thedude.com

Kelly has known these fine folks for many years. Knute, Scott and Joyce Knutson create exsquisite unique jewelry. Scott’s work is influenced by his diving adventures - he has produced many pieces with an aquatic theme - really lovely stuff. When it came time to select a jeweler to design a fabulous wedding ring for Kelly, Scott came through for us in a big way. Both of our rings are beautiful!

I may soon have the chance to repay Scott. We’re talking of doing a website showcasing his work. Finally!

Almost brother-in-law Jeff takes a well-deserved snooze after cooking two days in a row.

My dear friend Kalvin sent a scan of this lovely photograph of his parents. Shot in 1941, the original hand-tinted black and white photo had lost a bit of its original color over the years.

The restoration turned out to be a bit harder than I originally thought it would be. After the usual dust-spotting, I had a tough time deciding when I was actually done. I did not want to overdo it and cause it to look worse than it did all those years ago. I had to avoid the temptation to pump up the colors and contrast. Most of the work was done with PhotoShop’s Levels, Dodge and Color Replacement Tools.

I think it’s an improvement. I hope the results will satisfy Kalvin. That’s the main thing.

My favorite model having a laugh at Ursula’s 4th birthday celebration.

Steve with two of his three beloved Studebakers. The black one is a 1962 Studebaker Grand Turismo - one of just 7700 ever made. (Yes, that’s Kelly in the back seat.) The other is a 1958 Silver Hawk. Steve also owns a blue Commander, (1962?) but it was not able to make it to the photo shoot.

…but we bought this LCD HDTV, and we are absolutely GLUED to the dang thing. One day I hope to make an entry on my blog again… maybe even post a picture or two.

This guy gets 4,000,000 a day…

As we say good riddance to one of my favorite people - John Asscroft - I challenge you to listen to this little gem IN ITS ENTIRETY. I’ll bet you can’t. I couldn’t - and I REALLY tried - hard.

Andrew has finished his magic - for now - and the result is this spectacular piece of work on our pillars! We are soooo happy with the beautiful venetian plaster applied by the master. What you don’t see here is the wonderful sensual texture of the polished plaster. It feels like cold marble. YUM!

Thank you Andrew! Now - can I talk to you about our bathroom? :-)

National Guard fighter jet strafes New Jersey grade school.

Throughout all of this, I have been asking myself, “Who are these people who would actually vote for this punk? How could anyone allow this man to represent our (formerly) great nation?”

George Bush has robbed me of the pride that used to come with being an American. And now, 51% of the American public have decided that it is OK to continue along this torturous path for another four years.

Vancouver is looking better by the minute.