The Last Fling of the Summer

With the first day of fall just around the corner, W and I set out on our last big trip of the summer. I had given my darling husband Mariner's tickets for his birthday way back in July, and we decided to make a weekend trip out of it. We had ventured to Seattle back in April to see Morrissey in concert and had so much fun we wanted to return and explore this great city some more.

W and I as we set out on our journey in our trusty little car, Speedy.

W enjoying a sandwich I packed for lunch on the way to Seattle. We didn't know where to stop to eat our picnic, so we took an exit for a state park in Washington. The picnic area turned out to be a little sketchy area by a river under the freeway. We quickly ate our lunch and laughed about how it was something our parents would have done.

The Seattle skyline is impressive.

Saturday night was warm and the sun came out just as it was setting (typical). We walked around the waterfront.

The next morning was cool and drizzly. Nothing a big cup of hot Seattle coffee couldn't overcome.

The flowers at Pike's Market were beyond gorgeous.

We decided to walk to the Stadium from Pike's Market. It looks really far, but it didn't take us very long, and we got to walk through Pioneer Square and some really neat parts of town along the way. We got there in record time.

I had never been to a professional sports facility. Very impressive and expensive.

While at the game I pitched in and caught a ball out in left field.
Ichiro was quite appreciative.

The next morning we tried to catch the monorail over to Seattle Center to go to the Space Needle and a record store the W is in love with. Alas, the elusive monorail was having electrical difficulties, so we decided to scrap the Space Needle and head home to our kitties (who didn't seem to miss us much when we finally did get there). It was a fun trip, but we were happy to get home in the end.

Random Summer Activities

These events happened earlier this summer, but I thought I would share them with you now.
In July (I think), we took a little day trip to the coast.

Here W pondered the glorious power of the ocean and did his best Morrissey pose.

I let my hair down!

I made W try on my hat.

In August we made our annual trip to Ashland with my in-laws. We always look forward to this trip. We get to spend time with W's Mom and Max, and we get to see fabulous plays and eat delish food. This time we took a lengthy walk in Lithia Park and explored some of the walking trails along the creek.

W and my lovely Mom-in-law.

Ain't I cute?

In the park we happened upon two does and their three babies. They seemed quite tame and were only mildly afraid of all the people taking pictures of them.

Celebrate Good Times, Eugene Style

The Eugene Celebration has come and gone again this year and I forgot to bring my camera...Alas, it was much fun.


W and I headed out Friday night to catch a band called the Brunettes. They were a cute band of Kiwis (from New Zealand) in which the two lead singers were husband and wife. They sang cute songs about love and falling in love. I just know this is W's secret desire for us--too bad I can't sing...or am from New Zealand...

On Saturday I took in the Parade with several of our friends who have kids. It was so much more fun to watch the crazy floats and people from the innocent eyes of one-, four-, and seven-year-olds. The parade is always fun.

On Saturday night W and I hit downtown again and had dinner at Steelhead (with our dear friend Becky) and then drinks at our favorite new watering hole, Davis'. At the bar we met an Irish fellow who was traveling through the US in a van and just happened to break down in Eugene during the Celebration. We have a hilarious story involving a completely drunk middle age couple accosting the Irish fellow and asking him to "say something in Irish." It really needs to be told in person, so next time you see us, ask us about it...

On Sunday, we grabbed some lunch and took in the community and craft booths and watched the beginning of the pet parade. The pet parade is mostly dogs, but there was a rat and a handful of birds to represent other species. No cats. I think that goes without saying.




All in all it was a great celebration. Until next year, when I promise I will take pictures.