One hour later. . .

An hour-long battle in Mexican waters yielded a 200-pound striped marlin this week. Veteran ocean fisherman and former workmate, Hai Dang, fought the monster, then had it cut up and shared with his fellow nimrods who didn’t do as well this trip. The sea gulls got the rest. He’ll tackle the coveted blue fin later next week. His biggest accomplishment, this week, however, was marking a two-month smoke-free success, much more difficult to do than boating one of these monsters. We say Congratulations Hai! Oh. The fish is nice too.

Kathleen shot a deer on Leaping Deer Lane

 Bright and early this morning, Kathleen and Birdie were outside, tending to their usual business, when. . .

Lo and behold, a deer on Leaping Deer Lane, a rare sight just across the street, well within Kathleen’s throwing range, prancing down the street, a doe in magnificent condition. Birdie stiffened, as did her awestruck master on the other end of the leash. Silent. No camera.

And then, before it totally disappeared from view, there followed a huge buck, focused on his intended one, paying little heed to transfixed bystanders. He eventually sauntered between neighboring townhomes, and Kathleen, no longer frozen, rushed indoors for her cellphone. By now in the backyard, the buck continued its horny pursuit, his rack as big as any seen lately in these parts.

She snapped a few from long range, and we’ve blown them up here, not great wildlife photography, just undeniable evidence of a large male deer on Leaping Deer Lane.

Old Birdie took up her usual position on the couch, unimpressed, starting her morning nap.

A celebration of sideburns

Steve checks this blog from time to time, so herewith is presented evidence that he didn't always look like a judge or a lawyer. That's Amy Jo on Erling's lap, and, parents Becky and Al,:Virgil, Stan and Mom and Dad round out this photo found on a google search last week.

Documenting the pour

 

No calls, please. Text only.

Big cement pour starting 8 a.m. Monday on light rail construction project. I will not be able to take calls, as supervising responsibilities will not permit interruptions. Visitors must wear hard hats and masks while standing on observation platform. We only have one chance to get this right. No do-overs.