Is this Heaven? No - It's IOWA

Hello - this is big bird, come in NetCop.
These are our call names given to us by Mikey and Spenser. They didn't seem to like it when I was calling them the Big Yellow Bus. Roger and Mikey are driving, Spenser is probably sleeping - and I am using the "Internet Cafe" in "Big Bird".

We are on Hwy 80 on our way to Des Moines, IOWA. My watch says it is about 1pm, but I'm pretty sure that is still Seattle time. So maybe it's actually 3pm in Iowa. Iowa is much hillier than I remember, and very green. The corn is already way past knee high, and it's not the forth of July.

So far we've had no real issues. A bit of miscommunication, and we are all even on over-sleeping now. The food has not been great (except my sisters Black bottom cupcakes), and I think everyone is ready to be there.

Hello to the Podyminogin's in IOWA, I'm waving as we go through - sorry we couldn't stop by!

Day 2, Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota

Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

The diversion of Mt Rushmore took longer than expected, as the truck does not like the mountains. Mount Rushmore is our only planned "tourist" activity on this trip.

We took pictures of everyone near their home state.

We are now in the middle of South Dakota - ready for bed.

No excuses -- Or -- There's no backing out now.

As I begin this entry, we're passing a sign that says Deer Run 9 miles, mile marker 177 in Montana on I-90. That puts us two states out of Washington, Ripley has already rolled in cow manure (and is riding in the cab with us). No excuses refers to the fact that Angie and Spenser have done this all willingly, and contrary to my prediction. They have made no excuses. Can't say that means without complaint, but they never made an excuse so win that bet.

The first leg of the trip had the big truck capped at 58mph. We thought it was going to be a very long trip. We changed out the CD at the rest area, and the next thing you know it's running 70... Strange things happen.

So, we have mobile internet access, so you will see posts from all sorts of exotic locations, like Butte, Bozeman, and Billings (I have this fascination with B's). Mike is currently driving the big truck, Angie the small, and Spenser is already sick of travel. Ripley, well, he just stinks. Bath tonight!

The end of an Era...

"The house that Griffey Built"

Spenser and I attended our last Mariners game last night.

How appropriate that it be the first time that Ken Griffey Jr returns to Seattle.

Spenser grew up watching Ken Griffey Jr, and I grew up watching the Reds. What is the chance that our last game in Seattle - be watching Griffey return to play as a Red?

Also added to this game...

*Spenser was at his first Mariners game 18 years ago this week*

(he was 6 weeks old).

*I've not seen the Reds play in more than 21 years.*

(Different league than M's)

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Griffey gave a speech about how much he missed Seattle...

Spenser reached over and hugged me, and I began to cry. We are looking forward to seeing the East Coast stadiums, but to Spenser and I baseball in the Kingdome and at Safeco has always been a very special bonding time for us. I hope it will continue at Camden Yards, Fenway - and yes, even the house that Ruth built.

(Spenser has a brick in the floor of Safeco Field)

Our "West Coast" home.

I love this house.

It will be very hard to say goodbye to it, and to Seattle.

I will miss the trees, and the 70 degree summers.

Did I hear it's been 100 all week in DC?

Our "East Coast" home.

We closed on the house in Purcellville today.
My 350Z is now in the garage.

Roger will be back into Seattle tonight, and we hope to leave Tuesday morning.

Why do people buy new houses?

What is the deal with mortgage and title companies?
I swear there are MONKEY's on the other end of that phone!
Why can't they get it right, and done on time?

Do ya think they will even slow down while they race to the funny farm with me - or just throw me out at 70mph?
I just want one house to sell, and the other to purchase to happen.

Luckily Roger will be the only one attending the East Coast closing - cause about this time, I'd bring bananas for the monkeys!

AND look at my trees!!??!!

The builder hired a local nursery owner to trim them...

Now they have to replace almost 32 trees!


In case you are wondering, it WAS a 8 foot Cypress tree.

The 007 Class of Snohomish

Congratulations to the class of 2007.

(Seattle Sundays) Snell Duck ride

"Ride the Ducks of Seattle" - Snells and Friends

We had a beautiful 80 degree Seattle Day

Seattle Mariners, (Seattle SATURDAY) Good Bye to Edgar Martinez

We went to the Mainers game with Frankie and Mike on Saturday. Edgar Martinez was being inducted into the Mariners Hall of Fame.

Spenser grew up watching Edgar... somewhere I have a picture of an 8 year old with that distinct Edgar stance.

Thank you to Mike and Frankie for making sure we made it to see Edgar one last time. It's the end of an Era ... Hey Mikey - Maybe when we spank the Yanks next time you will be sitting in the stands in Seattle!

(Seattle Sunday) - last week- Pike Place Market

More than 10 million people visit Seattle's Pike Place market every year.

The market turns 100 in August, There is a great slide show here.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/pikeplacemarket/