Westward Ho ~

 Earlier than I'd planned my winter trip, I moved my reservation up a few weeks.  Bike shopping again, we'd found the model I wanted, in Seattle.  

My "ride" at Epley ~

It was another of a string of gorgeous days in the Midwest!  Butch & I had an early dinner before the drive to Eppley.  The airport was the busiest we'd ever seen it, with holiday travelers leaving for home.  I asked the attendants at the door - they had twenty seats left!  Though I'm much better flying than I used to be, I don't enjoy flying at night.  It was a bumpy flight too, with turbulence most of the way.

Seattle Waterfront - Great Wheel & Ferries on the sound~

It was a relief to see the familiar lights of Seattle.  I recognized the Great Wheel & reminisced about the first time we'd enjoyed the ride with Grandson Ben.  

Sea Tac was busy, it was just a short wait for my bag.  Son-in-law David was waiting in the cell phone lot.  It's always wonderful to see him & know the family is waiting for us!

  Sat. morning Courtney & I made the drive to the Green Lake area Seattle.  Our destination was Gregg's Cycle.  

Westbound on the Evergreen Point floating bridge~

Courtney is a total expert when it comes to getting somewhere from anywhere!  She circumnavigates the worst of traffic & can mauver into a small parking space better than anyone besides her dad.

A bike in a box~

I have yet to actually see this bike.  It's been completely built.  The handlebars rotate 90 degrees & pedals fold up too, making it much easier to box than standard bikes.  Alaska has been accommodating, only asking that anything protruding be bubble wrapped.

Loaded into the Armada~

We always try to plan our excursions to include a fun spot or two.  University Village was on our way home. :-)

Ravenna Gardens

This area was the first place Butch & I found employment when we arrived in Seattle.  Butch flew in a hot air balloon to arrive as Santa!  I took the Santa photos as his elf!  In those days, (1981) it was an open-air mall.  Mall management had to buy more candy canes, since Butch handed them out to every child who came by!  He was the youngest Santa they'd ever hired, but said he was by far the best!  His "HO, HO, HO" could be heard far & wide!

A busy place!

Lunch was at Elemental Wood Fired Pizza where we both enjoyed one of the best wedge salads ever!  The days are so short now, especially here!  By the time we left for home, it was almost dark.  I checked & sunset here is currently forty minutes earlier than at home in Glenwood. 

We measured the box; Butch measured the Explorer & the good news?  The box will fit!  My husband said I might as well buy a couple more, since there's room for three boxes! I think he was kidding?!

A Glimpse of Spring!

Washington State style!  I used to meet my friend Petra every January at Molback's for lunch.  It gave us time to catch up on our holidays & enjoy the spring like environment. Coming from Iowa, where I search to find anything green, it was a visual feast!

Inside Molbacks~

It was girls night.  Courtney, Cassidy & I were going to a movie, Molback's happened to be across the way.  Cassidy limited our time there - she knows us well - but we still managed to walk through our favorite areas.

Lighting too~

Always full of fresh ideas with a plethora of unique items for either the garden or home.

African Violets~

The displays were simple, yet eye catching.  The violets on the old whitewashed spool looked so old fashioned.

Lemon Cypress

These were one of my favorite little trees for pots of color in Washington.  The lime green color is so refreshing & the smaller ones were the perfect size to center in large flower pots.  I would surround them with bulbs, or small flowers.

Cassidy looking at the air ferns~

I've tried air ferns a few times over the years, but never successfully for very long.  I envy those who have mastered the trick.  We finished up our shopping with a few new items.  I asked about a plant that I'd admired in Courtney's kitchen window.  They had one & only one!  Now, the question would be whether I would be allowed to take it on the plane.

On the 16th, we spent a day at the hospital.  Mason had several tests & the spacing between them would take the day.  We had enough time in the afternoon to go for Pizza & across the way was Ravenna Gardens.  Courtney & I had visited once, years ago.  Their incredible displays & outdoor fountain drew us in.

Rock creations~

Leave it to the greater Seattle area to bring in some of the most unique items in garden design.  The Hellebore's below were so beautiful!  I had a bed of them in our woods, my favorite was the hard to find - yellow variety.  I had to wonder if they were blooming yet...

Hellebore/Christmas Rose

We went back inside to see the last few displays.

Pottery & candles~

The green glass lamp shades were so pretty & perfect for an outdoor seating area.  I love clay pots & saw several that I wished I could bring home with me.

Another display of the Lemon Cypress~

We always get so many ideas from these unique shops!  We both were ready to go home & do some planting - yet had to remind ourselves that it is - after all - still January...

"Henry"

My little plant had quite an trip!  I met two flight attendants on the escalator, both introduced themselves & admired my little plant!  One asked where I was going & when I said;  "Omaha" she laughed & said I would be on her plane!  After the long lines at TSA, I honestly didn't think I would make the flight, but she assured me I would. 

I was one of the last to load & was stopped at the door of the plane.  (My first thought was;  "Oh NO!  They're going to confiscate my plant!")  The crew had just answered the phone as I walked up.  I overheard;  "Yes, she's just boarding now."  I was instructed to find my seat - that a safe spot would be found for my plant!  Relief!  Soon, one of the attendants was at my row, asking the gentleman in the center seat if he would mind moving to the isle seat?  The plane was only half full & he was happy to oblige.  She then looked at me & said;  "Your little plant can have it's own seat!"

By now, half the plane was laughing & it became the topic of the flight.  When we were offered water, even "Henry" got a small drink.  We had him safely in his seat belt!  As I departed, the crew reminded me to cover my little plant - as temperatures were sub-freezing.  :-)

Now, I have to wonder...  Will Henry accrue air miles?