Happy 4th of July!

Well I'm back at it again! (No, not THAT...goodness, no- I quit that years ago!)

I'm back to the blog, is all I meant.
After a 2 year hiatus I've decided it's the appropriate time to get the gears turning again on this travel blog. Especially, since I'll be roaming the streets again soon.

First up: New York! July 28th-August 4th...
Then: Colorado! August- December for the MillerCoors Wellness Center internship.


Even sooner in the news...it's my birthday! Well, not quite. But- almost!
10 More Days!

Independance Day in Texas! Yee-Haw!

Howdy ya'll!
I'm in Texas, and have been since the 28th.
I am staying with my cousins, and it has been really fun here so far.

I've tagged along with Aimee to her nannying gig a few days.
We've been to the mall, on a picnic, to IKEA...

Today Emily is going to teach me to crochet!
We've been on a few walks, lounged in the hammock,
and avoided her request to pierce my nose.

This evening's agenda includes fireworks, go figure.
You can't celebrate the 4th without 'em.

Final Hours in Seattle

On my last day we visited
SAM!
Yes, folks, another acronym.

Seattle Art Museum.

Their special feature was the
Impressionist Exhibit.

We saw lots of Monet.
But, it was not free.

After returning to the apartment Leslie tempted
me with offers of kayaking and other Seattle activities.

But, of course, I chose the hooping.


Back to the apartment once again...
...then to dinner
...then to B&O Espresso.

For my going away party!!!

The VIP list included:
Leslie, Becki, Bob, Nana,
Poppop, Caitie, and Myself.

A super-sweet send off!

From up above I bid Washington adieu.

Seattle: Day 13

As we boarded the bus, our friendly bus driver greeted us with,

"You're tourists, right?"
Our cover had been blown.

Well, a good portion of the day was spent shopping
downtown near Pike's Place Market.

Once we all ran out of juice,
Nana, Poppop, & I hopped on the bus,
and went over to Voxx coffee.
Conveniently located below Leslie's apartment.

Leslie got in from work and we all devised a plan for the evening.
We went to the art museum located
on University of WA's campus.
The Great Pyramids of UW.
My favorite piece in the gallery.It's actually around 10-12 feet tall!

Each of these glass parts were hand blown by the artist.
Comparing the sculpture to the galaxy.
The blueprints. Inspired by the vast universe.

Afterwards, we went out for dinner at Duke's.
I ordered the seafood chop chop.
A delightful melody of lettuce, shrimp, scallops, and cashews.
Drizzled with a tangy lemon vinaigrette.

I should be writing these menus.

We left Duke's with the idea of a free lenny scoop in mind.
In Fremont there is a Lennon statue.
It is for sale. Asking price: $250,000.

The gelato place located directly behind this statue
offers a free mini "lenny" scoop with every scoop purchased.
That's no cherry on top.
That's a lenny scoop!

You might think the day ended here.
However, the night was young and so am I.

I brought scrabble over to Caitie's a little bit after 10.
Mrs. Handron said that once we finished the game
she would walk with us to bring me back
OR
I could stay the night for a sleepover.

A sleepover? When was the last time that occurred?!

Caitie and I unanimously nodded in concurrence .
I placed a call to Leslie, who gave consent,
only after speaking with Mrs. Handron to make sure this wasn't
some self devised plan between Caitie and I.

I came back to the apartment to get some jammies
and returned to the dock to play a game of monopoly.

As it grew later and later
my monopoly gusto faded and
my banking skills were sub-par.

Time for bed.

Seattle: Day 12

This morning I went to ProFormance Rehab

and shadowed a PT for a little while.

After I left the clinic I took the s.l.u.t. to lunch.

That's the south lake union trolley, mind you.
Destination: Whole Foods

I spent a few hours there and then went back to the apartment.
Leslie picked me up and we headed to the Sea-Tac airport
to pick up the newly arrived Nana & Poppop.

We all went back to the apartment again and
then to dinner at Casa de Italia where Caitie works.

Stopped by a few grocery stores on the way in.
Trader Joes! (Please, come to Florida!)

Once again, back at the apartment.

Caitie got off of work a bit earlier than expected.
We met up and played a non-competitive game of Scrabble.

Goodnight Seattle.
I, myself, am not sleepless.

Seattle: Day 11

Another lazy day today.
Went by the flower lady's shop.
Then to the post office and Louisa's.

Leslie and I went to the Duck Dodge tonight.
A sailing race out on Lake Union.
I scored an invite since she's friends with Captain Ralph.

I may not have contributed much to the group's efforts.
But, I was a strong addition to the morale : P

Leslie on foredeck.

Moi on starboard.

Silhouettes

The other Duck Dodgers.

Now there's something to dodge!

All aboard the Matinee.

Aurora bridge.

With a hearty crew of 11,
Barth was asked to remain in the cabin.

Seattle: Day 10

With hoop in tow,

Caitie and I met up and went to Gasworks Park.

"The Hoop Industry."
Lounging in the lush grass of Emerald City.

Leslie and I went to Whole Foods for lunch.
I love a good grocery store!

Then we left to run errands.
She spotted a great American message:
Soon it'll be cheaper to smoke too.

Then we found a car wash.
Now it's time to get squeaky clean.

Old-school/ drive-through style.

Houston, we're ready for take off.

We went for a hike at Discovery Park with Katherine.
Oh my, a tepee!

This seems to be a reoccurring theme here.

Are those flowers leopard print?!

They are!

Here's something else we spotted that was just too cute.

A word to the wise.