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.