2nd Car

When we met, Laramie and I both had a car. I had my light blue Subaru and she had little white truck that had no power steering and a manual transmission (my nightmare). Soon after we began co-habitating, we got rid of the truck and became a one car family.

We have successfully navigated having only 1 car and 2 kids rather successfully. I can't imagine getting a 2nd car.

Instead we have a garage full of bicycles for many occasions. I can carry both kids on the Xtracycle. And honestly, it is the easiest way to go grocery shopping. Easier than walking OR driving to the grocery. We got a second kid seat for Laramie's bike so now we can each carry one kid. I have the single speed with the the front basket for quick, short trips around the hood. Saddle bags and a hefty rack on the Surly. So really, there are no excuses for choosing the car over the bikes for the majority of our trips.

I fantasize about one day not owning a car at all. Think of all the money we could save. I estimate, with insurance, car payment and gas, about $550/month.

It seems impossible right now, with 2 kids in car seats and our split work schedules. But one day when the kids can ride on their own and public transportation is more abundant, I can see it. I can taste it.

But I also spend a lot of time thinking about driving less. One goal I have is to not drive to the grocery store. And to not drive on the 2 days a week I work a full day at the office. I either ride my bike or ride and take public transit. And in general, go by bike whenever I can get the missus to agree.

I plan on getting my hands on this book



Here is a review on Bike Portland








And here is some helpful advice about how to live without a car.

How To Live Without A Car

Ride more, drive less.

Mr Sue, It isn't even close to Gay Easter

Where We Live 005

Our Block, Hillman City, Seattle, WA 6:59am

An H Prodigy

Harper spent the past week in Denver with Nana. They did a lot of art. Nana is pretty incredible with her endless activities and art projects.

While we were hanging out Sunday afternoon, in the time it took for the laminator to heat up, she had created, printed and laminated a card for Harper to practice writing her name and trace over shapes and lines.

I can attest that the first attempts at an "H" looked more like wonky triangles, but only 3 days later, today, she had written 4 "Hs" on her paper. She might be an "H" prodigy.

First Fall Commute

Back on the bike. My love affair with the light rail is over. For now. At least suspended until the dark, rainy mornings descend upon us. The weather here is perfect for riding. So I am back on the Surly, pedaling, pedaling over to the eastside.

Fall riding attire: Lots of wool and new toe covers. Toe covers are awesome. Get some. And for the motivation a great playlist to keep the legs moving. It is a darn hilly commute. Thanks Andria.


I thought I had made all necessary preparations the afternoon before. Air in the tires. Front and back lights in place. Well, about 10 minutes into the ride, my front light went out. And it was still dark. A nice gentlemen suggested to me, in probably one of his nicer voices, to get a front light. What a fantastic idea asshole. Did he think I didn't notice it was dark out when I left the house? The lesson: check your lights and carry extra batteries.

Ride on.

Time with the WPH

Being the 2nd child, Windham doesn't get a lot of time with us alone. His sister, god love her, is a big personality. So he tends sit back and do his thing quietly.

But when she is away, he comes out of the shadow of his big sister. He is the most delightful little creature.

One our walk yesterday, he decided it was time to rest. He spent a good 10 minutes sitting in the grass. I would pick him up and set him walking down the sidewalk and he would take a few steps, then turn around and head back for his spot.



And I should mention. He can't leave the house without a bag. He just feels naked without one!



This afternoon he napped for, oh, 30 minutes. So we set out on the bike to run a few errands in Columbia City. We did the errand loop and ended up at Lakewood park. Then we headed home to make dinner for some friends.



I should say, this could not have happened with Harper. Nothing burned, nobody cried, we ate at a reasonable hour. Whew.

And as I was getting him ready for bed, I felt compelled to share with the world the corkscrew in the middle of his head. No product. No curling iron. Just 100% Windham.



That's my boy.

Dancing Queen, The Sequel

Harper has started to do some amazing dancing. I taught her a few of these moves but some of the really brilliant ones are 100% her. She has a real gift this one.

Where We Live 004

Back home to the PNW. Vacation post is in the works.


Lake Washington Blvd, Seattle, WA 6:53pm