Soaking Up Some Sun!

It’s been a very busy time for the PD clan, much to tell, so little time. We’ve been adjusting to downtown living.  I think it’s been hardest on the Booghster, who spends much of his time out on our little patio, probably wondering why everything looks so small nine stories down (but, he still shows his attitude nonetheless, daring someone to try something).

Yesterday was the nicest day we’ve had here, and thankfully it landed on a Saturday. We took the dogs out for about a 90 minute walk along the water; as did everyone else that live in Seattle, I think.  It was good family time, even if Boogh was like a crack addict who was inches away from a fix, but couldn’t do anything about it.  If you know Boogh, you understand what I mean:) Pictures from yesterday are below.

We live in the City of Dogs, but you wouldn’t know it.  We still have 2 months at the condo  before we have to find a permanent place to live, but it’s been difficult searching. Why?  Places either will only allow cats, dogs must be under 20lbs, OR, they don’t allow German Shepherd or Chow mixes!  Yeah.

Valentine’s Day is coming up.  Yep, busy cookie month for the old Pie Daddy.  I’ve got something special planned for the old la…I mean, Brigid.  It’s going to be rather interesting, so I will report back afterwards.  Remember that this is her favorite holiday; and that I’ve only known that for 3 years….

The link, just below, is from an article Brigids friend Wendy, sent her yesterday.  It is no joke, and I could have written this myself.  My favorite saying lately is, “my dogs are not a petting zoo”.  Enjoy the read.

http://blogs.dogster.com/dog-training/dogs-are-not-public-property/2011/04/

Beautiful Day for a Walk

Mount Rainier beyond the Harbor

Snow at Sculpture Park

Just a quick blurb today so our family and friends don’t think we have been buried by an avalanche or frozen and stuck somewhere; we are fine.  Remember folks, we are from Ohio after all.  While the rest of Seattle might be in a daze (and believe me, it’s been interesting watching people and their reaction to this snow “storm”, the PD clan is treating this just like any other day.

Take deep breaths, in and out….

The Loooong 3 block walk home straight uphill!

Life goes on here in Seattle and we finally got our first snow yesterday.  The weather changes here by the hour, so it hit us hard and then moved on.  B just got back from a business trip to Atlanta, so hanging inside all day and doing mostly nothing was OK with us.

We are still getting used to City living.  Walking a mile up the street to do some quick drug store shopping or picking up some take out now comes much easier.  I would estimate that I do about 3-5 miles a day of everyday walking for daily activities.  This includes walking with B back and forth from work, taking the dogs out multiple times, and misc. other things.  We have been here for over 3 weeks and I haven’t put gas in my car since the day we arrived!

I’ve taken some opportunities to walk around the city and research ideas to make Pie Daddy a reality, in terms of a viable business, some day.  Concerning gluten free awareness, the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest are worlds apart.  Every single place we have gone into and asked about a GF menu or GF items has had some knowledge of what are needs are.  Still, there is a market out there for what I want to offer.  I will keep you up to date.

I’ll leave you with some random images.  Most are from today; Boogh and I took an extended stroll around our neighborhood and saw some new things.  Enjoy.

We discovered a Community Garden just a few blocks away

Fountain at Community Garden with a ceramic bottom

These signs are everywhere around us for the streets that go straight downhill. They don't treat or plow the streets here. At least they didn't yesterday.

This is how you pay for street parking in Seattle. Enter credit card, choose your time, and place the sticker that comes out on the inside of your window for the Police to see.

A chair snowman that Bajhi, Boogh and I came across this morning at Sculpture Park.

Our view this morning

Happy New Year everyone.  Just a few random thoughts today on this first Monday in 2012.

I am getting ready to watch my first Ohio State Bowl game in Seattle…at 10a.m.  It’s going to take me awhile to get used to watching football games at this hour.  The Buckeyes kick off at 1pm Eastern time, which is normal, but to get up, feed and take the dogs out, shower and walk up the street to watch the game by 10?  Harsh!  It is a very nice place though.  It’s called Sport Restaurant & Bar and it is directly across the street from the Space Needle.

“Vacation” is almost officially over for us.  B starts her new job tomorrow and I have a long list of things to get done, some to make us “legal” here in Washington.  The good news is, where we are staying right now, is a short walk to work for B.  It will be nice for her not to have to commute for a change.

If you haven’t had the chance yet, I posted videos of the fireworks from New Years Eve that they had at the Space Needle.  I haven’t figured out how to post video on the blog yet, but be sure to check them out on Facebook.  Chow for now.

Boogh enjoying the sun

Our condo

My moment of geek; an escalator that brings the cart down for you! Sweet!

One of our views from the condo

It’s been a busy week since we arrived in Seattle last Friday.  While “rested” isn’t the word I would use to describe how we are, or even “settled”, we do feel like we are home.  As you can imagine, especially if you know us, the condo is a bit of a mess.  I didn’t realize how many boxes I had shipped until we got here and all 13 of them were here to greet us.  The condo is 900 sq. feet, and it feels like half of that with all the stuff we have.

We have managed to hit the Market a couple of times and do some exploring of options for shopping, which include an 8 story Macy’s and a Nordstrom’s the size of 3 football fields; all just a few blocks from the Market.  I didn’t realize how much was downtown because we have always focused on the Market so much, but downtown Seattle has a few block radius with anything you are looking for, including an Old Navy, Gap, J. Crew, etc.  We even found out that the Monorail that starts at the Space Needle ends at the 4 story Mall that is attached to Nordstrom’s.

Brigid wanted me to give a big thanks to her crew at the Alzheimer’s Association.  As you can see from the photos below, we finally got around to using your thoughtful gift certificate.  We purchased some organic wine from Italy and will be trying it tonight!

Happy New Year to all of our family and friends!

La Buona Tavola at Pike Place Market

I just tried some chocolate with bacon in it!!!

Organic wine galore!