Pacific Northwest Trail

Did a bit of a hike on the Pacific Northwest Trail yesterday.  Despite the slight haze, the vistas were stunning and well worth the rapid ascent of the trail.

Slight view of the Skagit Valley and train tracks and Oyster Bay.

Proof positive that I was there.

Huckleberries.

poetic delight

Once Only

Denise Levertov

All which, because it was
flame and song and granted us
joy, we thought we'd do, be, revisit,
turns out to have been what it was
that once, only; every initiation
did not begin
a series, a build-up:  the marvelous
      did happen in our lives, our stories
       are not drab with its absence: but don't
expect now to return for more.  Whatever more
there will be will be
unique as those were unique.  Try
to acknowledge the next
song in its body-halo of flames as utterly
present, as now or never.

soaring/roaring

Bogart is not as delighted as I am to be able to look out my window and watch the Blue Angels rehearse for this weekend's show over Lake Washington.

Am happy to report that my book request for Auden's decalogue, The Age of Anxiety finally arrived at my branch of the library.   This came from my May visit to the Seattle Symphony and hearing Bernstein's creation in response to reading this work.  I shall tuck it into my luggage as I will soon be on a bus/plane/subway/U-haul/car/train adventure in the next few days and will need some diversion.

 

penultimate of the mid-summer pause

Brunch at my favorite neighborhood cafe, La Cote.

Savory 'shroom crepe with A's lemon selection in the background.

I was gifted with tickets to the Woodland Park Zoo summer concert series and was amused by the bathroom stalls which I visited during intermission.  It was a perfect summer evening to have a picnic and hear two of my favorite current folk singers. 

And the back side of the stall...

a blurred view from Queen Anne.

tourist in my home town

It is amazing how refreshing even a one-day vacation in one's town can be.  We had much fun walking around Seattle all day.

Lovely poetry in the sidewalk which I have stepped over many months and not noticed.

The ever tasty, and oh so addictive, mac & cheese at Beecher's.

Petite cheesecakes and stellar Seattle joe savored in the sun along the waterfront.

Artistic whimsy at the Olympic Sculpture Park.

We weren't sure if this was a live tree coated in metal or a sculpture created.

Window box by the bay.  Siting beside this and enjoying the sea breezes was a good way to welcome late afternoon.

Needs no caption.  And yet, I feel compelled to type underneath it.

Another view of the the poetic wall.

Garlic and 'shrooms and sourdough.  What could be better?

before/after

the yummiest tofu in Seattle

proof positive!

The universe gifted me with a dime and a visit from a dear friend and former colleague.  Tomorrow brings a morning with no alarm clock and much free time to roam Pike's Market with said friend.  As Gershwin said, "who could ask for anything more?"

delightful days

eerie shot of our iconic city symbol

joyous burbling fountain

s/cent of caramel brownies 

gorrrrgeous retreat center smack on Lake Washington

foggy view looking towards my home

close up of one of my favorite genres of flower

Was amused all through the afternoon session by this sign, with the coaster provided.  

Another stunning sun set sky

I have peppers!!!!!

$.11 and fresh Washington lavender.