Free the troll

Yet another Soapbox Derby moment. No blood, good.

frank

the what-if bear

What if you received a letter from a friend,
and he said a few simple things in the morning?

Then you read farther and found an invitation to go up in the sky and look down on earth,
while drifting to a warm place without a name.

What if your only concern was what to wear,
because even though you're lovely, you must be discreet.
So filled a case full of favorite colors and...

con paz,
frank

Book choices

Bedtime reading wasn't something I grew up with. We didn't have a home library or even a library card. But we did have storytelling so rich pages formed from the words lingering in the air of our house, or front porch.

Years later we're debating what book to read tonite. Its between "The Rat" by Gunter Grass or "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman. My preference is "The Rat" to erase the memory of reading [aborted] "The Tin Drum"; a bleak tale of forbidden love evolving into national guilt.

Please send me your titles.

Con paz,
frank

Palace of books

You've probably heard me praise our library system before. It continues to give joy to all who use it to open their hearts and minds to knowledge. I started at the Central Library this morning, arrived via the 106 Metro route, worked on specs and now my gals are here. They met me in the red room [favorite space in this building]; now we're in the kids room.

Burgers and iced coffees later.

Con paz,
frank

Fish fairies

Love these, and their creator.

Con paz,
frank

D + f

Celebrated seven today. It has been - thus far - a splendid day, filled with kisses, gadgets, bikes, swimming and fairies.

Con paz,
frank

Washington Park playground

Its cooling off from 80 degrees - still a superb day - which helps all the children from overheating.

Con paz,
frank

Adios haystack

We had a fabulous day in Cannon Beach. The predicted 69 degrees felt more like 75, and with almost no wind it was a perfect day at the beach, gazing across the Pacific. Con paz,

frank

Slumming on Hawthorne

One of my favorite neighborhoods in Portland. Its a sunny day on a holiday weekend Saturday; beach next. Con paz,

frank

Add lemonade

Continuing our lunch theme, we added lemonade to the menu. Perfect for a hot day, outdoor cafe, post-20/20 Cycle visit. Con paz.

frank

lunch

Taquitos on a hot day. This is how we ship software.
Con paz,
frank

Butterflies are not free

In fact they're trapped in an exhibit at the Pacific Science Center. The saddest part was a beautiful black butterfly with a broken wing.

Peace be with her.

frank

Cruising Home

Remember riding a bike, when you were a kid? As adults, we have a few logistics to work out [pun intended] before we can just jump on and go. So I bought a 1971 Triumph cruiser from 20/20 Cycle; upgraded handlebars and seat to be on my way. What a thrill!

And what a thigh burn [ouch]. There's more muscles in motion than chasing a five year old girl riding these things. Since I only have three speeds to rely on, anything more inclined than a speed bump takes some work. But the bike functioned well, my body spunked along spitting blood [and Catholic Mexican curses] as I wound around the Central District, Leschi, Seward Park.

Viva two wheels!

frank

Cold August

Thank God [literally] for the warmth from my gals. Its been a damn cold late summer in Seattle, have to be creative to make it all fun.

But the real story is how much this has been a kids summer. Almost every weekend has been packed with kids activities - and we have one child! - leaving the following Monday to recover. Suppose we knew this kind of life was coming, and here it is. If you think I'm complaining, re-read the fine print cuz I am having a blast.

Meet us at the pool if you want to join the fun.

Con paz,
frank

North of Boeing Field

Is a community that almost defies discovery. But it's a great place to escape the serenity of our city parks. No grass or water here; instead the hard edge of industry to relax the mind.

Con paz,
frank

Plums from Wapato

More bounty from the Columbia City market.

Con paz,
frank

CC market and hot

Seems like an abundance of good produce today.

Con paz,
frank

Five lanes, and back

Today Memphis swam five lanes and back. She's learning to come up for air, keep swimming forward until she reaches the destination.

Having decent goggles is making a big difference, allowing her to see where she's going under water.

Con paz,
frank

Birthday Cake

Although you can't eat this cake, it was created with love. And the colors seem to represent summer quite well.

Con paz,
frank

Love in July

We're currently swimming at Lakeridge Swim Club, taking in a lazy Saturday afternoon. I mowed the back yard this morning, to ease any guilt about not doing any chores today. The work of our generation never ends, because many are suffering and can't swim away from their demons. We take our rest with some humility, knowing its part of the preparation for the great work ahead of us.

Later today we hope to enjoy outdoor theater at Volunteer Park, something to do with a reluctant dragon. Keep the fire my friends.

Con paz,
frank