Christy Doing Homework. Seriously.

Yes folks, it's true. Christy is taking the last class needed to complete her masters degree. Here's a shot of her on a conference call with some of her classmates. They're working on a group assignment, and they've been on the phone for one and a half hours.

The Blog Ate My Homework

So.  Many of you know that the real reason we're out on the west coast is that I have One. Last. Class. to finish my masters.  And I, like any rational person would, chose a program on the opposite coast from my home.  For two years I spent a week in Seattle every month at Antioch University.

The Center for Creative Change has been a great program, and now I'm taking my last class.  Due to the low-residency format, I have to be in Seattle the first Friday of July, August, and September.

And now, the whining and excuses set in.

The reason I haven't been able to get as much blogging done is that I now have HOMEWORK.

I promise.  There are more blog posts coming.  John swears he is going to do some too, "when he feels inspired."

I guess, really, I should have titled this post, "The Homework Ate My Blog."

Now you know.

Back to the homework grind....but check back for more blog posts in the next week.  Promise.

The End of the World...As We Know It

Hiked out to Cape Flattery, the northwestern most point of the continental US, home to the Makah tribe, and part of their reservation.  Incredibly beautiful hike with an amazing view.

Photos to follow...for now, here's a video clip.

A Musical Taste of Home

John was perusing the local entertainment rag the other night.  He spotted a familiar name performing at the Tractor Tavern.

Now this is a nightspot I have wanted to visit for years but never found the opportunity.  So I was happy to go, but THRILLED when I learned that it was Chatham County Line performing.

Got in touch with my friend the bass player and he was kind enough to get us comped tickets.  (Thanks, Greg!)

We didn't realize how much we missed home until the fellas came on stage and ceremoniously pinned up the Old North State flag.  It was heartwarming to see it.

The show was amazing.  There was a great crowd for starters, and CCL pulled off their smooth choreography.  All four musicians share a single microphone stand, each leaning in or pulling away as needed to adjust their volume.

It was a great evening in so many ways...seeing a familiar friendly face, hearing familiar music, and gathering beneath our flag.   Sweet taste of home, away from home.

Gum Wall

Walk down through the alleys of Pike Place Market and you'll discover a mysterious wall.  Apparently someone decided to put his gum on it, another person followed suit, and well, the tradition 'stuck.'

I've passed the Gum Wall many a time, but never came equipped to make a contribution of my own.

Not tonight!

Thai Tom

Decided to get Thai food to take with us to Michael & Emily's house tonight.  I'm trying to get back to all the places I remembered loving over the years in Seattle. Thai Tom is one of those hot spots I don't want to miss.

The space is really, really tiny...and the kitchen is out in the space.  There is only seating for 20...half of which is on stools around the cook area.

The folks working the space had quite a system going on...they were incredible team players, anticipating what each other needed and lining up everything in advance.  Very fun to watch...we didn't even notice the 10 minutes we waited for our order.

Welcome to Burgerville.

A few years ago, our friend Kris extended an invitation to a presentation on sustainability and food in chain restaurants at Johnson & Wales University. One of the companies highlighted caught our attention: Burgerville.

On the surface, it's just a fast food restaurant: burgers, fries, shakes.   But scratch just a little bit deeper and there's something else going on.

You can see on their website that they encourage you to learn about their food sources.   They also take advantage of seasonality to ensure they always have a call to action...a hook to get you in..."Last Chance...Fresh Oregon Raspberries from Liepold Farms."

Same information is featured throughout the store.  It was really an amazing contrast to see the gimmicky fast food atmosphere and the farm and seasonal influence sprinkled in.

We were two days short of Walla Walla onion rings (DRAT!), but we made the strawberry season, so we got strawberry shake, strawberry lemonade, and a bacon cheeseburger.

It was actually quite good...especially for a fast food chain!