Seattle

So I flew to Seattle this morning for work and I'll be here for a couple of days, running a booth at a conference. This is always great fun, because I spend my time 1) reading, 2) handing out promotional goodies to people who won't look at me and who plan to give the things to their pets/infants to choke on, and 3) telling people where the bathrooms are.

The two bright spots are Washington, which is lovely, and my friend Kelly, who lives here and is even lovelier. We've already gone to her favorite cafe (Cosmo's in Port Orchard) to eat paninis made with smoked mozzarella cheese, tomato, and fresh basil, bowls of Greek lemon chicken soup, and some very rich chocolate cheesecake. While you're there, you can also buy things like triple-cream brie and hazelnut oil and imported capers. My favorite was the tiny jar containing two truffles (product of France) for $12.

I think one of the things I love about this area, especially the foresty part where Kelly lives, is that it reminds me of being home in Alaska, but better. Because here, it's green and lush and beautiful, but you don't run the same risk of being eaten by a bear or stomped to death by a moose. And I can appreciate that.