many calls for signs!

Brett prepared a new batch of political signs. The phone has been ringing off the hook! (everyone wants McCain-Palin signs!) Today, we are off to march (drive) in the South Bend 'Come and Play on Labor Day' Parade.

Finally- a new fridge

The old fridge broke the same day as the water heater decided to give it up. The fridge arrived first- the water heater will arrive this week. Living remotely does mean that large purchases aren't easily available. Good thing too- we have to replace the rotted floor in the utility room.

Early Technology Meeting

Last weekend- we were in Vancouver, WA for the Washington State Republican State Committee Meeting. The day started early with my technology committee (I am Chair for the State) for a 8am meeting.

Patrick Bell was our guest speaker- he is the WSRP (Wa Republicans) Communications Director. He gave us a presentation on the newly retooled WSRP web site, blogging and citizen journalism.

Patrick is leaving us- he received a Fullbright and will be heading to Europe soon. However, his replacement is a very experienced tech savy communications guy.

I have been inspired to get working on my local GOP website and other blogs. As head of the committee- I need to set the example. Yes, I have been slacking. Don't they say the Cobblers kids have no shoes?! But I have renewed my priorities and you will be seeing some progress in that department.

Brett and I will be heading to the BLOG WORLD EXPO in Vegas later in September.

Celebration Dinner at The Depot

Last night Brett and I celebrated by heading to our favorite local restaurant- The Depot. The end of summer (maybe now the nice September weather will begin) and the awesome pick of Sarah Palin for VP.

We had a hard time choosing from the menu because of all great dishes. We ended up ordering a (very large) Rib Eye Steak with Blue Cheese and the Moroccan Lamb. (sorry- needed better food styling and camera lens).

Chef Michael always cooks the meat- just right. We shared bites- talked about the great day and held hands walking home.

Kite Festival

The International Kite Festival was held last week. It is always the 3rd week of August and typically it rains.

Fortunately- toward the end of the week- the sun came out and we enjoyed a few days of glorious sunshine and kites.

Photos are from the Kite Festival web site.

Don't go there Mr. Kramer! Seaview cares about our Dune Wetlands!

Vancouver developer hit with stop-work order after riling Seaview
Tuesday, August 26, 2008

SEAVIEW - A Vancouver developer who last week purchased a 50 x 475 piece of property in the Seaview dunes has created quite a stir among nearby residents in the quiet neighborhood near 39th and K streets.

Richard Kramer began cutting trees on the property last week and brought in heavy equipment to clear a road for access to the land. The area is classified as a wetland and critical area. Residents in the area became alarmed when they found that the real estate transaction hadn't been completed before the work began. The sale was recorded Friday.

Pacific County Director of Community Development Mike Desimone said Monday that Kramer had not received any permits from the county to begin work on the property. "Our official position is he has no permits and can't do any work until he gets permits," he said. A county stop-work order was placed on the property last week.

The real estate firm that sold the property, listed at $30,000, to Kramer said they told him the lot was unbuildable and could only be used as a campsite.

(from the Chinook Observer- Aug 26, 2008)

Special Delivery- Grandpa Brett's Surrey

It has arrived! Special Delivery from the Artistic Director of Theater Schmeater in Seattle... who drove it down to us!

They had used it in a production of Mr Toad's Wild Ride (Wind in the Willows)- and were looking for a new home for the 2 adult bike surrey. (with child seat in front)

Brett finally has his Grandpa Mobile.
See the room in front for Faith and Harmony?

We are going to enjoy pedaling around Seaview.

If it's Kite Festival- there must be a storm.

The International Kite Festival starts today. As usual- the rain storms rolled in yesterday (during the Oysterville Jazz & Oysters) in anticipation. This year we have Thunderstorms too- and judging from the weather service alert (below)- we will have gale force winds. Hopefully by late Wednesday, the weather will improve and I can show you some good photos of the week long event. Where is the Ben Franklin re-enactor when you need him?

Weather service issues warning about lightning storms on North Coast and gale-force winds coming

Monday, August 18, 2008

The National Weather Service in Portland has issued a warning for the North Coast early Monday.

Coastal waters from Cape Shoalwater, Wash., south to Florence may see thunderstorms continuing this morning over the waters. These storms will produce widespread lightning along with brief heavy rain and gusty winds. An unseasonably strong Pacific front is expected to hit late Tuesday and a potentially strong fall-like front appears to be headed for the Pacific Northwest to follow.

If this system continues along its projected path, moderate gale-force winds will occur beginning by late Tuesday afternoon in the outer waters and will spread to the inland waters Tuesday night.

The gale will continue until the early morning hours Wednesday. Seas may reach 14 feet during the peak of the storm Tuesday night, Mariners are urged to monitor marine weather forecasts and conditions closely during the next few days for the latest information.

(illustration from Time article HERE)

Bite Me. Happy Birthday Jake!

This past weekend- the Long Beach Merchants put together a gala celebration for the 76 yr old petrified guy who lives at Marsh's.

They had a huge cake paraded thru town, edgy loud music and burlesque type dancers (pg 13).

Jake is a legend! He has his own myspace page and I can't tell you how many times we have sent t-shirts, stickers and other Jake WEAR off to college kids. He has a devoted fan club.

(Photo of Marsh's taken from the funbeach.com web site- check it out- THE authority on what is going on around here.) FUNBEACH.COM

Knee Deep in projects

I have been so busy with projects- that I am finally catching up on some blog photos and posts. Last month was the FinnFest in Naselle. Aura ran in the 5K race- up the old logging road. Brett and I 'walked' the 5K. Brett won a FIRST PLACE ribbon for his age group! haha!

After the race- and before the opening ceremony- we enjoyed some coffee, pulla and prune pastries. yummm!

They had booths, educational displays, food and- of course, music from the Naselle Marimba Band. (don't all Finnish communities have Marimba Bands?) We really enjoy the music and energy of this band program. Let's see if I can post a short video of them. scroll down.

Lights on the porch.

Last May- Madison had suggested a better way to install these rope lights. The brackets they come with produce a saggy result. So, a few weeks ago- I finally got around to doing the first section. Gosh- it took a long time. I hope the next part is faster. It looks good though!

Fires. Sad and Terrible.

My brother, Doug, called on Sunday afternoon. My heart sank as I heard the sad news that my sister-in-law's parent's home had a serious fire. Bonnie and Paul were not at home at the time- and the damage is extensive. They live down the road from my brother and his family. So sad to learn of the memories of childhood, keepsakes, old quilts (Bonnie makes the best quilts) and worst of all- Gail's childhood and wedding memories including her dress. I have yet to reach Doug back for more news- and imagine he is taking time off from work to help move what can be salvaged. So sad. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

Early Monday morning- the entire beach community mourned as we learned of a terrible accident in neighboring Gearhart, Oregon. Seaview and Gearhart share a special bond. Their roots, the families and the historic homes. Seaview was founded by JL Stout who married a Gearhart daughter. Both communities were the summer homes of the wealthy Portlanders. A number of current locals have extended family and many friends living in both little villages.

Around 6:30am, a small aircraft crashed into one of these historic vacation homes. Two familes were just starting their 2 week vacation. 2 sisters with their families. The sister from Colorado- a doctor and her cardiologist husband- went for an early walk. Their 3 children still sleeping at home-along with the other sister and cousins. well- please follow this post to read the tragic story. 3 children perished- as did the pilot and passenger. Both beloved local businessmen. The children are the grandchildren of former Oregon Attorney General Lee Johnson.

We are in mourning for these families. A summertime beach vacation- ends so tragically with an unexplainable accident. (photo from The Daily Astorian)

SandSations in Long Beach