Will the Last Ones Leaving Vegas.....

...turn the lights off? This was printed as a caption on Seattle billboard with a light bulb back in 1970-71. You saw it heading South on Interstate 5 leaving downtown. During this time Seattle had hit it's lowest point economically. Boeing had some big layoffs due to the cancellation of SuperSonic Passenger Jet (Yes, that is where the now moved NBA Seattle SuperSonics got there name), and many changes in the Timber industry were effecting employment in Seattle. Lots of people moved out of the area. My parents though were able to pick up a really nice, much bigger house for cheap due to it.

Last night we got word my wife's Brother and wife are moving from Vegas. They moved here prior to us by 18 months. They both decided they wanted to move closer to her family, and he was getting tired of his employment situation. Unlike others, he is in an industry which doesn't have enough people doing what he does; especially here in Vegas. He just got tired of the long hours. Not seeing his wife and new baby girl as well. We wish them well, and will miss them. My wife especially feels some emptiness. She comes from a very close family. This will leave only us in Vegas. I do have a nephew who lives here, however, due to age differences we just don't see them much.

Anyway, in the last year, this maybe the 12th family or friend who has moved from Vegas. We have a very high unemployment rate of 13.5%. Also, this area was ground zero for the housing boom and big bust. We have thought about moving on. We know there are many other places better to raise a family. There are other places we find more scenic, and have more of the cultural aspects of life we enjoy. Plus, lets fact it, Vegas doesn't have the brightest, and most educated population (surprise to no one). When a valet for the Bellagio can make $70,000 a year or more, hard to create a culture of education for the youth here. You don't even need a HS Diploma to be a Valet. All this along with the stupid heat 3 months of the year, we get tired of it. However, with all that said - our kids love it here. They miss the snow from the Midwest, however, everytime we bring up moving we get nothing but groans. Yet, I think Mom and Dad are inching and inching more towards a move as well. Will see.

Actually, speaking of moving before I get into running - the new added picture behind the Blog Title is from one of my favorite places. North of Seattle in Skagit County. They have a Tulip Festival every year. Flat flood plains that butt up against the Cascade Mountains to the east and west of the Puget Sound. The land is used to grow Tulips and Dairy Farming. If I moved back to the Seattle are - we would move there. Love this area of Western Washington. This photo was taken when we were up for my Sisters funeral back in April. I don't know if you can see them? There are two out houses, or port a potties (my wife said they were clean RBR) just below the trees. I was trying to get a shot of my wife helping my kids on a potty break (you know fun memorable family vacay shots). I ended up panning way back, and ended up with one of my favorite pix. It's also a great area to run! Skagit Flats Marathon is fun scenic fast Marathon. Whatcom County and Island Counties are nearby as well. I can find a trail anywhere in this area and would be happy to get lost running. Well, unless it is raining.

Running. 8.5 mile run this AM. Last week I got in only three runs at 24 miles for the week. Time to start stepping things up. I would like Big Surf Half in November either be a great PR or a nice easy, relaxing fun event prior to the Vegas RR; or how about both! I will push things this week to get back to my comfy 33 miles a week. Next week I will shoot for 40 miles. There is an event in the Vegas area I might do the end of Oct. as well. It is on Halloween. It is the Hoover Dam Marathon and Half Marathon. It is an inaugural event put on by Calico Racing. I have heard good word of mouth. They are small and grassroots as far as these events go. I will do the Half if I do it, and treat it more as a training run, not a race. Will See? Soccer has the day off on Halloween, so I just might? Not far from our house as well.

Soccer. Better. We basically have a new team this season. Only three holdovers from the previous season. The new girls for the most part have never played before. They tried and played hard in their 2nd game. They really love playing and that is what is most important. I have added a second practice session each week now. So, I have chunks of three days, when I am not doing realworld, family, Scouting, Youth volunteering or running - devoted to soccer. It is fun. Plus more bonding time with my own daughter who is on the team. Time I would not give up for anything. Yes, my little Disney Princess and Soccer bug has me wrapped around her finger. Proud of it as well.

Have a great week! Good luck Meg Runs as you prep for your big race. Sorry to hear about BS long run yesterday. Anything new on the Colorado Happy Trails? Thanks Fat Guy Running, you will do well at LB. Remember it is flat. How are the rest of ya out there? Hope all are reaching your Fall race/event goals. This seems to be the unofficial Running Season for races/events.

Cheers!