Today we traveled to Olympia for a birthday lunch for my mother. She turned 85 this month and our family and my sister and her husband Jim gathered at the Olympia Oyster House for some excellent food and a few memories. It was a beautiful day.
While we were all at the table I spotted our 1-year-old granddaughter Kira using her fork. The short video is below.
Seems like just yesterday her brother Kelton was doing the same. His short video is below.
We had four generations of Orchards there today. It's a wondrous thing. Hope it lasts many more years.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Salsa Time 2008
Every summer, my wife Joyce and our daughter-in-law Jennifer can salsa. This was the weekend for it in 2008. They put up a total of 30 pints and about a half dozen quarts of tomatoes.
I just LOVE this stuff. It's not really like the salsa you get at the store or at a restaurant. It's chunkier, for one thing. It's more like a relish or chutney. I love it on just about everything, including frittata.
One sad note from this year's annual Salsa Symposium: we normally drive over to the Selah area and get our produce at one of the little stands out in the fields. It's a great trip. WAY more peppers and other things than you normally see over here. But with gas prices as they are, and with a tight schedule, Joyce just went to the local roadside stand in Maple Valley. The produce was good but I miss driving over the mountains.
But I will still enjoy cracking open a jar of this stuff in December or January when the kitchen is filled with the aroma of eggs, cheese, etc. A little bit of summer all winter long.
I just LOVE this stuff. It's not really like the salsa you get at the store or at a restaurant. It's chunkier, for one thing. It's more like a relish or chutney. I love it on just about everything, including frittata.
One sad note from this year's annual Salsa Symposium: we normally drive over to the Selah area and get our produce at one of the little stands out in the fields. It's a great trip. WAY more peppers and other things than you normally see over here. But with gas prices as they are, and with a tight schedule, Joyce just went to the local roadside stand in Maple Valley. The produce was good but I miss driving over the mountains.
But I will still enjoy cracking open a jar of this stuff in December or January when the kitchen is filled with the aroma of eggs, cheese, etc. A little bit of summer all winter long.
Procrastination Unearths Surprise
I was going to write this sometime ago, but you know how procrastinators are. We tend to put things off. We also tend toward redundancy. I seem to repeat myself a lot. But that's another story.
This is the story about a bunch of split firewood that has been laying outside our woodshed for several years. A mixture of maple, cedar and a little alder, we have been putting off getting under cover. We finally did it this weekend and we found an interesting little surprise in there.
My son, grandson and I were picking up the pieces and throwing them in the pickup when we spotted some strange looking mushrooms growing in the dark of the pile on the maple. Knowing that if we stopped for very long we'd just slip into procrastinator mode again, I just grabbed the Nikon D40 and snapped this one shot before getting back to work.
We're not big on mushrooms, so I have no idea what kind these are. Clearly they prefer maple as a host. Anyone know?
This is the story about a bunch of split firewood that has been laying outside our woodshed for several years. A mixture of maple, cedar and a little alder, we have been putting off getting under cover. We finally did it this weekend and we found an interesting little surprise in there.
My son, grandson and I were picking up the pieces and throwing them in the pickup when we spotted some strange looking mushrooms growing in the dark of the pile on the maple. Knowing that if we stopped for very long we'd just slip into procrastinator mode again, I just grabbed the Nikon D40 and snapped this one shot before getting back to work.
We're not big on mushrooms, so I have no idea what kind these are. Clearly they prefer maple as a host. Anyone know?
Thursday, August 28, 2008
WAY Beyond Must See
To anyone who may stumble upon this humble blog posting: if you have not seen "The Dark Knight" in an IMAX theater, please do yourself a favor and get thee to an IMAX theater before it's gone. To not do so will leave you forever chastising yourself for missing one of the most historic moments in cinematic history.
Yes. It IS THAT good!
Hey, I work at a facility with two IMAX theaters and today is the first time I had the chance to see it. My son, who had already seen it in a regular theater, joined me to see it at my work. Even he was totally blown away, and he knew what was going to happen!
The opening scenes, the scenes in Hong Kong, all the scenes where they used an IMAX camera completely fill the six-story screen at the Boeing IMAX Theater at Pacific Science Center in Seattle. I assume the same at your local IMAX theater. Combine that with the awesome surround sound system and the total environment is unreal.
Of course, all that great cinematography, IMAX, sound system and so on would be a total waste if not for the incredible acting, directing and writing that goes along with it. The storytelling is incredible. The death of Heath Ledger is even more profound now that I've seen what he did. I cannot imagine anyone trying to fill his shoes in future portrayals of The Joker.
Bottomline: go see The Dark Knight in IMAX. Even if you've already seen it. Once it's gone and relegated to DVD the magic will be long gone. It was incredible.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Dunstan Orchard
So, there I was perusing my RSS spew when I spotted an item about a cool new feature of Flickr. They now offer embeddable slide shows that can include video. Cool! Clicked the link to the Flickr blog item and what do I find? A sample slide show by a guy named Dunstan Orchard. Weird.
Well, I don't know the guy, so when I say weird it's referencing the closeness in our names. He works for Flickr, so it's no wonder he has a ton of pics on the site. You can find out more about the new slide show feature here. Here's his slide show.
This all comes not long after I heard from another Stan Orchard (no Dun), a world renowned frog expert in Victoria, BC. Sheesh! I'm feeling kinda inadequate. The Stan Orchard (no dun) to the north is helping eradicate an invasive species from Vancouver Island, while the Stan Orchard (with a Dun) to the south is helping create awesome online tools. I'm just an old Web hack in Seattle. :-(
Maybe we should start a club so I can hang out with the cool folks. At least I share their name!
Well, I don't know the guy, so when I say weird it's referencing the closeness in our names. He works for Flickr, so it's no wonder he has a ton of pics on the site. You can find out more about the new slide show feature here. Here's his slide show.
This all comes not long after I heard from another Stan Orchard (no Dun), a world renowned frog expert in Victoria, BC. Sheesh! I'm feeling kinda inadequate. The Stan Orchard (no dun) to the north is helping eradicate an invasive species from Vancouver Island, while the Stan Orchard (with a Dun) to the south is helping create awesome online tools. I'm just an old Web hack in Seattle. :-(
Maybe we should start a club so I can hang out with the cool folks. At least I share their name!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
A Day At The Pretend Beach
I just love how the old fountain at Seattle Center turns into a beach when the weather gets hot. Complete with plenty of water, seagulls, swim suits in all shapes and sizes, Frisbees flying, food, drink...just about everything you'd find at the beach except for sand. I snapped this with my iPhone on the way to my car this afternoon.
Seattle is a wacky place. The weather is rarely cold or hot. It's usually pretty mild compared to the rest of the world. We have our occasional mean storm, but for the most part it's mild. When the temperature goes to one extreme or the other we turn into weather wimps. Especially if it snows. But when it gets hot you immediately hear complaints. But then there are those places like this where we get out and enjoy it. Alki Beach, the Green River Gorge, Cedar River, Lake Washington, Sammamish...I just love it. When people are out and happy for awhile. A great mix of young and old enjoying this warm weather for a short time.
Soak it up people. Before we know it, we'll be complaining about the rain and cold again.
Seattle is a wacky place. The weather is rarely cold or hot. It's usually pretty mild compared to the rest of the world. We have our occasional mean storm, but for the most part it's mild. When the temperature goes to one extreme or the other we turn into weather wimps. Especially if it snows. But when it gets hot you immediately hear complaints. But then there are those places like this where we get out and enjoy it. Alki Beach, the Green River Gorge, Cedar River, Lake Washington, Sammamish...I just love it. When people are out and happy for awhile. A great mix of young and old enjoying this warm weather for a short time.
Soak it up people. Before we know it, we'll be complaining about the rain and cold again.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Some Help Please?
So, there I was. Sitting in the living room watching the Mariners beat Tampa Bay when all of a sudden things got golden outside. Looked out and saw we were in the midst of yet another summer downpour AND the sun was shining. So, grabbed the camera and headed for the front porch.
Thing was, I could not figure a way to do this shot justice. Didn't have time to grab the tripod and do some experimenting. The weather was changing way too quickly. Braced myself against a post and took some shots but just couldn't capture it all.
What I was seeing was everything golden. The forest that surrounds us was golden, the sky was golden, and the clouds had a golden hue. But there was actually blue sky up there along with a steady rain. The clouds were white and gray and black with the blue sky behind them. But my picture doesn't capture it all.
If anyone sees this and can offer some suggestions please do.
Thing was, I could not figure a way to do this shot justice. Didn't have time to grab the tripod and do some experimenting. The weather was changing way too quickly. Braced myself against a post and took some shots but just couldn't capture it all.
What I was seeing was everything golden. The forest that surrounds us was golden, the sky was golden, and the clouds had a golden hue. But there was actually blue sky up there along with a steady rain. The clouds were white and gray and black with the blue sky behind them. But my picture doesn't capture it all.
If anyone sees this and can offer some suggestions please do.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Ferris Wheel Sunrise
Spotted this on the way to work this morning. Walking across Seattle Center I saw the sun coming up behind the Ferris Wheel at the Fun Forest. The Mural Amphitheater is in the foreground. My iPhone wasn't able to get the top of the Space Needle in the shot from where I was standing.
Funny thing is, or sad thing depending on your point of view, the sun is actually setting on the old Fun Forest. It's slated to close forever next year or the year after. Seems folks just don't go to the old amusement park like they did when I was a kid. This was the first place we went when my friends and I were allowed to take the bus in from the south end on our own. I was 12 or 13 at the time. It seemed SO far from home.
Not sure what will replace this landmark. Hope it's something that generates as many memories for so many others.
Funny thing is, or sad thing depending on your point of view, the sun is actually setting on the old Fun Forest. It's slated to close forever next year or the year after. Seems folks just don't go to the old amusement park like they did when I was a kid. This was the first place we went when my friends and I were allowed to take the bus in from the south end on our own. I was 12 or 13 at the time. It seemed SO far from home.
Not sure what will replace this landmark. Hope it's something that generates as many memories for so many others.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Hot Dog
Finally got around to trying the new Klick app on my first-gen iPhone. Works great! Just snapped this shot of our dog, Lilly. She was keeping cool in the shade on the front porch.
What I really like about Klick is that you can view all your Flickr pics as well as your friends' and you can upload to Flickr as well. So, instead of having to always keep my photo gallery up to date, I can just open Klick and access my Flickr photostream to show off pics of my grandchildren or whatever.
I like it, though I had to uninstall it once then install again before it finally took the Flickr authorization. Hey, it's free.
What I really like about Klick is that you can view all your Flickr pics as well as your friends' and you can upload to Flickr as well. So, instead of having to always keep my photo gallery up to date, I can just open Klick and access my Flickr photostream to show off pics of my grandchildren or whatever.
I like it, though I had to uninstall it once then install again before it finally took the Flickr authorization. Hey, it's free.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
What Is This Stuff?!
So one of my co-workers brought in some new snack she and her husband found last night at little grocery in south Seattle. They had never seen this before and they don't know what it was called.
It's sorta like corn nuts that have been popped. Not as crunchy as corn nuts but not as soft as regular popcorn.
All I know is...this stuff is awesome! I could see me going through a pound in one sitting without blinking. I will be traveling to this little grocery store soon.
Does this fit on my diet? Uh...those tasty little kernels HAVE to have loads of fiber, right? There must be some redeeming value.
It's sorta like corn nuts that have been popped. Not as crunchy as corn nuts but not as soft as regular popcorn.
All I know is...this stuff is awesome! I could see me going through a pound in one sitting without blinking. I will be traveling to this little grocery store soon.
Does this fit on my diet? Uh...those tasty little kernels HAVE to have loads of fiber, right? There must be some redeeming value.
Space Needle Sunrise
I love mornings. Especially early morning when the sun is just up, when hardly anyone is around. The air seems cleaner and everything a bit fresher.
Today promises to be a scorcher in Seattle. If the temps get over 80 it's hot around here. So, being out in the city early is the best time of day when the weather heats up.
BTW...this was snapped with my first generation iPhone running the new 2.0.1 software I installed last night. Uploaded to Flickr via AirMe. Not sure, but everything seems to be running a little snappier today. Maybe it's the fresh air.
Today promises to be a scorcher in Seattle. If the temps get over 80 it's hot around here. So, being out in the city early is the best time of day when the weather heats up.
BTW...this was snapped with my first generation iPhone running the new 2.0.1 software I installed last night. Uploaded to Flickr via AirMe. Not sure, but everything seems to be running a little snappier today. Maybe it's the fresh air.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Midday Visitor
One of the reasons I enjoy telecommuting is you never know who might come visit. This furry friend and her daughter strolled by while I was sitting at my desk. Almost didn't notice her I was so intent on my work. It's always fun to watch them and the elk and even the bears that come by, though the bears get to be a bit much.
Unfortunately, while it was a pleasant diversion, their visit did nothing to get me out of my writing funk. Still stuck for some words to finish this newsletter. :-(
Unfortunately, while it was a pleasant diversion, their visit did nothing to get me out of my writing funk. Still stuck for some words to finish this newsletter. :-(
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Slide
OK, so I just discovered Slide. It's yet another site that lets your create Flash slide shows from your images. You can bring in pictures from Flickr and other sites and even post directly to Blogger, etc. Here's a slide from our recent Day Out With Thomas adventure. Nice!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Kelton And His Elk
Our grandson, Kelton is three years old now. He still loves to run out into the field when the elk are visiting, which is pretty much a daily occurrence. He doesn't seem frightened by them at all.
The first time he did this we managed just a few shots at dusk. You can see them here. Lately, he just runs out there and then off to his next three-year-old adventure. This evening it was he and his grandfather walking (running, mostly) out to get the mail and shut the gate for the night.
We moved here when Kelton's father, Jesse was just turning four, so not much older. It was the wildlife and seclusion and lack of traffic, among other things that attracted us. We're ever so happy to see Jesse and Jennifer able to raise their two kids here as well. There's something special about what has become known as The Orchard Compound in Hobart, WA.
BTW, that fenced off area is our humble pumpkin patch. We wall it off to keep the elk and other critters out of there.
The first time he did this we managed just a few shots at dusk. You can see them here. Lately, he just runs out there and then off to his next three-year-old adventure. This evening it was he and his grandfather walking (running, mostly) out to get the mail and shut the gate for the night.
We moved here when Kelton's father, Jesse was just turning four, so not much older. It was the wildlife and seclusion and lack of traffic, among other things that attracted us. We're ever so happy to see Jesse and Jennifer able to raise their two kids here as well. There's something special about what has become known as The Orchard Compound in Hobart, WA.
BTW, that fenced off area is our humble pumpkin patch. We wall it off to keep the elk and other critters out of there.
Monday, July 21, 2008
A Day Out With Thomas
The After-Bite Of Seattle
After three days of non-stop eating at Seattle Center, it's a busy day of cleaning up the mess. Seagulls and crows gorging themselves, the sound of guys with gas-powered blowers pushing the garbage into piles, and another guy with a steam-cleaner trying to get the goo off the concrete at Fisher Pavilion.
Just when I was feeling less than excited about going to work behind a desk at Pacific Science Center, I walk past these folks with one big, dirty job on their hands.
My job looks pretty good now.
BTW, this was taken with my first-gen iPhone as I walked to work across Seattle Center. Uploaded with AirMe. Works great!
Just when I was feeling less than excited about going to work behind a desk at Pacific Science Center, I walk past these folks with one big, dirty job on their hands.
My job looks pretty good now.
BTW, this was taken with my first-gen iPhone as I walked to work across Seattle Center. Uploaded with AirMe. Works great!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Foggy Needle
Summer in Seattle can mean many things. Cloudy, cool weather is always part of the deal.
As the annual Bite Of Seattle is shaping up at Seattle Center, Mother Nature dropped our hot weather and gave us a foggy, cloudy, cool Thursday, the day before thousands descend on all the elephant ears, cheese steak sandwiches, clam chowder, etc.
Here's hoping sunshine makes an appearance.
As the annual Bite Of Seattle is shaping up at Seattle Center, Mother Nature dropped our hot weather and gave us a foggy, cloudy, cool Thursday, the day before thousands descend on all the elephant ears, cheese steak sandwiches, clam chowder, etc.
Here's hoping sunshine makes an appearance.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The Irony Of Broccoli
While walking to work this morning I noticed something growing in the landscaping. This was on the west side of Seattle Children's Theater at Seattle Center, next door to Pacific Science Center where I work. It's broccoli. Probably a decorative variety, and this patch was already starting to go to seed, but it looks just like that you buy at the market. Is it edible? Not sure.
The irony is this: just out of range of this shot, off to the left was a bag lady. A woman who lives on the streets of the city. I see her frequently in and around the neighborhood, pushing her shopping cart full of treasures. This morning she was savoring a flat of wretched looking mushrooms and a few other scraps that appeared to have come from a dumpster. Yet right in front of her was fresh produce still on the vine. Weird.
The irony is this: just out of range of this shot, off to the left was a bag lady. A woman who lives on the streets of the city. I see her frequently in and around the neighborhood, pushing her shopping cart full of treasures. This morning she was savoring a flat of wretched looking mushrooms and a few other scraps that appeared to have come from a dumpster. Yet right in front of her was fresh produce still on the vine. Weird.
Monday, July 14, 2008
First AirMe Upload
UPDATE: ARGH! Just made an interesting discovery about AirMe. If you delete the photo on your iPhone it also deletes it off Flickr. Oops!
Decided to try the AirMe app installed on my old iPhone. Pretty slick. It used cell tower triangulation to locate me in Seattle and tagged the photo with the current location as well as current weather data. Nice!
This is just a shot at sunrise of the Space Needle looking through the arches here at Pacific Science Center. I then walked back to my desk and added a new title and description. But if I had been out all day with, say the family or friends AirMe would be kinda cool for keeping a running photo diary of what we were up to. Would be great for coverage of events.
Impressive.
Decided to try the AirMe app installed on my old iPhone. Pretty slick. It used cell tower triangulation to locate me in Seattle and tagged the photo with the current location as well as current weather data. Nice!
This is just a shot at sunrise of the Space Needle looking through the arches here at Pacific Science Center. I then walked back to my desk and added a new title and description. But if I had been out all day with, say the family or friends AirMe would be kinda cool for keeping a running photo diary of what we were up to. Would be great for coverage of events.
Impressive.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
MobileMe Ready To Go
Sitting here working on some things when all of a sudden Apple sent me a message.
I tried and tried to get my old .Mac account to work over the past couple of days to no avail. A number of blowhards...er, tech bloggers have been chronicling the failure of the new service. But it looks like things might be resolved.
I remember signing on to .Mac when it first came out. remember that? It was free at the time and the stanorchard@mac.com address was cool. Frankly, I think mac.com is cooler than me.com. But me.com is one character shorter so that's a good thing.
Just tried the Web interface and it works now and looks pretty good. That part is an improvement over the old .Mac Web interface. But frankly, I never used it much. I use the OS X mail app and iCal. But maybe now I'll change. Change is good. usually.
I tried and tried to get my old .Mac account to work over the past couple of days to no avail. A number of blowhards...er, tech bloggers have been chronicling the failure of the new service. But it looks like things might be resolved.
I remember signing on to .Mac when it first came out. remember that? It was free at the time and the stanorchard@mac.com address was cool. Frankly, I think mac.com is cooler than me.com. But me.com is one character shorter so that's a good thing.
Just tried the Web interface and it works now and looks pretty good. That part is an improvement over the old .Mac Web interface. But frankly, I never used it much. I use the OS X mail app and iCal. But maybe now I'll change. Change is good. usually.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)