meandering in seattle

we've already left seattle, with only two days to spend at the front end of our trip--but wow- what a wonderful city. vital, and energetic with fantastic views of the harbor and bay and mt. ranier at every turn. the pike's place market is right at the water's edge with the smell of fresh fish and the tantalizing sights and colors of the most beautiful produce and homemade goods being offered... very crowded, but fun to visit.

 we took a drive around and checked out some of seattle's neighborhoods--- up in the hilly neighborhood of magnolia shrubbery took on sculptural proportions -- it seems that this is a skill unique to this neighborhood-- i wish i could have shown you the mind blowing variety --then i spotted this tree dense with blooms-- i was so taken with the tree it took me a while to realize what a great old truck was parked in front of it!-- and another tree  of a very different species--speaking of nature turned sculpture....  a tree of metal. ....

on our 2nd day in seattle i found a little french restaurant, "le pichet", where we had what i consider a perfect breakfast-- we ordered roasted almonds in olive oil and salt.  i had the quiche which sported a perfect savory, buttery crust, with red pepper, arugula, and leeks--henry had a baguette with butter and jam, and pete chose the grilled sardines on toast with a wine reduction... with a cafe au lait,  espresso and fresh orange juice to drink-- the cafe had such a beautiful old world appeal- for a time i felt we must be in paris.

finally-- some photos of a seattle shop window--henry insisted on going in-- i waited outside and amused myself....

next i'll post some pics of our visit to portland and surrounding areas...  thanks for stopping by.. :)