Happy Halloween

And a Happy Birthday to my special girl.  OK, this doesn't look anything like you because you were much cuter, and I would never have put you IN a pumpkin, but it seemed appropriate.  Rotten luck that you're sick on your Bday, but we'll celebrate the Apfel girls' birthdays this weekend.  Love you.

Seattle Sunset and Vote Yes on Measure A

Kathy picked us up and took us out to Golden Gardens beach in Ballard where we had a nice walk on the beach, a beautiful sunset and a peak at the Olympic mountains.  We had a good red wine (disguised in an aluminum container, good bread with a salad Kathy made from the previous night's salmon and lots of salad.  I love picnics.  Afterwards we went to a cupcake place and had hot drinks and shared a Tiramisu cupcake.  We went to see 50/50 at the Majestic theatre in Ballard.  Kathy works for a Neurology clinic, so it was a particularly good movie for me to see with a neuro nurse on one side and a family practice doc on the other.  They both agreed it was a "cute cancer movie".  Of course, there were many inaccuracies, especially at the end, and the doctors and nurses were depicted as unfeeling and insensitive, but it was a good pick, nonetheless.

This chilly, but sunny morning I'm sitting in the new and beautiful Seattle public library.  It is modern and stunning with free wifi in the whole building.  The 2nd floor has a 'living room' with a small coffee kiosk and comfortable chairs and desks.  It is a haven for the homeless and we certainly saw many on our walks around this city, as everywhere.  You can see the Living Room in the first photo, but in the second one, look at that carpeting.  I love it.

And while I'm mentioning libraries, please please, all you Mendocino county residents, vote yes on Measure A to increase the sales tax by 1/8¢.  If we don't get this money, the Willits library will close and Ukiah and Ft. Bragg will cut even more hours.  We all need the libraries, so be sure to vote early and often, or at least make sure all your friends and family get their votes in.

Seattle

We were so glad we found a flight out of Santa Rosa, which saves us at least 1-1/2 hours.  Unfortunately, our flight on Saturday was delayed by 4 hours.  But a nice lunch and glass of wine helped to pass the time.  Mark is at a conference, but I have the run of the city, so to speak.  Actually walk of the city - good for the calf muscles, with all the hills here. 

Yesterday was Aquarium day for me, as well as Pike Place Market.  I can't resist markets and this is well known as one of the best.  The display of seafood is so incredible.  I only wish we had that kind of selection available to us in California.  But Seattle is an even bigger water city than San Francisco.  It seems one can hardly go a few blocks without water coming into view, either the bay or the lake.  We even had a tiny glimpse of Mt. Rainier yesterday, floating above the clouds.  Although the day started overcast, it turned into a beautiful day.  On Saturday night, we ate at a friend's brother's restaurant, St. Cloud's in the Madrona area of the city.  It was a good choice with great food.

Sunday, after my day at the aquarium and market and Mark's day at the conference we met relatives Josh and Jen and had a tour of their new home.  It's a great house built in the late 40's with a nice view of the lake, a large backyard, and a perfect place to raise a family.  We went with them to SeaStar restaurant in Bellevue, and had delicious oysters on the half shell, scallops (one of my favs) and halibut.  I could definitely eat seafood most of the week, and it would be weeks before I tired of it. 
Alas, not possible for us at home.

Can you guess what these are?

Earlier today Mark had a break and we walked to the market and watched those fishmongers throw fish around. They love to play up to the tourists.   Now we are soon off for a picnic on the beach to watch the sunset, then to a movie with Kathy, Josh's Mom, who utilizes all that this area has to offer and is a great tour guide and suggester of Things To Do.  She and I had a lovely breakfast together followed by a long walk along the lake and it was another gorgeous day after a little rain, just to remind you, you are in Seattle after all.  Later.....

And more tomatoes

With several big storms predicted starting Monday and continuing for several days, it was time to get all the ripe tomatoes off the vines.  I couldn't even carry all of them and had to resort to the garden cart to get them all here.  Rosie helped by keeping a sharp eye on me.  Later I'll take some photos of the processed tomatoes.  I have my work cut out for me.  Luckily I have several books on CD to listen to.