A few to-do items

After the incident on the freeway with my increasingly debilitated car, Ruby, it was pretty clear that the need for a new car was immediate. I was quite mad that day, seeing that the incident prevented me from going to the girl's getaway. I've been agonizing over selecting a car for the past few months--AWD, 4WD... That's just me: I chew, chew, chew on an idea, researching it online, asking for referrals, and then finally I make a decision. So I test drove one car and decided it was what I wanted. Plus, salespeople are dying for business right now, and the prices are amazing. Thursday I drove to Liz's and spent Friday with her and Owen, who, I've decided as with all other little ones I know--is not allowed to get any bigger. I don't have any pictures to share because of course I forgot my camera (much like Hansel & Gretel, I always leave something behind for people to remember me, I suppose...)Friday night and Saturday I spent at the Despins', reading books, watching kid's movies, playing outside, and, as usual when I come to visit, I helped my sister with one project: this one was hanging photos on the first floor. Yay for projects! A few to come: painting and rummage sale prep (I know, I may regret that one).

the Emerald City

I actually didn't know this until I arrived but this is Seattle's moniker. At first, I was thinking, "But Oz is the Emerald City..." OK, so I'm a little overinvested in fairy tales. I had never been to the Pacific Northwest before and despite not being able to hike, mountain climb, or take the ferry (all items for future trip with husband--one of our top 4 future destinations), my bird's eye view of the city was lovely. Our hotel was very centrally located near some important landmarks: Starbucks (duh), J Crew, Nordstrom et al. Work commitments really sucked up my time from 7:00 am until after 8 most nights, so I took an afternoon to play hooky and spent most of it traipsing through Pike Place Market. This is indeed a foodie's paradise: any type of fresh produce (and some I didn't recognize), in addition to a mile of fresh-cut cacophony of sunflowers, lilies, snapdragons, lavender...The honey tasting was one of my favorites, and I'm so glad that many booths started selling 3 oz. containers of their wares. I continued my tradition of collecting a piece of local art from my travels, and I bought a gorgeous painting of a ginko leaf from this artist. I really respected what this marketplace represents and how much the city and its businesses appreciate tourism. Great restaurants I was able to experience: RedFin Sushi--amazing crunchy tofu roll w/ spicy aioli; Anthony's at Pier 66--tender chargrilled halibut with a spectacular view; and a definite cheat-worthy pain du chocolat with almond paste at Le Panier. Next time I'll bring my hiking boots and passport, as I'm sure the views from Rainier and Olympia are well worth the trip, not to mention a night or two at Safeco Field.