Dinner at Palisade

Owen's parents gave us a buy one - get one coupon to use at a list of fantastic Seattle restaurants. We decided on Palisade, and so I took Owen out on a date.

We got dressed up and took funny pictures


We dined next to a starfish

We both got seafood stuffed with other seafood (Stuffed Scallops and Stuffed Tiger Prawns). I almost got the live Maine lobster. I was glad I didn't when I saw them pull a live lobster out of the saltwater pool right next to our table. The table next to us had ordered the lobster. It was like watching the circle of life at Palisade. One minute that lobster was enjoying his life in the saltwater ... the next he was served up with sherry just a few feet from his home.

The food was delicious - we finished off dinner with the creme brulee sampler. It was great date.

Unexpected Ice Skating

I heard a car screeeeech out of my street as I was scraping the truck off this morning. So I thought, take note, it's a little slick. I finally got the windshield clear enough to see, and started on my way. Fine pulling out. Then I went to get into the left lane. One second I was looking over my shoulder at the left lane the next I was flying down Admiral sideways toward the sidewalk! Sorta awkward, but I righted myself quickly. I'm not good at a lot my staying calm in winter driving is a skill I possess.

Basically the truck, while looking tough, is possibly the worst vehicle in icy conditions. The back just floats around seeming to pull the tiny cab wherever it wants to go. The roads were absolutely glistening with black ice. As I started up the hill to get on the West Seattle bridge I started to chant encouragement at the truck. Knowing if I stopped midway it would be hard to regain any sort of momentum. Unfortunately right where I needed to merge, at the peak of the hill, a huge truck followed by a line of cars was going just a little faster then my little white death trap truck. I tried to sped up a smidge, started to slip. I was almost about to get ahead of the truck when he sped up to cut me off. Knowing I couldn't stop, I just blared my horn over and over until I merged in. What else could I do?

Seattle winters are confusing, it doesn't really make sense to get winter tires. But there are a few mornings when I wish I had the studded snow tires that make any car invincible. Growing up, my dad would always put the studded snow tires on the minivan, and now he puts them on whichever car is the oldest junk-bucket. Once he puts the tires on, he says for the rest of the season that the car "can climb trees". What I wouldn't have given for that truck to have tree climbing power this morning.

Running in the Clouds

In any other state that title would be me trying to be whimsical. But in Washington, you really can run in the clouds. They will roll over hills and down the streets with you. You can run in and out of them. One moment it's a bright clear day, the next you can barely see 40 feet ahead of you.

sailboat at the end of the world

Pictures don't do this view justice. That little sailboat stood there on the enormous blue water, staring down the wall of fog and mountains. It seemed tiny and courageous.

drying out

A rare glimpse of January sun brought all the birds out.

hide and seek birds

I happened to look down at the rocky shore long enough to see a little rock move. I looked closer. It was a bird. Then I noticed there were lots of these little rock birds. Amazing how an animal can be so perfectly designed for its habitat.


through the clouds

Sickness In Seattle

I am surrounded by coughs and sniffling. Last week the coughs didn't sound that threatening. This week they are thick coughs... the kind that make me want to wear a mask or live in a bubble. I don't want the cough!! Keep the cough to yourself!
Seattle is slipping into a heavy cold season. I suspect Owen might be fighting the flu. His cough has been joined by a headache and exhaustion. This winter you can see if the flu is hitting your state by checking Google Flu Trends. The map was green (indicating minimal flu activity) now it's moving toward the oranges and reds of flu season.
(And if you have a cough, please don't bring it to work.)

It is Thursday Going On Friday...

...Baby it's time to link.

I always wonder how the creatives live. You know the artists, actresses, musicians... the people that don't sit in cubicles then trudge home to heat up leftovers and watch sitcoms.
This is why I love The Selby. It's the best way to spy on artists (and other interesting people), and get really fun inspiration for home decor. (Apparently Taxidermy is big ... who knew?)
The Manhattan lofts are my favorites to "tour". Jealousy. Recently they toured Michael Stipe's apartment. I love that he collects the state quarters.