Thoughts with Quake/Tsunami Victims

Sunset from the Grand Wailea
Originally uploaded by pete4ducks.

Quite a tragedy unfolding in Japan hope for the best for that country and all involved. Thankfully that country, unlike Haiti a few years ago, has very stringent and thorough building requirements and that has certainly prevented it from being an even greater tragedy. This was a massively strong earthquake. I am hoping that no one was hurt in Hawaii and that the damage was minimal. It sounds like Kihei had some flooding. This photo was taken in Wailea a week and a half ago, I'd imagine the waves probably made it up to the spot it was taken from.

Maui Recap

Whale Watching
Originally uploaded by pete4ducks.

We got back from Maui 5 days ago - tough to go from sunny and 82 to Oregon in February and to go from a life of leisure to a life of routine. We had a great time swimming and relaxing. Aside from those activities we fit in time to attend a luau, go zip-lining, tour a plantation, visit the Maui Ocean Center, attending a luau and going whale watching. Maui seems like it could be home for us someday - life moves slower there - the sun is always shining and the sight of water brings me a sense of peace.

Soccer Practice

Soccer Practice
Originally uploaded by pete4ducks

Evie has been taking at soccer class at the park and rec center. I think daddy enjoys it more than her but she has for the most part participated and is one of only two girls. She appears to be fairly coordinated and likes sports. Her biggest area of improvement probably is that she will pick the ball up with her hands a lot. Four year old soccer is pretty funny - I'd compare it to the herding cats. The coaches have to have a lot of patience . . . off to Maui in two days!

Black Helicopters and Presidents

Cannon Beach January 2011
Originally uploaded by pete4ducks.

President Obama was speaking out at Intel in Hillsboro today. About 15 minutes ago his big black helicopters flew right over our building in Old Town on the way to PDX. So I guess I can say I was about 50 feet away from the President. I actually was about 10 feet away from Bill Clinton in 1992 but that was during the campaign before he was elected. He spoke at Mac Court when I was a senior in high school. 6 days till Maui!

8 More Days!

Cannon Beach January 2011
Originally uploaded by pete4ducks.

Wow some snow in the Portland area today - it just makes me want to be in Maui even more - we have 8 days until we leave which means a whole lot of packing and prep work this weekend to get the 4 of us ready to go. So looking forward to the warm sun, relaxation and to doing some snorkeling . . .