Joe, Chris, Lenzi, and I went on a cruise out of Seattle to Victoria and Nanaimo, BC. We had a great time and lovely weather. We even ran into honeymooners Zach & Jen (friends of Chris) in a Starbucks in Victoria - that was quite the surprise!
Views from Seattle:

Victoria, BC:Wow! Empress Hotel:Nanaimo Chicken?Decanting Wine:Last evening - Thanks Joe!

Pay It Forward

I was at Southcenter's Starbucks today in line to order a Grande Pumpkin Spice Latte. A young teenager was in front of me asking how much a strawberry something cost - she was told $3.30 without tax; then she asked about something else - $3.00. I could see that she only had $3.00. I reached into my purse and gave her a dollar, saying that I knew she really wanted the strawberry thing - that I don't routinely do this, but someday she could repay the favor to someone else. She was very grateful.

When I ordered my drink, the 2 gals behind the counter, said "Oh, it's on Starbucks today. When we see random acts of kindness, it's on the house".

Wow, now isn't this a heartwarming story? I actually was a little embarrassed; yet I felt good.

Keeping in Touch

My friend Christine is now in France. We get to see and hear each other via Windows Live Messenger.

Chantrelle Mushrooms

Lucille's 85th Birthday

Birthday Girl & Gavin

Happy Birthday!

with Great Grandsons

Twin Granddaughters

Hawk looking in on party

Endorsing InSpa

I had a manicure 10 days ago at InSpa and it's still great! No polish chipping nor pealing and I have been using my hands quite a lot for cleaning, dishes, etc. I had the middle priced $30 manicure. I've had manicures at lots of different places, including Gene Juarez, but none have measured up to the resilience of InSpa. I seldom complain about pedicures, so can hardly wait to try InSpa for my toes.

Reminiscing…

After spending time with family on such a fun momentous occasion yesterday, it got me thinking about my mom and grandmother and Betty Crocker. I spent some time with my Uncle and Grandma the summer prior to junior high; and as I recall we made blueberry muffins together. At home we had a large blueberry bush and it was my job to pick them; I made lots of blueberry muffins. I took them into work today; and they were quickly devoured. I can hardly wait to create loving memories with my forthcoming grandson.

Here's the recipe.

Cousin Sharon's Surprise 50th Birthday Party

We celebrated my cousin's 50th birthday at Seward Park today. If you've never been to Seward Park, I highly recommend it. This truly was a surprise to Sharon. Sharon's kids and mother threw her a wonderful party.

Click the play button to hear singing (click the stop background music on the right first)

Suprised Sharon, Dan, and Helen

Sharon & Adrienne

Jerry & Leonard
Dan's Family
Bride Angela, Helen, & Sheila

Marilyn & Carol
Birthday Cake
Brother-in-laws/brothers

Sonya & Sharon
Mike's family (missing Lindsey & family)
Sister-in-laws

September 10 on 10
Morning coffee and Blog reading

Wii Fit training

Laundry - literally stacked up!

1st trip to In Spa

Guess where I shopped today

Lunch with Mimi at Cucina Cucina

Sudoko fix

Fresh picked blueberry snack from our blueberry bush

1/2 priced Smoothie at Jack in the Box

Labor Day Weekend Paella Party

Linda, Louie, & Kreslyn

Cindy & Richard

Sunset

Larry & Debbie - Mojito Prep

Joe & Pat Paella Prep

Enrique!

Paella Stuffed Squid

Paella

Paella Party

Whitney entertains

Tequilla Shots

Cute Expectant Couple - Jeff & Jenny