out of sequence. Aug 6, 2011. Dedication of the Japanese Exclusion Wall

The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Wall was dedicated Saturday, honoring the 276 Japanese Americans from the island who were the first to be relocated to internment camps during World War II.

I took a break from merger work to go attend the dedication of the wall honoring those who were Interned during WW2.  Today, Dec 7, is a signicant day to post this, however it is coincidental.

It was hard to hear everything, there was a great turnout and we were in the back. But I tell you, when it came time for the survivors to walk down to see the wall, it was a very powerful, moving experience.

Do you think any of these people who were being forced from their homes, farms, businesses so long ago would even dream that they would be guests of honor and would be applauded as they made their way to the wall? It was an amazing experience.

I suggest everyone visit this wall and NEVER forget.

Jessica got a car!

She got her drivers license, and a car! sweet!   I had nothing to do with it. but, she is my daughter and her car is cool.

Ocean Shores

Kelsey and I ran off to the Ocean for the weekend. We ate some good food, walked the beach and relaxed.

Summer recap

Wow, Summer sure flew by....

Memorial Day weekend, Bronwen and I went to Crescent Bar to Dan and Tonys place. The weather was not the greatest, so we didn't get out on the water. We drank a lot of beer and talked. It was a nice weekend.

The kids went to Lake Chelan over Fathers Day weekend. Oh well, next year I guess...

The third of July was at the BPA this year because of the Winslow Way road construction (still going on).  It was fun though, maybe even a better venue than Winslow Way. We went to the beer garden and drank beer and watched the band. Mark, Mike and B were with me.

We decided against having a 4th of July party this year. It was a lot of work last year, so we just called it an "open house" and let anyone come over who wanted too. Nobody wanted to I guess!  Kidding, but not nearly as many people as last year. We had Mark M, Jim and Rhonda, and Mike G join us for a walk to watch the fireworks.   I never saw my kids over the holiday. They went to Poulsbo on the 3rd and did not even go to Winslow for the 4th.

The kids went to Banks Lake. I worked. Qwest was bought by CenturyLink in the spring and we had to rebrand and reskin the corporate website for an 8/8 release. I worked every day and night and weekend for 6 weeks. It was hell,  but we pulled it off.

Kelsey turned 14, I bought her a new i touch and a day later she dropped it off the Point White Dock! sigh.   She had a party with her friends at Gameworks. I finally was able to get the family together in September for a little party for her. We ate at Kings Wok in Silverdale.

B started a new job in August at the WAC.  Finally back to full time.

I tried Paddleboarding and really enjoy it and plan on buying one or two boards for next season.

The kids went to camp in August. Kelsey went for 1 week but Jessica was there all month doing a counselor training session.  They both had a fabulous time.  I've been trying to get them into camp for years....

Kelsey, B and I went to Wenatchee in August after the project launched. It was a nice long weekend. We went to the Coast hotel (of course). Ate at Sassy Diner and that same Mexican restaurant. Both were good, but not as good as in the past. We swam in the pool and lounged. We went to Confluence State Park for the day and played Bocce ball by the river. It was relaxing and Kelsey was not too bored!

The family came in to town in August. Cap, Joyce, Ron and Kim came up from Oregon and California. Cap stayed with me, everyone else was at Cristas and Moms.

It was a nice visit. We went to the County Fair one day. We swam in the lake.  On Saturday, Mike, Dan and Tony came over from Everett. We had a service for Jean and laid her ashes to rest with Pegs. It was a good day.

I was not going to plant a vegetable garden this year after last years lame summer, but I did and it actually worked out pretty good. I have a ton of Zucchini still. I have made 6 loaves of Zucchini bread so far.  I planted two topsy turvy tomatoes,  4 jalapeno pepper plants and an heirloom Tomato on the deck. WOW! they all did fantastic. I got so many tomatoes I thought about canning them.  I had three red jalapenos that were HOT!

The landlords came up in August. They replaced the stove. They cleaned the gutters and washed the skylights. Pretty nice of em! 

I hope to add some picts from the garden soon.

Aunt Jean Purcell 1915-2011

My Great Aunt Jean passed away this am. She was in hospice care, so I believe she died in peace.

I will use this post as a place to store memories of Jean as we prepare for her memorial service. The picture is from 2007 when we visited Jean and took lots of pictures and video. I did see her one more time after that, in 2009. I was in town and she wanted me to fix her telephone since I am a contractor who manages web content for a Telecom, I should be able to fix her telephone line! 

Oh Jean, what a life you led. A Bar owner in Aberdeen Washington during the heyday of logging, an army radioman in WW2. She has had quite a life. I hope to be able to capture it and share it. I am not ready to travel down that road yet.

Rest in Peace Jean Purcell