Photo of the Day - Laundry Helper

Laundry Helper, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Barney's way of assisting with the laundry. Taken last Saturday while I was folding clothes.

Photo of the Day - Tired Barney

Tired Barney, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Tired from a busy morning of socializing atop Queen Anne hill. Napping on his new bed.

Photo of the Day - Barney

Barney, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Took this with my phone when my sister demanded a picture. I've been having a tough time getting him to look at the camera but then it occured to me that I could use treats which is why he looks so attentive in this picture.

Citizen of the World

You Are a Citizen of the World

Whenever possible, you try to pay attention to what's going on in the world. You are truly interested in all people and countries, no matter how far away from you they are. You try to learn, travel, and understand. Being a part of the whole world is important to you, and you're always working to be more internationally focused.

Are You a Citizen of the World?

Photo of the Day - His favorite perch

His favorite perch, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Barney checking out the activity on the street.

Photo of the Day - Phone Inside

Phone Inside, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Taken on Boston Street outside the Queen Anne Laundry Room where there is no longer a phone inside.

Weekend Wrap-Up

It was a busy and productive weekend, here are the highlights:

• Got an early start to the weekend with an early dismissal from work at the conclusion of our annual Summer Picnic on Thursday. I was chair of the picnic again this year so by the end I was cold, muddy and exhausted but glad it was a success.
• Ran home long enough to shower and change into clean clothes and then went to pick up my new dog, Barney. Snapped this pic moments after picking him up.
  
• Headed back home to get Barney settled in and fed and then we were off to my friend Kipp's for dinner along with Barney and Kayla (Kipp's dog) play-time.
• Woke early Friday morning (one of the benefits of dog ownership) and enjoyed a bit of lazy time around the house.
• Ran to Costco, Pet's Mart and Safeway to pick up dog supplies and other items I needed.
• Read my book while waiting in line at the ferry from Fauntleroy to Southworth.
• Loved watching John (the cutest nephew in the world) follow Barney around their yard. They were instant buddies.
• Enjoyed a fun evening and yummy dinner at Kristen and Dave's.
• Completed the usual Saturday morning laundry bit but this time with Barney in tow. He loved meeting all the people and dogs atop the hill.
• Ran to Fred Meyer to pick up some more household stuff including a shelving unit for my utility closet.
• Cleaned everything out of the utility closet, set up the shelves and reorganized it. The before can be seen here, the after seen here.
• Cleaned the rest of the apartment while Barney slept in the sunshine on the deck.
• Decided not to cook the dinner and ordered a pizza. Watched some Olympic coverage and relaxed with Barney on the couch.
• Took Barney to the off-leash area at Golden Gardens on Sunday morning so that he could sniff and play with other doggie friends.
• Made another trip to Pet's Smart (to make an exchange) and a quick stop at Target and then we were home for the rest of the day just in time for the rain to start.
• Relaxed the afternoon away by watching the Olympics and taking a nap with on the couch.
• Grilled up some pork chops and fresh veggies (including tomatoes from my garden) for dinner while Don and Barney got acquainted with each other.
• Enjoyed a good bottle of wine and dinner on the deck in the rain.

Quite the whirlwind. How was your weekend?

Photo of the Day - Roses

Beautiful Garden, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Taken in the garden of our hosts in Bellevue at a Westminster College wine tasting the weekend before last.

Photo of the Day - Plastic Laundry

Laundry, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

The plastic laundry hanging outside the Queen Anne Laundry Room is wearing out. Bummer! It's my favorite!

Meet Barney

Barney, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

This is Barney. And Barney is my new dog! :-D

He came home to live with me on Thursday afternoon and I am thrilled. I've wanted a dog for a really long time and finally decided last month that all of my fears and apprehensions about owning a dog would be eliminated if I just got the "right" dog. And Barney is definitely the right dog!

Barney is a 4 year old, 15-inch beagle. He is house broken and well behaved (for the most part). He is very low-key and loves sniffing things, eating, sleeping and meeting new people/dogs. We have had a fabulous weekend exploring the neighborhood and getting him settled into his new home. Many more pictures and stories to come!

Photo of the Day - Beautiful Garden

Beautiful Garden, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Taken in the garden of our hosts in Bellevue at a Westminster College wine tasting last weekend.

"Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely,
in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways,
totally worn out, shouting "Holy shit, what a ride!"

--Mavis Leyrer, age 83

Photo of the Day - Yet More Bathroom Wit

Bathroom Wit, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Signs hung inside the men's restroom at the Harbour Public House on Bainbridge Island, WA. Don't worry I'm not frequenting the men's room, these were taken by Don.

Summer vs. Winter

You Are a Summer Person

You are energetic, outgoing, and active. You love to be out and about... hanging out with friends or getting things done. Summer is the perfect time for you to be as hyper as you want to be. In fact, during the rest of the year you feel half-asleep!

Are You a Winter Person or a Summer Person?

Photo of the Day - Harbor View

Harbor View, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

View of Eagle Harbor through the window at the Harbour Public House on Bainbridge Island, WA.

Quote of the Day

"Only by joy and sorrow does a person know anything about themselves and their destiny. They learn what to do and what to avoid."

-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Photo of the Day - More Bathroom Wit

Bathroom Wit, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Signs hung inside the men's restroom at the Harbour Public House on Bainbridge Island, WA. Don't worry I'm not frequenting the men's room, these were taken by Don.

Olympic Sport Test

You Are Fencing

You're competitive but not brutally so. You compete to make yourself better. You find having an opponent to be challenging and rewarding. You are fierce when you're in a competition, but you don't wish your rivals any real harm.

What Olympic Sport Are You?

Photo of the Day - More Bathroom Wit

Bathroom Wit, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Signs hung inside the men's restroom at the Harbour Public House on Bainbridge Island, WA. Don't worry I'm not frequenting the men's room, these were taken by Don.

Weekend Wrap-Up

It was a HOT one in Seattle. The highlights:

• Attended to some appointments on Friday morning. The best thing about a 4-day work week is that you have an entire day to schedule appointment and can be leisurely about it.
• Completed many of my household chores while sweating in my 80+ degree apartment on Friday afternoon.
• Enjoyed a quiet evening at home. Watched the Olympics, read and surfed the internet.
• Saturday morning was all about, that's right, Laundry!
• Watched more Olympics, gotta love em, read and relaxed on Saturday afternoon.
• Completed a very successful outing to the Costco Home store in Kirkland. I picked out my new mattress in less than an hour.
• Attended a gathering for friends and alumni of Westminster College at a lovely home in Bellevue.
• Enjoyed a lakeside patio dinner with Don, Kat and Nancy at The Beach Cafe at Yarrow Bay Grill.
• Walked around Fisherman's Terminal on Sunday morning, it was nice and cool on the water.
• Had a yummy breakfast at The Bay Cafe.
• Spent the bulk of Sunday afternoon in my bedroom enjoying the air conditioning while I gave myself a mani/pedi, read, watched old episodes of Gilmore Girls and the Olympics.
• Ventured into the non air conditioned part of the apartment to fix some dinner. Grilling was the only option due to the heat.
• Watched even more Olympic coverage while I ate dinner.

Now it's off to prepare for the week ahead, then bed. How was your weekend?

Photo of the Day - FRUIT!

FRUIT!, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Several of the green tomatoes on my deck. They have been green for several weeks now, I'm beginning to wonder if they will ever ripen.

Photo of the Day - Bathroom Wit

Bathroom Wit, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Signs hung inside the men's restroom at the Harbour Public House on Bainbridge Island, WA. Don't worry I'm not frequenting the men's room, these were taken by Don.

Urban Garden Update

It's been a cooler than usual summer in Seattle. I'm pretty sure the cooler weather is all my fault. Why? Well, two reasons. First, I wrote a post in May about planting my deck garden and at the end stated that I hoped for "plenty of sunny and beautiful days." Clearly the Goddess of Seattle weather chose to blatantly ignore my wishes and squash my hopes by dialing up the "cooler than usual" weather. Secondly, I bought a portable air conditioner.

Don't get me wrong, I actually LOVE the cooler weather. However, had I known it was going to be a cooler summer I may have made different plant choices.

Color Bowl, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

My flowers are doing really well, both in the color bowls (see above) and the planters (see below). They have grown a ton (newly planted pics here) and continue to produce blossoms. I was disappointed by the Blue Forget-Me-Nots as they were done blooming by mid-June. I cut them back at the other flowers have filled in the space quite well. I've never planted Forget-Me-Nots and will "forget" them next year.

Planter, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

I am really pleased with the Sundial Pink Portulaca. I've never planted Portulaca but will again, I LOVE it! The leaves give the pots great texture the the flowers are so petite and pretty. You can see a close up shot here.

Tomato Plant, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

The big disappointment of the summer has been the herbs and tomatoes. The tomatoes have grown a ton (see above) compared to the beginning of the season. But with the cooler weather the fruit produced is not ripening. I remain optimistic that a few weeks of sunny days may do the trick, we shall see.

My herb garden has also suffered from the lack of warmth. I didn't realize how spoiled I was when I grew herbs in Utah, they would end up 2 feet tall by the end of the season. This years herb garden remains small, and isn't even worthy of being photographed. The oregano and thyme have died off. The basil, sage and rosemary are okay, just not really growing. I've always thought indoor herb gardens were silly and now I think they were invented for people who live in Seattle.

I'll keep you updated on the progress of the tomatoes. Think warm weather fellow Seattleites!

Photo of the Day - Bathroom Wit

Bathroom Wit, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Inside the mens restroom at the Harbour Public House on Bainbridge Island, WA. Don't worry I'm not frequenting the men's room, these were taken by Don.

Weekend Wrap-Up

I'm a bit late in getting this out this week as work has been very busy and I've been totally consumed by the Olympics when I get home. It was a good weekend, here are the highlights:

• Drove to Olympia to have some documents for work certified by the Secretary of State.
• Had lunch with my brother Dave at Copacabana Bolivian Restaurant in Pike Place Market.
• Walked through the market. I wanted to pick up some fresh fruits and veggies but it was PACKED with tourists so I just bought some flowers and left.
• Saw Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 and loved it!
• Picked up a couple new books at Barnes & Noble.
• Did some ironing while watching the Opening Ceremony. WOW! China put on one hell of a show.
• Relaxed a home on Saturday morning and did a few household projects.
• Rode over to the "other side of the pond" with Don to drink a few beers at Silver City Brewing.
• Left Silver City amazed that they don't actually want to sell us beer.
• Enjoyed dinner and kicking Don's ass in Shanghai Rummy at the Harbour Public House on Bainbridge Island.
• Had a leisurely Sunday morning. I watched my favorite programs, watched some Olympic coverage, drank coffee, ironed, cleaned and caught up on my RSS feeds.
• Contemplated leaving the house to head to the grocery store but decided I didn't want to, so I ordered a pizza instead.

How was your weekend?

Photo of the Day - Funny Sign

Funny Sign, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Inside the ladies restroom at the Harbour Public House on Bainbridge Island, WA.

Mid-Week Randomness

Photo of the Day - Cherry Pie

Cherry Pie, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

My first ever attempt at making a cherry pie and I was pleased with the results, except for the filling that bubbled up over the crust.

Photo of the Day - Market View

Market View, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

View of Pike Place Market from the terrace at Copacabana Bolivian Restaurant where I had lunch with my brother on Friday.

The Utensil Quiz

You Are Chopsticks

People see you as exotic, unusual, and even a bit intimidating. You are a difficult person to figure out. In truth, you try to live a very simple life. But most people are too frenzied to recognize the beauty of your simplicity.

What Utensil Are You?

Photo of the Day - Best Paella Ever

Paella, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

I had lunch with my brother at Copacabana Bolivian Restaurant in Pike Place Market on Friday afternoon. I ordered the Paella. It was a beautiful sight for the eyes and tasted pretty awesome too.

Photo of the Day - Hanging Basket

Flower World, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Hanging basket taken on the grounds at Flower World in Maltby (Snohomish), Washington.

Olympic Spirit

Saw this when surfing the IOC website earlier this week. I love the Olympics! I love the spirit of the games, the stories of triumph over impossible odds and lifelong dreams come true. I cry every time I turn on the TV during the 16 days of competition and hear a story about triumph over the odds. I really enjoyed this and think it encompasses a bit of that spirit. Enjoy! And happy game watching!

Photo of the Day - Cool Clouds

Cool Clouds, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

I can't take credit for this one as Don took it on the deck at Ray's Cafe last week.

Photo of the Day - Barge on Lake Union

Barge on Lake Union, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Whenever I see barges I think of the campfire song from Girl Scout camp by the same name, lyrics below.

Barges

Barges, I would like to go with you
I would like to sail the ocean blue

Barges, is there a treasure in your hold?
Do you fight with pirates brave and bold?

Out of my window, looking in the night
I can see the barges flickering light

Barges, I would like to go with you
I would like to sail the ocean blue

Starboard shines green and port is glowing red
I can see those barges from my bed

Barges, I would like to go with you
I would like to sail the ocean blue

Barges, is there a treasure in your hold?
Do you fight with pirates brave and bold?

Mid-Week Randomness

A little random ditty about Seattle, originally seen on Seattle Metblog.

Photo of the Day - Flower World

Flower World, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

The grounds and fountain at Flower World in Maltby (Snohomish), Washington.

The House Test

What the House Test Says About You

You consider yourself important, but no more important than anyone else. You love attention, but you don't feel like you deserve more of it than anyone else. You are a fairly community oriented person. You like to get to know your neighbors, but you also like your privacy. You get attached to neighborhoods and cities. You are creative, expressive, and bright. You are always in the middle of some amazing project. You look good in a low maintenance sort of way. You do the minimum required to be attractive. You are moved by romance and love. You are optimistic about people, and you love hearing about happy endings.

The House Test

Photo of the Day - Birthday Flowers

Birthday Flowers, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

From my Mom and Step-Dad in honor of my 35th birthday. Taken in my office.

Weekend Wrap-Up

It was a quiet weekend, the few highlights:

• Worked on Friday so that I wouldn't have to take quite as many PTO hours as a results of my trip to Salt Lake City.
• Headed home after work with a headache which was quickly cured by a nap.
• Watched Love Potion #9 and Freedom Writers.
• Began a major reorganization of my closet.
• Laundry, ironing, etc.
• Went to the movies and saw Swing Vote.
• Recycled the plastic plant containers from my major planting project to Flower World.

How was your weekend?

Mystery Solved!

Weather Forecaster, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Above is my fairly new (bought in June) Oregon Scientific Wireless Weather Forecaster. It has a sensor outside on my deck to detect the outdoor temperature and displays both the current outdoor and indoor temperature. It also predicts the weather based on barometric pressure. As you can see right now, it's raining outside. Immediately after snapping this shot I walked out onto my deck and snapped the shot below.

Seattle Skyline, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Not a cloud in the sky. Maybe Steve Pool is so bad at forecasting Seattle weather because he is using a Oregon Scientific Wireless Weather Forecaster. That must be it!

Photo of the Day - Train Crossing

Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Bridge that is lowered down so that trains can cross but spends most of the time in this position to let boats float by freely. Taken from the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks.

Top 10 Things I Hate to Hear when Visiting SLC

When visiting my hometown, as I did last week, I inevitably suffer from an auditory assault of the same things over and over again. When thinking about this prior to leaving for SLC I decided to keep track and then create a David Letterman inspired list of my favorites. ;-) Without further ado, here we go.

The Top 10 Things I Hate to be Hear when Visiting SLC (and ways I wished I could have responded or notes in italics).

10. Do you like Seattle? Yes, but it rains 9 months of the year, so don't even think about joining me there.
9. When are you moving back? Never
8. What are you doing here? Gee, just because I moved away doesn't mean I can't come visit every now and then.
7. The 9 different phones ringing in my parents house. Did I mention that they also have 6 TVs.
6. So, (tint head), how come your not going to Med School? I made a decision that was good for me, absolutely NO need to pity me.
5. What was that? I heard this EVERY time by cell phone instant message alert rang.
4. Do you need to get that? I heard this immediately following the previous, I eventually turned the ringer off.
3. Are you happy? Even if I weren't, do you really think you would be the first to know?
2. I bet your worried about your cancer now, huh! With my mothers recent diagnosis, I guess its inevitable to consider my own mortality but I'm still in shock that 2 people actually said this to me.
1. Your hair is so long! People, I was bald 5 years ago! Hair grows!

Weekend Wrap-Up Extended Version

I'm a bit delayed in getting this post up, but better late than never. I was in Salt Lake City for an extended weekend (7/24 - 7/29) with my family. Here are the highlights:

• Arrived in time to have garlic burgers with my family. For the record, my step-brother Michael makes a seriously good garlic burger.
• Listened to the booming of the Pioneer Day fireworks off in the distance.
• Got my car repaired included an alignment, tire rotation, new headlight and a brand new resonator.
• Had lunch with my Dad at Olio.
• Ran a few errands with Mom including stopping for a cone at Nielsen's Frozen Custard.
• Caught up with old family friends.
• Tons of Laundry, ironing, cooking, cooking and cleaning so that Mom didn't have to do it.
• Taught my Mom how to play Shanghai Rummy while snacking on Clam Dip & Texas Caviar with Nancy.
• Stubbed my big toe and broke the nail in half, lengthwise. Ouch!
• Briefly sorted through some boxes in the basement of "my stuff." I had no idea what was in them when I started but found some real treasures including my girl scout merit badges, my famous red glasses from high school and my report cards. I brought 4 home with me and look forward to sorting through them to discover more treasures.
• Enjoyed playing with my nephews Ethan and Gabe.
• Caught up with Jenna while we working on setting up her new Mac Book.
• Fixed plank grilled halibut for family and friends, always a big hit.
• Thought I was going to burst into flame any minute because it was SO HOT in SLC, I really am a Seattle weather wimp now.

How was your weekend?

Photo of the Day - Haystack Rock

Haystack Rock, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

The iconic symbol of Cannon Beach, Oregon. Taken in March 2008.

Photo of the Day - Stanford Fountain

Stanford Fountain, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

My most recent photo to be included in a online travel guide. I took this in front of Stanford University Hospital while waiting for the valet to bring the car. Taken in August 2006.

Quote of the Day

In honor of my dear friend who will be laid to rest today. RIP Juel.

"The world breaks everyone
and afterward many are strong in the broken places.
But those that will not break it kills.
It kills the very good and the very gentle
and the very brave impartially.
If you are none of these you can be sure it will kill you too
but there will be no special hurry."

Ernest Hemingway
A Farewell to Arms

The Road Trip Test

The Road Trip of Your Life

You see companionship and loyalty as what's most important in life. Your life is quite hectic. You try to slow down when you can, but it's not easy! You're willing to take a few risks in life. You may not take the road no one travels, but you're happy to take the road less traveled. You are able to find a fairly healthy balance between work and play. You work when you need to, but you never let yourself burn out. In another life, you could have been a great artist. You trust your creative instincts enough to let them lead you.

The Road Trip Test