Category Archives: Family

Christmas, 2017

Posted on December 24, 2017 by Al

It’s been a quiet year in Gig Harbor, our hometown. Mostly because we were here so rarely. Skiing in Snowmass January and February. Early March, a trip to California: Sebastopol, Morro Bay, and LA for Cheryl’s 50th HS reunion (Pacific … Continue reading →

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One After 909

Posted on March 21, 2016 by Al

Cheryl (muted, from the bathroom): “What time is it?” Me (looking at my watch with the giant digits): “Nine-oh-nine. [Pause a beat] You know what song that always makes me think of?” Cheryl: “Uh, lemme see… mmm … [lowering and … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Reviews: Books, Movies, Music, TV | 1 Comment

Backyard Engineer

Posted on March 2, 2016 by Al

Some guys are shade tree mechanics; Harry was a backyard engineer. He couldn’t help himself. He had studied science and engineering at the Naval Academy, then when he was mustered out due to failing eyesight, he finished up at Creighton … Continue reading →

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An Engineer And A Jock

Posted on February 29, 2016 by Al

Harry was an engineer and a jock. I never knew which came first, but he seemed to give equal credence to the values of each. As I was growing up, he seemed to spend equal amounts of energy trying to … Continue reading →

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Broken Toe

Posted on February 27, 2016 by Al

I broke my toe this morning. As soon as it happened, I knew. When I was about seven, I thought it would be fun to jump from half way up the stairs, click my feet together twice, and see if … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Harry Stories, Injuries and Recovery | 1 Comment

Going to Tibet, Part IV

Posted on May 7, 2015 by Al

Our scuba guide had promised all week a grand adventure on Friday – swimming with the seals. They liked to hang out and sun themselves on a large rock near the edge of the bay. They’d gotten used to the … Continue reading →

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Going To Tibet: Loreto

Posted on April 28, 2015 by Al

Loreto was a small coastal town along the eastern edge of the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California), two-thirds of the way from Mexicali to Cabo San Lucas. It also had been anointed by the Mexican government. Streets laid out, … Continue reading →

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Going To Tibet (Cont’d)

Posted on April 16, 2015 by Al

Reluctantly, we turned our attention to the Western Hemisphere. A beach vacation sounded nice. Especially one with a bit of exotic history as a chaser. We’d been to Mexico several times before. First, in the ‘70s, a rapid weekend to … Continue reading →

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Aguas Caliente

Posted on April 4, 2015 by Al

“This topography is … breathtaking, “ I wheezed. We were trudging along at about 8500 feet above sea level, on the Inka Trail. While the thinner air might have had a little to do with my breath being taken away, … Continue reading →

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Machu Picchu

Posted on March 27, 2015 by Al

“What’s this called again?” Cheryl asked. “It’s the Sun Gate. It’s where the Inka trail crested the pass, facing East, where the sun is, and travelers could see the city for the first time. But, really, I think it’s the … Continue reading →

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