#seattle area

Patio - large modern backyard tile patio idea with a fire pit and a roof extension

Okay, car people, I need to share a win. Finding a shop that doesn't try to upsell you on stuff you don't need is basically a miracle, right? 😅 My check engine light came on last week and I was dreading the "we'll take a look" price tag.

A friend recommended Burien Japanese Auto Service family-owned place right off Highway 509. They actually took the time to explain what was going on, showed me the old parts, and the price was totally fair. They specialize in Japanese cars (Toyota, Nissan, etc.) but work on everything. If you're in the area and need reliable vehicle maintenance in Burien, these are your people. 🙌

08.19.25 The Redmond store is always super busy. It's a very large store, similar to a Walmart with grocery, home goods, clothing, plants and pharmacy. Closing it in October.

I found the following article from Los Angeles.

In June 2025 Kroger announced closing of 60 stores nationwide

Kroger wanted the Albertson's merger and it was terminated Dec 2024.

“The FTC, along with our state partners, scored a major victory for the American people, successfully blocking Kroger’s acquisition of Albertsons.  This historic win protects millions of Americans across the country from higher prices for essential groceries—from milk, to bread, to eggs—ultimately allowing consumers to keep more money in their pockets. This victory has a direct, tangible impact on the lives of millions of Americans who shop at Kroger or Albertsons-owned grocery stores for their everyday needs, whether that’s a Fry’s in Arizona, a Vons in Southern California, or a Jewel-Osco in Illinois. This is also a victory for thousands of hardworking union employees, protecting their hard-earned paychecks by ensuring Kroger and Albertsons continue to compete for workers through higher wages, better benefits, and improved working conditions."

2025 Kroger profits are STRONG says their Chairman / CEO Ron Sargent

"Our strong sales results and positive momentum give us confidence to raise our identical sales without fuel guidance, to a new range of 2.25% to 3.25%"

Updated

Identical Sales without fuel of 2.25% – 3.25%

Reaffirmed

Adjusted FIFO Operating Profit of $4.7 – $4.9 billion

Adjusted net earnings per diluted share of $4.60 – $4.80

Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $2.8 – $3.0 billion**

Capital expenditures of $3.6 – $3.8 billion

TL/DR summary: At some Regal cinemas, including the Meridian in Seattle, they have 4DX movies which include chairs that rock and shake, water and wind effects. Although it’s not an experience I would do many times, it was a lot of fun for the right movie, for adults and older kids. Last week, I was listening to the Filmcast podcast, and they shared an email from a listener who had joined a…