SEATTLE

When you are randomly given the opportunity to go to Seattle last minute, might I say that it's highly recommended. To keep the story simple...we were asked to drive a car up to Seattle for a friend of Heidi's daughter that is going to school up there. Lost yet? Road Trip to Seattle, fly home, paid for it....I'm all over that.

First we had to drop off the Katy Bug to my sister Britney's house. (Brit I can't thank you again for watching her she keeps telling me how much fun she had) We decided that a 15 hour road trip would not be a good way to break Katy in!

Then we were off! Remember me saying that it's hard to be married to a night owl sometimes? Well this is a case where I am completely glad he is one because Steve was a champ and drove until about 3:00 in the morning! Thank you for books on tape. We did stop in Oregon to fill up with gas. *Note to all of you who travel to Oregon one day* Do not fill up your own gas tank! As Steve was filling up in the blistering wind, a man came out and looked at us as if we were from another planet. Apparently it's a law that you cannot fill your own tank. So rain or shine someone will be out in a matter of seconds. Weird! Do you tip? I'll have to check that one out for next time. But the good thing is that there is no sales tax, as Steve was pleasantly surprised when his refill was actually 0.79!

We stopped in the tri-cities area and shacked up at the Quality Inn for the night. Best night of sleep I ever had! Maybe it was because we were so tired (what am I complaining about I was dosing most of the time), or because the mattress was so AWESOME! Two thumbs up.

So since Steve is the night owl then I guess that would make me an early riser, as I did this at 6:00 in the morning. Steve peeled himself out of bed, we ate and we were off...this time Steve got to do the dozing!

It's weird that you could almost imagine that you are driving up Big Cottonwood Canyon, except the aspens we have were replaced with pine trees....as far as the eye could see. Steve ventured to guess "This must be where Christmas trees come from." I think he is right!

Driving into the city reminded me of San Francisco in a way...

The smell of the ocean was unmistakable, as was the smell of fish...

We opted to go for the tourist traps and headed to Pikes Place Market. I don't know what I was expecting but it was basically a farmers market, with the occasional crazy person in the mix!

Lost of fresh fruit and products...

And fresh lizards!!! Give me back my cherry!!!

I am always willing to take a risk for a good picture and when I was asked if I wanted to kiss a fish I was in. I guess I was only imagining that I was going to pretend to kiss a fish and was totally taken by surprise when my friend so graciously made the fish kiss me...for realsey!!!

Steve was not satisfied with the first shot and my reaction so I got to do it again. I can still feel his slimy lips against mine...I think it was love at first sight! Strangely Steve did not want to kiss me for the rest of the day!

I was really excited about all the fun picture opportunities there would be!

And I loved all the fresh flowers....Tulips are my favorite!!!

We were there in the thick of things at the market!

And although I think my camera scares people...we actually got some pics together. Good thing too, remember how sad it is that I could not find a picture of Steve and I together for the year of 2009! I guess I cant complain that it's a bit blurry!

This one turned out a bit better....

So there were a lot of interesting places, this one included. It was a novelty store/meseum I guess. I think that is the feel that they are going for. This is...oh I forget his name, he even had a name! You could even buy a pen with him on it. Gettin' a bit creepy for me here....

A little more creepy....another mummy.

Okay now we are just getting plain WEIRD! Shrunken heads! I got to get out of here!!!!

This place saved my Bacon...just outside the store we strolled on the pier.

Speaking of bacon...there was a whole display of...bacon-themed toys and books?

What has the world come to? Now I've seen everything.

Next thing you know, men will whip out hula hoops and start twirling around while playing the guitar and the harmonica.

Oh my gosh....how weird!

There were plenty of performers to go around. These two were my favorite. I am pretty sure the one of the right did a high kick. Very impressive!!!

This place saved my bacon too...Doughnut Company. Heidi told us not to miss the doughnuts. Look at these little pieces of heaven!!!

I had to put aside the fact that this place was totally infested with RATS...as you can see....

And enjoy the fruits of someone elses labor! We only got a half dozen but I'm certain that we could have polished off a dozen and a half EASY!!!

Around here I guess they don't mind if you feed the birds, just not the pigeons! I cant say that I blame them. I think that pigeons are the rats of the birds!

Here is one of our feathery friends now...

What NO food.......

Oh now wait a minute...now they are laughing at me!!!

Good think I had this sign there to keep me "clam" and not loose my cool....

We thought it was neat that the fire department has a boat too. I guess there is a lot of fires out on the water? Can someone explain that one to me?

On the way to drop the car off and head to the airport we saw the space needle too, from the car! Next time I want to drive through Portland as well and Astoria, where Goonies was filmed. I want to go to Cannon Beach for sure! I guess we will have to leave the rest of Seattle until our next road trip. This was a good way to warm up. And I must admit that I am a fan of the one way road trip!!!

Good Bye my LOVE....until we meet again!!!!