Today was one of those day’s I felt like a babykins toddler with my back flaps down going somewhere in a big hurry full of intention, but not getting very far.I really don’t have a lot of photos of my early early years. But then again, there really weren’t a lot of photos taken back then and those that were have been distributed throughout the family over the years.Yet it’s funny and ironic that this one survived and is still in my possession. It never fails to make me smile and as I get older I have to chuckle as I recognize how accurately it still kind of portrays me and my journey through life. Yep... That’s me alright, I’m on my way!I was working on new clock hour classes all day today and wrote myself into a corner. I’m so so so close to finishing the next class but I can’t stop my... 07/21/2016

A few of my close friends have recently called me out of my quiet re: the very dark and hurtful clouds that have passed over us these past few weeks. Without nitpicking details, they encouraged me (actually kind of insisted) I step up to the plate and share my truth and my story. So okay, here goes...*I consider myself a blessed man. I have a wonderful (extended) family and many friends. They are of many faiths and beliefs and were born here or immigrated here and collectively represent roots that reach back to almost every known people and place on this earth, our one and only home.They represent a rainbow of heritage, customs, cultures, and color. They may be considered white, black, brown, yellow, or red and every conceivable mixture thereof, but I simply call them my friends and lov... 07/14/2016

I wasn’t even a sparkle in my Dad’s eye in 1936. He still had high school to get through then after graduating from Renton High in 1940 he was off to the Army and World War II. Dad was sent to England, the Normandy Invasion, and later served under Patton in the Battle of the Bulge.This is my family (circa 1936) with Grandpa George Fabre, left, Grandma Pauline, her mom, my Great Grandma Celine Boulanger Longville Delaurenti, Grandpa’s brother Jules and his sister (playing the accordion) Louise, my  Dad, Al, and his older brother, my Uncle Georgie...I’m thinking they're celebrating the purchase of this vacant lot. Grandpa will soon build their new home here on Tobin Avenue. With Father's Day coming up this weekend my Dad and Grandpa are crossing my thoughts. Both were self made men. Grand... 06/15/2016

 14724 173rd Ave SE, Renton 98059Cozy two bedroom home on a huge corner lot is waiting for your summer gatherings. Ceramic tile throughout, bedrooms are carpeted. Granite counter tops and ceramic tile back splash along with newer cabinetry compliment the open kitchen and dining room space. Spacious master suite includes a full bathroom and two closets. The fully fenced, large back yard with a covered patio and pole barn make the opportunities endless. This property also allows for RV parking. Tamara Lamore(360) 631 - 2108Keller Williams Western Realty 06/15/2016

Wow, what an awesome opportunity! This is the first time the home has been available on the open market since it was built in 1986. Immaculate condition throughout, this home is not to be missed! Large 4 bedroom home with den has room for everyone.UPDATE - We are very happy for our clients! They received multiple bids and were able to pick an offer for $45,000 over list price. This is the highest sale price in all of their Renton neighborhood, Carriagewood.Click here for the 3D Home Tour. 06/11/2016

When I stumbled upon this wonderful glass chess set at the Jonathan Adler store in University Village, Seattle the other day it got me to thinking. Funny life is always talking to you when you stop to listen...My fascination with chess started in earnest back in the late 70s, early 80s. Though I haven’t played in several years, the game has remained an important part of my critical thinking. I remember back in 1981 when I was at Cornish School of the Arts on Capitol Hill in Seattle, I bought an electronic Fidelity Chess Challenger. I really learned a lot about chess with this wonderful little computer board.I didn’t buy the beautiful crystal set, it was around $785.00. But it conjured up some lessons I learned about chess and life over the years...Life is all about the planning and the ... 06/03/2016

Wordless Wednesday:A February Sunset from the PNW Convergence Zone. 03/02/2016

East Renton Highlands, WA  Home Sales in Janury 2016 Of the 21 single family homes closed  in the East Highlands Community of Renton in January 2016, 9 of them were new construction. The highest priced property closed at $840,000and the lowest priced property sold went for an even $222,000.On average, these properties were on the market 82 days, which is skewed somewhat by the new-construction "pre-sale" listings where the listings are in the MLS prior to contruction starting. A few of the lower priced properties were on the market quite as well, a combined average of 248 days.  38% of the properties were priced between $500,000 and $700,000.    How have East Highlands home prices increased over the last few years? Compare the median home prices for the first month of the year:2016: $55... 02/10/2016

Condo Sales in Renton WA 98059 for 2015Real estate market data for Renton, WA provided by Colleen Fischesser of RE/MAX Select RE at The Landing Renton Highlands Condo Sales Prices For five straight years, prices for condos in the Renton Highlands have increased as demand for affordble, low maintenance living continues to outpace inventory. In 2015 prices varied greatly with the lowest priced 1 Bedroom unit selling for $51,000 and the highest priced 3 Bedroom Townhome going for just over $375,000.  Depending on what type of home you're looking for, and your budget, you're going to see a wide variety of properties in the East Highlands market. Communities range in age from those built in the mid-seventies, to new stacked style Townhomes with garages. Sizes range from just under 600 sq. ft... 02/07/2016

Wordless Wednesday: snap-on male chorus?Do you think time travelers were involved? 12/16/2015

New Construction in the Renton Highlands area has been a sought after commodity over the last dozen years. Lagging slightly behind demand since 2012, prices have escalated rapidly and there's no reason to assume that trend will not continue. Some builders have rapidly adapted to buyer demand for mult-generational living options and are building larger homes with more bedrooms. Ready to buy?  View what's available now. Getting Ready to buy? Here's a overview of the 98059 New Construction activity for the past 6 months:  Currently there are 20 New (2015) homes availabe in the 98059 zip code. Prices will vary by builder and school district (Renton or Issaquah) but the median price of these Active listings is $772,780Inventory under contract and Pending close of Escrow numbers 37 with a med... 11/17/2015

Renton Condos for Sale in the 98059 Zip CodeCondos in the Renton Highlands continue to be sought after due to easy access to 405 and Bellevue (via Duvall/Coal Creek) as well as the convenience of having amenities within walking distance of many communities. Search Available Renton Highlands Condos NowThe average Condo Sales price YTD for 2015 in Renton Highlands is $269,461Of the 68 units sold in 2015, the average market time was 39 days. The median price is $317,975 Have questions about Selling your Renton Condo? Email or call and I will be happy to discuss your options and goals.     11/05/2015

East Renton Highlands Condo SalesClick here to view availble Condo listings for sale in 98059 Zip Code Year to date, June saw the highest number of Condo units sold in the 98059 zip code, although that month the average sales price was the 3rd lowest for the year at $175,000. Overall, YTD there have been 70 Condo sales in 98059 zip code for 2015 with an average sales price of $211,322   10/19/2015

$390,000, 3Bd/2Ba Single Family House, 1950 sqft.    geri wehry | RE/MAX Select R.E. | 206-819-4234geri@wehry.us | 11205 SE 160th St, Renton, WA 98055 Rambler on over an acre with detached shop/garage 3Bd/2Ba Single Family House   $390,000 Year Built 1956 Sq Footage 1950 sqft. Bedrooms 3 Beds Bathrooms 2 Baths Floors 1 Parking 4+ Garage Lot Size 51400 Square Feet DESCRIPTION Hobbyists & home businesses take notice! This home features a 36' X 36' shop/garage that will be perfect for you. In addition to the detached garage there is a 2.5 car & a single car garage attached to the house. The 1956 square foot rambler has a living room, dining room w/built in lighted hutch, kitchen with eating bar, large utility room, 3 bedrooms, 2-full baths and a huge 19 X 25 bonus room. All of this on 1.1... 10/02/2015

Somewhat ironically, I actually grew up about 2 1/2 miles from where I now live in Renton, Washington. We moved to the Earlington neighborhood in 1958 and it was the family home until we sold the place after Dad passed back in November of 1998. It was a challenge to let go.Back in the day Renton was a small town with a population of about 12,000 or so. Our home was across the street from the “Little Woods” and west of that, down the alley behind the Shaw’s and a short zag on the path around the Hofmeister home, was the “Big Woods”. Many an adventure we had here as boys.As I look back on occasion I can’t think of a better place to have grown up, even though in my teens and 20’s I’d think a lot about getting out of here. Then the years would pass as they do and when I returned from Califo... 09/15/2015

Speachless Sunday: Bev's homemade from scratch...If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe. ~ Carl Sagan 09/13/2015

WAIT...Back in July, and that already seems like a long time ago, I was at the Renton River Days Parade walking through town back to my truck at the Fred Meyer parking lot. I had this chance encounter at Rainier Avenue and Sunset.I love chance events and capturing them on video. It's all about timing and dumb luck. My first calling was art, and though I don’t make my living at it, it’s necessary to my every day. Without it I wouldn’t be much good at anything.I’m one of those people that believes everything is connected to everything. You know, the Butterfly Effect. A small initial happening in one context, seemingly insignificant, results in a big change in another. I think the life that surrounds me is always intentionally communicating and revealing itself.As an artist, I observe life... 09/07/2015

Throwback Thursdays: Mr. Loken's class...That’s me down in the lower left corner. I still remember that cashmere sports jacket! Mom made it for me and oh my did I ever love that thing! I’ve forgotten at least half the names of the kids in our class from back then and I haven’t seen any of them since high school, maybe the 1970s.I remember I really wanted to be in the school band. I can’t remember why, but I’d have to wait a couple of years until junior high when I started playing the French Horn. This is Mr. Loken’s 5th grade class of 1960 at Bryn Mawr School. He and I didn’t get along too well as I remember. He was always so serious, a disciplinarian and rarely if ever smiled. Not even for the class picture!I’m sure if I were in 5th grade these days I’d be put on meds for ADHD. I was k... 08/06/2015

Wordless Wednesday: I’m set for the week!It’s Tuesday! I’m on my way through town for home and swing by the Renton Farmer’s Market. Everything looks so good today! Fresh veggies, fruits and flowers all look so wonderful this week.Fresh crispy organic apples from Wenatchee, Washington. A really nice variety including Honeycrisp, MacIntosh, and Granny Smith.Now these are real carrots! Organic, no pesticides, grown in dirt! Just like Grandpa’s garden.A huge selection of fresh flowers today! I love this Gladiolus Stargazer. That pistil is huge!A wonderful selection of wines from Wilridge Winery... I tasted a few reds' and really liked the Estate bottled Sangiovese. These are Eastern Washington wines from the Yakima Valley, Naches Heights area.And... a great aside, street music by Keith! I w... 08/05/2015

Wordless Wednesday: We're in the Parade!Some of my fondest memories as a kid were being in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. These young guys are obviously totally in the moment together and having the time of their lives.  Renton River Days Parade, July 25, 2015, Renton, Washington.If you’re not in the parade, you watch the parade. That’s life. ~ Mike Ditka 07/29/2015