PLEASE PASS THE RICK STEVES' COOL-AID

In conversation, I mention Rick Steves about every 3rd sentence.  I don't make any moves or decisions that aren't sanctioned by Rick. All of my purchases, my tours, my backpack and my toiletries kit are Rick approved. It may sound like I'm in a cult. It may sound like I can't make decisions for myself.  It may sound like I need to see a mental health specialist. It may be true. The staff in the Rick Steves store in Edmonds now know me by name.  I show up about once a week...okay, now I'm exaggerating. But really. I DO realize that I sound like a groupie but don't worry I'm still the same old me.

Rick Steves says....I should pack up my stuff and walk around with it to make sure I can carry it comfortably. And that's exactly what I've done. My backpack is about as tall as a roll of paper towels, about as wide as a 9 x 12 envelope and about as long as a kitchen towel. I put the backpack on and walked 2.5 miles. It weighs 18.5 pounds will all of my stuff for 7 weeks on the road. Not bad. Rick would approve.

UP IN THE AIR - ABOVE SEATTLE

My friend Leigh took me on a seaplane tour of the Seattle area last week. Rather, Seattle Seaplanes flew me but Leigh planned it as a gift. We had this great pilot who was really funny and a bit goofy. The view from above was georgous. Here is our basic route (see below). The weather was good and the water was amazingly blue.  I didn't realize that some of the water along the shore and beaches was so clear: you can see right through the water to the bottom far off-shore. It's really not very expensive at all. If you ever get the opportunity - TAKE IT.  Check out the "Up in the Air" picture page.

PICTURES - UP IN THE AIR

SUMMER DAY IN DOWNTOWN SEATTLE

I had a blast on Friday downtown with my friend Fiorenza.  We checked out the band "Dusty 45's" at the free summer concert on the Harbor Steps.  The music as great and mostly original songs, people danced, children danced and although I wasn't able to get a picture of it the very last song included the lead singer standing on top of the large Bass, with his trumpet on fire AND he was playing it while it was aflame.  Pretty Cool.

Then we headed down to Pier 66 to see the Russian Ship: Palladan.  Apparently it's a training ship for the Russian sailors. Which explains why they all looked about 17 years old.  The Crowley tug pulled one of the barges into port.

It was a great day downtown. It's easy to forget how pretty Seattle can be in summer. I hope this was a good reminder.

TRIP PLANNING - one of my usual work duties but this time it's for ME!

I happily report that my trip planning is well underway and very close to being complete.

Departure date is Sunday, September 18 to London and return from Rome on Thursday, Novemeber 3 (7 weeks in Europe). 

GREAT BRITIAN

• London
• Bath
• Cotswolds
• York
• Edinburgh: there's a marathon in Inverness so I can't get accommodations in the north at all, so I'll stay in Edinburgh and do some day trips.
• Isle of Skye
• Scottish Highlands
• Fly from Edinburgh to Paris

FRANCE

• Paris
• Avignon in the Provence area
• French Riviera
• Antibes
• Nice

ITALY

• Milan
• Lake Como
• Venice
• Florence/Pisa
• Chinqua Terre ( a bit of back tracking but well worth it)
• Rome
• Then home to Seattle. 

WEEK 8 - SUMMER OF LORI

FUN SUMMER ACTIVITES

Hey, when was the last time you went to the Zoo?  I went to the WoodlandPark Zoo a week ago or so with my pal, Tamora.  We saw and heard many wonderous things including Tapir (never heard of that animal before), Hippos that needed to keep cool in the pond, cool birds saved from death (a near blind Hawk and a lame but still flying Paraquin Falcon.

The Anacortes Arts & Crafts fair is well worth the drive, believe me. If the food booths don't have enough of a selection for you check out the restaurants, grills and bakeries right along the path of the fair.  This iron worker makes birds and other flying things of all types.  Check out this Dragon.

Ice Cream, Ice Cream, we all scream for Ice Cream.  I've had more than my share of ice cream this summer.  But don't despair, I've balanced that out with at least 2 walks of 5 or more miles per week. That specifically includes walks with hills.  Gotta get in shape for Europe: a lot of walking.

WEEK 6 - SUMMER OF LORI

SUMMER PLANS THAT SEEM EASIER THAN THEY REALLY ARE

Jennie B and I decided to go out on Greenlake on one of those peddle-boats. It was my idea and I was full of summer excitement and a bit naive really. I thought that we would peddle out to the middle of the lake, no problem, and spend several hours just drifting and eating lunch. Boy, was I wrong. WAY wrong. Those boats are hard as heck to peddle. Especially when the wind is blowing directly in your path and creates a current that works against you. As I complained, whined and whimpered in pain, Jennie patiently and free of pain and exhaustion peddled and tried to distract me by telling me funny stories. I lasted exactly 42 minutes with about 8 "breaks" from peddling.  So much for my big ideas! However, it was fun anyway and we spent the rest of the day sitting in the sun, eating a picnic lunch and people watching.  All in all, it was a fun Seattle summer day.

THE SURPRISE OF BEING ORGANIZED

So, remember that I told you about those 3 paintings and how the pre-made frame size had been discontinued about 1 year ago?  Well, during a big clean up of my closets I found the frames, exactly the size I need, that I purchased a little over 1 year ago. Now, this project is finally completed.

EUROPE HERE I COME!

Well, I bought my ticket for a 7 week trip through Europe. I leave on September 18 and return early November.  My meeting with a Rick Steves travel planner was well worth the $50. They really helped me iron out a few details and pre-purchase rail passes, etc.

With the generous gift from CRAB I shopped at Rick Steves' store and purchased a few guide books, a cool travel bag, a new toiletry bag and a few other things.