ELMA 45th CLASS REUNION

Successful photoshoot of my 45th class reunion. Fantastic time, everyone enjoyed getting together.

CUTTHROAT DRAWING, HONORABLE MENTION

My Yellowstone Cutthroat took Honorable Mention at Washington State Fair.

POWELLSWOOD STORYTELLING FESTIVAL

I volunteered at Powellswood Storytelling festival and met the best national storyteller, Donald Davis. Also met an international storyteller, Margaret McDonald. The beautiful gardens was the perfect setting for storytelling.

HOT OFF THE PRESS!

SINGING SASQUATCH

A humorous collection of Sasquatch short stories. Larry tags along with Bigfoot chasers and discovers the real truth. But...he doesn't tell them and adds to the mystery.

11 speeches later, the certificate.

I was just elected Toastmasters Secretary at Puyallup Valley Voices. I also received the Competent Communicator award by completing ten speeches in the CC manual. My public speaking has improved tremendously. Thank you fellow Toastmasters for assisting me on my journey.
http://1599097.toastmastersclubs.org/
https://www.toastmasters.org/My-Toastmasters/Profile

HOT OFF THE PRESS! ADRENALINE ALERT

Adrenaline Alert is a rewrite of my first book, Alphasaurus Rax. I've included a few of the old stories and added new ones.

Evil Fish has over a dozen short stories about fishing for saltwater and freshwater fish. The settings are in several places in the Pacific Northwest. This book is a must for the angler in your life.

Bear Bytes is a collection of humorous bear short stories. It is the sequel to Buzzed Bear. 

We spent the weekend at our Ocean Shore's condo. The 5 mile long peninsula is closed to hunting so there are hundreds of deer. I drove around looking for big bucks and found several. It was the "rut" and the bucks were only interested in the does. I got less than twenty feet away from them as I shot them with my Canon. Took some amazing photos. I photoshopped this buck with two different poses.

GUITAR STILL LIFE

IVY QUEEN

In Germany there is a place called the Black Forest. Some think it's a mythical place, come think it's haunted. Many hear voices in the woods. Most can hear the whispering pines and the song of the quaking aspen.

            In medieval times woodsmen and hunters would search for woodspirits before entering the Black forest. A woodspirit is an imaginary face on a tree trunk. Like faces in the clouds. If the woodspirit was frowning, the woodsmen would go back home. It would be dangerous to go into the forest. If they were smiling, they'd continue into the woods.

            This is a story that took place near the Black Forest. It's called Ivy Queen.

            The Great King Elmer the Elm died and left no successor to the throne. After the funeral, Noble Fir set out to find a new ruler for the Plant Kingdom. The decree was: he must continue asking until he found someone.

            One morning, he left the castle and began his search. The first person he came across was Rosemary. She was a proud and stately lady. She was obsessed with her looks and today she was preparing for a social event. The fragrance of her perfume drifted across the breeze.

            Her poise captivated Noble Fir. He approached her, bowed the knee and asked, "Most regal Rosemary, the Plant Kingdom is without a ruler. You are a fine woman. You would be perfect as our new queen. Won't you come back to the castle with me and rule?"

            She looked down her nose and replied, "You must be mistaken. I am already a beauty queen. I can't leave my position in the herb garden."

            Noble Fir couldn't believe his ears. Rosemary turned down the opportunity to be the Queen. He shrugged and headed down the highway. The next person he met was the Rose. Her ruby-red flowers captivated him but he knew she was obsessed with passion and romance.

            He bowed the knee and asked, "Most romantic Rose, you are so beautiful. The Plant Kingdom is without a ruler. Won't you come to the castle and be our queen?"

            She replied, "Can't you tell, I'm already the Goddess of Love. I can't leave my place in the rose garden."

            Noble Fir shrugged and went down the highway He walked past a stadium and noticed an athletic girl playing soccer. He thought to himself: It would do the Plant Kingdom well to have an energetic Queen. But everyone knew she was a pleasure seeker.

            After the game he approached her. "Most Active Myrtle, the king died and we're searching for a ruler. You have so much energy. You would be perfect to be our new queen."

            She told him, "I would love to, but I'm already a Sports Star. I just can't leave my place in the park."

            Somewhat discouraged, Noble Fir continued down the highway and met Olive. Her boughs were laden with olive berries. She was rich and spent all her time pursuing prosperity. He thought to himself. The Plant Kingdom would prosper with such a shrewd Queen.

            He approached her, bowed the knee and asked, "Most Bountiful Olive, won't you to come to the castle and rule?"

            She replied: I am honored by your request, but I'm already the wealthiest woman in the world. I can't leave my place in the orchard."

            Noble Fir stopped searching for the day and headed back to the castle. He passed by the the Black Forest and noticed an exceptionally tall tree. It was Douglas Fir and he knew he was power hungry man. Noble Fir thought the Plant Kingdom could use such a strong person for a King.

            He bowed the knee and asked, "Most Mighty Douglas, will you come to the castle and be the king?"

            Douglas looked down from his lofty height, flexed his limbs and replied, "I'm already mightier than a hundred kings. I'd never leave my position in the forest."

            Discouraged, Noble Fir continued on to the castle. On the way he saw Ivy sitting beside the road. Now, everyone knew in the past she was a pirate lady and plunderer.

            Since she was the only one left, he asked, "Ivy, the Plant Kingdom needs a new ruler, you don't suppose…"

            Ivy rubbed her hands together and said, "I might consider. But if I'm your queen then everyone will do exactly as I command."

             Noble Fir reluctantly agreed and took her back to the castle.

            There was a great ceremony and Ivy was crowned Queen. Not very long after she took the throne, her tendrils began to wind around everyone in the Plant Kingdom. Her foliage covered Rosemary, but Ivy let her fragrance flow out. It wound around Rose and Myrtle, but she let their flowers bloom. It grew up Olive's trunk, but Ivy left the branches to bear olives. The tendrils also wound up Douglas Fir's trunk, but Ivy allowed his strong limbs to show. All the citizens were too obsessed with themselves to care.

            Ivy bragged and gloated about her wonderful qualities. People came from all around and admired her beautiful fragrance (Which was really Rosemary). They gazed at her beautiful flowers (Which was really Rose and Myrtle). They purchased her abundant olives (Which was really Olive). And, they were amazed at her strength (Which was really Douglas Fir).

            It wasn't long before the citizens of the Plant Kingdom woke up and realized Ivy deceived them They were in bondage. They wept and wailed.

            One day, Sir Concord, the Purple Knight from Grapeland heard their cry as he rode past on his horse named Chestnut. He stopped and asked, "Why weepest thou?"

            They replied with one accord, "Queen Ivy has deceived us. She's stolen everything we own. Please save us and become our king.

            He said, "On one condition. I will be your king and serve you but you must to promise to change your ways.

            They all promised, so he spoke to each one individually.

            "Rosemary you need to stay pure.

            "Rose, you will need to have peace.

            "Myrtle will need to be prudent.

            "Olive you will need to be patient.

            "And, Douglas you will have to put on piety."

            They all agreed with Sir Concord, the purple knight from Grapeland. He mounted his horse named Chestnut, and pulled out his magic sword fern. He charged into battle and fought the wicked Ivy Queen. The battle was fierce. Foliage flew. But, he finally won and cut her to the ground.

            The citizens of the Plant Kingdom cheered. There was a great ceremony and they crowned him King Concord.

            After he took the throne, he proclaimed liberty and equality to all—even Ivy. He pruned back all the government excess. He was productive and kept all the food banks filled with grapes. He protected the citizens under the shelter of his arbor. And he promised he'd take care of everyone in the Plant Kingdom as long as he lived and they lived happily ever after.

JENNILYN AND BRYCE FLEXER'S WEDDING

Did a photoshoot of a wedding on the shores of Couer d'alene River. What a peaceful setting. Bride and Groom were radiant. Images came out fantastic. Cheers to Jennilyn and Bryce Flexer.

Notice ring bearer's expression.

Cutest little flower girl, Tully.

I published another book this year. Title is Dirty Birds. It has 13 short stories about wild bird encounters. You can purchase it on Amazon or by sending me a check for $13 at PO Box 852 Buckley, Wa. 98321  http://www.amazon.com/Dirty-Birds-Larry-Krackle/dp/1496143698/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1406163608&sr=8-3&keywords=larry+krackle

Dirty Birds

Buzzed Bear

I turned 62 this year. Retired and loving it. One goal was to hike to Camp Muir on the south side of Mt. Rainier and Observation Rock on the north side. Accomplished them both. It may be the last time I make it to both as my knees are bothering me.

Stone hut at Camp Muir

 Stone huts

 Camp Muir is above snow field at far right

On top of Observation Rock

 Echo Rock

 Observation Rock

We vacationed in Tennessee, N Virginia, and Ohio, June 2015. Went to Dollywood, toured Biltmore Estate, and visited a friend in her log home filled with antique stuff. We had an amazing time.

Adrenaline Attack is a book about humorous wild animal encounters.

Captain Capsizer is a book on crazy canoeing adventures in the Pacific Northwest. The thirteen short stories have a true basis but are embellished into Factional accounts. A teenage Tom Sawyer in the 60's takes on challenging rivers and his beloved canoe Beulah saves him from disaster. It can be purchased on Amazon or by sending a $13 check to Krackle Group at PO Box 852 Buckley, Wa 98321

1000 MILE CANOE QUEST

Hooray! I just paddled across the 1000 mile mark in a canoe. I started documenting my outings twenty years ago. Sixteen rivers, forty lakes, and several bays in Puget Sound have felt my paddle. I also completed a route from Portland Oregon to the Canadian border. This was accomplished in several legs over the last ten years.

UPDATED WEBPAGE

I have a new and improved webpage. It has photography, artwork, and several pages of interesting stuff. Come on over and take a peek.http://larrykrackle.com/

IMPERIAL BULL ELK

Spent a week in Banff shooting wildlife photography. Lucked out with a couple shots of wolves and several of large bull elk. This one grazed only 12 feet away and posed for me. He has 7 points on each side which makes him an Imperial Bull. Only wished it was hunting season and he'd be hanging on my wall.

COSTA RICA

My son, Ben, and I traveled to Costa Rica in March. We stayed at the Volcano Lodge near the Arenal Volcano. We visited butterfly gardens, frog farms, and went on several eco-tours. The area is in  a cloud forest which differs from a rainforest because the moisture from clouds keeps it moist. We went to Tabacon Hot Springs for a day. A river flows out from the volcano at 105 degrees. It is in a steepsided valley filled with tropical trees and plants. It is the closest I've been to Eden.

BUZZED BEAR

I see it's been awhile since I've posted anything. My first book Alphasaurus Rax was published last June and my second Buzzed Bear just hit she shelves last week. It contains over a dozen short stories about black bear encounters in the Pacific NW. You can purchase it on Amazon.

APHASAURUS RAX

Alphasaurus Rax, my outdoor humor book is being edited and getting ready to be sent to the publisher. If nothing gets in the way it will be on the shelves in two months. Here is a preliminary front cover.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUHiqM_g7hc

 CLICK ON LINK

TIMBER WOLF RUNNING THROUGH THE FOREST

 

I was riding my mountain bike down a steep remote logging road. I came around a corner and a wolf was sitting in the middle, howling it's head off. There was no way I could stop, so with a death grip on the handle bars, I tilted my head back and gave out a loud howl myself. The wolf spun around and went into a crouch. It curled back its lips and snarled. When it realized what was happening it sprang into the forest. Totally shocked, I laughed deliriously for a mile down the road. What an awesome adventure.

MIRACLE SOUP

Someone suggested I post this recipe. It might not be tasty but it's super healthy. Some have noticed a difference within a week.

DANIEL'S PULSE

DANIEL 1:8-17

20 SERVINGS

1 CUP 15 BEAN SOUP MIX

2 CUPS GRAINS (BARLEY, RICE, QUINOA ETC.)

I CAN MIXED VEGETABLES (USE FRESH VEGIES IF YOU HAVE THEM.)

1 CUP CHOPPED MIXED NUTS

1 CUP MIXED DRIED FRUIT (ADD CHOPPED DATES AND RAISINS)

2 CUPS V-8 JUICE

1 QUART WATER

1 CUP CHOPPED ONION

4 CLOVES MINCED GARLIC

3 TBS CURRY (MORE IF YOU WANT IT STRONGER)

1TBS ITALIAN SEASONING (MORE IF YOU WANT IT STRONGER)

2 TBS SALT

SOAK BEANS TWO DAYS (STARTS THE SPROUTING PROCESS WHICH TURNS STARCH AND SUGAR INTO LIVE NUTRIENTS)

SOAK GRAINS OVERNIGHT

DRAIN

SIMMER THE BEANS, GRAINS AND WATER 2 1/2 HOURS

ADD NUTS, V-8, ONION, GARLIC, SALT AND SPICES

(OPT. ADD 2 CUPS MEAT OF YOUR CHOICE)

SIMMER 1 HOUR

ADD VEGGIES AND MIXED FRUIT

SIMMER 30 MIN

90% PROTEIN

100% COMPLEX CARBS

MOST AMINO ACIDS

MOST FATTY ACIDS

ALL VITAMINS

MOST MINERALS

THIS IS SIMILAR TO THE ANCIENT  HEBREW PULSE. (INGREDIENTS 2 SAMUEL 17: 28,29) THEY MADE A PILAF AND ALSO MIXED IN GOAT OR LAMB MEAT AND CHEESE.

THIS DISH HAS INGREDIENTS THAT NOURISH EVERY SYSTEM IN THE BODY.

(DIGESTIVE, NERVOUS, LYMPHATIC, BLOOD. ETC.)

IT ALSO CAN PREVENT ALL OF THE MAJOR WESTERN ILLNESSES

(HIGH CHOLESTEROL, BLOOD PRESSURE, DIABETES, ALZHEIMER, CANCER, ETC.)

SOME HAVE NOTICED A DIFFERENCE WITHIN A WEEK.

TRY IT! IT MAY MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

EUROPEAN CASTLES

Here is a YouTube slideshow of the castles we visited on our European tour.European Castles Link

I've adopted the Rice Krispies Crackle to be my mascot. My buddies and I had a Garage Rock band in the 60's. That's when the Beatles, Rolling Stones and The Animals were popular. We played 'Louie, Louie', 'Lucy in the Sky' and other three-chord Rock songs. Buck (His name changed to be a character in my future book) had a mother-in-laws cabin out back where we set up our amps. We even had a mixing console engineer who was into electronics and wired speakers all over the walls. I think he wired us also; we were a wild, wired trio! The place vibrated and boomed with music as loud as we could play it. I wish we had gotten a photo of us all dressed up. I'll just have to let this picture I drew to let you create a picture in your own mind.

www.larrykrackle.com

Horray
Jeff just posted my new website. It still needs some work but is fantastic.
Come on over and visit
Larry Krackle

www.larrykrackle.com

KRAKEN

I finished my winter project; a cedar strip kayak. It took me approx. 1000 hours. She is named after the legendary sea monster, Kraken, that is in the Pirates of the Caribbean Movie. She weighs 32lbs and is 16.5ft long. She glides through the water like we're floating on air.
Visit redfishkayak.com to see more kayaks that people have built.