June 2008

Three brave chaperones including two teachers and a parent took nine excited students from St. Bernadette Elementary School in Burien to Safeco Field to watch the June 4 Mariners game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

The excitement began when the lucky kids left the school building and noticed a limousine waiting in the parking lot to transport them to the ballgame like VIP's. While no champagne was offered, they giggled just the same.

General Motors is serious about spreading the word about what it is doing help people deal with rising fuel costs. So serious that they sent Dave Barthmuss, Group Manager for their Western Region, Environment and Energy Communications Team to speak to the West Seattle Kiwanis meeting on Wednesday, June 4th.

The primary message he wanted to share is that GM is moving toward changing the public impression about the company when people think about fuel economy. "GM is moving toward the electrification of the automobile," said Barthmuss.

Jackton and Amy Downard found their dog Max at the

Animal Shelter on 15th N.W. in 2000 but they aren't quite sure what breed he is because he is so tall. He weighs 113 pounds. "He's a lab-stallion mix," offered Amy. Max is a wonderful swimmer but he does have an issue with that. If he isn't swimming out to fetch a stick or a ball, he swims in circles. "Amy has had to swim out twice and bring him back," said Jackton. For a large dog with possible horse genes he seems unaware of his own size. "He likes to be a lap dog," said Amy, "and he was until we got the new couch."

Chuck Miller gives his 10-pound Jack Russell pup, Caesar a walking tour of the Ballard Historic District near where Chuck's parents grew up. Miller left Caesar's big sister, Cleopatra, at home. Miller said Caesar is about half his full-grown size.

"Caesar likes to throw ice cubes in the air and then chew on them. He's definitely the alpha dog."

In a few minutes, I shall click the "send" command to dispatch this missive, then pack my laptop into its carrying case, put it and Sadie - the People Dog - into the already-packed van, and head for South Dakota.

It will be my first, extended solo venture since John's death; I plan to attend a wedding in the beautiful Black Hills.

Besides Sadie, I'll be accompanied by twinges of guilt about the gas I'll consume. I justify the personal expense of $4 gas by camping along the way (the van's rear seat makes into a comfy bed), thus saving money on lodging.

Friday, May 23

Saturday, May 24

Track and field

Class 3A meet

Ryan Prentice of Mount Rainier earned victories in the 1,600 and 3,200-meter competitions. He took the 1,600 in a time of 4 minutes, 18.64 seconds and won the 3,200 in 9:16.42. Teammate Michael Miller took fourth in the 800 in 1:56.47 and Evergreen's Samual Williams placed eighth in the 200 in 22.42.

Vincente Cordova was fourth in the high jump at 6 feet, 5 inches for Evergreen and Anthony Palfrey of Mount Rainier was fourth in the long jump at 21-11.75.

LAKEWOOD--At Harry E. Lang Stadium in the 3A state championship game, Kennedy met its match -- and it was a familiar 'fire' called the Camas Papermakers who burned up the Lancers for four goals in 80 minutes.

TACOMA--Kennedy boys soccer penned a perfect ending to their game versus Mercer Island's Islanders, winning 1-0 in a 4-1 shootout victory in a semifinal of the WIAA Dairy Farmers Of Washington/Les Schwab 3A state soccer tournament at Harry E. Lang Stadium in Lakewood May 23.

The slash on the exclamation point was Lancers senior keeper Sean Miller. He watched one of his captains, also a senior, Tony Armitage, strike the first kick quick and true, pocketing his penalty kick in the shootout in the left corner to make it 1-0 Lancers.

TACOMA--Kennedy played double your dynasty, and won.

The Lancers captured their second straight Class 3A state fastpitch softball tournament title with a 5-1 victory over Timberline Saturday, May 24.

Timberline came into the game with a 26-0 overall record, finishing at 26-1.

So this year's title was even on the unexpected side for Kennedy.

"We won," a voice doubtfully exclaimed in the crowd of Kennedy players, emphasizing the word we.

Here is the schedule of events for Relay For Life of Highline 2008 to be held this weekend at Highline Memorial Stadium in Burien.

The relay raises funds and awareness of cancer. Organizers say it is also a time to remember those lost to cancer and to celebrate those who survived.

For more information, call 206-674-4103.

Saturday, June 7

3 p.m. - Opening Ceremony with special guest King County Councilmember Dow Constantine and emcee Joe Fain.

3:30 p.m. - Survivor's Lap, followed by complimentary dinner donated by The Olive Garden.