I'm not sure why I am allowing Thompson to take up your valuable birthday space, but here is the picture she allegedly could not post.. I'm pretty sure she planned it this way.
Oh my gosh, Kay - your blog entry was hilarious! Thank you for starting my Friday out with a big belly laugh!
JB and I will hit the road tomorrow a.m. I'll call Bopcha when our wheels hit I-5. JB will do her baking in the afternoon at Bopchas.
Noah had an interview yesterday and he wore his (I was going to say "birthday suit" and decided that would give the wrong impression!) new suit that he got for his birthday. I would have loved to have seen him in it! He got the call to come in that morning, so luckily, his suit was all ready to go - new suit, new shirt, new tie, new shoes, new belt. Sadly, no new raincoat, and I'll bet that would have come in handy! He has a follow up interview on Monday.
Went to see the movie Paranormal (doesn't look right). It was barely okay. After I got home my sweet tooth was hurting so I reached for my container of caramel corn. I put a handful in my mouth and thought boy they taste odd but just to make sure, I put another handful in my mouth and yep they tasted odd. So as I was making a call to Tiffany I glanced at the container and noticed that it was crawling inside with sugar ants (the lid was sealed tight and I have no idea how they got in). So that's right folks I had my sweets and protein all in one meal and I am about two steps away from throwing up. I will be picking ants out of my teeth the rest of the night. Maybe that was Gods way of saving me from all those unneeded calories - or else he has a wicked sense of humor.
I put a few solar lights by my driveway and today as I was backing out I felt a small bump and wouldn't you know it, I had run over and totally smashed one of the lights. Did I mention that after I put them in they just didn't light up and so I asked Judi if she would take a look and see what I was doing wrong. Well it turns out you had to unscrew the top and pull a tab so the battery would work. Live and learn. Well after smashing the light I went out and bought a replacement and will try my best to stay on the pavement.
Hope Sid and Sandra make it out that would make the party complete.
I think another storm is supposed to blow in which might put a crimp in my dog walking tomorrow. We got in a nice hour walk today after Ramone's shot. He only has one more to go.
Sandra, I love hitting the antique shops and try really really hard not to buy anything because I am so short on space. You cat lovers would so love the house cat at ARK Animal Hospital. She is so big and spoiled. I found out the hard way that cats don't seem to like their tummies scratched.
Mother gave me four turnips last weekend. Each is the size of my fist. I have eaten three of them raw (two on Tuesday and one, so far, today). Yummmmmm....
KC, why do you think I got a Nikon? I was WITH you at Costco when you purchased it. So of course I got a baby Nikon. Now I am counting on you to help me maximize it. You will NEVER pry the secret of how I cloned Jess out of me!
Sandra, I hope the airplane gods bless you and Sid with a cheap available flight. It would make the weekend perfect. Plus, it would give me an opportunity to bust Sid's lip stitches!
Sid and I are trying, up to the last minute, to see if we can get out to see you Bopcha for your birthday. It would be so nice, and I sure would welcome a little break. Sid still has a little bit of swelling from the surgery but I think he is enjoying looking a little like "the Godfather."
Reading about Gavin as the new basketball coach was actually very gratifying. There is something really admirable about coaching youngsters, it seems like one of those things that you only do because you really want to and have something special to offer. I also like the comment in the article about Gavin wanting to make his own mark, but for now maintaining the tradition of the former coach. What a wise approach.
It's been a year since I took the photography course and I really have not been continuing with picture taking, partly because I was learning with an analogue camera and developing pictures is not very practical. Sid is deep into research about getting a digital camera. I would love to follow KC around for a month and just learn photography. Wow that sounds so much better than coming in here everyday (to my job or should I say the sinking ship that I work in). It may be more financially lucrative also ti just take pictures.
The other family activity that sounds fun is wondering around with Kay looking for good buys in antique/vintage thrift shops. That is something I could really get into. Since I am a neat freak (okay should I say obsessively neat) I should find a house or room to put "my good finds" in until I find the "perfect place" for each piece in my dwelling place. Wow the things I could find to do if I wasn't working In this era, I should clarify and say if I did NOT HAVE to work. The state of "not working" is easy to come upon these days. So I am always grateful to have a job.
We are enjyoing the new little kitten. I can't get over how amazingly cute kittens are. Our cat "Luna" is being much nicer to her little brother now. At least she is not hissing. Last night they were sleeping in the same spot together - cuddling closely. We named the new kitty "Zucchero" or Zuki for short. That means sugar in Italian. Sid started it because for some reason he asked me how you say sugar in Italian. And since he liked the sound of zucchero/zuki, we just went with that . By the way, I still love dogs more than anything even though I am enjoying these cats beyond what all expectations. I never expected to be so thrilled with the little creatures.
I guess that is it for now. Will hopefully be writing again soon.
Hi Everybody - I've enjoyed reading all the entries from Sanda, Kay (what a find at the antique store--WOW!!!), Diana, the article about Gavin first day as head coach, Sid's lip (Bop helped me understand what was going on there--Sid kept the story pretty quiet as far as I'm concerned). It was delightful fun to tease Diana about consulting everyone but the person who actually earns money with a camera. Speaking of the profession--here's a photo a friend, Yvonne McGehee, took of me, out on a hunt with my trusty Nikon strapped on my neck and my hounds at my side. If I look weary, it's because I was!!
Well shoot (not to make a bad pun). I can't figure out how to load the picture. The blog is fighting back. You just have to use your imaginations.
Dee - need to know how you plan to clone Jess so she can be with you and traveling back to Seattle with her dad. Mysteries abound in this family. See you all soon.
Former Mercer Island player Gavin Cree conducts first practices in post-Ed Pepple era
Mason Kelley's High School Sports Blog
Instead of holding a celebration Monday, Mercer Island's basketball coach conducted a practice. It was the best present he could ask for.
The 28-year-old first-year head man admitted it was a strange day. After 42 seasons, it was the Islanders' first practice without legendary leader Ed Pepple. But it didn't take long for Cree to settle into a rhythm.
"It was definitely strange a little bit yesterday to know he's not going to be here," Cree said of Pepple. "But, once we got going, I'm right into my niche. We miss him, but we're moving forward and I think everyone's excited."
One day later, Cree seemed comfortable in his new role. It was a moment Pepple prepared him for, starting as a player in the late 1990s and most recently as an assistant coach.
"Coach Pepple, with all his assistant coaches, has prepared them very well to be head coaches," Cree said. "There's a long list of guys who have gone on and are coaching right now. He knew I wanted to be a head coach one day and he gave me the responsibilities to be in this position today."
Over time, Cree expects to put his own stamp on the program, but for now, the goal is to carry on a tradition that Pepple established with four state titles and a state-record 952 career wins over a 49-year career. He plans to take Pepple's principles and mesh those with his ideas over time.
"I'm a part of this system," Cree said. "I believe in Coach Pepple's system, but we'll definitely put our own stamp on it. Day 2, we're not quite there, but we're getting there."
So far, the changes have been subtle.
"It's strange, I played for [Pepple] for two years," said Quinn Sterling, a 6-foot-4 junior forward. "Gavin is a little bit different. They both have little idiosyncrasies that are different."
The one thing that players are determined to continue is the Islanders' tradition.
"We want to prove to people that just having a different coach isn't going to change the team and the tradition," said Gabe Fruchter, a 6-4 senior forward. "We're still going to go at it just as hard."
Well, my fancy new basketball camera is remarkably easy to use. Of course I have only taken photos of the cats and Bill in the kitchen and me in the dining room reflected off the mirrors! I am anxious to see if it will allow me to take action pictures in a poorly lit gym. I put the setting on action and the shutter clicks twice but I am not sure if it has actually taken two pictures or not. Further, I am not sure whether I can increase the shutter speed or allow more light in etc. etc. I am counting on sister KC to help me with the nuances.
We lost power last night, but it happened at 9:45 pm and it was back on by morning, so there was no harm done.
Jessica and I will leave for Corvallis Saturday morning, and Noah and Bill will leave Saturday evening, after Noah gets off work (5 ish). Bill and Jess will head back at about noon or one on Sunday, and Jess and I will stay till the party's over. We will be staying in a hotel.
Sandra, I do not envy the stresses of your job. I have had a few of those in my lifetime and I don't ever want to do that again. I hope you will get a break from the pressure one of these days.
We are leaving Seattle at 1:30 pm today. Bill has a luncheon he must attend, so I will pick him up immediately after he chomps down his last bite.
The game is at 12:30 pm on Saturday. We are meeting Gil and Susan at the CH2M Hill Alumni Center at 10 am.
Jessica put together a care package of fudge (it did set at last) and the cookies she baked last night for Bopcha and her aunts. You all better pray that package actually makes it to Corvallis alive!
I have really enjoyed following all your news, and anytime I need a one-minute break at work, I quickly log onto the blog and read something light and usually more cheerful than the intensity at work here. In a way it's more exciting to have the Beavers blazing later in the season - much more exciting don't you think. Reading about that coach makes me think he is not only a Football coach but an awesome life coach. He seems like someone who gains lots of respect wherever he goes.
It sounds like Teresa got some of whatever is going around - so many people in this corner of the world have been sick. Hopefully it will not interfere with her graduation. But even if it does, she got to the most important part right? So Kay how are you enjoying your new abode? Are you enjoying your neighbors.
Oh Bopcha, I read with envy all the fruit you were able to pack home with you. That sounds really delicious. I really love pomegranates this time of year. It is certainly a strange fruit but also really pretty. Eating them in a civilized manner is really difficult, don't you think? It is definitely a fruit you want to eat in private!
Well I kind of miss the days when I had more time to be a social person and actually write on the blog. Work is once again all consumming because we are tragically going to be facing another round of "changes." Need I say more???
KC and Tom, we are still thinking about how we "neglected" you at the dog show. Believe it or not, I was actually looking forward to spending some time there. I really do love activity that takes you outdoors.
Well I better get back to finishing up some work. Needless to say I am really busy these days.
Nice article Dee. I think it is time for me to fly the Beav colors. Al (next door neighbor) has a Beaver flag on his porch and I think one on his truck. I will try and find a Beav something to dress up my porch area.
Theresa called me a few minutes ago. The connection from the pay phone was very poor. She is sick and if it gets worse it might set her graduation back to the class behind her. The only thing I could hear for sure (I think) was ear infection could not catch what else she had. If she graduates on time it will be January 22. She did say not to rush out and buy a plane ticket because that could change due to her illness.
She only has 3 tickets but those that don't get the tickets can stand - you know (God willing) I will be there. I think Stephanie will also be present and hopefully Tina and Maxx. So as the time get closer and her graduation date firms up, I will keep you all posted - in case anyone is able to make the graduation. I do realize that Newport, Rhode Island isn't really close to anyone and for those that can't attend, I am sure we will have plenty of pictures.
Ask Anyone, Mike Riley is More Than Your Average Coach
Commentary Exclusive to Beavers OSR
by Mike Parker
CORVALLIS, Ore. - Mike Riley and I climbed to the top of the west side of Memorial Stadium in Berkeley on Saturday, just after our pre-game conversation, which was to air about an hour later on the Beaver Sports Network.
We gazed across the Bay to the City, to Alcatraz, to the Golden Gate Bridge, to the Bay Bridge, all the while marveling over the beauty of the view. Mike also pointed out a couple of spots on the campus, including where he had lived when he began his coaching career as a graduate assistant to Mike White's California squad in 1975.
He spoke fondly of his one season in the East Bay, saying that he learned a lot, not only from White, but also from assistants such as Roger Theder, Ron Hudson, and Artie Gigatino. We also noticed that many were gathering on Tightwad Hill on the east side of the Stadium in Strawberry Canyon. We agreed that this was one of the finest settings for college football in the entire country. We saw the big hole being dug for some needed renovations and additions to the grand old venue.
"Two years from now we'll have to play these guys somewhere else," I offered, referring to the strong possibility that Cal will play its 2011 season at either the Oakland Coliseum or at Candlestick Park. I added, "That's too bad. We should always play them here."
This was, of course, a not so veiled reference to the great run of success the Beavers had already enjoyed in recent years at the home of the Golden Bears, and spoken hours before the Beavers put on another impressive display to complete a sweep of the decade at Memorial Stadium.
Part of me would love to reminisce about each of the five wins in the decade. I have had, after all, the honor of calling each one, and each game has provided a rich trove of memories. Perhaps two years hence, if life's vicissitudes still permit me to call Beaver games and write for the OSR, I will have the chance to indulge that itch.
But for now I am more taken by the contemplative scene I was able to share with Mike Riley before the game. Here's a guy little more than an hour from the kickoff of a game that he himself had termed "a defining moment" for his football team, and he's taking the time to savor the setting and to remember his roots.
Surely he had a multitude of things on his mind at that hour, but he felt the tableau demanded his attention. And so he gave it, obeying his oft-preached mantra of "living in the moment."
A week earlier, as I was preparing to leave his office following our pre-game interview for the UCLA game, Riley said, "Oh, one other thing. When they [UCLA] punt we're going to use two return men because their guy [Jeff Locke] is so good at kicking deep and at directional punting. Most of the game we'll have two guys back there. We hope it will help with field position."
This was said off the air, in a casual, 'by the way' fashion. As I ascended the steps towards the Reser Stadium press box I felt included; of having been helped to do my job armed with the kind of information that might make the broadcast a little bit better.
As it turned out, the two man return team of Taylor Kavanaugh and James Rodgers and the way they complemented one another turned out to be a significant factor in the football game. Jim Wilson said several times during the broadcast how important it was that Kavanaugh was in a position to catch Locke's shorter punts.
There had been no necessity for Riley to share that coaching point with me. It merely occurred to him that that piece of information might be useful to our description of the game, and, of course, he was right.
The poet Auden said of the great writer Charles Williams, "more than anyone else I have ever known, he gave himself completely to the company he was in." This is a high compliment, and perhaps should not be appropriated for another. But I believe Mike Riley has a similar effect upon the people in his sphere.
This past Friday night former Beaver student athletes Roy Scheuning and Slade Norris were gracious enough to attend a dinner given in honor of generous donors to the BASF who had made the trip to northern California.
Both young men are currently members of the Oakland Raiders' practice squad. When asked to share a few words, each young man took time to thank the people in the room for their support. They both eloquently communicated how much being a part of Oregon State University had meant to their lives.
Norris, in particular, was grateful of the role Mike Riley had played in his development as a football player and as a person.
Slade relayed how some teammates and other members of the Raiders' personnel staff would occasionally ask him something like "Hey, we all see what a nice guy Riley is on the outside. Tell us what he's really like." Slade said he was proud to say, "The same."
By getting hot again late in the season the Beaver football team has placed itself on a path where something special just might unfold, i.e. Arizona loses twice, USC once, Beavers win out, Beavers go.
As Peter Sellers asked in The Wrong Box, "do you realize the enormity of what you just said?" Well, yes, I'm afraid I do. And the enormity consists of not living in the moment, right? But we in Beaver Nation are free to speculate about such things because we have a head coach that doesn't.
For him, his staff, and his players, there is one game and one game only, and that is with the University of Washington. In the hours ahead, in the bunker, he will prepare with the monomaniacal focus of a Henry Frankenstein.
But outside, whether handing out donuts to students waiting in the rain for tickets or signing books about the history of Beaver football at Powell's on Friday, or, perhaps, giving a little tip to a radio broadcaster on Thursday night at McMenamin's, Oregon State's head coach will remain engaged with the people he meets and the place (see Berkeley) he is in, and thus provide an example for us all.
Well, the Beavers made Cal look pretty pitiful. Yea!!!! We are now bowl eligible and we yet get to play the U of Washington, Washington State and then (gulp) Oregon.
Jess made some fabulous pumpkin pies (3 of them) and macaroni and cheese (double recipe) for a church function on Saturday night. All from scratch! Then she went to work! Bill made ribs. I baked Jiffy cornbread. Boy, was I tired - I know everybody else did the main stuff, but I had to finish baking the pies after JB headed to work, and I had to blend bread and butter to make the crumbs on top of the mac and cheese. Plus, I had to put the mac and cheese in the oven to toast the crumbs!
We had some left overs, and since Bill and I are watching our weight, we immediately packed them up and dropped them off at Noah's townhouse. Boo Hoo! I could easily have polished them off myself, but .... wiser heads prevailed.
Bill and I are headed to Corvallis this weekend to watch the Beavs stomp the Huskies (I hope!).
In this era, I should clarify and say if I did NOT HAVE to work. The state of "not working" is easy to come upon these days. So I am always grateful to have a job. 