World Cup Fever - 4th of July
Happy Sunday!
Well, what a week for the World Cup! But alas, all of the teams that I have been rooting for have been eliminated. Belgium did in the US last Monday, England defeated Norway, and Argentina did in Switzerland. But, man, it has been a good run. This is the first World Cup I have really paid attention to, and I have developed a much deeper appreciation for the game and the stories.
This past Monday, Alan and I got on the bus and went into downtown Seattle to soak up the atmosphere before the USA v. Belgium game. WOW! There was so much positive energy down there. It was a beautiful day, and we just had a wonderful time, starting at the Pike Street market, walking down the steps to the waterfront, along the waterfront, and all over the Stadium area, until it was time to head home and host a watch party at our house. Alas, Belgium defeated the USA. The watch party was fun anyway.
Last weekend was the 4th of July, and Olympic Manor held its annual 4th of July picnic. I'm no longer president of the manor, but I am still on the grill team, so I hauled the grill up to Soundview Park. Catherine par-cooked all of the hamburgers and hot dogs, and we had a wonderful time. I think it was last year, but maybe it was the year before, that Catherine started par-cooking the burgers, and man, that made the whole thing work so much better. No one is waiting in line for burgers or dogs anymore. I was also the Emcee for the Water balloon toss, the Three-legged race, and the apple pie contest.
When I was a kid, there was the annual Drywall Association picnic in Spokane, catered by Longhorn BBQ. And I loved going to that so much. My desire is for the kids in this neighborhood to have the same fond memories of this picnic as I have of that one.
On the evening of the Fourth of July, we headed up to Victoria's sister's place for another BBQ and to watch Victoria's dad put on a 22-minute fireworks show. It was quite impressive. Fireworks are her Dad's happy place ;) I also had a chance to meet more of Victoria's family, which I quite enjoyed.
This past Friday, Catherine had some work to do in Arlington to support their summer street fair, so I joined her up there, and it was a little mini vacation. Catherine did her thing for a bit, and then we just enjoyed the rest of the day at a slow pace.
In related news, Victoria also summited Mt Baker this past weekend. That is quite the accomplishment. I have started training to join her to Climb Mt Rainer next summer.
The rest of this week has been getting ready for Race week. I will be leaving on Wednesday morning for Bellingham on the boat. I have to be there on Friday morning to meet the sailmaker, where we will take delivery of the new sails and get them fitted to the boat. Then it is a week of racing!
Have a great week!
Love ya
Dan W
