Seattle, Day Three

Locks, chocolate, and books: three words that summarize Day Three in Seattle.

Back inside the rental, GPS led me past the charming Freemont neighborhood, through Ballard, and into a crowded parking lot in front of Hiram M. Chittenden Locks.  Parking paid, I received an unexpected gift of FREE admission onto the grounds! Inside the visitors center a kind gentleman invited me to join the hour long visitor's tour.  I highly recommend it because:
1. a well-informed tour guide gives the history of the canal,
2. at the channel she explains the inner-workings and process of the locks,
3. and she provides interesting information about the fish ladder and the types of salmon that navigate those waters, which flow from the fresh water of Lake Washington to the salt water of Puget Sound. 
Definitely worth the drive, but another option is to see it by boat. If time permits, take an Argosy Cruise and travel through the locks.

Under the water, on ladder 18 of the salmon run, visitors can view the fish that are making the journey to lay their eggs.

 

After seeing all those fish, I felt a bit hungry, so I made my way back towards Fremont to tour a chocolate factory about which I'd read. Theo Chocolate is an all natural, organic chocolate company that pays fair wages to workers in parts of the Southern Hemisphere (making it a fair trade co). Located in an unassuming brick building close to the water I was able to find free parking nearby on the street. Stepping out of my car, fragrant smells of sweet chocolate sailed atop the breeze that blew beneath my nose.  Heaven, really. 

Tours are given on the hour and cost $10.  I was able to purchase a ticket from the friendly lady working the front desk and I didn't need a reservation.  She gave me a fashionable blue hairnet to wear and verified that I wore closed toe shoes.  (Required for the tour and I'd brought along a pair of "tennys" just for this!) The tour guide was super: she explained the entire growing process, (Did you know that cocoa beans grow from huge pods on the trunk of skinny trees?)

gave us samples,

 

and taught us more about chocolate in general.  For example, I learned that the amount of cocoa bean that is required for a chocolate bar to be considered "chocolate" is extremely low, like 10%.  Theo's dark chocolate contains 70% and their milk chocolate contains 45%.  After the tour and sampling some downright delicious chocolate, I felt like a connoisseur!  Seriously, I now can taste the difference between mass-produced cheap stuff and high quality chocolate.  Chili was my favorite!

Inside the conference room before we toured the factory.

Our amazing tour guide!

The holding tank: where all that liquid chocolate is kept!

Don't we look fancy?

The good news: I don't have to travel to Seattle to buy it because Market Street carries the Theo brand!  Morally delicious! Score!  

The last place I journeyed on day three was The Elliott Bay Book Company.  A cool bookstore located in what seemed like a "sketchy" neighborhood.  I didn't feel unsafe, but I was careful to triple check that I locked the car.  I also didn't linger on the sidewalk to take in the scenery. Pretty sure I watched a drug deal go down, but hey, I'm not judging.  Whatever gets ya through the day.  Anyway, I would have liked to venture into other local bookstores in the area, but I only had time for one. I walked upstairs, read a few pages from 21st Century Skills: Learning for Life in Our Times by Bernie Trilling and Charles Fadel.

When I got back to the hotel, Matt and friends had already chosen the restaurant for dinner and it was nearby in Bellevue, the suburb in which they were working. No need to "write home" about it, because it wasn't all that great.  

Around eleven I snuggled into bed, eager for sleep and ready to explore on day four!

~Truly, Cinderella

Seattle, Take One

When Matt told me that he would be working in Seattle for a week and asked me if I'd like to go, I answered "YES!" without hesitation.  I envisioned breathtaking, lush landscapes nurtured by grey rainy mornings; I imagined a steaming-hot latte purchased from the first Starbucks, a latte in which I'd  sip indulgently, thus inspiring me to write the next great Dystopian young adult fiction novel; I pictured a cerulean blue sea juxtaposed against a pale granite sky where nature and mankind fuse in mutual, respected balance; I saw vibrant outdoor markets where gluten-free granola eating, vegan, yogi hipsters, who carry satchels and travel via Vespas, would shop for fresh produce--a group entirely too culturally cool for me to ever belong.  Yes, I was destined to meet Seattle. 

Day One: After arriving late Monday night, I wasted away Tuesday's hours staring at beige walls inside an Embassy Suites.  I'm embarrassed to admit that I didn't leave the hotel until we traveled downtown for dinner, but I felt perfectly content to call an old friend, write, and just relax.  (Never happens!)  And the second most embarrassing confession is that when we did go to dinner we went to Benihana's!  Listen, I was the guest on this trip, and Matt's über trendy, telecom geeky friends chose the venue.  Hey, who doesn't enjoy a replicated Seattle monorail made of onion that steams and "chu-chus" followed by an eruption of said onion, a Mount St. Helen volcano atop a scorching over-sized skillet? Exactly, hibachi is king. (Seriously, I really do like Japanese food.) Anyway, while waiting I took in the scenery outdoors.  Directly above the restaurant sat a uniquely circular white church christened by a huge cross, which just goes to show that Jesus loves fried rice, too.  

Next door was this place: 

http://www.mustardseedcafeseattle.com/

 Anytime I am faced with a problem, I remember the parable about a mustard seed, so I clicked a pic to acknowledge hope. Yes, I was surrounded by celestial signs, a Biblical prophesy, one that said, "if you have faith, you can move Mount Rainier," or at least navigate through crowded Pike's Place to buy Rainier Cherries. Regardless, I monumentalized the the gorgeous city at dusk, my favorite time of day, with this picture:

Day Two: After enjoying a complimentary waffle made to order (because I made it), coffee, and fresh fruit, I hopped in the rental, traversed I90, 

 and landed inside a public parking garage between Pike's and Elliott Bay.  

I planned to visit the outdoor market first, but I missed my intended destination by taking the elevator down instead of up to street level.  No worries, I made my way to the Great Wheel.  

 Now, I have no idea why I meandered to a ride that peaks at 175 feet above the ground when I'm afraid of heights, but the Ferris wheel beckoned me to her and I answered the call.  I guess I figured first impressions ought to be grand and with such perfect weather for viewing the city, our introduction was made. Seagulls soared above the docks, the sun bounced warmth against the sidewalks, and the air felt crisp and clean.  It was a gorgeous morning.  While I was in line I met the nicest ladies from Maryland. They invited me to ride with them and told me all about their trip across the country.  

 

 These adventurous two planned a week of sightseeing in Seattle, and this was after they'd driven the Oregon coastline.  It's no wonder the pair felt at ease at such dizzying heights. Nonetheless, we three enjoyed the magnificent scene surrounding us. From above I saw giant jelly fish floating in the water below; then I scoped out the best sea-side decks on which to have dinner--my choice this time ;).

 

 In the distance I scouted the Seattle Space Needle, and I watched a Cruise ship sail into the harbor. Ethereal indeed.

Back on solid ground, I said goodbye, perused a nearby gift shop, and walked up to Pike Place Public Market. 

 For a Wednesday, this place was hoppin'! Naturally, the first task: get in line for coffee.  By mistake, I went into the wrong Starbucks (1st and Pike) but soon realized that this shop couldn't be "the one" when I merged into a long line of four and noticed the place didn't look like the pictures I'd seen of the orig.  I almost asked the chic, urban Asian in front of me, but saved myself the regret and Google Mapped it.  Nerdy tourister judgement avoided.  Whew! So, back at the original 'Bucks (Starbucks, 1912 Pike Place, Seattle, WA 98101, in case you visit) 

I stood in line and listened not-so-attentively to a "starving" musician playing out front.  I read that in Seattle they call them Buskers, but I call them "trade in your day job because right now you're playing unsolicited music, free, for clichéd tourists who care more about a latte than they do downloading any future potential track of yours from iTunes (Correction, Spotify).  Don't get me wrong, ordinarily I enjoy these street artists/musicians/talent but this gal was terrible!  A cacophony of squawks sounded from seagulls flying above sounded better.  Mid-set she announced, loudly, that she wanted to leave Seattle to make it big, so if there were any agents or producers in the crowd she'd love an opportunity.  Right, because big-shot music producers also hang out in long lines with middlings, waiting to get a glimpse inside the iconic Starbucks.  More power to her; after all, this is America!  The line progressed and I made way inside, and veritable truth: I was standing inside the place where the coffee shop revolution began! Awesome!!  Even the sign is original--naked mermaid logo!  And the barista?  He was from Dallas so we chatted a little about home.  

 Silly me to think that they'd have tables and chairs (Ergo!  I shall not write the next great Dystopian novel at Starbucks!  Bummer.) Anyway, the floor was filled with wall-to-wall people and left no room to actually sit and enjoy coffee.  

However, the latte tasted the same as any other Starbucks latte, but isn't the magic of Starbucks consistency? My latte was great and overall I felt satisfied with the experience.  I would definitely recommend the visit.  Check.

Because I could blog on forever, I'll attempt to cut this short, or as one would say, "to make a long story short" but then in my head I respond by saying, "or to make a long story longer." (See, I'm doing it again.)  Anyway, Pike's Place was everything I dreamed of and more.  All types of people shopping for all types of merchandise.  The produce was amazing!  I purchased Mount Rainier cherries that somehow tasted better than ordinary cherries, and afterwards, I asked the vendor if I could take his picture.  (Secretly, I'm sure he was rolling his eyes, but he was sweet to oblige.) 

 I ate lunch at Matt's in the Market, chosen in honor of my hubby, and just like him the meal was divine!  (Sorry, had to.)  I had halibut sandwich with a tangy tarter sauce inside served on a brioche bun, an out-of-this-world cold gazpacho soup, and a glass of rosé wine: a befitting meal to complement a sublime day.  Exquisite.

I spent the afternoon sifting through underground stores and stumbled across a gem, the Old Seattle Paperworks store.  The old Time magazines propping open the door first garnered my attention.  I'm nostalgic for nostalgia and this place was my paradise.  (I mean, our guest book for our wedding wasn't a guestbook at all; instead guests signed the backs of old postcards from around the country.  Our centerpieces were designed around old, old family photographs.)  They carry vintage posters, postcards, magazines, maps, newspapers, you name it!  I combed through numerous headlines and when I tired, I realized something that we all know but forget:  Nothing really changes, our problems, our perfections, they all are recycled.  Society creates the new look, the refurbished modern design, but quintessentially, they're all the same.  From hippies to hipsters, the world turns round. Life.

Finally, at day's end the crew and I ate at Elliott's Oyster House.  We sat outside overlooking the bay.  I ordered Grilled Scampi Prawn Risotto and my dad (who was there coincidentally, on business) ordered Seafood Fettuccine and we sampled both, because neither of us could decide :).  I thoroughly enjoyed the food, the company, and the view.  An exemplary close to a wonderful day in Seattle.

~Truly, Cinderella

(Check back for Seattle, Take Two)

Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream

Standing within Nana's kitchen I listened to the sound of the motor churning, spinning the metal canister inside. She knew how much I loved ice cream and every summer she'd make it for me. Homemade ice cream IS summertime itself, embodied in cool refreshing goodness, and since I've been on a strawberry kick, I thought I might share another red berry favorite.  My girls love it and I know you will too. :) This recipe is easy to make, no-fuss and no cooking.  Although the recipe comes not from Nana's collection, it was given to me by an equally influential and wonderful lady in my life, Cheryl Thompson: she brings living into life.  And you too will be living if you make this crowd-pleaser.  Enjoy!

Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream

Ingredients:
3 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1 can sweetened condensed milk
4 cups half and half
2 1/2 cups of Big Red (secret, yummy ingredient)
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups (1 pint) strawberries, sliced into quarters (more if larger size)

Directions:

1. Whisk eggs together in a large mixing bowl. 
   
2. Add remaining ingredients except strawberries.
   
3. Next, blend strawberries into mixture. 
   
    
4. Pour the mixture into the ice cream canister, place into tub, and attach motor. Fill with ice and rock salt and plug in to start.

   

   
   
5. When finished, serve and enjoy! 
    
   Or share with friends! Tired of taking the cliched bottle of wine to dinner parties? Ensure an invitation to the next cook-out and make this your hostess gift. Simply scoop into mason jars, tie a bow around them, and holy cannoli you've got the perfect party treat!  I used the mini jars for individual servings and then placed in a baking pan for a unique twist.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
   
   

Summertime Strawberry Silk Pie

Cool summertime desserts remind me of sun-filled afternoons where days wasted away under breezy shade trees. Stills of my Nana cooking in her sunny, yellow kitchen were photographed in time, tucked away in memories.  She'd slice strawberries over a metal bowl atop yellow speckled Formica countertops.  White eyelet drapes adorned the window above the sink, and there she spent many hours creating a beautiful mess. Outside the screen door small sparrows chirped their excitement over the possibility of catching some discarded pie crumbs.  The kitchen was warm, always warm, air conditioned only by the swamp-cooler in the adjacent living room.  A steady squeak from the metal fan accompanied the low hum of the window unit--these were the sounds of summer at the old house.  She busied herself inside that kitchen day after day, summer after summer,  baking fresh fruit pies, curating cold salads, and blending peach milkshakes made from homemade ice cream and fresh picked peaches: all delicacies worthy of praise. But my favorite goody was her Strawberry Silk Pie.  I'd wait hours for it to set, quietly opening the icebox, careful to make sure Nana wasn't watching, just so that I could sneak a taste.  I'd carefully dip the tip of my fingertip into the gelatin and hurriedly lick it off hoping that I didn't get caught. I'd try to cover up the evidence by holding each side of the pie plate and slightly shifting it from side to side to smooth the mark before scurrying away.  I am blessed to have such a wonderful lady as my mentor.  I learned the basics of cooking from my sweet Nana: as a little girl, I'd watch, mesmerized by quick hands, wrinkled and worn from love's diligent duties.  She baked happiness, authenticated by tastebuds.

At 104, Nana is no longer able to make these delights, but keeping with tradition, I attempt to bake happiness into summer, too. 

Nana's Strawberry Silk Pie:

Ingredients:

1- nine inch Baked Pie Shell

1- eight ounce pkg cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup of powdered confectioners sugar
Whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup granulated sugar

4 Tablespoons cornstarch

2 pints fresh strawberries

Directions:

1. Bake pie crust into a 9 inch pie shell. Because I'm not nearly as awesome as Nana, I cheated and bought the Pillsbury Pie Dough instead of making the pie crust from scratch.  Shhh, don't tell. ;) 

2. Blend softened cream cheese, confectioners sugar, vanilla, and whipping cream together.  Once pie crust has completely cooled, spread cream cheese mixture on bottom of the pie shell and set aside.

  
3. In a small bowl sift together sugar and cornstarch. 

4. Next wash and hull berries.  Divide the strawberries into two equal parts.

 

  5. Place "choice" berries on top of coated pie shell.

 

6. Mash and strain the other half until juice is well extracted. (Note:  I actually mashed and strained the berries, old school style.  Afterwards, it occurred to me that I could have used my juicer.  You just want the fresh juice from the strawberries--how you get it doesn't matter.)

7. Pour juice into sauce pan and bring to a boil.  Slowly stir in sugar and cornstarch mixture.

8. Cook slowly for about 10-12 minutes.  (This is the tricky part.  You want the mixture to thicken, but still be able to pour-ish over pie.)  Cool and spread over fresh strawberries in pie shell.  Place pie in refrigerator until pie sets and is very cold. Garnish with whipping cream over top.  (Use cool whip if short on time.)

Note: As you can see, my silk was a bit too silky. (Told you that was the tricky part!) The strawberry mixture needed to cook a tad longer.  This pic was taken from my first attempt earlier in the summer, but I made it again this week and it turned out much better. Practice makes perfect, right?   

Lazy Days of Summer?

Rolling into the hot, Texas dog-days of summer, I promise myself to make time to relax.  I mean really relax; my mind, soul, and body.  I'm fortunate to have my summers.  There is a reason educators are given this time off, and it has nothing to do with agrarian tradition! Spend a few days inside the classroom and you'll understand why, which takes me back to my point.  Project RELAXATION.

Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett, Zac Brown Band, and other country artists sing songs for beach picnics and bbq dinners.  Those easy-going greats wrote summertime anthems for the weary to remind us of forgotten warm afternoons from days past.  "Bare feet on the dashboard," "swimmin' holes," a blown out "flip-flop," and "toes in the water;"  Now this group knows how to unwind.  Then again, they are not mothers.




So, where are these long-lost glory days of summer?  

Continually striving to become the perfect mother, wife, hostess, and decorator my days are filled with tinkering and fiddling, always busy.  My mantra, idle hands build an idle life.  My husband likes to watch movies at home, but I can't sit still long enough to enjoy one.  "Besides," I ask him, "why watch someone else's life when you could live your own?" So since June 6th, we have ventured inside the city to visit the JKF Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, the Arboretum, the Dallas Zoo; we've attended concerts and two firework shows, eaten at a variety of new restaurants, and perused the Bishop Arts District. I've read five books, cooked countless meals, baked a myriad of desserts, decorated the reading room, planted flowers, cleaned out the garage and deep cleaned the house.  On the side, I've continued my love affair with hair and coiffed some fabulous dos (pronounced 'doos'-as in hair) for friends.  I've engaged in countless conversations, catching up with old friends.  Madilyn attended tennis camp; Bella worked as well as prepared for her college friends to visit.  The days zipped by with all this busy-ness. My hands build life and I love it!  I eagerly embark on the day's journey.  I am Mrs. Dalloway but like her, sometimes I wonder why?  Woolf in her melancholy way reminds us of the question: what's the purpose in all this movement? When Mr. Walsh compliments her, calling her the perfect hostess she cringes.  She despises the simple classification and thinks it silly.  But later she remembers "...that a woman's gift, of making a world of her own wherever she happened to be" is extraordinary.  I agree. 

However, now is the time to rest. Next week I'm going to Seattle with Matt and I'm going plans-free.  I'll leisurely walk the streets allowing Fate's hand to guide me. I'm leaving space for Serendipity to work her magic.  When the bright sun warms my face, I'll pause to capture the feeling.  I'll enjoy the city without judgement, without agenda.  And though I won't have beach or sand,  I'll have adventure.  Adventure without the to-do list.  

~Truly, Cinderella