Hobart Sunrise

The moon and Venus put on quite a show at sunrise this morning. I would have stayed outside longer than one shot with my iPhone, but with the temp 16F, I ran back to my seat by the stove.

Kali's First Christmas

Our youngest grandchild, Kali is celebrating her first Christmas in 2010. She has an adorable outfit and adoring parents, siblings and grandparents. Sadly, her family is moving to a new home a few days before Christmas so things are...confused, to say the least.

When Kelton came along he was the only child Jesse and Jennifer had, and he was our only grandchild. So, his first Christmas was a big deal. When we celebrated Kira's first Christmas it was kinda the same, but different. Now, with a new home and their grandmother facing such serious health issues, things are just different for our entire family.

But there's no escaping Kali's great personality. This picture captures none of that, sad to say. But she is a smiling, giggling, happy baby with a great future ahead of her. And a great family supporting her. In 2011 she will start walking and talking and start making her mark on the world. Can't wait to see it happen!

Smile, Please

Women. They can be SO frustrating at times. Old. Young. In between. Ask any man, he'll tell you it's true.

Case in point: our oldest granddaughter, Kira. There she was all smiles and giggles showing off her new hat. Then, when I grabbed my iPhone to snap a picture of all this joy....she immediately clammed up and not only wouldn't smile, she was down right grumpy. Then, when I put the phone away, she was all smiles and giggles again. Go figure.

Do they teach this behavior in the womb?

Snow Moles! ARGH!

Ah, the first snow of the season. All the leaves are off the trees, the white fluffy stuff covers the ground, the road leading to our home winds through a white, wintry wonderland...ARGH!

Then there they are. The mole hills. Not to make a mountain out of this, but those damned little critters mess up the place even when you would think they'd be buried deep in the ground hibernating. We had about 5-6 inches of snow and the temps got down to single digits. The ground is frozen solid. So, go away you little devils! But, no.

Just as they do in spring and summer right after we mow and make the landscape look nice, they mess it up with their dirt.

The bigger question: where the heck are those cats of ours who are supposed to be killing those varmints?

Damned cats.

Deer Collared

Looked up just in time to see this deer wander by the window. Grabbed my iPhone and snapped this. She was walking quickly so didn't have time to do much. So, I dropped the image into ColorSplash and Camera+ to try to improve it.

I often wonder what the deer and elk and cougars and bears that have these collars think of them. Do they compare them? Are they a fashion statement? Do the best dressed critters wear them?

See Sockeye Run

You can't see them in this shot, but there are sockeye in the Cedar River at Landsburg right now. Joyce and I stopped by here on our way home from getting our truck fixed. Gorgeous day. If you've never been out to the Hobart area, this is the time to do it. Bring your bikes or hiking boots. Lots to see. The trail that starts here follows the old railroad line along the river all the way to Renton.

For those who don't know, Landsburg is where Seattle and surrounding areas get much of their drinking water. They take it out of the Cedar here and ship it down a huge pipeline to the Lake Youngs Reservoir near Kent.

Need directions? wikimapia.org/3080779/Summit-Landsburg-Park

Sunrise Arches

Joyce and I walked over to Starbucks at Seattle Center House this morning. On the way back the sun was just starting to tickle the arches of Pacific Science Center.

We really needed coffee this morning. For some reason there was hardly any traffic driving into town, so we got here earlier than normal and were feeling a bit sleepy.

Hope this gorgeous weather holds. I still need to mow one more time this fall.

Excuse Me, I'm Resting

Our son Jesse shot this today with his iPhone 3GS. His youngest, Kali was napping in her car seat while they were out and about and didn't really look like she wanted to be disturbed when he went to take her out of the car.

SO wish I could say that at times. Just leave me alone! I'm napping!

Mushroom Mystery

We've seen many mushrooms here on The Orchard Compound over the years. But today I found a bumper crop of the biggest bright orange fungi I've ever seen. Actually, I've never seen these before. Their color is so intense they seemed to glow in the woods on this warm, humid and gloomy day.

Anyone recognize this type of 'shroom? We would never try eating any fungi out here, but I would like to know what they're called.

Happy Birthday +87

Our youngest grandchild and my mom were born on the same day (September 4). Mom was born 87 years earlier is all. Today they met for the first time.

Mom's hearing isn't so good and she couldn't hold Kali for too long, but their time together was so sweet. Listening to my mom talk about my own birth and my brother's and sister's with our son and his wife there was just wonderful. Magic moment.

Here's hoping Kali and her brother and sister retain at least some memory of their great-grandmother as I do mine. My mom's grandmother was a tiny woman from Germany with grey hair who was alive during Lincoln's life who told stories about her life to me and my siblings and cousins. I have fond memories of those days of my youth. I hope our grandchildren can be telling similar stories when they get to be my age.

Priceless

Holding your newborn grandchild is an indescribable experience. No matter how many you have, the feeling is the same. At least it's been that way for Joyce and me.

Today we held Kali and were amazed, just as we were with Kelton and Kira. Kali is smaller, delivered easier and is different in other ways from her siblings. She's a whole lot different from her father at birth. But as a grandparent, she's no less mesmerizing. Holding that little bundle is simply amazing.

It was also amazing to see Joyce hold her. Despite the strokes and all the associated problems, she held her just as before. Maybe Kali can help restore some of what's been lost.

Life is good, people.

Meet Kali

Say hello to Kali Justine Orchard, born September 4, 2010 at 2:55 a.m. at Swedish Hospital in Seattle. Jesse and Jennifer went to the hospital about 12 hours earlier and after a couple of pushes early this morning, out she popped. She arrived weighing 6 lbs. 14 oz. Both she and her parents are doing well.

She was born on her paternal great grandmother's birthday. My mom turns 87 today. Amazing.

Grandma's Lap

After all she's been through, her lap is still a treasured spot for grandkids. Both armed with game machines and their blankets, they are at peace with their Grandma. Verbal communication isn't possible these days, but it's really not needed. They can still say, "I love you."

Tonight we camp in the living room waiting for their sister to arrive.

Now It Begins

Our grandson, Kelton is now five. Today he began practice sessions for fall soccer. This is his second year and he looked pretty good, according to his dad who shot this picture. He was dribbling properly, and looked far better than last year.

Oh, and he immediately became close friends with the girl on the far right here. That was probably the biggest part of the first session.

Hey, it's kind of a curse for Orchard men. What can I say?

Bite Me

Went upstairs to get some coffee this morning and stuck my head into what will be our new office. Found this guy sitting where I or one of my officemates soon will.

That's an orca skull. Not sure where he'll end up but hope we won't have to share a desk.

It always amazes me what you find around here.

Time Traveling In A Comic

Just read one of my birthday presents from Jesse and Jennifer and family. It's a Star Trek comic book from December 1986. A special anniversary edition marking 20 years since the show first aired. It's sort of a time capsule.

The story is all about time travel, my favorite kind of story. And this one included references to "City on the Edge of Forever," my favorite episode of all time. As any good time travel story should have, this one includes plenty of paradoxes. The original crew meets the crew from the future and together they save the universe. Good stuff!

But reading the comic and the ads is like going back in time. One two page ad for NBC was for all the children's programming the Peacock Network was running on Saturday mornings back then. Smurfs and all. Amazing.

I now return to my normal place in the space time continuum.

Angels In The Sky

Sitting out back just after sunset. Our grandkids were looking for the first star I've seen tonight. Instead, it looked like angels were floating around.

Then they were gone.

Evening Campfire

I could do this every evening when the weather's this nice. Sun setting, temps down around 70, slight breeze, a few puffy clouds and the forest smells fill the air. Sweet.

We've been asked many times why we choose to live out here.

This is one reason.

Starlight, Star Bright

Roasted hot dogs over a campfire on a perfect summer's evening. We took the time to teach Kira the old wish upon a star rhyme.

I wish we could capture these moments and save them in a jar.

From Tractor To Tights

Our three year old granddaughter, Kira was outside riding on our tractor with her father and brother. Then she changed clothes and was off to ballet. I just love that!

Living on The Orchard Compound in the wilds of Hobart is always interesting.

A Wild Morning At Work

Today was the big announcement that Pacific Science Center will host Harry Potter: The Exhibition starting in October. Our people put on a great show for media and fans.

Here, actor Matthew Lewis from the films is being interviewed by Arik Korman of the Bob River's Show. LOTS of excitement. And stress. And worry. But things went well. LOVE it when that happens!

A Little PC History

Wandering around at work today, I spotted this old poster. Remember when personal computers were things of wonder? Things we would fiddle with, take apart, put together and get together and talk about. Much different than today.

1984 seems so long ago. And it never turned out like Mr. Huxley wrote.

Elk For Breakfast

As I was sitting in the living room early Sunday morning, enjoying some toast and coffee, these two guys wandered up behind me.

This time of year they look magnificent. Their coats are shiny. They're buff and bulked up. Come fall, they'll look pretty ragged.

But for now, a peaceful breakfast on a soggy Sunday morning on The Orchard Compound.

Smoky Sunny Sunday

Sitting on the front porch with Joyce watching a surreal sky. Dense smoke from a fire in BC has drifted south causing quite a stir. Everything has a sort of rosy, smoky tone.

Weird.

It's like the golden hour at sunset but it's the middle of the day.

Really Cool Job

These guys have a great job right now. They're doing erosion control work on Issaquah Creek along Gilman Boulevard in downtown Issaquah.

This is the view from our dentist's office.

Great job in late July. Not so great this fall.

An Ailing Old Tractor

I may have killed our 30-year old tractor today. While out mowing our field, it suddenly stopped. Cold.

My only hope right now is that maybe it's a loose wire. Not sure.

This old machine has been through a lot over the years. Hope we can bring her back to life at least one more time.

A Young Bonnie and Clyde?

These two are deadly with water weapons.

Beware.

I really love summer.

Our Two Wacky Grandkids

Here we all are, outside playing in a pool on a warm summer evening. They are totally oblivious to their baby sister soon to arrive in September.

Life will never be the same.

Gotta love it.

Dried Snake In The Window

Do you have a dried baby garter snake in your kitchen window? We do. Long story. Short snake.

I was playing around with Camera+ today and snapped this. Amazing little app! Highly recommended.

Elk In The Grass

We never tire of watching the elk move through our Humble Hobart Home. The Orchard Compound is sort of a crossroads for local elk and deer and other critters that move through the area. But this evening when these two bulls bedded down for awhile, it was kinda cool.

When they stand they're quite tall. Their racks are awesome. But since I haven't mowed our pasture lately, when they lay down their racks stick out.

What did we learn? First, I need to mow. Second, these guys are awesome.

But we knew that.

Our Granddaughter, Kali

Our little family is closer and closer to becoming a bit larger. Granddaughter Kali arrives in mid-September. So far, things are looking good.

Sunny Space Needle Morning

Snapped this as Joyce and I walked from the parking garage to pacific Science Center. It's the first sunny morning we've experienced for quite awhile.

Here's hoping we get more. Lots more. As in summer.

Elk Resting Before Playing

So, these three big bulls were out sniffing around the play area here on The Orchard Compound. They couldn't find a soccer ball to kick around, as they have before. So, they decided to take a rest.

LOVE this time of year! Everything is so green and the bulls have those great fuzzy antlers. Just wish they would drop more of their old antlers around here where we can find them.

Now, if the weather would just warm up a bit.

Nice Collar, Deer

This was shot through a dirty window just after sunrise on a very gloomy day. But you can see this friend of ours sporting her snazzy necklace.

We see many deer and elk roaming around on The Orchard Compound. Quite a few are tagged. These two have been living with us for weeks now, never wandering very far. A neighbor about a half mile away sees them regularly as well. They've become a familiar part of the neighborhood.

One of these days I'll have to do some research into what becomes of the data these collars collect. Is it available for the public to see? Is it mapped somewhere so we can watch where all these critters go when they're not with us? That would be interesting to see.

Frog Friend

A warm mid-winter day on The Orchard Compound finds us outside cavorting with our amphibious friends. These little guys are all over the place.

Wish I knew what kind of frogs they are.

Pathetic Pumpkins

Pathetic pumpkin patch. Our gardening last year was a total waste. The few small pumpkins keep reminding me to plan for spring. Can't get here soon enough.

Dark Day

I snapped this from our front porch around noon today. It was a very dark day, but the sun was trying to shine through.

Never did make it.

Spring can't get here soon enough. We really need some brighter days for awhile.