Happy Holidays!

We made the trek over to Leavenworth this year for the annual Christmas Lighting 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!

Happy Holidays everyone - we hope to see many of you in 2010!

Underworld

For Halloween this year, we took the Underworld version of Seattle's Underground Tour. 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.

Hanging On

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.

The Bughouse

Is it just me, or does the old Northern State Hospital 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 Jefferson Davis in Houston). Working title The Bughouse. I'll keep you posted.

Coast to Coast

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!

Had dinner in Little Italy at a delicious spot called Il Cortile, where the food was fine but the people watching was even better!

Catch Con 2009

Spent the afternoon yesterday with the captains and production crew from Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch series at the first Catch Con 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.

Be sure to catch the Deadliest Catch - Season 5 - every Tuesday on Discovery!

Signs of Spring

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!

Drift Away

Took our first trip to the Coast - Westport and Grayland to be precise - to hunt for elusive sand dollars in the annual Glass Float Roundup. 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 Half Moon Bay Bar & Grill for some tasty calamari and clam chowder, along with world famous Bloody Marys!

Red Wine and Chocolate

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! http://www.winomagazine.com/blog2/?p=821

Falling in Love

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 http://www.salishlodge.com/ - definitely worth a stay if you're in the area.

Happy 2009!

Spent a lovely evening out on the Sound watching the Space Needle fireworks display, courtesy of Argosy Cruises. http://www.argosycruises.com/themecruises/default.cfm#NYE

Some video of the show - thanks to Northwest Cable News:

http://www.nwcn.com/video/featured-index.html?nvid=317818&shu=1

Hope everyone has a wonderful New Year and an uplifting 2009!