Happy Thanksgiving everyone !

Update: Al Gore

Franklin Falls

For the Veteran's Day holiday yesterday, we ventured east on I-90 to Snoqualmie Pass to check out the snow levels. The ski resorts are almost ready to open - the chair lifts were in motion and the concession stands were being stocked with goods. After breakfast at a pancake house near the summit, we went back one exit west to the Denny Creek exit and ended up at Franklin Falls. A one-mile hike in, with little vertical gain, brought us to some amazing falls with spectacular views and photos ops the whole way. Since we had left the house early, there were no other hikers out at that time and we had the trail to ourselves. It was a great day. And good for our souls. I love where I live.

Happy 120th Birthday Washington !

Washington's official statehood - as the 42nd state - started 120 years ago today, at 5:27 pm. The image above is a telegram that announces the state's transition (courtesy WA Sec of State).

King County animals in need

The King County Council adopted legislation on Monday directing to end animal sheltering services by January 31st and to end animal control services to the cities by June 30th. Revenues from pet licenses and other fees have fallen short of the cost of providing animal care and control services in the amount of approximately $2 million per year.

If you ever pondered getting a new dog or cat from the King County shelter, please do it now. Normal fees are being waved to encourage adoptions. Shelters are located :

King Co Animal Care and Control

21615 64th Ave S

Kent, WA 98032

206.296.3936

or

King Co Animal Care and Control - Eastside Adoption Center

821 164th Ave NE

Bellevue, WA 98008

206.296.3940

YUK

I'm a fan of an occasional Haribo treat, but this is disgusting - the world's largest gummy bear. All yours for $29.95. Here are the specs:

• Dimensions: 9" x 5.5" x 3.5"
• Equivalent of 1400 regular-size gummy bears
• Weighs approximately 5 pounds
• 12,600 calories (good god)
• Hand-made in the USA with domestic ingredients
• Gluten-free (well thank god for that !)

A smaller version comes on a stick: the equivalent of 88 regular-size bears. And yes, it's also gluten free.

a Clark W. Griswold moment...

On a nice sunny day last week, Dan and I took a trip over to the Olympic Peninsula to do a short hike on Hurricane Ridge. When we reached the park, the road we take to access the top ridge was closed. What ?! How could it be closed ? It was a beautiful day. A small sign on the Ranger hut indicated high levels of snow were expected for that afternoon and the area would be closed for the day. D'oh.

We decided to venture a bit further west and go to Lake Crescent. We grabbed some sandwiches and had lunch along the lake. It is stunning. Due to a lack of nitrogen in the water, algae growth is stunted. What results is a magnificent blue color and water that is crystal clear.