August 20, 2007

Resurrecting The Champ

So Last week I was driving between Vancouver and Kelso/Longview listening to OPB Radio (NPR). This is one benefit of being out of the office/cube farms :). Fresh Air from WHYY ran an interview with Samuel L. Jackson regarding his new movie Resurrecting the Champ. At the end of the interview I made a mental note, which I hoped lasted longer than making it to the next mile marker, to see the movie sometime in the future.

After completing a wonderful day of riding on Saturday I ended up at St Johns Honda's open house and they were giving out passes to see the movie Monday night at 7 PM. Well I grabbed one and made arrangements for Lindsey to watch Bubba and Shelley and I made a date night.

The movie was great. It is based in Denver and one of the characters is a sports writer for the Denver Times. There was a point where the reporter was asking to cover the Nuggets/Blazers game instead of a fight because his son was a huge fan. His boss about fell out of his chair laughing. Now keep in mind that this isn't a comedy, but this scene received many a laugh.

Anyways, I'm getting a bit tired now.. so not much more to say other than you should go see the movie. The whole father/son underlying story line was great. Makes me think of Bubba and I, and how he looks up to me. :)


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Posted by pykeman at 10:34 PM | Comments (0)

December 12, 2006

Janet makes the front page...

of the Business section of The Columbian (Vancouver, WA):

One on One with Janet Minton - Director of operations, Employers Reference Source Northwest

==- click image for larger version :-) ==-

Posted by pykeman at 06:36 PM | Comments (0)

August 16, 2006

Playing with Google's Picasa Web albums

Thought I'd add this here since some people are having difficulty viewing the images, while others aren't. hint: clicking web links are better then trying to type them out. 2nd hint: punctuation and case of letters (ie: miscshots is not the same as MiscShots).

Still love you guys, even if computers don't understand you. :)

Misc Shots
Aug 14, 2006 - 17 Photos

Posted by pykeman at 09:12 AM | Comments (0)

July 06, 2006

My Brother Lives in the 'hood...

I know we've questioned the neighborhoods my brother decides to live in, but hey you go where the work takes you.

Now we have proof thanks to Willamette Week:

Night & Day: A photo essay of the most dangerous 'hood in Portland
According to Portland Police Bureau statistics, the 8550 block of North Columbia Boulevard, which encompasses St. Johns Woods and the neighboring Pier Park Apartments, accounts for the largest number of violent crimes of any residential location in Portland.

Woo Hoo! What a place, even the trees in Pier Park are tagged by fools with can's of paint.

Posted by pykeman at 02:29 PM | Comments (0)

April 24, 2006

Sleeping through the night...

… is still a dream, but it's getting better.

Shelley and I have a bug, mostly sinus. With me it's developing into a heck of a cough. I sit here, er make that lay here, on the couch in the living room (without my glasses so forgive any spelling mistakes) waiting for the cough syrup with codine to kick in. I hope it does soon.

Cameron is sleeping in his bassinette after his Midnight feeding. Prior to that he was in it for two solid hours! That's a personal best. I moved out to the couch hopping that I'd help him make it until morning in there. He seems very content.

As for Mom, she's sleeping ok as her coughing isn't as bad. If anything we're running a bit warm, maybe due to the 70+ degree weather today.

Still waiting for the codine to kick in…. hello? Where are you? I took some Thursday night as the cough started to develop. Shelley had decided to sleep on the couch with Cam to let me get a whole night sleep. At one time she came into the bedroom with a crying child in her arms asking for help. She swears I said in a stern way, “Deal with it yourself.” When I heard this for the first time on Saturday I about fell over. Does codine make you say things you usually don't? I know versed does… Mmmmm versed that's a whole nother story.

Anyways I do think codine makes you forget things as tonight my bedside light was on when I went to sleep and two hours later it was off… Maybe I'm just losing it.

Still waiting… Don't worry Mom, if I start hacking things up I'll callmy Dr asap.

Oh, by the way Tom and I did approx 200 miles Saturday morning from Sunnyside to Goldendale to Trout Lake to Cascade Locks and home via the Columbia Gorge Senic highway. Great excuse for a ride: we had to drop off Tom's truck at the farm :). We were planning on coming back on Sunday, but with Shelley and Cam not feeling well we decided to make a up and back trip. I think the back part took six hours. Hey, we had to take several breaks and see family in Trout Lake… Mmmm sandwiches, chips and cake! Thanks Donita!

Oh yeah, Tom did the ride on the Kawasaki KZ1000 (Police Bike). Tom found it a much better ride than his Yamaha XS-650. I may sell it to him since it fits him better and it allows him to really enjoy riding, rather than grimice after each ride due to pain. :) He can actually put both feet down FLAT on each side of Chip… I'm lucky to have tip toes :)

This really sucks.

I've downloaded 50+ pictures that Shelley and I have taken of Cam. I'm hoping to get some updated ones up very soon. This kid is filling out! geeze it doesn't take long to see changes. He's actually grinning at Mom… Me, the jury is still out until I can provide a booby. :) What can I say he's a boob man. Way to go little guy.

Ok, off to close my eyes and hope for peace and quiet… from me.

Posted by pykeman at 01:12 AM | Comments (0)

March 22, 2006

Now accepting applications...

for maid and yard boy ;-)

Many things are getting pushed to the back burner just because we need to spend time together with Cameron. Shell hasn't been feeling too good, picked up a but or something. I just end up running around doing laundry and dishes. Sometimes dishes and laundry are done at 2 AM while someone is up eating… not me, and not Shell. :-)

We're getting Molly into a groom on Monday so that'll help with the excess hair around. But things need to be dusted and moved to the garage and other thing need to be moved out of the garage or into the rafters.

Seriously, if you have time to spare I'm sure we can find things for you to do. These first few months are crazy busy. I had no idea. 8-)

Posted by pykeman at 03:41 PM | Comments (0)

March 06, 2006

Baby Update 1: Moving Along

Wireless network finally up and running at hospital.

We've been here since 6 AM and they have meds on board to move contractions along and have broken her water.

Both Mom's are here as well as Kiefer. :-)

With access to the net pictures will be posted as soon as possible when pictures are taken :)

Posted by pykeman at 11:44 AM | Comments (0)

September 25, 2005

WE GOT THE HOUSE!!!

Joni called today during breakfast while Tom and I were out on a parts run for Shelley's Blazer (everything is good now). She told me we got the house! We just needed to finish some paper work on it and have Wayne walk through.

Wayne did the walk through today, he approved and added his signature to the paperwork. I understand that Cortnee is jealous of our yard. :) We couldn't have done it without Joni. She has been very helpful and has gone way out of her way (Sherwood home and office) to show us homes.

We had done several drive by viewings of homes the last few days. Many were in less than nice neighborhoods. This was the 2nd house we walked through, first one on Friday evening. Joni sent out a new report late Friday night and this was the third on the list. It was brand new, so new in fact there were no pictures yet. Did I mention that this house was on the market for 16 hours?

We were up early on Saturday and found 4 places we'd like to check out. After breakfast we set out with Thomas Guide in hand. This house was the first on our list. We pulled up and thought it was great and put it on the list to see with Joni.

While preparing to move on to the next house the Judy, one of the owners, came out to ask if we'd like to look around. Of course we did. She gave us the tour from double garage to RV port. We loved it. Neighbor hood is great, well maintained, quiet, and inviting. We thanked Judy and continued on our way. Each house never getting close to the standard that this one had set. Upon our return to the area to cruise for other houses we called Joni and told her we'd really like her to see it.

Joni had a very busy weekend with other clients in town so we weren't sure when we'd be able to meet with her. She had a house warming for a client and a friend's birthday party/dinner to attend. There was also some other bad news: Another offer was being given at 6 PM. She did some calculating and found time to zip out to us for a 3:30 meeting. We headed over and waited for her.

While we waited more things seemed to be just right for this house. Kids were in the street playing (skateboards), we could hear other kids playing with parents in the back of homes, and other neighbors were out working on their properties.

One of Joni's main concerns for the property was price vs. square footage. It was a little steep at 864 sq ft. But that worry vanished when she walked through with us. This time no one was home it was just us peeking around. Wayne was called several times, basically saying he trusted Joni and us with our opinion of the place. We decided to get an offer penciled up ASAP.

I'm guessing we had been there for a couple hours checking the place out and doing the paper work. Just as we finished and were about to leave the owners came home. This was a great advantage to us. We were able to meet the husband, Craig. He filled us in on a little of the history of the house.

The house had been in their ownership for over 30 years. It had been their first home. I believe it had been a rental for 15-20 years, with them living in Scappoose. Well the distance to Scappoose meant that many of their friends didn't visit much and they moved back 3 years ago. Upon returning to the home they found much to do after the renters.

They remodeled the kitchen, bathroom, put on a new roof (complete tear off), and landscaped the property. When I say landscape, I mean, till it all up and start over. Three large fir trees, a couple over 100 years old, were removed due to safety concerns and new sod added. It is amazing, they told us there was a foot of dirt and grime on the patio cover that had to be washed off and the grass had been killed. Nothing was growing.

Everything was complete and they were happy. Now that it was all done, the friends started coming and staying. The fun of a retired life. :) They started notice it was hard to share the bathroom with company when it was often two other couples. As Craig said, “I was luck to get any time in the bathroom with three ladies in the house.”

Craig and Judy were wonderful to us. We took time talking to them and congratulating them on a wonderful job with the house. They told us the other offer was from another couple that wanted to use the house as rental income. Judy didn't want her little home to go back to being rentals. :-)

Since they were heading out to see their realtor they decided to take our offer with us, vs having to fax it. This saved us some time and probably allowed them to look it over (Judy was their realtor's assistant previously). We all had places to be so we said good bye and headed out to the cars. When we were outside Joni said that it went “very good.” It was good to chat with the owners and get to know them. All we could do was cross our fingers and wait. Our offer had a deadline of 1 PM Sunday.

I checked a couple times this morning to see if the MLS listing had gone to pending… It had! So it was us or the other offer. Just had to wait for the call. And you know the answer to that!

As we were leaving today Judy said to Shelley, “I'm glad you two got the house.” :-)

I should go to bed now. I have to be sure to go to work now… that I have a house!

Posted by pykeman at 09:37 PM | Comments (0)

Made an offer on a house!

Check it out, pictures of the house we made an offer on. I'll post more info later.

It's late… Shelley's Blazer had the alternator go out, Molly crapped on the floor, and you can't flush paper towels down the toilet, and yes Albertsons is open until 1 AM and they carry toilet plundgers. :) The good news is we had a free dinner at the resturant that Shelley's cousin is the chef at.

Long night, but much better to going to bed.

Click the “Continue Reading” link for the pics.

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Posted by pykeman at 12:46 AM | Comments (0)

September 08, 2005

Don's Obit

From Lincoln News Messenger:

Donald Marsh Rhea
8/19/1930 - 9/02/2005

One of Lincoln's favorite neighbors, Don Rhea passed away at his home, September 2nd. Don leaves behind his loving wife of 29 years Margie, daughters Debbie Overstreet, Beverely Green (Mark), sons Tom Rhea (Kelley), Rick DeKoning and Gary DeKoning (Leslie). Adored by his grandchildren, Sara and Laurel Overstreet, Geoffrey and Mathew Rhea, Ashley Rhea, Brandon, Michelle and Bryan Green, Natalie and Kate DeKoning and Madison Rhea. Don will be greatly missed by his extended families of, Sylvia Carley and Frank Cantoni as well as many nieces and nephews.

A second generation Californian, born in Los Angeles, Don is survived by his sister Joanne Bentley and preceded in death by his parents, sister Nadine Olmsted and beloved Duchess. A veteran of the Korean War, Don began his career with Kraft Foods in Southern California during the 1950's. During the 1960's Don and family lived in San Jose while working with the legendary breweries, Lucky Lager, and Hamm's. During the late 1960's Don moved his family to the Sacramento area. 19 years ago Margie and Don moved to the “little” town of Lincoln. As a member of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Don proudly spoke of the local community and it's many changes.

Since retiring in 1995 from a successful 40 year long career in the food service industry, Don enjoyed traveling with Margie, fishing, cultivating his garden of onions and garlic, NASCAR races and sharing time with his many friends. Among his many passions; patriotism. The Stars and Stripes flew proudly out of his tidy home on Silver Spur Circle.

Don loved his many friends and neighbors and they returned the love right up to the moment he lost his courageous battle with cancer. Many of the neighborhood children called him “Grandpa”. The family wishes to express our gratitude to the neighbors on Silver Spur Circle for all the many wonderful years of friendship, love and support so graciously and unselfishly given to Don and Margie.

Friends are invited to a celebration of his life to be held at his home on Sunday, September 18, 2005 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society, Sutter VNA & Hospice.

Posted by pykeman at 10:31 PM | Comments (0)

September 02, 2005

Big Don

Just learned tonight that Big Don, a family member, passed today.

He had a two month battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Rest in peace my friend. May you and our father have wonderful breakfasts together for eternity. We will look for ward to your wonderful sausages when our time comes.

Visit www.pancan.org to make a donation in his memory.

Here are some photos of The Don for you to enjoy. They were from Tim Osburn's Family Reunion pictures. I'll provide obiturary info if I can find it. Let me know if you'd like higher quality images. Click for a larger image.

Posted by pykeman at 09:27 PM | Comments (0)

May 01, 2005

I'm a good griller

At least that is what my coworkers tell me. We had a 2 lb tri tip steak and three chicken breasts. Both were marinated, each differently. I just told them I learned everything from Dad. Rule #1: Keep the cook happy and well “marinated” and the meat will come out just fine. :-)

Today I headed over to see Tom and Wayne. Tom, Lindsey, and I had lunch together. Afterwards Wayne and I headed to Home Depot to pick up a new lawn mower for him. I was the lifting help and consultant. I guess he figures I know about these things. I guess I do, we picked up a Honda. We put it “together” (consists of lift from box, adding oil and gas then running). Wayne cut the grass and I fixed my weed whacker I loaned him (needed string) and proceeded to edge his grass. I made sure to give him lessons, but I don't think it will stick :-). I gave him pointers on trimming some Hydrangea. His idea of “pruning” is using a shrub trimmer. Oh the humanity. :-)

After we all the yard work was done it looked like he had hired a crew. I told him a real “cheap” crew… me :-) I do miss doing yard work, but I can't complain too much. I was able to ride over, spend time with the bros and do some yard work. My day was good.

But my brain is mush now. Too much DMV paperwork. They still have Danielle listed on the pickup, so I have to submit changes for that and get the tags renews. Put that on top of getting a replacement title for the broken down Tercel on the farm. And spending 30 minutes trying to see what I need to do to get proof of the divorce so that I can make changes at work to W2s, health insurance, life insurance, etc. I go watch TV or make a phone call… I think I forget things… Kiefer is worse :-)

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April 26, 2005

Mason's Birthday Pictures Posted

After going for a 43 mile ride last night and ending up at Crown Point to watch the sunset I worked on Monkey's pictures. They have been cropped, enhanced and tossed up on the site. Captions may come later. You can find them at:

050423 Mason BDay Party

Only pictures no movies. It slipped my mind that I could do movies with my camera. My loss is your gain. Trust me. ;-)

Posted by pykeman at 11:00 PM | Comments (0)

March 30, 2005

STOP THE PRESSES!

Ok, let's set the record straight. I'm not moving to NY City. That is unless I find a Sugar Momma. For those that just went, “What?!” a Sugar Momma is the female version of a Sugar Daddy a wealthy older man who gives a young person expensive gifts in return for friendship or intimacy”

I was just saying, with the comment about NY City, is that I have way too many personal connections here in Portland :-). I could move to NY, NY and not know a sole there, I hope. Do you think I could actually move that far from all of you great family members?

Anyways, back to work. I just had to clear up that confusion as someone called Mom. That certain someone didn't know it was a pun. Gosh. I have to spell everything out. :-) Often things are entered at a very, very late hour and they sound funny and make sense at that time.

BTW I had to explain to our New Jersey/New York transplant what single, double, and triple wides were. I wasn't talking about waist lines. He had to explain what Brownstones were. (Think Boston row homes.) The single, double, triple works there too. :-)

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March 11, 2005

Eugene's a fun town, mabye during the day.

So I made it to Eugene at 6:40, having got off at 4:30 and gassed up. Great ride, yes I said ride! Beautiful sunset and 130 miles to the odometer. Headed to my hotel and checked in and dropped off some stuff and headed to the Hilton to help the relatives.

Wow, I'm glad I could help. I don't think it would have gotten nearly done as quickly. I was out of there some where near 1 AM. Almost reminded me about putting Dad's memorial slide show together, except all the pictures were on several CD-ROM discs. I got her pictures organized and mostly imported into PowerPoint where she can organize them better and delete extras. As it stands right now there are over 1,000 sides and the file is just under 650 MB. Ouch. :-) Not the largest slideshow I've seen. ::-)

Anyways attempted to find my way back to Gateway shopping center to the hotel. Lets see, one, two, three wrong turns do make a right, eventually. And what's with the yellow street lights in Springfield?! Do they want to set themselves off from Eugne? I was like a darn moth being distracted by the lights, I couldn't tell if they were yellow traffic lights or street lights. I'm glad I didn't happen upon any local law. I stuck out like a sore thumb. “Really officer? You think I'm from out of town? Why, 'cause I stare at the street lamps while riding a motorcycle wearing a bright green safety vest? What was your first clue?”

Anyways I'll finish off the Sam Adam's and hit the sack. Time to rise and shine will be very, very soon. I estimate about 04:00 if I want to leave by 05:00 to be home by 07:00 and work at 08:00. At least it's Friday. To repeat a previous subject line… is it possible to call in crazy and not sick?

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March 10, 2005

I'm crazy...

So I get an email from a cousin in the military based in Germany.

Basically her mom and dad are in Eugene at a conference. They need help with a very large PowerPoint picture show that's to run Friday evening.

So I'm heading to Eugene tonight to help them toss it together. I'm staying overnight at the Courtyard by Marriot (near I-5) and heading home tomorrow. I'm getting paid to do this. I'll post more later. Just wanted to let someone know where I was heading tonight. It'll be beautiful.

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February 21, 2005

Akira is up for adoption

Well Danielle had to put Akira up for adoption due to the current boyfriend moving apartments and she can't have pets at her duplex.

I don't think he'll get adopted with a face like that. Then again I've never seen him smile much.

Posted by pykeman at 10:47 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

January 23, 2005

What a great weekend! I wish they all could be like this...

Yesterday was great, today was good, albeit a bit early. Rolled out of bed at 8 AM and met Tom and Lindsey for breakfast and then Tom and I would work on my truck. We were concerned that way was not joining us. The plan was that he would and then the work on the truck would be at his place. Courtney called during breakfast to let us know that Wayne had caught a bug and was up most of the night dealing with it, but Tom and I were welcome to still use the garage.

Tom and I gathered some tools and headed to Wayne's. We placed my truck on ramps and whet to work diagnosing the issue. I had been losing water lately. The problem was found with the water pump. We decided to to an oil change, replace the thermostat and fan belt while we had it torn apart and jacked up.

Tom was really surprised how small and simple the water pump was. This didn't exactly mean it was easy… easier than his truck, but no cake walk due to cramped space. Put everything back together in under 3 or 4 hours. Let her warm up and we couldn't find any problems! Thanks Tom! I figure I saved several hundred dollars, parts were only about $70, labor was the cost of breakfast. I came out ahead. I also programed Wayne and Courtney's keyless entry for the garage door. I just went online and had it figured out in less than 5 minutes. They were both happy.

I headed home and suited up for a ride to Crown Point (watch for pics soon!). I ended up going for about an hour and a half. I went from Corrbet to Sandy and then back down. I did start to get a bit cold. Toasted cheese with ham and tomato soup. Maybe a nice salad… Hmmm tropical fruit with cottage cheese! Yum. I'm really looking forward to the new year for more bike riding!

Closing thought… Rest in Peace Johnny Carson. You were the man!

Posted by pykeman at 06:12 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

December 12, 2004

Minor bike tune up complete

I had fun yesterday at Wayne's working on my bike. We completed, er I completed, an oil change, oil filter change, final transfer case fluid change, spark plug cleaning, and air filter cleaning. It was great working in his garage, plenty of light and space! Next project to do is change the fork oil and brake fluid. I need to do some other minor stuff, but she's happy at this point.

We did a parts run and took Mason. He was making all kinds of noises, he has found his mouth is a fun toy. I tried to do a parts run earlier in the evening, for a oil drain pan (for the old oil). I tried Target, Tom and then finally Fred Meyer. After making it through all the holiday traffic in the Tanasbourne area and making a wrong turn into the Streets of Tanasbourne I finally made it to Freddies. Only after making it to the self check out did I realize that I didn't have my wallet, it was in my bike pants at Wayne's and I was driving his truck. Oh well, it's hard to look cool when walking into and out of a store with nothing in hand mumbling about a damn wallet. :-) We ended up using a paint pan instead.

While I was working on the bike Wayne was picking up the garage, he can almost get another car in there. He was rather excited about how good the bike looked in there. He's getting the itch for a bike of his own. Darn his brothers. :-)

Oh by the way the winter fun is beginning here in Gresham/Troutdale. The winds have really picked up over night. Not a drop of rain yet, but lots and lots of wind. I'm glad I've sealed up most of the bits and pieces around here, maybe I should just over the windows to be on the safe side. Anyone know how to put an insert into a apartment fireplace? :-) I love the fire vs electric heat, but trying to move the heat around sucks… almost literally up the chimney. I think I'll need to get more wood from the farm… I'll take computer payment in wood Bunny :-).

Time to head to Sherwood. See ya later.

Posted by pykeman at 09:19 AM | Comments (0)

December 09, 2004

Weekend trip to Mitchell

Hello all! Just dropping a note to let you all know I've posted pictures from last weekend's trip to Mitchell. It was a very cool temperature weekend. We had a bit of snow on Sunday, in Mitchell only. There are pictures of Sandy & Kiefer's “Kids” the three Labs. I'll see some of you for Christmas very soon!

Posted by pykeman at 09:48 PM | Comments (0)

November 26, 2004

Gift Giving Guide for Pyke :-)

Ok only 27 shopping days left! :-) I thought I'd give you all some ideas for gifts. I'll be adding to this as things come up. Check back often, and be sure to communicate with others so things don't get duplicated :-)

FARBERWARE Millennium (FSC600)
Capacity: 6 quarts
Price: $29.99
Features: Low and hight settings; power light
Comments: The largest usable capacity (among the 6-quart models) gave the pot roast plenty of room). The oval shape is also well suited to recipes with bulky ingredients, such as chicken parts and ribs. A good cooker for a fair price.

This product can be found at Cooking.com or Amazon.com

Also mentioned was a Slow-cooker Timer: When testing slow cookers, we found that a timer and a keep-warm function were valuable features, especially if you like to use your slow cooker when you're at work. Without these features a traffic jam might mean overcooked pot roast or bloated baked beans. Unfortunately, several of our favorite models did not have these features. But Rival (invent of the original Crock-Pot) sells a separate timer that works with most slow cookers, including the one you may already own.

Here's how the Smart-Part Programmable Module (model #SP100, $9.95) works. Simply plug your slow cooker into the Smart-Part, lug the Smart-Part into a wall outlet, an then program the Smart-Part. Cooking times are limited to four and six hours on hight and eight or 10 hours on low. Still, a restrictive timer is better than no timer at all, and this device will automatically turn the slow cooker to “warm” once the set time has elapsed. The Smart-Part is available at many kitchenware shops and on the Web at amazon.com and cooking.com.

Posted by pykeman at 06:37 AM | Comments (0)

September 19, 2004

The "Want to be Boyfriend"

… or Manfriend. That's at least what her dad called me. :-) We're guessing I passed the test with flying colors! Dinner with her mother, father, and nephew was great. afterwards we spent time at her parent's place in King City. I had a wonderful time. You know the interesting thing? This is the first girlfriend that has an actual biological father in her life…. think about it. Ami asked her mom what she thought, dad was off golfing. Mom seemed to be happy. Basically as long as Ami is happy and I treat her well they are happy.

Ami has often said that she is being spoiled by me. I don't think I'm spoiling her, but treating her with as I've been taught by my family. It is so different to be dating someone that isn't driven to do things all the time. It is hard to explain, we just seem to fit together. Paco recently said, “Oh good, one homebody found another homebody.” Silly boy. :-)

Speaking of being driven all the time… Sometimes I'm feeling that I'm the driven one. Between the hour commute between Ami's home and mine, selling a few things on eBay, and misc other things. One of the miscellaneous things I'm doing is the Portland Marathon Committee. Tom mentioned that the gentleman in charge of logistics needed a replacement (I hope just a right hand man for now) as he has a new job that takes him away from Portland.

Well I'm now part of the logistics team for the marathon. What does that mean? Making sure all the supplies are delivered to the course and start/finish line on the day of the race, then taken back to the warehouse and inventoried, ordering replacements as needed. One of the fun things I just helped them do is secure 225,000 7 oz paper cups for the course. I just happen to work for a beverage company. :-) We'll be ordering them through my company so that the marathon, a non-profit, can get a lower price, over 50% lower than last year. So it looks like I'm involved now. THANKS TOM! :-P

I met a couple that do speed walking for competition and have a group in the portland area. They actually do the Hood to Coast, speed walking! I know most of you have a hard time keeping up with me when I'm walking with you…. maybe I'll give it a try. Sounds like fun.

Well time to hit the shower and head to Tom's to help him move. Still at the same job, moving to a different property run by the same company. He says it is just to convenient for the company to live and work at the same property. See ya later.

Posted by pykeman at 09:00 AM | Comments (0)

August 15, 2004

Tom's truck is his... Finally!

Was at Tom's Friday night celebrating the final payment of his truck… Four years, one deer, several repo men, many collection calls to me, dents from JD's pit, and now it is all his. Ok time to get a new car, this time get a loan with LOWER interest rate! Remember I can hook you up at First Tech CU!

Posted by pykeman at 12:18 AM | Comments (2)

July 29, 2004

Longer time no talk.

I'm sorry that I haven't had much to say lately… well it isn't that I haven't had much to say, it is that I haven't been near the computer to post. I've been busy housesitting, bbq'ing, going to Weird Al concert with Keifer.

And to top that off my 'social life' has taken a turn for the best… more to come later. Let's just say I'm a bit distracted at the moment. :-)

See you family members at the reunion!

Posted by pykeman at 10:08 PM | Comments (3)

July 17, 2004

Dutch WWII resistance member saved my grandfather's life

My grandfather was a WWII B-17 pilot who was shot down over Holland in 1943. One of the members of the Dutch resistance, whom attempted to assist Grandpa in escaping to the Allies, and his wife visited during the 4th of July weekend. This was quite an experience for both my family and his. This is not the first time he has visited, but it is the first time I can really appreciate this man for what he did. It was over 20 years since his last visit to our hometown. Grandpa has made a couple of trips over and has even had a story done in an Dutch newspaper. I'd post a copy, but you'd have to be able to read dutch :-)

Grandpa and his friend even made the front page of the local paper. I've included links to the story and picture:

Dutch WWII resistance member visits Sunnyside

Sunnyside resident Les Amundson (front) reminisces with Wietze Eizenga of Netherlands. Eizenga assisted Amundson in 1943 during World War II after his plane crashed in the Dutch countryside.

Posted by pykeman at 08:10 PM | Comments (0)

June 27, 2004

So let's check the calendar...

Wow, I haven't posted anything since the 19th! I've been spending too much time away from the computer. Darn it. Just this evening I looked at the odometer and Tess has 11,000 miles on her (7,300 when I bought her). Does that tell you what I've been up to? Tess rolled 10,000 Miles near Elmo Studd's Building Supplies in Durham/Tigard. I thought that was appropriate with the history Dad had with them (they knew him by name.)

I keep asking myself why I moved to Gresham if I'm spending so much time on the west side. My answer is so that I can be close to work and early each day. I spend much of my “off duty” time hanging out with either Tom or Becki. Lucky for me they are both at the same complex :-).

Tom finally has everything squared away on his motorcycle. Plates, registration, insurance, even a motorcycle learner's permit! This allows us to ride together on our own bikes. He has put over $500 in repairs to the bike and it runs like a champ now. All except the generator, we think it is bad after the ride tonight, the battery is dead and it's brand new. Here's a recap of the weekend:

Saturday I cleaned and detailed the bike. I didn't know I had so much chrome on her! That took most of the morning. I stopped by Janet's in Vancouver to borrow her leathers for Becki. I was even able to hook up with Tom and Lindsey to see DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story. It was great, Tom and I were laughing so much it hurt!

Tom, Becki and I were planning a ride after Tom was off at 5 PM, the movie pushed that back. This was the first time with a passenger and one of the first times for Becki on a bike. Becki and I did great, the first couple turns were different but I started to become comfortable with them. One of the best feeling about riding a motorcycle is riding with someone else, preferably a woman. :-) There is just something about feeling someone's hand around your waist. You and your passenger are one with the bike. I never expected that feeling to be so wonderful, it's hard to explain… I just feels right. Yet again a bit of Pop is coming through, but at least this time my motorcycle had a very well padded passenger seat. Just ask Mom what it is like riding on a motorcycle with a pillow on the package rack. :-D Poor Dad.

Tom did a great job also, I offered some of my sage advice on some of his technics. We did about 15-20 miles, short but enough to have some fun. We ended up at McMenamin's Rock Creek Tavern for fries and chicken strips.

Our adventure wasn't over as Tom ran out of gas on the way back to his house. He thought he had some reserve left but it was bone dry. I headed back to the apartments and dropped Becki off and hopped in the truck with Lindsey and Mustang so we could get gas to him. Once he was filled up he was able to get it going. We have agreed that the short runs we are doing are allowing him to get to know his bike a lot better. I for one should know about getting to know the milage on a motorcycle. The Honda 400 gets about 100 miles on it's tank. Trust me, I found out the hard way, just ask Mom, Bunny, Paula or Grandma A. :-)

After all the excitement with Tom I received a call from my other riding buddy, Sheri. She had made it to the Seaside Poker Run we had planned to do. I made plans earlier in the week to work on some eBay stuff as The weather was forecasted to rain. She put on over 300 miles. From Gresham to Seaside (95 mi.), the poker run (150 mi.), then Seaside to Gresham (95 mi.) I'm jealous. Later that evenng John “Droid” Whang met me out there and rode back to my place. Finally hit the sack after 1 AM.

Today I rode out to Tom's had lunch with him, chicken on the grill. He is a grill master! Just some breasts that needed to be cooked and some seasoning and it came off great!. After lunch I crashed into a Food Coma and napped for an hour then hung out with Becki. Tom and I were planning a ride when he got done with work so Becki and I burnt some time. We went for a drive checking out some bike paths for Becki to ride and decided to take Germantown Rd into Portland to a Rivercity Bicycles to pick up a bike route map. The ride down was fun, Becki said that road should be fun on the motorcycle, boy is it! We also talked about hiking around Forest Park, something neither of us have ever done in the 10 +/- years we've lived in Portland. I think we are driving each other to do more exercising. It won't hurt, at least not until a day or so later ;-)

Anyways, we finished our running around and then Tom and I headed off into the sunset for the ride. We went from Hillsboro to Scholls, to Newberg (dinner at Burgerville”), then to Sherwood to shoot the wind with the Korbs, then to King City to shoot the wind with Ryan Hoftiezer. All that shooting the wind (talking and riding) took longer than we thought. We returned to Hillsboro well after 10 PM and I headed back home. Tried to type all this up but kept falling asleep :-) Finished the next evening. Now on to the next adventure: BAKING :-)

Posted by pykeman at 11:39 PM | Comments (0)

June 18, 2004

Wayne's Quick Visit to Portland

Well it didn't get off to a good start. He was supposed to come in at 9:40 PM. Flight from LAX was delayed due to a broken handle on the valve for the toilet holding tank. FAA wouldn't let them fly, so they were told. Had to wait for new plane. Finally left at 10:00 PM, put then at PDX at 12:30, picked him up and got back to my place and in bed by 1:30-2:00 AM. Did I mention he has appointments starting this morning at 7:00 AM? I'm a zombie today… That's ok, I should be awake by this evening, beer with the bro's and showing off my Tess. Have a great weekend, we're having our 2nd day of 90 degree weather, final days of Spring ☺

Oh by the way I'm going on another poker run tomorrow morning. It's sponsored by Hooters. I'll be meeting coworkers starting at 7:30 AM. FYI I'm up to 10,360 miles on the bike ☺.

Posted by pykeman at 06:36 AM | Comments (0)

June 12, 2004

A weekend of rememberence.

I watched the final memorial service for Ronald Regan. That brought back many a memory of Dad's and Nigel's services. These events humble a person, you realize what is and what isn't important in life.

This Sunday will be one year since Nigel left us. My dear friends, Kiefer and Sandy, have gone through so much in the past year. I am sorry that I haven't been able to spend more time with them, but they have the support of the entire community. Sandy has had the hardest time with this process of mourning. She has her up times and her down times. I am happy that she is starting to be more up, I have missed her wit. I know that it is a front she puts on when company is over, I know from experience. This takes so much out of her, I am hoping the weight is lightened soon for both her and Kiefer and their entire family.

Mourning is a life long event, you never are over it. Emotion is always at the edge with just a thought or sight to bring it back to the surface. It's been four years since my own father's passing and I still think of him at very often. This is especially true these past few months as I go through my first divorce. My mother has told me that he would have some sage advice having been there before. As I go through this process, or if I'm working on a project, I try my best to imagine what he would be saying. It's amazing how many things I do today have been shaped by him. Even though we shared 26 years together, it wasn't enough, nor would any length of time be enough, for him to share his knowledge and experience with me. When you lose a person, you just lose the physical being, they are always with you. I think that is both the greatest gift and burden at the same time.

My friends, take a moment to say, “I love you,” to your friends and families, because in the end they are what and who you are. It is not the material things, like a big screen TV, or a brand new car (or motorcycle), that make you any better than the next, though many people try. It is family and friends that can make you better or worse than anyone else. They are the foundation of your live, like it or not.

I thank each and every one of my family and friends, if not in person but in thought, each day for the love and support they have given me. I've been to Hell and back so many times I feel I have frequent flyer miles. :-) But always waiting for me at the “airline” gate are my family and friends. Some are new arrivals, some have recently returned from their own trips, but they are always there.

Anyways, enough of this, go forth and enjoy the day, week, month, year. Remember those who have left before you. Celebrate their memories often and know that you'll see them again sometime in the future. Thank you again for being a friend.

Posted by pykeman at 08:31 AM | Comments (0)

June 13, 2003

Another candle burnt out before it's time...

I just heard from my “big brother” Kiefer that his step son, Nigel, passed away this afternoon. Nigel was on a country road as passenger and they truck lost control. Nobody was wearing their seat belt. Nigel died. I don't know about the other kid, was too stunned to ask. I'll be leaving in the morning to go over there to be with him and his wife. This SUCKS! They don't know when the funeral is but I'll be sure as HE** be there no matter what. Both Danie and I are beyond thoughts now. numb. He was the light of Kiefs life…. He didn't want kids, then he married into Sandy's life and Nigel came along with her. Nigel lit up a room when he came in because you know humor and laughter wasn't far behind. His goal was to embarass you, not the other way around… I swear to you they kid was a comedian. I think he was going to be a Junior next year. He wasn't afraid to walk into the kitchen in boxers and scratching himself… You'd sit there and say, “I can't belive he did that.” Everyone else didn't notice as they were use to it. I remember my last trip out there three or four weeks ago. He had just had prom the weekend before and went to his own as well as took a good friend to hers, always the gentleman. I just remember sitting in the kitchen and having his Mom tell me all about how he didn't think he was going, but then ended up going, and the scramble to find something for him to wear… All of this while he was in a far off distant town at track and field event. This is the kid who would show up at the local diner, The Bridge Creek Cafe, and without looking at the menu know just what he wanted, be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner. And if you couldn't finish the meal, he would.

I need to pack and get some sleep. I don't know when I'll be back, or when I'll be heading back, but it will be at a drop of a hat for Kifer and Sandy and the whole damn town of Mitchell Oregon.

Posted by pykeman at 10:30 PM | Comments (1)

May 31, 2003

Who has who trained?

Question of the day:

Have we trained our cats or have the trained us?

I think Akira has figured how to see through the mini blinds. He will reach up and pull them apart to look outside. In doing so he knows that the noise it makes (aluminum being bent and snapping back) will wake someone up. This will usually mean he will be able to be let out in one of two ways: quickly with a toss if it is anywhere before 5 AM, or having the door opened for him after 5 AM.

That is all for now, going back to sleep until the alarm goes off.

Posted by pykeman at 05:38 AM | Comments (0)

May 28, 2003

Are you color blind?

What did I do tonight? Found out that Adam can't be an electrician… “Is that the red wire or green wire?” Thanks to Danielle's “color blindness test” (A.K.A. blotches of oil paint on paper), which then progressed to ink botch tests, we have found out that Adam has a red-green color deficiency. (We really didn't rely on Danie's “test”, continue reading for acutal tests we found online)

You'll know what to do if he becomes a bomb technican and you see him in your neighborhood. :-)

We knew that he was color deficient but wanted to confirm it in case he wanted to try the Job Corps' Electrician program, it requires a color “blindness” test. Oh well maybe he can try the culinary program. I told him color doesn't matter when you are the chef. Have you tried my “Cajan” BBQ Chicken Breasts? They have just the right amount of blackness and dryness. ;-)

Actually we used some great sites:

Ishihara Test for Color Blindness

Color Vision Testing Made Easy

Color Vision Deficiency Test <- This one was the most helpful.

Posted by pykeman at 09:51 PM | Comments (0)