Sunset Reflections

What an evening it was! All stopped for Brian and I as the sun started to set. This glorious setting below began to unfold. It was the entertainment for the night!

I have entered this photo in the Weather Channel's Photo Contest. I would certainly appreciate your votes!! Here is the link to vote:  http://bit.ly/1TDNG3l (just copy and paste).
Unfortunately, I don't think this link works via a phone (though worth trying if that is your only option) and you need to have a Facebook account to vote. Thank you for your support!! Voting is possible through August 14th 2015.

Thank you for respecting copyright laws. © Carol Lloyd 2015 all rights reserved worldwide.

Shades of the Past

I've loved architecture for a long time now, so I enjoy combining it with photography. Sometimes I then do additional editing or manipulation of the photo. This is a shot I took of an old theater in the historic downtown of Fort Myers. A retro look 'they' wisely decided to keep! This building is no longer a theater but they kept the marquee, thankfully. The theater was originally named after Thomas Edison who had his winter home here. I did 'edit' a bit - the graphic on the building I did and then digitally added it to the photo. :)

This post, with a little more information, I also posted on Tsu. I find this social network to be a great place for me to show some travel photos, shots around my garden, posted recipes; and I've have learned gardening tips, enjoyed banter with others and been inspired in my photography. If you are interested in joining the community, you need an invitation. Here is mine: https://www.tsu.co/TimeForCoffee 
This link can be used to take you to the page to join and is the "referrer short code." Please feel free to ask any questions by commenting. 

Thank you for respecting copyright laws. © Carol Lloyd 2015 all rights reserved worldwide.

Coming of Age

The process is beautiful. Nothing good and beautiful happens in an instance. We are happy to watch the flower unfold. So too, we are in process, enjoy the unveiling and adventure of it all!

Sorry to have been absent for so long. I have been in process! :) I have found a great avenue of expression and interaction on Tsu. It's a wonderful community and I find there an inspiring interchange among original content creators - writers, photographers, artists, and gardeners to name a few.  There are other area of interest on Tsu,  as well, but that's what I gravitate towards. (The above is an example of one of my post on Tsu.) I don't know if that kind of connection with others sounds appealing to anyone. If it does, you need an invitation to join. Here is my invitation code for you to use.

https://www.tsu.co/TimeForCoffee 

I will continue to post here periodically, although I hope to see you there, too!

Still Drinking!

I've been quiet lately but I'm still drinking! I love my espresso without a doubt (not a brewed coffee lover). I will write more again about alligator sightings in our backyard lake and the community search, for example. But for today some insightful (?) words for us coffee drinkers of all types. :-) Which one are you?

     • Espresso: Instant gratification, a quick hit, "the most grown-up of all coffee options," cynicism, sarcasm, even an aggressive cool hunter. Disdains healthy lifestyles, is moody, and sets high standards, aiming for the leadership position with little time for gossip.

     • Black coffee: No-frills, minimalist, cool adult, prefers one-on-one contact, competitive, quiet and moody, although capable of occasional bouts of extroversion.

     • Latte: Watering down danger with milk and foam, prefers safety, wants to be liked, cutesy but conceivably stubborn inside, avoid direct confrontation and delegates the dirty work, a loyal family person, enjoys comfortable surroundings and gabbing with trusted friends. Sex is more snuggly than extreme.

     • Cappuccino: Optimistic extrovert who appreciates style and nice stuff, although not unduly acquisitive. Prefers to start things rather than see them through with all that dull detail work.

     • Instant coffee: No frills, straightforward, cheery but in no hurry to get things done, which might come across as shallow. Highs and lows come easily; not so adventurous in career or sex, but ponders both.

     • Decaf soymilk: More of an eco-worrier rather than an eco-warrior. For those who aren't allergic to cow's milk, the choice may indicate a faux fussiness with a touch of sincere narcissism.

     • Starbucks Frappuccino (and presumably other frothy whips): It's all about the foam and the froth. Trendchaser more than a trendsetter and, ouch, characterized as a flighty poseur with no sense of irony.

     • Non-coffee drinker: The authors reserve the unkindest cut of all for someone who rejects the black brew as being frightened of life and a child (an insult followed by a perhaps conciliatory section on "What Your Tea Says About You").

I fall into the Latte category. As good as my coffee grinder is I still prefer my coffee with milk, not a lot but some. As far as the description goes, I guess I agree for the most part! Did you agree with yours?!
It's good to say hello again as I have my cup in hand. As I've mentioned before if the writing declines for a bit, it is because I'm processing. More to come. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

I got this analysis from an article by Vera H-C Chan on Yahoo. You can go to the article here.

What Happens in Vegas...

...stays in Vegas. Is that true?
Well, yes and no! If a wedding ring suddenly is being worn after the trip, people are bound to have some clue about what happened!! :-)

Yes, Brian and I recently returned from the destination wedding of our daughter! Of course it was a wonderful time and a beautiful wedding. She did excellent planning and it all seemed to go off without a hitch. She only got nervous those last few minutes before walking down the aisle. During the ceremony, the smallest of "missteps" was when Brian's cell phone went off! Oops! To give him a break, he was out of the room with the Bride when we were all reminded to turn phones off.
On a side, personal note, I wondered about the potential awkwardness with Brian's ex-in-laws attending. Of course they would be there, that's a given. But this would be the first time I'd have any significant interaction with them. I had no reason to be concerned. I didn't feel any tension; they were easy to talk to and all seemed fine. I think everyone appreciated that (me, not the least of them!).

I had never been to Vegas before. We arrived 5 days prior to the wedding and stayed 2 days after. Wow! I'm glad we got there early, not only so we could spend a couple of days hanging out with the bridal couple,

but also to get over culture shock! I was not ignorant of the stereotypes of Vegas. Some were well deserved, others not so much. For me, two things stood out and required some adjusting. The sheer number of people was the first! Our trip did occur during spring break season so that accounts for a significant population increase. The great number of options to do, so many buildings and their expansive interiors helped. Because of this, I only felt like a cow being herded when on the streets or exterior walkways. At the end of the day, after so much walking, I felt my irritation rise when someone would just stop in the middle of the sidewalk to check a text or something. With that many people moving en masse it's hard to avoid a crash! More than likely, I was also on the way to my hotel and didn't want my way impeded!! 
Secondly, the Disneyland feel on an even larger scale was surprising - very cool! Each hotel/casino had a different theme and architecture which was modeled after various international destinations. I have to say I was impressed with the money and attention to detail each one put into their buildings.

As a former architect I expected to feel like it was cheesy or just too fakey, but the opposite was true. Maybe I just miss Europe so the reminders were fun, although I liked New York, New York as well.

Anyway, the trip was fun albeit exhausting! I'm glad to have had the experience of Las Vegas and of course I wouldn't have missed the wedding for anything!

Why Did the Turtle Cross the Road?

Why you ask? I asked. But I guess we'll never know. He, the turtle, (nearly) flatly refused to give an interview! At any rate, he didn't talk! As the evidence has confirmed, it's not the smartest activity for a turtle. Nevertheless, I do see this from time to time. Today was the first time in our community that I saw one making it's way toward the middle of a crosswalk. And he wasn't small! His shell was probably 14 inches from side to side.

During the winter and spring, Brian and I walk a 1.75 mile loop within our neighborhood, probably 5 or 6 times a week. We see all manner of birds, although this time included our first turtle rescue. When Brian went to pick him up, he tried to dig in his "heels" or claws but that was difficult to do on the asphalt, so Brian won! Once brought to the side of the road, he headed for the grass. I trust at some point he made it into one of the nearby lakes. You know turtles; I wasn't going to wait around to see. Our lakes are small, and the community has 5 of them. So we've seen turtles swimming, fish jumping and osprey flying off after diving with a fish in its talons. Rather cool!

On this particular circuit through the neighborhood, we also saw a Great Blue Heron, a Great Egret, and a couple of Anhinga. Plus, there were many other smaller birds, in the trees, singing their hearts out! A wonderful way to start the day - after a cup of coffee, of course!!

The Search for a Community

There are all kinds of community. A person might even be a part of a number of communities at one time. This particular activity of searching for a church community has never been my favorite. I'm not a good "shopper" in this regard. It takes so much time, but some group gatherings fit better than others so the effort can be worth it.
We've tried four different groups, two more extensively. We have decided on the church we went to first. I was going to write "we have settled on..." but I want to write about this process in a more positive light! Going back to church has not been high on my priority list. I've been rather disappointed by the last two communities I've gone to. One of those churches I attended for three and a half years. That length of time and other factors made my disappointment quite profound.
Nevertheless, intellectually I have always been convinced of the need and potential blessing of community life. But my emotional response has been clouded by the hurt and subsequent disillusionment which occurred within the confines of this structure. People are people, which includes the possibility of hurt. The blessing and disappointment comes from the same source.
I love God and that has never changed. I also realize the church will never change. The potential for good and bad will always be there.

Today I shall…

…try to remember to be considerate of anyone who has any time been of help to me, even though his later actions might have been hostile.

-Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski
“Growing Each Day, Adar 10" Aish.com

"Then I encountered Rabbi Twerski’s commentary for yesterday and it occurred to me that many of us have been 'throwing stones in the well from which we drank.'"

(The above quote and comment came from a blog I read - Morning Meditations. This particular post is "Throwing Stones.")

I had to realize I'd been throwing stones as well. A lot of good in me came out of attending the church or churches I once did. This is what I need to focus on regarding the past and the future. It's still a struggle as I head off to church each week but it's easier than it once was. Plus, as mentioned, I am convinced of the need for community life for everyone, including me! We need people in our lives because we are made for relationship. I know that life is not full when I delve into my isolationist tendencies. I choose to move forward rather than retreat.

Yoga Tuesdays

Today was a good day despite the awkward and sometimes uncomfortable positions I contorted myself into for yoga. It had been 3 weeks since I attended a session. I was eager to go again but wondered how my body would feel about it tomorrow! Time will tell. :-/ It was difficult today for me but that is all forgotten in the growing twilight and the approaching dawn. (See Next Chapter for reference.)

It was good to chat with the person I carpool with; and when I arrived, there were a couple of other ladies who greeted me and welcomed me back! It put a smile on my face. :-) I'm beginning to be known. No dates were set up for coffee, not even close to that kind of connection, but it's a start.

As we began the session lying on our mats, I had a hard time focusing on my breathing -- "being in the present moment because it is the only moment." Nevertheless, I was very content!

Next Chapter

A new day is dawning. Of course the dawn, or sunrise, does not happen in a moment's time. Twilight comes first with no actual sighting of the sun. I perhaps feel (rather than see) the first signs of twilight. Was it so dark before? No, I wouldn't say dark, instead I'd say nondescript. There's been no depression, grumblings or even mild discontent. I've been happy, even. But I think, at least for me, it takes a surprisingly long time to turn the page - finishing one chapter to then start another.

I'm not sure where this story is headed. Do you always know about your story? Although none of us are in control of life, I refer to the general direction. Just today the last of our house guests left for their respective homes. For a time we had two very different worlds collide. Not in a volatile sense! Different worlds literally, but they were also very different parts of my world, or my story. Now that the house has returned to just Brian and I. I'm somewhat philosophical or contemplative. Unfortunately neither of these worlds are part of my daily life now. My world's geographical point of reference is now Florida. However, my story has not really begun here. This concerns Brian in regard to my health and well-being. We women need our relational outlet with other women.

I have learned over my lifetime that rushing things (or people) doesn't really work. I might feel a sense of urgency to do something, get a task accomplished; but my timing isn't always the best. Oh, I'm not saying that if I push through and do something like order a needed item, book a ticket, etc. there are disastrous results. However, the times that I do "go with the flow" (not overly stress about the to do list and accomplishment) I have found, for example, sometimes the price is better when ordering or the timing of the trip would have conflicted with another event coming up. Not always but sometimes.

Most of all I can't "accomplish" relationships. They take time. I do need to be in situations that allow me to meet people. That being said, I don't want to rush into groups and join this or that. I go to a yoga class once a week, although yoga is not about chit chat! And I've signed up for a small group which lasts 3 months, for the gospel according to Dr. Seuss. We will see. Rome was not built in a day. Nor are heart attachments! Nevertheless, the twilight will progress to an actual dawning because my story continues!

My Approach to the New Year

It's Saturday morning, the first Saturday of the new year. Of course I've already explained my feelings about this time of the week, brilliantly entitled - Saturday Mornings! I've finished my first cup of coffee, read some and reflected a bit. Although I've wanted to write these past few weeks, time and circumstances didn't allow me to sit down and actually accomplish this desire. So, we have some catching up to do!

I hope your holiday season was a good one. Unfortunately, I realize this is not always true for everyone. I'm sorry if that was the case for you. Family dynamics, financial instability, expectations and past echos can wreak havoc on our emotions, particularly during the holidays. Let alone tragedies can happen at any time of year. I'm becoming aware of how I can subtly project my circumstances, reactions and emotions on to others or even groups of people. A small example would be that since I live in Florida now, I can find it difficult to remember that much of the world is experiencing winter. I look out my window... it's sunny and should reach around 80 degrees today.

At any rate, my holidays were probably typical fare. That's not to say I didn't enjoy them! Getting together with family is not only important but fun. (The traveling I could have done without but that's beside the point.) There were a couple of bumps along the road - overwhelmed at times, not feeling well, and miscommunications, but these are part of life. What I loved was spending time with people I see so infrequently.

The new year stretches before us, filled with promise and hopeful expectations. Needless to say, I don't really know what's going to happen, nor am I in control of it! I've not made any grand resolutions. Any goals I have are pretty simple. Two things I would like to see happen (resolutions ?) are: 1) I become more of a reader again. Somehow I've let computers take too much of my time and I want to take some of it back for reading. 2) I'm giving myself a year to get fully settled in the new house. I hate to admit it but we left California (having lived there 3.5 years) without having unpacked a few boxes - ever! So, I'd like to unpack, buy what's needed, paint and decorate. This last goal doesn't seem ambitious to some, perhaps most, but it has been problematic for me in the past.

I don't want a huge agenda hanging over my head. Too many things take place without any plan, whether it be a surprise, spontaneity or just plain out of my control, so I want to be flexible. (For example, it's now Sunday afternoon and I'm finally finishing this post which started yesterday!) I am finding, the simple and very often small choices and activities can bring the greatest joy, impact and/or peace.

Of course, I'm not a type A person, more like a type A-. :-) Therefore many people will not be able to relate with me! That's OK - go for the gusto, A types! We need all kinds of people for this world to function. I'm looking forward to 2013. I hope you are too.

Coffee Grinding at its Best!

The name of my blog is Time for Coffee, as well you know. I have made no secret of the fact that I love coffee. It can be a wonderful comfort, distraction and/or energizer, all in one if need be. I was asked one time what my favorite coffee was. My response was, "Mine!" I realized she meant brand of coffee, but I always felt my espresso machine and I made a mean cup of joe, even though I'd used a few different brands over the years. And, if I do say so myself, I've been complimented numerous times by guests.

Well, I have to confess I didn't know what good was until my husband! ;-) He is good but I was referring to the gift he gave me (Christmas came early). Please remember that Brian hates coffee (though I married him anyway.) Despite his distaste for this delicious ambrosia, he spent hours researching coffee grinders unbeknownst to me. I hadn't complained about my grinder; I've just been thrilled the past month to finally have my espresso machine unpacked and back in use!

Where did he get this idea? I don't know, but I love him even more for it AND my coffee!! OMG! Who knew a grinder could make such a difference?! Sure, I was aware that grinding my coffee fresh for each cup was best. Although I have to admit I usually ground enough coffee for about 3 or 4 cups at a time. After all, I had to fill the grinder to a certain point to run it! I had a system down, a rather crude system but a system nonetheless. I would count off the seconds for the grind, coarseness level, I felt was best for my machine. Needless to say, this produced inconsistent results. In addition, my old grinder has blades which apparently is 'hazardous' to your coffee! They don't really grind the coffee as they are more like a blender, chopping the coffee. Do you want the details? Well, in brief, the blades produce friction and heat, degrading your coffee and the oils left in the grinder can become rancid, mixing in with your coffee. For a more extensive description between the two types of grinders see Gimme! Coffee.

My new grinder is electric but is based on the vintage one pictured here, using conical burrs to actually grind the beans. Now to the results! Can I just say - WOW! As a rule, I take my coffee with a splash of milk. I almost did my usual with the first cup utilizing the new grind. In fact, two drops of milk went in before I thought - Hey, let's really put this to the test. I took a sip of the black brew. Hmmm, this is good. Strong, not bitter and very smooth! Of the four cups I've had since the blessed arrival, only one had milk in it and I think I now prefer my coffee black. I NEVER thought that would happen! The difference is difficult to describe and needs to be experienced.

My life has changed! No, I'm not being dramatic!! I had no idea how vastly different it would be; now there is no going back! I would recommend doing a little research, too. Brian tells me that the high end of these grinders can cost as much as $800! Ridiculous! Trust me, Brian did not pay anywhere near that much. If research is not your bag, or you need the experience first, come on over and enjoy a cup!

Past the Time to be Thankful...or not!

Happy Day after Thanksgiving! I know other people call it Black Friday but to me that name sounds so depressing. How did a big retail sale day get labeled this? (I know it's because these sales put them "in the black" for the year but still...) Brian's comment when I wished him "Happy Day after Thanksgiving!" was "Happy Friday." He is a man who lives in the present! And he is NOT a man to get up early and spend hours in a line or online just to get great deals. So, today is just Friday!

Me, I rather enjoy stretching out holidays. Is it just a good excuse for not getting much accomplished? Perhaps. Today my coffee tastes particularly good, in fact, I'm on my third cup and it's not even three in the afternoon. Although I love coffee, I'm a two cup a day girl, usually around 9am and 4pm. But I have to say that three cups is still not very motivating for productivity, just enjoying the lanai and doing a bit of writing!

I'm a little late (strictly speaking) for any sort of dissertation on the attitude of gratitude. Well, dissertations remind me of school anyway, which is long past. However, it's never too late to be thankful. Thankfully (!) I don't have to think very hard to find a myriad of things for which I'm thankful. Brian tops the list, of course. From the spectacular to the mundane, there are wonderful things and people all around me. Although we are new to the area, we had two invitations for Thanksgiving dinner. We chose to drive 90 miles to be with Brandon, our youngest, and the family he is staying with at the moment. There were 25 people for dinner!! Yikes! And we only really knew Brandon. Yet, dinner was delightful, engaging conversation and delicious food!

I have friends and family in several countries (also giving me a reason to travel and open up my home)! I don't lack for anything I need and actually have many "wants." Brian is an awesome man, let alone a wonderful husband. I am content and very grateful. I hope you all can also find many reasons to smile in your heart!

New Digs!

I've been rather out of touch lately, but I don't need to tell you that! It has been a long stretch between the last post and now. Here are a few words to describe this intervening time:  frustration, nervousness, relief, excitement, fatigue, overwhelmed and perseverance.

It's been an even longer time since I left California to start a life in Florida. For four months, almost to the day, Brian and I were homeless. We traveled across the States and arrived in Fort Myers. We unpacked our two suitcases in the first short-term rental which was a small place, about 800 sf., on a lagoon. Unfortunately the timing of our arrival did not allow for the full enjoyment of our temporary locale because of the heat and humidity. Except for short jaunts out and about, I preferred the comforts of air conditioning!  Nevertheless, we were comfortable in our situation.

As is the nature of short-term, our time ran out at our little home on the lagoon so we packed up and moved a half a mile to another, bigger short-term rental. All the while we were waiting for some word, any word, on an offer we put in on a house - just a week after we first arrived. It was a short sale but still no communication after two months. Since we weren't locked into that house, we kept looking. We perused more homes online and actually viewed about half a dozen.

On one particular mid September day we had scheduled to view a few houses with our Realtor. On the morning of our meeting, Brian, the faithful researcher, noticed a new house on the market. We added that one to the list for viewing. Within minutes of stepping in the door, Brian had fallen in love with this obviously VERY recent foreclosure listing. I, not being one to leap, walked through the whole house analyzing. I have to say the view was hard to beat; plus, the house just suited us! I was sold on it and we put in an offer that day.

It was not all smooth sailing from that point. In fact, that started the frustration and the other facets mentioned in the first paragraph. However, all of those ups and downs are a dim memory now that we've been living in our house almost two weeks! There are still a lot of boxes and projects to do but we have our bed to sleep on, a functioning kitchen and, needless to say, a wonderful place to relax, have a cup of coffee (or iced latte) and soak in the warm weather! And it's bug free - I love these "pool cages." :-)

Now being more settled, I feel a greater ability to actually start life here, get plugged in and begin making connections. It will still take time, as the adventure continues to unfold!

A Blast of the Past

I recently went to a concert. Honestly, I don't remember the last time I went to one, so therefore, I've come to the conclusion it's been a loooong time.

We saw Stevie Nicks, and what a treat!

I never saw Fleetwood Mac or Stevie Nicks (solo) in concert before, even though there was a time when I played the Rumors album to death. So many of the songs she sang were very familiar and took me back to days long past. Those days seem like yesterday, but times have changed. My pre-concert ritual was quite different this go round. Brian and I went out to dinner, enjoyed a lighter meal and one glass of wine. Suffice to say, in earlier days, the preparation for concert enjoyment included altered states. I must note, I don't think I had more fun at any other concert regardless of the manner in which I got ready.

The demographic of the concert goers was also different than I remember but then...I am too! I realize the demographic all depends on the performer, his or her genre and age. Time has steadily marched on from when I used to attend concerts even though part of me is in denial of that fact. But some things haven't changed. I still saw someone being forcibly carried out by security, a woman dancing up front (in red) seeking attention and the beer was flowing. One particular modification I noticed evoked laughter. I remember during classic, softer, ballad type songs the Bic lighters would come out and the arena literally lit up. Well, at this concert, I saw one Bic lighter on display but others just activated their cell phones and held them up. :-) Quite a sight! I did laugh and saw a new way in which technology has made it's mark on us all.

Our time spent listening to Stevie struck me in another way, as well. What talent! Some people might not approve of her background or choices. Of course a lot of people would not condone mine either. Does any of that really matter? Stevie's talent is a gift and should be honored as such. I realize we all have our individual taste in music, art, cuisine, entertainment activities, etc. nevertheless, an appreciation for special talent seems compelling. Let's face it, some people are extremely gifted. No matter the area of life, I'm not one of those people! I'm OK with that and marvel at others who are! I am of the mind, however, to downplay, shun, or even attack someone's ability because of political affiliation, spirituality, or questionable personal choices partially robs us of joy and beauty.

I'm not saying we all have to agree! It's a foregone conclusion that we won't. I just think appreciation and honor should be given when due. An untainted perspective regarding giftings is a challenge, one I'll always be working on. But I don't want to miss inspiring creativity.


Photo from Wikipedia.org (Stevie Nicks)

National Coffee Day!

How can I not post on such an auspicious day!? I am compelled to commemorate National Coffee Day with a succinct love letter captured in a poetic photograph. :-)

I also have a treat for you! I found this amazing recipe for your day's ending or a coffee dessert. The Italian word, affogato, you should all know because of it's inherent heavenly combination - gelato and espresso. Yum! Needless to say, I'm a big fan. This recipe takes a wonderful pairing and adds other elements which will send your eyes rolling back in your head. Enjoy!

The original blog post is from Taking on Magazines One Recipe at a Time. I return to read The Mom Chef's blog not only for the recipes but for her wit and the glimpses into her life.

Affogato with Orange - print this recipe
from Every Day With Rachael Ray Magazine, September 2012

4 tablespoons orange liqueur, such as Grand Marnier
1 pint vanilla ice cream
shaved bittersweet chocolate, for sprinkling
freshly grated nutmeg, for sprinkling
4 teaspoons orange zest
1/2 cup hot espresso

Pour 1 tbsp. liqueur into each of 4 cups. Add 12-cup scoop ice cream to each. Sprinkle with chocolate, nutmeg and orange zest. Spoon 2 tbsp. espresso over ice cream. Serve immediately.

Relationship Minefields

We are onto part two of my online dating experience. Part one you can find at "Dear Jane".

Does any part of life actually progress as you thought it might? In my world it's very rare, if this has ever happened! So, the "normal" dating experience was elusive. All in all, a grand adventure! To read more and learn of the ups and downs please see "Catch of the Day" on Laura's Confessions.

Oh, You Met Online...

Did I ever mention that Brian and I met online? Yes, we are one of those couples.

When someone finds out how we met, typically what happens is an awkward pause in the conversation. However, compelling curiosity usually brings forth a question to get us talking again. Well, you can learn more about my online dating experience on another site! I've been asked to guest blog on Laura's Confessions. I hope you go and check it out! You can come back and tell me what you thought. :)

Old Haunts!

Writing has been on my list to do! With warm affection and relief I received a friend's comment today that she is glad I don't post too often. She can get overwhelmed when her inbox is inundated with update notifications from the blogs she follows. So when I finally do post, she looks forward to it and clicks immediately on the link. OK, she didn't say "immediately" but I'm sure that's what she meant!

So, I did return from Seattle and environs. We went in summer so I packed for the summer - a BIG mistake for Grays Harbor County which is out on the coast, about 2 hours from Seattle. That's where Brian's family is from so it's always a part of our itinerary. No matter the time of year I will never make that mistake again - bringing layers from this point forward. Westport, WA is making itself more of a destination location (for the summer months!). They already have a winery, where my my favorite is the Mermaid Merlot. We've been several times and for those of you who like sweeter wines their Duckleberry Grunt and Bog Berry Blush are dangerously drinkable! New additions have been added to the repertoire in this coastal town. This time we we went to a local brewery (out of someone's barn) with our daughter and her fiancé, Jeremy. Both Jeremy and Brian are into beer so there was much anticipation and enthusiasm about this outing. This was my first beer tasting event, and a very positive one!
I do have to say that after some tooling around town we then stopped at a coffee place - more my cup of "tea"! The Tinderbox was inviting, well appointed and had some killer caramel brownies!! Not to mention the necessary and invigorating espresso I relished. All in all, good family time and the younger generation also showed us new tips and tricks for our technology productivity! Always appreciated. :)

After a week, we were onto Seattle. Surprisingly, we were able to take a couple sightseeing opportunities! I had really hoped that this trip would allow for sometime downtown and it did on 2 occasions!! Naturally, we went to one of my favorite places - Pike's Place Market. There is a relatively recent addition to the area. Yes, it's the Gum Wall - absolutely disgusting! How the idea got started I have no idea. Unfortunately it, the idea, was well embraced and expanded beyond one wall. Much to the chagrin of many businesses I'm sure. Thankfully, this wall is not part of the main flow where people walk. The picturesque produce and colorful blooms are still in place, along with the creative eats and tasteful souvenirs, albeit a bit pricey.
We also made it down to the waterfront. An old haunt for both of us since we worked downtown is Ivar's Pier 54 fish bar, where the feeding of seagulls is encouraged! It was a must for lunch that day. Seattle has added a huge ferris wheel as one of the waterfront attractions. The area is still an awesome place for people watching, wandering the shops on the piers and great vistas of Puget Sound and the Olympics.

We had a wonderful time catching up with family and friends. However, whether or not you have family in this area, I hope you take a trip to Seattle at some point in your life. It's laid back, breathtaking, and has a ton of activities both inside and out. For the best weather go in May, August or September.

Seattle, Where Coffee is King!

In one of my more recent posts, East vs. West, I mentioned I was from Washington State originally - where coffee is king. Actually to be more specific, the castle and, therefore, throne room for this king is in Seattle. I was born and raised in Seattle - I love Seattle. With that being said, I'd like to also say Seattle is the best place to be from! It will always be one of my "homes."

Granted each city is unique; although being a coffee enthusiast, I so appreciate the coffee culture there. In this regard, Seattle is like no other. I found a blog post/article about this wonderful city that I'd thought I'd share in part.

Seattle, The Caffeine City of Gourmet Coffee.
For a lack of better description, Seattle is indeed Caffeine City. Hence it is no wonder that as an avid gourmet coffee drinker, I could not believe my good fortune on my first business trip to Seattle a couple of years ago. The impression is still so vivid, it is like just yesterday. I got up early morning and took a walk near the hotel. The moment I stepped out of the front entrance, a tantalizing, wispy, coffee aroma enveloped and welcomed me. The entire city seemed to permeate a strong coffee culture, perhaps due to the fact it is the birth origin of a certain large international coffee chain.

It does continue and you can read more as the author, Sarah Osborne, wafts her way through the aromas of my beloved Seattle.

In case you might take a trip to Seattle in the future, here are a few of my favorites around town. Pike Place Market is probably my top pick, but you have to be ready for lots of people. Nonetheless, the sites, sounds and smells are amazing! Maybe you'll see a flying fish, and that's no fish story! An added benefit to this area is the oldest location of that "certain large international coffee chain" - Starbucks and another great one nearby. Not far from Pike's Place is the waterfront area with all manner of shops, restaurants, an arcade pier, ferry docks, Ferris wheel, harbor tours and great people watching opportunities. If you want to get out on the water I'd choose a ferry ride to one of the islands and then explore the little town at the other end, getting ice cream to cap off the excursion. The Space Needle is a classic and not to be overlooked, like that's really possible! ;-) For the museum goers, my top three are the Seattle Art Museum, The EMP (music) Museum and the Museum of Flight.

Well, those are a few ideas. Enjoy your time! I'll be there in a couple of days, maybe I'll see you there?!

Marriage as a Partnership

I never wanted the house with the white picket fence, 2.3 children and a husband who went off to work while I kept the house in order. It's a good thing I never wanted it because it never happened! :-) Years ago when I voiced my apathy for that way of life, a lot of people would tilt their heads at me in disbelief or confusion, then shrug their shoulders not knowing what to say.  I was OK with that - both their reaction and my lack of desire for that type of life. I still wanted to get married but was not ravenous (at any age) to be so. It wasn't marriage and kids that I didn't want, it was that particular image. The biggest part I didn't like was the seeming fact that the husband and wife lived such different lives with so little time spent together. I don't think this lifestyle I pictured is bad, it just wasn't appealing to me from what I saw on the outside.

I have struggled in my life at being able to form and articulate my thoughts and beliefs. There have been times when beliefs were presented to me and something wouldn't feel quite right but I wouldn't know why, or the belief was so commonplace I would shrug my shoulders and go along because I couldn't figure out my reaction. When I was asked what I did want in a marriage (since I still wanted to get married), my rather vague response was the kind of life where my husband and I worked together on a project. We didn't have to be joined at the hip 24/7 (probably better not to be) but the work/project/goal was jointly pursued.

Basically, I wanted a partnership, a relationship of mutual respect because we both know that we individually bring qualities that are needed and appreciated. Recently I read a blog to which I could say a big YES! This blog post helped to articulate some of my thoughts over the years. Too often churches would portray marriage in a way that did not sit right with me. What is this whole "covering" business? I got married later in life so I took care of the various aspects of my life all by myself. "...how often do we see this attitude [to be a savior] preached in the way a man is to be to his wife, forgetting that the Proverbs 31 woman worked and ran a vineyard? She did not need saving. If anything the verses imply that the man needs her.Through her competence she will cause him to be respected and make sure that his household does not suffer. How did this get turned around? She can buy things for herself, and take care of others. What she deserves from him is praise for doing so. She does not need a husband to ‘cover’ her. (He is not her husband yet, remember this is an instruction regarding what to look for in a wife.) Instead she needs a man who will appreciate her and everything she brings into the marriage. ..." (You can read the entire post here.)

Don't get me wrong, Brian does take care of certain things and I am thrilled about it. I take care of others. But our relationship is approached as a team effort. Although married we are still individuals (how could we not be!). I am responsible for my own actions, not Brian and vice versa. I appreciate Brian for who he is and all he adds to US. Plus, I still get to be me! We move together through life in a partnership.