Apr 15

April 11-15 – The last four days in Seattle and Family Time

Deer in the frontyardOn Monday the 11th, we decided to stay in and get some blog work done and give Han’s knee a chance to rest. He twisted it wrong and it is now painfully yelling at him.
We were worn out from yesterday too, pushing a stroller uphill, climbing the streets of Seattle, so it was just as well.
We only went out for some sushi and it was delicious. Trapper Sushi is by far the best Sushi I have ever eaten. They have about eight restaurants in the area. Seattle Washington area. Stylish interior geared towards young urban professionals with great service, excellent bar and superior sushi and sashimi, hidden in a shopping non-assuming center. Next day on the 12th, we braved Seattle traffic once again, however it was probably the easiest driving day yet into the city.

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Apr 10

April 10 – Spending a Special Day in Seattle With Loved Ones

seattle downtownJeabet (daughter) and Liam (grandson) rode over on the Puget Sound ferry from Bremerton to Seattle and we drove  from Kent to meet them in Seattle at the waterfront.
We all had perfect timing and saw each other right away. Liam was super excited to see us even though we had only been gone a day. I sure love his sweet self. He saw the big ferris wheel and I asked him if he wanted to get on it and without hesitation said, “nope.” I was relieved because I sure as heck did not want to either.

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Apr 09

April 9 – Things To See and Do in Seattle WA

Space Needle SeattleDecide how much you want to do in Seattle and check out the City PASS as it is well worth the money if staying a few days to visit. It’s valued for nine days from purchase and includes 5 out of 7 of the city’s promoted attractions.
Today began the first day of our exploration of Seattle WA. The drive from Kent WA took quite some time as traffic is quite literally nightmarish; the roads are not maintained, flow of traffic is practically non-existent and whoever laid out the traffic infrastructure was possibly stoned out of their minds long before it became legal. Also prepare yourself for mostly rude and overly aggressive drivers. Be on your toes!
Parking is plentiful, readily available but quite expensive with New York prices.
We first went to the EMP Museum. It was interesting enough but not quite sure of the particular intent of this museum?

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Apr 08

April 8 – Traipsing towards Seattle

DSC_1653 Friday April 8, 2016

Originally the plans were to visit Vancouver and Vancouver Island, but due to weather predictions, we decided that discovering Seattle would be a better choice this trip, so we started out on the 8th and instead visited Gig Harbor and Jimi Hendrix’s Memorial along the way.

We only did a short drive around Gig Harbor waterfront, stopped for lunch at The Boatyard, http://www.jwgigharbor.com/#!jw–the-boatyard-food-trolley/c13ea, which is located inside a red trolley bus at the marina with good food and picnic style seating and felt we would love to come back and explore a little longer next time we are in the area, as the area is quite lovely and charming.

Jimi Hendrix’s Memorial was quite an experience and very sobering in a comforting way. As I looked upon the engraved faces and silhouettes of Jimi that were ‘decorated” by lipstick kisses from women around the world and maybe some men too, Continue reading

Apr 07

April 1 – 7 in a Flash

Deer in the BackyardApril 1-7 in a flash

The weather up in the Northwest was unusually friendly to us Florida flatlanders as an early Spring showed temperatures up into the high seventies and mostly sunny weather. So this week we have simply enjoyed doing the family things and hanging out together. Eating out some, hugs, kisses and tickles galore, cooking and eating in, playing at the park, cuddling, visiting surrounding areas, helping Jeabet with sewing, some outings, more hugs and more kisses. Never tire of squeezing these sweet little monkeys. Just doing the “nonny” thing is my fave. Continue reading

Mar 31

Day 19 – Surprising My Grandson Liam On His 5th Birthday

IMG_0077Day 19 – March 31, 2016

My day started off excitedly since I knew that I would shortly be seeing and hugging three of my precious grand children and spending Liam’s 5th birthday with him.

I was totally ready to hit the road for the about 4-1/2 hour drive. Gassing up in Cottage Grove proved just another one of those great old traditions that still live in this Oregon town; there were two pump attendants taking care of the clientele. Delightful.

The trip all the way up through Oregon stayed very pleasant and kind of laid back, even Portland, the number one Green Energy City in the States, we found out later. As we maneuvered through the bridges and overpasses in the city we glimpsed at the Welcome to Washington sign, knowing it would only be a couple of hours more before the first leg of our cross country trip was over. Continue reading

Mar 30

Day 18 – Cottage Grove Atmosphere Earns Its Charming Name

Throwback Time: Video rentals !

Throwback Time: Video rentals !

Day 18 March 30, 2016

Woke up to a beautiful, sunshiny day. Had such a lovely breakfast in the comfortable dining room where there is room to spread out and relax at the Village Green Resort.
Afterwards we headed back to our suite to cram for work instead of exams. We put in quite a few hours until I called a “time out” to grab some lunch and check out the Historic District.
We walked around a bit, checked out some menus at local restaurants and felt most at ease at “Jack Sprat”, so we sat and enjoyed reggae music while we waited. The menu offers such a variety for regular, vegetarian and vegan dishes to please everyone. They claim to have “Comfort Food For All” and they have every right to do so. Continue reading

Mar 29

Day 17 – Today Is THE Day To Be Thankful

DSC_1508Day 17 – March 29, 2016
I had a fitful sleep due to many dreams aka nightmares and thoughts from yesterday’s winding and climbing.
Gosh knows, I am glad that day is behind me.
We had a very simple bite to eat for breakfast at the hotel then got on the road.

 

We decided to take Hwy. 199 to Grants Pass OR, then meet up with I-5, instead of going along the coast of Hwy. 101.
Why, oh why did we do that?

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Mar 28

Day 16 – Learned That Driving The Redwood Trails is not for Everyone

DSC_1399 Day 16 – March 28, 2016
Got the hell out of Eureka aka “dump city.” On the far outskirts we located a Denny’s, grabbed a quick late breakfast and hit the road. We were pretty far behind in time, so thankfully we were only traveling a short distance to Crescent City CA, where we were looking forward to the Redwoods and all their glory.
On the way we had an exhilarating chance to drive our car through an actual Redwood Tree in Klamath Falls.
You will see your own opportunity to do this, shortly after you pass the golden bears on the bridge heading north on Hwy. 101.
Hint: pull your mirrors in and have someone stand in front of the car to direct you through it.

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Mar 27

Day 15 – Eco Solar Living in Northern California

DSC_1348Day 15 – March 27, 2016
Well, sleep eluded me and I woke up very late and groggy. Maybe it was too much excitement from yesterday?
Not the best way to begin a day. Han served me a much needed cup of coffee, I dressed, then we began the tedious job of packing the car.
It was sad to say goodbye to the two dogs Troika and Charro, who also looked sad as we left. I do so wonder what goes on in those precious little doggy brains?

Today is Easter and it does feel odd not spending it with family. Much texting was going on between us but obviously it’s just not the same but at least we were in touch with one another.

DSC_1322

Sweethearts Troika and Charro

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