So the sun is shining in Bellevue, and it's the middle of winter, take adantage of every moment!
( put on the scarf, heat up the seats, put the top  down, roll up the windows  )   OK, so it's 40 degrees, I needed to test my new down jacket.  It works great ! 

A night on the town

 My tall dark and handsome son joined me for an evening in Seattle

 Our first stop was  a special  place I have been wanting to try.

 They specialize in seafood and service.
When we commented on the bacon bits in the brussel sprout dish, Michael returned with a plate of the real thing.  Loved it.

We then went to the 5th Avenue for the musical version of Elf.
Very fun evening.     
                        
                                 I live an exciting life.

Celebrating my birthday with my favorite son

Our tradition for three years, Top Pot Donuts, my favorite son and me, celebrating my birthday.
Ok, so I only have one son.  
Ok, so my birthday was a few days ago, well maybe a few months ago.
But we are busy  people and I have to say, it was worth waiting for

I live an exciting life!
Thanks Bubby.

What happens after three days of coughing, sniffing, reclining...... "Yes, you can bring me some water, yes, some chicken soup would be nice, would you straighten that picture please, I think that chair should go in the living room"....
                                                I could get used to this.

 

First Annual Pumpkin Patch Adventure

                      This is just the entrance to a huge Pumpkin Farm Adventure . There was a maze for little people who are a little bigger than our little men.  A hay ride. And much much more.

                                                  Two shoppers, too many choices

                                 A calm day, then some sprinkles

                                       Artist friends joined to capture memories

                                Now off to the fields of orange

                                    This is another way to get there.

                           Two are sometimes better than one

                                This BIG one is right for me!

                                    Cousins have great times

                                        Family portrait time.

                                    Callan, Tanner, Sebastian

                                Sebastian, Tanner and Grampy

                     Always ready for brunch- and colloring menus 
                            And a fun time was had by all.      
                                       I live an exciting life!  

Well I finally did it!

Yes, I finally watered my hanging basket outside my kitchen, from inside my kitchen.  You know the sprayer that is part of your faucet, well it has a long hose and a strong shower of water went right through the screen and watered my lovely white begonia.  I had to take a few items off the window sill, and open the window and the storm window. Yes, it did take a little longer than walking outside and turning on the garden hose, but it was very satisfying.

Les and Me

Woke up nice and early due to sleeping downstairs where the air is cooler.  Three places to go, so I needed to wear something suitable for everything.   My new favorite shoes go with just about anything and since I have been using my black pok-a-dot tote, decided to wear black.  Topped it off with taupe and black jacket/sweater.  Looked  compatible.

Since I wanted to get the advantage of an early bird parking place, I left the house before 9:00. Merged!    Yes, Mom Even crossed three lanes of traffic without looking twice . I got into Seattle by 9:15

Walking from the parking garage by the Bon ( O I mean Macy’s )  there is nothing that looks familiar.  Like it did in the 50’s and 60’s when Leslie and I would have  walked along   Pine street. The big city buses are  still trolley style, and as one is passing by, the reflection of someone with brown and black stripes and black and white pok-a-dots  catches my eye.   What was she thinking? ( O, what was I thinking ! ) Barnes and Noble  was the only store open, besides coffee shops,  so I was able to use up about an hour and fill my pok-a-dot  tote with purchases.  In Seattle, no more plastic bags.  And a 5 cent charge for paper.   So  I pulled my taupe purse out of the tote and presto, save 5 cents and my outfit is looking much better.

Our meeting place was Nordstrom shoes.   Can those three inch heels with pointed toes of the 60’s really cost $795.?   I love shoes, so it is easy to get into the mood. 
Then I saw her standing there… my friend since 5^th grade, Leslie.  ( well, she was really sitting, but it sounds more musical to say standing )
 We are quickly into conversation that keeps on until she remembers she should call her brother.
 She is not very comfortable with her cell phone. She seldom uses it.  ( mine is not attached to my hip, but I text and call often).
 She pulls out her disposable camera for our waitress to take our picture  and shares 5 pictures she has brought with her of her little granddaughter ( I am on my third digital camera and it holds the past 6 months of photos of my family and adventures )
 She likes to fly at night so she doesn’t waste time  ( for me flying at night hurts )

 She has her suitcase and small tote and like Mary Poppins, she carries everything she needs to perform little projects for her brothers ( candy and  a book  is a good project for me ).
She travels light because from the airport she takes the Light Rail, two busses and a ferry to brother No.1. Now she is going to meet brother No.2 and take a different ferry to another Island and spend a few days with his family.  She brought a project for her own entertainment along the way, she does not like to read or write.
She was however at the top of her class ( let’s just say, I was not )
She is hard working ( I like to have as much fun as possible )

 Her dream and goal since before 5^th grade, has been to be an occupational therapist.  She is still sharing her skills. ( my dreams and goals have changed through the years, except to get married and have children.That much: Accomplished )
  Her 40^th wedding anniversary was last year and she thinks she and Ira went out to dinner. ( My 40^th wedding anniversary was last year and our whole family celebrated with dinner and a family portrait and a new grandbaby!! )
 She has one child and one grandchild. ( I have 4 and 4, so far )

We are so different, I don’t know why she loves me.  She cares about me and listens and remembers.  We know so much about each other it would be impossible to let go of our friendship.  I love you Les!

 

Back to the car, and a ride down to the ferry so she can meet up with  her brother. Then I head up to Harborview Hospital.   A precious friend is by the side of her daughter.  She was injured very seriously and though I had never met  Lauren , I wanted to give her a little bag of treats and give her mom a hug.
Memories of my experience in the hospital 4 years ago, remind me of the comfort of friends and family that came and called.      Now I can say I have met Lauren and can put a face to my prayers. I wish I had taken her picture.  She looked so pretty.

 This is a trolley style metro bus, from behind....you get the picture?

This close to Broadway and I cannot pass by Dicks without some French fries and ice cream Still only about $3.   The next stop, not quite so reasonable, but Vivace coffee is a favorite of Mimi and Damon and as along as I am buying beans, I might as well have a latte.   Then I remember  why it is their favorite.

Home in time for a little rest before going out to dinner.  Thought I should stick to a salad.  A little walk in the neighborhood with my hubby.  It is a perfect night .
( ok, the walk  was last night,  but it makes a nicer ending than watching an episode of Gunsmoke, I do love Westerns.  )

I live an exciting life.  

A Visit to Spokane

 this is the spot on Auntie Sharon's porch where I sat each morning. The view, a cup of good coffee and I just might never go home. 

 Wherever you find Auntie Sharon, you will find a cat, or two, or more.

  This path leads to one of the special spots in the garden

                       like this spot, with the pergola

  or this spot, where a little family lives.

                  A funny yellow bee catcher

         keeps this special spot safe.

                  Many chickens,         many eggs

                       One part of another garden

                             Auntie Sharon loves petunia's

                Sun dials tell time when the sun shines

                          One more serene moment before going inside

                                  We enjoy breakfast in the sun room

             then ride down to the original homestead

                                      This is the house where the Tanners were raised

               The barn would hold hay or cows  or both

                                  The garage

                    and what the garage holds now

                                             Farm tools

                                           Farm buildings

                              What is missing from this picture? Auntie Sharon