Seattle More Than Exceeded My Expectations.... Part Two

If you missed Part One click here. You can also read imom's posts about it here and here.



So, after we left Pike Place Market, we had a bit of driving confusion fun trying to find our way (through all the detours) to the entrance of the ferry we were taking to AG's father's and stepmom's house on the other side of the *pond*. I had never been on a ferry before (I'd seen them a trillion times in movies but it just isn't the same as being there), so scratch another item off the Bucket List. It was so cool, not to mention chilly. We parked the car on the ferry then headed upstairs to see the rest of the ferry and take pictures of the scenery.



Once we arrived on the other side, we went back down to the car, drove off when it was our turn, and continued on to Diane's Dad's home in the woods, on the beach. It. Was. Awesome.



He and his wife were truly two of the most interesting people I've ever met. They do have names but they go as Oma and Opa and I just adored them both, as well as their big cat Skipper (or just Skip).  Opa is a man who has done it all and harbors so much knowledge that it boggles the my mind.

All of them were total sweethearts and Opa fixed us T-Bone steaks for dinner, we made some broiled (amazing colors) cauliflower we'd bought at Pike Place, some fresh home grown green beans from their garden, and we had a lovely wine to go with. No one was left wanting at the end of the meal.






Opa is a Master Gardener and their entire property is chock full of lovely deliciousness and beauty. He is also a major hunter and keeps most of his exquisite trophies downstairs on  the bottom floor, where the pool table is. The house has 3 floors and we slept on the third floor. Oma and I stayed up until after midnight, talking. She is Austrian and truly a joy to visit with. It was all I could do to force myself to bed.

The next morning upon rising, Oma and Opa made us the loveliest Breakfast Feast on their scenic patio, ever! We had sausage, bacon, pancakes (made from 100+ year old sourdough), fruit, and Mimosas. Since they had guests coming the next day, we scooted out of there, but not without regret. I could have let them adopt me and I'd have stayed there forever!

We drove back to Tammy's and Diane's part of Seattle over a floating bridge, which was pretty amazing. We went right past the  stadiums where the Mariners and the Seahawks play, which was also pretty cool. Seattle does love its teams and they are LOYAL, something Texans might want to get back to. 

After a quick trip by AG's house to meet The Brute Squad and K-3 (they actually all liked me!), we agreed to meet up later for dinner, at a place near to Diane. Luckily, Diane brought K-3 with her, who is so adorable and sweet. As it turned out, the restaurant (called The Barnacle) had Oyster Shooters. Being the great oyster fan that I am, I ordered two and forgot to ask the size. They were HUGE. Like gigante cajones. I thought they would come back up my throat, but luckily they stayed down so I was able to enjoy my lovely shrimp dinner that came next.

The next day was Sunday and Diane's health wasn't up to par so we had to do brunch without her, but we really missed her! We ended up going to a place called Salty's (which has the best Sunday brunch, best service, and best Mimosas ever), located on Alki Beach of Puget Sound. It was fabulous and so fun!  I experienced one of the most eye-popping buffet brunches, ever. I'm pretty certain that I consumed at least 4 plates of food. Yikes!

Tammy's husband *Handy Man* and *Drill Daughter* came with us and we all ate ourselves sick. I tried to concentrate on King Crab legs, but my attention kept getting diverted to other delicacies. We were there for at least an hour and yes, I frequented the dripping tower of chocolate and fruit. Yum. I think we needed to stay for two hours.

After we finished with brunch (it was a gorgeous cool day) we all walked for like 45 minutes, on Alkai Beach, which is lovely and provides an awesome view of downtown Seattle and the Space Needle across Puget Sound. 





All of the beach houses, bungalows, and cottages made for a very scenic area. I loved it and found several places for sale that I could be happy living in, LOL! In. My. Next. Life.
 


Later, we went to a local (smaller than Pike Place) Farmer's Market and it was just as grand as PP, only a much smaller scale. However, we did actually see one of the famous Seattle Food Trucks. This outfit pulls a magnificent copper and brass oven behind their truck, where their delicious pizzas were made. I tried to get a picture of this incredible pizza but it was just selling too fast.





Sunday night we were all pooped so we just ate leftovers (which were awesome) along with more fresh broiled cauliflower w/ Parmesan, olive oil, and breadcrumbs. It was perfect.



 

Since everyone had to get back to their normal lives the following day, we all retired early. And me? I retired content in knowing that I had made such wonderful new friends who had shown me Seattle through their native Seattle eyes. It was a perfect trip.....

Sweet Seattle.... And More Bucket List Items Eliminated.... Part One

Being that last week was such a crazy week, I'm only just now able to tell you about my wonderful trip to Seattle, Washington. On my trip, I was able to scratch a few more items off my Bucket List. Be sure to see the bigger pictures by clicking on the small pictures!


Both AG and iMom picked me up at the airport when I arrived, which was just plain fun. They had already discussed that I'd probably bring my entire wardrobe (which I did, almost), so they were both giggling while we wrangled my suitcase into the trunk. Yes, I'm that predictable. 


Anyway, Tammy was keeping me at her house, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I felt so comfortable and at home in her abode. I also adore her entire family and I got to hear Star Wars Son and his band, practice and it was amazing. Then on Sunday, we were able to coax Dancing Daughter to have brunch with us, which was a major treat, as she's a lovely young lady. Besides, she was fun to be with! I love kids young people that can actually sit and converse with adults instead of spending the entire time texting or talking on their phone. But, I'm getting ahead of myself here.


I honestly fell in love with Seattle from the moment I saw it from above,  inside the airplane. It was supposed to have been the great West Coast Blog Fest but because (I think) Tammy had undergone emergency gall bladder surgery the week before, which would leave her in a certain amount of pain, everyone else canceled. When I tried to cancel, Tammy and Diane both said "No, we can handle one fest guest!". So, there I was in Seattle with two of my favorite ~ ever ~ bloggers. I really had no idea of what they had in store for me, but I soon found out, delighting in all the lovely things Seattle has to offer. I can't imagine living in such a wonderful climate all year around. It seems I've always lived somewhere with nothing but extreme weather. You know. Like extreme hot or extreme cold.


Furthermore, I hit the Weather Jackpot while I was there... It never rained even once and I was able to see Mount Ranier the day I arrived. Did you know that it's a *floating mountain*? Okay, not really, but I swear it looks as if it's floating all alone in the air. Its beauty is simply overwhelming. Too bad I didn't get a picture. and I have no clue as to why. I'm an idiot in some ways.


Since I've been a West Texas Gal for the last 36 years and have always wanted to see the Pacific Northwest, I did a huge amount of gawking, oohing, and aahing. Seriously, I've never seen such enormous trees in all my life. Everything, everywhere, is clean, green, and breathtakingly gorgeous.  Strike another item from the list.


Seattle is someplace I could live, for sure, although I'm fairly confident that I never will, due to family. I'm so glad that I was able to entertain Diane and Tammy with my accent and my awe although I didn't think I had an accent - unless I decide to pour it on, but evidently I do. ;-)


We ran by Tammy's house and dropped my suitcase off then headed for Diane and Tammy's favorite Pub for a light snack and it was all wonderful. Of course, we were talking so much that I forgot to take pictures (Duh!) Apparently, I was preoccupied with eating and drinking my Stella Artois beer, thank you! Afterward, we took a bit of a car tour of their surrounding area and again, I was gawking like I'd never seen a tree or a large body of water in my entire life. I suppose I really should get out and travel more.



Tammy later prepared a scrumptious salmon dinner for us, which we ate outside on the patio and it was totally delicious. After visiting a while longer, we all retired early since we had a big day planned on Friday. I'd been up since 4:00 AM so I was ready to drift off to dreamland. I. Slept. Like. A. Log.



On Friday, we got up and took off for the Pike Place Market which is THE BEST Farmer's (or Open) Market I've ever had the pleasure of seeing. Believe me, if they don't have what you want, then you probably don't need it. 




I was able to score a fabulous and very colorful Pepper Ristra, some goodies for Mr. Snooty, some incredible dried pastas, a new (gorgeous) black top, and a new purse for me (which I totally did not need, but I was craving it). I also got to see mozzarella cheese being made at Quality Cheese, which was just really cool, and got to see the fish mongers yelling and throwing fish, which cracked me up. If you've never seen the fish mongers, it's really a hoot to watch. 


I could have stayed forever at Pike Place Market but succumbed to Diane's and Tammy's urging me to leave. We had places to go and people to see!

Since this seems long enough for today, I'll call this Part One. I'll finish with Part Two in a few days.

To Be Continued.....