Category: Uncategorized

The PBA staff took in one of the few Mariners day games yesterday. While the Mariners weren’t able to come away with the victory, I think everyone had a good time. We played a little game where everyone put a quarter into a cup at the top of each inning. The cup was then passed around the group after each batter came to the plate. If you were holding the cup when the batter at the plate got a hit, then you got to keep the money in the cup and it gets refilled. I think there were 22 hits in the game so there were plenty payouts on the day. In fact, I think the IT staff was able to walk away with about $30 in profits.

As a little bonus to the game, the Rally Fries crew even made an appearance for one lucky fan seated behind us. You gotta love the curly fries.

As Barry mentioned we’ve been trying to finish up different projects these past couple weeks, some of which we can do on our own; however, most of them we need help from family & friends. This past weekend Fred Kefgen, a neighbor that has been a family friend for decades, helped us out HUGE! I’ve known the Kefgen family for nearly my whole life. They are wonderful in every sense of the word. I love running into Fred for a number of reasons, but because he reminds me of growing up and is almost always using type of heavy machinery (tractor, bus, dump truck, bob cat, school bus….). The short story is that this past weekend Fred delivered a Honey Bucket from his own collection AND mowed the gigantic field next door. I had asked him about using the toilet, but he offered to mow the field next door. Yes, offered.  Not only did he see that it needed to get done, but he just did it….the same day he offered.

I love Anacortes and my old stompin’ grounds for a number of reasons. I really do. I am an Anacortes girl through-and-through. Of that I have no doubt. (yeah, yeah, we bought a house in Edmonds, I know).  Fred isn’t the only one that has reached out to help in this insane process of planning a wedding. I’m not complaining, but I really appreciate Fred’s willingness, kindness, and foresight to know that there was a job that he could do well (how many of you know how to operate an industrial sized lawn mower?) and it would be a huge weight off our shoulders (right, Linda?).  Amazingly, it has been this way from everyone that is in our lives. From preparing food, making invitations/stickers/programs, planting flowers, killing weeds, lending lights/decorations/wine glasses,  shopping for ties/visors/shoes/dresses, playing music, making the schedule, mixing drinks, baking cakes, and even setting up classrooms, I really get a sense that people want to help out in any way that they can. I have felt so loved.

As you come and park your cars in the massive field next to my parent’s house keep Fred Kefgen in mind. He was out there this past Saturday making sure it was cut so you could walk more comfortably to the wedding. I’m trying to figure out how to pay this kindness forward….

To be honest I’d never had a panini sandwich until recently, but fortunately for me, we were gifted with a Panini maker which has put me firmly on the bandwagon. I don’t know if I’m the last one to discover these great tasting sandwiches, but just in case there are some people out there who’d like to give them a try here’s the recipe that we’ve been using. I think it came from the Weight Watchers website. It’s quite tasty, and considering the recipe’s source it must not be too bad for your waist line either.

1 tomato

1 1/2 tsp red wine vinegar

1/2 tsp olive oil

1/4 tsp dried oregano

1/8 tsp table salt

1/8 tsp pepper

Italian bread (Went with garlic sourdough last time, and it was quite excellent)

mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced

1 clove of garlic

1 cup arugula or basil leaves

Instructions

1. preheat panini pan to medium high heat
2. in cup, stir vinegar, oil, oregano, salt and pepper
3. brush mixture on each slice of bread
4. layer 1/4 cheese, sliced tomato, and arugula or basil leaves
5. add layered sandwich to panini pan and cook until golden brown. You will need to flip the sandwich half way through to toast both sides.
6. Repeat until stomach cannot take any more.