Cheers Lloyd Miles Bailey! You are loved and you will be missed dearly! May you find the peace you deserve.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Lloyd
Rest in peace my dear from Lloyd. There are so many "what-ifs" or "should haves" when you lose someone you care about. Lloyd was no different. I talked to him mostly through Pogo when we would find each other playing games. The last email exchange was when I wished him a happy birthday in December. He had just turned 50. He was one of the most caring people I knew. We became friends when a co-worker, who Lloyd believed to be a friend to him, ended up in jail for domestic violence. Lloyd and I spent numerous hours talking. We went out a couple times, had a few beers. He always had a smile and a great laugh. One year he was my Secret Santa. He gave me two teddy bears that I still have. They sit on the entertainment center in my bedroom, always looking down on me.
Cheers Lloyd Miles Bailey! You are loved and you will be missed dearly! May you find the peace you deserve.
Cheers Lloyd Miles Bailey! You are loved and you will be missed dearly! May you find the peace you deserve.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Cruise
I had the best time on our Mexican Riviera cruise! Steve actually had a good time too and I think I may have him hooked! I wasn't too impressed with Cabo - but I did try the Rattlesnake tequila! Wow!
Mazatlan - I got to spend the day with my mom Patty! We also saw Jorge while we were there. Steve and I both went parasailing - which is so beautiful!!
And of course - Puerto Vallarta! Dolphins! This was probably the most amazing experience I have ever had. They are smart, fun and loving! They love to cuddle and be petted. And we could hear them talking. Just a blast!
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Mazatlan - I got to spend the day with my mom Patty! We also saw Jorge while we were there. Steve and I both went parasailing - which is so beautiful!!
And of course - Puerto Vallarta! Dolphins! This was probably the most amazing experience I have ever had. They are smart, fun and loving! They love to cuddle and be petted. And we could hear them talking. Just a blast!
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Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Gene Porter was the man behind "The Man."
Gene Porter, the man behind the hot sauce, dies at 71
Mr. Gene Porter, 71, the owner of Dixie's BBQ in Bellevue, died Sunday of cancer.
By Katherine Long
Seattle Times Eastside reporter
Gene Porter was the man behind "The Man."
"The Man" was Mr. Porter's own secret hot sauce, and at lunchtime Mr. Porter would work his way through the tables of his crowded barbecue restaurant, challenging customers to try a tiny dab of the fiercely hot liquid on a toothpick.
Mr. Porter, 71, the owner of Dixie's BBQ in Bellevue, died Sunday of cancer.
"The Man" hot sauce is legendary, and under Mr. Porter's hand, Dixie's barbecue has become a Bellevue institution since it opened 16 years ago — one that has fed hundreds of people for lunch every day in a converted auto mechanic's shop. For many years, it was considered one of the best barbecue places in the Greater Seattle area.
The restaurant crowd is often standing-room-only, and people have come from all over the world — CEOs from big companies on visits to the Eastside, as well as movie stars like Bill Cosby and sports heroes like basketball great Lenny Wilkens and hydroplane racer Chip Hanauer, said Mr. Porter's daughter, L.J. At various times through the years, the restaurant had served barbecue to practically everyone on the Sonics, Mariners and Seahawks teams, she said.
"People come in from all over the world to try that 'man' sauce," L.J. said. "They come in to get beat up. It's pretty crazy."
Those who dared to taste "The Man" often walked out with bumper stickers to advertise their courage: "I met 'The Man' at Dixie's BBQ. Yeah, baby!"
Those who couldn't take the heat would bolt to the front of the store for a handful of peanuts to put out the flame.
L.J. said her father perfected his barbecue technique through trial-and-error. As for the sauce, "he was just kind of messing around with something one day, and he came up with it, and he started calling it 'the man' sauce," she said.
The restaurant is a family business, L.J. said. Dixie's was named after Mr. Porter's wife. For the red beans and rice and other side dishes, Mr. Porter used his mother's recipes, which were originally developed in Louisiana and Mississippi. And Mr. Porter's son, Alton, runs a barbecue restaurant and catering service, Porter's Place, in Tacoma, as well as Porter's Place & Dixie's BBQ at Safeco Field.
Mr. Porter started his career as an auto mechanic, opening Porter's Automotive Service in 1970 on Northup Way. L.J. said her father was one of the best mechanics in the area.
On the weekends, he'd cook barbecue for church fundraisers, raising thousands of dollars. One day, a parishioner persuaded him to drop auto repair and open a restaurant, she said.
Mr. Porter converted the auto shop into a barbecue restaurant in 1994, and soon after, the accolades began pouring in.
Dixie's BBQ is closed for the week, but L.J. said the restaurant will continue to operate.
Mr. Porter is survived by his wife of 50 years, Dixie; his children, Alton and L.J.; and five grandchildren.
Services will be held at Overlake Christian Church, 9900 Willows Road N.E. in Redmond on Monday, March 8, with a viewing from 9 to 11 a.m., and a service at 11 a.m. Mr. Porter will be buried at Tahoma National Cemetery.
Katherine Long: 206-464-2219 or klong@seattletimes.com
Mr. Gene Porter, 71, the owner of Dixie's BBQ in Bellevue, died Sunday of cancer.
By Katherine Long
Seattle Times Eastside reporter
Gene Porter was the man behind "The Man."
"The Man" was Mr. Porter's own secret hot sauce, and at lunchtime Mr. Porter would work his way through the tables of his crowded barbecue restaurant, challenging customers to try a tiny dab of the fiercely hot liquid on a toothpick.
Mr. Porter, 71, the owner of Dixie's BBQ in Bellevue, died Sunday of cancer.
"The Man" hot sauce is legendary, and under Mr. Porter's hand, Dixie's barbecue has become a Bellevue institution since it opened 16 years ago — one that has fed hundreds of people for lunch every day in a converted auto mechanic's shop. For many years, it was considered one of the best barbecue places in the Greater Seattle area.
The restaurant crowd is often standing-room-only, and people have come from all over the world — CEOs from big companies on visits to the Eastside, as well as movie stars like Bill Cosby and sports heroes like basketball great Lenny Wilkens and hydroplane racer Chip Hanauer, said Mr. Porter's daughter, L.J. At various times through the years, the restaurant had served barbecue to practically everyone on the Sonics, Mariners and Seahawks teams, she said.
"People come in from all over the world to try that 'man' sauce," L.J. said. "They come in to get beat up. It's pretty crazy."
Those who dared to taste "The Man" often walked out with bumper stickers to advertise their courage: "I met 'The Man' at Dixie's BBQ. Yeah, baby!"
Those who couldn't take the heat would bolt to the front of the store for a handful of peanuts to put out the flame.
L.J. said her father perfected his barbecue technique through trial-and-error. As for the sauce, "he was just kind of messing around with something one day, and he came up with it, and he started calling it 'the man' sauce," she said.
The restaurant is a family business, L.J. said. Dixie's was named after Mr. Porter's wife. For the red beans and rice and other side dishes, Mr. Porter used his mother's recipes, which were originally developed in Louisiana and Mississippi. And Mr. Porter's son, Alton, runs a barbecue restaurant and catering service, Porter's Place, in Tacoma, as well as Porter's Place & Dixie's BBQ at Safeco Field.
Mr. Porter started his career as an auto mechanic, opening Porter's Automotive Service in 1970 on Northup Way. L.J. said her father was one of the best mechanics in the area.
On the weekends, he'd cook barbecue for church fundraisers, raising thousands of dollars. One day, a parishioner persuaded him to drop auto repair and open a restaurant, she said.
Mr. Porter converted the auto shop into a barbecue restaurant in 1994, and soon after, the accolades began pouring in.
Dixie's BBQ is closed for the week, but L.J. said the restaurant will continue to operate.
Mr. Porter is survived by his wife of 50 years, Dixie; his children, Alton and L.J.; and five grandchildren.
Services will be held at Overlake Christian Church, 9900 Willows Road N.E. in Redmond on Monday, March 8, with a viewing from 9 to 11 a.m., and a service at 11 a.m. Mr. Porter will be buried at Tahoma National Cemetery.
Katherine Long: 206-464-2219 or klong@seattletimes.com
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
I am sending this because I recently watched an eye opening Oprah special on cell phones and driving. First, let me start by asking, do you text while driving? Do you talk on your cell phone while driving? If you answer yes to either of these questions or you know someone else who would answer yes to these questions then please go to this link http://www.oprah.com/showinfo/Americas-New-Deadly-Obsession and watch these videos. You will be completely shocked. The full episode is about 40 minutes and is worth every minute of your time. I CHALLENGE you to watch it and take the pledge for a "No Phone Zone".
I learned a few things while watching this show:
You are 4 times more likely to be in an accident if you are talking on the phone while driving
A drunk driver is also 4 times more likely to be in an accident as a sober person (Yes, a cell phone user is equivalent in their level of impairment as a drunk driver)
You are 8 times more likely to be in an accident if you are texting while driving
Your brain cannot multi-task the way we wish it would while driving and talking on the phone, thus impairing our peripheral vision
I learned a few things while watching this show:
You are 4 times more likely to be in an accident if you are talking on the phone while driving
A drunk driver is also 4 times more likely to be in an accident as a sober person (Yes, a cell phone user is equivalent in their level of impairment as a drunk driver)
You are 8 times more likely to be in an accident if you are texting while driving
Your brain cannot multi-task the way we wish it would while driving and talking on the phone, thus impairing our peripheral vision
Monday, January 11, 2010
Happy New Year
2010 - can you believe it?
I am back at work today after being off since December 24. Well, I worked that day - sorta. I worked from home and there was NOTHING to do!
Not much to write at the moment. Just wanted to say Happy New Year if anyone still reads this thing.
I am back at work today after being off since December 24. Well, I worked that day - sorta. I worked from home and there was NOTHING to do!
Not much to write at the moment. Just wanted to say Happy New Year if anyone still reads this thing.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
A quick year in review
The year started out with Steve and I having the honor of attending the inauguration of President Barack Obama. This was an experience that I will never forget! David turned 15 on the 24th of January and the studying for a permit commenced.
March was a busy month. I became football coach for Alex’s team, Mad Dogs. It was a learning experience for all of us! We won our first (and only) game, but it was fun. I also went to Vegas that month to visit my BFF Stephanie! My sister-in-law Jane also came along and as the trio of trouble we had a great time.
April was chaotic. Our dog Prospero had to get neutered. Honeywell announced 10% pay cuts that affected Steve. I tripped over Prospero and gave myself a concussion. And I turned another year older. (Numbers are not important here……)
David went from helping me coach the Mad Dogs to playing on the team as our QB. In his third game, he made his best tackle ever – and broke his right arm! We spent a few hours in the ER and I spent Mother’s Day tending to HIM. We also lost our cat Loki in May. He snuck out one night and owls found him. Honeywell announced more furloughs, this time affecting me. On a positive note, Steve and I saw Styx, REO Speedwagon and 38 Special with my friend Mike.
June 1st brought us 11 puppies. Fortunately I had taken that week off from work. We lost 4 of the pups, but 7 survived and were so darn cute! A few days after they were born, I flew to Virginia to pick up Hamlet, another pug. Yes – we bought another pug. We didn’t think Prospero could get Ariel pregnant. He made it happen the week before he was neutered. Steve injured himself pretty bad by falling off of a ladder into a cactus. He did this the day before he left for an international trip. He visited Prague, Shanghai, Beijing and Tokyo….among other airport stops, such as Moscow!
Alex spent the summer in Las Vegas with his dad. He did some odd jobs for friends of his dad’s and earned enough money to buy himself a 360. He was very proud of this accomplishment! David’s summer was spent going to the orthopedic at Luke Air Force Base on an almost weekly basis for his arm. His BFF Andrew did come down from Alaska for a couple days, which made David happy.
July marked our anniversary – 2 years. We also added yet another new member to our family. Jasmine, a Siamese Lilac Point, was adopted from the Arizona Humane Society. She is a beautiful and very sweet kitty. And David did get his permit on his 15-1/2 birthday.
School started for us in August. David started the 10th grade, Alex started 8th grade. Me? I dropped University of Phoenix and moved over to Arizona State University. A lot more work, but I love it! I started off with only 2 classes (7 credits) to make sure that I didn’t overdo it. We also got a new car in August. We traded in the Mercury Sable for a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. Oh, and I can’t forget the Green Day concert! Best concert I have ever been to.
In September, Steve and I took separate vacations. He went to Buffalo/Chautauqua for a week to visit with his dad. I flew to Seattle to see my family and Stephanie. She and Chad (and Shelby) took me to the Miley Cyrus concert for their wedding anniversary. Mom, Mike and I went to the Puyallup Fair one day. And I got to see my mom Patty too! Visited my Nana in her new place, which is very nice. It was a very busy week, but I loved it. The day that Steve was to return to Phoenix, and while I was at the Miley concert, David called to tell me he hurt his foot. A friend had to take him to Urgent Care. His foot was sprained and he was on crutches for about a week.
October was a nice quiet month. Steve kidnapped me and took me to Flagstaff for a weekend. We rented a cabin at Fort Tuthill. We did some hiking, went to Sedona and just relaxed. It was wonderful.
Alex turned 14 in November and is constantly reminding me how he will be in high school next year. Right before his birthday, the kid broke his finger at school. He was playing football at lunch. We went to John and Denise’s house for Thanksgiving. Our good friends Blake, Amy and Molly joined us. Steve and Alex went camping in the White Tanks the day after Thanksgiving and did a lot of hiking. I joined them on their final night out there.
Steve just celebrated his birthday on December 8th. (Again, numbers are not important here) We had a quiet evening. I made him a steak dinner and we watched a movie.
March was a busy month. I became football coach for Alex’s team, Mad Dogs. It was a learning experience for all of us! We won our first (and only) game, but it was fun. I also went to Vegas that month to visit my BFF Stephanie! My sister-in-law Jane also came along and as the trio of trouble we had a great time.
April was chaotic. Our dog Prospero had to get neutered. Honeywell announced 10% pay cuts that affected Steve. I tripped over Prospero and gave myself a concussion. And I turned another year older. (Numbers are not important here……)
David went from helping me coach the Mad Dogs to playing on the team as our QB. In his third game, he made his best tackle ever – and broke his right arm! We spent a few hours in the ER and I spent Mother’s Day tending to HIM. We also lost our cat Loki in May. He snuck out one night and owls found him. Honeywell announced more furloughs, this time affecting me. On a positive note, Steve and I saw Styx, REO Speedwagon and 38 Special with my friend Mike.
June 1st brought us 11 puppies. Fortunately I had taken that week off from work. We lost 4 of the pups, but 7 survived and were so darn cute! A few days after they were born, I flew to Virginia to pick up Hamlet, another pug. Yes – we bought another pug. We didn’t think Prospero could get Ariel pregnant. He made it happen the week before he was neutered. Steve injured himself pretty bad by falling off of a ladder into a cactus. He did this the day before he left for an international trip. He visited Prague, Shanghai, Beijing and Tokyo….among other airport stops, such as Moscow!
Alex spent the summer in Las Vegas with his dad. He did some odd jobs for friends of his dad’s and earned enough money to buy himself a 360. He was very proud of this accomplishment! David’s summer was spent going to the orthopedic at Luke Air Force Base on an almost weekly basis for his arm. His BFF Andrew did come down from Alaska for a couple days, which made David happy.
July marked our anniversary – 2 years. We also added yet another new member to our family. Jasmine, a Siamese Lilac Point, was adopted from the Arizona Humane Society. She is a beautiful and very sweet kitty. And David did get his permit on his 15-1/2 birthday.
School started for us in August. David started the 10th grade, Alex started 8th grade. Me? I dropped University of Phoenix and moved over to Arizona State University. A lot more work, but I love it! I started off with only 2 classes (7 credits) to make sure that I didn’t overdo it. We also got a new car in August. We traded in the Mercury Sable for a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. Oh, and I can’t forget the Green Day concert! Best concert I have ever been to.
In September, Steve and I took separate vacations. He went to Buffalo/Chautauqua for a week to visit with his dad. I flew to Seattle to see my family and Stephanie. She and Chad (and Shelby) took me to the Miley Cyrus concert for their wedding anniversary. Mom, Mike and I went to the Puyallup Fair one day. And I got to see my mom Patty too! Visited my Nana in her new place, which is very nice. It was a very busy week, but I loved it. The day that Steve was to return to Phoenix, and while I was at the Miley concert, David called to tell me he hurt his foot. A friend had to take him to Urgent Care. His foot was sprained and he was on crutches for about a week.
October was a nice quiet month. Steve kidnapped me and took me to Flagstaff for a weekend. We rented a cabin at Fort Tuthill. We did some hiking, went to Sedona and just relaxed. It was wonderful.
Alex turned 14 in November and is constantly reminding me how he will be in high school next year. Right before his birthday, the kid broke his finger at school. He was playing football at lunch. We went to John and Denise’s house for Thanksgiving. Our good friends Blake, Amy and Molly joined us. Steve and Alex went camping in the White Tanks the day after Thanksgiving and did a lot of hiking. I joined them on their final night out there.
Steve just celebrated his birthday on December 8th. (Again, numbers are not important here) We had a quiet evening. I made him a steak dinner and we watched a movie.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
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