No Internet

The internet is down at our house (thanks Centurytel) and I am unable to post anything. This post required a visit to the office and I do not plan to stick around here today. Erica and I went caching today and I will need to edit the video. I will try to post tomorrow. Bye!

Go Red Wings!

Salmon Beach

Allison just brought this old photo in the office of us at Salmon Beach - note the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in the background. Allison and her friend Julie are going for a dip. I am in the background wearing the tattered clothes and holding a 40-ouncer. Jeez... where is my cardboard shelter and shopping cart?

Windy day and horse fun

High Def Video

The winds really picked up and we had some serious dust blowing through, so I stepped outside to film the horses. As soon as the camera turned on, they got playful. I had to post...

Another great day

This weekend was another great one. The weather was beautiful all weekend and we did spend some time outside. I didn't get any video of it but we saddled Brady for the first time. He even allowed me to mount him but as soon as I gave him a kick he started bucking. It was probably more of a hop and bounce with some mild kicking, but I went for a ride. Especially for a green-horn like me. After the bouncy ride I couldnt stop my legs from shaking. And Brady could also feel my shaking - only making matters worse. I ended on the best note I could with him... then got off!
High Def Video: Click here


Today, Erica, friend Alex, Stacie and I went geocaching around the valley. check out the video above!

The new camera is awesome!!

Special Message and a Talent show!

Special Message to Grandpa Tom and Grandma Linda

High Def

Gunnar's Magic Show

High Def

Paige's Performance - Part I

High Def

Paige's Performance - Part II

High Def

Weekend Fun

This weekend was something else: plenty of sunshine, a 70 mile quad ride, finding a new cache, and a beautiful night at the cabin - and even a nice bon fire with Brats at the meadow. Stacie worked while Erica and I hit the cabin. We even got a load of wood delivered so the cabin was nice and warm all night.
Here is how it went... Saturday, Erica and I hopped on the quad and decided to go find the Island Lake Cache. We traveled north along Bitterroot Lake through the Lost Trail Wildlife Refuge to Island Lake. In the video below, we never got to video Island Lake as my camera died somewhere along the way. Oh well...

On our return trip home, we headed south toward Lost Prairie . This is the site where hundreds(?) of people come each year to skydive.
Lost Prairie Skydive Videos
From there we returned to the cabin and built a fire in the meadow. Too bad Stacie couldnt join us...

Oh yeah... I forgot about Sunday. After a late start (slept in), we rose and brought the horse trailer home with us from the property. Then we spent the rest of the day doing some riding and re-acquainting the horses to the trailer. My head, neck and face are sunburned!

With my camera dead, this is going to be my last video for a while.

Saturday

As promised, here is my post. Today Erica and I are going to the cabin and will stay the night. The weather today is nice and Erica cannot find a cloud in the sky.
I will bring the camera and will show how much fun we are going to have.... Bye!~

It's been a week?

I find it hard to believe that it has been a week since my last posting. Last weekend's weather turned to crap on Saturday and Sunday so that pretty much cancelled all of our plans of being outdoors. No horses, no cabin, no nothing... except plenty of hockey.

Erica went to 2-night, 3-day camp in Glacier Park earlier this week and she took some pictures. I will let you know when she updates her blog with the pictures.

Fishing season is upon us and I am getting ready to hit the rivers. Patrick recently got some casting pointers over in Bozeman and he too is itching to fishing. Of course, Robbin (pictured above) is also anxious. Plans are in the works to have a fishing expedition out here in early June. I will keep everyone posted as things move forward.

I will post again this weekend... Go Wings!

Thursday 4-17-08

Today Erica and I went on another hunt for a geocache near our house. You may have seen in an earlier video our first geocaching adventure in Marion. The weather was nice after work so I found another cache across the valley from here for us to find. With the camera, GPS, and map in hand we headed out.

For those who do not know what geocaching is:
Geocaching is an outdoor treasure-hunting game in which the participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers (called "geocaches" or "caches") anywhere in the world.

We parked the car near the trailhead and headed up the mountain with the aid of the GPS. I had pre-programmed the cache's coordinates in the unit so it simply points me in the right direction. We traveled straight up the mountain without using much of any deer trails - because we thought the cache was near. After about 20 minutes of continuous climbing, we found the cache at the said coordinates.

We really werent sure how high we had climbed until we arrived at the cache. My GPS showed our elevation at 3850' - with our car below at 3150', we climbed 700'! What a view!

In the cache we found a geocoin - a unique coin placed in a cache and tracked online by users to see its activity and travels. We grabbed a geocoin and will move it to a new cache this weekend. Anyways, it was great exercise and a fun adventure.


For more information on geocaching, see www.geocaching.com.

Congrats Erica!!!!!

Check out her blog and new video here

Beam me up Scotty

 
I had a special visitor come to town recently and some of you may recognize him. This is Scott - my counterpart emergency manager from neighboring Okanogan County (WA). Scott was in town for the Rocky Mountain StarTrek Convention and Annual Trekkie meet held in Kalispell, MT. Scott was actually the keynote speaker at the event as he is the largest collector of Star Trek collectables this side of the east coast. His topic of discussion was about the new generation of Trekkies and how the internet influences character variants and inaccuracies. What a topic... Although I am not a Star Trek fan, I was surprised on how many people recongnized him on the streets of Kalispell. What a celebrity!

Thanks for visiting Scott..!

Stanley Cup Update

I was thinking tonight as I watched playoff action that I should try to give some input on the Stanley Cup playoffs on this blog. This would only benefit the two people who frequent here (assuming the love hockey) and it would also help relieve my painful passion for the game. Why not? I watch at least two games a night and may have some actual analysis on whats going on. If you want real insight I suggest visiting www.tsn.ca - it's Canada's ESPN with real NHL coverage (unlike ESPN).


Anyways, tonight's big matchup is Game 3 between the San Jose Sharks and Calgary Flames. Being a best-of-seven series, a win for #7 Calgary would be huge as it could seal a 3-1 game advantage over the #2 Sharks. San Jose has been the hottest team in the west in the final month of the regular season and Detroit fans would love to see the Flames knock them out of the post season. That did not happen this evening in Calgary. Up 2-1 with under 5 minutes left in the 3rd period, San Jose pressed hard on Calgary goalie Mikka Kiprusoff by out-shooting Calgary 14-3. With 4:05 left in the 3rd period, Jonathan Cheechoo tied the game with a blind shot to the net from the corner. Calgary continued to struggle in the remaining minutes and always-rowdy Calgary crowd was silenced.

Finally at the 19:50 mark of the 3rd period, Shark captain Joe Thorton scored the winning goal to secure a 3-2 win in Calgary to even the series at 2-2. It was an amazing game - especially for Shark fans.

Next matchup: Game 5 April 17th
10:00pm EST @ San Jose

Tomorrow's key match up: Detroit vs Nashville (Versus 9:00pm EST)
Preview (Link) With a 2-1 series lead, can Detroit pull a win out on the road after Nashville's 2-goals in 9 seconds comeback win?? We'll see....

Sunday II - The Video

High Quality Video

Sunday

Are we ready to hit the river yet? I am anxious to dust off the fly rod and hop holes along a quiet stream. ahhhh


Today's agenda is quite simple for a sunny Sunday. I NEED to wrap up the floor plans and get them sent off tomorrow. I have already written an 8-page narration to accompany the plans so hopefully our ideas and wants are clear. We'll see.

After that, Erica and I are going to work the horses and throw some saddles on them. It has been a few months since they saddles on them so its time they are reminded how they feel.

Finally, there are a couple games on this afternoon that I cannot miss..!
Capitals vs Flyers (preview)
Sharks vs Flames (preview)

Have a great day!

I am going nuts.....

This is why I love hockey... under 30 seconds left, Edmonton is down one goal with a pulled goalie... can they pull it off??

Dallas blows an empty-netter.. and leaves it to Hemsky.

Stanley Cup

If you haven't noticed, hockey plays a huge role in my life (along with my family) and now is the time of year I love. Spring? That too.. but it is playoff time. The reason for the season!
You can catch all of the action on Versus and NBC.
Be sure to check out the latest highlight/videos on the right! -->

Also, please participate in my new poll - also on the right -->

Playoff Bracket

With the regular season over, its time for the NHL's second season - the Stanley Cup playoffs!

Party time

High Quality Vid
As you will see in the video, we were all going to spend Saturday eve at the cabin - but our plans have been postponed until the weather gets a little better. This morning I woke and it was cold out. I woke up without a fire and it was in the 20's in the cabin (I am not done insulating). We also had some snow fall last night. After rising to meet Stacie and Erica, the quad got stuck in the warming snow. We spent several minutes digging, pushing and pulling it free. Then it got stuck again and again. I had at least 1 hour of digging on Friday too.. So, the quad is put away until the snow completely melts. Tired, beaten and wet, we decided to head back to town. Besides, Hockey Night in Canada is on!
Thanks for watching!
Eric

I miss her

 
I miss my old rig...:(
Anyways, today I am heading out to the cabin to get things going before Stacie and Erica's arrival tomorrow. Saturday night will be our first over-night stay at the cabin (as a family)... but tonight I am staying out there by myself. I still need to get supplies and some furniture hauled in. Of course the cabin is not ready for a complete move-in yet, but we are excited about staying out there and we will need to sit somewhere.
I have the video camera on the charger so I should have some mind-blowing, edge of your seat video action...
So stay tuned,
E

Sunday 3-30-08

High Quality Vid: Click here

I just realized this video is my 40th on YouTube... bring on 50!

Saturday

Today Erica and I went to the cabin to get things in order for our first stay-over planned for next weekend. Of course, the cabin is still 'work-in-progress' but we are ready to get out and enjoy the land.

Today I brought out some more insulation for the main floor, but the loft and ceiling still need to be done.I did not get it installed today but will tomorrow.

So, what did I do today? I went around with some cans of insulation foam to fill in any little holes. Then I found my hand-held tree saw and decided to limb some trees out front. And I continued..and continued. The view from the cabin was limited due to the heavy tree branch cover and I wanted to see more of the meadow.. but I did not want the cabin seen. I removed all of the limbs as high as I could reach (8') which allows for a better view of the meadow and wildlife. It really looks good! Tomorrow I will get some pictures for you to see..
Until then,
E

Pictures of the days

Wednesday Stacie and I took a trip up north to Eureka - north of Whitefish 60 miles at the Canadian border. 
View from Jack's diner...`
 
Yoshi



Princess
 

Property/Cabin update 3-26-08

For high quality video, click here

Pictures from Stacie's cam

Bob - the original wild hog!  
As you may know, Stacie and Erica went on vacation (without me) and to visit family for Easter. Here are some of her pictures... below is Bob and son Bob.
  Uncle Bob and Erica....
  The crew...
 

And our old house in East Wenatchee... nothing has changed!
 

All alone...

For high quality video, click here!

Spring is finally here...

Today is the first day of spring and I am happy. I did not take this picture but I thought it was cool enough to share since it is spring now.

Stacie and Erica arrived safely in Wenatchee this morning via Amtrak. They will be spending the next few days with Gpa Bob and Gma Dorothy - and will also get to see Uncle Bob. Unfortunately I remained behind.... some one needs to feed and water the horses, and cats.

I won't be alone.... because my folks will be here this weekend. They are bringing Gunnar and Paige home from a visit with the grandparents. So, I get to hang with my folks this weekend. We dont have anything planned except some Hockey Night in Canada! With only a 10 games or less left in the regular season, teams are positioning themselves for the playoffs. And anything can happen.

I will post a video or something this weekend.. bye!

Pic of the Day

Erica is on spring break this week and will be traveling to Wenatchee via train. Before they depart, Erica must somplete plently of homework before leaving. Erica has spent today and yesterday with me in the office getting her work done. She is sure ready to split town!

3-16-08 Team Penning

For high quality video, click here.


NW Montana Team Penning
Majestic Valley Arena
Kalispell, Montana
3-16-08
http://nwmtpa.org

New video!

Also - be sure to see Erica's latest video blog! She has a special message for her Grandmas and Grandpas! Click the link ------------------->

Picture of the Day

Friday!

Friday finally.. Unfortunately Stacie is working this weekend so it will be quiet. Now that the snow has melted and the ground is starting to dry out, I am going to get some work done with the horses. Yesterday Kayce and Brady spent some time in the round pen loosening up their muscles. Lizzie can use some work but I am leaving that to Erica. Brady's training will be left for Stacie but I will be helping while she is working.
 
I plan to get a new video posted this weekend - not sure what - but thats okay. We are expecting more snow through the weekend but I am not going to believe it until I see it. Besides, with temps in the 40's, I don't expect it to stick around.
Time to get outside!!

Monday

Happy Monday,
This weekend was another quiet one as I have no great news to share... nothing that would make a great video or even a blog post, but I will try anyways.



Friday afternoon we went and visited a local cabinetry maker to help decide on the style of cabinet doors/faces and wood type. We are pretty much set on a shaker style face but the wood and stain are not know just yet. We still have alot of homework to do so tht was my big plan for the weekend.

Saturday was spent going over my rough floor plan to finalize the kitchen space and entry. Now that I have the exact kitchen dimensions, I can get an acurate quote from the cabinetry folks. Wood type and color? Almost there...

We went and checked out our options for the counter top and to get basic cost per foot. If I had my choice, I would probably go with the Dupont Zodiaq (Quartz) top as it will not crack, stain, and needs no maintenance. Granite is pretty sweet too. No Corian for me since it can stain and is not heat-resistant. Zodiaq is a little more than granite (starts at $60/sq. ft.) but its the finest.

As for appliances, we have our eye on the GE line. Last time we went with the Frigidaire Professional Series and we found it to be a quality product, but this time I would like to check out GE. We'll see....

Here is my latest draft of the floor plan. I am trying to keep things simple and realistic - and affordable. The kitchen cabinetry layout is not determined yet so I just plugged some cabinets in there to see the kitchen footprint. The loft will consist of one large room (Erica's room) and a full bath. There will also be a full unfinished basement.

This is going to be a long year....

Picture of the Day - Friday!

It's Friday! What a great day...
Today my folks headed to Spokane to meet Allison and Donovan to pick up the kids. The kids will be spending a couple weeks with the grandfolks and Alli and Donovan will get a much needed break.
Stacie is off this weekend and we heave no real plans. I think we will pay a visit to the cabin. (The first since January??)
I will try to get some vids of our activities this weekend...so check back!
See ya! E

 
Bob and Eric enjoying a martini in some furniture store.
December 2007 - Montana

Picture of the Day

Erica and Grandma Dorothy
12-07

Picture of the Day

 
Bob and Eric - December 2007 - Whitefish, Montana

1993: T-town is rockin

Finally, this time we flash back to 1993...

1989: What a world...

What you are about to see is something Stacie (my wife) still has not seen. Will she be upset that I posted it to the world before she viewed it? Probably.. probably not.
The good news is that we all had fun and many lessons were learned. Enjoy!



There is more to come...

My Aunt Margaret

You may recall me sending a video to my great-aunt Margaret a few weeks ago... well, a week ago she experienced a stroke at the age of 95. She rested comfortably for several days since the attack and died this evening in her sleep. I never imagined my video would be my goodbye to her - but I am glad I took the time to send her the message.

She will be missed.

We love you Margaret!

Assault

This video is my response to Rick's one-day video assault.. his vids can found here and on YouTube here.

Amazing....

Child Bankrupts Make-A-Wish Foundation With Wish For Unlimited Wishes

Hellos to all - and a message to the Methow River Pirates

Message for Rick this time....

New House Boat!

 
Only kidding... I drove by this thing today in Kalispell and thought I would share. It may be hard to see but it is a camper mounted on two large, metal pontoons. Note the outboard motor on the stern. Amazing...

Cabin Update: I do not plan on going to the cabin this weekend. I will be home this weekend and will be spending time with the horses. I need to continue working on our house floor plans so that project can proceed ahead. I will try to post a video this weekend!
See ya
Eric

Message for Margaret

Hockey Day in Canada

Tomorrow is Hockey Day in Canada! Like I said in an earlier post, this is a very special day for me as we celebrate the greatest game in the world. If you get CBC, be sure to tune in tomorrow.


SCHEDULE - Feb. 9th
12 pm ET CBC'S Hockey Day in Canada
3 pm ET Detroit at Toronto
6:30 pm ET Scotiabank Hockey Tonight
7 pm ET Montreal at Ottawa
7 pm ET Edmonton at Calgary
10 pm ET Colorado at Vancouver

Super Bowl Sunday.. and a loss

I hit the cabin for a few hours today and got home in time for the kick off. I worked on the electrical again today and had a nice, warm fire. I am not sure why, but I am beat today.

You may remember earlier this year I had my weather station live on Weather Underground..? After checking out some local weather stations on the site, I found Daniel and Patti's site. They have a beautiful ranch just up the road from us and we have exchanged emails here and there about our horses, weather, or whatever.

Anyways, Daniel and Patti lost a horse this weekend after a trip home from the vet. Quinn had some minor teeth issues but after clearing the vet Quinn passed on the way home. As you can imagine, this was very traumatic for Daniel and Patti.

Please keep them in mind and pray for a healthly recovery!
Since next weekend is Hockey Day in Canada (and my house), I I am not going to the cabin. Thanks for visiting!

Hockey Day in Canada

I didnt realize it but next weekend (Feb. 9th) is Hockey Day in Canada! This is one of most favorite holidays of the year. All day, CBC spans Canada and visits outdoor rinks/ponds and talk with kids, parents, and professionals about hockey. Also, CBC will show a triple-header... the party lasts from 10am til 10:30pm....
I can't wait!

Saturday 2-2-08

I went out to the cabin today and did get some things accomplished- but there was nothing for me to really show (in video). I did get back up on the roof and laid down more tar paper over some seams that like to leak when the snow melts. It was more of a patch-job. I will properly apply more paper on the roof this spring.

On the inside, I continued to fill some holes with insulation and paper. Allison and the kids stopped by for an hour or two.

I think I am going to go back out again tomorrow to work on the interior only. I want to stay dry and by the fire. After all, tomorrow is Super Bowl Sunday! Talk to you then!
Eric