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 Seattle Solid GOLD Big Band (formerly the Microsoft Jumpin' Jive Orchestra) a GOLD sax quartet, and enjoy time with family and friends.

The Royal Room ~ Seattle

Posted on September 2, 2022 by Gandalfe

My big band, the Seattle Solid Gold, performed at the Royal Room in Seattle this week. No, really! It was in South Seattle which can be a sketchy part of town. Parking was … well, let’s just say challenging. But … Continue reading →

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The Summer of Music 2022

Posted on August 26, 2022 by Gandalfe

As we exit the pandemic constraints and start performing again, there is a collective sigh of relief from the band and the audience. We happened upon a pro photographer, Brian Fioca who took some pictures this year. Life is good. … Continue reading →

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Garage Door Replacement Upgrade

Posted on July 27, 2022 by Gandalfe

Our 15-year old garage door openers (two) finally gave out. Well, that is to say, mine did–it gets used the most. So we went for a quiet, belt driven model that could be accessed by our phone. If you do … Continue reading →

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Tips on Making your House Safe from Burglaries

Posted on June 2, 2022 by Gandalfe

Originally posted on The Bis Key Chronicles:
Making your house safe from burglaries is something that I have preached to my family and friends. The trick is to make your house the hardest one to break into on your street.…

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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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