Saturday July 28, 2007
We started the day with a 9:30AM departure to meet Tom and Kendra at I-90 Marine in Issaquah. He was there to pick up his boat, which was having an oil leak fixed. We arrived before the shop opened, so I turned Andrew loose on the exhibit boats out front. He eagerly explored the ins and outs of a beautiful catamaran fishing boat. He especially liked the sunken toilet buried deep in the hull in the living quarters.
Finally the shop opened and Tom went in to pay for the work. An employee pulled his boat around front and we hooked it to the Denali. On the way out of town, we grabbed a bite to eat, then headed south for Chehalis.
Tom, Lanna, and the girls had a reunion to attend and we had plans to check out the Chehalis Fly-In and Chehalis Days at the fairgrounds. Based on what we saw driving in (not much activity at the airport) and what Lanna said (Cat show at the fairgrounds), I was considering a change of plan. Considering our proximity and the fact that the Haksch's had not seen Mt. St. Helens from Johnston's Ridge, I suggested Mt. St. Helens. Everyone seemed to like the idea, so Tom gave us directions that met our two requirements: 1) shortcut to the mountain and 2) with a mom & pop burger joint along the way. He pointed us to Toledo and we were on our way.
After lunch, we followed the route all the way to Johnston's Ridge. We dropped George off at the front and found a place to park. It was an hour before closing, so we were in a bit of a hurry. When we arrived at the front door, George already had our passes, so we walked right in. The movie was starting in five minutes, so we hurried to the end of the line. The doors opened and we entered the dark theater and found some seats. As we waited, Andrew started to get anxious. "Will it be loud?" was his primary concern. As the lights dimmed and the movie started, Andrew's anxiety continued to build. He seemed very concerned for our safety as we watched the mountain explode and the trees get shattered on the screen. Finally, the movie ended and the crowd of tourists gasped at the next sight - which I won't reveal here. You know what I mean if you've been here before.
The next stop was the large mountain model display. Andrew was fascinated by the lights. We walked around the model to see the mud flows and blow-down zones more clearly. Andrew's anxiety level was near normal again, but he still was a little concerned. I showed him our location on the map and told him that the landslide went through Spirit lake and right up and over the ridge, as depicted by the colored lights on the model. This lead to a game of, "Am I safe here?". He would pick a spot and we'd try to determine what, if anything, would get us if we were there during the eruption.
Outside, a ranger was giving a presentation, but Andrew wanted to walk. Andrew's definition of "walking" is Daddy carries him up hills and he runs down hills. When I ask him to walk up hills, I usually get, "I'm too tired" face down on the ground response. I've been trying to prepare him for the day when he becomes too big and heavy for Daddy to carry anymore. Although I love to see him grow, I'm not looking forward to that day.
At 6:00PM, the building closed and we headed back down the road to Coldwater Lake. As is generally the case, the cloud that was blocking the crater vanished once we left the ridge. We hurried back to a good viewpoint, but the cloud magically reappeared by the time we arrived. Such is life in the mountains.
On the way home, the question of dinner was raised. I threw out a couple suggestions, including places in Centralia and Olympia. Hunger and time-to-reach-the-restaurant ruled and Country Cousins was selected.
After a fine dinner we were back on the road. We finally pulled into the driveway at 11:30PM, completing our 14 hour Southwest adventure.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Chehalis Fly-In
Friday July 27, 2007
The Chehalis Fly-In stared Friday night with a barbecue cookout. I borrowed a Cessna 172 and flew from to Renton to Chehalis after work with George and Andrew. The flight down was mostly uneventful, with the exception of Andrew repeatedly giving me the thumbs down indication. I occasionally look back and ask how he's doing and he gives me a thumbs up or down, depending on how he feels. I was not expecting to get a thumbs down. I tried to figure out what was wrong, but flying a plane in busy airspace is pretty close to a full time responsibility. Each time I asked, I got the thumbs down and an upset - but inaudible - complaint. Then I noticed he was pointing at something in the front of the plane. I finally realized that he wanted to look at the map! I gave him the map and he was thumbs up the rest of the trip.
We met Tom's family at the airport and headed for the food. We made a contribution to the Washington Pilot's Association and ate burger patties and potato salad - they were out of hamburger buns.
After a short visit we were on our way back to Renton. I decided to return by a different route; both for variety and to allow George to get a closer view of Mt. Rainier. Once again, I got the thumbs down from Andrew shortly after take off. Turned out that he was upset because he didn't know what to do with the cookie bar wrapper! I took it from him and he was fine. While passing south of McChord Air Force Base, we overflew two huge C-17 cargo planes that were approaching the base. We arrived safely in Renton at sunset.
The Chehalis Fly-In stared Friday night with a barbecue cookout. I borrowed a Cessna 172 and flew from to Renton to Chehalis after work with George and Andrew. The flight down was mostly uneventful, with the exception of Andrew repeatedly giving me the thumbs down indication. I occasionally look back and ask how he's doing and he gives me a thumbs up or down, depending on how he feels. I was not expecting to get a thumbs down. I tried to figure out what was wrong, but flying a plane in busy airspace is pretty close to a full time responsibility. Each time I asked, I got the thumbs down and an upset - but inaudible - complaint. Then I noticed he was pointing at something in the front of the plane. I finally realized that he wanted to look at the map! I gave him the map and he was thumbs up the rest of the trip.
We met Tom's family at the airport and headed for the food. We made a contribution to the Washington Pilot's Association and ate burger patties and potato salad - they were out of hamburger buns.
After a short visit we were on our way back to Renton. I decided to return by a different route; both for variety and to allow George to get a closer view of Mt. Rainier. Once again, I got the thumbs down from Andrew shortly after take off. Turned out that he was upset because he didn't know what to do with the cookie bar wrapper! I took it from him and he was fine. While passing south of McChord Air Force Base, we overflew two huge C-17 cargo planes that were approaching the base. We arrived safely in Renton at sunset.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Andrew's New Toy
Monday July 23, 2007
As part of Andrew's potty practice incentive program, he can earn a point each time he sits on the potty. After 20 points, he can choose a new toy. Usually his choices include items for his wooden train set - switches, turns, engines, cars, etc. Tonight was different, though. This time he got a gift from his Nagymama - a Little Tikes garbage truck!
I know, a garbage truck - what's the big deal? Andrew has been somewhat fascinated by the garbage and recycle trucks that visit our neighborhood every week. Then, a few weeks ago we hauled some old stuff to the local transfer station, which we called the 'dump'. I let Andrew shove old stuff through the opening in the wall and into the pit as a large front loader scooped and piled it in a massive pile at the end of the building. Andrew talked about this for days!
After seeing the truck, all thoughts of bedtime evaporated. I showed him how to load and unload it and he proceeded to start collecting garbage (various small toys in the living room) and dumping it at the dump (pile next to the couch). This process repeated, with each collection being further away (in the hall, then off his shelf in his bedroom).
Finally we had to tell him it was bedtime. He parked his truck in our bathroom, read stories, and went to bed. The next morning, he came into our room and climbed on the bed. He asked me if it was time to get up and if I wanted to play with him and his new garbage truck. :)
As part of Andrew's potty practice incentive program, he can earn a point each time he sits on the potty. After 20 points, he can choose a new toy. Usually his choices include items for his wooden train set - switches, turns, engines, cars, etc. Tonight was different, though. This time he got a gift from his Nagymama - a Little Tikes garbage truck!
I know, a garbage truck - what's the big deal? Andrew has been somewhat fascinated by the garbage and recycle trucks that visit our neighborhood every week. Then, a few weeks ago we hauled some old stuff to the local transfer station, which we called the 'dump'. I let Andrew shove old stuff through the opening in the wall and into the pit as a large front loader scooped and piled it in a massive pile at the end of the building. Andrew talked about this for days!
After seeing the truck, all thoughts of bedtime evaporated. I showed him how to load and unload it and he proceeded to start collecting garbage (various small toys in the living room) and dumping it at the dump (pile next to the couch). This process repeated, with each collection being further away (in the hall, then off his shelf in his bedroom).
Finally we had to tell him it was bedtime. He parked his truck in our bathroom, read stories, and went to bed. The next morning, he came into our room and climbed on the bed. He asked me if it was time to get up and if I wanted to play with him and his new garbage truck. :)
Susan's Parents Arrive
Saturday July 21, 2007
Alaska Flight 3 arrived in Seattle about an hour late from Washington, D.C. On board were Susan's parents - George and Noemi. They will be staying with us for nearly a month!
Alaska Flight 3 arrived in Seattle about an hour late from Washington, D.C. On board were Susan's parents - George and Noemi. They will be staying with us for nearly a month!
Day Out With Thomas - 2007
Saturday July 21, 2007
Once again, Thomas the Tank Engine has returned to the Northwest. With much excitement and anticipation, we drove to Snoqualmie bright and early for our scheduled 9:45AM ride behind Thomas. We arrived at 8:45 and people were already waiting to board the 9:00 ride. Andrew and I explored the museum while Susan claimed the number two spot in line for the 9:45 ride. Inside the museum, we found a Lego train set model of Sodor Island, an HO scale layout with Thomas and Friends running about, an operating air horn system, and a bookstore full of train-related books, toys, and shirts. Outside the museum, we walked past a half dozen food vendors preparing for the lunch crowd and into a tent full of Thomas paraphernalia.
Before long Thomas returned from his first trip of the day. Andrew and I rejoined Susan in line and watched the passengers unload. Soon it was time to start boarding the train. After last years' poor seating choice, we knew exactly where we wanted to sit - thus explaining why Susan was standing in line so early. We went straight to car three and claimed three wicker seats next to a large opening in the side of a passenger/mail car - Perfect!
At 9:45 we were on our way to Snoqualmie Falls. I moved back from the gate that protects the opening and let two kids stand in front of me as we puffed along down the track. We puffed past the collection of old steam engines and boxcars and over the road crossing, then past the old station and hydro-electric building, and finally to the top of the Falls. Andrew and I walked to the end of the train and looked at the back of Thomas, then back through the train to see the river valley some 200 feet below.
All too soon, Thomas surged forward and we headed back to Snoqualmie. With the highlight complete, we searched for other things to entertain ourselves. Andrew climbed into the cabin of the museum steam engine and "drove" the train for awhile, then we moved along and rode the Speeder down the track. Finally, Andrew played in the Bouncer. By this time, I was feeling pretty hungry, so we crossed the street to the Snoqualmie Falls Candy Factory and had "Grinders", chips, and Tator Tots. We all shared an Orange Creamcicle Italian Soda, for dessert. Another nice day out with Thomas, but this time it was much more enjoyable.
Once again, Thomas the Tank Engine has returned to the Northwest. With much excitement and anticipation, we drove to Snoqualmie bright and early for our scheduled 9:45AM ride behind Thomas. We arrived at 8:45 and people were already waiting to board the 9:00 ride. Andrew and I explored the museum while Susan claimed the number two spot in line for the 9:45 ride. Inside the museum, we found a Lego train set model of Sodor Island, an HO scale layout with Thomas and Friends running about, an operating air horn system, and a bookstore full of train-related books, toys, and shirts. Outside the museum, we walked past a half dozen food vendors preparing for the lunch crowd and into a tent full of Thomas paraphernalia.
Before long Thomas returned from his first trip of the day. Andrew and I rejoined Susan in line and watched the passengers unload. Soon it was time to start boarding the train. After last years' poor seating choice, we knew exactly where we wanted to sit - thus explaining why Susan was standing in line so early. We went straight to car three and claimed three wicker seats next to a large opening in the side of a passenger/mail car - Perfect!
At 9:45 we were on our way to Snoqualmie Falls. I moved back from the gate that protects the opening and let two kids stand in front of me as we puffed along down the track. We puffed past the collection of old steam engines and boxcars and over the road crossing, then past the old station and hydro-electric building, and finally to the top of the Falls. Andrew and I walked to the end of the train and looked at the back of Thomas, then back through the train to see the river valley some 200 feet below.
All too soon, Thomas surged forward and we headed back to Snoqualmie. With the highlight complete, we searched for other things to entertain ourselves. Andrew climbed into the cabin of the museum steam engine and "drove" the train for awhile, then we moved along and rode the Speeder down the track. Finally, Andrew played in the Bouncer. By this time, I was feeling pretty hungry, so we crossed the street to the Snoqualmie Falls Candy Factory and had "Grinders", chips, and Tator Tots. We all shared an Orange Creamcicle Italian Soda, for dessert. Another nice day out with Thomas, but this time it was much more enjoyable.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Chelan Fly-In
Today, Andrew and I flew with Todd from Renton, WA to Chelan, WA, in Todd's Cessna 182. The day started earlier than usual for a Saturday. My alarm went off at 5:50 and I was ready to go by 6:30. Todd called and said the trip was on. Susan packed Andrew's clothes and vitamins and we were off to Renton. On the way, I remembered that I needed some cash, so I started looking for an ATM. We drove past a grocery store at 7:10 that looked open and pulled in. The clerk out front told me that the store opened at 8:00, but if I was using a debit card, he'd let me in. Perfect! We went in and bought an orange juice and requested $20 cash back. Oops, the teller had no cash yet. He told someone else he needed $20 and the manager stepped up and pulled a $20 bill from his pocket and handed it to me. Excellent.
Ten minutes later, we were at the airport. I squeezed Andrew's car seat into the plane as Todd wrapped up the pre-flight. We were in the air by 7:50. The flight over the mountains was uneventful. As we cleared the eastern slopes, we turned north towards Wenatchee, and then towards Chelan. We first saw the airport from 11,000 feet and 20 miles. Todd began the long descent down to the airport (1,200 feet MSL). While descending, I shot video of the surroundings. Then I spotted a biplane flying back and forth close to the ground. I then realized that the plane was not only flying extremely low, it was flying under the power lines! Unbelievable!
On the ground in Chelan, we followed a man wearing a bright orange vest and riding a bicycle to our parking space. The flight time was about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The turnout was pretty impressive. The star attraction was Miss Veedol; a world famous airplane that was flown across the Pacific Ocean in 1931. The other attraction was the pancake breakfast. We headed directly to the end of the line to wait our turn.
After eating, we toured the airport grounds. There were plenty of airplanes to look at. Andrew found some rocks to play with and was very interested in the taxiway marker reflectors.
By noon, the temperature was beginning to be unbearable, so we headed back to the parking spot. Two guys helped us push the plane across the soft grass, then we were on our way. While climbing, I asked Todd to circle over the town of Chelan as I shot some more video. The return trip was again uneventful and Andrew slept most of the way. The only things that would improve the fly-in are: 1) Have it in May instead of June, and 2) Provide free transportation into town (about two miles away).
Ten minutes later, we were at the airport. I squeezed Andrew's car seat into the plane as Todd wrapped up the pre-flight. We were in the air by 7:50. The flight over the mountains was uneventful. As we cleared the eastern slopes, we turned north towards Wenatchee, and then towards Chelan. We first saw the airport from 11,000 feet and 20 miles. Todd began the long descent down to the airport (1,200 feet MSL). While descending, I shot video of the surroundings. Then I spotted a biplane flying back and forth close to the ground. I then realized that the plane was not only flying extremely low, it was flying under the power lines! Unbelievable!
On the ground in Chelan, we followed a man wearing a bright orange vest and riding a bicycle to our parking space. The flight time was about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The turnout was pretty impressive. The star attraction was Miss Veedol; a world famous airplane that was flown across the Pacific Ocean in 1931. The other attraction was the pancake breakfast. We headed directly to the end of the line to wait our turn.
After eating, we toured the airport grounds. There were plenty of airplanes to look at. Andrew found some rocks to play with and was very interested in the taxiway marker reflectors.
By noon, the temperature was beginning to be unbearable, so we headed back to the parking spot. Two guys helped us push the plane across the soft grass, then we were on our way. While climbing, I asked Todd to circle over the town of Chelan as I shot some more video. The return trip was again uneventful and Andrew slept most of the way. The only things that would improve the fly-in are: 1) Have it in May instead of June, and 2) Provide free transportation into town (about two miles away).
Monday, May 28, 2007
The Empire Builder
Today we drove east on U.S. Highway 2 to the town of Skykomish. Our mission was to catch the Amtrak Empire Builder crossing the Foss Creek bridge. The first thing we did was verify that we were ahead of the train. This was easy, since the road follows the tracks from Everett eastward.
The next thing we did was find the bridge. It is about a mile back on Foss Creek Road. The bridge marks the midpoint of a horseshoe curve in the valley. Unfortunately, it is not possible to see the horseshoe due to the thick forest.
The final thing we did was pick a good spot to watch the train go by. The bridge crosses the creek, road, and valley at a height of at least 50 feet above the road. We climbed the embankment from the road up to the bridge and found a reasonably comfortable spot to sit, then waited.
Eventually, we heard the sound of metal wheels rubbing rails. The sound slowly grew until we felt the train was right on top of us. As it turns out it was. A BNSF freight train passed us from the opposite direction. What a surprise!
After it passed, we crossed the tracks and found a better spot to watch. A few minutes passed, then the squeal of rubbing metal could be heard in the distance. The rumble of the engines followed shortly thereafter. As the train approached and came onto the opposite side of the bridge, the engineer gave us a short blast from the air horn. As quickly as it appeared, it was gone into the woods and out of the valley.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Potty Practice Points System
Susan has developed a points/rewards system for Andrew's time spent in potty practice. She has a white board on the refrigerator with the days of the week and points for each time Andrew practices using the potty. After 20 points, he gets a new toy.
This morning, Andrew woke us at 5:50AM. He was very upset. I asked him what was wrong and he pointed to his diaper. I asked if he had poo, and he said yes. I removed his diaper and found no poo. I asked if he wanted to sit on the potty. He thought about it for a second and then hopped on. He then began describing the details of the points system and told me he wanted a new toy. After he finished, I gave him a new diaper and he lead me to the refrigerator so he could put another checkmark on the board. This system just might work. :)
This morning, Andrew woke us at 5:50AM. He was very upset. I asked him what was wrong and he pointed to his diaper. I asked if he had poo, and he said yes. I removed his diaper and found no poo. I asked if he wanted to sit on the potty. He thought about it for a second and then hopped on. He then began describing the details of the points system and told me he wanted a new toy. After he finished, I gave him a new diaper and he lead me to the refrigerator so he could put another checkmark on the board. This system just might work. :)
Sunday, February 18, 2007
World's Greatest Hobby, On Tour
The World's Greatest Hobby is once again on tour and this weekend the tour stopped at the Portland Metropolitan Expo Center in Portland, OR. No doubt you are thinking, "What is the World's Greatest Hobby?" Well, here's what they have to say about themselves:
The World's Greatest Hobby on Tour is a new kind of event which showcases the hobby of model railroading. Sponsored by the Model Railroad Industry Association, and also by the World's Greatest Hobby program, the show is intended to introduce the public to model railroading in an entertaining, lively, and family-friendly atmosphere. The show hopes to create new train enthusiasts by exposing the public to the very best model railroading has to offer. The hobby of model railroading has a unique ability to bring the family together in activities that teach many skills. Model railroading skills span from carpentry to artistry, from electrical engineering to historical research. Model railroading truly is the World's Greatest Hobby.
We got up bright and early, got ready, ate, packed a lunch, and were on the highway by 9:00, which is about is good as it gets when you take into account the delays that a 3 year old inevitably creates. By the time we were passing Sea-Tac Mall, Andrew was already asleep in his car seat. We called my brother and wished him a happy birthday and see what he was up to. He was being treated to breakfast at the local Chevron gas station. Yes, gas station. He says the food is pretty good there. We asked if the girls wanted to join us on our trip and Kerissa said yes. We jumped off the interstate in Chehalis, grabbed Kerissa and a Pepsi, and were back on the road. At the next road side rest, we broke out the cooler and made sandwiches. As we passed through Vancouver, WA, traffic ground to a halt on the Columbia River bridge. We inched along for a half mile before realizing that the wide open lane to our right was actually the exit to the Expo Center. Cool!
The Expo Center is actually four large building sitting next to each other and the parking lot was packed! We drove around the back, paid for parking, then began the long hike to the train show - which just happened to be in the building at the opposite corner of the lot. No problem; the sun was shining and it was 60 degrees outside. This convention hall was enormous. All the big names in model railroading were represented, but I was instantly drawn to the Woodland Scenics display. Here, the demo guy was applying stains to a white piece of plaster shaped like a rock. There was absolutely nothing artistic in his application. He just dumped on a little bit of yellow and orange stain and let it run down the rock. Then he dumped on some black stuff and let it run down the rock. As this dried, he sprayed on something and started sprinkling "grass" onto the surrounding hill from a big shaker can. Then he grabbed a glue bottle and shot three lines of glue in various spots around the rock and squished some "bush" texture stuff into the glue. In the timespan of less than two minutes, the while rock and hill sculpture miraculously transformed into a totally believable scale rock outcropping. Wow!
Further in, we found the Thomas toys spread out on the floor. Andrew did not need to be asked twice if he wanted to play. He dove into the fray and forgot we were even there. Meanwhile, I set my timer for 10 minutes and went on a quick exploration of the rest of the show floor. Unfortunately, I was disappointed, or at least underwhelmed, by what I saw. After seeing how fabulous the Woodland Scenics scenery looks, everything else looked like it was straight out of the 70's - very two dimensional and dull. Maybe that's the look they were aiming for, but it just doesn't grab my attention like the three dimensional world of foam and plaster. Eventually, we convinced Andrew that it was time to move on so we walked along a few more displays. That's when we discovered Andrew's favorite display. This layout included two tracks running very large G Scale trains (1 inch = 2 feet, or a 60 foot long locomotive that is 30 inches long). Andrew scooted right up to the rope and stood in awe as the Union Pacific intermodal train rolled by, again and again and again. I think he may have just lost interest in my tiny N scale trains.
After the show, we jumped onto the Max train and rode it into Portland to grab something to eat. The ride was nice, but a little crowded. We had to stand most of the trip. In Portland, we went into Pioneer Mall, rode the escalators, ate burritos, then jumped back on the north bound train. Back at the Expo Center, we jumped into the Honda and raced the sun back to Chehalis - we lost. We finally made it home at 11:50 PM. What a long fun day that was.
The World's Greatest Hobby on Tour is a new kind of event which showcases the hobby of model railroading. Sponsored by the Model Railroad Industry Association, and also by the World's Greatest Hobby program, the show is intended to introduce the public to model railroading in an entertaining, lively, and family-friendly atmosphere. The show hopes to create new train enthusiasts by exposing the public to the very best model railroading has to offer. The hobby of model railroading has a unique ability to bring the family together in activities that teach many skills. Model railroading skills span from carpentry to artistry, from electrical engineering to historical research. Model railroading truly is the World's Greatest Hobby.
We got up bright and early, got ready, ate, packed a lunch, and were on the highway by 9:00, which is about is good as it gets when you take into account the delays that a 3 year old inevitably creates. By the time we were passing Sea-Tac Mall, Andrew was already asleep in his car seat. We called my brother and wished him a happy birthday and see what he was up to. He was being treated to breakfast at the local Chevron gas station. Yes, gas station. He says the food is pretty good there. We asked if the girls wanted to join us on our trip and Kerissa said yes. We jumped off the interstate in Chehalis, grabbed Kerissa and a Pepsi, and were back on the road. At the next road side rest, we broke out the cooler and made sandwiches. As we passed through Vancouver, WA, traffic ground to a halt on the Columbia River bridge. We inched along for a half mile before realizing that the wide open lane to our right was actually the exit to the Expo Center. Cool!
The Expo Center is actually four large building sitting next to each other and the parking lot was packed! We drove around the back, paid for parking, then began the long hike to the train show - which just happened to be in the building at the opposite corner of the lot. No problem; the sun was shining and it was 60 degrees outside. This convention hall was enormous. All the big names in model railroading were represented, but I was instantly drawn to the Woodland Scenics display. Here, the demo guy was applying stains to a white piece of plaster shaped like a rock. There was absolutely nothing artistic in his application. He just dumped on a little bit of yellow and orange stain and let it run down the rock. Then he dumped on some black stuff and let it run down the rock. As this dried, he sprayed on something and started sprinkling "grass" onto the surrounding hill from a big shaker can. Then he grabbed a glue bottle and shot three lines of glue in various spots around the rock and squished some "bush" texture stuff into the glue. In the timespan of less than two minutes, the while rock and hill sculpture miraculously transformed into a totally believable scale rock outcropping. Wow!
Further in, we found the Thomas toys spread out on the floor. Andrew did not need to be asked twice if he wanted to play. He dove into the fray and forgot we were even there. Meanwhile, I set my timer for 10 minutes and went on a quick exploration of the rest of the show floor. Unfortunately, I was disappointed, or at least underwhelmed, by what I saw. After seeing how fabulous the Woodland Scenics scenery looks, everything else looked like it was straight out of the 70's - very two dimensional and dull. Maybe that's the look they were aiming for, but it just doesn't grab my attention like the three dimensional world of foam and plaster. Eventually, we convinced Andrew that it was time to move on so we walked along a few more displays. That's when we discovered Andrew's favorite display. This layout included two tracks running very large G Scale trains (1 inch = 2 feet, or a 60 foot long locomotive that is 30 inches long). Andrew scooted right up to the rope and stood in awe as the Union Pacific intermodal train rolled by, again and again and again. I think he may have just lost interest in my tiny N scale trains.
After the show, we jumped onto the Max train and rode it into Portland to grab something to eat. The ride was nice, but a little crowded. We had to stand most of the trip. In Portland, we went into Pioneer Mall, rode the escalators, ate burritos, then jumped back on the north bound train. Back at the Expo Center, we jumped into the Honda and raced the sun back to Chehalis - we lost. We finally made it home at 11:50 PM. What a long fun day that was.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Too much snow?
Here's an interesting take on snow that I found on the Internet. And by the way, it hasn't snowed here enough (yet) to make me feel this way...
Diary of a Snow Shoveler
Diary of a Snow Shoveler
December 8: 6:00 PM. It started to snow. The first snow of the season and the wife and I took our cocktails and sat for hours by the window watching the huge soft flakes drift down from heaven. It looked like a Grandma Moses Print. So romantic we felt like newlyweds again. I love snow!
December 9: We woke to a beautiful blanket of crystal white snow covering every inch of the landscape. What a fantastic sight! Can there be a more lovely place in the Whole World? Moving here was the best idea I've ever had. Shoveled for the first time in years, felt like a boy again. I did both our driveway and the sidewalks. This afternoon the snowplow came along and covered up the sidewalks and closed in the driveway, so I got to shovel again. What a perfect life.
December 12: The sun has melted all our lovely snow. Such a disappointment. My neighbor tells me not to worry, we'll definitely have a white Christmas. No snow on Christmas would be awful! Bob says we'll have so much snow by the end of winter, that I'll never want to see snow again. I don't think that's possible. Bob is such a nice man, I'm glad he's our neighbor.
December 14: Snow, lovely snow! 8" last night. The temperature dropped to -20. The cold makes everything sparkle so. The wind took my breath away, but I warmed up by shoveling the driveway and sidewalks. This is the life! The snowplow came back this afternoon and buried everything again. I didn't realize I would have to do quite this much shoveling, but I'll certainly get back in shape this way. I wish I wouldn't huff and puff so.
December 15: 20 inches forecast. Sold my van and bought a 4x4 Blazer. Bought snow tires for the wife's car and two extra shovels. Stocked the freezer. The wife wants a wood stove in case the electricity goes out. I think that's silly. We aren't in Alaska , after all.
December 16: Ice storm this morning. Fell on my a_s on the ice in the driveway putting down salt. Hurt like h__l. The wife laughed for an hour, which I think was very cruel.
December 17: Still way below freezing. Roads are too icy to go anywhere. Electricity was off for five hours. I had to pile the blankets on to stay warm. Nothing to do but stare at the wife and try not to irritate her. Guess I should've bought a wood stove, but won't admit it to her. God I hate it when she's right. I can't believe I'm freezing to death in my own living room.
December 20: Electricity's back on, but had another 14" of the d__n stuff last night. More shoveling. Took all day. G_____n snowplow came by twice. Tried to find a neighbor kid to shovel, but they said they're too busy playing hockey. I think they're lying. Called the only hardware store around to see about buying a snow blower, and they're out. Might have another shipment in March. I think they're lying. Bob says I have to shovel or the city will have it done and bill me. I think he's lying.
December 22: Bob was right about a white Christmas, because 13 more inches of the white s__t fell today, and it's so cold it probably won't melt 'til August. Took me 45 minutes to get all dressed up to go out to shovel, and then I had to piss. By the time I got undressed, pissed and dressed again, I was too tired to shovel! Tried to hire Bob, who has a plow on his truck, for the rest of the winter; but he says he's too busy. I think the a__hole is lying.
December 23: Only 2" of snow today, and it warmed up to "0". The wife wanted me to decorate the front of the house this morning. What, is she nuts!!! Why didn't she tell me to do that a month ago? She says she did, but I think she's lying.
December 24: 6". Snow packed so hard by snowplow, I broke the shovel. Thought I was having a heart attack. If I ever catch the son-of-a-b___h who drives that snowplow, I'll drag him through the snow by his balls and beat him to death with my broken shovel. I know he hides around the corner and waits for me to finish shoveling and then he comes down the street at a 100 miles an hour and throws snow all over everywhere I've just been! Tonight the wife wanted me to sing Christmas carols with her and open our presents, but I was too busy watching for the G_dd__n snowplow.
December 25: Merry F!=3D@x@!x!x1 Christmas. 20 more inches of the !=3D@x@!x!x1 slop tonight. Snowed in. The idea of shoveling makes my blood boil. God, I hate the snow! Then the snowplow driver came by asking for a donation and I hit him over the head with my shovel. The wife says I have a bad attitude. I think she's a fricking idiot. If I have to watch "It's a Wonderful Life" one more time, I'm going to stuff her into the microwave.
December 26: Still snowed in. Why the h__l did I ever move here? It was all HER idea. She's really getting on my nerves.
December 27: Temperature dropped to -30, and the pipes froze. Plumber came after 14 hours of waiting for him; he only charged me $1,400 to replace all my pipes.
December 28: Warmed up to above -50. Still snowed in. The B___H is driving me crazy!!!!!
December 29: 10 more inches. Bob says I have to shovel the roof or it could cave in. That's the silliest thing I ever heard. How dumb does he think I am?
December 30: Roof caved in. I beat up the snow plow driver. He is now suing me for a million dollars; not for only the beating I gave him, but also for trying to shove the broken snow shovel up his a_s. The wife went home to her mother. 9" predicted.
December 31: I set fire to what's left of the house. No more shoveling.
January 8: Feel so good. I just love those little white pills they keep giving me. Why am I tied to the bed?
December 9: We woke to a beautiful blanket of crystal white snow covering every inch of the landscape. What a fantastic sight! Can there be a more lovely place in the Whole World? Moving here was the best idea I've ever had. Shoveled for the first time in years, felt like a boy again. I did both our driveway and the sidewalks. This afternoon the snowplow came along and covered up the sidewalks and closed in the driveway, so I got to shovel again. What a perfect life.
December 12: The sun has melted all our lovely snow. Such a disappointment. My neighbor tells me not to worry, we'll definitely have a white Christmas. No snow on Christmas would be awful! Bob says we'll have so much snow by the end of winter, that I'll never want to see snow again. I don't think that's possible. Bob is such a nice man, I'm glad he's our neighbor.
December 14: Snow, lovely snow! 8" last night. The temperature dropped to -20. The cold makes everything sparkle so. The wind took my breath away, but I warmed up by shoveling the driveway and sidewalks. This is the life! The snowplow came back this afternoon and buried everything again. I didn't realize I would have to do quite this much shoveling, but I'll certainly get back in shape this way. I wish I wouldn't huff and puff so.
December 15: 20 inches forecast. Sold my van and bought a 4x4 Blazer. Bought snow tires for the wife's car and two extra shovels. Stocked the freezer. The wife wants a wood stove in case the electricity goes out. I think that's silly. We aren't in Alaska , after all.
December 16: Ice storm this morning. Fell on my a_s on the ice in the driveway putting down salt. Hurt like h__l. The wife laughed for an hour, which I think was very cruel.
December 17: Still way below freezing. Roads are too icy to go anywhere. Electricity was off for five hours. I had to pile the blankets on to stay warm. Nothing to do but stare at the wife and try not to irritate her. Guess I should've bought a wood stove, but won't admit it to her. God I hate it when she's right. I can't believe I'm freezing to death in my own living room.
December 20: Electricity'
December 22: Bob was right about a white Christmas, because 13 more inches of the white s__t fell today, and it's so cold it probably won't melt 'til August. Took me 45 minutes to get all dressed up to go out to shovel, and then I had to piss. By the time I got undressed, pissed and dressed again, I was too tired to shovel! Tried to hire Bob, who has a plow on his truck, for the rest of the winter; but he says he's too busy. I think the a__hole is lying.
December 23: Only 2" of snow today, and it warmed up to "0". The wife wanted me to decorate the front of the house this morning. What, is she nuts!!! Why didn't she tell me to do that a month ago? She says she did, but I think she's lying.
December 24: 6". Snow packed so hard by snowplow, I broke the shovel. Thought I was having a heart attack. If I ever catch the son-of-a-b___h who drives that snowplow, I'll drag him through the snow by his balls and beat him to death with my broken shovel. I know he hides around the corner and waits for me to finish shoveling and then he comes down the street at a 100 miles an hour and throws snow all over everywhere I've just been! Tonight the wife wanted me to sing Christmas carols with her and open our presents, but I was too busy watching for the G_dd__n snowplow.
December 25: Merry F!=3D@x@!x!x1 Christmas. 20 more inches of the !=3D@x@!x!x1 slop tonight. Snowed in. The idea of shoveling makes my blood boil. God, I hate the snow! Then the snowplow driver came by asking for a donation and I hit him over the head with my shovel. The wife says I have a bad attitude. I think she's a fricking idiot. If I have to watch "It's a Wonderful Life" one more time, I'm going to stuff her into the microwave.
December 26: Still snowed in. Why the h__l did I ever move here? It was all HER idea. She's really getting on my nerves.
December 27: Temperature dropped to -30, and the pipes froze. Plumber came after 14 hours of waiting for him; he only charged me $1,400 to replace all my pipes.
December 28: Warmed up to above -50. Still snowed in. The B___H is driving me crazy!!!!!
December 29: 10 more inches. Bob says I have to shovel the roof or it could cave in. That's the silliest thing I ever heard. How dumb does he think I am?
December 30: Roof caved in. I beat up the snow plow driver. He is now suing me for a million dollars; not for only the beating I gave him, but also for trying to shove the broken snow shovel up his a_s. The wife went home to her mother. 9" predicted.
December 31: I set fire to what's left of the house. No more shoveling.
January 8: Feel so good. I just love those little white pills they keep giving me. Why am I tied to the bed?
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
33rd Pacific Science Center Model Railroad Show
Monday January 15 was a holiday for me, so we decided to go to the Pacific Science Center to see the trains. This was our first visit to the to Science Center. There was a line out the door and it was 29 degrees outside; brrrr. When we finally made it inside, we came to two exhibits. The third floor had some more exhibits. Then we headed to the other buildings to see the rest. Meanwhile, Andrew found the tots area and had a nice time playing in the water and in the "headache" room - a room filled with percusion instruments and other noise makers.
On the way out, we passed the frozen pond. The ice was broken on the edges, so I bent down and picked up a few chunks of ice to show Andrew. He thought that was pretty cool.
Back in the car, we headed down the road in search of Seattle's Train Center. We couldn't find it, so we went over to the Ballard Locks to see the railroad drawbridge. Unfortunately, there were no trains coming. We left after a few minutes and went back to searching for the train store. This time, we used the phone book and a map and found it. Andrew loved it. He didn't want to leave!
On the way out, we passed the frozen pond. The ice was broken on the edges, so I bent down and picked up a few chunks of ice to show Andrew. He thought that was pretty cool.
Back in the car, we headed down the road in search of Seattle's Train Center. We couldn't find it, so we went over to the Ballard Locks to see the railroad drawbridge. Unfortunately, there were no trains coming. We left after a few minutes and went back to searching for the train store. This time, we used the phone book and a map and found it. Andrew loved it. He didn't want to leave!
Sunday, January 7, 2007
11th Annual Train Festival
One New Year's Day, we went to see the Train Festival. It was held at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma. The weather was dreary, but we forgot all about it once we entered the museum. The museum is build next to the historic Union Station and is connected by bridge to the new Amtrak and Sounder station. It has four floors and each floor had train exhibits.
The first floor had ridable steam engines from Kitsap Steamers. The second floor had a Lionel display with two trains running - including Thomas with Annie and Clarabel. The third floor had a large N-Scale railroad setup as well as a permanent HO-Scale layout representing Tacoma, Auburn, and Stampede Pass modeled in the 50's. And the fourth floor had Lego trains for the kids to build and play with.
The permanent HO-Scale display was truly amazing. I'm pretty sure I've never seen such a fabulous and detailed layout in my life. Nearly every model was a custom-built, accurate representation of the real object, with photos taken from the time period for comparison. I had the good fortune to talk to one of the layout designers. He gave me lots of pointers about the route and route building in general. The only display that I've seen that is comparable is the layout at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh, PA, but it is Lionel scale and therefore not as realistic.
We ate lunch at the bagel deli next door, then went back into the museum to let Andrew play with the Lego trains again. Finally, it was time to go. Andrew wasn't too happy about that, but once we were outside, he found puddles and had great fun splashing his way to the car.
The first floor had ridable steam engines from Kitsap Steamers. The second floor had a Lionel display with two trains running - including Thomas with Annie and Clarabel. The third floor had a large N-Scale railroad setup as well as a permanent HO-Scale layout representing Tacoma, Auburn, and Stampede Pass modeled in the 50's. And the fourth floor had Lego trains for the kids to build and play with.
The permanent HO-Scale display was truly amazing. I'm pretty sure I've never seen such a fabulous and detailed layout in my life. Nearly every model was a custom-built, accurate representation of the real object, with photos taken from the time period for comparison. I had the good fortune to talk to one of the layout designers. He gave me lots of pointers about the route and route building in general. The only display that I've seen that is comparable is the layout at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh, PA, but it is Lionel scale and therefore not as realistic.
We ate lunch at the bagel deli next door, then went back into the museum to let Andrew play with the Lego trains again. Finally, it was time to go. Andrew wasn't too happy about that, but once we were outside, he found puddles and had great fun splashing his way to the car.
Monday, January 1, 2007
Christmas Poem
I found this poem on the Internet from an unknown author.
Twas the night before Christmas, and out on the ramp,
Not an airplane was stirring, not even a Champ.
The aircraft were fastened to tiedowns with care,
In hopes that come morning, they all would be there.
The fuel trucks were nestled, all snug in their spots,
With gusts from two-forty at 39 knots.
I slumped at the fuel desk, now finally caught up,
And settled down comfortably, resting my butt.
When the radio lit up with noise and with chatter,
I turned up the scanner to see what was the matter.
A voice clearly heard over static and snow,
Called for clearance to land at the airport below.
He barked his transmission so lively and quick,
I'd have sworn that the call sign he used was "St. Nick".
I ran to the panel to turn up the lights,
The better to welcome this magical flight.
He called his position, no room for denial,
"St. Nicholas One, turnin' left onto final."
And what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a Rutan-built sleigh, with eight Rotax Reindeer!
With vectors to final, down the glideslope he came,
As he passed all fixes, he called them by name:
"Now Ringo! Now Tolga! Now Trini and Bacun!
On Comet! On Cupid!" What pills was he takin'?
While controllers were sittin', and scratchin' their head,
They phoned to my office, and I heard it with dread,
The message they left was both urgent and dour:
"When Santa pulls in, have him please call the tower."
He landed like silk, with the sled runners sparking,
Then I heard "Left at Charlie," and "Taxi to parking."
He slowed to a taxi, turned off of three-oh
And stopped on the ramp with a "Ho, ho-ho-ho..."
He stepped out of the sleigh, but before he could talk,
I ran out to meet him with my best set of chocks.
His red helmet and goggles were covered with frost
And his beard was all blackened from Reindeer exhaust.
His breath smelled like peppermint, gone slightly stale,
And he puffed on a pipe, but he didn't inhale.
His cheeks were all rosy and jiggled like jelly,
His boots were as black as a cropduster's belly.
He was chubby and plump, in his suit of bright red,
And he asked me to "fill it, with hundred low-lead."
He came dashing in from the snow-covered pump,
I knew he was anxious for drainin' the sump.
I spoke not a word, but went straight to my work,
And I filled up the sleigh, but I spilled like a jerk.
He came out of the restroom, and sighed in relief,
Then he picked up a phone for a Flight Service brief.
And I thought as he silently scribed in his log,
These reindeer could land in an eighth-mile fog.
He completed his pre-flight, from the front to the rear,
Then he put on his headset, and I heard him yell, "Clear!"
And laying a finger on his push-to-talk,
He called up the tower for clearance and squawk.
"Take taxiway Charlie, the southbound direction,
Turn right three-two-zero at pilot's discretion"
He sped down the runway, the best of the best,
"Your traffic's a Grumman, inbound from the west."
Then I heard him proclaim, as he climbed thru the night,
"Merry Christmas to all! I have traffic in sight."
Twas the night before Christmas, and out on the ramp,
Not an airplane was stirring, not even a Champ.
The aircraft were fastened to tiedowns with care,
In hopes that come morning, they all would be there.
The fuel trucks were nestled, all snug in their spots,
With gusts from two-forty at 39 knots.
I slumped at the fuel desk, now finally caught up,
And settled down comfortably, resting my butt.
When the radio lit up with noise and with chatter,
I turned up the scanner to see what was the matter.
A voice clearly heard over static and snow,
Called for clearance to land at the airport below.
He barked his transmission so lively and quick,
I'd have sworn that the call sign he used was "St. Nick".
I ran to the panel to turn up the lights,
The better to welcome this magical flight.
He called his position, no room for denial,
"St. Nicholas One, turnin' left onto final."
And what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a Rutan-built sleigh, with eight Rotax Reindeer!
With vectors to final, down the glideslope he came,
As he passed all fixes, he called them by name:
"Now Ringo! Now Tolga! Now Trini and Bacun!
On Comet! On Cupid!" What pills was he takin'?
While controllers were sittin', and scratchin' their head,
They phoned to my office, and I heard it with dread,
The message they left was both urgent and dour:
"When Santa pulls in, have him please call the tower."
He landed like silk, with the sled runners sparking,
Then I heard "Left at Charlie," and "Taxi to parking."
He slowed to a taxi, turned off of three-oh
And stopped on the ramp with a "Ho, ho-ho-ho..."
He stepped out of the sleigh, but before he could talk,
I ran out to meet him with my best set of chocks.
His red helmet and goggles were covered with frost
And his beard was all blackened from Reindeer exhaust.
His breath smelled like peppermint, gone slightly stale,
And he puffed on a pipe, but he didn't inhale.
His cheeks were all rosy and jiggled like jelly,
His boots were as black as a cropduster's belly.
He was chubby and plump, in his suit of bright red,
And he asked me to "fill it, with hundred low-lead."
He came dashing in from the snow-covered pump,
I knew he was anxious for drainin' the sump.
I spoke not a word, but went straight to my work,
And I filled up the sleigh, but I spilled like a jerk.
He came out of the restroom, and sighed in relief,
Then he picked up a phone for a Flight Service brief.
And I thought as he silently scribed in his log,
These reindeer could land in an eighth-mile fog.
He completed his pre-flight, from the front to the rear,
Then he put on his headset, and I heard him yell, "Clear!"
And laying a finger on his push-to-talk,
He called up the tower for clearance and squawk.
"Take taxiway Charlie, the southbound direction,
Turn right three-two-zero at pilot's discretion"
He sped down the runway, the best of the best,
"Your traffic's a Grumman, inbound from the west."
Then I heard him proclaim, as he climbed thru the night,
"Merry Christmas to all! I have traffic in sight."
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