Calling You Friend

We all go through things in our lives that we need to call someone friend. I know that I write a lot about family and friends however I think it something very important that we continue to remember those close to us.

Regardless what happens in our lives we truly call those who will do anything for us as a friend and that can be someone in our family as well. Later today I will be going for a procedure and a friend of mine Art will be driving me to the procedure. Art I consider a friend because he has helped me out in each procedure I have gone through the last couple years. When I ask he does not hesitate to say yes. He is willing to take time off work to help me out. If he was unable to do so he would find someone to take his place. I call him a true friend. I know that there are others who would do the same.

I hope that everyone has a friend like Art who will be there for us when we need them. I know that there are others that will help me out however I can count on Art always. It is not that the others won’t help however Art is close and willing to do so. I try not to take too much of Art though and I will remember this to help him out whenever he needs me.

I want to continue encourage all of us to be family and friend. Whatever we can do for others the better person we will be. I believe being a friend is a strong part of our purpose and destiny in this life. We are all set in a place on this earth to help those around us. There is a perfect reason we may run into someone at any time and place. Look back in your life where situations happened because you were in the right place at the right time. Also, it is possible you missed something to because of the timing. There is a true possibility that you missed an accident because you were not on time. I know I try to be on time as often as I can because that is me however if I am late it could change how the day went or my life.  Often I meet someone who I may not have if I would have been a minute or even a second later; does really show that life for us has a meaning to itself.

Though it is important to make our plans for the day and stay on time we should go with the flow as well. I know I have been upset by circumstances sometime however we should not be so stressful because things are meant to be though we think differently.

Remember to say hello to a family member or a friend today. Also, if possible make a new friend today. I know someone could make my life new today.

 

 

 

Seattle The Emerald City

 The two pictures shown above you can see why Seattle is called the Emerald City. Seattle is the largest city in the state of Washington.  In sports Seattle is considered one of the top fourteen markets in the United States.

Seattle is surrounded around with lots of water. Growing up we usually went a couple times into Seattle every year by sailboat. Now when family visit’s usually take the ferry to Seattle from Bremerton. It is about a two hour trip to Seattle by ferry while by car going north from Tacoma it is a one hour drive depending on traffic however the trip by ferry is worth the extra time.

I really do like taking the ferry it is an easy walk around the waterfront along with going up to Pike Place Market. If you plan come to Seattle it is the place you must see. Of course the Space Needle is another attraction to visit as well. At the top there is beautiful scenery of the whole area. They have a nice restaurant as well however you likely have to make a reservation beforehand most of year. The food is very delicious too. There are many places around the Space Needle you can visit as well.

Like I said earlier Seattle has such a beautiful site at night. I enjoy it so much coming south when coming back from either Vancouver, British Columbia or Bellingham, Washington. I am not sure many cities look as beautiful at night like Seattle.

You can see Mt. Rainier nice and clear to the south and east from Seattle as well. It is so spectacular most of the time depending on the weather.

My nephew Ian and his fiancée Helen moved to Seattle eight months ago after he graduated from Harvard University and now working at Microsoft. They live in Capitol Hill area which is close to downtown. It is a lovely area for them to live. She only works about two blocks from their apartment while he takes a Microsoft shuttle to work. Being in such a good spot they are able to enjoy the night life like a young couple should. Often on the weekends they go hiking in the outlining areas of Seattle. So they are discovering what life is like living in Seattle.

Since I only go to Seattle a few times a year I really enjoy the feeling of a big city since growing up in a small town of Gig Harbor. I enjoy the small town feeling however it is always good to get that big town feeling once in a while. Seattle though has quite a few neighborhoods that still give that small town feeling so to really that feeling I have to be in downtown Seattle.  It is not quite the same feeling as Vancouver, British Columbia which is a lot larger city however Seattle does have the feeling of being international. When going to Vancouver it has the international feeling for sure however both places I feel a little like I am in a different country which I find to be real nice to. Seattle has so many fine restaurants serving food from all kind of places.

So coming to Seattle I recommend enjoying the night life along with going to the Space Needle and Pike Place Market for sure. Mt. Rainier is about a two hour drive so it is a must as well. If you enjoy hiking there are so many places nearby to do so as well.

Seattle you are a wonderful place. I enjoy calling you home away from home. I am  proud to call you my neighbor and friend.

Thinking of You

Where ever I go I am thinking of you

Your breath and smile give me life beyond measure

Your beauty is like no other

I desire to kiss and hold you every minute of the day

When we talk together my heart pounds like no other

I cherish you like no other on this planet

Our love belongs together as sweet aroma

You are mine and I am yours that no one can take away

Only death will separate us in the physical realm however my thoughts of you are forever

I thought I knew what life and love were until I met you

You are my life and love that no one can take away

You give me peace and joy every second as well

I have no other words to say except I love you

I Hope You ARE Doing Well

When it comes to conversation I find it fairly easy on the service anyway. I am sure like most people I do not want to talk about serious things unless it is to someone close that I trust. I know most people are in the same boat because it is the reason that there are professionals we can go to if necessary.

Most of the time when I am talking I will joke around depending on the person. We can tell those it maybe more important to talk seriously. Last Saturday a fellow I do not know real well however I see him at the coffee shop once in a while he told me that no matter how he feels coming in that I always make him feel a lot better when he leaves. I call that part of my encouragement to others. We all have good and bad days so if I can make things better for someone else I like it. No matter what sure makes my day feel a lot better.

This Friday I will be going through a procedure that is not seriously. At least I hope so anyway. LOL.  Today and tomorrow I will be eating a low fiber diet than on Thursday and Friday I will be on fluids only. Friday will be tough since it is the second day of no food and procedure is in mid-afternoon. Also, I will be taking my mother to the regular breakfast time on Friday so I will be watching others eating. On the positive side if there is one I have done that before not eating while others are.

What I am hoping for is to lose several pounds easy. Last August I gained ten pounds all from water in my stomach and legs. I have found it is not easy to remove those pounds so I am hoping as easy they came on they will leave in the same manner in the next few days.

Another thing I hope is to be able to get on a regular diet where I can lose at least one or two pounds a week until the end of the year. My idea is to have a diet similar to what I am doing now through Friday. Not an easy thing to do I am sure you know.

Anyway I hope you are doing well yourself. I know that I won’t get the answer from you unless you leave a comment which is OK with me. The most important thing is that you know that you’re doing well. If you do have some issues find a friend that you can talk too. I know it is not easy because I don’t want to share things that I really should.

In the last two or three years my issues has been my health which I have mentioned a few times. The nice thing is that my health is in pretty good shape now and it is the reason I am able to do the procedure I will be going through on Friday. I hope this will be the last thing to do for the next several years in regards to my health. My regular doctor says that I am in pretty good health. The most important thing for all of us to do is to go through these standard procedures so our health will stay this way.

So if your health is in any question even in a small amount I recommend seeing your doctor. Often people die when they are not checked over.

In the end be positive. I know often I think of myself more than I do others however it is important to help our friends and family. May you have a great rest of the week and God bless you.

 

 

There is No Place Like Home

For most of us there is no place like where we grew up or where we still may live.

Other than a short period of time I have lived my whole life in Gig Harbor, Washington. Though I hope to do some traveling in the future Gig Harbor will always be home to me.

My sister and brother have been out of the nest of Gig Harbor for a long time however they still consider it home. My sister especially likes living in Quebec, Canada and plans to make it home the rest of her life however she still has strong feelings about Gig Harbor.

I know a lot of people who grew up in Gig Harbor and moved away but feel strong ties to the area. For some they don’t plan to move back to Gig Harbor because the area has grown so much since they left and the prices of homes has grown as well. Though this may be true the feelings still not change.

Gig Harbor is not the only place where this happens. I expect that most people who have moved away from where they spent their child years feel the same way. I know that some whose fathers were in the military and moved a lot may not have the same feeling like most but I am sure where they had their favorite moments will call that place home.

Most likely those who have moved several times after growing up will call the place they raised their children the second most important home or if you have retired the place that you live now.

I know what I am saying does not apply to everyone because you see nothing is definite for us all. Regardless of it all we should enjoy wherever we are at this moment. Like I say the future for me will be doing some traveling and when I do I want the place at the time feel like home but I do know that Gig Harbor will always be on mind. I likely will miss this place that I will have to return for a visit.

Though I do not live in the same home that I grew up in I go by the house every once in a while because I consider it home. That house brings back so many memories. Actually when I am out for a walk down on the Gig Harbor waterfront I am able to see that house across the bay. I have pointed it out to others as well.

I really do hope if you live away from where you grew up that you have the time to go back for a visit even if you do not have any family there anymore. Remember it is where you made your mark even if the memories are not as good as mine.   

 

Beauty

 We all have a definition of what beauty means to us. In fact there are those who write about beauty all the time. I am sure some of you have read a blog about beauty which I am sure has helped you out.

The one thing I want all of us to know including myself is that we are all beautiful in one way or another. On the outside we maybe just ordinary however inside we are beautiful. We know people that are beautiful on the outside however not as much on the inside. I am not writing this to criticize anyone whether we are beautiful or ordinary on the outside. I guess what I am saying we all need to work on the inside of ourselves. It is sort of interesting because this is not how I intended to write this in the first place but to be the person we all want to be we must work on things. The important thing is to figure out our flaws and work on them. I know that there are those who say I like myself just the way I am which is a good thing if you have many friends or at least the amount you want however if you are lonely to some degree we must look to improve ourselves.

Over the years I have taken friends advice about improving my outward appearance which has worked to some degree however I am still single. I have had people tell me how great I look but it hasn’t changed things. I am not here to put anyone down especially myself however I want others to like me for me so I have to improve on things inside too. Like I have said we all have a purpose and destiny; we all need to figure out what that purpose and destiny is for us. If you have figured it out I have to say good for you. Also, if you feel all beautiful inside let others know the secret because we can all certainly learn from each other. I know my purpose is to write to encourage others about their lives by writing like this or stories about my life.

Ok let’s look at other things about beauty. I know we all have our own opinions about beauty besides other people. We can all appreciate the beauty of nature whether it is flowers, plants, or animals. I know someone yesterday took his wife and two young boys to the zoo. I appreciate seeing animals at the zoo whether it is a bear, fox, dolphins or tigers who are all beautiful in their own ways. I really love dolphins because they always seem to be happy and having a whole lot of fun. I am sure we all wish we were that way all the time. The bear and tigers are both quite adorable when being babies however turn into dangerous animals. They are beautiful to look at however we know to stay from them and not to make them pets. We could say the same thing for many other animals that is the reason most of us have cats and dogs because they are mostly tame. The fox does look pretty or at least handsome anyway however they are dangerous to though likely not as much as the bear and tiger.

The most important thing is for all of us to appreciate all the beauty that is around us which includes ourselves. So if you didn’t get what I said at the beginning I will repeat myself by saying you are beautiful regardless what some people may think or say. The important thing is to hang around those people who appreciate you the most. I recommend today going around saying you are beautiful even if it is under your breath for others not to hear. If you have to go out into the woods where no one can hear you and shout it as loud as you can.

Eagle Fly

 A couple days ago I was inspired by an old child friend T.L. Stokes who is a local poet along with doing some photography. I graduated with her older sister Paula who was my chemistry partner in our junior year of high school. They both had another older sister named Wendy. Both T.L. who I knew then as Terri and Paula were in choir with me. All three sisters were cheer leaders as well so you can see where my interest was too.

Anyway the three sisters grew up on Fox Island which is only few miles west of Gig Harbor. They have a younger brother Matt who I have never met however Paula told me a lot about during chemistry class.

 I saw a video the other day on line where T.L.  started talking about eagles and how she became interested in them when she saw a golden eagle on Fox Island near her home when she was eight years old. In fact so interested that she is in a group on line where they talk about eagles and she read a poem that she wrote about them as well. So I am sure you would find that video if you do a search on T.L. Stokes.

Growing up I have always been interested in birds of all kinds since my last name is Nightingale. I put water out in my front yard so birds can swim or drink from it. Primarily I get very small birds however I have seen robins or they could be orioles as well along with blue jays. Usually the small birds play in the water while the larger ones drink from it. In the winter time though I don’t get to see too many birds in the pool and I see birds while out walking as well.

I have always wanted to be an eagle if I were to be a bird. They fly high in the sky and they look down seeing us along with prey. On the water they look for a fish they can swoop down to get. They will look at smaller animals especially injured ones to swoop down to get as well. What a wonderful life to live for them.

If you are a bald eagle you have added protection since it is illegal to kill them. Since they represent the United States it shows how mighty strong they are. Over the years I have not seen many eagles. The last time I saw a bald eagle was up at Rose Lake in British Columbia where my cousin Christy lives. Actually on that trip I was able to see two bald eagles.

The bird I see most of all are sea gulls. We have a lot of them in Gig Harbor and they usually are in a flock. They make a terrible noise especially when there are many of them. I enjoy seeing them flying in formation though. Occasionally I will see one or two seagulls by themselves however that does not happen often. In Gig Harbor we see some Canadian Geese too. I guess they are considered birds right? I enjoy watching them however they can make a mess too. I remember them lying on our dock when I was a kid and we would have to clean up the miserable mess they made. Seeing Canadian Geese outweighed all the negatives things they bring with them.

Usually when I look up in the sky is to the sun, moon, stars along with airplanes and helicopters. Now I figure though I have to look more frequently to see if I can find an eagle. I may need to take a trip to Fox Island soon to see if I can find a golden eagle. Thank you T.L. so much for your inspiration. Birds are so wonderful to see and watch.

Sunny Times

When winter happens around Seattle and Western Washington the last few years the temperatures are not as low it is in the Midwest and the East Coast. Other words it has been quite mild. I thought this year could change where it would hit below freezing for most of the winter and have a bit of snow but it is not happening again this year.

Most of this winter the temperatures here have been in the mid 40’s and 50’s though I prefer it being a bit colder myself. I have to say though most people here would not agree with me. So we have had a lot of rain this winter compared to last year. It is good news in that the mountains have had the right amount of snow this winter. Last year there was not much of a skiing season which hurts those who depend on it for their livelihood. Most people here prefer snow in the mountains and say if you want snow go there.

Here we have a lot of hills so when snow hits it is hard for people to get out of their driveway. I admit that I have had problems getting out of my driveway when it snows but I think it is worth it.

I know people are looking for spring to come so we can see the sun come out. Actually we have had some sun this winter however it is not as frequent as we have liked. Since I am a native I do recognize when the sun comes out even if it is for just a few minutes. You see here the weather can change several times in a day. We have had days that I remember where it has snowed, rain, sunshine and hail. I say it certainly makes days interesting for sure.

The times where we have had a lot of rains when going shopping I have seen rivers going by. Other words when driving you have watch what is going on. If you are walking watching your step is necessary too.

Last year though in February we had a lot of sun however this year February so far rain has been quite regular. I am not sure why every is looking spring because often it rains too and the temperatures are usually in the 50s and sometimes 60s which really is not much different than this winter.

So you see I  am not really complaining about the weather because I think it has been just fine though a little less rain would be nice however the biggest issue is the cloudy days. You see we miss the sun most of the winter even when it doesn’t rain. Like on Thursday we had little rain but no sun either except did peak its head out for few minutes this morning.  I figure we must accept all the blessings.

I hope though that the sun will decide to show its head more often during the spring. Last year June was a lot  different than I can ever really remember because the sun did decided to make its presence most of the month which is unusual around here. Most years we say summer begins on Fourth of July and may go into late September.  Whatever the case is I enjoy summer very much along with all the seasons around year.  

The sun I appreciate your welcome regardless how often you decide to show your presence.  I believe we should be thankful for the weather regardless the form it comes in though I do get tired of any kind of weather comes too often. You may not believe me however I can get tired of too much sun as well. It may take me three months or so to be tired of the sun.

Remember

Today I must remember because tomorrow I may not

I long for dreams I hope to remember

The dreams may never fulfill however it is important to keep on dreaming

Though I live for today I look for tomorrow and remember yesterday

Though life seems to be short it seems to come in many parts

Family is most important to remember along with the first love

Remembering the times walking together hand in hand

Important to remember all this before age catches up to us

Victoria British Columbia

 I will start doing a series at least once a week where I will write about different cities in the northwest including Canada. This week I start out with Victoria, British Columbia.

Victoria is one of the most popular places for those in the northwest well as across Canada and United States. You can take a ferry ride from Vancouver, British Columbia well as Seattle, Washington. Also, in the area I live it is common for people drive to Port Angeles, Washington to take the ferry ride over as well. It is a two drive from my down of Gig Harbor to Port Angeles and ferry ride is another hour and an half. Many people leave their cars over in Port Angeles and ride the ferry on as a passenger. You can drive your call as well however it is more expensive to do so. There are many hotels near the ferry dock in Victoria you can stay at. Victoria is one of the most beautiful cities around to enjoy. The most famous place to visit in Victoria is Butchart Gardens. Many people visit there every year. In fact it is the main reason some go to Victoria at all. Above are a couple pictures from the gardens.

Another thing you can get around without a car very easy in Victoria. I am sure many from Great Britain enjoy their stay in Victoria. In fact someone I know who recently visited Victoria told me it is more British than Britain.  There are a lot of nice restaurants you can eat at in Victoria as well. So if you want to visit Britain without going to Britain Victoria is the place to go.

If you like to travel around Vancouver Island besides Victoria then a car is a must. There are a lot of very nice place to visit on the Island. My Aunt Judy lived in Chemainus which is very nice small town. It is known for art murals. She did do some art work herself. She had the talent more than I have ever had for art however she was unable to make faces very well. I have been told though faces are hard to do. I only spent one time there when I went with my mother to her funeral. My brother Jack came in by plane for the day before flying out. Also, my cousins Rob, Susan and Christy attended as well. Aunt Judy never married and had no children of her own. She treated us like we were her children so was not always kind but we all loved her dearly. She passed away about six years ago.

There are a lot of other small towns you can visit while on the Island that very nice. One of the towns I visited as a teenager was Tofino. Just like my town of Gig Harbor it is a fishing village. I visited Tofino because my Uncle Alan lived there and at the time he was dying of cancer and my mother did not want to drive there by herself. She knew that I would not mind missing school either. 

So if you have several days to spend on Vancouver Island I recommend making a trip to some of those other small cities. Both the east and west coasts of the Island are both very beautiful to see.

Tough Guy

 After the last two days with St. Valentine’s Day and President’s Day I realize how important it for us guys to be a tough guy.

You may want to know why I am saying this and that is a good question. I believe we can be romantic guy as well being tough. This will all depend on the circumstance going on. When it comes to our wife or girlfriend being kind and gentle is very important while at the same time being tough when the time arises. This is especially with our partner and children. When someone comes against our partner or children we must fight for their wellbeing. Our family is the first priority in our lives no matter who the other person is. This can include our parents or other members of the family like siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles. When I was a baby my father’s mother made my mother feel small and not doing anything right. You see my grandparents and our family lived together however my dad told his mother that unless things changed we would be moving out.  You see my dad was a tough guy when he needed to be. He let his parents know that our family was more important than how they felt under the circumstances. Most of the time my dad was gentle however like in this situation he was tough. This should be how we all should be under the right circumstance.

Other example athletes are tough when they are in game action however off the field they are kind. My younger brother played football in high school; he played on both the offense and defensive line. He was not a fast player or that tall. You see he was an inch shorter than me and I was about five foot eleven. He was heavier than me but not enough like most linemen. He played a private school where they needed him to play so he was a tough guy otherwise he would not survive. My sister-in-law when meeting him in college could not believe he played football since she saw him as a kind man. I am sure like my dad though he would go after anyone who goes after his family too.

We all heard about NFL football players who have been charged with domestic abuse. I see a guy who can’t recognize they have to take the action on the field does not apply elsewhere.  Some men and it may apply to women as well that being a tough guy can’t happen within their own home. What I mentioned earlier being tough does not mean to be violent or to hit those who come against your family. What I mean is that tough man speaks the words not the action unless necessary. Like I heard about Babe Ruth speak softly and carry a big stick.  

President’s Day

Today February 15 we are observing or celebrating here in the United States of America the birthdays of President George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

When I was growing up the schools were closed twice each for President Washington and Lincoln in two different weeks in February. I am not sure when it was changed. The school district I grew up the students and faculty take the whole week off for holiday and then another around Easter. Not all the school districts do this; for example the school district nearby in Port Orchard takes two days off today and tomorrow. I am not sure when they take a spring break.

I do not really remember when we took a spring break growing up if we took one at all. I do know though whenever school was out for a break I always enjoyed the time. You see I was not a big fan of school. The more I was out of school the better I felt. I know some kids enjoy school and I am really glad they do I just was not one of them. I was not very popular in school and I struggled for a long time in class. It did not help that I spent time out in the hallways for talking too much. I did though enjoy college when I finally decided to go. So I am glad for those kids who do enjoy school.

 In U.S. history classes George Washington and Abraham Lincoln were two of the biggest heroes of the United States of America. Washington was general and commander-in-chief during the American Revolutionary War defeating the British leading to the formation of the country. Washington was the first President of the United States with two terms. The story I always liked was about him telling his dad about chopping down the cherry tree. He could not tell a lie said. The one visit I had quite a few years ago I visited to see his home in Mt. Vernon. What I remember most was how many fire places there were. I can’t remember exact amount but around ten I believe. No other way to heat the place.

Abraham Lincoln was President of the United States during the Civil War so he was one that saved the country; however, he was assassinated while in office. He was known as Honest Abe and hearing his greatest speech the Gettysburg Address.

So I consider quite an honor that we celebrate both these great Americans who made our nation into a great one. Of course, both had there falsas like all of us however two men we could follow as examples. So today we salute you both and remember you both greatly. What a wonderful President Day.  

Happy St. Valentine’s Day

This is one day that couples should not forget especially the husband or man. I believe that love is the greatest emotion and feeling we should have. Also, we should live for love above anything else.

I know a lot of people are into working and making as much money as possible, however, I believe without love how much does anything else really matter. I can say this because I have been looking for the special person I can love more than anyone else. I am single and I would prefer being married. I know some people will say that you are nuts and you should stay single. I believe that has to do with how you feel though I don’t believe the same way.

I know a lot of people are hurt because how their marriage turned out. I have to say I am sorry however do you remember your first love whether you married that person or not. How about your children do you remember them at all times? If you have children and not have a partner I recommend that you give them a Valentine card. I am sure they will appreciate it from you even if they have a partner or they are married.

On Friday a breakfast group my mother belongs to who meet every Friday one of the ladies gave each of us a Valentine’s Card. I felt this as an honor; you see my mother no longer drives so I take her now to Friday breakfast. Though I don’t know those who attend very well I find it great to be included. My mother used to attend the YMCA where she played water volleyball and this where she met them all. She gave up water volleyball several years ago however was invited by the others to continue coming to the breakfasts. She has been part of the group for around thirty years.  One of the members of the group died this last week from cancer so mother and I will be attending her funeral service this afternoon. The only people I likely will know is those in the Friday breakfast group however the lady though I did not know well always had a smile on her face. She died from an aggressive cancer. When she found out she had only two weeks to live. The cancer came on very quickly because two weeks before that the doctor said that she was in very good health. It really does show we do not know how much time we have. It was a blessing that she went quickly however I know her family, those in her nursing home, YMCA group, and all those others who knew her will miss her. I consider her a gift of love so her funeral on St. Valentine’s Day seems pretty appropriate. I am sure I will remember her every St. Valentine’s Day. Though I didn’t know her very long she was a friend of mine. We do not have to measure a friend on how long we have known them just on how feel about them. So if you can’t think of someone to give a Valentine card to at least give one to a friend. I am sure they will really appreciate it. You can sign it your friend ….. So I will end this being my Valentine card to you signing your friend Herb.