Arny Honored At 75

HELLO! A wonderful contingent of family and friends convened at the Golf Club At Newcastle last weekend to honor Arny Barer who had just turned 75. Although no golf was played, there was a lovely brunch and a seemingly merciless roast from his sons. Youngest son, Sam included his two daughter and his nieces in a hilarious round of "Arny jeopardy." Both of my brothers were in attendance along with their wives. My wife's parents were there as well as my Dad and his wife. A great time was had by all. This picture was taken of the course with a hint of the Seattle skyline. I was too busy having fun to get permission to photograph the party goers. For a more indepth report and more pictures, my brother, Danny posted this

Mary Hopkin - "Goodbye" (1969)

Welsh singer Mary Hopkin hit gold in the late 60s with this Lennon-McCartney song.

Pioneer Ferraro Dead At 75

It's never easy to be the first, Geraldine Ferraro, was a pioneer. In 1984, she was the Democratic Nominee for Vice President, the first woman to run on a major party presidential ticket when Walter Mondale (perceived by most as bland) picked her hoping to stir excitement and gain ground on the popular incumbent president Ronald Reagan. The choice angered many African-Americans who had hoped that Mondale would picked that year's runner up, the charismatic Reverend Jesse Jackson. Jackson, however was a potential liability, following reports of making Anti-Semitic remarks aimed at New York City. Mondale initially got a bounce in the polls after the Ferraro choice, but soon reports surfaced of alleged tax irregularities involving Ferraro and her husband, proving to be a distraction to the campaign. Ferraro, 75, passed away today after battling blood cancer.

Thank You Coug Fans!

Washington State University Cougar Men's Basketball Team thanks it's fans.

On To New York: Cougs Beat Northwestern

The Washington State Cougars have a date in New York this Tuesday after beating Northwestern 69-66 in Overtime. The Cougs will play Witchita State at Madison Square Garden. If the Cougs win, they will play the winner of the Colorado-Alabama game, also at the Garden.

Good Bye To A Legend

Elizabeth Taylor died today, she was 79.

Casto Suspension Lifted

DeAngelo Casto will play in the NIT Quarter final game tonight in Pullman. WSU Athletic Director Bill Moos lifted Casto's suspension in light of new information that has surface in conjunction with a marijuana bust at his apartment on Tuesday morning.

Cougs Trophy Hopes Go Up In Smoke?

For the second time it happened. WSU Cougar fans, high from a big victory, only to read about a star player getting suspended for a drug charge. Two weeks ago, Klay Thompson was arrested hours after a WSU victory over the USC Trojans. Today we learn that right after WSU beats Oklahoma State in the second round of the NIT, that DeAngelo Casto will be suspended for the quarter final game against Northwestern. The Seattle Times quotes sources saying that Pullman police have found small amounts of marijuana in Casto's apartment.

Former Sonics Owner Dies

Barry Ackerley, former owner of the Seattle Super Sonics has died of a stroke, he was 76. Steve Kelley sums up Seattle's Ackerley years in today's column. Barry Ackerley acquired several local stations, including the legendary KJR, in which he turned into a sports talk station, one of the first in the country, if not the first. As the owner of Ackerley Communications, his name could be found on billboards in the area, as his company dealt in outdoor advertising.

KJR Sportsradio's influence can be seen in new stadiums for both the Seahawks and the Mariners, ironically, while the Sportsradio station may have staved off moves by our professional football and baseball teams, it could not stop the team that Ackerly once owned, the Seattle Super Sonics from leaving. Ackerley was instrumental in bringing the WNBA to Seattle. The Seattle Storm have been brought two championships to our city, something no other pro team has done.

A Little Background On The NIT

It's been jokingly called the "Not Important Tournament" or the "Not Invited Tournament", even the "Nobody's Interested Tournament", but the National Invitational Tournament or NIT is the oldest continuing NCAA basketball tournament. According to the wikipedia, the first NIT champion was the Temple Owls in 1937.

The NIT chooses the best teams that have not qualified for the NCAA tournament. There is a field of 32. The games are televised on ESPN.

The tournament was started by the Metropolitan Basketball Writer's Association of New York City. Originally, the entire tournament was played in Madison Square Garden, but since 1977, the preliminary rounds have been played on the campuses of the top seeded teams. The Semi-Finals and Finals are still played at the Garden.

Cougs Make Post Season--Will Play In The NIT

The Washington State Cougar Men's Basketball team may have been overlooked by the NCAA, but will see post season action as part of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). The Cougs (seeded second in the Boston College Region) will take on Long Beach State (seeded 7th), Wednesday at home.
According to KREM-TV's web site, the first three rounds of the NIT will be played at the school with the highest seed. The semi-finals and finals will be played at Madison Square Garden, March 29th and 31st. I plan to write about the history of the NIT in the next few days.

Thursday Storm Causes Roof Damage

Heavy winds hit the area Thursday afternoon, a strong gust blew a huge chunk of our roof into the neighbor's yard, fortunately, we where able to recover the missing piece and have a friend patch it back on.

Thinking Of Japan

My brother, Danny, who has always had an interest in Japanese culture, expresses thought for the victims of the devastating earthquake on his blog, the Barercave

KXA Radio Seattle 1980 TV Commercials

Until now I had not seen this commercial nor had known of it's existence. I did, however, in the early 80s, work for Old Gold 77 KXA, a somewhat forgotten Seattle radio station that had been acquired by O'Day Broadcasting. It's sister station KYYX has much written about it including several web sites.
Most of the employees including myself talk of working at KYYX, but all of us started at KXA. Because of working there, I acquired a good knowledge of hit radio from the 60s and 70s (which where barely oldies at the time).
KXA had an extremely loyal following including a listener named Richard who would call daily and make requests. Richard would know the ID number of the songs. I remember him as being very insistant that his songs be played. KXA would eventually become a Christian Radio station and has since changed it's call letters to become a Conservative talk station.

Gary Locke To Become Ambassador To China

The Seattle Times reports US Secretary Of Commerce Secretary Gary Locke was chosen be President Obama to be US Ambassador to China. Locke, was elected Governor of the State Of Washington in 1996, becoming the first Chinese-American to govern a state.

Creativity In The Neighborhood

One of our neighbors in Belmont Woods got creative during last week's snowstorms. The structure has since given way to warmer temperatures.

Would The Cougs Have Won With Thompson?

To beat one of College Basketball's marquis teams, you need "all hands on deck" The Washington State Cougars, having a "roller coaster year", clearly had the momentum after beating USC last Thursday night to give the UCLA Bruins a run for their money. They sure did, it took an overtime for the Bruins, eliminated from any chance to win the Pac-10 title, to beat the Cougs, but it was without the Cougars' two star players. Reggie Moore was out due to an injury, his loss could not be helped, but Klay Thompson, who leads the Cougs in scoring, was suspended after being caught with marijuana after last Thursday's game. It was the Bruins 18th consecutive victory in on the Cougs home court. Would the Cougars have won if Thompson was able to play? We'll never know, but I'm sure he has learned his lesson.

2seven2 Rocks Covington

We had dinner last night at the 2seven 2Grill and Bar 27120 174th Place SE in Covington, WA (just outside of Maple Valley. It is locally owned, has an excellent menu, and has live entertainment. The service is excellent, is the food. We saw the Doug Cassell Band, which played classic rock (music from my high school and college days).

It is good to know that residents of Maple Valley, Black Diamond, and Covington have a fun place to go at night.

My Name Heard Around The World?

How many listeners does "Outlaw Radio" have? I wrote a thought on the guestbook on "Outlaw Radio" a crazy gathering of old DJs and LA characters that includes my cousin Burl Barer, heard only on the internet. I was a little shocked to hear them read the entry on the air. I was a little nervous that they may be a little less than nice, but Matt Alan, the host (pictured above) was actually pretty even handed and somewhat complimentary to me, preferring to use the opportunity to skewer Burl, which Alan does quite frequently. Who listens to Outlaw Radio? I don't know, but it's another couple minutes on my allotted 15.

Saturday Morning Walk

One thing that hasn't changed over the years is Rusty's love of the snow. Here we are on the pipeline trail in Maple Valley.

Updated--More Snow In The Area

It snowed furiously last night. This picture was taken from our house in Maple Valley.

Light Dusting In Maple Valley

This is our yard, from this morning in Maple Valley. So far, snow accumulations have been low, but a lot can change in the next few hours.

Lunching With State Democrats

I ran across this picture of Jennifer Sutton and I representing the 5th LD at the Washington State Democratic Luncheon from last January. Also outgoing state committeewoman Di Irons on right.

Barers Of Maple Valley Goes To The Desert

We left for Palm Springs last Wednesday expecting to catch an early morning flight, only to find out that our plane had been delayed until 1. We decided to try to get on an earlier flight and after a couple of failed attempts, we were able to grab another morning flight to Oakland. Once there, we had to find another flight to Ontario, where we would rent a car and head another 100 miles to Palm Springs. We finally made it to Ontario around 7. We where too late to attend a show at McCallum with my Dad and Jean, however, they where able to give away our tickets. We finally arrived at 8:30 to my Dad's condo in Rancho Mirage.

The next day, was sunny and we went to the pool. We went to dinner that night at "The River", a stylish shopping mall in Rancho Mirage. The third photo from top shows the man made river. The name of the restaurant was Acqua Pazza Bistro. After dinner, Deb and I took them back and we headed to the Thursday Market in Palm Springs. After checking out the vibrant night scene, we spent a little time at the Spa Resort Casino.

On Friday, I met up with my Dad and Uncle for coffee, later joining my Dad's old friend, Andy Epstein for lunch at The Palms.

We moved over to Indio, where we would stay with thein-laws at their time-share (5th picture down is the view from the balcony. I noticed that some supermarkets had parking spots for golf carts (second picture down).

Saturday, it was a trip to the Market at the College Of The Desert in Palm Desert (top picture). We then went to the Living Desert, which is the local Zoo. We ended the day at a Mexican Restaurant in Palm Desert.

On Sunday, we met with my brother and his wife, then headed drove back to Ontario, fourth picture is one section of the many windmills that are seen as you enter or leave Palm Springs from the West. We had a smooth flight home.

Super Bowl Memories: Super Bowl IV

The Kansas City Chiefs lost the very first Super Bowl, but in Super Bowl IV, they became the very first Super Bowl loser to come back and win. As a matter of fact, every loser of the first 10 Super Bowls would come back to win a Super Bowl, with the exception of the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings, by the way, were the losers of Super Bowl IV.

Coca-Cola Classic ad: Mean Joe Green [Full Version] (1979)

Perhaps it was this ad that starting both football fans and non football fans to watch the Super Bowl for the commercials. This ad is considered one of the best because it is so easy to relate to the child.

Congratulations To Rabbi James Mirel

Celebrating 25 years with Temple B'nai Torah in Bellevue.

Super Bowl Memories: Super Bowl III

By the time Super Bowl III came around, anyone who was paying attention thought that the NFL was superior to the AFL. Would the Super Bowl survive had the Colts beat the Jets? We will never know. Although the Jets upsetting the Colts was the headline of the period, I think that Super Bowl III will be remembered for two opposing legendary quarterbacks, one representing The Establishment (Johnny Unitas) and one representing the youth rebellion of the time (Joe Namath).
The Colts, who had already won 2 NFL titles, would bounce back in a couple years to get their Super Bowl trophy. After 42 years, the Jets have never been back.

Super Bowl Memories: Super Bowl II

 

This was the first Super Bowl that I ever watched on Television, The Green Bay Packers lead by legendary coach Vince Lombardi and quarterback great Bart Starr beating the best of the AFL, the Oakland Raiders. Little did anyone know, the immediate future looked better for the Raiders. It would take almost 30 years for the Packers to even participate in another Super Bowl.
That year I rooted for the Raiders because the Packers had knocked my favorite team, the LA Rams out of the play-offs.

The Pack Is Back

The Green Bay Packers won their 4th Super Bowl last Sunday. The Pittsburgh Steelers to whom the Packers beat have won 6. However, putting it in historical perspective, the Packers have won 13 NFL Championships. That is what the Super Bowl now signifies.

Green Bay won the first two Super Bowls with what was a team of legends. There coach was Vince Lombardi, the man to whom the trophy was named after. They had such legends as Bart Starr, Ray Nitschke, Paul Hornung, Boyd Dowler, Willie Davis, and Jerry Kramer. After Lombardi left the team, the Packers languished.

Coach Mike Holmgren took over in the 90s and finally brought the "Pack Back", after Holmgren left for our Seahawks, the team stayed strong and finally returned the crown this year. Green Bay Quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for 309 yards and three touchdown passes.

Super Sunday!

Colin Cosell--Lighter Side Of Sports

He is the grandson of legendary sportscaster Howard Cosell. Colin Cosell acually seems rather humble, but seems to carry on the legacy well.

Safety On Trails Discussed At Maple Valley Meeting

Safety on the trails and in local schools was the topic in a Maple Valley town meeting that took place January 31st at the Lake Wilderness Lodge. The meeting was called in response to a shooting that took place on the Lake Wilderness Trail in which a man and woman were injured.

It was reported that both shooting victims have been released from the hospital and the shooter was still in custody.

The room was packed with concerned local citizens. Maple Valley Police Chief Michelle Bennett conducted the meeting, which included law enforcement officers who were experts at dealing with gang activity and drug enforcement. The Tahoma Assistant Superintendent also spoke on how area schools were dealing with potential problems.

Kathi Goertzen: "I refuse to let this brain tumor define who I am"

Barers Of Maple Valley extends it's thoughts and prayers to KOMO TV Anchor Kathi Goertzen, who will undergo another surgery in her decade long fight with a brain tumor.

Did State GOP Blow It With Wilbur Selection

Talk radio blog Blather Watch reports that Kirby Wilbur may not be happy with his new positon as head of the Washington State Republican Chair. The former KVI talk show host was quoted saying

"He says wistfully, “If [Fisher] called tomorrow and said we want you back on mornings for a quarter of my old pay, I’d tell the Party in a heartbeat: ‘I’m outa here.’” You can read the story by clicking here

Cougs Come Through Thrash Huskies 87-80

Unlike last week's heartbreaking loss against Arizona, The Washington State Cougars were able to finish the job and beat their arch-rivals, the 18th rank Washington Huskies 87 to 80. Klay Thompson lead the Cougs with 25 points, Reggie Moore added 18 more for the Cougs in what so far has been 2nd year coach Ken Bone's biggest career victory.

Democrats Reorganize At State Level

Dwight Pelz (above-6th from left) was chosen to serve his third term as head of the Washington State Democrats. The State Central Committee met in Olympia as it traditionally does to start out an odd year. Pelz was challenged by Natalie McClendon of Bellingham. Dwight's victory was a landslide, but an election for 8th Congressional District E-Board position was tied and had to be decided by a coin toss.

Not to be outdone, during "good of the order" State Committeeman Azziem (The Dream)Underwood (having just turned 50) entertained the crowd with a song about personal health.

The meeting was held at Oympia's Red Lion.

Turtles Happy Together cartoonized

I first heard this song on "American Bandstand" and loved it ever since. The beauty is in it's simplicity.

Players Will Honor Dave Niehaus

Mariner players will wear this patch on their uniform to honor the late Dave Niehaus. One of the greatest sports broadcasters of all time.
It may not be a stretch to say that every great play in Mariner history has been captured by Niehaus. Although he was not a player, he is to the Mariners what Babe Ruth is to the Yankees.

Braves Pitcher Wins Hutch Award

For the second year in a row I attended the Fred Hutchinson Award luncheon. The award (also known as The Hutch Award) is named for the Seattle native whose Major League managing career was cut short by cancer. Fred's brother, the late Bill Hutchinson, was a renowned cancer surgeon. The legacy of the brothers is the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

This year's winner was Atlanta Braves pitching great Tim Hudson (top picture). The featured speaker was Hall of Fame Second Baseman and Baseball TV analyst Joe Morgan (lower picture).

Rick Riccz and Mike Gastineau were MCs. Also in attendance were former Mariner pitcher Jamie Moyer and the Auburn team that went to the Little League World Series last season.

Jim Baum Will Chair 5th District Democrats

Maple Valley Farmer and building inspector Jim Baum can add another title to his resume, the chair of the 5th District Democrats. The 5th is a sprawling legislative district covering the cities of Sammamish, Issaquah, Renton, Maple Valley, Fall City, Preston, North Bend and points in between. Baum became something of a celebrity last year for organizing the Seattle version of Jon Stewart's "Rally To Restore Sanity".
While Baum's selection to the Chair at the January 19th re-org meeting was by acclamation, there were some vigorous challenges to some of the other elected positions. Baum and the other elected officials will serve 2 year terms.

Olbermann Exits MSNBC

Keith Olbermann, the erudite, but emotional commentator on MSNBC has left the cable network. Beginning in the wake of the 9/11 attacks when it was uncommon for a television figure to question the Bush administration, Olbermann delivered poignant attacks on the Republican Party. His "Worst Person In The World" segment became something of a "badge of honor" for Right Wing figures. What separated Olbermann from Right-Wing partisans on Fox News and the like is that Democrats were not safe from his rhetorical attacks. Olbermann aired scathing attacks on Hilary Clinton during her campaign against Obama and more recently, the President himself. In style, Olbermann seemed to borrow from classic newsmen Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite with a little of the fictional "Howard Beel" thrown in. He was originally a sports journalist.

Burl Barer Recalls Braiker Radio

Courtesy Runway

Burl Barer writes about a Satellite radio venture that he was involved with here on his blog
The post was not without controversy as Braiker Radio founder Ivan Braiker offered a passion rebuttal.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center - Stan Barer

I just had to post this. A great speech by Cousin Stan.

Clock Strikes Midnight On Seahawk Cinderella Run

The Seattle Seahawks incredible play off run ended today with a devastating defeat to the Chicago Bears. The final score was 35-24 but it took three fourth quarter touchdown passes by Seahawk quarterback Matt Hasselbeck to make the score look respectable. Ironically, it was the closest defeat that the 'Hawks had all season, according to the final score. In reality though, Seattle was never in it and in fact was at one point down 28-0. Seahawks John Carlson and Marcus Trufant suffered serious injuries in the contest and will spend a night in a Chicago hospital.

The Beatles - Any Time at All (2009 Stereo Remaster)

Back then, you could could pretty much tell the titleof a Beatles song by the first line.

Big Play-Off Match-Up This Sunday

Illness Forces Maureen McCarry Resignation

I was saddened to learn last week that Maureen McCarry resigned from the Issaquah City Council. McCarry has been suffering from ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease).
I had gotten to know McCarry during my time chairing the 5th District Democrats Endorsement Committee. In 2009, we unanamously recommended her enorsement.
McCarry would often come to 5th district meetings to talk about new environment standards and such for Issaquah that the council had passed. She would frequently join us at the Issaquah Brewpub, as she was extremely personable.
The Issaquah City Council reportedly has taken steps to seek an appointment for the open position.

Touching Words From Jon Stewart

Once you get past the silliness, he seems to strike the right chord on last week-end's tragedy.

Political Blogger Joins Different Platform

The Blather Watch blog reports that longtime political commentator David "Goldy" Goldstein is planning to leave ha.org, the blog that he founded,to join the staff at the Seattle area alternative newspaper, The Stranger. Click her for the story.

Marshawn Lynch Touchdown Run Against NO Saints 2011 Playoffs

The Seattle Seahawks have stunned the sports world with a 41-36 victory over the defending Superbowl champion New Orleans Saints. The Seahawks barely qualified for the play-offs with a 7-9 record. No other team in the history of the NFL gone to the post season with a losing record in a non strike year.
I lucky enough to be at the game, played before a full house of wild screaming fans, the highlight was a 64 yard touchdown run (above) by Marshawn Lynch in which he broke 6 tackles. It took place as the teams lead seemed to be slipping.
John Carlson caught two touchdown passes and Mike Williams rake in a td pass to start the 3rd quarter. Matt Hasselbeck threw for 272 yards. The Seahawks will not find out who their next opponent will be until Sunday evening.

Local Auto Icon Dies

During the time that I lived in Walla Walla, I never met William "Biff" Brotherton. Although I didn't know him, it was impossible not to know of him. His father Tex Brotherton had the Dodge dealership in town. They were all over the radio with the slogan "it's as easy as A B C, A Brotherton Car is A Better Car". They knew how to saturate the advertising market. When Biff joined with his dad, he did the radio commercials. He was the new generation.

Biff Brotherton bought the Chevrolet and Cadillac dealership in town and became, I believe the first to move out of the downtown. He called it Sunshine Chevrolet Cadillac. They built a posh sprawling lot out in the Eastgate. After I got my driver's license, I remember car shopping there many times.

About a decade later, he would sell that and move here to the Seattle area.

When I was working in downtown Seattle, his Cadillac dealership was about a block away, I had thought about walking in to talk about Walla Walla and the like. It never happened. Eventually the dealership was relocated in Renton, where they once again used the family name.

The Seattle Times has reported that Biff Brotherton died last Sunday of cancer.

"THE NIGHT BEFORE" - The Beatles (1965)

The Beatles are now on I-Tunes.

Seahawks Are In The Play-offs

After going nearly a calendar month without a victory, the Seahawks won when it counted, defeating the St Louis Rams 16-6. The win got the Seahawks to 7 and 9 enough to when the worst division in league history, the NFC West. Charlie Whitehurst, starting in place of the injured Matt Hasselbeck, completed his first five passes thrown in the game. One of them was a touchdown to Mike Williams. Will Herring got a critical 4th quarter interception stopping the Rams last threat.

The Seahawks host the defending NFL Champion New Orleans Saints this Saturday at 1:30 at Qwest Field.

A Year In Review: Barers Of Maple Vally Look At 2010

I'm sure that you have seen many of these, my plan once again is to look at the past year, in this case 2010 as posted in this blog.

January Seahawks finished the 2009 season with a close loss to the Tennessee Titans, it would be their fourth loss in a row and lead to the removal of their coach Jim Mora.

Barers Of Maple Valley received more hits than it ever received on a single day when announcing that KJR Traffic Reporter Tracy Taylor was leaving radio to report traffic on KING 5 TV.

Original Sonics radio announcer Bob Blackburn passed away.
The Seattle Seahawks hired USC Coach Pete Carroll, who had little success previously in the NFL but had lead the Trojans back to greatness.

A major earthquake hit the impoverished country of Haiti, killing an estimated 230,000 if it's inhabitants and leading to a series of fundraisers and humanitarian efforts.

Felix Hernandez signed a new contract with the Mariners as optimism grew for the 2010 season.

Also a new wine bar opened up in Maple Valley. DaVine is still pouring in the Lake Wilderness shopping area.

February I cannot believe that it has been almost a year since we saw Billy Joel and Elton John in concert together at the Key Arena.

The New Orleans Saints it's their first Super Bowl title while playing in it's first Super Bowl. Representing the recovery from 2005's Hurricane Katrina, the team was able to win the hearts of America.

We took a trip to the Palm Springs area and enjoyed a little break from winter.

March My Alma Matter Walla Walla High School finished fourth in the state boys basketball tournament and a new comprehensive health coverage bill is passed by Congress.

April We participated for the second year in a row in the "Passport To Woodinville" wine tasting festival. The Seattle Seahawks pick Left Tackle Russell Okung from Oklahoma State in the NFL Draft. Cousin Burl Barer was featured in the radio conversation blog Blather Watch.
He may have been the best player to put on a Seattle Seahawks jersey and the greatest Left Tackle of all time. Walter Jones officially retired from professional football.

May By popular demand, 88 year old Betty White hosted SNL. Mariners are sputtering and Ken Griffey, Jr is caught sleeping in the clubhouse during a game. 8th District Congressman Dave Reichert is caught on tape explaining his pro-environment votes are to take only an attempt to weaken his opposition, eventually loses the endorsement of the Seattle Times. She played Mary Anne on Gilligan's Island, Dawn Welles was interviewed on "Outlaw Radio".

June I posted pictures of my Memorial Day Weekend trip to Walla Walla including my old house at 104 Leonard.

Ken Griffey, Jr, arguably the greatest Seattle Mariner to put on the uniform, retired.

Former T-Mobile executive Dean Willard kicks off his campaign for 5th District House of Representatives in the Washington State Legislature.

I attend the Washington State Democratic Convention.

Greatest Men's College Basketball Coach John Wooden died at 99.

July We took a trip to Seaside, Oregon with with stops at Astoria and Cannon Beach, we climbed the Astoria Column.

We flew to Las Vegas as Deb was attending the UPS Store international Convention. We stayed at the Caesar's Palace and I won one hundred dollars playing Blackjack in the swimming pool.

A shooting at Lake Sammamish park threatened to cancel the 5th District Democratic Pic Nic, but Marcie Maxwell, who does not live in the 5th, but we wish she did, stepped up and volunteered her backyard, the picnic was a rolling success.

Cliff Lee, a blue free agent acquisition for the Mariners, was traded to the Texas Rangers, he would lead them to the World Series in the fall.

After winning tickets, I took my nephew Ethan to the practice round of the US Senior Open at Sahalee.

August We watched Bernhard Langer beat Seattle's Freddie Couples in the final round of the US Senior Open.

Mariner manager Don Wakamatsu, who was the toast of the town a season ago, was fired as the team was hopelessly in last place.

Dean Willard was beaten by David Spring and Glenn Anderson in the primary, a race that caused deep division in the district.

We took a Seaplane ride to the San Juan Islands to honor family friend Andy Epstein for his 80th birthday.

We watched Herbie Hancock perform at Zoo Tunes.

Representative Reuven Carlyle hosted Puget Sound area Jewish Democrats at this Queen Anne home.

September Rockaroke at Snoqualmie Casino, entire bar sings happy birthday to Deb's Grandma Lillian, who is celebrating her 91st birthday.

Seahawk season begins with a come from behind win over San Francisco 49ers. Fans start becoming believers in Pete Carroll.

Seattle Storm become the first Seattle professional sports team to win a second championship.

My father's blog is published in hard copy.

Our Dog, Rusty, takes first prize in the "Savvy Senior" competition at a dog festival at the University Village.

October Cousin Stan apears on the front page of the Seattle Times with interim University Of Washington president Phyllis Wise.

Seahawks trade Wide Receiver Deion Branch to New England

Dad and I journey to Walla Walla, where there is a big controversy over a mural hanging over a toy store on Main Street.

Sylvester Cann, who was Dean Willard campaign manager, gets national attention by having Barack Obama autograph is I-pad. It is thought to be the first time in history that a president has sign the devise.

San Francisco Giants win their first World Series since moving to the Bay Area from New York in 1958. Tim Lincecum, who the Mariners skipped in the draft was the ace for the Giants. The Texas Rangers ace was Cliff Lee, acquired at mid season from the M's.

November Heartbreak as Cousin Jan Curran passes away after a decade long battle with Lung Cancer. Jan was an inspiration behind this blog.

The heart and soul of the Seattle Mariners, Dave Niehaus dies suddenly and unexpectedly of a heart attack. The entire area mourns.

My Father-in-law and I watch the New York Giants beat the Seattle Seahawks from a suite in Qwest Field.

We watch Maple Valley native Brandi Carlile perform with the Seattle Symphony.

Deb, Rusty and I make it home by the skin of our teeth after a huge snow storm hits the area. A normally 45 minute drive takes hours, but we are happy to have made it home.

December Legendary Sports broadcasters Ron Santo and Don Mededith pass on

Stormy weather continues to hit the area.

We visit the Winter Wonderland house in Woodinville.

Seattle Seahawks lose three times in a row but remain in contention for the play-offs.

Happy New Year!