Google Headquarters in Wash DC

Rebuild The Party held a reception/presentation at Google Headquarters in DC. I was happy to meet Executive Director, Rob Willington, (pictured here), and founders- Patrick Ruffini and Mindy Finn -web 2.0 political rock stars.

Sharon Day of Florida was there too... a few days later she was elected Secretary of the RNC. I was really happy to meet many of my twitter friends.

Week in Washington DC

I have been in Washington DC this past week and on such a whirlwind- that my blog posts have suffered. There are many stories to catch up on...and the first was meeting with Washington State Congressman Doc Hastings and Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers. I am not in this photo (I'm taking it)- Luke Esser- Chair WA GOP, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Fredi Simpson- WA GOP National Committeeman, Doc Hastings, and Jeff Kent- WA GOP National Committeeman.

Deep River- up the river from here

A little stop along Hwy 4 past Naselle. This interesting tower houses a fish and chips joint in the summer months. I will have to go back and take a photo when it looks less lonely. But it does look like something out of a Tim Burton movie...doesn't it?

Brown Cow in Naselle

It is always sad when we see a sign like this. Does that mean they are just on a winter holiday- enjoying the sun? Or does it mean they have moved away and we won't get to enjoy their tasty treats?

notice the red reindeer nose. from Christmas. This is sad. I hope they come back.

Grass Roots Garbage Gang

People who attended the Inauguration didn't get the 'pack it in- pack it out' memo. Over 130 tons of trash was left on the Capital grounds. That is just terrible.

I understand the trash cans were not available due to security concerns.... but gee... aren't these the same people who enjoy our great outdoors? Take care of your waste products people!

Speaking of outdoors.... trash on the beach is a problem. Not just what is left by the tourist or beach walker... but what is dumped in the Ocean and finds it way ashore.

The Grass Roots Garbage gang tackles this trashy problem 6 times a year with volunteers who scour the beach and remove the debris. HERE is the link for more information- It makes you feel pretty good- picking up that bad trash- so come on down and help out. The next date is Saturday, January 31.

Longview up the River

I am making a quick trip to Longview to pick up my truck (post below). They called and it is ready.

Fortunately, the trip is much faster with Highway 30 on the Oregon side and the Astoria-Megler bridge.

It used to be- you would travel by steamship to get down river. Once people were driving cars- you would ferry over the river.

While I am in the big city of Longview (it isn't big- trust me) we will make the trip to Wal-Mart, Target and load up on supplies.

(isnt this pathetic?-I am blogging about a trip to Longview.)

Seaview at the Inauguration

The backstory: as I was searching for a photo for this post- I ran across a blog that showed a picture of our house. The blogger wrote, "This is where the Republican family on the Long Beach Peninsula lives." (you can see the entire quote HERE- and be sure to catch my comment at the bottom) She doesn't live in Seaview. But here in Seaview- we have dear neighbors and they all accept us as vital members of the community. We work together to create a great quality of life. Our relationships transcend the divisions of politics.

David Campiche and Laurie Anderson own the Historic Shelburne Inn. One of the joys of living here is the ability to stop by the Inn for a fresh cup of coffee and conversation with David or Laurie. David and I plot and scheme on Seaview Dune Preservation, the Chinook Historical Fish Hatchery, recipes, the latest news and political stories. We are, however, on opposite sides of politics. That did not stop the excitement when they shared that Congressman Baird had gifted them with tickets for the Inauguration. Everything fell into place as they secured flights and lodging for the historic occasion.

As I watch the television coverage- seeing the mass of humanity on the Capital Grounds- I wonder if I can catch a glimpse of them. Seaview is represented at the Inauguration! Congratulations to President Obama and how cool David & Laurie get to be there in DC.

Cars in remote locations

A challenge in living in a remote community is what to do about transportation.

Before we moved full-time to Seaview- I owned a Landrover. You would think Landrovers are a good car for beach life- afterall, they go on African Safaris- right? Wrong. Service for Landrovers is nonexistant in rural areas. Sure- the local guys can work on it- and after putting in an ENTIRE NEW ENGINE FROM ENGLAND- (probably due to something the inexperienced local mechanics did) you figure the 2 to 5 hour trip to civilization- where the service department can be rude to you- is something you might actually put up with. That is your penance for buying an English car.

One day last Sept- while driving back from Seattle with an entire car filled to the brim with campaign signs.... my little beloved Landrover Freelander convinced me of the wisdom of local car maintenance. A few days later- we were off to the local Ford dealer in Astoria.

Click here for that Story

I decided that a Ford was a good choice. The most important consideration being- local service. I also justified the purchase with- it was on the lot, we got a good price, it is cute, I like the color, etc. I wanted to buy American- gosh the auto industry is in trouble- it is the right thing to do. I had no idea we would fund a bailout- (don't get me started- on with the story).

Fords have a history in remote communities. The photo above with all the girls -is the car owned by Miss Dorothy Elliott. Her parents built our home in 1905, she later inherited it. Miss Dorothy ran Camp Willapa- a girls camp up in Nahcotta. I figured that if Miss Dorothy parked her Ford on our very driveway- I could continue the tradition.

Another reality in living at the beach- to get anything- you have to DRIVE more than a few hours. This is not good when my BRAND NEW 2008 Ford Sport Coupe had a total mechanical failure with just a few thousand miles on it. Long story- short summary. 1. I am not happy with Astoria Ford at this time. I will refrain from posting how completely upset and angry I am with the way they communicate and how they will say about anything, how unhelpful and rude they were in my time of need...etc. I will be fair- and should they do something to redeem themselves- I will post a happy Astoria Ford post- but at this time... my recommendation is to drive to Longview, WA and go to Columbia Ford. Trust me. My dissatisfaction also has to do with some other experiences with them since the time we signed on the dotted line. 2. The 'Tone Ring' was defective- fell off -or something that resulted in my car being undriveable. This isn't a pleasant experience when one is in the middle of a very busy intersection and hours away from home. (and in the evening) 3. Social Networking in the form of Twitter is very helpful when you want to seek information and help. Ford happens to twitter. Finally- after some rather interesting Ford bashing tweet conversations- I received a call from Ford Executive Office and they have impressed upon Columbia Ford in Longview the importance of a timely repair for me.

The last photo is from the local beach here. See the ship mast? A nice day to drive on the beach and check out the shipwreck.

You can follow me on Twitter HERE.

Annual Crab Feed

The 2009 Sports Boosters Crab Feed. People come from near and far to feast on fresh crab.

Quick trip to Cathlamet

I had a quick trip upriver to Cathlamet for a meeting today. The pretty drive takes just over one hour.

Cathlamet was home to a large Native American population (Wahkiakum) and later a Hudson Bay Company employee set up a trading post- the thriving business traded furs, fish and supplies to Columbia River travelers on their way to Astoria.

Winter Soirée at Raven & Finch

The Port of Ilwaco is a bustling place in the summer charter fishing months. The farmer's market and stroll along the Port Merchant Row- is a favorite summer activity.

During the winter months, many places batten down and it can seem quite lonely. However, the newest kid on the block- a wine bar- Raven & Finch- keeps us warm and cozy with activities that tempt us away from our home fires.

Proprieter and Wine Maven, Gini Chinn, is serving up a French Conversation Night tonight at 7pm. Our french speaking daughter- is looking forward to the Soiree.

Medical care at the beach.

This past week- one of my daughters (age 23)(and a tough cookie)... was seriously ill with major flu symptoms. I mean really really sick. Being a good steward of our health insurance- we waited and waited until she could be seen at the health clinic. The Doctor promptly sent her to emergency. She has recovered- but I got to thinking of a post about our health care at the beach.

This is an issue here... It is quite common to hear about someone moving closer to medical care in the city.

So- I am thinking about the history of hospitals and doctors in the area- It just so happens the Lions Paw Inn... which is in Seaview- was used as a much needed hospital in the 1930s.

Then in 1938- just a few miles south- the community purchased the land to build a hospital. The current hospital and clinic is on land directly north of this location- and the building is now a community center with the Library and PACE (meals on wheels). This building is undergoing a MAJOR renovation and we can't wait to see how it looks!

The current Ocean Beach Hospital has a spiffy and complete emergency room- some of you will remember last Dec. 07- when I had to get sutures.

I am going to do more historical research about the medical care of the late 1800s - 1930. Keep checking back for that post.

2009 Razor Clam Dig begins

The first of the 2009 Razor Clam Dig days starts today.

Funbeach.com has all the details HERE.

But bring your boots, warm clothing and lanterns- it is an evening tide.

Flooding, roads closed and some evacuations

We are getting pounded around the state- especially in the SW area- but I hear the area north of Seattle is really bad too. Over 60 major roads/highways are closed according to WSDOT.

The main north/south freeway- I-5 is closed in Lewis County. They expect to close I-5 up near Tacoma tonight in the Fife area. Hwy 101 at Raymond and Montesano is closed (route to Seattle for us)... as well as our route to Portland via Hwy 4, Hwy 30 and Hwy 26- off and on.


In summary, we are wet and not going anywhere.

2008 in review

2008 began and ended with some unexpected twists & turns. Life is what you make of it and the obstacles that seemed overwhelming- had a way of making life sweeter. We focused on the outcome and celebrated the successes on the way. Early this past year, when faced with some medical situations- I had an opportunity to re-group and re-evaluate. Then I continued to re-invent. I was able to take inventory of what is really important to me. I am stronger and more determined to continue chasing those goals and dreams that speak to my heart. 2009 will see more progress in these areas. Stay tuned for new announcements... as well as more photos and entries about the local area AND my adventures.

Note- as the year ended... we are especially jumping for joy with success in our Seaview Dunes Preservation activities, the Coastal CAP wind turbines (should be online by fall 09), political party organization (re-elected Chair of the local GOP), the Salmon Hatchery has 2 major projects in full swing (a viaduct passway and a new diversion/fish ladder) with Chinook River rehab, I am healthy and have started a new fitness plan. (more on that later) Also, I am fully immersed in Web 2.0 projects, including twitter. I have joined even more local and state boards- and we are really looking forward to watching our adult children as they reach milestones in achieving their dreams.

Thanks for visiting my blog- and check back often! If you are visiting the area-send me an email- or just drop on by (beach etiquette). Brett & I would love to get to know you!

~Nansen

Happy New Year 2009

Our local Long Beach Peninsula Visitor's Bureau has a nifty web site. www.funbeach.com

Realizing it was a new month AND year... I had to get my monthly computer wallpaper with calendar.... HERE.

So that led me to check out the calendar of events... which led me to this very cool photo of the old year 2008- washing away in the sand. I like it- don't you?