The battle of the Alamo took place from February 23, to March 6, 1836. As I understand the history of the Alamo, it is a symbol of . . . well, what is it a symbol of? It was originally a mission, but it isn’t a symbol of religion. In 1821 Stephan Austin took over […]
Restaurant Review – El Malecon de Tacoma
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 […]
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 […]