Today is my last day in Seattle. I have been here for a week with my mother-in-law visiting her son and his family. My sister-in-law Julie is the saint who has been our tireless tour guide. You can see her in the picture collage above delighted by her friend’s dalia garden. This friend offered us a bouquet of dalias, big, beautiful, and colorful to go with her gift of crabs. Each meal we have had here has included fresh vegetables and seafood.
On Sunday after an intimate service at St. Mark’s cathedral, Julie and Greg took me paddle boarding. I mentioned that I had never done this before. “You must try it!” So there I am standing on a windy lake paddling. I really didn’t do half bad. Julie, who rows for sport, paddled far out in the lake. I stayed closer in, but I decided that was OK. I’ll just enjoy being here in this breeze on this clear lake listening to the joyful sounds of fun. I’m not sure if I will get a board for the bayou (as friends on Facebook suggested), but I was happy I did it.
You can see my 5 image story of our trip to Bainbridge Island here. Today we are going to another island. This vacation has been a perfect combination of walks in parks with mountain views, shopping at Pike Place Market, food from the garden and from the sea, and adventure. My only regret is that my husband and children are not with me. I miss them.
The weather has been only perfect with clear skies and daily mountain views. Mt. Rainier is visible, but I cannot get it to show up in pictures. The white snow blends with the sky and clouds.
I didn’t mention my own private attic room. Greg and Julie renovated a century old home and finished the attic. I have to climb narrow Italian stairs, but once I am up here, I can see the sky and rooftops, the mountains and lake beyond. I have enjoyed this inspiring writing space.
Awesome, am so loving following your trip.
What a lovely trip, and what a thoughtful piece about it. It sounds like you have had the best time – days to remember for sure!
I have so enjoyed your stories and photos from the Northwest. Makes me homesick for the years I lived in Portland.
I adore being in Seattle but I’ve only been a tourist, never stayed in someone’s home before. What a gorgeous time you’ve had, Margaret. We just did paddle boarding last week on the ocean-awesome! And aren’t dahlias just the loveliest blooms, so structured! Thanks for sharing all!
I have a friend who lives just outside of Portland. Your pictures have made me miss the beauty of the area. Thank you for sharing them. I think I see a West Coast trip in my future.
It seems like an amazing trip! Seattle is somewhere I’ve always dreamed of visiting!! Paddle boarding?!?! That’s awesome!! Thanks for sharing the trip with us…I feel like I’m along for the ride!
How lucky for you to be here during such fabulous weather! Enjoy the remaining time.
Margaret, your trip is vividly illustrated in photos and in words. I enjoyed reading your post and felt as though I was there (I have never traveled to the Pacific Northwest). Thanks for sharing and perhaps one of these photos will become a summer serenity spot or will it be one from life on the Teche?