fire close call

We walked on the trails in my neighborhood over the weekend, where we could clearly see the damage done by the wildfire that burned 11 homes a few days ago. Below are some pictures of the burned forest, showing a house that was spared thanks to firefighters. our house is about a mile from this area.

Fire

A wildfire forced us to evacuate our house on Thursday evening, and we were not allowed back in until Friday afternoon. Fortunately, we did not suffer any damage. But 13 houses over the hill were destroyed. I worked from home covering the story until we had to evacuate (a newsman is always on the job).

The fire occurred the same day that Ann quit her job at the AP to start her own business. I see it as a good omen, proving she has a hot concept.

Marina

Finding time to go on the boat is always a challenge, but we got out for a few hours on Lake Coeur d'Alene on Sunday. Here's me and Eli at the wheel. Unfortunately, the boat battery was dead, so we spent most of the time recharging it.

That's Ann on the left enjoying watching we work to get the boat going.

The Cousins

Had a little Geranios family reunion in Seattle last weekend, which allowed some of the far-flung cousins to spend quality time together. Since this bunch is scattered among Alabama, Portland, Seattle and Spokane, they don't see each other often. That's Dora (left) and Zoe in the front. In back, from left, that's Jennifer, Korina, Eli, Shawn and Tom. We're just walking back from Discovery Park in Seattle, an excellent place.

Hoopfest 2008

The annual Hoopfest 3-on-3 basketball tournament has come and gone, and as usual I had several children and numerous nieces and nephews playing on the streets of Spokane. Here are some action photos from the weekend. The picture on the left is Tom and his cousins and a friend. In the center I am coaching during one tight game. I had a poor 1-5 record coaching this season, a new low. At right is a picture of Eli and two other players. It was about 99 degrees all weekend, but we all came out OK.

The One that almost got me

Here's the pine tree that ate my chain saw and then ended up falling on the neighbor's power lines. Doesn't look so tough now, does it?

I've got to stop this Paul Bunyan act

Eli gets promoted

eli recently completed the sixth grade and will be attending junior high next year. That means for the first time since 1991, we dont have a kid in elementary school. that's a sure sign of aging. Here I am with Eli at his promotion ceremony.

As usual, we had an end of the school year party at our house. here are a bunch of the parents, horrified at what our children are doing