Author Archives: Gandalfe

About Gandalfe

Just an itinerant saxophonist trying to find life between the changes. I have retired from the Corps of Engineers and Microsoft. I am an admin on the Woodwind Forum, run the Pacifica Big Band (formerly the Microsoft Jumpin' Jive Orchestra) and participate in other ensembles. Mostly enjoy time with family and friends.

Roof Replacement Trials and Tribulations

Posted on June 1, 2022 by Gandalfe

Our house had a 25-year roof put on by the builder in 2007. Last year we discovered some serious leaks in the roof. Sadly we had just put in a solar panel system that had to be removed first. It … Continue reading →

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Solar Power Project 2020

Posted on December 1, 2021 by Gandalfe

“We are star stuff harvesting sunlight.” ~ Carl Sagan After charting solar panel savings for 20 years, we finally decided to bite the bullet with our house. We spent the summer reviewing contracts, starting the build, and finally in November … Continue reading →

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Project Du Jour: Learn to Play Bass

Posted on November 23, 2021 by Gandalfe

It turns out the jazz ensemble in the community band my wife and I play in needs a bass player. The group isn’t very accomplished (yet) and in four years they have never been able to attract a bass player. … Continue reading →

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Gettin’ Stuff Done

Posted on September 16, 2021 by Gandalfe

I like having projects, lots of them. But some sit on the whiteboard as a ToDo list thang for *way* too long. So what kind of things are on my whiteboard today. Here’s a snapshot in the life of me. … Continue reading →

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Meet Abby, a Sweet Collie

Posted on July 12, 2021 by Gandalfe

Abby was born on 31 March 2021 and named after Abigail “Abby” Sciuto of NCIS. She is a rough collie with a merle blue coat. We got her at SnoValley Collies in Issaquah, WA. Within a week of joining the … Continue reading →

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Good Bye Dad

Posted on May 25, 2021 by Gandalfe

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Snowmagadden 2021

Posted on February 14, 2021 by Gandalfe

It started snowing in the Seattle area, all of the PNW actually, yesterday and much to our surprise we got almost 9 inches overnight! Here the obligatory photographic proof. The chickens are not quite sure how to take the white … Continue reading →

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Painting the Homestead 2020

Posted on August 2, 2020 by Gandalfe

We downsized into this lovely home in 2011. It was a short sale and the home was built in the last depression (2007). After 13 years since it was first painted, and with a number of touch ups and repainting … Continue reading →

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Meet Shelby II, Our New Puppy

Posted on November 8, 2018 by Gandalfe

There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face. ~ Bernard Williams Our new puppy is a Von Waldberg German Shepherd named Shelby. She was born on September 24, 2018. We expect to take her home … Continue reading →