nissan pivo II

dreaming of a new commuter car

Sam and I have been checking out electric cars. I would love to have a commuter car that is small (yes most cars would be smaller than my Avalanche) and electric but safe because of our crazy Seattle drivers. When we were in Tokyo we saw the Pivo II concept car at the Nissan showroom. The Pivo is electric, carries 3 passengers, and best of all the cabin rotates 360 degrees. Am hoping something like this makes it to the U.S. soon - think about it - you would never have to drive in reverse again and parking would be a cinch. I could drive this to work but still use my Avalanche to get to the ski hill and transport Calvin in, of course this car may even fit in the back of the Avalanche.

finally we have succumbed

Yes we finally have done it and started a blog. Probably the last ones to do so but better late than never. Thought we would share what we have been doing and what our plans are. Not sure how often we will update this but at least we have started the process. I am going to add a few pics from 2007 as well. Enjoy.

visiting japan & singapore

On the streets of Tokyo

Tokyo Fish Market - one of the craziest fastest moving places we have ever been. Worth getting up extra early to see the tuna auction.

We were definitely in the way at the fish market. Nothing like having sushi for breakfast after seeing the fish market.

Entry way to the temple

Sam in downtown Singapore

We spent 5 days in Singapore and 7 days in Tokyo in October. Sam had to travel for work so I took the opportunity to tag along. Really liked Tokyo and would go back again.

It is hard to find where you are since streets don't have signage unless they are main streets and then I don't read Japanese - spent several hours one day wandering around by myself lost. Don't plan on buying shoes in Japan unless you wear a US size 7 or smaller - they will think you are crazy if you want a bigger size.

Found out sushi rolls are primarily an American invention unless you just want a spicy tuna roll. Several times we just pointed to the menu and ordered since we don't speak any Japanese and many places didn't speak any English, got some crazy food this way. Loved the food in Singapore but the electronics weren't such a great deal, must be the weak dollar. Bargaining though for electronics was entertaining but very exhausting - talk about persistent salespeople.

oh to be 7 again

Levi's 7th Birthday Party

the catch

Okay so Sam caught the fish at Ross Lake Resort, but figured I needed a picture with them as well. Sam definitely had the magic touch this year when it came to catching fish as he limited out.

shaw island race

Sam and Mom waiting for the wind to pick up - which unfortunately never happened.

During the beginning of the race when there was some wind.
As you can see Dad is trying to hold the sail so it will fill. Yes we were this desperate to try and get some wind. The Shaw Island race is held each year and you leave from Friday Harbor and sail either direction around Shaw Island. Based on the photos you can tell we picked the wrong way around the island. We started off great and were close to the lead but the wind died and we ended up floating in front of the same dock for the next 4 hours. We would get past this dock and then the wind would die and the current would push us back to the dock again, We weren't the only ones - there was a whole fleet of us. It is the only race I have been in where boats had their fenders out during the race since everyone was drifting in to each other. We had a DNF - next year we will try going the other way as the boats that won picked the opposite way around.
Hey it was a great day on the water - good thing we enjoy each others company.

Shaw Island Race August 2007