MAC and the Campbell House

We did some fun things today (Thursday). Looked into some of Spokane's History and went to the MAC museum which featured an exhibit about SHOES!! http://www.northwestmuseum.org/northwestmuseum/ Check out the website for more info! And Sue, from the Chicago Field Museum has come to visit as well. We did a tour of the Campbell House which was interesting, early 1900 furniture and customs. We also looked at the older neighborhoods in Spokane. Then, it was off to a cute little stretch of town with an old theater, a milk bottle that serves ice cream and shops called the RUBY SLIPPER and TINMAN GALLERY. Then I had to show Marty the Downtown library. We started the morning with a HEARTY breakfast at Frank's Diner (in a train car). Then we topped off the day seeing a play called SEE HOW THEY RUN, a fun little case of mistaken identity. It was cool. Definately a small theater. I can't wait to see some of the plays for the next season. Then, I met my downstairs neighbor...she seems really nice.

Creatures of the Park

Today (yesterday) we visited two of the parks closest to my apartment. We went to Lincoln Park and walked Elphaba and the view of Mt Spokane was amazing. Then, we got lunch at Wendy's and took it to Manito Park where we had to battle the seagulls to eat our lunch (the people next to us thought it would be a great idea to feed them their leftovers). Then we hiked around the duck pond, still taken over by seagulls...but we saw ducks, geese and TURTLES!! Then through the Lilac Garden where the lilacs were coming out, not all the way, but close. Several varieties and in many colors, the fragrance was so sweet. Then it was on to the Japanese Garden, more things in bloom and some HUGE fish. We went to the Rose Garden, but there wasn't much to see there yet. Then, to the wall of flowers and the perennial gardens which seem to look different each time I go. The greenhouse has a display of flowers that we went in to look at. Several varieties of orchids and cacti as well as a little fountain and several other unique flowers. The Duncan Garden is ready to plant, apparently they are asking for volunteers to help plant next week. I may go and try that out. Then, on around and back to the car. Then we headed to the Flour Mill and the Sourdough Place. Both interesting, the sourdough place was a restaurant so we will have to try that soon. And, the Flour Mill has some very interesting pieces of jewelry and beads. Then it was back to the apartment to make dinner and crash. We made some more of Tim's awesome sea bass. It was good!!

Adventure in 3 states

Well, today I decided to take Marty to Idaho to Coeur D'Alene and since we weren't that far from the Montana border, we decided to drive there as well. So, we left about 9:00am and headed to Idaho. We stopped to get some snacks and drinks and then headed off to the scenic drive around the lake Coeur D'alene. It couldn't have been a more beautiful day. The drive was magnificent. Once done, we headed to Wallace, ID for some lunch and to explore. My mom and I stopped through there on our way out and thought it looked like a great place to visit sometime. Apparently this town has claimed CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE. There is a marker and they are registered with NASA and everything. Then we headed to Montana. We could still see snow on the mountain tops and at Lookout Pass, we got out and could actually walk on the snow! Once that was done, we headed back to Coeur D'Alene to explore and walk around. I have included a picture of the lake. There is a long floating boardwalk that goes along the edge of the lake near the resort. The boats, the windsurfers, etc it was all incredible. We headed back home about 6pm. What a day!

Portland Day Two

So, Sunday morning, we woke up, had breakfast in bed and then headed out to meet Marty at 10am. We met up with Marty and then headed on the Portland Streetcar towards the South Park areas and the Portlandia statue. We encountered several neat things to take pictures of, statues, sculptures, fountains, and flowers. We also decided to cross the river and walk up the East side of the river to take pictures of downtown Portland. It was a beautiful walk and lots of people were out walking, riding bikes, and strolling down the pathway. We crossed on the steel people bridge and got to see a yacht go through the drawbridge. We headed to Jake's to have brunch/lunch and then headed towards the train station. We walked through Old Town and Chinatown. There were so many beautiful buildings but everything was in a state of disrepair. There were a lot of shelters and halfway houses in the area as well. We arrived at the trainstation about an hour and a half early, and just chilled for awhile. The train started loading about 4:30pm and then headed out. It was a great ride home...we got in a little after midnight. It was a great trip and I can't wait to try it again!

Trip to Portland Day One

It started with arriving at the train station at 1:45am on Saturday May 5th. Our train left at 2:45am. I chose not to nap beforehand, so once on the train I was out like a light. I must have woke up about 7am or so. It was bright, clear, sun was shining and we are traveling along the Columbia River. Gorgeous foothills, riverviews, orchards and vineyards as well as some amazing views of Mt Hood. We moved to the viewing car and looked at the incredible views from there. The top of the viewing car had glass ceilings, so it was amazing. The train comfortable and not too expensive. We arrived in Portland about an hour ahead of schedule. We walked to the Chinese Gardens and walked through them. They were amazing. I wanted to get some tea in the teahouse, so Tim and I went in while Marty waited outside in the gardens. I had ginger peach and Tim had a stronger tea with a bittersweet chocolate taste. Tim said that tea to him tastes like beer to me. It all tastes like tea...no difference at all in flavors. I feel that way about beer! Once we were done, we left the Chinese Gardens and headed towards the Skidmore Fountain. There was a market going on with foods from all over, arts and crafts, jewelry, pottery, etc. It was something. Then we headed towards the river and walked along the main road there, and happened upon the Million Marijuana March. This was probably more like 200 to 300 people tops. Complete with a police escort. We headed towards the Pioneer Courthouse Square and encountered fountains and parks along the way. Once at Pioneer Square we headed towards the library, of course! Then, we headed to Powell's City of Books were we separated for about an hour and a half while we explored the city block wide bookstore. Then, Marty took the bus and Tim and I took the streetcar to our hotel. We arrived about 5:30pm or so, checked in and then showered and headed to Blue Moon Tavern for dinner. Food was great! Back to the hotel, we watched some TV and was asleep by 9:30pm.

A Day Out

This morning, Marty and I got up and walked to Great Harvest Bread to get some breakfast, blackberry danish for him and whole wheat cinnamon roll for me. We both tried the nearly warm lite wheat with butter FREE, it was yummy. Then we hiked back to the apartment to get things together for our day out. First, we tried to find REI, without any luck, so we went and found parking (amazing considering the amount of people downtown today) and walked in Riverside Park. We went all over. Everyone was out. Bloomsday Run is Sunday. The Falls were in full force. The day only got to about 55 degrees but the sun was warm. We looked at the sculptures and 74 Expo area, took LOTS of pictures. Then, we headed to the mall for some food. After we left the mall, we stopped in Boo Radley's (awesome little gift store) and then Auntie's Bookstore. Then, on to REI, Tim helped me find it. I needed some hiking shoes for Portland...and I guess everyone else needed something at REI today as well. Then, back home to get Tim and Elphaba...we needed to drop Elphaba off for the weekend...and then on to dinner at Northern Lights, a brewpub. YUMMY food. Now, they are napping as we are going to catch an Amtrak train at 2:45am. I can't decide if resting is a good idea or not, as when I fall asleep it is best for me to sleep for at least 5 hours before rising. It looks like I may stay up and just rest my body. I will sleep on the train, and probably have news about the Portland trip in a couple of days.

Tim's Birthday

So, Tuesday May 1st was Tim's birthday. On Monday I made him some Hershey's Perfectly Chocolate Chocolate cupcakes to take to work with him....and I set up the baker's rack to hold cards and presents. He came home for lunch...and then got off a little early so we could go on a walk with Elphaba and take care of some odds and ends (plates for the truck and renew his library card). Then, he opened his presents. I didn't break the bank but I got him Casino Royale, the new Einstein biography and a toy for him to take to work. Check out www.thinkgeek.com and I think you can find the cube people. There is one named Tim that I got for him at a store downtown called Boo Radley's. We started watching THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND, but after two phone call interruptions, we decided just to watch a little TV and head to bed. I finished LITTLE CHILDREN last night, so I hope to get the movie soon!

We had some of Tim's sea bass for his birthday with a honey teriyaki sauce and some grilled pineapple. It was sooo good!

Company is coming!! I have high hopes of doing some cleaning today...but don't have the motivation!