Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome!
Last evening Terry and I went to see Cabaret at the 5th Avenue Theater. It's been a number of years since I've gone to a stage production and I really enjoyed the show. The cast and set were both great. Berlin in the 30's - politics and sex - how can you go wrong? Of course the REAL second act of that particular political drama was panned by the critics and several tens of millions of the walk-ons never walked-off... But that's a different story.
Before the theater, we had supper at the Pink Door in Post Alley near the Pike Place Market. It's a very cool Italian restaurant...Terry suggested the place as did Leah and Chris. Terry said the halibut was the best she's ever had and my NY steak was very good. I also had a bean soup that was very, very good. Unfortunately we had to dash before dessert.
It's cloudy and quite cool again today; but I see blue sky to the west and it is supposed to warm-up markedly in the next couple of days with ample sunshine midweek. I reckon I'll go have a workout and if the sun breaks through will go for a walk of some sort. I may mosey up to Green Lake. I drove by the other day and the park looked quite nice. Lots of power walking babes.
Terry and I are hopeful that Marian will be released from Virginia Mason this week.
Stay tuned...
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Juneau's Day to Gloat
Looks like Juneau wins the weather prize for today - partly cloudy and around 40. It's 36 here ar the moment (windchill of 25) and it's supposed to rain and blow tonight and tomorrow. Snow in the hills.
Not much to report...drank coffee, worked-out, walked around, ate supper. It was wet and cold most of the day. But I did download a few pics from Monday's urban hike - so here they are...
Not much to report...drank coffee, worked-out, walked around, ate supper. It was wet and cold most of the day. But I did download a few pics from Monday's urban hike - so here they are...
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Walking Around
I've been taking it easy. The latest from Virginia Mason is that Marian will be discharged next Monday, March 31st. She was in good spirits yesterday; but not yet ready to come home.
Day before yesterday I took the bus from Ballard over to the University District. Walked around there for an hour or so and took some nice pics of all the cherry trees in bloom on campus. It was a lovely day - although about 10 degrees cooler than average. I walked back to Ballard on the trail that follows the ship canal from Lake Union to the Ballard Locks. Quite fun. Took some pics at Gasworks Park and along the canal.
Yesterday started out nice - I walked down to the Locks in the morning. In the afternoon I took the bus downtown and procured tickets for Cabaret this coming Saturday. I had to wait on 3rd Avenue for a half-hour to catch a bus back and by then it was raining, blowing, and about 45 degrees. BRRRRRRR. I came home and took a hot shower.
I'm sore today from working out...first time I've done any lifting in about a month and it doesn't take long for the muscle tone to go. The gym is quite good however and I'll go punish myself again today.
Day before yesterday I took the bus from Ballard over to the University District. Walked around there for an hour or so and took some nice pics of all the cherry trees in bloom on campus. It was a lovely day - although about 10 degrees cooler than average. I walked back to Ballard on the trail that follows the ship canal from Lake Union to the Ballard Locks. Quite fun. Took some pics at Gasworks Park and along the canal.
Yesterday started out nice - I walked down to the Locks in the morning. In the afternoon I took the bus downtown and procured tickets for Cabaret this coming Saturday. I had to wait on 3rd Avenue for a half-hour to catch a bus back and by then it was raining, blowing, and about 45 degrees. BRRRRRRR. I came home and took a hot shower.
I'm sore today from working out...first time I've done any lifting in about a month and it doesn't take long for the muscle tone to go. The gym is quite good however and I'll go punish myself again today.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Welcome to the Emerald City
A bit of a stressful drive from Portland to Seattle yesterday. There was a big pile-up right in the middle of Tacoma that set-me-back about three-quarters of an hour. And between Milton and downtown Seattle it was raining like a bull pissing on a flat rock (this expression courtesy of Ms. Terry Harrigan who observed the same phenomena in Ballard minutes before I discovered it on my own). I would have pulled over; but was too scared to change lanes so locked-on to the car in front of me and hoped for the best. By the time I got to Ballard the sun was shining. Such is Spring in the Great Northwest.
I'm now ensconced in Hotel Harrigan. Slept like a baby. Terry and I went over to see Marian at Virginia Mason last evening. She is in good spirits, seems to have a reasonable appetite, and not much pain - except when the PT/OT monkeys work her over. We're all hoping and expecting discharge before the week is out.
Right now I'm at Tully's Coffee House on Market Street in Ballard. After a read of the news and a latte I will leg-it back to the apartment and get my gym gear. The Ballard Gym is in the neighborhood and I'll see about weekly or a month pass. Then I'll take the bus to town to begin training as Marian's in-home PT. I don't rightly recall dad's exercises when he had his hip replacements.
The FUN agenda for the next few weeks is in development. Cabaret is playing at the 5th Avenue and Terry appears amenable to a night at the theater. Also, opening day for the M's is right around the corner and MAYBE the gals and their pals could come-up from Portland for a game. And there is a Roman artifacts exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum which both Terry and I would like to see.
As usual, my main entertainment will be walking around taking pictures. This activity - or at least the enjoyment of it - is highly weather dependent. So I will play it by ear. It's actually quite nice this morning; but there are supposed to be showers in the vicinity later today.
Ah, yes, one last little amusing anecdote from Portland
BLONDS AND MAPS
A couple of days ago I was having my morning coffee at an establishment on Broadway and two attractive 30-something blonds came into view. One of them was carrying a map. They stood on the corner and both of them studied the map intently. It was clearly a Portland walking-map. The map was rotated 90 degrees in one direction - and then the other. They methodically faced north, then west, then south, then east like a pair of towheaded radio antennae.
Then they crossed the street to the opposite corner and repeated the process in every detail. A brief consulation ensued; and then they lit-out down Broadway toward the hotel.
I finished my coffee and started back to my room. And along come the blonds at full-tilt headed back in the opposite direction - engaged in heated debate. Apparently the initial bearings had proved faulty and they were headed back to ground zero to recalibrate.
I offer no sociological or biological explanation for this odd behaviour and leave it to the reader to draw his or her own conclusions.
More later...
I'm now ensconced in Hotel Harrigan. Slept like a baby. Terry and I went over to see Marian at Virginia Mason last evening. She is in good spirits, seems to have a reasonable appetite, and not much pain - except when the PT/OT monkeys work her over. We're all hoping and expecting discharge before the week is out.
Right now I'm at Tully's Coffee House on Market Street in Ballard. After a read of the news and a latte I will leg-it back to the apartment and get my gym gear. The Ballard Gym is in the neighborhood and I'll see about weekly or a month pass. Then I'll take the bus to town to begin training as Marian's in-home PT. I don't rightly recall dad's exercises when he had his hip replacements.
The FUN agenda for the next few weeks is in development. Cabaret is playing at the 5th Avenue and Terry appears amenable to a night at the theater. Also, opening day for the M's is right around the corner and MAYBE the gals and their pals could come-up from Portland for a game. And there is a Roman artifacts exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum which both Terry and I would like to see.
As usual, my main entertainment will be walking around taking pictures. This activity - or at least the enjoyment of it - is highly weather dependent. So I will play it by ear. It's actually quite nice this morning; but there are supposed to be showers in the vicinity later today.
Ah, yes, one last little amusing anecdote from Portland
BLONDS AND MAPS
A couple of days ago I was having my morning coffee at an establishment on Broadway and two attractive 30-something blonds came into view. One of them was carrying a map. They stood on the corner and both of them studied the map intently. It was clearly a Portland walking-map. The map was rotated 90 degrees in one direction - and then the other. They methodically faced north, then west, then south, then east like a pair of towheaded radio antennae.
Then they crossed the street to the opposite corner and repeated the process in every detail. A brief consulation ensued; and then they lit-out down Broadway toward the hotel.
I finished my coffee and started back to my room. And along come the blonds at full-tilt headed back in the opposite direction - engaged in heated debate. Apparently the initial bearings had proved faulty and they were headed back to ground zero to recalibrate.
I offer no sociological or biological explanation for this odd behaviour and leave it to the reader to draw his or her own conclusions.
More later...
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Hangin' with the Gals
The Portland food fest continues. The gals and their guys and I went to Paley's Place last night and had a wonderful supper and fabulous time. For appetizers we consumed fresh oysters, escargot, and steak tartare; Leah and I had an outstanding pumpkin and squash soup; various salads appeared and disappeared; entrees included lamb stew, halibut, and pasta; and I believe we managed to vanquish 5 out of 8 desserts on offer. Martinis, champagne cocktails, a good Bordeaux, and various liqueurs aided in digestion. A fine evening indeed.
This morning Leah and Amanda came to the hotel around 10 AM and we immediately set-sail for Nordstrom's. The gals appeared to be shopping-deprived; but I believe they made up some lost ground today. After Nordy's we assaulted Macey's and had enough energy left-over for sorties to The Gap and several other establishments in the Pioneer Mall. It was quite fun.
The sun is shining today and Portland is in high spirits.
Yesterday I walked for a couple of hours on the riverfront and took a few pics of the Cherry Trees in bloom. Tonight I plan to take it easy. Maybe a glass of wine or two in the lobby bar and then room service.
Tomorrow is Easter Sunday and I think I'm going to have brunch with the gals and then will head back to Seattle. I spoke to Terry yesterday and she will be expecting me in Ballard between 1 and 2 PM. Her mom is doing well after surgery; but may be in a rehabilitation bed for a few more days.
I will be checking my email less frequently in Seattle. I expect I will go down to the Tully's Coffeehouse on Market Street every morning where they have wi-fi.
Next post: DATELINE BALLARD.
This morning Leah and Amanda came to the hotel around 10 AM and we immediately set-sail for Nordstrom's. The gals appeared to be shopping-deprived; but I believe they made up some lost ground today. After Nordy's we assaulted Macey's and had enough energy left-over for sorties to The Gap and several other establishments in the Pioneer Mall. It was quite fun.
The sun is shining today and Portland is in high spirits.
Yesterday I walked for a couple of hours on the riverfront and took a few pics of the Cherry Trees in bloom. Tonight I plan to take it easy. Maybe a glass of wine or two in the lobby bar and then room service.
Tomorrow is Easter Sunday and I think I'm going to have brunch with the gals and then will head back to Seattle. I spoke to Terry yesterday and she will be expecting me in Ballard between 1 and 2 PM. Her mom is doing well after surgery; but may be in a rehabilitation bed for a few more days.
I will be checking my email less frequently in Seattle. I expect I will go down to the Tully's Coffeehouse on Market Street every morning where they have wi-fi.
Next post: DATELINE BALLARD.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Just Another Great Day - With One Little Exception
I had a pretty quiet day. Went for a walk - I actually have a regular route from the Benson. Worked out for an hour and a half or so.
Tonight I had an excellent supper at Hula Hands in North Portland with Amanda, Leah, and Chris. Everyone seems to be in good spirits and thriving.
I suspected that Barack Obama was going to be staying at the Benson - there have been local cops and Secret Service guys around all day. When I got back to the hotel after supper I went to the lobby bar for a nightcap and fell into great company.
Karen Russell, an attorney from Seattle, and the daughter of NBA great, Bill Russell, was holding court. She is working on the Barack Obama campaign and organizing a breakfast fundraiser for tomorrow. On my other side was an AP photographer, Rick, (whose last name I have already forgotten) and his wife. Rick is stationed in Portland; but has worked the Obama campaign on the road. He has done several stints covering the White House and just got off the campaign trail a couple of weeks ago. My impression is that he is regarded as an AP elder.
And then...in walks Senator Obama. The room was not crowded. The Senator was greeting some of the staff from the hotel. I looked at the AP guy and said "Can I just walk up to him?" He said "Sure." So I did and shook his hand. I told the Senator that I stood for him in my caucus in Juneau, Alaska. He smiled and said "That's why I won Alaska." He seemed totally at ease; but also looked really tired. I'm still amazed by the experience.... I will send him more money tomorrow.
After the Senator disappeared all the guys from the press bus filed in. Several of them were old colleagues of Rick's and came over for a drink. One guy was talking about the Senator's Philadelphia speech...how he was poised at his camera waiting for the candidate's wife to tear-up - and how it was a speech that would go down in history. This guy was really WIRED - think of working the last day of an Alaska legislative session with your priority bill on the line wired. And I suspect that's the way these guys operate for days and weeks and months on end. Couldn't do it myself - at least not anymore.
So...I had a great day...with a most interesting twist.
Senator Obama has a big rally in Portland tomorrow. My daughter Leah got a ticket and is going to attend. I'm feeling proud to be a Democrat these days...
Tonight I had an excellent supper at Hula Hands in North Portland with Amanda, Leah, and Chris. Everyone seems to be in good spirits and thriving.
I suspected that Barack Obama was going to be staying at the Benson - there have been local cops and Secret Service guys around all day. When I got back to the hotel after supper I went to the lobby bar for a nightcap and fell into great company.
Karen Russell, an attorney from Seattle, and the daughter of NBA great, Bill Russell, was holding court. She is working on the Barack Obama campaign and organizing a breakfast fundraiser for tomorrow. On my other side was an AP photographer, Rick, (whose last name I have already forgotten) and his wife. Rick is stationed in Portland; but has worked the Obama campaign on the road. He has done several stints covering the White House and just got off the campaign trail a couple of weeks ago. My impression is that he is regarded as an AP elder.
And then...in walks Senator Obama. The room was not crowded. The Senator was greeting some of the staff from the hotel. I looked at the AP guy and said "Can I just walk up to him?" He said "Sure." So I did and shook his hand. I told the Senator that I stood for him in my caucus in Juneau, Alaska. He smiled and said "That's why I won Alaska." He seemed totally at ease; but also looked really tired. I'm still amazed by the experience.... I will send him more money tomorrow.
After the Senator disappeared all the guys from the press bus filed in. Several of them were old colleagues of Rick's and came over for a drink. One guy was talking about the Senator's Philadelphia speech...how he was poised at his camera waiting for the candidate's wife to tear-up - and how it was a speech that would go down in history. This guy was really WIRED - think of working the last day of an Alaska legislative session with your priority bill on the line wired. And I suspect that's the way these guys operate for days and weeks and months on end. Couldn't do it myself - at least not anymore.
So...I had a great day...with a most interesting twist.
Senator Obama has a big rally in Portland tomorrow. My daughter Leah got a ticket and is going to attend. I'm feeling proud to be a Democrat these days...
Portland Food Fest
Ah, back in the City of Roses. I like this place and the Benson Hotel is beginning to feel like home away from home.
I got in about 5 PM on Tuesday...a long day that began with a 5 AM wake-up call at the flea-bag hotel I was staying at in Phoenix. But Alaska Airlines delivered me to Seattle on time and flying first class does make a difference as far as minimizing fatigue and general post-911 travel stress. It appears that I did lose my aerosol suntan lotion to the TSA functionaries however. They left me a nasty note. The drive from Seattle to Portand was nice - even had a little sun.
I hooked-up with Art and Sher Snowden for supper on Tuesday evening at a GREAT restaurant called the Bluehour located in the Pearl District. Art brought a bottle of Silver Oak Cabernet to the party. I had a seafood bisque that was wonderful as a first course and a very tasty New York steak with a delightful red wine based sauce. And Baked Alaska Lemon Tartlet for dessert.
I slept in until almost 9 AM yesterday, walked around town for a couple of hours, had a workout and then met Jane up by her office at 4 PM. We went to her place and walked to the Rhodedendron Garden in her neighborhood. It's still a little early for most rhodies, but the garden was still beautiful. There are natural springs in the area and they are all linked together in a series of streams and lakes. And there's a very attractive 18-hole golf course that I would like to try out... The lakes are inhabited by a fair sized population of geese and ducks - all of whom are seriously on the mooch. These are not bashful birds.
Jim Larson came over to Jane's around 6:30 PM and we went to a very good Greek/Mediterranean place in Sellwood. The appetizer menu was extensive and we had several that were great. For an entree I had leg of lamb with a very well seasoned tomato based sauce served over pasta. Yummy.
Then I got to ride around with Jane and John for a bit as we tracked-down their daughter Morgan over by Lloyd Center. Morgan had been out with friends for Thai food and was hanging-out in what is, to John's and Jane's way of thinking, an undesirable neighborhood. Morgan was unrepentant. John and Jane were NOT amused although I confess I was. The first thing that tickled me was that she was out for Thai food - a cuisine the existence of which I was unaware at her age.
John, Jane, and Morgan are off to Puerto Vallarta tomorrow for a week in the sun.
I think I did make progress in convincing Jim to come to Juneau in July with his daughters. Oh yeah, and it's possible that I MAY have volunteered Dougie to do his BBQ thing and Eric to house the Larson clan. I have agreed to serve as the Juneau Event Coordinator.
I'm waiting to hear from Leah and Amanda today regarding tonight's gastronomical expedition.
Life is good.
I got in about 5 PM on Tuesday...a long day that began with a 5 AM wake-up call at the flea-bag hotel I was staying at in Phoenix. But Alaska Airlines delivered me to Seattle on time and flying first class does make a difference as far as minimizing fatigue and general post-911 travel stress. It appears that I did lose my aerosol suntan lotion to the TSA functionaries however. They left me a nasty note. The drive from Seattle to Portand was nice - even had a little sun.
I hooked-up with Art and Sher Snowden for supper on Tuesday evening at a GREAT restaurant called the Bluehour located in the Pearl District. Art brought a bottle of Silver Oak Cabernet to the party. I had a seafood bisque that was wonderful as a first course and a very tasty New York steak with a delightful red wine based sauce. And Baked Alaska Lemon Tartlet for dessert.
I slept in until almost 9 AM yesterday, walked around town for a couple of hours, had a workout and then met Jane up by her office at 4 PM. We went to her place and walked to the Rhodedendron Garden in her neighborhood. It's still a little early for most rhodies, but the garden was still beautiful. There are natural springs in the area and they are all linked together in a series of streams and lakes. And there's a very attractive 18-hole golf course that I would like to try out... The lakes are inhabited by a fair sized population of geese and ducks - all of whom are seriously on the mooch. These are not bashful birds.
Jim Larson came over to Jane's around 6:30 PM and we went to a very good Greek/Mediterranean place in Sellwood. The appetizer menu was extensive and we had several that were great. For an entree I had leg of lamb with a very well seasoned tomato based sauce served over pasta. Yummy.
Then I got to ride around with Jane and John for a bit as we tracked-down their daughter Morgan over by Lloyd Center. Morgan had been out with friends for Thai food and was hanging-out in what is, to John's and Jane's way of thinking, an undesirable neighborhood. Morgan was unrepentant. John and Jane were NOT amused although I confess I was. The first thing that tickled me was that she was out for Thai food - a cuisine the existence of which I was unaware at her age.
John, Jane, and Morgan are off to Puerto Vallarta tomorrow for a week in the sun.
I think I did make progress in convincing Jim to come to Juneau in July with his daughters. Oh yeah, and it's possible that I MAY have volunteered Dougie to do his BBQ thing and Eric to house the Larson clan. I have agreed to serve as the Juneau Event Coordinator.
I'm waiting to hear from Leah and Amanda today regarding tonight's gastronomical expedition.
Life is good.
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