Sweltering in Seattle

On our way home from Southeast Alaska and Canada, we spent Labor Day weekend in Seattle with our son and daughter-in-law in their charming Quisenbnb. It was great to see them in their home, and to meet the newest member of the family – Mako, an Alaskan Husky (our first Granddog). He's sweet, mature (middle aged), and loves to go on outings, chomp on his squeaky toys, and eat healthy treats.

Mako (our Granddog)

In contrast with our cool, misty, drizzly weather to the north, Seattle was sweltering! Mako had started to put on his winter coat, so he was hot right along with the rest of us. Lots of panting, and lounging, and licking doggy popsicles.

Drink and Draw at The Conservatory

We experienced our first Drink and Draw at The Conservatory coffee shop in Georgetown. A model dressed and posed as Kiki from Kiki’s Delivery Service, while our son, and other artists, sketched. The rest of us enjoyed our drinks, the ambiance, and the talent around us.

Downtown Seattle

On the way to Bainbridge Island via ferry

Family portrait

Our big outing was to explore Bainbridge Island. My husband and I are on the lookout for a good retirement community (someday), and the Puget Sound area is in the running. Each trip to Seattle we try to visit someplace new (Eden on the Sound has a nice ring to it, don't you think)?

Mora Iced Creamery in Poulsbo

Refugees (and dogs) welcome at Perihelion Brewery

We loaded up two cars, including Mako, and headed for the ferry terminal in downtown Seattle. The ferry ride is short, with lots of great views of downtown Seattle and the surrounding area. We ate lunch in Bainbridge at Restaurant Marche (a dog friendly place), then drove to Poulsbo for ice cream on the patio at Mora Iced Creamery. The drive gave us a chance to explore, and evaluate the pros and cons of island living. We stopped at one of the State Parks for a stretch, and then headed for the ferry back to Seattle. We ended the day at Perihelion Brewery on Beacon Hill for dinner on the patio (Mako enjoyed working on the bone from the bone marrow appetizer).

Draw bridge over the Duwamish River in South Park

Walking the dog in South Park

Our son and daughter-in-law are both foodies, so we always enjoy the best meals while we visit (including some places that are dog friendly, with outdoor seating). Favorites include Loretta's Northwesterner (great hamburgers), The Pie Bar in the Ballard district (both sweet and savory, and followed by a visit to Ballard Consignment to consider treasures form across time), and Pomodoro Ristorante in the East Lake district (a new favorite for its delicious Italian food, and gracious owner-chef, Antolin Blanco). We also enjoyed tasty home cooked meals, and Chinese Hotpot with the neighbors on Labor Day. And it was fun to take walks, when the temperature finally cooled off.

Cooling off in the evening (Mako in the lower right)

Now we're back home and in the thick of living, with lots of great memories of our time in Alaska, Canada, and Seattle.