Tuesday, September 09, 2014

Rest & Recovery

The last week and a half of our vacation was spent in serious R and R.  Sue, Houston and I spent a few days at my brother and sister in law's place in Palo Alto. Jim and Pam were the perfect hosts, supplying wine, food and merriment. Thanks guys! It's just what my poor, tired knees needed. My niece, Audrey, was about to launch for college in Ohio, so I was glad I got to see her before the left.

Their adorable new puppy, Higgins, entertained us.

Since I hadn't had a project in 3 weeks, I was eager to get something going. Their table and chairs needed attention, so I got right to it.

Just a little orbital sanding, some staining and lots of waxing brought new life to this antique.

They trusted me to find some colorful fabric and I found the perfect one. Sue was a great help, taking the seats off and while I stapled the fabric on, she cleaned the chairs and screwed the finished seats back on.

Finished project! Ta da! I even made a table runner and I think it took me as long to sew that as it did to do the entire table and chairs! I am not much of a sewer. 

Houston had to attend a conference in San Francisco while Sue and I scooted up to West Seattle where Seal and Mike had rented a place right on the water and had graciously invited us to spend a few days with them.

 I call this their 'infinity' patio because it went right to the water.

We had the most beautiful sunsets. This charming lighthouse is right next door.

And on the other side are spectacular views of Mt. Ranier.

There was a constant stream of paddle boarders going by. This particular guy had his golden retriever on the board too!

I sat on this patio and knit and drank wine A LOT!

We chose the perfect day to go sea kayaking, calm and sunny.


Walking around the neighborhood we came across these little libraries where you can just take a book or leave a book. What a great idea! We have this sort of thing at our local Barnesville post office and that's how I get most of my reading material.

Alki Beach has many cute cottages. I was smitten with this deep purple one with the lilac and lavender accents.

One of Seal and Mike's favorite dining spots, The Calcutta Grill, is located on top of a hill overlooking downtown Seattle.

A bagpiper comes to serenade the sun as it lowers on the horizon.

Sue and I took the ferry over to downtown Seattle one day and walked around the city.

 I liked this view of the space needle. 

We were going to visit the Chihuly museum but ran out of time.

Pike's Market was overflowing with flowers. Bouquets are only $5 or $10!

Fresh veggies too.

View from inside Pike's Market

We spotted this cool project people are working on. They've made casts of a large hemlock tree and have millions of tiny pieces of cedar wood that they glue around the cast. When done, the cast is removed so only the 'skeleton' remains.


Thanks Seal for such a fun, relaxing time at your sweet spot in Seattle!


A perfect ending to a wonderful trip!

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