Ryan and I were just perusing the internet news when we came across this article on land use in my home county, Flathead County, Montana. While the article is a good snapshot of the land use troubles in the area, one thing not examined adequately in the article is the ripple effect development, especially from out-of-the-area millionaires interested in vacation homes, has on housing prices for local residents. The article talks a lot about timber, conservation, and wealthy investors buying land in the west but portrays locals narrowly (i.e. old time timber folk and environmentalists).
It isn't often that my little corner of the world gets mentioned in the New York Times.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
The Connecticut Crew
From Left: Jason Horwitz, Jeff Larsen, Groom Doer, Ryan, Me, and Jeff LeeSpecial thanks to Jeff Lee for sending this photo of the Connecticut crew celebrating Doer's wedding last weekend. What a handsome group...
Monday, October 8, 2007
California Love
Chapter 1: Blue Crush Wannabes
Ryan and I just returned from another weekend away. This time, we were honored to attend the fabulous wedding of Mike Hilldoerfer and Lisa Guadagnola in Los Altos/Palo Alto, California. Pictures and details of the wedding are below, but first...
After Ryan and I surfed in Mexico earlier this year, we decided to head to the Sunshine State a little early for 2 days of surfing lessons on Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica. We were very excited to get in the ocean, but I have to admit that I was a little worried about being cold. I whined about having to wear a wetsuit and booties. I whined about the air temperature and the wind. Ryan, fed up with my whining, helped me refocus by telling me to get over it. Once the wetsuit was on and we got in the water, my body temperature was fine. Of course, after an hour or so in the water, I took a break on the beach and felt my hands tingling in a desperate attempt to warm up.
Surfing with a wetsuit on was much harder than I thought. I really felt like the wetsuit made the motion of pushing up on the board harder and less fluid. Ryan, however, was able to pop up easily on the first wave of the day--it must be the snowboarding. At one point, a seal swam by as if to show us that navigating waves was easy. I couldn't believe how close and nonchalant the seal was about swimming next to people, but the surfing beaches are so crowded on weekends and good wave days that the wildlife must be used to humans.
On the second day of our lessons, we woke up and immediately felt the fall chill. Air temperatures were in the 40s with significant wind. When we got to the beach, the waves were really choppy and close together making surfing difficult at best. In fact, many of the local surfers already in the water were having a tough time catching waves. Even our instructor suggested that we call it a day as conditions were pretty terrible. Part of me was sad but most of me was happy not to get into the water because I was freezing. Next time, I think we plan on surfing in warm water. Here are two pictures of the beach that we took on day 2:
Chapter 2: This Endless Love
Now for the wedding. Ryan worked with the groom, Mike, at Pratt and Whitney in Connecticut. Shortly after we left for Washington, DC, Mike moved to the San Jose area and Ryan was able to see Mike once a year when Ryan attended a conference for software programmers. I haven't seen Mike for years--probably since we left Connecticut in 2001. We were so honored to be invited to their wedding and had a great time.
The Last Moments of Single Life
They're hitched!!
First Dance
Ryan and I Enjoying the Reception
Some of the Connecticut Crew
Jeff Larsen, Jason Horwitz, and Ryan
Another CT Crew Member, Jeff Lee
He Wears His Sunglasses at Night
Ryan and I just returned from another weekend away. This time, we were honored to attend the fabulous wedding of Mike Hilldoerfer and Lisa Guadagnola in Los Altos/Palo Alto, California. Pictures and details of the wedding are below, but first...
After Ryan and I surfed in Mexico earlier this year, we decided to head to the Sunshine State a little early for 2 days of surfing lessons on Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica. We were very excited to get in the ocean, but I have to admit that I was a little worried about being cold. I whined about having to wear a wetsuit and booties. I whined about the air temperature and the wind. Ryan, fed up with my whining, helped me refocus by telling me to get over it. Once the wetsuit was on and we got in the water, my body temperature was fine. Of course, after an hour or so in the water, I took a break on the beach and felt my hands tingling in a desperate attempt to warm up.
Surfing with a wetsuit on was much harder than I thought. I really felt like the wetsuit made the motion of pushing up on the board harder and less fluid. Ryan, however, was able to pop up easily on the first wave of the day--it must be the snowboarding. At one point, a seal swam by as if to show us that navigating waves was easy. I couldn't believe how close and nonchalant the seal was about swimming next to people, but the surfing beaches are so crowded on weekends and good wave days that the wildlife must be used to humans.
On the second day of our lessons, we woke up and immediately felt the fall chill. Air temperatures were in the 40s with significant wind. When we got to the beach, the waves were really choppy and close together making surfing difficult at best. In fact, many of the local surfers already in the water were having a tough time catching waves. Even our instructor suggested that we call it a day as conditions were pretty terrible. Part of me was sad but most of me was happy not to get into the water because I was freezing. Next time, I think we plan on surfing in warm water. Here are two pictures of the beach that we took on day 2:
Chapter 2: This Endless Love
Now for the wedding. Ryan worked with the groom, Mike, at Pratt and Whitney in Connecticut. Shortly after we left for Washington, DC, Mike moved to the San Jose area and Ryan was able to see Mike once a year when Ryan attended a conference for software programmers. I haven't seen Mike for years--probably since we left Connecticut in 2001. We were so honored to be invited to their wedding and had a great time.
The Last Moments of Single Life
They're hitched!!
First Dance
Ryan and I Enjoying the Reception
Some of the Connecticut CrewJeff Larsen, Jason Horwitz, and Ryan
Another CT Crew Member, Jeff LeeHe Wears His Sunglasses at Night
We had the best time catching up with friends and celebrating Mike and Lisa's commitment to each other. We hope they have a great time in Hawaii and look forward to the next group get-together!
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Rockabilly Ball
After a couple slow weekends of sitting around, Ryan and I decided to get out and try something different. The answer? Our favorite local radio station, KEXP , hosted a Rockabilly Ball on Friday night to celebrate 20 years of the radio show, Shake the Shack . We've never really listened to rockabilly (at least voluntarily) but we really enjoyed the crowd, energy, and intensity of a rockabilly show. For those who don't know what rockabilly is, imagine Elvis mixed with a surf sound with a dash of west coast punk and/or old school country. I know that sounds like a weird combination. Here's the list of bands we saw with links to each bands' website:
We had a really good time at the show. One of the things we really liked was the crowd because the vibe was really laid back. People were really just there to enjoy the music and have a good time. Unlike our show on Monday night where the crowd was all about pushing and crowding to show how "hard core" they were about the bands playing, the folks at the Rockabilly Ball really just did their own thing--and it was awesome. Some people came in '50s dress and showed everyone how to jitterbug. Some came in all black garb with tattoos, chains, and piercings. Still others were "Seattle-ites", like Ryan and I, in jeans and our Gore-Tex rain jackets. Despite these individual differences, no one in the room was a jerk. Everyone enjoyed themselves and didn't make being a fan competitive. Oh yeah, and the venue was great. I really look forward to watching more shows at the Tractor Tavern in Ballard!
Thanks to KEXP and the cool crowd on Friday night. Congratulations to Shake the Shack on 20 years of rockabilly goodness!
We had a really good time at the show. One of the things we really liked was the crowd because the vibe was really laid back. People were really just there to enjoy the music and have a good time. Unlike our show on Monday night where the crowd was all about pushing and crowding to show how "hard core" they were about the bands playing, the folks at the Rockabilly Ball really just did their own thing--and it was awesome. Some people came in '50s dress and showed everyone how to jitterbug. Some came in all black garb with tattoos, chains, and piercings. Still others were "Seattle-ites", like Ryan and I, in jeans and our Gore-Tex rain jackets. Despite these individual differences, no one in the room was a jerk. Everyone enjoyed themselves and didn't make being a fan competitive. Oh yeah, and the venue was great. I really look forward to watching more shows at the Tractor Tavern in Ballard!
Thanks to KEXP and the cool crowd on Friday night. Congratulations to Shake the Shack on 20 years of rockabilly goodness!
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
I Know It's Only Rock 'n Roll But I Like It
As you can probably tell by the lapse in blog posting, we've been enjoying a couple weeks of relaxation and slow schedules. Last weekend, we enjoyed a low-key visit from Ryan's childhood friend, Jeff Larsen ("Larz"). Our hosting skills were a little off as we spent the entire weekend watching football. Thankfully, Larz is a major football fan.
To bad Larz left on Sunday night because last night we went to a great show at the University of Washington. Luckily, Ryan and I got to the venue in time to gain entry to the floor and avoid having to sit in seats far away from the stage. The concert featured three bands: The Gossip , LCD Soundsystem , and headliner Arcade Fire .
You may remember our previous post(s) on Arcade Fire. Every time the Montreal band comes near the Seattle area, we buy tickets and go to the show. Last night's show was at least the 4th time we've seen the group in the last two-and-a-half years. When we first listened to the band's CD, Funeral, we liked their sound but didn't become devout followers. Arcade Fire's live show is the band's bread and butter -- now we can't get enough of their albums. Check them out when you get a chance.
A pitiful attempt to capture the busy stage during the Arcade Fire performance.
Sing it out, girl!
The LCD Soundsystem also put on a good show with a sweet disco ball effect in the arena. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the retro funk/rock/pop/dance sound, which is LCD's specialty. As you can probably tell by our music postings, I really like blues, punk, and more jagged music stylings. This morning, I went to iTunes to listen to clips from the LCD album, and I can't seem to get over my personal preference to buy an album. I feel that way about a number of bands that are talented and deserve respect, but that I can't bring myself to really follow. That being said, I did enjoy the LCD live show. Various members of Arcade Fire showed up on stage to perform some of the band's most popular songs, which is always cool.
To bad Larz left on Sunday night because last night we went to a great show at the University of Washington. Luckily, Ryan and I got to the venue in time to gain entry to the floor and avoid having to sit in seats far away from the stage. The concert featured three bands: The Gossip , LCD Soundsystem , and headliner Arcade Fire .
You may remember our previous post(s) on Arcade Fire. Every time the Montreal band comes near the Seattle area, we buy tickets and go to the show. Last night's show was at least the 4th time we've seen the group in the last two-and-a-half years. When we first listened to the band's CD, Funeral, we liked their sound but didn't become devout followers. Arcade Fire's live show is the band's bread and butter -- now we can't get enough of their albums. Check them out when you get a chance.
A pitiful attempt to capture the busy stage during the Arcade Fire performance. We love watching opening bands because we often get to see some great performers like Wolf Parade, the Bell Orchestre, Hold Steady, and others. Well last night did not disappoint. Our favorite opening performance was by The Gossip, a punk/soul/rock band with only three people on stage but a lot of energy. The lead singer, Beth Ditto, is a powerhouse on stage. Her voice is often compared to Tina Turner, Janis Joplin, and other iconic female vocalists. I am also a fan of a strong, opinionated, and vivacious woman giving pop culture and patriarchy the finger. I'm looking forward to getting to see Ditto and The Gossip again.
Add The Gossip to your list of albums to try and bands to see live. I'll try to find a good video clip of Beth Ditto and post it to the blog in the next few days. In the meantime, here's a photo of Miss Thing in action:
Add The Gossip to your list of albums to try and bands to see live. I'll try to find a good video clip of Beth Ditto and post it to the blog in the next few days. In the meantime, here's a photo of Miss Thing in action:
Sing it out, girl!The LCD Soundsystem also put on a good show with a sweet disco ball effect in the arena. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the retro funk/rock/pop/dance sound, which is LCD's specialty. As you can probably tell by our music postings, I really like blues, punk, and more jagged music stylings. This morning, I went to iTunes to listen to clips from the LCD album, and I can't seem to get over my personal preference to buy an album. I feel that way about a number of bands that are talented and deserve respect, but that I can't bring myself to really follow. That being said, I did enjoy the LCD live show. Various members of Arcade Fire showed up on stage to perform some of the band's most popular songs, which is always cool.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Ryan In The Kitchen (Perhaps a New Show on the Food Network?)
Ok, let me start by recognizing that blogging about what we eat is probably not the most exciting update. However, after a month of traveling and socializing (all of which we loved doing), we were ready to lay low and relax during a perfect weekend in Seattle. In fact, we pushed off celebrating our 1-year anniversary to this weekend to take full advantage with limited distractions. We watched the US Open, soccer, and football on television, we enjoyed the perfect 70+ degree weather and blazing sunshine, and we ate.
Many of you may know that Ryan enjoys cooking and baking. Last
Thanksgiving, he made homemade sourdough bread and all winter long he experimented and baked regularly. Ryan decided to put together a special anniversary picnic breakfast on Sunday morning. He started by making blueberry scones from scratch and finished with mouthwatering cheese blintzes with a strawberry/ raspberry/ blueberry compote. I was so 
impressed with Ryan's skills and his idea of taking the blintzes with us to Gas Works Park for a mid-morning meal. Despite the fact that blintzes are fried and filled with cheese, they kept remarkably well and made for a very special breakfast
A brief look at Gas Works Park:
After our breakfast, we went to the Ballard Farmers Market to get some fresh corn-on-the-cob and squash for our dinner feast. In Seattle, going to a farmers market is as much a fashion statement as a way to buy the freshest produce, cheese, and other goods. Every time w
e go the market, I can't help but notice how everyone looks like a farmers market "type" -- let's call them "FMers". Don't get me wrong, I love farmers markets and supporting local agriculture and artisans. In fact, I long to be an FMer with sensible but fashionable shoes, a baby jogger (for our dog of course), a colorful hand knit scarf, and expert knowledge on how to pick the right produce or other item. When Ryan, Soma, and I go to the farmers market, we tend to be on a mission. Ryan does not like to lallygag around the market because the more time you spend at one of these things, the more money you spend. In the spirit of ying/yang, my approach is different. I like to soak up the market experience listening to music, browsing at each booth, and trying as many free samples as my stomach can hold. Regardless of approach, both Ryan and I love the FMer scene.
Our anniversary dinner was fabulous: fresh corn, potatoes roasted with dill and chives, and grilled veggies and mushrooms with arugula pesto. We love this time of year when good food is in abundance, the weather reaches a perfect balance of warmth and sunshine, and change is in the air. We talked about our hopes for the next year, which included a new job for me, a new house for us, travel to a warm place to surf, weekend trips to ski in the surrounding wilderness, and more time with friends and family. We can't help but wonder what our blog will say a year from now.
We finished our anniversary weekend by toasting the last year with glasses that Ryan's parents picked up at the Waterford Crystal factory in Ireland. Patty and John gave us the glasses when we announced our engagement and we used the glasses to toast the crowd and each other at the reception. We want to thank the Patricks for the glasses -- when we use them we think of you and it means a lot to us!
Stay posted for updates on our upcoming adventures. We plan on having an Oktoberfest party, carving pumpkins and getting ready for Halloween, and attending a really fun wedding (with a couple days of surfing, of course) in California.
Many of you may know that Ryan enjoys cooking and baking. Last
Thanksgiving, he made homemade sourdough bread and all winter long he experimented and baked regularly. Ryan decided to put together a special anniversary picnic breakfast on Sunday morning. He started by making blueberry scones from scratch and finished with mouthwatering cheese blintzes with a strawberry/ raspberry/ blueberry compote. I was so 
impressed with Ryan's skills and his idea of taking the blintzes with us to Gas Works Park for a mid-morning meal. Despite the fact that blintzes are fried and filled with cheese, they kept remarkably well and made for a very special breakfastA brief look at Gas Works Park:
The View From Our Picnic Spot
The Trees In Gas Works Park Also Showed Us The First Glimpses Of Fall
After our breakfast, we went to the Ballard Farmers Market to get some fresh corn-on-the-cob and squash for our dinner feast. In Seattle, going to a farmers market is as much a fashion statement as a way to buy the freshest produce, cheese, and other goods. Every time w
e go the market, I can't help but notice how everyone looks like a farmers market "type" -- let's call them "FMers". Don't get me wrong, I love farmers markets and supporting local agriculture and artisans. In fact, I long to be an FMer with sensible but fashionable shoes, a baby jogger (for our dog of course), a colorful hand knit scarf, and expert knowledge on how to pick the right produce or other item. When Ryan, Soma, and I go to the farmers market, we tend to be on a mission. Ryan does not like to lallygag around the market because the more time you spend at one of these things, the more money you spend. In the spirit of ying/yang, my approach is different. I like to soak up the market experience listening to music, browsing at each booth, and trying as many free samples as my stomach can hold. Regardless of approach, both Ryan and I love the FMer scene.
Our anniversary dinner was fabulous: fresh corn, potatoes roasted with dill and chives, and grilled veggies and mushrooms with arugula pesto. We love this time of year when good food is in abundance, the weather reaches a perfect balance of warmth and sunshine, and change is in the air. We talked about our hopes for the next year, which included a new job for me, a new house for us, travel to a warm place to surf, weekend trips to ski in the surrounding wilderness, and more time with friends and family. We can't help but wonder what our blog will say a year from now.
We finished our anniversary weekend by toasting the last year with glasses that Ryan's parents picked up at the Waterford Crystal factory in Ireland. Patty and John gave us the glasses when we announced our engagement and we used the glasses to toast the crowd and each other at the reception. We want to thank the Patricks for the glasses -- when we use them we think of you and it means a lot to us!
Stay posted for updates on our upcoming adventures. We plan on having an Oktoberfest party, carving pumpkins and getting ready for Halloween, and attending a really fun wedding (with a couple days of surfing, of course) in California.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
The Diamond Anniversary
Last night, Ryan and I returned from a trip to Montana for my grandparents' 60th wedding anniversary. The family celebrated with a fabulous dinner, a family golf tournament, and a fun night at Flathead Lake . I had the chance to see cousins and family members that I haven't visited in years. Ryan got to meet and learn more about our family. For example, Ryan learned that our family has some bourgeoisie roots and that my great-great grandmother, Ella Bennett Sherman, always responded the same way when someone asked what her husband, John Sherman, did for a living, "Do? My husband doesn't do -- he invests wisely." We really enjoyed hearing family stories and seeing history in action during the weekend's events.
My grandmother informed me that the 60th anniversary is known as the "diamond anniversary". I have no idea who or what entity creates these anniversary symbols, but I appreciate the fact that my grandma made a joke out of it by buying a massive fake diamond ring, wearing a shirt with diamond-like beading, and getting rhinestones on her toes during her pre-anniversary weekend pedicure. Since Ryan and I were also celebrating our first wedding anniversary this weekend, we carried around a lot of paper (since the first anniversary is the "paper anniversary").I think a better indicator of a successful marriage is the love and support felt by a family coming together to celebrate a couple's partnership. If this is true, then these pictures say it all...
The scene: about 65 people eating, drinking, and catching up in the happy couple's backyard.
One of the views from the backyard. Forest fires were so prevalent that many of the surrounding mountains (including the Continental Divide were hidden by smoke. Thankfully, thunderstorms that pushed through the area the night before cleared out the worst of the smoke and made sitting outside pleasant.
My dad, Tom, and youngest brother, Mike, enjoying the festivities.
The grandkids lining up for a traditional photo. As kids, we lined up with numbered sweatshirts that indicated our chronological birth order during family gatherings. From left:1. Matt (Darcy's oldest brother),
2. Heather,
3. Tammy,
4. Me!,
5 & 6. Jacob and John (Darcy's 7' tall twin brothers),
7. Kenny,
8. Lindsay,
9. Kim,
10. a space for Ben who couldn't attend,
11. Mike (Darcy's youngest brother),
12. a space for Daniel who's at basic training, and
13. Ryan.
Grandpa McGlenn toasting his bride and the crowd while wearing the same suit he was married in 60 years ago.
Just some of the awards presented at the McGlenn family golf tournament.
Grandpa handing out awards during the awards ceremony.
Grandpa McGlenn, who's in the Montana Golf Association Hall of Fame, looking smart in his kilt and sporran .Congratulations to Dorothy and Gene McGlenn on their 60th anniversary and we wish them all the best for the future! We love you guys!
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