Like Sands Through an Hour Glass, these are the Days of Our Summer

Today is the end of July and it’s the last working day of the month so it’s payday—yeah! Tomorrow is the first of August, the last holiday month of the summer—boo! I have a bittersweet relationship with August. While I love the fact that it is still nice weather and the first fruits of the harvest are being reaped, I feel the sands of summer trickling through the hour glass of my time away from school.

Now is the time for thoughtful parents to prepare for their children to return to school. Me, too. September can be an extremely expensive month with the purchase of supplies, clothes, shoes, backpacks, emergency packs, and pictures. When mine were going to school they also sold insurance in Fall. I don’t know if they still do that. I never availed myself of that which I purchased, but I guess it bought some peace of mind for me. I remember September as being a month where the money just flew out of my wallet. Nowadays if you’ve a child in high school you also have to pony up for a graphing calculator which in all likelihood your child will never use after fulfilling their math requirement and you will not know how to use for that garage sale because the thing is too complicated.

If you aren’t sending a child or grandchild back to school, remember those low-income children who do not want to arrive on the first day in last year’s things and no supplies. There are always donation bins at banks and grocery stores where you can put in a package of paper or box of pencils that will be greatly appreciated.

If interested in my thoughts on August, read more.

Keeping Cool on the Coast

Monday my daughter Amy and I escaped the heat in Gig Harbor and came to the Long Beach Peninsula. I nearly left at 10 PM Sunday and it wasn’t nearly as hot there as it has been yesterday and today. Although it has been beautiful each day here and we watched beautiful sunsets last night and the night before, cool ocean breezes have kept the house very comfortable, even upstairs in our old Victorian with the low ceilings and no AC.

This afternoon as Portland and Seattle were experiencing record temperatures the fog began to roll in here, quickly dropping the temperature from a high of 70 today down to a current 58. The fog is so thick I cannot see the Ilwaco headlands from our front porch.

This evening my husband had to drive home for work tomorrow and said that he hit a wall of heat in Olympia that was “bat @#$% crazy.” I cannot tell you how blessed I feel to be sitting in my cool kitchen, looking out the door at the darkening fog. I’m not going back to Gig Harbor until things get better!

Meet Tacoma's Newest Gritizen, Kona Thompson!

Hello, Neighborhood!

I'd like you to meet our new addition, Kona Thompson. This tiny little five pound three ounce Gritizen officially came home, this last Saturday. She is a border collie pup who was born in Spokane (we won't hold that against her, hee, hee). She was born to mom, Sara, and dad, White Diamond Pete. She has one sister and three brothers. Now she has a new adoptive mom and dad and new siblings! She is adjusting nicely to her new home and new family.

As the mama, it's been hard work, but I don't mind so much. I like Kona's disposition and these are one of the few breeds that don't make my allergies run wild (and yes, those who know me well, know my allergies are notorious). I've had some minor skin irritation,but that's it. No runny noses, nothing. I am doing well.

The kids were so excited to get her (her "dad" too). Lots of anticipation, discussion, you know the drill. The kids were kind of helpful at first, but now, well, they are pretty useless caring for the dog. But their hearts are in the right place (I think) and we need to be more organized in the dog's care (e.g. MOM does NOT do everything). We are getting there, albeit slowly. I think my poor pups (the kiddos) didn't quite realize how much work a pup is and were a little shocked. Today, I wanted to use (no, HAD to use the bathroom). The second I closed the door, both kids are yelling, "MOM! Kona is chewing on the chair, do something!"

Sigh.

Thankfully, we've had little indoor damage, and the pottying stuff is going much better than I thought. Just a few accidents, but not bad ones. I feel pretty lucky really.

Now, let's wager if I'll change that statement by tomorrow.

Hot diggity dog!

Beyond the Borders (and all the way to Home)

And now a word from our own lovey Lady Lorraine, who due to technical difficulties beyond the cable company's control, is currently unable to post for herself.

Beyond The Borders 2009

It’s that time again! The world is about to come to Longbranch…with music, food, a beer and wine garden, Arts & Crafts, Free-Trade World goods for sale, and a juried art show with a People’s Choice Award. Yes folks, it’s the third annual “Beyond The Borders” Festival at the Longbranch Improvement Club, this Saturday, Aug. 1st. This event is the brainchild of Mark Runions (my pianist, great photographer, salty sailor and all-round swell guy!) and supported by the Two Waters Arts Alliance, along with the LIC.

If you’ve been reading here, IYN, long enough…well, you know this is one of my favourite events of the summer. I will never forget Kim’s son’s warrior-dance to the drums last year; he worked-up the crowd, alright! This year promises to also be something very special.

The first band up for the day, starting at 12:30pm, will be the Erev Ravs, a Klezmer band with that something special. Shall I tell you what that something…or rather, someone…will be? The guitarist, Daniel Landin, is a son to me. He’s a good friend and former band-mate of my son’s, from NY. I’ve watched this man play since he was in high school…and he gave me goose-bumps then. Then I watched him grow into a man of good spirit, heart, and flying fingers.

As I write this, my son is driving across Montana, on his way here, and looking forward to Saturday’s reunion with Daniel. It makes me smile to think of it! If you’ve never heard Klezmer, a joyous sound, be prepared for it to be kicked-up a notch to start the show.

At 2pm, the Pacific Northwest’s beloved son, Neil Andersson (of Pearl Django fame) and Peter Pendras are set to give us a little something they call, “Malibu Manouche.” I know I’m going to want to dance when I read the poster’s description, “Gypsy jazz meets surf guitar!”

Jami Sieber takes the stage at 3:30pm. Here we have some World Music, with electric cello, vocals and percussion. We will certainly be cooking by then…and reapplying sunscreen!

At 5pm Sambatuque rounds out the show with Afro-Brazilian and Afro-Cuban music. I know I’m going to be in trouble with my hips by then. You can talk to hips and tell them to behave all you like…but all they hear and respond to is rhythm!

In the breaks between bands you can peruse the goods and the Artworks while you listen to the Washington Association of South Sound Ukulele Players and our wonderful, local drum ensemble. Ooh…don’t forget the specialty desserts from the LIC kitchen!

On year three, I have to say, I think the world spills into Longbranch with exuberant goodwill and this festival will have long and lovely legs. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Mark Runions, with his “Build it and they will come” great idea, indeed, to thank everyone who works so hard to put this on.

Take Highway 16 west to the Purdy/302 exit…take a left at the lights to go across the Purdy Spit and follow the Key Pen Hwy to Longbranch. Be there…or be square…in a very round and beautiful world!

A MOST HAPPY REUNION

I hope you enjoy this picture of part of the wonderful garden my two college friends have developed in front of their home.
I had known deep inside that the time we would share, after more years than I want to remember, this weekend. I expected that our conversation would be very deep and that I would find myself enjoying the company of two wonderful people and I would find myself thinking that the separation we had experienced over all those years would in no way block us... and that I would find that time and distant would not in any affect our relationship. Rather I would find myself thinking that, really, we had been talking to each other frequently over those years.


We spent some wonderful hours sharing stories here, at the back of their home.
I quickly settled in, and I enjoyed listening and being listened to by my friends. We had faced many challenges, and the ups and downs of our lives kept us visiting until late in the evening.








Early Saturday afternoon my friend grilled some very tasty hamburgers for his wonderful wife and me.
Saturday evening we had a great time dining out. The food was very good. The conversation...priceless! Sunday morning... tasty food, and the conversation continued.









And always, I could see the Sound from their back porch. I came home refreshed and feeling very, very alive.











Any refreshing moments you would like to share....!!!!???

Historic Hearings

Case in Point: Broken Healthcare System
HISTORIC HEARINGS ON
MOST CONTROVERSIAL DISEASE IN U.S.
LYME DISEASE: SPOTLIGHT ON HIDDEN EPIDEMIC

Lyme Patients Gather in D.C. and Around the World to Push for Better Treatment and Recognition of Chronic Disease

Story Summary:
What happens if a tick borne illness is missed, or left untreated? Millions of patients say they suffer from chronic (or long term) Lyme disease. But gatekeepers in the medical community refuse to recognize illness.
Connecticut Attorney General sued gatekeepers (Infectious Disease Society of America, or IDSA), forcing the oversight panel to review its controversial treatment guidelines that bar patients from getting a chronic Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment.
Hearing to review long suppressed scientific evidence that Lyme disease can become persistent and debilitating.
Lyme disease patients from around the world will watch the DC-based hearing via webcast & participate in an international Twitter Chat to share reactions
(Washington D.C.) – It's a pivotal moment in the heated medical debate surrounding Lyme disease. Controversial treatment guidelines that chronic Lyme patients say keep them from being diagnosed and properly treated will be reviewed in a landmark hearing Thursday, July 30 in Washington D.C. Lyme disease is the fastest growing infectious disease in the United States today, affecting up to 300,000 Americans each year. Many think the tick-borne illness is easily cured, but what happens when it's missed initially or improperly treated? Patients argue that Lyme disease becomes chronic—or long term.

"The medical establishment will be forced to consider the strong scientific evidence that Lyme disease can become persistent and , long term infection that may require more aggressive treatment than what is allowed in the current treatment guidelines", says Dr. Daniel Cameron, President of the International Lyme & Associated Diseases Society (ILADS). Cameron will join several doctors, scientists and patients testifying at Thursday's hearing.

The Infectious Diseases Society of American (IDSA) holds this hearing in response to an antitrust investigation by Connecticut' s Attorney General Richard Blumenthal. In his groundbreaking lawsuit, AG Blumenthal charged that the IDSA guidelines for Lyme disease prevent many seriously ill patients from getting necessary treatment. A 2008 settlement resulted in the IDSA agreeing to create a new panel to review its guidelines.
Doctors treating Lyme disease aggressively with long term antibiotics are targeted by medical boards and insurance companies and face losing their license. The Connecticut Governor recently signed into law legislation that would permit physicians to determine what treatment is best and, in effect, overruling the current IDSA guidelines.
"These current guidelines have had a devastating impact on patients", says Dr. Joseph Jemsek, Infectious Disease Specialist in South Carolina—and a member of both IDSA and ILADS. "In the midst of the healthcare reform crisis, these hearings offer a microcosm of a broken healthcare system."

The media is invited to a Lyme Watch Media Center, where they can interview patients, advocates and doctors in response to the webcast hearings. The Center is in the Congressional Room on the lobby level at the J.W. Marriott Hotel, 1331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, from 8am to 5pm.

MEDIA INQUIRIES: ILADS President Dr. Daniel Cameron and Lyme disease patients are available for interviews. For more information contact: Marc Silverstein at (202) 716-9123 or at marc@onthemarcmedia .com

Open letter to the USFS Regarding the "Greenwater Floodplain Restoration Project"

Sent by Email To:

District Ranger, Snoqualmie Ranger District
902 SE North Bend Way
Building #1
North Bend, WA 98045
(425) 888-1421
fax (425) 888-1910,
bgall@fs.fed.us

John Wise
Mayor
City of Enumclaw
johnwise@ci.enumclaw.wa.us

Reagan Dunn
King County Councilmember
Council District 9
516 Third Ave.
Rm. 1200
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-296-1009
Toll Free: 800-325-6165
TTY/TDD: 206-296-1024
Fax: 206-296-0198
reagan.dunn@kingcounty.gov

Shawn Bunney
Pierce County Council
930 Tacoma Ave S, Rm 1046
Tacoma, WA 98402-2176
(253) 798-3635
FAX (253) 798-7509
sbunney@co.pierce.wa.us

Christopher Hurst
31st Legislative District
Olympia Office:
314 John L. O'Brien Building
PO Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504-0600
(360) 786-7866
Hurst.Christopher@leg.wa.gov

CC to

James Neff
Investigations Editor
Seattle Times
206-464-2285
jneff@seattletimes.com

Jeff Mayor
Area Reporter
Tacoma News Tribune
jeff.mayor@thenewstribune.com

Michelle Nicolosi
SeattlePI.com
michellenicolosi@seattlepi.com

Kevin Hanson
Editor
Enumclaw Courier Herald
P.O. Box 157
Enumclaw, WA 98022
360-802-8206
khanson@courierherald.com

Dear Sirs,

The US Forest Service is proposing a habitat restoration project on part of the Greenwater River. The plan is called the “Greenwater Floodplain Restoration Project,” and is stated as being organized by the US Forest Service in collaboration with the South Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group and Muckleshoot Indian Tribe. The US Forest Service has established a web site that provides details for this project. A link to that site can be found here: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/projects/greenwater-floodplain-restoration/index.shtml

According to some Greenwater residents, there was no organized effort to inform local residents of this project, including residents directly affected by this project. Many property owners whose property abuts the Greenwater river were not informed. One of my neighbors found a reference to the project proposal in the Enumclaw Courier Herald Newspaper, dated June 24, 2009, under Legal Public Notices. She recently sent a copy of the notice to me by way of email.

Part of the proposed project is to construct 16 engineered log jams along a 3.5 mile reach of the Greenwater River. According to some with expertise on the topic, including notably the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, this kind of log jam has a known and studied history of failure over time. Here is an example of the risks as stated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife:

Risk

Engineered log jams pose inherent risks to infrastructure and human stream users. These risks include:

· safety hazards caused by the log jams or the cables that anchor them (this risk can be somewhat reduced by placing warning signs upstream from the log jams to alert boaters),

· blockage of culverts or bridge openings by large woody debris that has been dislodged from a log jam upstream,

· unanticipated erosion across the channel or to the adjacent streambank,

· increased channel roughness and constriction, and/or

· increased flood stage.
Source: http://wdfw.wa.gov/hab/ahg/shrg505.pdf
(p.6)

When this kind of log jam fails, typically during high water volume storm events, the engineered log jam may travel a way down river and become in effect an engineering failure turned disaster. If one or more of these proposed log jams were to block a portion of a river, or become lodged against a bridge footing, the force of the flood water would soon be redirected around and/or over the jam, with likely ruinous results for nearby property.

I have concern in two areas regarding this proposal.

My first concern is for my neighbors, who were not properly informed of this plan.

My second concern is regarding a bridge a little downstream of this proposed restoration project, that may be put at risk. This is bridge number 410-125, found on SR-410 between mile post 42 and mile post 43, in King County. The bridge was last inspected in 2008. The bridge is a concrete T beam construction, built in 1932, and identified as “functionally obsolete” by the State DOT due to non-compliance with current building code. The bridge is considered to be in good shape given that it is 77 years old. There has been some rip-rap added by one of the footings under the bridge, due to erosion.

Until about 5 years ago, storm related timber buildup by the bridge was removed by Greenwater local Mr. Mel Southworth. Mr. Southworth performed this service for many years, often as a volunteer and also as a paid contractor. Mr. Southworth recently stopped performing this service. Neighbors are concerned that storm debris related watch on the bridge may have become inconsistent due to many years of local monitoring and maintenance.

This bridge provides access for up to 2 million people per year who transit the area. Were the bridge to become damaged, visitors and the local residents of Greenwater, Crystal Village, Crystal River Ranch, Silver Springs, Crystal Mountain plus the Northeast entrance of Mt. Rainier National Park would be 100% inaccessible by motor vehicle for about 6 months of the year. Clearly this bridge is critical providing access to this area.

I contacted someone in a field office of our State DOT. He said that typically the Department of Fish and Wildlife provides management for these restoration projects. He added that the Department of Fish and Wildlife does not necessarily check with State DOT on potential impacts of Fish and Wildlife projects. Furthermore, accordingly, the Department of Fish and Wildlife may pursue a project without requesting feedback from the State DOT about the potential impact of their projects to the transportation system.

I don’t know if the Department of Fish and Wildlife is playing a role in this project. Someone with engineering knowledge of bridges and bridge maintenance should be part of this process.

I am asking your help for two goals. One is to provide an extension for the time to comment, and the other is to help secure a responsible state certified group to inspect and provide an analysis for this Floodplain Restoration, with regard to potential impacts on my neighbors properties and the Greenwater bridge. The time for comment on this project is very short, ending July 24, 2009, and given the urgency, I seek assistance from those who might be best able to help.

In addition, I request information, regarding:

1. Documentation regarding the risks of engineered log jam failure and also documentation regarding who will be responsible for maintenance and/or remedial action.

2. I request that each of the logs used in constructing these proposed 16 engineered log jams be permanently branded to help identify them.

Lastly, kindly understand that I think this renovation project is good for the river, but it is vital that any risks for the home owners and the bridge be clearly addressed prior to moving the project forward.

Due to the short time before the comment period ends, I request that you acknowledge receipt of this request prior to July 25, 2009.

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Sincerely

Tracy Lebenzon

PS: Additional information can be found here: http://explore-greenwater.com/community/showthread.php?t=1366