This week Brad and Jessica came and stayed with us for a few nights. Brad had a recording session in La Connor, which if I understand the geography correctly, is about 30 min. from here, on the way to Deception Pass, where we've previously camped. Jessica took the Amtrak up from Seattle, which she mentioned is a wonderful and pleasant trip. Apparently the Cascade line has a bistro car and an in-house movie. I believe the film they showed on Jessica's trip was "Maid of Honor," starring none other than McDreamy himself.
During their stay we played a lot of board games-specifically Mexican Train. If you own a set of dominoes, learn this game. It's addicting. We made a couple trips out to the commercial district on the North side of town to buy jeans, which--by the way, Brad--fit very nicely. T worked all day Thursday, so Jessica and I went to the scooter store, where I oggled the Stellas they have there. We also stopped in at a coffee bar called "The Rustic." It's a decent little place that seats about fifteen people. Upon entering, you can tell someone had a complete idea for the interior design from the get-go. Usually coffee shops are a smattering of odd and often slightly-ironic bric-a-brac and furniture that reflects the personality of the owner. I should know. But the Rustic--though a little corporate-feeling for my tastes--is very refined and artlessly chic. They had a fine selection of books and frankly, I'm always happy to see coffee periodicals in coffee shops, especially "Barista" magazine and "Fresh Cup." And actually, before I forget to mention, the latte I ordered wasn't too bad. Served a bit hot, no artwork, but the blend was decent. Better than a number of drinks I've had elsewhere.
It's blackberry season here. And when I say that, I mean there are blackberry bushes on the side of nearly every single street in town. Literally. Jessica and I picked a container full of them while walking home from a mid-day lunch with T. We used them to make a sauce for some bread pudding. Actually, it's amusing that the grocery stores charge something like $3 a pint for locally grown blackberries, when a person could walk to the end of their street and pick a pint themselves in a couple of minutes. T and I are planning on walking down a few of the trails tomorrow and collecting a pound or so. We have a freezer, so we'll have plenty to make jam for all you Minnesota/Wisconsin folks.
Today we're getting a taste of winter weather. It's a tad on the chilly side and raining.
During their stay we played a lot of board games-specifically Mexican Train. If you own a set of dominoes, learn this game. It's addicting. We made a couple trips out to the commercial district on the North side of town to buy jeans, which--by the way, Brad--fit very nicely. T worked all day Thursday, so Jessica and I went to the scooter store, where I oggled the Stellas they have there. We also stopped in at a coffee bar called "The Rustic." It's a decent little place that seats about fifteen people. Upon entering, you can tell someone had a complete idea for the interior design from the get-go. Usually coffee shops are a smattering of odd and often slightly-ironic bric-a-brac and furniture that reflects the personality of the owner. I should know. But the Rustic--though a little corporate-feeling for my tastes--is very refined and artlessly chic. They had a fine selection of books and frankly, I'm always happy to see coffee periodicals in coffee shops, especially "Barista" magazine and "Fresh Cup." And actually, before I forget to mention, the latte I ordered wasn't too bad. Served a bit hot, no artwork, but the blend was decent. Better than a number of drinks I've had elsewhere.
It's blackberry season here. And when I say that, I mean there are blackberry bushes on the side of nearly every single street in town. Literally. Jessica and I picked a container full of them while walking home from a mid-day lunch with T. We used them to make a sauce for some bread pudding. Actually, it's amusing that the grocery stores charge something like $3 a pint for locally grown blackberries, when a person could walk to the end of their street and pick a pint themselves in a couple of minutes. T and I are planning on walking down a few of the trails tomorrow and collecting a pound or so. We have a freezer, so we'll have plenty to make jam for all you Minnesota/Wisconsin folks.
Today we're getting a taste of winter weather. It's a tad on the chilly side and raining.
glad to here that you are continuing with your Mexican Train. BT proud!
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