Dream Big

Summer 2011 with Alex and Rachel

2011-08-29T12:34:00.000-07:00

Summer 2011

What a fabulous summer - Alex here for almost a month and we celebrated Rachel's B-Day on August 10th here in Portland!!!!

Easter 2011

2011-04-24T16:28:00.000-07:00

Easter 2011

Lovely time in Casper over Easter :-)

H2B 2010-2011

2011-01-02T09:29:00.000-08:00

Hitches to Bitches 2010

This was too fun not to share on the blog. I was the course support/aid station guy for the second annual Hitches to Bitches and Back Half Marathon. One was Dec 31, 2010 and the next one was Jan 1, 2011. Next year, I hope to run it!

PDX Christmas & New Year 2010

2011-01-02T09:21:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2010

This holiday season seemed to fly by...Here's to a fabulous 2011!!!
Love,
Clark

2010 In Review

2010-12-24T11:03:00.000-08:00

I open this post with a poem I wrote back in 2000...

Time
Time is ever pressing, driving separate wheels of life
Apart, our wheels slow to a crawl
Together, they spin dizzily out of control
And time races forward, faithful to the end

For me, one of the wheels that helped me spin up is no longer with us - Dad. Not a day goes by that I don't think of something funny he said or his influence on my wheel of life. Merry Christmas, Fine Father!

Speaking of wheels, Alex is off creating his own, entering Casper College and majoring in Art and Graphics Design. His obvious talents extend to drumming as well.

And goodness me if Rachel isn't the busiest flute/piccolo player this side of the Mississippi! All around Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New York, California she plays, like a blur, she's off to the next performance.

This is the first Christmas I'm not seeing Rachel - she's off to the the Rose Bowl Parade, that blur thing, or Connor, who's in Virginia celebrating Christmas with his grandparents. One thing that is certain about Connor, he is dentally challenged right now. He gnaws on food most of the time, but his permanent teeth will be in place soon!

Wheels turn and steer me in lots of directions, but none of my travels have been as meaningful as they have been with Lisa. 2010 was a busy travel year...Phoenix, Eugene, Spain, California, Boston, Maine - some for running and some for fun! Spain was epic - Madrid, Valladolid and Barcelona, where we dined at the most memorable, sumptuous restaurant - Moo.

Spain won the world cup - very, very exciting. This was to have multiple repercussions on attire the rest of the summer!

Wait, that's Emily in Lisa's Portland Marathon shirt! Ok, no photos in La Roja attire, but this is a winery in Oregon that uses Spanish grapes :-) Abacela was just one of our stops along the way of our epic road trip to California. Lisa, Emily, her friend, Lizz, and I traveled the Coast Highway and I-5, stopping all along the way for fun in the sun! Here are Lizz and Emily in La Jolla for an al fresco lunch.

Finally, a trip to Camden, Maine to see Shawn and Sarah get married. Wow, what an idyllic setting for a gorgeous couple. Congrats!

Finally, as 2011 approaches, I eagerly anticipate the National Premier of "Hood to Coast", right here in Portland, Oregon! Okay, where else would it be? My life is that much sweeter with my running family. Cheers!

So, a busy year with lots of spinning wheels spawning new directions, new lives, new adventures, just the way I like it!!!

Love,
Clark - Fine Fox, Dad, Brother, Son, Uncle, Raconteur

P.S. Lots of photos posted throughout the year in earlier posts - Thanksgiving in Wyoming, Hood to Coast, Mama in Portland, Alex and Emily grduating... and the list goes on :-)

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-28T07:11:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2010

Connor and I flew into Denver, drove up with Jamie and Lynn to celebrate Thanksgiving at 1123!

Shawn and Sarah's Wedding + Boston

2010-09-28T07:59:00.000-07:00

Shawn and Sarah Wedding 2010

Lisa and I spent a little time in Boston before the wedding in Camden, Maine. Shawn and Sarah's wedding was fabulously fun!

Hood to Coast - 2010

2010-08-29T21:23:00.000-07:00

Hood To Coast 2010

Hood to Coast 2010 - Two Lingering Vans of Whoopass! What a great time we had this year. Staying the night in Seaside was a blast!!!!

Clark

California Road Trip 2010

2010-08-16T17:56:00.000-07:00

Cali Road Trip 2010

Lisa, Emily, her friend, Liz Marks, and I took an 8-day roadtrip to California, stopping along the way to see the Oregon Caves, Ashland, Oregon, the Redwood Forest, Pac Highway, San Francisco, San Simeon, Santa Barbara, San Juan Capistrano and finally San Diego. We stayed at the Catamaran Resort on Mission Beach, just across the road from the beach - awesome vacation!

Alex in Portland 2010

2010-08-02T08:16:00.000-07:00

Alex in Portland 2010

Alex and I had a wonderful time this past week. Judging by my facebook posts, we spent a big chunk of time whipping up tasty dishes! Canon Beach and Ecola State Park were a nice change of pace from the heat of Portland. Good times!

Love,

Clark

2010-07-19T21:12:00.001-07:00

Mom in PDX July 2010

Mama spent time in Corvallis with Cousins Glenn and Paul, of course Judy was there too. I didn't realize Mom didn't have her camera, but I took a bunch of photos in Portland. I fixed a nice sous vide salmon with caprese salad and yukon potato & bean salad. Mom and I visited the Rose Garden and the Portland Art Museum - Robert Crump's Genesis was on exhibit.

Love,

Fox

Clark y Lisa en España

2010-06-27T08:07:00.000-07:00

Spain 2010

What an amazing trip! Madrid and Barcelona with a side trip to Ribera del Duero wine region. While we were there, we watched Spain win two world cup matches - Viva España!

Emily Graduates from 8th Grade!

2010-06-15T17:07:00.000-07:00

Emily Grad 2010

Emily graduated from West Sylvan Middle School last night with a 4.0! She looked so amazing in her dress :-)

Love,

Clark

Alex and Rachel in Portland!

2010-06-09T15:19:00.000-07:00

Kids Summer 2010

We're having a lovely time so far...

Love,

Dad

Sunriver Getaway

2010-06-04T15:48:00.000-07:00

Sunriver

Alex, Rachel and I stayed in Sunriver for 4 days and three nights in a nice rental house. The weather was not spectacular, but we had fun hiking, cooking, and relaxing!

Alex Graduates This Week!!!

2010-05-18T12:22:00.000-07:00

Alex Grad Slideshow

I'm incredibly proud of Alex! Today is his last day as a senior at Kelly Walsh, so I'm sending this album of old pictures. More on the way...

Love you, Alex!!!!

Dad

The Day After Prom!

2010-05-02T16:55:00.000-07:00

Hello Family!

Exhausted does NOT even describe how I feel right now but it was so worth it! Dinner was delicious, getting slaughtered at pre-prom video games made me giggle, and dancing and having a GREAT time at prom was icing on the cake! The theme was "It's a Jungle out There!" and the decorations were really cool!

Toodles!

Rachel

Alex's Scholarships!

2010-04-27T16:22:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone!

I have exciting news!

So far I have three Casper College scholarships:

Hathaway-$1400 / year

Music-$1800 / year

Art-$1800 / year

Woot!

Alex

KWHS Concert

2010-04-17T10:06:00.000-07:00

Hello Family!

The KWHS band concert was a practice for the District competition in Torrington, Wyoming.

Rachel & Ashley's duet received a 34 out of 35 which is a 1. The highest scores you can get is a 1.

Rachel & Darren's duet received a perfect score of 35 out of 35 which is a 1.

Rachel's Solo received a 29 out of 30 which is a 1.

Alex's Percussion Ensemble received a 1.

The band received a 2+ and a 1.

Next week the Jazz Band competes in Greeley, Colorado.

Enjoy the pics!

TTFN,

Rachel & Alex

March Winds Concert

2010-04-05T15:44:00.000-07:00

The Casper College Flute Ensemble Concert called "March Winds" was March 27th.

Enjoy a few pics!

Alex and I have a KWHS concert tomorrow night.

Easter 2010 in Oregon

2010-04-05T14:39:00.001-07:00

Easter 2010

Remembering Dad - Jon's Poem

2010-03-27T15:47:00.000-07:00

Remembering Dad

Early glimmers of a huge hand

More powerful than any words

Home at night from hard work

To start anew on varied tasks

Digging, hauling, hammering

The new house taking shape

Early morning at the table

We gather giggling to sneak up

On hands and knees around the corner

Tiger charge, we thunder in

Disturbing your quiet coffee

Poems, planning started at 5am

The sun not quite up yet

Water slow boil instant coffee

Cigarette smoke coiling up

Errant cough breaks silence

Weekend mountain at K-TWO

The radio station power humming

Hot summer days among the pines

Gained a little money and plenty

Of solitude … from the family

Pig sty you declared the house

A filthy place with dirt abound

Down on knees impatiently

You’d show us just how to clean

Sweep carefully, get the corners

Colorful paint carefully applied

Sanded over to a lacquer finish

Hands speckled with white dust

Still hold the cigarettes

In oleum quiet basement room

Loud music blasts from the stereo

Every classical piece I know

Big hands direct the orchestra

Tijuana brass such a contrast

Ham radio, the tower so tall

Wind threatens the safety

High up climbing for repairs

I holding a guy rope hoping

Discussions of E & M

Equations remembered proudly

Crystals and instantaneous vibration

Sunspots and powers unknown

Witch of Agnesi on graph paper

Books of all types to be read

Morse code drills the air dit-dah

W7HYW calling out CQ

The downstairs room held magic

Go tell your dad dinner is ready

Trampolines, desks and Zestos

Knocking down walls, bright paint

T-shirt pulled down for modesty

It’s late, we’re sleeping he growls

Curled up on the couch big hug

Snuggled inside the large arms

Belts and it hurts me more

I’ll eat the burnt toast we joke

Life’s lessons were given few words

No hitting was hard to believe

Sitting on the planter at sunset

Moments enjoyed through and through

Memories and stories too soon

Will be that which remains

Threats of this the last year

Will surely come true one day

A big bear man now bending

All the challenges and struggles

More meaning and power hold

Responsibility to give, for us

Know. Children and Seal love you.

- jch

Dad's Life in Photos

2010-03-25T12:12:00.000-07:00

Click on the photo below to access the entire album.

Herbs Photos

Dad's Obituary

2010-03-12T16:00:00.000-08:00

Herbert James Haass

March 24, 1925-March 10, 2010

Herb Haass died peacefully at home on March 10, 2010, following a recent battle with emphysema.

Born and raised in Casper, Herb grew up in the shadow of the depression and often recounted stories of a dime for a loaf of bread and long spells without beef. Just shy of legal age to serve, Herb followed his brothers, Tom (USMC) and John (USAF), into the service during World War II where he earned the rank of Radio Technician, First Class, USN and served on the USS Santa Fe in the Pacific. His ship was one of the few in its class, a light battle cruiser, to avoid major damage or casualties in its major engagements with the enemy.

After returning from WW II, Herb pursued his AS in Engineering from Casper College, a BA in Education from the University of Colorado, and MA in Education from UCLA. He met and married Marjorie Ann Clark, daughter of Alex and Hazel Clark, on March 25, 1951 at the First Christian Church in Casper. Marj credits his charm, intelligence and wit as the key attributes that first won over her mother and then her father during their brief courtship.

Known in Casper’s education community, he started his career at Park School in 1957, teaching 6^th grade for a few short years before becoming Principal of Southridge Elementary School from 1959-1978. During his tenure, his innovations in Open Classrooms and Team Teaching were widely adopted throughout the Natrona County School System. As the first personal computers and kit computers emerged, Herb's interest in them led to his final position in the Natrona County School District as Director of Audio/Visual Services before he retired in 1987.

Herb's hobbies included ham radio, CBs, music of all kinds, computers, skiing and reading, but first among them was the ham radio, his window to the entire world starting at the age of 13. Weekends were often spent competing to communicate with the most countries in a given time period using Morse code or voice. His passion for ham radio is still marked by the antenna tower and his "command center" in the radio room at 1123.

Herb was the son of Jenny and Otto Haass and brother of John and Tom Haass, all of Casper, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie, oldest daughter Alexis Reed of Chesterton, IN, sons Jon Haass of Auburn, CA, Jamie Haass of Englewood, CO, Jeff Haass of San Francisco, CA, Clark Haass of Portland, OR, and Herb’s youngest daughter and twin to Clark, Mari Haass of Acton, MA. In addition, Herb enjoyed his ever-expanding family with 13 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held March 20 at 3pm at The First Christian Church on CY Ave. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Natrona County Education Foundation, 970 N. Glenn Road, Casper, WY 82601 in his name. Ever the educator, Herb asked that his body be donated to the University of Colorado Medical School.

W7HYW - over and out

2010-03-11T16:41:00.001-08:00

Dad...We'll Miss You...73...

2010-03-10T11:18:00.000-08:00

Today is a sad day for the Haass Family...Dad passed away this morning with Mari and Mom by his side.

Dad spent years preparing us for this day, but you never really expect it to come. Not to the work horse that helped Mom raise six kids. Not to the genius that taught me about computers. Not to master mind behind chicken gate. Not to the human machine that dug, climbed, painted, built and showed me the meaning of hard work. Yet, it has.

This photo of Dad in 1945, just back from the war with the 3 stars for Grandma Haass' boys in the window, really struck me as a vision of his youth and service to his country.

We love you and miss you, Dad...and in ham radio parlance...73...

Clark

Beaumont Street Visit

2010-02-20T17:57:00.000-08:00

Hello From Snowy Casper!

Pics are from our visit with Grandma & Grandpa this afternoon.

Herb was wearing his new pants from Uncle Jamie and shirt from Dad.

Alex shoveled the snow and we had hot chocolate and lemon cake.

Alex & Rachel

Rock N Roll Marathon in Phoenix

2010-02-03T18:01:00.000-08:00

RnR Phoenix 2010

What a blast! Lisa, Bill, Erik and I + Doug, Dawn Christine ran.

Christmas 2009 and New Year 2010 in Portland

2010-01-06T15:50:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2009

Casper Christmas Eve

2009-12-25T11:26:00.000-08:00

Hello Haass Family,

Grandma Marj, here are the pictures I promised to post!

Merry Christmas!

Love,

Rachel & Alex

Co-Ed Dance

2009-11-28T18:28:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for the dance with my friends at our house was actually more fun than the dance! We met everyone and took formal pictures at KWHS then informal pictures at grandma and grandpa Quig's house. When all the parents left we played the Wii, ate a delicious lasagna dinner and then went to the dance! We had a DJ who played great songs from 9 - midnight! How were your high school dances?

Rachel

Leaf Duty!

2009-11-10T16:58:00.000-08:00

In between snows, we raked up 12 bags of leaves.

We only have one little tree in our front yard.

Sad day!

Rachel & Alex

Bonnie & Clyde

2009-11-10T16:56:00.001-08:00

Halloween Night!

Did you scare up some fun of your own?

TTFN

Rachel & Alex

Washington DC Hosts Lisa and Clark

2009-10-25T09:41:00.000-07:00

Washington DC 2009

Site of the 2009 Marine Corps Marathon, Lisa and I hit Washington DC. We saw all the major sites, dined like visiting dignitaries (saw King of Nigeria), and I watched Lisa finish her 8th marathon!

Click on the photo to see all the pictures!

Love,

Clark

Some 2009 KWHS Marching Band Pics

2009-10-11T17:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Mari!

2009-09-19T07:42:00.000-07:00

From Haass Photo Archive

Happy Birthday, Mari! Your hair was so angelic in theis picture.

Have a fabulous birthday!

Love,

Clark

Hood to Coast - 2009

2009-08-30T20:04:00.000-07:00

HTC 2009

Here were are...Team 2, Van 2 at HTC 2009. What a blast! More photos to come...

Happy Birthday, Rachel!

2009-08-10T08:09:00.001-07:00

Rachel is officially 15 today! We had a fabulous camping adventure at Ft. Stevens near Astoria, Oregon where the above photo was taken. Rachel will have a busy sophomore yeara at Kelly Walsh...I can't believe it!! Happy Birthday, Rachel!

Love,

Dad

Alex and Rachel in Portland

2009-08-07T07:40:00.000-07:00

Kids Summer Portland 2009

Alex, Rachel, Connor and I had a fabulous time in Portland - biking, swimming, BBQing, hanging with friends, OMSI, Powell's - but it went by way to fast!

Love,

Dad

Haass and Eng Family Camping

2009-08-03T08:08:00.000-07:00

Kids Summer Oregon 2009

Alex, Rachel and I went camping at Fort Stevens State Park near Astoria, Oregon. Beautiful weather and lots of fun!

Haass Family Reunion 2009

2009-07-28T17:39:00.000-07:00

Casper Reunion 2009

Chaos? Mayhem? Clan clashes? No, just the Haass Family Reunion 2009. Everybody

descended on 1123 for a festive celebration of Mom's 79th birthday as well as

Alex and Rachel's! Food, spirits, outdoor adventures, scrabble, more food, spirits

river rafting, running, more food, spirits...you get the idea. Fabulous!!!

Happy Birthday, Alex!

2009-07-07T07:32:00.001-07:00

Alex is 17 today, can you believe it?!?! He'll be starting his senior year at KW this year and before you know it, on to Casper College. Happy Birthday, Alex!

Love,

Dad

Im heading off to Canada

2009-07-03T19:16:00.000-07:00

Yo family!
I'm Off to Canada to ski on a glacier while its 70 degrees haha. I will be attending Camp Of Champions in Whistler. This should be a good escape from the parental units! I should return and post the pictures from when i was there. Happy 4th
-will

Meatball Extravaganza

2009-06-26T19:08:00.001-07:00

Lisa got me the coolest gadget for Father's Day - a meatball griller. Now, this is a serious grilling tool that will expand my culinary horizons - read less mess - that cooking them in a pan! Above, Connor displays his Italian meatball sub sandwich and fruit medley. :-)

Check the actual griller below...

Connor wants to say, "Peace!" and "Wassup!"

Love,

Connor and Clark

Reunion Pics

2009-06-24T13:29:00.000-07:00

Hello Family,

We are back from a 7-family, 26 people, 6 vehicle, national park reunion. Jackson Hole and the Tetons were clear, Yellowstone was rainy, wet, and cold, numerous pictures were taken with minimal complaints, many miles were spent in the car, and we still had FUN!

Here are a few pics of Alex and I.

TTFN

Rachel & Alex

Connor Turns Six

2009-05-29T21:37:00.000-07:00

Connor turns 6 on May 30, but we celebrated a day earlier at Papa's Pizza. Full of pizza, cake and soda (a.k.a. carbo-sugar mania), Connor and his friends had a great time chowing down and hitting the maze, balls, merry-go-round and micro ferris wheel. :-)

More pics below...

Connor Bday 2009

Happy Birthday, Connor!!!

Love,

Dad

Clark and Lisa

2009-05-23T11:49:00.001-07:00

Lisa and I hit the town in style the other night for her work event at a cool little sports club. Blazers were still in the hunt...Doesn't she look fabulous?!?!?!

If you haven't heard!!!!

2009-05-11T12:19:00.000-07:00

Well family the big news on the east coast is ready to be let out of the bag, I think.

I asked Sarah to marry me a couple of months ago and we have decided on a date and place..

Saturday September 18th, 2010
Bok Amphitheater
Camden ME

We have a quick website built that we will be updating and trying to keep everyone generally informed.

http://www.mywedding.com/shawnsarah

So go check it...we have some photos and general info up there about the venue and town.

Hope all is well with everyone.

S, S & s

Whole Giraffe As Requested

2009-05-09T08:14:00.000-07:00

The giraffe is about 20" x 20" and was put in the show by the art teacher.

Alex didn't know it was there and was out of town with Rachel and the band at the time.

The dance didn't have enough techno music but was fun.

TTFN

Alex & Rachel

May Pictures

2009-05-08T17:42:00.000-07:00

Enjoy some of the latest pics.

Alex won a blue ribbon at the Wyoming High School Art Symposium at the Events Center for his giraffe in the imagination category.

Rachel, Breanna and Nalani before Freshman Formal.

Alex and Rachel before the final jazz band, percussion and band concerts for the school year.

Wings at the Speed of Sound

2009-05-02T19:57:00.000-07:00

Connor sprouted wings, actually, buffalo wings from the sports bar, Buffalo Wild Wings. Turns out that Curt and I caught the Blazers beating the Rockets in Game 5. Unfortunately, they went on to lose Game 6 and are out of the first round :-( However, I can't think of a better way to use the headgear than have Connor deftly model it! :-)

Love,

Clark

Nashville Rock and Roll Marathon

2009-05-02T18:47:00.000-07:00

Bill, Alex and Alex's friend Brittany finished the half marathon in style. Yeah!

Casper Update From Alex & Rachel

2009-04-18T16:47:00.000-07:00

A little snapshot of our lives:

1. My friend Breanna and I are new members ofr the Green and White Chapter of National Honor Society at KWHS.

2. In our spring concert at KWHS, I performed as a trio with Ashley and Barbara. Yesterday our trio competed in Torrington and earned 35 out of 35 points for a level 1! Alex rocked on the vibes with the percussion ensemble at the concert and in Torrington. They also earned a level 1!

3. Caged Alex playing on drum set with the worship team at a larger church.

TTFN

Rachel & Alex

Uncle John

2009-04-16T21:37:00.000-07:00

From Herb Haass Photo Archive

With sorrow, but knowing his pain and suffering have ended, I dedicate this post to Uncle John. I happened to be in Casper when they brought him home from the hospital for his final days in hospice at his home. Mom, Dad and I visited Uncle John as our cousins rushed to his bedside. Colleen, John, Johnny, Mike, Kathy, Nate, Susan and Aunt Charlotte were there before I had to return Portland. I only wish it were different circumstances under which to rekindle family ties...

Here are some photos of Dad, Uncle Tom, Uncle John, Grandma and Grandpa Haass that Uncle Tom had in an old album. It's amazing to see these old gems!

From Herb Haass Photo Archive

Click on the picture below for the entire album. Let me know if you have trouble viewing it.

Herb Haass Photo Archive

God bless you, Uncle John.

Love,

Clark

Easter in Wyoming

2009-04-16T21:31:00.000-07:00

Easter Wyo 2009

Easter was truly splendid - seeing Alex and Rachel, Mom and Dad, 1123, friends and family. Check out the photos...

Love,

Clark

Connor's Fridge Rover

2009-04-04T09:29:00.000-07:00

Connor and I went to OMSI - Oregon Museum of Science and Industry - the other weekend and managed to pick up a little wind up vehicle with a magnet designed to defy gravity and travelvertically on metal surfaces.

Dubbed the "Fridge Rover", Connor mapped the surface of our fridge and is at this time assembling a panorama for submission to Science magazine. We believe this is a stuning breakthrough in rover science!

Furthermore, after a liesurely breakfast of Vermont cheddar, sausage and egg sandwich and coffee (Connor beve latte), I was trying to show how his rover worked by drawing it and...voila! ...an engineering drawing emerged...enjoy!

Love,

Connor and Clark

Self Portraits by Alex & Rachel

2009-03-21T18:55:00.000-07:00

Creativity Abounds!

Rachel & Alex

Spring Break Band Cruise

2009-03-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

Pictures as promised...airport, cruise ship, & San Juan. The cruise was amazing! All the destinations were bunches of fun!

Alex & Rachel

Alex and Rachel are in San Juan, Puerto Rico

2009-03-10T13:35:00.000-07:00

Alex and Rachel set sail in the world's largest cruise ship for a KWHS band trip. They just went ashore and are enjoying weather in the 80s and carriage rides! Watch this space for photos from Rachel and Alex!!!!

Sages Birthday Party

2009-02-23T19:44:00.000-08:00

We went to Boston over Presidents day and got help celebrate Sages 8th Birthday. It was a lot of fun to see everyone and meet Sarah

The Fairmont Princess Southwestern

2009-02-15T09:04:00.000-08:00

Lisa and I stayed at the Fairmont Princess Scottsdale and we were spoiled rotten! One sunny morning, as Ray spread linens on the table for room service, a heavenly southwestern breakfast was our wake up call. Luxurious textures greeted out palates as the crunchy tostada casera yielded to silky eggs over-easy, topped with monterey jack and cheddar cheese then a piquant finish with fresh salsa - muy sabrosa!

So, here's my quick recreation with regular salsa for convenience, but if you have the time, fresh salsa is simply sublime...

The Fairmont Princess Southwestern

--------------------------------------

1 tostada casera (tostada fried, has wavy surface)

3 Tbs refried beans spread on top of the tostada

3 Tbs taco meat spread on top of beans

2 eggs over easy with monterey/cheddar melted on top

1 handful lettuce or spinach chiffonade

2-3 Tbs salsa

2-3 sprigs of cilantro for garnish

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T15:45:00.000-08:00

Did you survive Friday the 13th?

Alex & Rachel

Chicken and Wild Mushroom Marsala

2009-02-11T08:11:00.000-08:00

OK everyone get your drool buckets out because this was a fabulous dish.

Ingredients:
3 Tbs Olive oil
12 ounces wild mushrooms stems trimmed
1 cup plus 1 tsp flour
Salt and Pepper
6 Chicken breast cut up in large cubes
12 Tbs Butter
1 cup Marsala wine
1 cup Chicken Broth
1 Lemon ( I used half of a large lemon)
1/4 cup chopped flat leaf Parsley

Steps to Make:

1 Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan, add mushrooms and saute until light brown (funny since most wild mushrooms are already brown). Takes about 3 min. Remove mushrooms and set aside for later.
2. In a shallow dish combine 1 cup flour and salt and pepper. Drop the chicken pieces in the mixture to coat all sides.
3. Melt 4 Tbs of butter in the saute pan over medium-low heat. Cook the chicken, should be a nice golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside for later.
4. Next add the Marsala wine and the chicken broth and the 1 tsp flour, bring to a simmer. Sauce will slightly thicken. Add the mushrooms back into the pan and squeeze the lemon juice over the top, then add the remaining portion of butter, and continue to simmer for a couple more min.
5. Season the sauce with salt and pepper if needed.
6. Place the cooked chicken in a deep serving plate. Pour the Mushroom sauce over the top of the chicken. Garnish with the chopped Parsley.
7. Eat and Enjoy!

Fabulous Time in Arizona

2009-02-09T21:02:00.000-08:00

Scottsdale 2009

Fine Dining at Eric and Jen's Casa

2009-02-06T15:46:00.001-08:00

Eric invited Lisa and me to a scrumptious chicken and wild mushroom marsala that was decadent and tasty! Noah was our constant companion and zen chef master as you can see in the photo.

And now, for the recipe, Mr. Sears, please!

Erik, Jen and Bill Finish Rock n Roll

2009-01-18T12:35:00.001-08:00

Congrats to Erik (2:00:53) and Jen (2:36:33) for their first half marathon and to Bill (4:33:12) for his umpteenth marathon!!!

Lisa and I wish we had been able to join, but my knee wasn't up to it... maybe next year...

Love,

Clarkster

2009-01-13T18:23:00.000-08:00

We were in New Zealand over Xmas and visited a gun emplacement that was installed to defend against the Japanese invading. Here we are going through the secret tunnels looking for sunshine.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-12T19:10:00.001-08:00

Winter break is over and school started up today.

So far both our classes sound interesting.

~Alex & Rachel

Happy Birthday, Jeff!

2009-01-04T09:07:00.000-08:00

From Haass Photo Archive

Roast Chicken-Chipotle Nacho Egg Hash

2009-01-01T10:51:00.001-08:00

Mmmmmm, post-New Year's Eve apps make for a fabulous hash, reminiscent of migas. Alex and I made the apps, Roast Chicken-Chipotle Nachos with Cilantro-Avocado Crema, last night then I simply quartered the leftovers, added 4 eggs, scrambled it into an egg hash, topped with tomato, jack cheese and salsa. Natch!

Roast Chicken-Chipotle Nachos with Cilantro Avocado Crema

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2 cps rotissere chicken

> Shread breasts and thighs into bite-size pieces

1/2 cp choppion onion

1 Tb olive oil

> Sautee onion until onions start to brown, about 5 minutes

1/2 tsp cumin seeds

1/2 tsp drief oregano

> Add cumin and oregano to onion mix and stir briefly, 30 seconds

1 or 2 chopped chipotle chilis from a can

2 Tbs tomato paste

1 Tb white wine vinegar

1/2 cp water

> Add above ingredients, bring to a boil, reduce and simmer for about 5 minutes

> Add chicken and stir until hot

24 tortilla chips (I like Tostitos Scoops)

1.5 cps shredded jack or Mexican mix cheese

> Arrange chips on cookie sheet, sprinkle tortillas with cheese, then put a dollop of the chicken mixture.

> Place in 450 degree oven for 3 to 4 minutes.

> Place on plates and top with Cilantro-avocado Crema and garnish with cilantro

Cilantro-avocado Crema
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1/3 cp finely diced avocado

2 Tbs sour cream

1 Tb finely chopped cilantro

2 tsps lime juice

2 tsps milk

> Mix ingredients and salt to taste

Brrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!

2008-12-31T07:43:00.000-08:00

Jen all bundled up for her morning run. I think it could be a new fashion trend.

Christmas and New Year 2008

2008-12-29T11:30:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2008

Alex and Rachel are here in Portland

for Christmas, the first time I've not

been to Wyoming! Always scheming,

our next adventure will be skiing

Mt. Hood tomorrow...which went

fabulously well! For New Year's

Eve, we had Curt, Misty and the

fam over for a little soire and had a

ball. Even Connor made it to

midnight! For New Years, we watched

the Rose Bowl at the Eng's and then

went bowling with Lisa, Emily and

Abby.

More photos posted - click on picture above.

Connor Catches Snowflakes!

2008-12-14T09:01:00.001-08:00

From Connor Cookie and Snow

I love Hawaii!

2008-12-08T16:51:00.000-08:00

Hawaii was a blast! Denver Airport lost my ID before boarding and I was so tired when I got home but other than that, I loved being there again. I can't wait to return soon! The warm weather was wonderful!

Toodles!

Rachel

Alex and Rachel - Honor Students

2008-11-26T16:18:00.000-08:00

Alex and Rachel both made the honor roll this quarter! Rachel is off to Hawaii for WHSASMB (ryhmes with Shazam...NOT!) to play flute/piccolo for Tgiving Parade in Honolulu. Alex is digging his 3D Art class, drums, and World of Warcraft.

They look mahvelous!

Love,
Dad

Gourmet Burger and Fiesta Bean Salad

2008-11-24T19:20:00.000-08:00

Connor wanted burgers, no doubt about it. I wanted something a little more sophisticated - something that would be satisfy my craving for a little panache, a little bit ooh, a little bit ahhh. Thus, my gourmet burger with cheddar cheese, bacon, tomato, avocado and Light House Salsa Dressing - naturlich, ja?

Now, wheat buns kind of wash out the color, so I needed a fiesta of colors on my plate and concocted a fiesta bean salad as follows:

Fiesta Bean Salad

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> 1/2 cup shelled edamame

> 1/2 cup corn

> 1/2 cup black beans

> 1 TB shallots

> 1/2 diced jalapeno

> 1 roma tomato, seeded & diced

> splash of red wine vinegar

> pinch or two of salt

> 1 tsp of cumin

Oh, Connor also talked me into home-made french fries and he gobbled them up first!

Peace!

Love,

Clark and Connor

High School Dance

2008-11-15T06:21:00.001-08:00

Hello All!

Last weekend was Co-Ed and next weekend I am on the plane to march in Hawaii!

Wow!

Love,

Rachel

Happy Birthday, Noah

2008-11-04T19:19:00.001-08:00

Noah is a big "5" today. I am sure he is celebrating at Chuck E Cheese right now with his school friends and family. Hugs and kisses to you. G&G

Happy Fall!

2008-11-04T17:23:00.001-08:00

Do you still have candy at your house?

We do! ;D

Want some? ;o

Love,

Alex & Rachel

Happy Birthday, Bill

2008-11-04T16:11:00.000-08:00

Happy 56th Birthday, Bill. Hope you enjoy your day. Love, your wife

Clark's Christmas Wish List

2008-11-02T09:11:00.000-08:00

Shameless? Perhaps. Hopeful? Always!

cufflinks

Monster Cable iPod FM Stereo adapter for the car

Ryan Admans and the Cardinals - Cardinology

Kaiser Chiefs - Off With Their Heads

A Hundred Million Suns - Snow Patrol

Mario Batali's Molto Italiano Cookbook

Tools Cooks Love (the book)

The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life

Powell's Bookstore gift certificate

1 share of Berkshire Hathaway

subscription to Runner's World

golf balls (Nike Mojo)

Ironman and Spiderman

2008-11-02T08:32:00.000-08:00

Noah aka Ironman and Kaleb aka Spiderman kept the neighborhoods of Arizona safe on Halloween night.

Connor is Boba Fett!

2008-11-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

Connor is Boba Fett, the bounty hunter from Star Wars II, V and VI. Don't ask me which ones these are because Connor knows them all better than I do!

Hope you all had a Happy Halloween...share your ghoulish day or face a hauntingyou won't soon forget!

Love,

Clark

Happy Birthday Jen

2008-10-28T10:17:00.000-07:00

Lets all wish Jen a Happy Birthday Oct. 29

Love Erik

Portland Marathon Photos

2008-10-23T11:59:00.000-07:00

Here are the pictures from my first marathon! Watch this in slideshow mode and you'll see how the race progressed - strong first 17 miles, knee acting up, walking the last 5 miles with a trash bag to keep me warm and the victory dash up the chute! Enjoy!

PDX Marathon 2008

Rock of Love Meets Hockey Mom

2008-10-19T09:40:00.001-07:00

Lisa and I rocked the Halloween Party 2008 - Lisa as Brett Michaels and Clark as Sarah Palin :-)

Above, Lisa channels Brett convincingly, complete with VIP Backstage Passes for his political conquests!

Full album below, with extras of Connor and pumpkin carving, Connor and Aiden and Lisa's Girlfriend Half-Marathon snap. Enjoy!!! :-)

Halloween 2008

Fabulous Breakfast Sandwich - Must Try!

2008-10-14T11:51:00.001-07:00

This lovely breakfast sandwich will leave you completely satisfied, yet wanting more! This comes from The Oregonian by way of Little Red Bike Cafe in Portland and their now famous Alleycat Breakfast Sandwich - meow!!! Lisa and I made this last weekend and cannot get enough!!!

The Sandwich

2 slices toasted ciabatta bread

carmelized onion

1 slice of prosciutto

fig jam

Dijon mustard

> Toast the bottom bread first, then layer onion, prosciutto; spread fig jam and dijon.

> (This makes it ready for the egg and cheese to slide on in the next step.)

1 egg over easy

1/8 cup Beechers Flagship grated cheese (mix of sharp cheddar and gruyere)

> Melt butter, cook egg and flip when whites have set.

> Toast the top of the sandwich so it's nice and hot.

> Sprinkle cheese on flipped egg and let melt (30-60 seconds max)

> Place egg on top of sandwich bottom and place toasted top next.

> Cut in half so yolk breaks a little and makes a little dipping sauce.

> Enjoy!

The Carmelized Onion

Simple. Slice an onion into thin rings. Melt 2 TBs butter over medium high heat, add onions and stir until soft & starting to brown, then reduce heat to medium-low-ish and cook for 40 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes or so. These will keep for a week, so make ahead of time and microwave them for 15 seconds to heat up for easy application.

He did it He did it

2008-10-05T14:59:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS CLARK

YOU NOW CAN SAY YOU CAN RUN 26.2 MILES NOT MANY PEOPLE CAN SAY THAT.

A little post race suggestion. Drink lots of beer and sit in a bathtub full of ice.

Happy Anniversary Erik and Jen

2008-10-05T06:53:00.000-07:00

Seven years ago the rain was pouring outside, but the love and happiness was abound between these two kids celebrating with family and friends. Congratulations on your life and family.

RUN STRONG CLARK

2008-10-03T09:50:00.000-07:00

If you didn't know Clark is running the Portland Marathon this weekend.

Lets all wish him luck.

Mom Visits Portland

2008-10-03T06:52:00.000-07:00

Mom in the Northwest

Mom had a lovely time in Portland, playing with Connor, meeting Lisa, dancing at Steve and Laura's wedding and visiting with the Jaquith clan in Corvallis. CLick on the photo above to see the album from her visit.

Love,

Clark

Twinner Mari's Twins' Birthdays - Today!

2008-10-03T06:18:00.001-07:00

When Mom visited Portland two weeks ago, I absconded with her digital pics and voila! Instant birthday photos!!! Happy Birthday, Jazz and Rae :-)

Love,

Uncle Clark

September Birthdays

2008-10-03T05:53:00.000-07:00

Clark and Mari - 9/19

William - 9/20

Erik - 9/26

KWHS Marching Band

2008-09-27T15:05:00.000-07:00

We have played at three KWHS games so far this football season. Next weekend we will be in Laramie for a marching band competition. The following weekend we will be competing at the Event's Center in the annual state marching band competition. Alex is the percusionist with the headband under his hat. Rachel is much more difficult to pick out since her instrument is a piccolo.

Alex & Rachel

Summer Is Over

2008-09-27T14:56:00.000-07:00

Summer is over and these are some pictures from my August birthday party!

Happy Fall!

Rachel & Alex

Alex and Rachel - High Schoolers!

2008-09-18T11:47:00.000-07:00

Alex is a junior and Rachel, a freshman at Kelly Walsh High School. Can you believe it?!?! More later, but I couldn't be prouder of them!!!

Love,
Dad

Connor's First Day of Kindergarten

2008-09-02T12:29:00.001-07:00

Today was Connor's very first day of Kindergarten at Bethany Elementary! Complete with a new outfit and rolling backpack (with reflective trim that glows), Connor was ready, if not a wee bit timid, as he rolled into the classroom. Mrs. Hesselgrave is his teacher, the same one (I think) Rachel had when she was there!

Love,

Clarkster

Kaleb Turns 2

2008-08-30T14:30:00.000-07:00

Kaleb turns 2!!!

I know I am late putting this on, but life is a bit crazy and there are not enough hours in a day.

Erik Sears Clan Hits Portland

2008-08-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

Erik, Jenn, Noah and Kaleb visited us yesterday along with Steve and Val. We were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the elephants at the Portland Zoo and even fed a little elephant! Connor and Noah got along famously, alternating between quiet scheming to full-speed, spider-smashing, maniacal, bon vivant boyhood! :-)

Below, Connor, Kaleb and Noah explore the Northwest waterways full of trout, salmon and sturgeon. I'm confident the sturgeon was longer than Kaleb!

Here's an intrepid Connor petting the elephant. IT took apples and carrots out of his hand. WHen she dropped the food, she'd pick it up and then place it gently back in Connor's hand, then take it again. Connor was thrilled!

Later, the tired troops trekked back to my casa for some R&R and homemade blueberry ice cream. We had a fabulous time!

Love,

Clark

Happy Birthday, Rachel!

2008-08-10T08:16:00.001-07:00

This is one of my favorite pictures of Alex and Rachel! Rachel's defiant/ mischevious grin reminds me of "sweekets" - she'd tell me she had a secret, get clsoe to my ear and then snort little blasts of air out her nose!!

Rachel is now 14 and will be starting her fist year in high school at KW!

Happy Birthday!!! :-)

Love,
Dad