Seahawks Open Season With Loss

The NFL season has kicked off.  Deb and I joined a couple friends for the Seahawks first game.

The weather was great and the crowd was loud, but the Rams were too much and beat the 'Hawks 30-13.

Go Seahawks!!!

 The Seahawks open the season at home vs the LA Rams.  We will be there!

Alderbrook 7--Lake Cushman

After a trip to Hoodsport, we found Lake Cushman, a lovely huge body of water nearby.  Deb was fascinated and wanted to circumnavigate the entire lake, a drive of maybe an hour or two (who counts when you are on vacation),

 

Go Cougs!

 The WSU Cougs take on Wisconsin today (September 9, 2023) at 4:30 pdt in Pullman.  

Alderbrook 6--On The Trail

We hiked the nature trails, just across the highway from the Alderbrook Resort.

Alderwood 5--Deer Crosses

 

While we were watching the waterwheel, this deer crossed the road. Deb got a great shot.

Alderbrook 4

A grassy area for Oliver to play, behind our room at the resort.

Dalby Creek Water Wheel--Alderbrook 3

The Dalby Water Wheel, near the Alderwood Resort gives visitors a trip into bygone years. 

Alderbrook 2 Boating On Hood Canal

 

A fun adventure on our vacation. Oliver would not get on the boat, must not have trusted my nautical skills. 

Getaway To Alderbrook

We just returned from a four day trip to the Alderbrook Resort on Hood Canal.

It was a great little getaway.

Celebrating The Pup

A belated Happy Birthday to Oliver, who celebrate 7 months on Sunday.

Southeastern Washington Personality Competing On Golden Bachelor

Many in Walla Walla will know the name of Faith Martin, a longtime Tri-Cities DJ and music performer.

Word has been received that Martin will compete on the spin-off reality show The Golden Bachelor.

It will be fun to watch her progress.

Come Monday

One of Jimmy Buffett's most popular songs.  The irony is it begins with leaving for a Labor Day Weekend show.  Buffett died on Labor Day Weekend. 

Jimmy Buffett Dies

 Jimmy Buffett, whose mid-70s hit Margaritaville rocketed him to stardom is dead at 76.   

Buffett was known for his folksy, often humorous music.  His devoted fans were known as Parrot heads. Buffett had also built a business empire of aproximently one billion dollars.

We had seen him in concert about 20 years ago at the White River Amphitheatre.  

Barers Of Maple Valley Posts 40 In August

 This picture is from the Maple Valley Historical Society page as I was looking for a picture that would capture the town where this blog is originated.  

In a fun filled August, I celebrated the last full month of  Summer by posting 40 times.  I believe that is only the second time.  As I often joke, it's either of sign of doing a lot or doing little.  This month, I think it's easy the see that it was a busy month. 

The record number of posts for a month is 43 in July of 2022. 

Moon Lights The Sky

No flash needed for the bright moon. This picture taken by my wife from last night (August 30, 2023).

Mariners Come From Behind To Notch 21st Victory In August.

 

The Seattle Mariners set a one month  victory record at 21 by defeating the Oakland A's 5-4. With a bye tommorrow (Thursday,August 31st), the Mariners finish this month at an incredible 21-6.

Goldberg Brothers Turn Up In Orange County Register

 Not too long after Cousin Lee Goldberg got international attention for flushing home invaders out of his yard, him and his brother Tod (also my cousin) are in the news again in an Orange County Register feature article about their crime writing. Both have books being released next month (September 2023).    The Goldberg brothers, along with their late mother, Jan and sisters Karen and Linda, helped inspire this blog, which has kept on rolling even after they have all gone on to bigger things. 

You can find the article, which is free at least the first time by clicking here.

I Can't Fight This Feeling--REO Speedwagon at Muckleshoot Casino August ...

I would like to share another number from last week's (Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023) REO Speedwagon concert.

It Don’t Come Easy - Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band Live at The Benaro...

I stumbled across this video  on You Tube. At 82 years young, Ringo Starr.

Bye, Bye Bob Barker

 Legendary TV game show host Bob Barker died today, (August 26,2023) .He was 99.  Barker had hosted The Price Is Right from 1972-2007.  He also hosted the show, Truth or Consequences for 18 seasons.    He had also hosted Rose Bowl parades and Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants.

Barker was born in Darrington, Washington  

He was well known as an animal rights activist.  

Mariners Make To Top Of Division

 The Seattle Mariners have done what most baseball experts have said that they could do they are sharing the top spot in the division.  The Mariners and division rival Texas Rangers both 72-56, one game ahead of the Houston Astros.  

Of course, there is much more baseball to be played but the chances of the Mariners getting a second straight spot in the post season are becoming more real.  

Ridin' the Storm Out. REO Speedwagon

REO Speedwagon, fronted by lead singer Kevin Cronin, brought a loud high energy hit machine to the Muckleshoot Casino events center. This is one of the band's first hits, Ridin' The Storm Out.

Keep on Lovin You--REO Speedwagon Muckleshoot Casino August 2023

Deb and I had a great time seeing REO Speedwagon in concert at the Muckleshoot Casino in Aubun

Issaquah Rocks With Nite Wave

The Seattle band Nite Wave rocked the Issaquah Community Center tonight (Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023), playing its version of 80s hits.

Dinner With Brother Danny

My brother, Danny and his wife, Amy took me out for dinner at The Grill On The Alley in Beverly Hills.

On the way from Burbank to the restaurant, we drove over the canyon witnessing some of the most spectacular Hollywood scenery and homes.

Here is a shot of Downtown Beverly Hills.

Historic Tropical Storm Hilary Hits Southern California--Barers Of Maple Valley Was There

 

Although the Celebration of Life was cancelled.  I visited my friends at the house in LA.  

The giant tent was helpful, but the backyard was turning into a river.  

That's when the first civil defense warning came over the phone. 

Drivers were told to stay off the road, so I called right away for a Lyft driver to take me to the airport.

I'm happy now that I didn't rent a car.

Soggy California Shaken

The Burbank Airport was crazy today as passengers who were able to make to airport amid torrential rains from Tropical Storm Hilary were wondering if their planes would make it out 

Then, we were alerted about an earthquake over our phones.

Luckily, my plane was able to take off, although an hour or so late.

Honoring Aaron "Andy" Epstein

 I will be flying to LA today (Saturday, August 19, 2023) for the Celebration of Life for Andy Epstein, a college buddy of my dad's whose friendship has extended through the generations.  

The celebration is planned for tomorrow morning (Sunday, August 20th, 2023), although there have been hurricane warnings and tropical storm warnings threatening the event. 

Andy was described this way from his family "Let's celebrate the life of a great man - a Prince of Hollywood, a fighter for justice - Aaron Merle Epstein! "

AMÉRICA....CALIFORNIA DREAMIN

The band, America does a great rendition of California Dreamin', the Mamas and the Papas classic.

Missing My Sister

 

Debbie Barer, who later was known as Terry Barer, passed away in 2015.  She would have turned 64 today (August 17th, 2023).  She is seen in this picture on the right in the front row. 

Can you be a Progressive and a Zionist?

I like the "Unpacked" (the name of the poster) videos on You Tube because the topics that are presented are generally very open ended and informative.

They usually, present two or more sides of a given argument.  This video deals with antisemitism from section of society not known as hate groups, at least generally speaking.

One Love. Musical Youth--Lost 80s Concert 7

This song kicked off the Lost 80s concert at Redmond's Marymoor Park last Thursday (August 10th, 2023).

Felix Inducted Into Mariner Hall Of Fame

 Congratulations to Felix Hernandez on his induction to the Mariner Hall of Fame.  I watched the ceremony on TV last Saturday (August 12th, 2023)  and it was indeed, a special event. 

Felix leads the Mariners all-time lists in strikeouts and wins, as well as innings pitched.  He is the 11th Mariner to be inducted into the club's hall of fame.

Musical Youth--Pass The Dutchie Lost 80s Concert 6

 

This is one of the first songs I remember playing when I worked at KYYX, so it's fitting that the first act, Music Youth played it.  

Lost 80s Concert, Marymoor Park in Redmond, August 10, 20023. 

Friday Entertainment In Bellevue

We went to Bake's Place and Bistro in Bellevue with Marjie and Rick, Friday (August 11th, 2023) to see thefunk-rock band BrohamM. 

The band, which includes three brothers named Hammond, really rocked the place.  We had previously seen the band at a house party in North Bend

Author thwarts home invasion in Calabasas

I'm happy to see that my cousin, Lee Goldberg, along with his wife and daughter, are alright after an attempted break-in at their home last week (Thursday ,August  10th, 2023). 

KTLA TV had a report.  Lee apparently, got alerted of motion in his backyard, then turned on the lights and called 911.  Fortunately, that was enough to scare off the would-be intruders.

Lost 80s Concert 5

Naked Eyes did a famous cover of Burt Bacharach's Always Something There To Remind Me. The band  also did Promises Promises.

Lost 80s Concert 4--Mike Meets Stacy Q

With Stacy Q at the Lost 80s concert..  Stacy had the hit Two Of Hearts in 1986.

Obsession--Animotion Lost 80s Concert Redmond 3

Everyone heard this song in the 1980s.  From last night's (Thursday, August 10th, 2023), performance in Marymoor, Animotion.

Let The Music Play--Shannon Lost 80s Concert 2

Although I had not heard of Shannon, I was familiar with this song.  

She was an electrifying presence on stage. 

Lost 80s Concert At Marymoor Park

Deb and I joined friends for the Lost 80s concert at Marymoor Park in Redmond.  It featured several artists from the 1980s, Many whose music was better known than they were.

The lady above, who goes simply by Shannon, had the hit "Let The Music Play."

After her performance, she posed with fans at the merch booth. 

Julio Rodríguez Robs Fernando Tatis Jr. Home Run, Fools Everyone

From last Tuesday's game, an unforgettable catch by Julio Rodriguez.  

At Least 36 People Killed In Hawaii

 We hold the people of Maui and Hawaii as wildfires are virtually destroying the town of Lahaina, where Deb and I honeymooned in 1995.

At this time, 36 people are reported to have lost their life and property damage is reported to be in the billions of dollars. 

Logan Gilbert On The Hill

. Enjoying the Mariner game last night (Tueday August 8th).  We are starting a series with the San Diego Padres Revising this post, the Mariners beat the Padres 2-0 after an amazing outing by Logan Gilbert. 

Training Camp 2

I got this shot of the Seahawks rookie wide receiver Jackson Smith-Njigba.

Seahawks Training Camp

My friends and I spent an afternoon watching the Seahawks practice at their Renton headquarters.

Seahawks Dance Team

At the Seahawks pro shop.  We watched the team's training camp today.

Our Graduate

Oliver poses as he has completed his puppy training class. Oliver had been taking the Star Puppy Class at the Seattle Agility Center in Maple Valley.

Giant Heroes

Growing up, there was no Seattle MLB team until the late 1970s. (except for the one season of the Seattle Pilots) I rooted for the closest team, the San Francisco Giants.  They also had 2 great stars in Willie Mays and Willie McCovey 

I just received this card this past week

Washington And Oregon Leaving Pac 12

 The Seattle Times reports that the Washington Huskies and Oregon Ducks are leaving what is currently the Pac 12 conference to join UCLA and USC as members of the Big Ten Conference.  Last week, the Colorado Buffaloes agreed to return to the Big 12.

The news is a stunning blow to the athletic programs of the WSU Cougars and Oregon State Beavers, and probably a death blow to to the 107 year old Pacific Conference. 

Oliver Celebrates 6 Months

Yes, Oliver is now 6 months and huge.

Let It Be. Rain at Chateau Ste Michelle

One more song from last Saturday's concert (July 29th, 2023).  Beatles tribute band Rain.

J.P. CRAWFORD ENDS THE GAME WITH INSANE CATCH!!!

I was watching and hoping the Mariners would get the series with the Red Sox off to a good start.  I thought for sure that this would be a base hit, but Mariner Shortstop JP Crawford pulled it down to end the ballgame. 

Mariners Deal Sewald

 In a trade that, at least in the short run, won't play well with the fans, the Seattle Mariners have traded closer Paul Sewald to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

In return, the Mariners will get Dominic Canzone, Josh Rojas, and prospect Ryan Bliss. 

Sewald has 21 saves this season with an ERA of 2.93.

I Wanna Hold Your Hand--Beatles Tribute Band Rain. Chateau Ste Michelle ...

We went to see Rain, a band/show that pays tribute to the Beatles at the Chateau Ste Michelle Winery in Woodinville.  They sounded and looked remarkably like the real band, right down to the Paul character's left-handed base playing.  

The show went from era to era in chronological order, starting with the Ed Sullivan appearance and ending with Abby Road.  I'll keep the encore a secret, but you could probably guess. 

I had already seen two of the Surviving Beatles in individual concerts.  Paul McCartney, twice.

Randy Meisner Of The Eagles

 Sad news in the pop music world as the death of former Eagles Bassist and vocalist Randy Meisner. Meisner, one of the founding members, had suffered from COPD.

Meisner left the band after the Hotel California album in the mid 70s.  He was lead vocalist on the Eagle song Take It To The Limit. 

Plane Buzzes Maple Valley?

A C-17 cargo plane flew over Maple Valley today (July 27th, 2023).  The plane was reported to be unusually low.  Social media lit up with conversation.

Sinead O'Connor Dead

 Sinead O'Connor, Irish pop singer and political activist, has died.  She was 56.  O'Connor's 1990 hit Nothing Compares 2 U, written by Prince,became an instant rock classic. 

No cause was given for O'Connor's death. 

1964 Things Go Better WITH Coca-Cola First ad

Coke ad from the 1960s.

UPS Reaches Agreement With Teamsters Pending Membership Vote

 CNN reports that UPS and the Teamsters have reached a tentative agreement potentially averting a possible strike.  The agreement will need a vote from the Teamster membership.

1968 Ford Mustang TV Ad Commercial (4/5) - Only Mustang '68!

Old commercials bring back memories and provide a snapshot of a certain era.  Mustang was probably the star upstart car of the 1960s.

1969 Ultra Brite Toothpaste

How many people remember the long distance lipstick mark in the Ultra Brite Toothpaste commercial?

Hundreds of fans arrive at Lumen Field before Taylor Swift merch trucks ...

I'm not a Taylor Swift fan, but the mania surrounding her reminds me of my young days.

Why do Jews make such great comedians?

A few theories, although I don't agree with everything presented here. I think it's we're just naturally attracted to show business.

One Year Older

This was my birthday cake, last Wednesday (July 19th, 2023), as I celebrated my 66th.

Throwback Thursday--November 1st 2017

 

I discover this on Google photos. I cannot remember making this video, but wish I videoed more of the trip.

2017-First Dinner In Israel

This picture is from 2017, although my friend and fellow traveler sent it to me a couple days ago. 

The first day in Israel, we had dinner at a restaurant in Tel Aviv-Jaffa known as "The Old Man And The Sea".  

I'm third from the left in this picture.

My buddy, Joe Saxon is to the left of me 

Coug Night 2--JP At Bat

JP Crawford, Mariner shortstop, is one of the team's most popular players.  From last Saturday night (July 15th, 2023).

Coug Night Has Its Ups And Downs

 

Here I am, showing off my Mariners Cougar Jersey.  Coug night was fun except for the wait on the jersey, which was about an hour going up a long ramp on what may have been the hottest day of the year. from the 100 level to the 300 level.  We had already got to the top when we found out we would have to go back down.  We had to ask several people who had already acquired the jerseys on where to go. 

The temperatures got cooler, as did the Mariner bats.  Our beloved team dropped the second game in a row to the Detroit Tigers. 

Game and jersey hassles excluded, it was a fun night, the picture above was taken at the Rooftop Boardwalk at T-Mobile Park, where there was food and drink for the Cougs fans.  The folks in the background where taking in the stunning view of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. 

JOHNNY RIVERS - Secret Agent Man 1966

A song I really love from the 60's. 

Traffic Snarled On Highway 18

This truck became very familiar yesterday (July 13th. 2023) as traffic on Highway 18 came to a standstill.  It over 2 hours to get to the exit where traffic was just as bad on Issaquah Hobart Road.  I followed the same truck for most of the trip.

This was similar to a commute last November. I did not check Waze (the traffic app) and when I realized what was going on, it there was no way to turn off. 

A major accident had happened at the Tiger Mountain summit. I was 2 hours late to work.

Throwback Thursday--Israel 2017

Our group from Seattle.  One of my fellow travelers sent this picture a few days ago.  I don't remember where this was taken 

Old Walla Walla Radio Remembered--Part 37

 Longtime Walla Walla radio personality and executive, Andy Harle.  This ad was posted by his daughter, Lindsay. Andy passed away in 2003. 

Seattle Hosts The All-Star Game

 Tonight (July 11th, 2023)! I'll be watching, on TV.

Julio Shines In Home Run Derby

Turned on the TV just in time to catch our center fielder hit 41 homers in the Derby.