Pitcher Who Underwent Pioneering Surgery--Tommy John Dead

 Tommy John, who old-timers like me, will remember as a great pitcher, but today is better known for undergoing an arm surgery that has prolonged his career and the careers of many pitchers to follow has died.  He was 83. 

To hear a pitcher is undergoing Tommy John Surgery is both good news and bad news, good news in that it can allow that pitcher to resume his career at a similar level and bad because of  the amount of time missed during the procedure and recovery. It generally sidelines a pitcher for 12-18 months. 

Maple Valley Concert 4--Just The Two Of Us

 

Maple Valley Concert 3--Lucia Flores-Wiseman Woman In Madrid

 A great look at last night's crowd and an outstanding capture of sound from last night's (Thursday, August 13th, 2026) concert at Lake Wilderness Park. 

I believe this is Lucia's signature song. 

Maple Valley Concerts 2

One of the cool things about Lake Wilderness concerts, is watching the wooden rafts float in the lake 

Ain't No Sunshine--Lucia Flores-Wiseman Plays Lake Wilderness

 It was a homecoming for Lucia Flores-Wiseman, who played to a large crowed at Lake Wilderness Park, in her hometown of Masple Valley.

Flores-Wiseman, last year was a finalist on the voice, wowing the judges with a four-chair turn in her first appearance.

The Maple Valley Music and Movie In The Park, is a limited summer series taking place in the summers on Thursdays. The setting is one of the best that I've seen for a park concert, the rising hill, and the view of the lake behind the stage. 

Seahawks Featured On Hard Knocks

Look familiar? That's the Seahawks practice field. It is featured on the HBO series, Hard Knocks, a reality show about NFL training camps 

The program features a different team each year. This is the first Super Bowl champion to be featured since 2001, when the Baltimore Ravens were coming off a Super Bowl victory.

Harmonious Funk Band Plays Issaquah

 After a week away, we were back at Issaquah Concerts At The Green, watching the funk rock band, Harmonious Funk Band.  Here they are playing the Stevie Wonder classic, Superstition. 

Walla Walla Historical Figure

I've been back for a week, but still have more to share.  Peopeomoxmox, Chief of the Walla Walla tribe, has a statue across Rose Street from the city hall.

My Father 1979

From my cousin, Laurie.  My Dad enjoying the beach in Seaside, 1979.

Rick Rizzs To Be Hall Of Famer

 In a night that honored the 50 greatest Mariner players, one of the team's greatest broadcasters would get a big surprise.  In what seemed like a routine introduction, Mariner Chairman and CEO John Stanton announced that Rick Rizzs, Mariner announcer since 1983, save for a few years with the Detroit Tigers, would was unanimously selected to be inducted into the team's Hall of Fame. 

Rizzs, who will be retiring after this season, will join his former broadcast partner, the late Dave Niehaus, in the Hall. 

Walla Walla History 2--Jacques Bauer

This looks like something new in Walla Walla's Mountain View Cemetery. A plaque to honor Jacques Bauer as one of the first Jewish settlers to come to Walla Walla.

Although I didn't know about Mr. Bauer, I had read about Marion Bauer being a well-known music composer and a native of Walla Walla.

History In Walla Walla

The building in the foreground is empty these days, but once house a financial powerhouse.

Sherwood and Roberts, which some real estate, lending, and insurance, began in Walla Walla in 1932. It would operate until 1995, expanding, eventually across 9 Western states.

To the left, is Walla Walla's historic post office, still in great condition, at least, on the outside.

Buildings were across from the Marcus Whitman, where we stayed.

Huge Turtle In Pioneer Park

 We went to the Pioneer Park Aviary, Sunday, where I saw this amazing turtle.  His name is Nick. 

Reunion 5--The Mixer

I'm 4th from the left in this picture from the mixer on Friday (July 31st, 2026).  It was held at Hop Thief, a brewpub in College Place.

Catchy Room Phone

Landlines are rare these days, but with dials, even more so. 

This was in our room at the Whitman 

Reunion 4--Sunday Tour

On Sunday (August 2nd, 2026), Ron Higgins, a longtime Walla Walla educator, who eventually became principal of Wa-Hi,led us on a tour of the Wa-Hi campus, which has undergone extensive remodeling in recent years.

Higgins, who retired a few years ago, was very energetic and engaging.

Reunion 3--The Class Then

The Wa-Hi Class of 76, as it was getting ready to graduate.

Oxarc At Night

This building was so essential in my life.  Oxarc was B. Barer And Sons.  A business started by my great Grandfather, B. Barer and eventually owned by my father.  

It sold to Oxarc in 2000.

Reunion 2--The Class Now

The Walla Walla High School class of '76, meeting for its 50th reunion at the Walla Walla County Club.

Class Of '76 Returns

The Wa-hi class is '76 celebrated 50 years with a reunion this past weekend (July 30th-August 2nd).