Sharon MASON – rest in peace

On August 24, 2013 By Rick McIn friends, philosophyLeave a comment

Sharon Mason (née Smith), born August 23, 1933, died peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, August 15, 2013. Born in Humboldt, Saskatchewan to Ralph and Kay, Sharon was the eldest of six …

Sharon loved her work as a music and elementary school teacher with Calgary Board of Education where she taught from 1972 to 1994. She loved to sing, anytime and anywhere: her special joy was to be a longtime member of the Knox Church Choir. For many years, she helped to organize the Knox CBC Carol Festival, and volunteered with Inn From The Cold. Many thanks to all at the Beverly Centre Lake Midnapore for their loving care and attention. Although it took so much from her, even Alzheimer’s could not defeat her loving spirit and sense of fun. …

obituary

recent photo by Jessica Barnes, a new Mom herself.

Ron and I had breakfast before the funeral. We’d known Sharon for over 35 years, yet could not recall a single moment of anger.

She was loving and tolerant. Ron considers her a role model for his own parenting.

Diana Hughes – 50 miler

On July 27, 2013 By Rick McIn cycling, friendsLeave a comment

Congratulations are in order.

Diana successfully completed a 50 mile bike race. … I don’t believe it was up and down Mt Hood, but I could be wrong. 🙂

Diana

more Port Townsend photos

On July 20, 2013July 17, 2013 By Rick McIn cycling, food, friends, health & fitness, photosLeave a comment

This is the last of them. 🙂

Diana training for her upcoming 50 miler

I’ve seen a LOT of wild animals in my day. But very few raccoons.

That’s the family that tried to take up residence in Carrie’s treehouse.

Nice place to retire …

more random Port Townsend, Washington photos

Jeni likes nearby Sequim as a retirement town. She grew up there.

… Sequim lies within the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains and receives on average less than 16 inches (410 mm) of rain per year—about the same as Los Angeles, California—and has given itself the nickname of Sunny Sequim. …

Tumbl Trak slip and slide

On July 19, 2013July 17, 2013 By Rick McIn friends, health & fitnessLeave a comment

Here’s the use of Tumbl Trak air mats you won’t read about on their website. 🙂

Set up for RACES …

More photos of the Parks and Rec picnic organized by Carrie and Chris.

farewell Port Townsend

On July 18, 2013July 17, 2013 By Rick McIn cycling, friends, gymnasticsLeave a comment

I’ve been hanging around for WEEKS, seems. Gymming, hiking, biking …

But today at 5am I’m off to Coeur d’Alene on a Tumbl Trak Ambassador visit.

Last night in town we celebrated my departure at Dos Okies Barbecue and the Pour House.

THANKS once again to Doug and Diana for their kind hospitality. James stays on for another week or more.

more LAST NIGHT photos

Sunrise Point, Hurricane Ridge

On July 8, 2013July 8, 2013 By Rick McIn friends, hiking, travelLeave a comment

They’ve had some INCREDIBLE weather up at Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park lately.

Opening up GREAT HIKING as the snow melts.

more photos from our day hike

Thanks Diana.

The Soul Spot, Brooklyn, NY

On June 28, 2013June 26, 2013 By Rick McIn food, friends, travelLeave a comment

We wandered dark streets from the Brooklyn Bridge, looking for the greatest local restaurant in greater New York.

And found it. 🙂

Bare-bones and fluorescent-lit, this place looks like a hundred other storefront steam-table soul-food joints. But something extraordinary must be going on back in the kitchen.

“Supersavory” chicken and dumplings tread a delicious murky brown gravy.
… Nicely seasoned collards actually show signs of life—a refreshing departure from the norm—while sweet, juicy yams pack a cinnamon-sugar punch. …

NY Magazine review

Rockin’ agrees.

Urban Spoon – The Soul Spot 94%

Yelp – The Soul Spot

Shewchuks at the Brooklyn Bridge

On June 26, 2013 By Rick McIn friends, travel1 Comment

Logistics were challenging — did you know New York is crowded, unfriendly, expensive and impossible to drive? — but I managed to rendezvous with the Shewchuks on their family holiday to NY City.

Riverside wine bar.

We wandered the bridges at dusk. Lovely weather. Lovely light.

Happy holidays. 🙂

more photos

Barbecue Secrets podcast

On June 15, 2013June 17, 2013 By Rick McIn audiocasts, barbecue, friendsLeave a comment

… Barbecue Secrets Podcast returns, better than ever. In this episode I connect with tech and barbecue geek Richard Campbell, who shares his recipe for Spanish-style Paella on the Grill and recounts his experience of regional barbecue in Romania, and I have an in-depth conversation with one of the leading lights in Canadian barbecue, Angie Quaale.

Rockin’ Ronnie

You can listen from that page. Or subscribe via iTunes. It’s free.