November 29th 2025), soundly defeated the Oregon State Beavers 32-8.

Not to be outdone, Sunday (November 30th, 2025), The Seahawks shutout the Minnesota Vikings, 26-0.  It was Seattle's first shutout since the 2015 team beat the Bears, also 26-0.

Vikings Visit Seahawks

 

Go Seahawks!  

Cougs Host The Beavers

 WSU's last chance to be bowl eligible. The Cougs face the Beavs for the second time this season.  Go Cougs!

Happy Black Friday!

 I think this is a first, Barers Of Maple Valley celebrates Black Friday on the blog. The first shopping day of the Christmas/Channukah season. 

The Story of the Whisky a Go Go: The most legendary & infamous Nightclub...

Along with Filmore West in San Francisco, another iconic Rock and Roll place, or palace.  This was on Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. 

This one I actually visited several decades ago, if only for a little while.

Thanksgiving 2025

 

The Fillmore West San Francisco’s Psychedelic Rock Sanctuary That Define...

Watching the crazy laser special effects at the Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert at Climate Pledge Arena, jogged my memory about reading about Fillmore West.  I never visited, as it closed in 1971, when I was only 14, and it was in San Francisco. 

I'm sure the light shows then would look hokey today, compared to what audiences can now experience, but at that time, it was state of the art. 

John F. Kennedy's Granddaughter, Tatiana Schlossberg, Reveals Terminal Cancer Diagnosis

Since the shooting of President John F. Kennedy, America and the world have become aware of an amazing amount of tragedies inflicting the family.  Now the latest, with word that Tatiana Schlossberg is suffering from terminal cancer.  

I read about this today (Monday, November 24th, 2025) and was hoping that it was just a false tabloid story. 

While Caroline, the only surviving child of Jack and Jackie Kennedy, lost her brother, John F. Kennedy, Jr in a plane crash while he was at the height of fame in 1999, her children have mostly lived without the spotlight, although, appearing occasionally to pay tribute to the family's legacy.   Tatiana's brother, Jack, recently announced a run for congress. 

What has been called the "Kennedy curse", seems to occur in every decade and every generation.  We hope for a miracle. 

Sue Bird Statue

Seattle Storm retired point guard Sue Bird is also honored with a statue at Climate Pledge Arena.  The Storm has won four WNBA championships with her in backcourt. She has also won 5 Olympic Gold Medals with the US Women's Basketball Team, and is a member of the Naismith Hall Of Fame.  

Wilkens Statue

The late Lenny Wilkens is honored at Climate Pledge Arena, where hopefully the Sonics will return as an expansion team in the near future. 

The Tran-Siberian Orchestra, Climate Pledge Arena November 22nd, 2025

We had a great night (Saturday, November 22nd, 2025), watching the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Climate Pledge Arena.  Here is a sample of the performance. 

Cougs Play James Madison

 Go Cougs!

Trump And Zohran Meet

On totally opposite sides of the political spectrum, New York Mayor Zohhan Mamdani and President Donald Trump seemed comfortable with each other, meeting at the White House.

One Year After Bomb Cyclone 2

 Another reminder of last year's storm.  This tree barely missed the house on Issaquah's main street.  

I believe the fallen tree is still laying there intact.  

2024 Bomb Cyclone Maple Valley--One Year Ago.

One year ago, what most people had never heard of, hit the area.  A bomb cyclone tore through the Pacific Northwest downing trees and powerlines.  

Luckly, we escaped with a few fallen branches and a damaged fence.  

Upon driving to work, we found even more damage.

WSU QB Eckhaus Has Unique Observances.

 Unlike University of Washington, here in the Seattle area, WSU does not have a Jewish student body large enough or at least didn't when I attended in the early1980s to have real organized activities.  For example, Jewish clubs, fraternities and sororities have not been apparent on the campus, although, Google indicates there is now an on-campus Hillel. 

We did have informal meetups during the high holidays, usually at houses.  

Therefore it is a pleasant surprise that Cougar starting quarterback Zevi Eckhaus is an observant Orthodox Jew.   There is an article written recently on how he juggles basic challenges (college games are on Saturday's, the Jewish sabbath, often before Sundown), click here. 

Mariners Nail Naylor

 Sources say Josh Naylor is set to sign a five year contract with the Seattle Mariners.  

Naylor, a trade deadline acquisition from the Arizona Diamondbacks, was a spark plug, both during the race to get into the playoffs and also in the playoffs, where the Mariners came close to playing in its first World Series. 

The first baseman has said that he loves hitting in T-Mobile, the Mariners home ballpark, long considered a pitcher's park.

Laughs At Comedy Show In Bellevue

We had a fun night at the Bellevue Club.  A Bill of comedians appeared in what was called Bellevue Night Live.

Wayne Federman was the headliner and is shown above.

Go Seahawks!

 Seahawks vs Rams today (Sunday, November 16th, 2025).

Seahawk Great Kenny Easley Gone

 Kenny Easley, a Pro Hall Of Fame safety for the Seattle Seahawks, has died.   The above picture shows Easley in the middle. 

A fourth overall pick by the Hawks in 1981, from UCLA, Easley was known as "The Enforcer" for his hard hitting style.  Playing in Seattle from 1981 to 1987, Easley was instrumental in Seattle going from pretty good expansion team to a contender. 

Easley was 66. 

Judge Wins AL MVP--Mariner Fans Angry

 The American League MVP for 2025 is Yankee slugger Aaron Judge and most Mariner fans are furious.  While most would agree that Judge is a great player, Cal Raleigh had a season for the ages, not only showing prowess in his position, but breaking hitting 60 homers in the season. 

Raleigh (picture below) broke single season home run records for catchers, switch hitters, and team. 

The fact that Judge (pictured above) was a New York Yankee, added fuel to the fire.  The Yankees, in MLB's largest market, are thought of to most, as a team that buys its way to success. 

Wear Your Blue!

 

Seahawks Play the Rams this Sunday (November 16th, 2025)

Katie Wilson Will Defeat Bruce Harrell In Seattle Mayoral Race

 The Seattle Mayoral race apparently has finally been called as local activist Katie Wilson (above) has defeated the current mayor, Bruce Harrell. 

The position, once thought to be a political steppingstone to hire political office, now doesn't even seem to be a steppingstone to a second term.  Greg Nickels was the last mayor to win a second term in 2005.  Nickles was then defeated in a bid for a third. 

The picture of Wilson was from the Cascadia Advocate. 

036 Blooper Poodle Nightie | Paul Harvey

I remember being in the car (sometime in the 1970s or maybe even the 60s) with my dad when we heard this.  Something you don't forget, you just file it away in a mental attic.  

Was it that funny? Harvey's announcer thought so. However, the inability for him to deliver the public service announcement was funnier. 

Honoring Our Veterans

 Everyday should be Veterans Day!

NBA and Seattle legend Lenny Wilkens dies at 88

I saw three Seattle TV reports on Wilkens passing, I decided this was the one that I would run. 

Good Bye Lenny Wilkens

Lenny Wilkens, the first coach to bring a major world championship to Seattle in modern times, has died. 

He was 88.

Wilkens coached the Seattle Super Sonics on two separate occasions.  The second time, bringing an NBA championship to the city in 1979.

My brother, one year, went to Lenny Wilkens basketball camp, which took place at what was then, the campus of the Lutheran Bible Institute in Issaquah.

Wilkens would take other coaching jobs but remained an area resident.  Even after the sad departure of our NBA franchise, Wilkens remained an important part of the area history and culture. 

I met Wilkens when he stopped by The UPS Store on NE 20th in Bellevue, where I worked at the time.  I believe that he was then coach of Toronto.

Mullet Elected Issaquah Mayor

Veteran community leader and businessman Mark Mullet has been elected Issaquah's new mayor.   Mullet, began his political career as a councilman in that city. Moving on, he broke a string of 20 years of Republican state representation in Washington's  5th Legislative district, when he was elected, as a Democrat, to the state senate. The district has since gone from straight Red to Purple to straight  Blue.  

Mullet has owned franchises of Zeeks Pizza and Ben And Jerry's. 

Issaquah is about 12 miles from Maple Valley and a popular place for area people to shop, dine, and enjoy entertainment.   

Go Seahawks

 

Seattle Seahawks host the Arizona Cardinals today (Sunday, November 9th, 2025)! The game starts at 1pm.  

Raider Busters circa 1984 (Seahawks)

In the 80's the still upstart Seattle Seahawks and the well-established, and Super Bowl talented Raiders, at the time, playing in LA, had a fierce rivalry.  The Seahawks being in the AFC, at the time.  

The Seahawks beat them on many occasions, causing one radio station here in the area, to come up with this song, based on Ray Parker, Jr's Ghostbusters. 

It's Blue Friday

 

Seahawks play Arizona on November 9th, Go Seahawks!

Video shows moment UPS plane crashes, erupts into fireball in Kentucky

Tragedy in Kentucky.  Having worked with UPS in part through our stores, it makes it an even deeper tragedy. 

This is devastating. 

Former Veep Cheney Dies

 Dick Cheney, who served as vice president under George W. Bush, has died.    Cheney who served during the 9/11 attack on the US, was the perhaps the most powerful and influential VP in US history and without a doubt, the most controversial in modern times. Cheney, who had had several heart attacks, was 84