Home Removation Project: Vault Removal: Wood Floor Refinishing Results
I arrived back home from our Vancouver vacation this morning. The first thing I did was take a look at the floors. The color is spectacular... it is a perfect match with many of our existing furniture pieces (our return, our hutch, and our dining room table and chairs). However, the quality of the workmanship is not great.

There is a lot (and I mean a lot) of gunk floating on the surface of the finish - large particles, hairs, a pine needle. Yeah, not good. I'm sure that will buff out, but there are a lot of scratches in the wood that will not buff out. Here are a couple of sample pictures:

You can't really see the scratches unless you are sitting down on the floor, but they are there. They are everywhere. I'm not too happy about it. The quality seems pretty lacking. Dang!

(Update Fri Mar 10 08:55:52 PST 2006 // fixed up the second picture URL)

(Update Mon May 22 22:26:27 PDT 2006 // title formatting)

February 2006 Photos
The kids galleries for the month of February are now available for review. Here are some sample pictures:

You can review the full galleries either by accessing the "February 2006" links on Berkeley's web site or Eliana's web site or you can access the galleries directly:

Berkeley's February 2006 Gallery ... (3 years, 7 months old)
Eliana's February 2006 Gallery ... (1 year, 11½ months old)

(Update Fri Mar 10 12:40:30 PST 2006 // fixed the gallery URLs)

Febrary 2006 Vancouver Vacation Photos
I have photos from our recent Vancouver vacation now up and ready for review. Here are some sample images:

I have categorized our vacation photos (and videos) based on the day they were taken. I have listed each below:

Feb. 24: Day 1, in transit   (blog, photo gallery)

Feb. 25: Day 2, aquarium and train museum   (blog, photo gallery)

Feb. 26: Day 3, grouse mountain and capilano bridge   (blog, video and photo gallery)

Feb. 27: Day 4, driving around town   (blog, photo gallery)

The entire set of pictures can be accessed from the parent link, here:

Vancouver Vacation Photos

Vancouver, BC: Day 4
We packed up all of our stuff this morning and checked out of the hotel at about 11am. Our train back to Seattle didn't leave until 5pm, so we spent the day shopping and driving around the area. We bought some souvenirs (clothing) and drove out along the coast to the University of BC while the kids napped in the car (renting the car seat for Eliana with the car was the best money we spent on the whole trip).

After the kids woke up we visited the Vancouver Roundhouse where a full size train (the first train to pull a transcontinental load into Vancouver) is on display. Berkeley climbed up in the engine and pull the rope to ring the bell - he thought that was pretty cool. We played at an adjacent park until it was time to return the car.

Our train didn't depart until 5pm, so we burned a bit of time after we returned our car (at 3pm) by riding the Vancouver sky train in and out of the city. Yeah, it was pretty much a vacation where we spent much of our time either riding trains or looking at trains - Berkeley's dream vacation no doubt.

We had a very pleasant train ride back to the states. The train stopped at the border for the US customs check at the same time we were in the dining car having dinner (by mere coincidence). It would be hard to imagine a more pleasant border check - while I was interfacing with the customs agent (providing the passports and other documentation and having a good chat), Kristy was eating her prime rib and the kids were chomping away at their dinners. Yeah, I think we can travel by train again. It's a great way to travel.

Restaurant Review: Tim Hortons

Restaurant:	Tim Hortons
Cuisine:	Coffee/Doughnuts
Rating:	Best Doughnuts
Price:	Just a few (Canadian) dollars
Location:	throughout Canada
Website:	www.timhortons.com

I guess Tim Hortons is the Starbucks/Krispy Kreme of Canada. I didn't try the coffee, but the doughnuts are quite simply the best doughnuts I have ever tasted. The Tim Hortons doughnuts put the KK doughnuts to shame... in fact, I may never have another KK doughnut again. I just wish there was a Tim Hortons down here in the states.

(Update Wed Mar 8 17:51:57 PST 2006 // changed bucks -> Canadian dollars)

Vancouver, BC: Day 3
This morning we travelled north across Lions Gate Bridge. We stopped first at Grouse Mountain where Kristy and Berkeley rode the tram up to the resort and played in the snow while I waited in the car in the parking lot with Eliana (who had fallen asleep during the drive). Kristy and Berkeley looked like they had a good time - I looked over the pictures (which I will post later).

From Grouse Mountain, we decided to drive up to Whistler and visit a "big train" museum on the way, located in Squamish. Unbeknownst to us however, a storm had blanketed the area with 2 feet of snow during the night. So we made it to Squamish (and found that the train museum was closed for the day due to the snow), but didn't venture further. I had discovered throughout the course of the day that the Pontiac Grand Prix rental we had wasn't so sure on its feet on wet roads, so I wasn't about to try it in the snow (the Grand Prix is a far cry from the Mercedes ML). The roads were still being cleared as we drove into Squamish.

Before we turned around to make our way back to Vancouver, we stopped at a local Wendy's/Tim Hortons and had a bite to eat (as I note in the review, the Tim Hortons doughnuts are incredibly delicious, definitely a highlight of our aborted trip to Whistler). Back in North Vancouver, we visited the Capilano Suspension Bridge... well, Berkeley, Eliana, and I went inside - Kristy stayed in the car and took a much-needed nap.

In the evening we went to eat at the Old Spaghetti Factory (i.e. another generic kid-friendly forgettable restaurant) in Gastown, and while there, visited the Gastown Steam Clock. Supposedly the Gastown Steam Clock is one of those "must see" Vancouver attractions that can't be missed. It is literally mentioned in all of the travel literature I read, and in many cases, mentioned quite prominently... and because of that, I guess I was expecting something very much different than what we found. Resembling an oversized grandfather clock, the Gastown Steam Clock can be easily missed... in fact, we drove by it several times before we finally found it - in a word - underwhelming (at best). I snapped a couple of pictures of the clock anyway. We'll see if they turn out, it was dark.

Vancouver, BC: Day 2
We spent the morning over in the Stanley Park area. First we walked through the Vancouver Aquarium. The Vancouver Aquarium is not Sea World by any stretch of the imagination, but it is quite a bit larger than the Seattle Aquarium. The kids had a lot of fun pressing their faces up to the glass of many of the exhibits. After the aquarium, we rode on the miniature train in the park and then returned back to the hotel for afternoon naps.

After naps, we drove across the bridge to Granville Island and walked around. The highlight of Granville Island was the Model Train Museum where we spent at least an hour. Afterward we ate at Sammy J Peppers which is basically the Canadian version of Chili's, i.e. restaurant food you forget about five minutes after you consume it. It was kid friendly though.

Vancouver, BC: Day 1
We travelled to Vancouver today by train. Despite some delays (a automobile got stuck at a railroad crossing just south of the US/Canada border and a freight train slowed us down north of the border), the train ride was very pleasant and a casual, relaxing way to travel. Berkeley was, of course, absolutely thrilled at the prospect of traveling on a train, so he didn't mind spending a couple extra hours on the train in the least.

Our seats on the train were situated around a small table (2 seats were facing forward, 2 were facing backward). Beneath the table were two power receptacles for electronic devices... nice. After we got going, we walked back to the dining car and had breakfast. While we dined the train travelled on a segment of track that was setback just a couple of meters from the ocean's edge. We ate our breakfast (omelettes, pancakes, muffins, oatmeal, hash browns, and sausages) while enjoying the incredible coastal scenery.

While in Vancouver, we are staying at The Westin Grand. We have a little suite that includes a small living/dining area with a fold out couch separate from the bedroom. We will be using this as our base camp for the next few days. The accomodations are quite nice. We ventured out (by foot) to downtown Vancouver today and walked around the downtown Vancouver shopping district. We dined at a small restaurant near the hotel (Café S'il Vous Plait) that had incredibly bad food. Tomorrow we plan on spending time in Stanley Park and visiting the Vancouver Aquarium.

(Update Wed Mar 8 14:06:37 PST 2006 // base station -> base camp)

Vancouver, Washington... Oops
While I was reviewing our train itinerary this evening, I discovered that the travel agent that made our reservations (e.g. Kristy) booked us on the train to Vancouver, Washington... not Vancouver, British Columbia. Oops. I made a quick phone call and changed our reservations. I was floored at how easy it was to change our reservation less than 12 hours before we are to disembark. Wow!

Should be a fun trip.

Home Removation Project: Vault Removal: Wood Floor Refinishing
A crew arrived this morning to prepare the hard wood floors for refinishing. They isolated the hard wood areas with plastic and began sanding. We'll be leaving tomorrow morning, by train, to Vancouver, BC. While we are gone (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday), they'll dye, stain, and put the first two coats of finish on the floor.

(Update Mon May 22 22:26:27 PDT 2006 // title formatting)

Home Removation Project: Vault Removal: Bathroom Floor Started
The tile subcontractor has started on the bathroom floor and has a good start. He is going on vacation this weekend (as are we... we are heading up to Vancouver, British Columbia), so he'll complete the shower walls and countertop the week after next. Here are a couple of pictures:

(Update Mon May 22 22:26:27 PDT 2006 // title formatting)

Dinner with Dr. Jones
Dr. Jones called me up on the phone this afternoon. He was flying into town on business and wanted to know if I had plans for dinner. I didn't have anything I couldn't move out of the way... I mean, how many times does my good friend Dr. Jones fly into town? Eh, just one time now. So I dropped by his hotel this evening and drove him over to JaK's Grill. We had a great dinner and a good time.

Berkeley and the Mouse
From time to time (like once a month) Berkeley will spend some time on Kristy's laptop playing around on a few internet web sites specifically designed for kids... like the Thomas and Friends official web site. I was watching him today while he was playing a few of the on-line Thomas games. I am simply amazed at how adept he has become using the mouse. Furthermore, some of his earlier frustrations with the mouse he can now overcome seemingly in an unconscious manner. For example, Berkeley used to require help when he wanted to move further in one direction but was constrained because he had reached the end of the mousepad. Kristy or myself would have to assist him by picking up the mouse and moving it to the other side of the pad so he could continue. But today, he was lifting and moving the mouse around with ease. Incredible.

President's Day
I had the day off from work today. We spent part of the day at the Bellevue Square mall with the kids. They love going to the mall and playing on the "boats" and at the Pottery Barn Kids store. Eliana's birthday is coming up, so we went primarily to order her another piece of the "retro kitchen" line that PBK carries. They were out of stock, but we put our names on the waiting list. While at the mall, we had some ice cream at this fabulous new ice cream store, the Mora Iced Creamery.

We spent the evening at the Thurmonds, where we had dinner and did what else? ...yep, played more Alhambra.

Restaurant Review: Mora Iced Creamery

Restaurant:	Mora Iced Creamery
Cuisine:	Handmade Ice Cream
Rating:	Wow... That's Good!
Price:	$4 to $5 per person
Location:	Bellevue Square, Bellevue
Website:	www.moraicecream.com

We spent part of the day at the mall today doing some shopping and letting the kids play and have a good time. On our way out, we stopped by this new ice cream shop that opened up not too long ago - Mora Ice Creamery. Mora is a quite a different looking ice cream store than the Baskin-Robbins at your local strip mall... lots of stainless steel interspersed with sleek modern decor.

The menu is pretty simple. Basically you can order ice cream, either scooped into a cake cone or placed on top of a brownie. A single scoop cake code runs $4, the brownie sundae runs $5. My first impression was, "Yikes! This is pricey ice cream, especially for kids." (I'm not so sure my kids can really appreciate the difference between $4/half-gallon store brand ice cream and $4/scoop gourmet ice cream). Well, be that as it may, at least Kristy and I could still appreciate an expensive scoop of ice cream. At the counter, I sampled some of two flavors: "Banana Split" and "Coconut". Wow! It tasted just like it came out of the ice cream churn of our back porch - that fresh flavor just can't be duplicated, this was definitely hand made in small batches.

Sure enough, the marketing literature I grabbed at the store seemed to confirm my hunch. The ice cream is made locally on Bainbridge Island, and shipped over to the store daily. Great stuff. Very highly recommended.

Dinner/Games
We hosted a dinner tonight (salmon with basil butter a la Costco, a wild rice blend with slivered almonds, a spinach salad with toasted hazelnuts, and steamed carrots/broccoli with cheese sauce). After dinner we played a Alhambra with six players (one of the few games we own that can be played with six players) - Ang won, she's a juggernaut.

Dinner at the Sorensons
Scott and Ang invited us over for dinner tonight... the Thurmonds were invited too. I took the kids over myself while Kristy stayed home and turned in early. Berkeley was pretty tired himself, because he dozed off on the way over (at about 7pm) and sawed logs for the entire time we were there (Eliana eventually dozed off at just before 9pm... I left at around 10:15pm). Elizabeth also arrived asleep. So, by the end of the night, we had three kids crashed out on Scott/Ang's bed.

The adults took the opportunity to play a few games. We played a few more games of Alhambra, which is our recent gaming addiction. Until tonight I was undefeated (three games played... three wins), but I didn't win at all tonight (Ang is now the reigning champ - taking two of three, and winning both times she played). It was nice to hang out at the Sorensons... their kids turn in early (like at 7:30pm) so they are always retiring from family dinners that other families host just as the adults are starting to get into the serious board gaming mode (at around 8pm). I expect that since Ang was so pleased with Alhambra we may be seeing more of the Sorensons around the gaming table.

Movie Review: Curious George

Title:	Curious George (2006)
Rating:	7/10

The entire family caught a matinee viewing of Curious George this afternoon. I really can't say I was all that interested in watching the movie (as opposed to animated features films like Shrek or The Incredibles which I can watch over and over again). Curious George is completely and totally produced with small children in mind. The animation was charming and warm; the music was perfectly simple; and the storyline and dialogue were nothing more than what you would expect to find in a children's book.

Both of my kids were mesmerized for much of the movie (Eliana kind of fell apart for the last 15 minutes). In fact, Berkeley was so immersed in the film that he had an emotional outburst when George is thrown into a cage and put on a ship. While George was struggling after being captured, Berkeley was desperately bellowing "What's happening?" back at the screen. He broke down and started sobbing when Geroge was finally put in the cage. He was pretty distraught. After the movie, Berkeley disclosed to me that he was "happy sad" when Ted (The Man with the Yellow Hat - voiced by Will Ferrell) rescued George from the ship. I asked him if he was so happy that he felt like crying - he responded "Yes."

Go see it with your young children, they'll have a great time.

Home Removation Project: Vault Removal: Radiant Heating Installed
As I noted previously (see here), I committed myself to installing the radiant heating system underneath the new bathroom tile based on the fact that I selected a product with which my contractor had no previous experience. I called up Dave to see if I could borrow his multimeter (so I can measure the resistance of the wire as the install proceeds). He graciously allowed me to borrow it and also volunteered to lend me hand. We finished the install in just under three hours. Here is a picture of the completed work:

The tile guy will show up on Monday to put a layer of thinset over the wire to protect it until the tile is installed.

(Update Mon May 22 22:26:27 PDT 2006 // title formatting)

The Phantom Balcony
As I have noted (quite copiously), we are in the midst of removing the vault from our entry way and living room. Just a few weeks ago, there used to be a balcony adjacent to the upstairs landing that overlooked the entry way. When our doorbell would ring, it was extremely convenient to glance down at the front door from the upstairs balcony. After our doorbell rings (like it did today), I now find myself glancing at the new wall that is now where the balcony overlook used to be. I mentioned this to Kristy - she does the same thing. I wonder how long it will take to un-train my brain.

Fish for Breakfast... Kiser Style
Last night after our dance class, we stopped by a local supermarket for some various necessities (milk, eggs, etc). While walking past the meat counter, Berkeley picked up a package that contained a whole trout.

"Look, Dad... a fish!", Berkeley exclaimed.

"Yes, it is.", I responded.

"Let's have the fish for breakfast.", Berkeley suggested.

Now, we have never had fish for breakfast before... so I'm not exactly sure how the synapses in his little brain fired in such a way so that he would even think to suggest such an idea.

"Ok, let's have fish for breakfast tomorrow.", I said, throwing the fish into the shopping cart.

"But we can't eat the eye.", said Berkeley matter-of-factly.

"Ok." I said, shaking my head with a smile.

I could tell that Kristy didn't think it was such a great notion, but she has never had fish for breakfast Kiser-style! While I was growing up, we would often drive over to the 20-acre cattle ranch run by my maternal grandparents (Grandma and Grandpa Kiser). We would go at least once a year as a family in the summer; and often would make the trip twice a year as a family (such as during Easter, Thanksgiving, or at Christmas). But, each of us grandsons would also spend one week (or more) alone at the ranch during the summer with our Kiser grandparents.

It was during this week that we really made some great memories and established strong bonds with our Grandma and Grandpa Kiser. I remember many distinct fishing outings that I made with just my Grandpa Kiser in his lime green 1956 1962 Dodge truck. We would start out early (really early! like 5am-ish), catch a few trout, and then bring them back home for Grandma to cook for breakfast. She would roll them in cornmeal and panfry them with some bacon grease... fish prepared Kiser-style. By 7:30am Grandpa and I had our boots on, were full of fish, and ready to do the ranch morning chores.

When Berkeley picked that farm-raised trout off of the refrigerated supermarket shelf and held it up, many of those memories I made when I was young on the Kiser ranch came flooding back to me - frying up a freshly caught trout and sharing it around the Kiser breakfast table. I wish Berkeley could have met my Grandpa Kiser, and had at least one morning meal of trout with him. I think Berkeley would have really taken to him.

I called up my Grandma Kiser this morning to make sure I was replicating the Kiser fish fry to the letter. Berkeley was right at my side the entire time while I was preparing the fish. I snapped a pic of him and our supermarket trout:

The kids loved the trout. I put generous helpings of the fish on both of their breakfast plates; they gobbled it all up.

(A small side note: The careful reader may have noted that Berkeley addressed me as "Dad" instead of "Daddy". Berkeley has been calling me "Dad" rather than "Daddy" more and more lately.)

(Update Fri Feb 17 10:43:28 PST 2006 // corrected the year of Grandpa's truck)

Home Removation Project: Vault Removal: Entry Light
The lights we ordered arrived the other day at Seattle Lighting. Kristy went to pick them up today. As I mentioned previously, we ordered our entry light sight unseen based simply on the catalog pictures. So we were very curious to see how it would look in the entry way. This morning I unpacked the light and hung it up... and snapped a picture of course!

We love the look of the light; it is very attractive and matches our dining room light quite well. You can't really tell from the picture, but the fixture hangs down from our 10' high ceiling a about 2½'. I think it is a little low, but Kristy doesn't - but then, Kristy is about half a foot shorter than I am. We'll have to get a few second opinions. Not that it really matters - it was a special order, so we are stuck with it.

(Update Mon May 22 22:26:27 PDT 2006 // title formatting)

Ballroom Sampler Review
Our dance class tonight was simply a review of the dance lessons we received in the previous three weeks: salsa, waltz, and swing. With a little more practice we could actually get pretty good at salsa and the waltz, but I think I'm going to give up on swing - I just don't have the moves.

Home Removation Project: Vault Removal: Eliana's Bedroom Trim Complete
Baxton was busy today finishing all of the trim in Eliana's new bedroom. With the exception of paint and carpet, Eliana's new bedroom is now complete. I snapped a few pics of the work done today:

Looks great!

(Update Mon May 22 22:26:27 PDT 2006 // title formatting)

Home Removation Project: Vault Removal: Laundry Passthrough Trim Complete
Baxton trimmed out the laundry passthrough that connects Kristy's closet in our master bathroom to the laundry area in the new bathroom. Here are a couple of pics.

The first picture shows the side of the laundry passthrough as it is situated on Kristy's closet wall. The second picture shows the other side of the passthrough; i.e. in the laundry area of the new bathroom.

(Update Mon May 22 22:26:27 PDT 2006 // title formatting)

Eliana's Birthday Imminent
Eliana will turn 2 on March 8th. If I was Eliana's grandmother and I wanted to get Eliana something really practical, then I would buy Eliana some new shirts, size 2T. Eliana has gone through a bit of a growth spurt lately and all of her shirts are now too short in the arms and too tight around the chest.

Just a suggestion.

Home Removation Project: Vault Removal: Backerboard Down, Tile Pictures
The tile installer came by today and installed the cement backerboard on the floor in the bathroom. I now have the rest of the week to get the radiant heating system installed. Next Monday he will return to put the tile on the floor, shower walls, and vanity countertop. Speaking of which, I snapped a couple pictures of the tile today:

The first picture is of the travertine that will be installed on the floor and on the shower walls. The second picture shows the marble tile (the square tile on the right) that will be installed on the vanity countertop. In the second picture you can also see the trim piece (on the left) that will be highlighted in the vanity backsplash and on the shower walls.

(Update Mon May 22 22:26:27 PDT 2006 // title formatting)

Valentines by Mail
My kids love to get mail. If they are in the car when I pick up the mail, Berkeley will sometimes ask "Is there any mail for Berkeley today?" I'll typically give them each a catalog or a piece of junk mail or whatever is most colorful. Today however, they got some valentines cards by mail from my mom and dad. They were pretty excited about getting the mail, even more so when I told them it was mail from their grandma and grandpa. I snapped a few pics while they were opening the valentines:

Eliana found that hat somwhere (in the car perhaps? I really have no idea) and put it on herself. It wasn't part of the original clothing ensemble.

Biff's Bruschetta
I made some bruschetta tonight to go with some pizza we baked. I was shooting for the same type of flavor of the bruschetta served at the local Pallino... I think I hit it spot on. It's delicious!

4 roma tomatoes (or 2 medium-sized tomatoes)
2 ¼" slices of red onion
1 sprig of fresh basil
1 tsp oregano (or 1 sprig fresh oregano)
2 tbs olive oil
12 slices Pugliese bread (loaves available from Costco)
2 tbs butter
2 cloves garlic
freshly grated, shreded, or shaved parmesan cheese

Chop tomatoes into small cubes. Chop onions and basil finely. Add tomatoes, onion, basil, oregano, and olive oil to small bowl and mix to combine. Set aside.

Place bread slices on cookie sheet. Toast slices in broiler for 2-3 minutes. Turn over and broil opposite side for another 2-3 minutes. While toasting bread, mince garlic and combine with butter. Prepare parmesan cheese and set aside in a separate bowl. After toasting bread, spread butter on one side of the bread and broil buttered side for 3-4 minutes until garlic is toasted crisp. (Broil time varies from oven to oven I would expect... keep an eye on the bread so that it doesn't burn).

Remove bread from broiler and arrange on a plate. Spoon tomato mixture on bread and top with the fresh parmesan cheese. Serve.

Home Removation Project: Vault Removal: Tile Delivered
The tile was delivered today. It looks good, though I am a bit concerned about the travertine. It looks a little more orange than I seem to recall. But Kristy thinks I'm crazy. She's probably right.

(Update Mon May 22 22:26:27 PDT 2006 // title formatting)

Board Game Review: Alhambra
I had lunch with Carl and Dave the week before last in Redmond. Afterward, I picked up a copy of Alhambra with the intent of playing it that coming weekend (on Superbowl Sunday with family). Well, we didn't end up playing the game until tonight with the Thurmonds. They invited us over for dinner and so I brought the new game along to give it a go.

The game is themed after the real-life Alhambra palace complex built by Moorish monarchs in southern Spain. (Kristy, Berkeley, and myself have actually visited Alhambra in person... see pictures). The goal of the game is to build your own Alhambra palace complex with more of the individual palace components (which are pavilions, manors, mezzanines, chambers, gardens, and towers) than any of your competitors. Points are awarded to players who have the highest number of each respective building component during three different scoring rounds that occur during the game. The person with the most points at the end of the game (i.e. immediately after the 3rd and final scoring round) is declared the winner.

As the game proceeds, each player on their turn may perform one of 3 actions: 1) buy a building component from the building market, 2) take money from the money market for future use, or 3) rearrange one tile segment of their own palace. Building components purchased from the building market must be purchased with money of the right type and of a minimum amount as noted on the building market and the game piece. If the player overpays for a building component, no change is given and the player's turn is over. However, if the player can pay exact change for a building tile, the player can take another turn... choosing one of the 3 possible actions. Thus, it is theoretically possible to take 5 turns during a round - i.e. buying 4 building tiles with exact change, and then drawing money from the money market.

There are several building rules that must be followed by players while they build their own palace. For example, tiles all must be adjacently arranged along edges - not diagonally. Furthermore, each building tile can have up to three walls at the tile edges (some tiles have no walls). Many of the building rules restrict how you can place tiles with wall edges - for example, wall edges must match wall edges, etc. Thus, there may be turns where a player cannot buy any tiles from the building market, not for the lack of funds, but for the lack of a suitable building site to place the tile. Therefore, it is crucial to plan early the game and construct the individual palaces such that they are easily expandable.

I bought Alhambra based on both the recommendation of the staff at the local game store where I purchased it and because Alhambra won the prestigious "Spiel des Jahres" (German Game of the Year) in 2003 (Carcassonne and Ticket to Ride won this same award in 2001 and 2004 respectively). We had a lot of fun playing Alhambra tonight and my bet is that we will keeping playing it alongside some of our other family favorites. Highly recommended.

Biff's Best Cheese Sauce Evar!
We frequently steam vegetables for dinner; including broccolini, asparagus, and carrots. We had some broccolini tonight with some lamb chops. Typically I'll prepare this simple cheese sauce to pour on top of the veggies. Here is how to make it:

1 tbs butter
1-2 tsp flour
dash pepper
1 cup milk
¼ cup shredded Jarlsberg cheese

Melt butter in a small saucepan. Add flour (1 tsp for a thinner sauce, 2 tsp for a thicker sauce) and stir to make a light brown roux. Add milk all at once and whisk vigorously until sauce thickens (whisking keeps the texture of the sauce nice and smooth). Add cheese and stir until just melted. Serve hot over freshly steamed vegetables.

(Update Wed Feb 15 08:11:29 PST 2006 // lamp -> lamb... oops)

Biking Around the Neighborhood
Kristy made some chocolate caramels and other treats yesterday and prepared some Valentine's Day plates for our neighbors. Berkeley, Eliana, and I delivered the plates today - Berkeley on his bike and Eliana in the stroller. Today was probably the first really nice, sunny and (somewhat) warm day since Berkeley got his bike (on Christmas day). He isn't too great at keeping the pedal motion going yet, and he has no concept of braking, but he'll slowly get the hang of it. Pretty soon he'll be biking around the lake to the park!

Many of our neighbors were away - presumably enjoying the nice weather somewhere, but it was nice catching up with several of the ones that were home. Everyone in the neighborhood has been in kind of a hibernation mode... or, at least, we have.

Kristy's Chocolate Caramels
These are pretty good, it's a recipe Kristy adapted from her mother's caramel recipe:

2 cup sugar
1 cup cocoa
1 cup white Karo syrup
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup butter
pecans

Arrange pecans on the bottom of a buttered 9x9-inch pan. Combine sugar, cocoa, and Karo syrup in medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil until clear. Add butter. Stir until melted. Add milk. Bring to boil over medium heat until candy thermometer reads 242°. Remove from heat. Pour into pan over nuts. Allow to cool. Cut into rectangular cubes. Wrap in wax paper.

(Update Wed Feb 15 08:48:36 PST 2006 // added additional instructions for clarity)

Home Removation Project: Vault Removal: Bathroom Vanity Installed
The new bathroom double vanity was delivered this afternoon. Baxton dropped by and installed it this evening:

The tile subcontractor will show up either tomorrow or early next week to install the cement backerboard on the floor.

(Update Mon May 22 22:26:27 PDT 2006 // title formatting)

Symphony Review: Beethoven's Violin Concerto
After eating dinner at nearby Union restaurant, Kristy and I settled into our seats at Benaroya Hall to hear Beethoven's Violin Concerto (and whatever other less significant pieces were being coincidentally performed). Let me just say this - Beethoven's violin concerto, the Seattle Symphony, this soloist (Nikolaj Znaider), and the Stradivarius "ex-Leibig" violin (made in 1704, or 65 years before Beethoven was even born!) - put those together:

"That was the sweetest sound I have ever heard.", observed Kristy.

It was an unbelievable performance. Both Kristy and I gave our enthusiastic standing ovation to Mr. Znaider... so enthusiastic, that we clapped until our hands hurt. The rest of the audience was just as captivated. Incredible.

Restaurant Review: Union

Restaurant:	Union
Cuisine:	Northwest
Rating:	Good Enough
Price:	$70-$80 for two adults (tip not included).
Location:	1400 First Avenue, Downtown Seattle
Website:	www.unionseattle.com

Before Kristy and I attended the performance of Beethoven's Violin Concerto at Benaroya Hall tonight, we stopped by the Union restaurant for a bite to eat. Because Union is only a block away from Benaroya Hall, we were able to secure excellent parking at the Benaroya parking garage and then walk over to the restaurant. Very nice... a definite plus.

The Union restaurant features a menu that highlights Northwest cuisine and is advertised as changing daily. A sample menu can be reviewed on the Union's website, see here and here. We both ordered one appetizer, Kristy ordered the kohlrabi soup and I ordered the endive salad. The kohlrabi soup was exceptional; the soup alone is worth a return visit. The endive salad was just ok... kind of bland actually. I found out later (while reading some of the reviews framed in the hallway leading toward the restrooms) that one of the signature dishes at Union is the dungeness crab salad... so I mis-ordered there. Oops.

Kristy ordered the duck for her entrée and I ordered the ahi tuna. Kristy's duck was perfectly prepared; medium rare and moist throughout. My tuna was average, and the portion was a bit small... so I had to supplement with table bread. Our desserts were both very good. Kristy had the chocolate cake thingy and I had the cinnamon crème brûlée.

Summary: Some of the food was excellent, some was just ok. The location couldn't be more convenient (just a block away from the Benaroya Hall).

Swing, Swing, Swing
Kristy and I learned a bit of swing tonight. We were introduced to a couple of basic steps, plus one intermediate spin move. But neither of us were very good by the end of the one-hour lesson. Next week is a review of salsa, waltz, and swing.

Home Removation Project: Vault Removal: Hardwoods Installed
The new hardwoods are in.

The first picture shows the new hardwood floor in the mud room. The second and third pictures show the new hardwood floor in the living room. And the fourth picture shows the hardwood floor in Kristy's new office.

(Update Mon May 22 22:26:27 PDT 2006 // title formatting)

Home Removation Project: Vault Removal: Outside Washer/Dryer
Yesterday as part of the floor installation preparations, we moved our washer and dryer out of the mud room and into the garage. This makes it somewhat difficult to do a load of laundry. So today I trimmed out a 220v dryer plug underneath the house electrical box (with a little help from David - who had plenty of extra wire on hand). I then positioned my washer and dryer next to outlet put the backs of the appliances against the inside of the smaller garage door. For water, the front yard hose bib should suffice - just need a male to male hose extension. The dryer will vent out freely into the air and the washer will drain out on onto the driveway. Sweet!

I snapped a couple of pics of the handiwork:

Note the exposed electrical panel... I'm sure that is safe for the kids to play around.

(Update Mon May 22 22:26:27 PDT 2006 // title formatting)

Home Removation Project: Vault Removal: Floor Preparations
The hardwood floor installation is scheduled to begin tomorrow. As part of the preparations for the install, some of the planks in the entry area were removed so that the new wood can be threaded into the original flooring. This will hopefully give the appearance that the hardwood floor in the living room was put down at the same time as the existing hardwoods in the entry way and the dining room. We are also replacing the linoleum in the mud room with hardwoods, so that floor was ripped out today.

This evening I removed the existing kitchen island exposing the hardwoods underneath (I was thinking that there may have been a gap in the original hardwood installation under the island cabinet, but it turned out not to be the case). Kristy wants to replace the island eventually (with one that has seating around the outside), so I figured now was as good as time as any.

The first picture shows the kitchen with the island removed (note the obvious yellowing of the finish on the exposed finished hardwoods). The other two pictures are taken of the threading that will take place in the entry way.

(Update Mon May 22 22:26:27 PDT 2006 // title formatting)

Superbowl
Well that super sucked.

Home Removation Project: Vault Removal: Lights Ordered
We stopped by Seattle Lighting today and finalized our light selections. We found that Seattle Lighting is much better than Lamps Plus in one key area: Seattle Lighting has a play area for kids (with a TV/DVD), Lamps Plus does not. This one little item made shopping at Seattle Lighting 100x more effective and enjoyable. We ordered the same bath lighting bar that is in our other bathroom upstairs - this one. For the entry, we couldn't find one we liked on the showroom floor, so we special ordered one that we found in a catalog - see here. Because it is a special order, it is non-returnable. So hopefully we will like it once we see it.

(Update Mon May 22 22:26:27 PDT 2006 // title formatting)

Home Removation Project: Vault Removal: Shopping for Lights
After some dinner at Lombardi's, we spent the evening at Lamps Plus trying to find the perfect lighting fixture for our entry way. The old chandelier can no longer be used as it is far too big now, even for our 10-foot ceilings (if interested in purchasing it, drop me an e-mail). Our goal is to match the style of the dining room light. Lamps Plus supplied all of the lighting for the house during initial construction, so we thought that it would be a good place to start. Much to our disappointment, we really didn't find anything that really impressed us. We'll keep looking (at other stores) tomorrow.

(Update Mon May 22 22:26:27 PDT 2006 // title formatting)

Restaurant Review: Lombardi's

Restaurant:	Lombardi's Neighborhood Italian Cucina
Cuisine:	Italian
Rating:	Good food, quick service
Price:	$50 for two adults and two kids (tip not included).
Location:	Issaquah and other Puget Sound locations
Website:	www.lombardiscucina.com

We had plenty of errands to run tonight (like shopping for lights) so we weren't able to eat at home. Instead we dropped by the Lombardi's in Issaquah. The kids love noodles, so we figured Lombardi's would be a good choice. We have eaten there before, but it is has been a few years. I think the last time we ate there was while Berkeley was just a few months old. But I still remember the dish I had then - it was some kind of fettucine-based dish with Prawns and asparagus tips. It was yummy.

Unfortunately, that dish must have been on there seasonal menu, because it was not offered tonight. Instead I ordered up the "Fettucine di Mare" (prawns, scallops, salmon, and artichokes in a roasted red pepper sauce) and Kristy ordered one of the specials, "Italian Pot Roast with Ravioli". We ordered the kids stuff from the kids menu and they kept themselves busy with some crayons and coloring books provided by the restaurant.

It couldn't have been but 5 or 6 minutes before our server returned with our food. Wow. It was great timing too as the kids had just begun to tire of coloring. Once Berkeley and Eliana had their food in front of them, they set at once to consuming it. Both Kristy and I were impressed by the prompt and attentive service. Before we entered Lombardi's, both of us were concerned about taking the kids to a "sit down" restaurant... thinking that the time waiting between ordering and getting our food would be a challenge. Much to our pleasant surprise it all worked out just fine. Oh, and the food with very good to boot!

Summary: Good food coupled with prompt, attentive service

Home Removation Project: Vault Removal: Boxbeams In Living Room Up
Baxton installed the boxbeam trim on the living room ceiling today. He pieced it all together by hand. We decided to put boxbeams on the ceiling in the living room to match those that were installed in the dining room when the house was originally built. I should have snapped a picture in the living room looking toward the dining room, but I didn't. The pictures I did take look pretty sharp though... check it out:

(Update Mon May 22 22:26:27 PDT 2006 // title formatting)

Lunch
Carl called me up today and invited me to lunch with David and himself. It had been some time since me lunched together, so I accepted. We had a nice lunch up over at Matt's Rotisserie and chewed the fat for about an hour or so. After lunch, I stopped by a nearby Uncle's Games and picked up a new board game - Alhambra.

(Update Sat Feb 11 14:34:24 PST 2006 // fixed a spelling error)

Home Removation Project: Vault Removal: Walls Primed, Bathroom Receptacles Moved
The painter showed up and primed all of the walls today. He tinted the primer a light tan, so the walls actually have some color now. It's really starting to look like a livable space now.

Baxton pointed out to me today that he had the electrician put the bathroom receptacles around the vanity about 6 inches above the vanity countertop. This was because we had told him we would be having a 4-inch backsplash. Since we changed our minds last weekend (to a 6-inch backsplash), I took it upon myself to move the receptacles up the wall a couple of inches (Baxton said the electrician wanted $400 to make the modifications himself). I didn't do a great job, but hopefully no one but me will notice.

(Update Mon May 22 22:26:27 PDT 2006 // title formatting)

1, 2, 3.... 1, 2, 3....
As part of the ongoing ballroom sampler Kristy and I are attending, we learned a couple of basic waltz steps tonight. This is one of those dances that would be nice to know a lot better and Kristy and I should practice here at home. I did do some waltzing with Eliana tonight and she thought it was pretty funny (she giggled practically the whole time). Next week... swing!