Following is my letter to the editor of Tacoma's New Tribune regarding a recent Steilacoom council decision. Truth be known, I actually like the train whistles, but the issue goes much deeper than that.
Too much being spent on the wishes of a few
HELEN KIRKWOOD; Steilacoom
Published: July 19th, 2008 01:00 AM
Re: “Steilacoom council OKs horn system” (TNT, 7-16).
The Steilacoom Town Council voted to spend a minimum of $280,000 to install horns at two railroad crossings to replace train whistles. The council is adhering to the wishes of a few out of 6,000-plus.
That railroad was here long before any current resident moved here so it should be no surprise that trains and whistles make noise. There is limited money for various improvements in town, but the council came up with $280,000 for horns.
The most recent hearing was held the week of July 4, a travel time for many. I e-mailed all five council members and didn’t receive a single response. I was unable to get minutes from that hearing, only a draft, with no response for conflict of interest, since more than one council member lives very close to the tracks.
Anyone willing to run for a council position against the three members who voted for this debacle and bring some integrity to the majority of this council can count on my support. End of article
When I checked messages last night, there was a voice mail from a local resident who said I had voiced the opinion of many in town. I would like to call it my civic duty, but in reality, it is more like grumbling!!!
Ken and Daryl go to Alaska tomorrow for the big fishing trip. The guide is reserved, sleeping arangements are in place, a rental car is at the ready at Elmendorf AFB, and the fish count is up. I hope they have a grand time. I have kept my week pretty open and plan to spend time doing some sorting and packing.
We will be ready to catch a hop as soon as Ken returns from Alaska next Saturday. Thanks to Colleen, we have a dog sitter lined up. Cooper's care was becoming the big concern because we don't want to kennel him since he has developed such separation anxiety in his old age. Tracy is a PLU student and is working at Western State Hospital for the summer so she will be close to work and our house. Tracy's mother is a student at Fuller in Seattle which is how Colleen made the connection.
We were invited to Craig and Cassie's for dinner last night. Her parents were in
town having had Greta all week and bringing her home yesterday, plus another couple, friends of C&C's, joined us. We enjoyed some wine, grilled steaks, pasta salad and homemade rhubarb pie for dessert. The weather was lovely, and they live in a rural setting surrounded by trees so it was idyllic.
Have a good week, and I'll blog later in the week for an update on the success of the salmon fishing. Ciao
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Crash Hot Potatoes
I haven't been inspired by a recipe for a while, but I like this one. If you want to see pictures and read some humorous postings by another blogger, go to: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/06/crash-hot-potatoes/
Crash-hot potatoes by Jill Dupleix
This is one of those crazy little recipes that once tried, is immediately incorporated into your own repertoire. It's what you want when you want a crisp, roast potato, only better. And all you have to do is boil a few small potatoes, smash them flat and blast them in a hot oven until they are terminally crisp. Serve with lamb, pan-fried fish, grilled sausages, or even on their own, or topped with smoked salmon and cr�me fraiche, with drinks.
Serves 4
* 16 small, round potatoes
* salt
* 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
* 1 tsp sea salt
* freshly ground black pepper
* 1 tbsp fennel or caraway seeds
* 1 tbsp thyme or rosemary sprigs
(I had a few crisp bacon bits that I added as well. hk)
1. Heat oven to 230 or 250C (about 400) - yes, hot. Don't peel the potatoes. Just bung them into a pot of salted water, bring to the boil, and simmer for around 15 minutes until they'll take a skewer without too much resistance. They should be just about cooked, without being soft.
2. Drain, and arrange on a lightly oiled baking tray or sheet. Use a potato masher to squash each potato flat (like a peanut butter cookie), until it is twice its original diameter.
3. Brush the tops with olive oil, and scatter with sea salt, pepper, fennel seeds and thyme.
4. Bake on the top shelf of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until terminally crisp and golden. Serve hot.
Bon Appetite
Ciao
Crash-hot potatoes by Jill Dupleix
This is one of those crazy little recipes that once tried, is immediately incorporated into your own repertoire. It's what you want when you want a crisp, roast potato, only better. And all you have to do is boil a few small potatoes, smash them flat and blast them in a hot oven until they are terminally crisp. Serve with lamb, pan-fried fish, grilled sausages, or even on their own, or topped with smoked salmon and cr�me fraiche, with drinks.
Serves 4
* 16 small, round potatoes
* salt
* 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
* 1 tsp sea salt
* freshly ground black pepper
* 1 tbsp fennel or caraway seeds
* 1 tbsp thyme or rosemary sprigs
(I had a few crisp bacon bits that I added as well. hk)
1. Heat oven to 230 or 250C (about 400) - yes, hot. Don't peel the potatoes. Just bung them into a pot of salted water, bring to the boil, and simmer for around 15 minutes until they'll take a skewer without too much resistance. They should be just about cooked, without being soft.
2. Drain, and arrange on a lightly oiled baking tray or sheet. Use a potato masher to squash each potato flat (like a peanut butter cookie), until it is twice its original diameter.
3. Brush the tops with olive oil, and scatter with sea salt, pepper, fennel seeds and thyme.
4. Bake on the top shelf of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until terminally crisp and golden. Serve hot.
Bon Appetite
Ciao
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Reread my last Blog
I was shocked to read my latest blog and discover I had not done any editing. So the content remains the same, but it reads with greater ease since I corrected a bunch of errors, and I still probably missed some.
Craig, Cassie and Greta borrowed the Westfalia for the weekend to attend the Oregon County Fair outside of Salem. I have never attended, but it strikes me as a bit of a mini Woodstock so the Westfalia is the perfect traveling companion.
The sun is shining and the forthcoming week looks warm and sunny. It is time to move outside and soak up the rays. ciao
Craig, Cassie and Greta borrowed the Westfalia for the weekend to attend the Oregon County Fair outside of Salem. I have never attended, but it strikes me as a bit of a mini Woodstock so the Westfalia is the perfect traveling companion.
The sun is shining and the forthcoming week looks warm and sunny. It is time to move outside and soak up the rays. ciao
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Fourth is Over and Now It Is the Tenth
We are home from the July 4 and reunion festivities, and a good time was had by all. We managed time with the Spragues, the Jaynes, and lots of family.
I love to park at Rod and Karen's since it is still quite country although there must be about 100 houses added since I lived in the area as a youngster. Their property is surrounded by alfalfa that her brother farms so the view is lovely and we frequently see deer munching in the fields. One evening we heard the distinct conversation of a great horned owl. Cooper is a happy dog as he bounds through the field looking for critters.
July 4 found the Kirkwood family (Keith's family, Colleen, Craig, Cassie, Greta, and Ken and I) at the Jaynes for the afternoon for some fun in the sun. Greta paddled around in the water for about 1 1/2 hours entertaining herself. It was warm and sunny and most enjoyable. Late in the afternoon we adjourned to Jerry and Lois' to be joined by their family for dinner. As is her wont, Lois had everything prepared and ready to go including a table to seat 20 that ran the entire length of the room.
Calla and Sam hosted the reunion on July 5. Calla does all the gardening, and it was beautiful with a parklike view in every direction. The pond on the lower level was too much of a temptation for Greta and she went from wading to "Oops" now I am wet to my waist."
There were about 45 of us and we ate and drank well. Two of our nephews, Barry and Don (sons of Bud & Clara) we had not seen for 14 years so it was fun to catch up and get to know their families. They were introduced to the Kirkwood/Scandinavian tradition of toasting with aquavit which made for some fun. Bud and Clara were not there, but we did stop and see them on our way through Moses Lake. Bud has had some health issues due to hepatitis C, but he looked quite good. We visited for about two hours before heading home.
Sunday morning our family plus Barry, Valerie, and Lowell met at the Davenport Hotel for brunch. Since we were 13, the manager grouped some tables for us in the lobby where we had it to ourselves and held court for a couple of hours. The restoration of the Davenport was beautifully done and it was very enjoyable to sit and visit and enjoy the surroundings.
On Monday, before going on to Montana, Keith and Janet and the girls took a look at EWU and Gonzaga campuses since Rachel is looking at colleges for next year. I think both had their appeal, but they are a long way from Maryland!
We drove north of Spokane on Monday to look at the specialty concrete business that Rod and Karen's son, Jeff, operates. He has several employees and has manufactured various machines and equipment to be able to create the forms and make small specialty items such as those needed to match older existing building exteriors. It is definitely a niche market and he is quite well known throughout the northwest.
On the way back on Highway 2, we stopped at the Ram Drive-In in Riverside to have lunch, and who should walk in the door but Keith and Janet and the girls. We had already said our good byes the day before, so it was pure coincidence that they stopped for ice cream at the same time and place that we did.
We left the motor home parked in the alfalfa at the Spragues and drove home on Tuesday. Ken will be off to Alaska on the 21st to return on the 26th and then we will be looking for flights to the east coast. I haven't decided what I will do with almost a week by myself, but I have lots of choices. I really should spend the time doing some of the sorting and packing in anticipation of a lifestyle change, but I suspect quilting is going to create some interference.
Ciao
I love to park at Rod and Karen's since it is still quite country although there must be about 100 houses added since I lived in the area as a youngster. Their property is surrounded by alfalfa that her brother farms so the view is lovely and we frequently see deer munching in the fields. One evening we heard the distinct conversation of a great horned owl. Cooper is a happy dog as he bounds through the field looking for critters.
July 4 found the Kirkwood family (Keith's family, Colleen, Craig, Cassie, Greta, and Ken and I) at the Jaynes for the afternoon for some fun in the sun. Greta paddled around in the water for about 1 1/2 hours entertaining herself. It was warm and sunny and most enjoyable. Late in the afternoon we adjourned to Jerry and Lois' to be joined by their family for dinner. As is her wont, Lois had everything prepared and ready to go including a table to seat 20 that ran the entire length of the room.
Calla and Sam hosted the reunion on July 5. Calla does all the gardening, and it was beautiful with a parklike view in every direction. The pond on the lower level was too much of a temptation for Greta and she went from wading to "Oops" now I am wet to my waist."
There were about 45 of us and we ate and drank well. Two of our nephews, Barry and Don (sons of Bud & Clara) we had not seen for 14 years so it was fun to catch up and get to know their families. They were introduced to the Kirkwood/Scandinavian tradition of toasting with aquavit which made for some fun. Bud and Clara were not there, but we did stop and see them on our way through Moses Lake. Bud has had some health issues due to hepatitis C, but he looked quite good. We visited for about two hours before heading home.
Sunday morning our family plus Barry, Valerie, and Lowell met at the Davenport Hotel for brunch. Since we were 13, the manager grouped some tables for us in the lobby where we had it to ourselves and held court for a couple of hours. The restoration of the Davenport was beautifully done and it was very enjoyable to sit and visit and enjoy the surroundings.
On Monday, before going on to Montana, Keith and Janet and the girls took a look at EWU and Gonzaga campuses since Rachel is looking at colleges for next year. I think both had their appeal, but they are a long way from Maryland!
We drove north of Spokane on Monday to look at the specialty concrete business that Rod and Karen's son, Jeff, operates. He has several employees and has manufactured various machines and equipment to be able to create the forms and make small specialty items such as those needed to match older existing building exteriors. It is definitely a niche market and he is quite well known throughout the northwest.
On the way back on Highway 2, we stopped at the Ram Drive-In in Riverside to have lunch, and who should walk in the door but Keith and Janet and the girls. We had already said our good byes the day before, so it was pure coincidence that they stopped for ice cream at the same time and place that we did.
We left the motor home parked in the alfalfa at the Spragues and drove home on Tuesday. Ken will be off to Alaska on the 21st to return on the 26th and then we will be looking for flights to the east coast. I haven't decided what I will do with almost a week by myself, but I have lots of choices. I really should spend the time doing some of the sorting and packing in anticipation of a lifestyle change, but I suspect quilting is going to create some interference.
Ciao
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Family Reunion
Happy Canada Day!!
We are hoping to get down the driveway in the MH sometime this afternoon for a week in Spokane. With kudos to niece, Marty, most of the family is gathering at Calla & Sam's on Saturday for a reunion of the descendents of Bill and Lilly Kirkwood. We expect at least 40, and are hoping for more. Keith and Janet have arranged their vacation plans to fly into Spokane on Thursday evening before going on to Billings on Monday to visit her family. Colleen and Craig, Cassie, and Greta are driving over Friday morning.
We will park the motor home at the Sprague RV Park on Big Meadows Road. The price is right (free) and the company delightful. Karen and I are hoping to assemble her mother's quilting frame so we can tie a quilt top that Lillie made many years ago. That to be squeezed in with all the visiting. She and Rod have their entire family with them over the Fourth, and have had/will have various and sundry grandchildreen coming and going.
We are now the proud owners of a new hot water tank after we discovered our showers yesterday morning were a bit on the cool side. That tank was here when we moved in almost 15 years ago, so I guess it was time to replace it. I would love to opt for a tankless system, but it doesn't make sense considering the age of this house and the question as to how long we might live in it.
We are seriously considering renting the house, sorting and storing our stuff, and drifting down the road this fall. I think the daunting part of the equation is the sorting and storing. I miss the days of navy life when we had to sort and purge every two years. Even with obscene gas prices, we wouldn't have to drive very far at any one time to see and do new things.
I need to get busy if we are to be out of here at a reasonable time today. Have a happy and safe Fourth. Ciao
We are hoping to get down the driveway in the MH sometime this afternoon for a week in Spokane. With kudos to niece, Marty, most of the family is gathering at Calla & Sam's on Saturday for a reunion of the descendents of Bill and Lilly Kirkwood. We expect at least 40, and are hoping for more. Keith and Janet have arranged their vacation plans to fly into Spokane on Thursday evening before going on to Billings on Monday to visit her family. Colleen and Craig, Cassie, and Greta are driving over Friday morning.
We will park the motor home at the Sprague RV Park on Big Meadows Road. The price is right (free) and the company delightful. Karen and I are hoping to assemble her mother's quilting frame so we can tie a quilt top that Lillie made many years ago. That to be squeezed in with all the visiting. She and Rod have their entire family with them over the Fourth, and have had/will have various and sundry grandchildreen coming and going.
We are now the proud owners of a new hot water tank after we discovered our showers yesterday morning were a bit on the cool side. That tank was here when we moved in almost 15 years ago, so I guess it was time to replace it. I would love to opt for a tankless system, but it doesn't make sense considering the age of this house and the question as to how long we might live in it.
We are seriously considering renting the house, sorting and storing our stuff, and drifting down the road this fall. I think the daunting part of the equation is the sorting and storing. I miss the days of navy life when we had to sort and purge every two years. Even with obscene gas prices, we wouldn't have to drive very far at any one time to see and do new things.
I need to get busy if we are to be out of here at a reasonable time today. Have a happy and safe Fourth. Ciao
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