Sleepless in Seattle...

What an awesome weekend! Amy came to visit Preston and me. That in it self was significant, but the time we shared was fantastic. I got to play tourist in my own city. Before she came, and after I realized the guest beach house wasn't going to finished, I decided to "summer clean" the house and yard. Good thing, I think it made a great impression on her. It was a long time coming anyway because I have had so many guests over the summer with Travis and his family, Dylan leaving his mark and the occassional drop-in of Gary, it made for a good cleaning. Heck, I even cleaned the carpets (they needed it). I guess what I'm saying here is that the house looked good inside and out.
We went to Alki Beach Friday night after a dinner out. A great view of the city, and nearly got soaked by the park spinklers. Had a good laugh before heading home. Since the guest house wasn't ready for guests quite yet, She got my room and I got the floor in Preston's room.
Saturday morning she was welcomed to my famous Saturday breakfast in bed spread. Preston and I took Amy to Snoqualmie Falls for the day. It was in the mid 80's. After a great picnic at the base of the falls and a good relaxing 2-3 hours enjoying the water we hiked up the trails to have a fun dinner at a Mongolian Grill resautant. We enjoyed a movie at home, (Wild Hogs) with Preston and called it a day.
Sunday was an over the top day. Still amazing weather, we went to the early service at New Lfe so we could make our 11:00 bording on the Argossy Smooth Jazz Cruise on Elliot Bay. That was awesome. great food, great music, outstanding views of Seattle and even better views of my special guest. After a 2 hour trip on the sound, we walked around the Seattle water front. Then another 2-3 hours enjoying the Pike Place Market. Picked up some fresh veggies and a bouquet of flowers for Amy. We then found our car after a good hunt in the wrong parking lot (guess I was distracted) and drove home to meet up with Gary.
I put on the grill a decent spread of steak Kabobs. I also made a cucumber, and tomato salad. (Just like in Cyprus). Amy picked out a great bottle of Chardony and after a nice dinner of laughter and conversation of hearing about Travis's road trip of yester year to Tiajuana, we enjoyed a good hot blazing bon fire, and some smores.
Gary really enjoyed himself and I think he was impressed by my guest.
Monday came too soon. Preston and I had a dentist appointment in Kirkland. We took Amy with us. While she paitentlty waited for us, she walked to Juanita Beach near my old stomping grounds in Kirkland. Again another beautiful day. No cavities!
We took Preston to the Kirkland waterfront and had lunch on the Marina. When we returned to Renton only to have to say goodbye at least for now.
So yes, it was a very good weekend. Thank you Amy for making it special.

Progress!

I am inspired! I think my inspiration gets ahead of my abilities some times. What am I talking about? Well, it's like this. I am a single dad and all that that implies, it's all on me to take care of the issues of life in my household. I have invited additional guests to stay at my home for the summer and a nephew who lives in my home as well. Well, that has been a crazy mix for sure. I am not complaining it's just a lot to take in for an extended period. But to my point. I am in the process of painting my guest quarters. The Arie Beach House. (All is good , no worries beach house). I am so inspired, but just can't seem to paint it all at the speed of my life. So, last night at midnight, I came to this reality and now have peace that it will get done when it gets done. No more stress, no more worries. I have real peace about it and my inspiration for a tropical get away isn't fading, it's just not going to be complete as soon as I wanted it to. A delayed gratification is alright by me. So, somewhere in this message is a lesson for me and perhaps all who read it.

21!

At 4:02 Pacific Time, yesterday morning my amazing son Gary turned 21. While age doesn't define us as a man or woman, there are certain milestones that seem to be noticed more than others. I knew that he would choose to celebrate this evining with some close friends so I was not dissapointed at all. He has grown wiser over the last year and his goals are very encouraging. I salute you my son! I love you and am very proud of you! I look forward to our weekend in New York!
While Gary and some of his longstanding friends enjoyed the night, I spent the evening on a sailboat with coworkers sailing on Lake Union on a beautiful August night in Seattle. Hundreds of sailboats converged for a non-competitive race course around the lake. The views were amazing with the Seattle skyline as the backdrop and the sunset reflecting on the skycrapers.
Preston spent a rare eveing with his grandparents. All in all it was a great day. It endend with a wonderful conversation with my sweetheart in Oregon. I am a happy man.

Let there be carpet!

Last night, I went to Lowe's and bought the extra thick carpet padding for the beach house. I figured since the carpet was free, I could go the extra step to get a better quality pad. So for all my future guests, I trust they will appreciate the difference!
I am excited to start the painting process this week. What I come up with is still in my mind, yet I hope to reveal it soon enough.
I read my sister Amy's blog today and would encourage anyone to view it as well. Go to, heymann-joural.blogspot.com The Health Care system is at stake and the proposed actions in this current administration would be disastrous! Especially to all of our parent's generation. We would be cutting our own throats.
The summer has been grand. I plan to go camping this week at Mt. Rainier with Preston on the way down to Corvallis.
If I don't write anymore this week, Make it great. AND, pray for our administration to get a clue!

The Beach House

I am inspired to convert my extra 14 ft x 14 ft. out building into a beach house. My excellent friend Travis and I are in the process of making a beach house inspired room, complete with a beach mural and whatever inpiration that comes my way along the process. We made good progress this weekend.I will be sealing the concrete flooring tomorrow because all of the texturizing is not quite finished. I can so see this happen! You know, I have been creating places and murals for so many other people, but haven't done something for me in recent memory. I was partly inspired from my recent trip to Cyprus. The views I saw were amazing! I plan to add an additional window on the "garden side" of the room to add more light. I think this room will act as my guest house and a place for me to listen to my jazz uninterupted. I just knew there was something I loved about having this space to work with. I look forward to sharing pictures in the near future.