The character Red Green, Canada’s common man, often reminds us “I’m pulling for you” meaning he wants to help. Coming from a small business family background, I like to see small restaurants succeed. Often, however the restaurants themselves don’t do much of their own pulling. Slow service, bad food, and locations that continually have unsuccessful […]
To Ponder
Letter: Lakewood’s lottery (rental inspections, not gambling, although maybe) begins this month
Would this house – if it were a rental and if it were in Lakewood and not Disneyland – pass the single-family criteria of Lakewood’s Rental Housing Safety Program (RHSP)? Yes, at least that which pertains to the exterior. While there are no house numbers “not less than 4 inches in height and minimum stroke […]
Home from Home: Valentine’s Day
The first time I became aware there was something like Valentine’s Day was when I was six or seven and able to read. I remember entering a flower store decorated all over with red hearts, and I asked my mother what it was all about. She told me that it was a day for lovers […]
Super Smellers – Skunks and Beyond
“Can’t you smell that?” For years my wife as astounded me with some of the things she says and asks. “uhhh, No,” I usually respond if I respond at all. She could be talking about the kitchen garbage container . . . or something outside . . . or even as we are driving somewhere. […]
Saturday Dinner – Anthony’s At Point Defiance – Restaurant Review
The dinner hour must have come early for everyone. It was Saturday afternoon. I had been at the computer almost all day. Breakfast was at six with two pieces of toast later around ten. At four-thirty I called Pacific Grill to see if they had any openings at the bar. I was put on hold […]
Westside Story – Stranger In The Night
Remember my telling you about having joined the in-crowd by attending a Shier House Party? Recently, on a dark and rainy night, I was driving over to another world-class Shier House Party. Suddenly we found ourselves following a line of 12 cars that all seemed to be heading in the same direction. They made a […]
Butter is like Bacon . . . It makes Everything Taste Better
Peggy said, “Twelve.” We were at a movie theater. We had just placed an order at the refreshment stand. I looked at her and said, “What?” “The attendant just counted twelve squirts,” she said. I stopped day dreaming and looked at the attendant who was still squirting butter onto my popcorn. I said, “That’s good.” […]
Home from Home: Carnival
My mother country Germany boasts of five seasons – yes, you are reading right. Spring, summer, fall, winter, and – Fasching (pronounce ‘fuh-shing) or Carnival. This fifth season starts on November 11 at 11:11 h and ends on Ash Wednesday, a season beginning and ending with parades in costume, stage shows, parties, and the burning […]
The IRS and Bookkeeping Basics
The first time I was audited I was worried about perhaps paying an additional amount. The IRS agent in my basement office flat out told me, “Oh, you’re going to pay more. I’m just here to figure out how much.” I told him, “I’ve been pretty careful.” He then picked up a file of receipts […]