He's Coming!

THE grandson is coming for a visit with his mom (Mr. Dragon's daughter), and dad. We are excited. It is always a delight to see and visit with all of them. We usually travel to Seattle, but this year they are coming here. His mom has had some medical problems and she's seeing a few doctors here. We get to visit, entertain, run, play, laugh and enjoy. I bet we sleep well every night, too!

I wanted to let you know as it will probably be a little quiet around Twisty Lane while HIMSELF is here. I'm also doing what Mr. Dragon calls my *visiting lecturer* gig on Tuesday (the same day HIMSELF arrives). I'll be talking with docents at the museum about the new Arts of India Gallery ... for two hours or until my voice gives out ... whichever comes first!

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In other big news, Mr. Dragon broke 100 for the first time since returning to golf. This important event took place on Saturday. He's been smiling a lot, but I still have asked that all golfing equipment be removed from the dining room table.

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It has been sad around here since Rocky's passing, but a special aromatherapy has helped. Perhaps it is one of Snap's Rules: When you are sad, make soup! First I made my favorite (it's so quick and easy) , then the chowder again and lastly a split pea soup that was just too close to perfect for words. I promise to share the recipe when I have a moment or two. (Shame on me for teasing.)

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Lastly, we picked up Rocky's ashes from our veterinarian. He assured us, once again, that there was nothing we could have done. For some reason, it was more important for Rocky to be on the other side than with us, but, oh, how it still hurts and how we miss the little guy ... all of us ... Mr. Dragon, Moi, Riley and Teddy.

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So, until next week ... JOY!

Seattle, Part 3 With Lessons From the Grandson

This year we took the free bus into China Town and the International Center. Forgot that it was Monday and the Wing Luke Museum was closed. We did drop into Uwajimaya and I found some wonderful papers that I hope to use in collage. I have to say that Houston's Hong Kong City Market makes Uwajimaya look small.

Dragon In China Town

There are lots of lighthouses along the coast. This is the one at Alki Point.

Downtown Seattle and Pier 66 from our hotel room

Looks like Seattle and Houston have something in common -- building. Cranes everywhere.

This is one of my favorite pictures -- Seattle and Mt. Ranier from the Queen Anne District.

Double Rainbow

We were just back from Bainbridge Island, relaxing in our hotel room on Saturday afternoon watching the Mariners baseball game, when the announcer mentioned a rainbow over the field. We dashed out to the balcony and found a double rainbow. It was beautiful. I can't tell you how long it had been since we'd seen a rainbow, let alone a double one (squint to the right). One of nature's many miracles.

From the moment we checked into the hotel, there was solitary gull sitting not far from our balcony door. We didn't think much of it. We thought he/she was hanging around looking for a handout, just like the gulls in Galveston. The day after we saw the rainbow another one of Mother Nature's miracles appeared ... baby gulls. First, we saw one and then two and finally, the day before we left the smaller third baby (didn't get a picture of all three). We were delighted and had a great time watching this little family.

Babe

Finally, if you don't have a youngster in your life -- get one! If everyone could see the world through the eyes of a child, we'd be a much better planet. Here are a few of the lessons we were reminded of by THE grandson:

• Greet each day with a smile
• Live each day to the fullest
• Learn something new each day
• Don't be afraid to try something new
• Read
  
• Play
• Cranky? Take a nap.
• Eat when you are HUNGRY
• There may be a wonder right around the corner. Look for it.
  
• Hug
  
• Be sure your loved ones (friends, family, pets) know you are grateful for them. Don't be afraid to love.
  

Seattle, Part 2

Seattle has a wonderful new sculpture garden called the Olympic Sculpture Park. It opened last year. We walked the park last year and didn't get a chance to visit again this year. We did drive by several times and this is one of my favorite sculptures. You can visit the park by going to the Seattle Art Museum web site.


This is the view from in front of the Seattle Asian Art Museum. I love this picture taken of the space needle through this large sculpture. The Asian Art Museum is in Volunteer Park and was the original art museum building.


This is the front of the Seattle Asian Art Museum and if you squint you can see me walking down the stairs just left of center. This was our first stop during this trip. Family members played in the park while I "worked". I try to check out museums and their Asian Art collections for the Asian curatorial staff I work with. SAAM had a Korean contemporary art exhibition and some other Asian contemporary art that I was especially interested in. Now, I just have to write up my notes!


We stay at a hotel on the Seattle waterfront and this picture of the sailboat and ferry was taken from our room. We try to be good family guests and keep everyone on their regular schedules as much as possible. We also think everyone needs "personal" time. While THE grandson naps, we get the "adult" play in. By the end of the stay, we are napping when THE grandson naps.


We watched the cruise ships dock and reload Friday, Saturday and Sunday -- a total of 9 each weekend. Amazing to watch the people unload and then new passengers come aboard. We watched the trucks pull up to deliver all the food and various goods that the new cruise will need. It looked like a well choreographed dance -- trucks, people -- full flats of goods going on, empty flats coming off. The Argosy is a small ship that gives harbor, jazz and lock cruises. Both ships are on their way out of port.

This is one of THE grandson's favorite things to do -- take the ferry over to Bainbridge Island. This is a picture from the ferry on the return trip to Seattle.

I still have a few more pictures to share. Look for Seattle, Part 3!

Seattle

We've just returned from our annual visit with family and THE grandson in Seattle. I have lots of pictures to share. Seattle is a wonderful place to visit -- easy walking city (once you climb the hills) and cool (great break from the high summer temperatures in Houston). Before I share the trip, a big thank you to those of you who have dropped by and left comments or sent emails. I hope you'll continue to visit and keep up with the Tales from Twisty Lane.

I love Pike Place Market. They are celebrating their 101st birthday this year. The Dahlias were beautiful. I have a brown thumb when I try growing them here. I did get them to come up this year (put them in pots) and got one bloom.

Seattle Aquarium

We spent a morning at the Seattle Aquarium. Our little man knew exactly what he wanted to see and was off and running the minute we were in the door.

Fremont Troll

The Fremont Troll gives new meaning to mixed-media! This large, fearsome troll devours an actual Volkswagen underneath the Aurora Bridge. It weighs 2 tons and sports one good eye made of a hubcap. The Troll is a must stop for tour groups. We were lucky to get this picture without people climbing all over him.

Kids can play in the cave, too!

A Big Lion Roar

At The Zoo

This was our first visit to the Woodland Park Zoo with THE grandson. He knew just what he wanted to see and do. He wasn't sure about riding the horse on the carousel and had Gramps move to a seat that didn't go up and down.

We ate in kid friendly restaurants: Buca Di Beppo (a national chain), the Coastal Kitchen on Capitol Hill (always busy no matter time of day and serves breakfast all day). We did get a few adult meals in. The kids took us to Salty's on Alki Beach for Dick's official retirement dinner. Great view of the Seattle skyline from Salty's and good food. A visit to Seattle means wild salmon and halibut. Yum! Dick and I had dinner at Ivar's (halibut) our first night in Seattle and a nice lunch one afternoon at Maximilien In The Market (more salmon).

I have more pictures and will post more tomorrow. I'm still catching up on laundry, mail -- all those little things that pile up while we were away having fun!