tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24940539608531428592024-03-13T15:50:57.651-07:00Gone Native - SeattleGone Native - Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213230926317178035noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494053960853142859.post-26489772732597089632009-12-25T08:14:00.000-08:002009-12-25T08:17:08.571-08:00Happy Holidays!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbiLiblPxjjtJoTLGsdtlITg4y8xTh6Vgl5gB4eHlZ4G7xOWsfxWigGSskACbYs4hS1fq37GA7N3EmVmgjO5omSLL3JrxLXoKPX1_CC5d4IRa137IzmeDlGwQI4LnvmEWtMXxA8IYiUg/s1600-h/IMGP1353.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbiLiblPxjjtJoTLGsdtlITg4y8xTh6Vgl5gB4eHlZ4G7xOWsfxWigGSskACbYs4hS1fq37GA7N3EmVmgjO5omSLL3JrxLXoKPX1_CC5d4IRa137IzmeDlGwQI4LnvmEWtMXxA8IYiUg/s320/IMGP1353.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419208501971268562" border="0" /></a><br />We made the trek over to Leavenworth this year for the annual <a href="http://www.leavenworth.org/modules/pages/index.php?pageid=1">Christmas Lighting</a> ceremony. Quaint little town and a beautiful drive. Well worth the day trip. We even got some snow on the way home over the pass!<br /><br />Happy Holidays everyone - we hope to see many of you in 2010!Gone Native - Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213230926317178035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494053960853142859.post-9100725426114089312009-11-01T06:23:00.000-08:002009-11-01T06:26:56.666-08:00Underworld<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Ebn-dZqEfKcvIi_tsZkJ2NTUkNU_Qzqo41LdZgLsgtNWDijMXQFGN6pgQrv0ktqMOVysxkTsZqVXcTNUSiaoatZ-ABEWtASAcoA0WAMHR39IxI_bpTotLxWNrN0u0h12kS4Gbd2yXlk/s1600-h/IMGP1331.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Ebn-dZqEfKcvIi_tsZkJ2NTUkNU_Qzqo41LdZgLsgtNWDijMXQFGN6pgQrv0ktqMOVysxkTsZqVXcTNUSiaoatZ-ABEWtASAcoA0WAMHR39IxI_bpTotLxWNrN0u0h12kS4Gbd2yXlk/s320/IMGP1331.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399141575151413906" border="0" /></a><br />For Halloween this year, we took the Underworld version of <a href="http://www.undergroundtour.com/">Seattle's Underground Tour</a>. This special after hours version reveals the history of old Seattle's shadier past, complete with cocktails! And although we didn't personally run into any ghosts, it was still a hauntingly good time.Gone Native - Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213230926317178035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494053960853142859.post-35652791561153892532009-09-16T16:28:00.001-07:002009-09-16T16:31:23.579-07:00Hanging On<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45rRgfLw2XhH-pBIO-_Pf3w6sK9BFizA0dGHxCZFyJAaBUbfRp29RJ89u95oEHrWKo56ksnkNUUldu5tEeuXw3k13XdbqSOhoCCTHEpWWp-8goKl84g1bIZKlO8ccp86kIfmUDcekYIo/s1600-h/IMGP1311.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45rRgfLw2XhH-pBIO-_Pf3w6sK9BFizA0dGHxCZFyJAaBUbfRp29RJ89u95oEHrWKo56ksnkNUUldu5tEeuXw3k13XdbqSOhoCCTHEpWWp-8goKl84g1bIZKlO8ccp86kIfmUDcekYIo/s320/IMGP1311.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382211508149576610" border="0" /></a><br />Summer seems to be hanging on - as witnessed by our feeder friends. Hope you are enjoying these last weeks of sun and fun! I've just returned from Florida, where I was reminded just how hot and humid summer can be. Think I'll plan my next visit for sometime in January/February.Gone Native - Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213230926317178035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494053960853142859.post-71553703050283934122009-08-20T16:33:00.001-07:002009-08-20T16:37:37.649-07:00The Bughouse<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwaQ1FbsvdQya5Q6Av9P-8KMnnp0hEhCcbP8jf_C22sIUhegrLviYjX1pcBX-qGxpa5ZH3zzLAEKN0dDT-glE5H-G_rr00XipHfl7qkDarWGjpACxGV7njl6UpDIccuJdy1pBSrwW29qc/s1600-h/IMGP1195.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwaQ1FbsvdQya5Q6Av9P-8KMnnp0hEhCcbP8jf_C22sIUhegrLviYjX1pcBX-qGxpa5ZH3zzLAEKN0dDT-glE5H-G_rr00XipHfl7qkDarWGjpACxGV7njl6UpDIccuJdy1pBSrwW29qc/s320/IMGP1195.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372194203631504386" border="0" /></a><br />Is it just me, or does the old <a href="http://www.skagitriverjournal.com/NearbyS-W/NSH/NSH1-Intro.html">Northern State Hospital</a> intrigue everyone who pays a visit? Took a drive up to Sedro-Wooley and enjoyed a walk around some of the old out buildings. I do believe I've been inspired to write a book - this being the second former asylum to have crossed my path (the first was old <a href="http://www.avenuecdc.org/jeffdavis.asp">Jefferson Davis</a> in Houston). Working title <span style="font-style: italic;">The Bughouse</span>. I'll keep you posted.Gone Native - Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213230926317178035noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494053960853142859.post-17135333840850185092009-06-21T11:58:00.000-07:002009-06-21T12:02:46.605-07:00Coast to Coast<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9ltE9VVU4xtwTUjbyqZelL47KjwDWKa_4x8HBZ6XSKIpcQr6F5y_aPYZZ339N47T3_ZJX2CwckCGGmqbNcYy1TELqRKbxPPjetTf8e7dCur3K2-5mjmugb2Rw7zEZDU7QA2goqSP3oM/s1600-h/IMGP1181.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9ltE9VVU4xtwTUjbyqZelL47KjwDWKa_4x8HBZ6XSKIpcQr6F5y_aPYZZ339N47T3_ZJX2CwckCGGmqbNcYy1TELqRKbxPPjetTf8e7dCur3K2-5mjmugb2Rw7zEZDU7QA2goqSP3oM/s320/IMGP1181.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349857670348227762" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Spent a few days in the Big Apple in June, both for business and pleasure. Although I missed home it was good to enjoy the City, which always has so much to discover!<br /><br />Had dinner in Little Italy at a delicious spot called <a href="http://ilcortile.com/">Il Cortile</a>, where the food was fine but the people watching was even better!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5B7baHQuIm_UhvxFVJ03Tgy7Pr_z9FbpNz4BaHuA233GtvCL9NDCzhYQaIf4Sg-FYqkPO1X-qKO6HYdFjovSvXaa8LQKsJuoJH5vwiJSSX1Levucv6NCej2mG8T-WQHV-hJ3D3AsBQo/s1600-h/IMGP1172.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5B7baHQuIm_UhvxFVJ03Tgy7Pr_z9FbpNz4BaHuA233GtvCL9NDCzhYQaIf4Sg-FYqkPO1X-qKO6HYdFjovSvXaa8LQKsJuoJH5vwiJSSX1Levucv6NCej2mG8T-WQHV-hJ3D3AsBQo/s320/IMGP1172.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349858103926383282" border="0" /></a>Gone Native - Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213230926317178035noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494053960853142859.post-14715099475943701012009-04-26T09:53:00.000-07:002009-04-26T10:06:14.149-07:00Catch Con 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6jKP9z6FEORwcG0iAsP9w4TbY_v_E19Cnojy3s8uUjum_pYMO3lCzTyXY1pMAesA-yKnasjNFdx9ANTciipeBNov0GFyTMe8d-cQ2bfz7Lnut8Cmt7tvi3CKAyyn63xlWbJ1hQ_0Glo/s1600-h/IMGP1008.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6jKP9z6FEORwcG0iAsP9w4TbY_v_E19Cnojy3s8uUjum_pYMO3lCzTyXY1pMAesA-yKnasjNFdx9ANTciipeBNov0GFyTMe8d-cQ2bfz7Lnut8Cmt7tvi3CKAyyn63xlWbJ1hQ_0Glo/s320/IMGP1008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329047292149579666" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vuwdepaGf3OUzKU9WfyUFuyj5_yL2DfMYN-wjvKw8tUXR0F9axl5M70hBJitEz5LW2pEEis-BnaPhLv-VU4L0AHT9nxYsNHcJypn0_dqG4lHAqzI1EM71iEz4QnvwgbrN7a_odvVA-o/s1600-h/IMGP1002.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vuwdepaGf3OUzKU9WfyUFuyj5_yL2DfMYN-wjvKw8tUXR0F9axl5M70hBJitEz5LW2pEEis-BnaPhLv-VU4L0AHT9nxYsNHcJypn0_dqG4lHAqzI1EM71iEz4QnvwgbrN7a_odvVA-o/s320/IMGP1002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329047060297319570" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Spent the afternoon yesterday with the captains and production crew from Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch series at the first <a href="http://www.deadliest-catch-wiki.discovery.com/page/CatchCon+2009">Catch Con</a> fan gathering here in Seattle. Many thanks to KISW radio station, where we won tickets to the exclusive event. There was lunch with the Captains, autograph signings and photos, and then on to the main event hall - with Coast Guard rescue demonstrations, more Q&A with the Captains and a special panel session with the production crew and cameramen that make the show possible.<br /><br />Be sure to catch the <a href="http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/deadliestcatch/deadliestcatch.html">Deadliest Catch - Season 5</a> - every Tuesday on Discovery!Gone Native - Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213230926317178035noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494053960853142859.post-49789003266628151972009-04-11T08:36:00.000-07:002009-04-11T08:39:26.550-07:00Signs of Spring<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJp7yAp2-6gEo7cBvl85RXqb0zvvlU_kRsjICLq3zI38VwGDRcOkz4Qka-uOMNsKszT7rntNbQtitCfqdS5gdfjH-Xjz_HOYDQqh5n8OMUdReGo77D-psLRX5K09C8Oj1GYwtwE0Sx9U/s1600-h/IMGP0987.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJp7yAp2-6gEo7cBvl85RXqb0zvvlU_kRsjICLq3zI38VwGDRcOkz4Qka-uOMNsKszT7rntNbQtitCfqdS5gdfjH-Xjz_HOYDQqh5n8OMUdReGo77D-psLRX5K09C8Oj1GYwtwE0Sx9U/s320/IMGP0987.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323458636639701890" border="0" /></a><br />To our surprise and delight, the cherry blossoms are blooming all over town, and we've even got some early spring color to chase away the gray in our own front yard!Gone Native - Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213230926317178035noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494053960853142859.post-39987193841198064452009-04-11T08:27:00.000-07:002009-04-12T08:12:06.423-07:00Drift Away<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUnNUPNPin4ypjncj1JF4aJ3f-VLtFB3DPEO22PHq80DoukmDZnovUR-a-7v06YFnbLFrWgca6fQIm1qs7-YTkvf1anLu4jpF0keEzY8E8tIm2UEhdIiij5RWlXbbwd0AZwplE4bZM9c/s1600-h/IMGP0963.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUnNUPNPin4ypjncj1JF4aJ3f-VLtFB3DPEO22PHq80DoukmDZnovUR-a-7v06YFnbLFrWgca6fQIm1qs7-YTkvf1anLu4jpF0keEzY8E8tIm2UEhdIiij5RWlXbbwd0AZwplE4bZM9c/s320/IMGP0963.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323457274254943042" border="0" /></a><br />Took our first trip to the Coast - Westport and Grayland to be precise - to hunt for elusive sand dollars in the annual <a href="http://www.cranberrycoastcoc.com/DriftwoodShow/index.html">Glass Float Roundup</a>. We didn't get lucky enough to claim one of the prized glass floats this year, but we'll be back to try again! The walk along this beautiful beach and the friendly folks and great food were well worth the drive. Check out the <a href="http://www.westport-islander.com/">Half Moon Bay Bar & Grill </a>for some tasty calamari and clam chowder, along with world famous Bloody Marys!Gone Native - Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213230926317178035noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494053960853142859.post-81695686967081250662009-02-15T08:15:00.001-08:002009-02-15T08:18:23.147-08:00Red Wine and Chocolate<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwz7R8nCtcJHQODPCxgdb95ZSY3eU0RUAnFNyyieSkBHG3F4TKrIv8C-rXGBu7LO4cUIq1QFKB95l-qMxsLgk6KWSjkXvcqiTGgGcdQqY8rTG0abK78gHpXC9Xf-U0ZvtVNxL6j1M1Arc/s1600-h/IMGP0948.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303058639138772226" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwz7R8nCtcJHQODPCxgdb95ZSY3eU0RUAnFNyyieSkBHG3F4TKrIv8C-rXGBu7LO4cUIq1QFKB95l-qMxsLgk6KWSjkXvcqiTGgGcdQqY8rTG0abK78gHpXC9Xf-U0ZvtVNxL6j1M1Arc/s320/IMGP0948.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p>Spent a lovely Valentine's Day on Whidbey Island enjoying the Red Wine and Chocolate Tour of some local vineyards. It's a trip worth tasting! <a href="http://www.winomagazine.com/blog2/?p=821">http://www.winomagazine.com/blog2/?p=821</a></p><p> </p>Gone Native - Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213230926317178035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494053960853142859.post-6919861343275072972009-02-08T07:12:00.000-08:002009-02-08T07:15:25.869-08:00Falling in Love<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzccmYH60zyEHO_jReyRX9hvPdH61I7UZvzq8RKP0KhakZhGeFqtZ11c9eyzVPw-2poN1z6hrp2-C86rVqiaTj6-9deArP5zR8Xjz9Nz8MjhYkZmAmNliG6liASgNfr6-KVayHS4_VPQg/s1600-h/IMGP0937.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300445384566851250" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzccmYH60zyEHO_jReyRX9hvPdH61I7UZvzq8RKP0KhakZhGeFqtZ11c9eyzVPw-2poN1z6hrp2-C86rVqiaTj6-9deArP5zR8Xjz9Nz8MjhYkZmAmNliG6liASgNfr6-KVayHS4_VPQg/s320/IMGP0937.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Visited the beautiful Snoqualmie Falls yesterday - just breathtaking. There is also a lovely hotel that sits on the edge of the Falls - the Salish Lodge & Spa <a href="http://www.salishlodge.com/">http://www.salishlodge.com/</a> - definitely worth a stay if you're in the area.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Gone Native - Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213230926317178035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494053960853142859.post-85597103484731386932009-01-01T08:25:00.000-08:002009-01-01T08:30:21.886-08:00Happy 2009!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_tSHbDbXkXsS8BZtqLr25RaxsmfbgISL1iZg-wa-TX7VJlW1JaKm8fu3hj6JwYjS0cZ9riCFk913KJB3Ygv0iJFi_3JCpS__GUJVA_LiyQFHdRqf4cc8EJdzhTPkF-NhymQ5u_6LYbc/s1600-h/IMGP0893.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286363238373078642" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_tSHbDbXkXsS8BZtqLr25RaxsmfbgISL1iZg-wa-TX7VJlW1JaKm8fu3hj6JwYjS0cZ9riCFk913KJB3Ygv0iJFi_3JCpS__GUJVA_LiyQFHdRqf4cc8EJdzhTPkF-NhymQ5u_6LYbc/s320/IMGP0893.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Spent a lovely evening out on the Sound watching the Space Needle fireworks display, courtesy of Argosy Cruises. <a href="http://www.argosycruises.com/themecruises/default.cfm#NYE">http://www.argosycruises.com/themecruises/default.cfm#NYE</a></div><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><div>Some video of the show - thanks to Northwest Cable News:</div><div><a href="http://www.nwcn.com/video/featured-index.html?nvid=317818&shu=1">http://www.nwcn.com/video/featured-index.html?nvid=317818&shu=1</a></div><div> </div><div>Hope everyone has a wonderful New Year and an uplifting 2009!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Gone Native - Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213230926317178035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494053960853142859.post-26017702225211613512008-12-21T08:07:00.000-08:002008-12-21T08:09:20.145-08:00Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!<div>Couldn't have asked for a more perfect White Christmas for our first holiday here. Loving the snow - although a little nervous driving around in ice for the first time in a long time. Hope everyone is safe and warm!</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGLuemAbkkJlksj4tj2zBBn_p3drZqezpcPd-rX9RGgZZuX8QhEbPaubAJ8mpBspAmbcV6iznKdG-jpybRf51ENvFZ9E-f3eZ5zxH7xhp7OonxTx6Lpnr9dbis1t5T17el6daCLwswCE/s1600-h/IMGP0859.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282276101974345650" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGLuemAbkkJlksj4tj2zBBn_p3drZqezpcPd-rX9RGgZZuX8QhEbPaubAJ8mpBspAmbcV6iznKdG-jpybRf51ENvFZ9E-f3eZ5zxH7xhp7OonxTx6Lpnr9dbis1t5T17el6daCLwswCE/s320/IMGP0859.JPG" border="0" /></a></div>Gone Native - Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213230926317178035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494053960853142859.post-73359718983734350252008-11-02T11:45:00.000-08:002008-11-02T11:54:04.393-08:00It Was A Dark and Stormy Night...Actually, it was a gorgeous night, but I thought that was a better intro for Halloween. Stayed the night at <a href="http://www.thornewoodcastle.com/">Thornewood Castle</a>, an incredible property and gardens. The Presidential Suite hosted Presidents Roosevelt and Taft, among other dignitaries. An overnight is required for a tour and to experience the benevolent ghosts for yourself! <div><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhohEwMVpwEKkirm_VtTeGjhaJd4NnFRDh1LgveoIYXydDuI8DnYCeUCYrZtYVCNDV9FbeV0Cd8diiOUQ44EgefmK1LtDVYjX0AyCknF3USj36s4vBzd3FpirMXE-8QYhdlXtaOb9Ig9I/s1600-h/IMGP0841.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264149800066493474" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhohEwMVpwEKkirm_VtTeGjhaJd4NnFRDh1LgveoIYXydDuI8DnYCeUCYrZtYVCNDV9FbeV0Cd8diiOUQ44EgefmK1LtDVYjX0AyCknF3USj36s4vBzd3FpirMXE-8QYhdlXtaOb9Ig9I/s320/IMGP0841.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVt2xd6yhznD1SU_MJFTrg7ZfQ9sIVYLn5Fph9CvkSwIA3QLXYF92PLbWugV7IOfgjNpCCwOhlNxGGd1CAT53lyMsqF01e0QqmCWJ_gEnY7LzcFl206uD1mAdJUA5-Y0jPuVUx8qzk8GY/s1600-h/IMGP0806.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264150782202376338" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVt2xd6yhznD1SU_MJFTrg7ZfQ9sIVYLn5Fph9CvkSwIA3QLXYF92PLbWugV7IOfgjNpCCwOhlNxGGd1CAT53lyMsqF01e0QqmCWJ_gEnY7LzcFl206uD1mAdJUA5-Y0jPuVUx8qzk8GY/s320/IMGP0806.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Gone Native - Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213230926317178035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494053960853142859.post-46771444647575296662008-10-18T10:36:00.001-07:002008-10-18T10:47:13.508-07:00Happy Birthday to Me<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpwxc6I7qPGhaav4U3RpYDMK_yESVAUivUtsT6-uql03vqN_BBgv-fCyDar0z-Osobu7plGoZaBfMv7lVConwa0hx9SLRq0pkNWGRE75_rWcCsDIlhVUNSFAj-TLSx6-Nybm888BNhdA/s1600-h/IMGP0769.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258550045010248754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpwxc6I7qPGhaav4U3RpYDMK_yESVAUivUtsT6-uql03vqN_BBgv-fCyDar0z-Osobu7plGoZaBfMv7lVConwa0hx9SLRq0pkNWGRE75_rWcCsDIlhVUNSFAj-TLSx6-Nybm888BNhdA/s320/IMGP0769.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Been out of touch for a spell - had relatives in town for a few weeks, which gave us good excuses to get out and see even more of the area. And it was my birthday - thanks to <a href="http://www.anthonys.com/restaurants/info/pier66.html">Anthony's </a>on Pier 66 for a wonderful celebration.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>We also managed a drive up to Anacortes to do some late season whale watching - that's late season Orcas, early for the rest, from what we understood. Check out <a href="http://www.island-adventures.com/">Island Adventures </a>for an unforgettable trip.<br />And of course, October marks the beginning of king crab season. Shout out to the boys on the <a href="http://www.timebandit.tv/">Time Bandit.</a> Come home safe. </div><div></div>Gone Native - Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213230926317178035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494053960853142859.post-38363362263834113442008-09-21T05:21:00.000-07:002008-09-21T05:28:38.795-07:00Cherry Pie...and a Damn Fine Cup 'O Coffee<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLc0oPVvUalwaP-yXKn6Lm4v8PyZeHguTz_869priTiDgHeoKeKT6Qo03Xf6hv2nFCN29eJhFHzkVFohfvaQ0z7E0cZAaVEx7zfaQoQc3iw54Oi5sCrnDUCuf2-N2tafoJcWAZs7Lz4E/s1600-h/Twede's.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248450016212582770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLc0oPVvUalwaP-yXKn6Lm4v8PyZeHguTz_869priTiDgHeoKeKT6Qo03Xf6hv2nFCN29eJhFHzkVFohfvaQ0z7E0cZAaVEx7zfaQoQc3iw54Oi5sCrnDUCuf2-N2tafoJcWAZs7Lz4E/s320/Twede's.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>On the way out to Ellensburg to hunt the elusive blue agate, couldn't help but stop in North Bend to see the area made famous by a cult phenom of my era called "Twin Peaks". The area is every bit as striking as it was in the 90's and the food still worth the drive. For fans of the show, there's a great blog with Then and Now shots of the series most famous locations: <a href="http://www.intwinpeaks.com/">http://www.intwinpeaks.com/</a></div><br /><br /><div></div>And no...we did not find the blues - but will return!</div><br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248450465097776674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWk83wqA-WdtrBcsLnrpgkB8BLhEiiQqSI95KWSXUc3HJQ7NdaedsdNbDV-MyR0MpcG0HKDQsAA6aG9E1OH1rqQ0_ON4H21RDn2rmGoHOFrg6kkuBs81IO1_43RctbPu1drYHKyaCAG8/s320/polishblue.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div></div>Gone Native - Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213230926317178035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494053960853142859.post-61048076793918910572008-09-14T19:31:00.000-07:002008-10-18T10:36:31.278-07:00Locks of LoveSpent the day wandering about town - Fremont and Ballard to be exact. Checked out the Fremont Sunday Market - quite interesting. Then ventured over to the <a href="http://www.vrseattle.com/pages/browse.php?cat_id=75">Hiram M. Chittenden Locks</a>. This is something you don't see every day - unless you live in the Panama Canal Zone: <div><br /><div></div><p>These are the boats waiting in line for their passage (note water level before and after)...</p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsiGSBChNEidrqp1_Gg_CoHhdBoC2Tx6NETceaxqlur3P_7XqmNURSu3mNpP7IapqAHHfj6AhkIMsoKaqZkzHbcwbUlRZaTW7M7AwchlLZ8iRD2bxrSVcrSZk_GfxqN0JmGpszMFjjbec/s1600-h/IMGP0668.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246070667808837186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsiGSBChNEidrqp1_Gg_CoHhdBoC2Tx6NETceaxqlur3P_7XqmNURSu3mNpP7IapqAHHfj6AhkIMsoKaqZkzHbcwbUlRZaTW7M7AwchlLZ8iRD2bxrSVcrSZk_GfxqN0JmGpszMFjjbec/s320/IMGP0668.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrX0iy4L5xcXnuRYSrNdgy57-zunfjhKVZlLgkaDrolN-L8pEL19xkZbrY7XqYDOXbi3mnDqbGGbhrBg-uXlUJqePJZ5NkcRktkvYZnQx_Tu1zG5lE-YYpEYXKUqZq_3nV9FZ-2K60mQI/s1600-h/IMGP0678.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246071284160422242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrX0iy4L5xcXnuRYSrNdgy57-zunfjhKVZlLgkaDrolN-L8pEL19xkZbrY7XqYDOXbi3mnDqbGGbhrBg-uXlUJqePJZ5NkcRktkvYZnQx_Tu1zG5lE-YYpEYXKUqZq_3nV9FZ-2K60mQI/s320/IMGP0678.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Okay - so it loses something in translation. What doesn't get lost in translation is the incredible calamari at the Lockspot - don't miss it if you're in Ballard.</p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMQbZD92PW2D6ZpWjGjt5zmarYHEkBvpwz8kdtVRoLbpim4XxfREnsTMV6UYvgyIWtkG7ycTvsKFT-hDIZfNm37RM1cq6QbTskLWV9_mNPnOkzvUP5hNNrc9q0eZAQv07n16LD7OVHRQ/s1600-h/IMGP0679.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246071891214432690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMQbZD92PW2D6ZpWjGjt5zmarYHEkBvpwz8kdtVRoLbpim4XxfREnsTMV6UYvgyIWtkG7ycTvsKFT-hDIZfNm37RM1cq6QbTskLWV9_mNPnOkzvUP5hNNrc9q0eZAQv07n16LD7OVHRQ/s320/IMGP0679.JPG" border="0" /></a></p></div>Gone Native - Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213230926317178035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494053960853142859.post-38578240353450678232008-09-07T06:48:00.001-07:002008-10-18T10:34:29.863-07:00Mad About You<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEY2YJg7nT75HjxWIuqbwv8DckhOhR8uoSyHe7O3dD-OqtLxSbW6NJbHO86dmwmNjfKBQ0e4qSBry6NxHw28b9L4PNd842G-nmJJL2QonE-wLBl4qZKAfsQLKbupDmpNrr3LjGPN1pUg/s1600-h/IMGP0624.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243276215350602306" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEY2YJg7nT75HjxWIuqbwv8DckhOhR8uoSyHe7O3dD-OqtLxSbW6NJbHO86dmwmNjfKBQ0e4qSBry6NxHw28b9L4PNd842G-nmJJL2QonE-wLBl4qZKAfsQLKbupDmpNrr3LjGPN1pUg/s320/IMGP0624.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Took a drive out to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/mora/">Mt. Rainier National Park </a>yesterday. I can't describe how absolutely beautiful this place is, so here's a link to some photos:</div><div></div><div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/marklaura.walters/MtRainier?authkey=tUxfQ0E5ySk">http://picasaweb.google.com/marklaura.walters/MtRainier?authkey=tUxfQ0E5ySk</a>#</div><div></div><div>Needless to say, you should go. The Park Service even has annual passes good at all National Parks for $80 per passenger vehicle. And there is a volunteer program for those wanting to spend more quality time on the trails and lend a hand in keeping these magical places preserved for generations to come.</div><div></div>Gone Native - Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213230926317178035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494053960853142859.post-24524770756715982202008-09-03T18:52:00.000-07:002008-10-18T10:33:40.201-07:00Wonderful Weed<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeEHL2JmbBpVe8ioE7FnVzS6-pjjRvo-OW-EXhu7x8Zd9y11AJmLsIkz9_bN6qjPIlXKCiDTsWruD_HfhJ1oN_brbO4C0TVia1MLwgnU8NyrxVd1mCdWQvY-5t8zA80PcxkURliaImzA/s1600-h/IMGP0592.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241979046715799426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeEHL2JmbBpVe8ioE7FnVzS6-pjjRvo-OW-EXhu7x8Zd9y11AJmLsIkz9_bN6qjPIlXKCiDTsWruD_HfhJ1oN_brbO4C0TVia1MLwgnU8NyrxVd1mCdWQvY-5t8zA80PcxkURliaImzA/s320/IMGP0592.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAO9bQukcrp7TiVC4s0ywB-IFe2Sp_Ejkfg6HbKxAb9thDd8fK9pNi7zT9W7jdPBCmem_DCykVAaw3GISaa7iQxNM7_hp4ZF89xXojRqoDOpUBrN_BkLXE9zBy1w1fQ1xpdsRX01Y9_rU/s1600-h/IMGP0588.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241979051505158242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAO9bQukcrp7TiVC4s0ywB-IFe2Sp_Ejkfg6HbKxAb9thDd8fK9pNi7zT9W7jdPBCmem_DCykVAaw3GISaa7iQxNM7_hp4ZF89xXojRqoDOpUBrN_BkLXE9zBy1w1fQ1xpdsRX01Y9_rU/s320/IMGP0588.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Pics: Blackberry bush in my yard = non-viable product. Blackberry Vino from this year's Blackberry Festival = very viable (and delicious) product.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div>Getting out and about to see some of the local sites - ended up at the <a href="http://www.blackberryfestival.org/">Bremerton Blackberry Festival </a>this past weekend. For any of you who haven't been you really should. I've not considered myself a huge blackberry fan to date - but this gathering truly expanded my frame of reference for just what this wacky weed is capable of. The wine is especially good, and available at the festival (and some local grocers) for a limited time only. </div><div></div><div>Maybe next year, I'll raid that bush and perfect the blackberry-chello.</div>Gone Native - Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213230926317178035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494053960853142859.post-12613313448029643192008-09-01T06:35:00.000-07:002008-09-01T06:41:50.395-07:00B.S. - Before Seattle<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67maIkJrWpK7Po7nedX5TjN9Qkr1dDAB8quin_5GaaoxjoTGP99rKT8iUGOvbIWbxtKHj5HiDE1YJtiEUd8po18ueiFaR6E8z39UYMfXOWnTBEo4RHgJLDvjsLCVw5m8HY9yR_-UUjAM/s1600-h/IMGP0525.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241047497190569922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67maIkJrWpK7Po7nedX5TjN9Qkr1dDAB8quin_5GaaoxjoTGP99rKT8iUGOvbIWbxtKHj5HiDE1YJtiEUd8po18ueiFaR6E8z39UYMfXOWnTBEo4RHgJLDvjsLCVw5m8HY9yR_-UUjAM/s320/IMGP0525.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I have arrived! First visiting the Pacific Northwest more than 15 years ago, I knew then I wanted to live here - and have been on a quest ever since to move back. Having finally made the transition, I wanted to start a blog to relay impressions from having "Gone Native" in the city I've been dreaming about for so long.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So here it is! I hope others will freely rip off the Gone Native - Your City blog idea and start giving the lowdown on all the great cities of the world - whichever happens to be your passion.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>For the moment, it seems as if my B.S. life - Before Seattle - never really existed...or existed in some far off other lifetime (like bad relationships). Having spent the past two and a half weeks getting settled into an old farmhouse I rented on three acres just a stone's throw from downtown (or at least it seems so from where I came from - Houston), I can barely recall my life before being here.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>First impression - there are thousand shades of grey here - and every one of them is beautiful.</div><div> </div><div>Pic - view of the sunrise from my back porch.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Gone Native - Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213230926317178035noreply@blogger.com1