Donna and I were blessed with many visitors over the long holiday weekend. We had friends and family in town from Nashville, Las Vegas, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles along with dozens of folks who live here in western Washington that we hosted at several events.
Today's blog post is just a few photographs mostly for the benefit of those we invited over who couldn't make it due to work or other summer plans.
Left to right, me, my Dad, and my brother John. Taken on the ferry from West Seattle, pulling into the Island.
The Atomic dog sleeping in the guest room to be near my dad.
My friend Dave with Sophie and Godzilla.
My friend Christine with Happy.
Donna's dad Howard and my dad on our friend Eric's boat taking an Independence Day cruise around the Island. Thanks, Eric! And have you ever seen two guys more excited to be boating?
Dave, stealing my wife. That's Dave's painting on the wall too. He is one of our favorite artists. Get him while he is cheap!
My brother at our July 3rd party. It rained quite a bit that morning but cleared up nicely for the outdoor event that night. Whew.
I've mentioned the 1905 waterfront place we plan to restore. The boat ride was my first chance to get a picture of it from the backside. That's what she said.
My dad, cutting his birthday cakes on July 4th. When you get to be his age, one cake is not enough. Happy 70th though!!! You kicked Tim Russert's ass.
And finally, a few random fireworks shots from the Island's display. Taken from the yard of the new place. I hope everyone else had a safe and happy holiday weekend too!
Thanks for a great time. I had a swell visit.
Posted by: brother john | July 07, 2008 at 05:16 AM
I didn't know Dave was an artist. It is actually a pretty cool painting!
Nice fireworks display.
Posted by: Raul | July 07, 2008 at 06:08 AM
i love all the pics, thx for sharing them.
Posted by: michelle k | July 07, 2008 at 06:31 AM
First of all - lovin' the long hair. Second of all- did you say you invited people over?! Wow.
Also, the 1905 house is gorgeous (green with envy).
Posted by: Nicole | July 07, 2008 at 07:24 AM
I must have lost my invitation in the mail....if you build a small guest house on one of the many properties you have can I live in it? I really hate LA. Great pics tho
Posted by: db | July 07, 2008 at 08:49 AM
Cool, Bean! Thanks for sharing! One odd thing this 4th, here it is a holiday weekend, and almost no traffic on US 101 west of Port Angeles. Spooky.
Posted by: Rochelle | July 07, 2008 at 10:22 AM
ha. so the picture of dave and your wife reminds me of one of those cholo/chola pictures that are popular with those types of people. you can find a whole window display at the local photo place. they all look the same. dave just needs her name tattooed scrolly style on his neck and she needs a hickey. the background is what really sets the tone. good times
Posted by: karlee | July 07, 2008 at 10:46 AM
these are awesome! i missed you guys.
Posted by: your daughter | July 07, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Thanks for sharing the pics. You look a lot like your dad. Was wondering how many times Dave fell asleep while working on the painting.
Posted by: Kings Fan | July 07, 2008 at 11:04 AM
How soon after Chief got on the island did he ask "When you gonna get a haircut?"?
Great fireworks pics!
Posted by: Sketchbook by Chris | July 07, 2008 at 11:05 AM
What's up with that green loveseat? Good thing dogs are colorblind, or else the Atomic dog would NEVER get any sleep!
Posted by: Stacey | July 07, 2008 at 12:00 PM
looks like everyone had a great time! makes my 4th feel all lame from watching fireworks off the balcony of the apartment. wouldn't have been so bad if they weren't obstructed by buildings.
can i just invite myself over for next year? i'm mexican too!
happy birthday chief!
Posted by: Alisa | July 07, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Great pics, Bean!!! I just wanted to tell you that I got my "surprise" from The Something Store and I got the same f*ing zipper purse as you!!! I think that's all they have!!! I have to say, I'm slightly disappointed...
Posted by: Heidi-Ho | July 07, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Nice pics! Looks like a swell time was had by all!
I spent the week in San Francisco with my wife (our anniversary is on July 2nd), and wouldn't you know, they moved the fireworks display down the bay a little from where it used to be. So we could no longer see them from the window of our favorite motel on Lombard.
I really love San Francisco, but I'd sure like to know what all those people DO for a living; I couldn't afford to rent a dogloo in that town!
Posted by: Johnny Socko | July 07, 2008 at 04:33 PM
Dave and Donna seem very happy. Congratulations!
Posted by: Brittany | July 07, 2008 at 05:09 PM
Thanks for the photos! Wish I could have been there but didn't have the time off from work. What advice can you give to those of us whose fireworks photos are rubbish?
Posted by: Frank Murphy | July 07, 2008 at 09:04 PM
Gene - It's great to see the pictures, especially of Chief and Anchovy... Your dad looks great.
Posted by: Mister Keith | July 08, 2008 at 06:44 PM