Space Needle Seattle WA.

For one weekend in March, I was on my own in one of my favourite U.S. cities. Seattle Washington State.

TT had to fly off to do a show in Wabash Indiana so we picked Seattle as a great place for me to spend a “car-less” as apposed to “careless” weekend. Although it was pretty careless as well;  I didn’t have any “Roadie Duties” and no-one else to think about but ME.

TT settled me into The Ramada Hotel “Downtown” on 5^th Avenue.

He had carefully chosen it to be within walking distance of most of the places I wanted to visit. Just down the street, The Space Needle towered above The Seattle Center, venue for the Worlds Fair in 1962.

The overhead tram, carrying visitors to the Center, rattled to and fro outside my 2^nd floor window.

TT then drove in BB to the airport.

BB was left in the parking lot while TT flew away to do a show in the Honeywell Centre Wabash Indiana.

While he was away I had a fine time.

After he left, I didn’t bother to unpack as it was a glorious sunny afternoon and the Harbour,with Olympic Mountains and Market were calling to me.

It only took a few minutes to walk there and join the motley crew, sitting by the Harbour.

There were families with children enjoying the sunshine, Romantic looking couples, several police, one on a horse, overseeing the proceedings. They seemed to be keeping a watchful eye on some “less fortunate” folk, carrying their belongings in plastic bags. Some of them were quietly asking for handouts.

The sea gulls weren’t asking, just dive bombing onto any stray food.  I kept a wary eye on them while I ate a delicious Turkish snack from one of the ethnic stalls in the market.

Here are some photos of what happened to me a few weeks before on the pier at Santa Barbara California.

Seagull 1. Roadie Gran 0. At least I had eaten most of the Crab!

Crab lunch Santa Barbara Pier

Sea Gull steals my plate and left overs!

I wandered around Pikes Place  Market, revisiting the now world famous Fish Market.

I once attended a programme at work inspired by the philosophy of these crazy fish sellers. Here is a link. It’s worth watching the video to see the “Flying Fish”!  Anyway, I think my favourite sight was the fresh flowers stalls. No photos as I decided to walk around uncluttered by a camera.

I almost stayed until the sun set with other Seattle sun and mountain viewers overlooking the harbour and the mountains.

I hoped TT and BB were enjoying their afternoon and evening as much as I was.

Saturday

The next day I walked the few blocks to the Seattle Center. There were crowds of people standing in line for a “Star Wars” exhibit and movie. They were turning people away.

Fortunately there were hardly any takers for the Imax movie about Lewis and Clark. I loved it. So glad I had TT and BB to bring me to and from the East over the mountains to the “Wild West” What took Lewis and Clark about a year, took us about 4 days to travel.

While catching my breath after the adventure with Lewis and Clark, I dried my face. I’m sure there was water on it after Imaxing along those roaring rivers with them.

Next I wandered off in search of The Children’s Theatre. It wasn’t open. I found this out by walking the wrong way and arriving back stage at the loading dock. There were a couple of actors taking a cigarette break here.

They filled me in on what was showing here. Which wasn’t anything that day?   One of these young men was playing the part of a Glow Worm. I told him to “break a leg”. Not sure if this was appropriate as I imagine they are legless.

Next to one of the food courts, some students were interviewing a lady artist. She wore a dread locks, a long leather apron.

They were asking her about “World peace”. Her reply was that she thought it could only be achieved by everyone being at peace within themselves. Sounds great in theory, but obviously unachievable without finding peace with God first.

Isn’t all the lack of peace between us only a reflection of the unrest in our souls? What did St Augustine say, “ “Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee..”

Sunday in Seattle

Walked to City Church in the rain. Wore my U.K waterproof over-trousers, which I took off in the ladies restroom.

Sat in on an Alpha class.

Karla, one of the greeters invited me back to her house for lunch. Just like that.

Karla's house in the snow. It wasn't snowing but raining the day I visited

What a treat.

Karla and her family

She then gave me a tour of Seattle, which included a visit to “Starbucks” of course. Here I had my first experience of a vanilla scone. Very nice.

TT arrived home early the next day with BB and off we went again on our travels

Back to today. Good Friday morning.

Checking out of our hotel in Kansas City.

TT is asking me to finish as we are now heading off East to Warsaw IL for 2 performances over this Easter Weekend.

Remembering the death of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, I’ve been listening to this hymn on You tube.

The Servant King by Graham Kendrick

“Thanks be to God for His indescribably gift”

BUT we miss the mountains of the West.

We are now in Hays Kansas. 2 shows in Iowa over Easter Weekend. Then on to Nashville for a couple of days, before flying to California, Canada and then ENGLAND AND HOME!!

Ouray Colarado. We camped here 16 yrs ago on this mountain with our sons!

Lake Tahoe! Utah

Arches National Park Colorado!

TT in "Heavenly Gondola" going up the mountain in Lake Tahoe

Our son Daniel, arrived in San Fransico, from England the day before English Mother’s Day April 3^rd.

He was on a business trip with his boss, Phil of Compsoft in Alton Hampshire.

He told us months ago he might come and visit a client in California.  I said to him, “wouldn’t it be great if you came when we were in Cali? We could meet up for a cuppa and a quick hug”.

“Mum” he said, “I can’t plan this business trip around my parent’s crazy U.S. tour schedule. I shall have to come when my boss says so.”

Undaunted I prayed that if possible, God would please allow us to meet up with Daniel when he came. This prayer God answered with a “Yes”! (As opposed to a “no” or a “wait”)

So, the day after Mother’s Day found us meeting in the parking lot of The Jelly Belly Factory.

Perfect for a mother and son outing. We met in the car park where Daniel gave me my card and read the poem he had penned.   As well as bringing the card in his business luggage he had also thoughtfully enclosed his skateboard. This he had purchased in Spain on another business trip.

He had skated over The Golden Gate bridge in San Fran. to mark  Mother’s Day. Now it came in useful as he shuttled back and forth across the car park to get various items from our van for us.

"Lets all make a funny face" they said. Do I win?

Daniel and his boss Phil, have a total of 7 sons between them and their wives. Here we were, dressed in Silly Hats, learning and tasting about Jelly Beans with no-one under 30 in our party.  However we did have an “English Childishness about us. My hubby’s head had burst through his hat, which was consequently at a Rackish angle. He also carried his large video camera Daniel  carry his skateboard all the time which gave our party a sort of “English Ecentric” element.  One  Jelly Belly young employee recognized, and was obviously impressed by, the make of the skateboard

In fact after the tour when TT was doing a video blog outside, a family came up to us and chatted and mentioned they had seen us inside. Daniel’s skateboard was again brought into play as he performed for his dad in front of the camera.  at the Jelly Belly place.

Whatever the date it was a mother’s day to remember.

C

Spanish architect's Sundial Bridge in Redding CA. TT half way across

On Saturday we checked the time using the gorgeous Sundial Bridge in California. TT used to be a Structural Engineer and loves bridges. This one was right up there.  Designed by a Spanish Architect the sundial shadow was  clearly visible on this beautiful Cali day.

While TT did some Video blogging. I visited the museum by the bridge in Turtle Bay.

I didn't pay. Nice Thom on the desk, said that was O.K.

Met some Girl Guides working for their badges in the museum

Thom is a fan of C.S. Lewis, and instead of accepting my late payment, ( I thought it was free and just moozzied on in and enjoyed myself), he asked TT to do an excerpt from his CSL show. Which he did right there at the desk!

They were learning all about the Mt. Shasta and it's wonderful waters

Guides learning about water flow with hands on sandy experiment.

While I waited for TT, I decided to take a road trip on my own in Turtle Bay

Roadie Grandma Hotel Tips 101

There are many responsibilities, for this Roadie Grandma looking after a demanding TT.

Is TT happy with this Hotel?

I have to be really on my toes during the load in, duration of stay and load out at hotels.

So this blog is dedicated to sharing tips for Roadies with regard to Hotel duties.

TT does nearly all the driving and is an absolute whizz and getting good lodging deals.

Roadie Grandma Tip # 1

Very often we get three star hotels for under $50/33 pounds sterling a night, through Hotwire or Priceline.com.

3 star hotels rarely serve complimentary breakfast.

Actually as I write this, we have just arrived in this super duper Hilton Garden Hotel in Redding CA.

TT got it for $45! It doesn’t serve a complimentary breakfast but has a wonderful posh restaurant with chefs in tall hats cooking whatever you request.

The Air Conditioning isn’t working.

We are hot as we were in snowy mountain climes yesterday and the temperature has soared as we have journeyed south and down hill. I had to take off my Hiking boots, warm socks and vest !

A lovely 82 yr old maintenance man has just come in. Pronounced the air conditioner dead.

He opened a window and got us a fan from the laundry. Then a nice surprise; a breakfast coupon “for 2 to enjoy a hot cooked-to-order”, for tomorrow morning.

He said, “I told them at the front desk that they need to take care of you.” He is lovely had travelled around the world with the USA navy and hopes to retire next year. Still works 4 days a week! What a great role model for this younger couple that is not quite 70.

We have had this made to order cooked breakfast before when other people have been paying and know it is yummy! I’m already thinking the fresh cooked omelet with onion, mushrooms, tomatoes and cheese!

If you do not have a broken A/C and a kind maintenance man,

RG Tip # 2

"Sparrow Records" rolling ice bag

Take a mobile rolling fridge with you.

We have a small one. On wheels which was given to TT by Sparrow Records when TT was part owner to a singing group Jump5. They even recorded a track for Disneys’ Beauty and The Beast here is the YouTube link

We were going to give the rolling ‘fridge,  away but decided to keep it just in case….and this tour has turned out to be a ‘just in case.’

Added to the rolling fridge is a food bag, given to us by bro-in-law Bill, Houston Oil man, who was given it at some International 2007 San Antonio Oil exploration conference.

This contains essential breakfast items. In the van it sits comfortably on the rolling ice bag.

The combination of fridge and food bag means we always have a very healthy and delicious breakfast Generally a combination of Raisin Brand, Porridge / Oatmeal (not cooked), All Bran, Ground Walnuts and Almonds (which TT grinds with his own nut grinder) Flaxseed and a good sprinkling of extra raisins – delicious!

RG tip # 3

RG's happy with her hotel room!

Now you may say, “Motel rooms are often a bit cramped for room, even in America, so how do you cope with storage with all these extra items?

The first thing I do is put up the ironing board and voila – immediate and extra storage space.

Back to breakfast….even though we are fully self sufficient, some establishments serve up a very creditable breakfast, even a cooked one.

So my first job in the morning (after+ I have had my essential cup of coffee and made TT a cup of tea,  is to RECCY THE BREKKY…. and see what’s on offer.

Then we make a decision as to whether to have the hotel breakfast, our own breakfast or a combination of both.

RG Tip # 4

Usually there are yoghurts on offer so we always take a few to snack with while on the road to the next hotel.  If there are hard boiled eggs and bread. I often squirrel this up to our room and make sarnies for lunch.

RG Tip # 5

Get an extension for our checkout time. It takes us so long to get checked out and usually hotels are very accommodating, (pardon the pun) in allowing you at least an extra hour. This means you can stay online and check your email, write a postcard or two or have a lazy bath etc.

RG Tip # 6

Bring an extension, multi point electric cord into the hotel. Helps with charging batteries, phones etc.

RG Tip # 7

While on the road to a hotel, I always call ahead to make sure the reservation is properly registered.   Once established the most important thing is to confirm the room is non-smoking.  We can’t have TT’s VVC’s (valuable vocal chords) being tainted, even attacked by stale smoke.   That would never do!

Space Needle Seattle WA. Had my lunch at it's foot today

O.K. Seattle.

I knew I loved you before arriving for my second visit.  Now I have been here 24 hours,  my love for you is growing.

TT has chosen the most wonderful location for me to be on my own and without transport in this super city.

The Ramada  Inn,  , on 5th Avenue, is a couple of blocks from The Seattle Center, site of the 1962 World’s Fair with its famous Space Needle land mark.

I love walking around cities on my own and exploring. Even though there are buses, trams and the monorail runs overhead just outside my hotel window, I have walked everywhere so far.

Sorry there are no photos. Went about without a camera today. You can click on the links I’ve added to see photos and get more information, if you feel so inclined.

The hotel  is also only about 10mins walk from the waterfront overlooking Puget Sound and The Olympic Mountains.

That is where I headed after TT dropped me off at the hotel yesterday afternoon. The sun was shining and I sat overlooking the bay watching the people, ferries and sun set. It was a glorious sunny day and I didn’t need a rain coat for the first time in days.

I strolled around the colourful market. My favourite was the flower stalls and of course the famous Pikes fish market.

Here they have fun selling fish and are famous for their fish tossing! It took me back to some “Fish Culture” training I had to do at my job in Nashville. It was inspired by this fish market.

If you are interested in seeing the place in action and a little of this philosophy, just click on the Pikes fish market link. It’s great fun.

O by the way,first I must tell you about my hubby, TT’s slight brush with the law again. It came in the form of a charming  bicycle riding  Seattle Traffic cop just after our arrival.

Seattle is a busy city, with little on road parking. Out hotel does  have its own parking lot, but BB with his roof rack is too tall to use it.

Instead, TT parked in a “Shuttle Buses only” spot for a few minutes while he checked me in.  While we were at the desk, we spotted this law man through the window who had cycled up to BB and was taking out his pen and pad. TT rushed to explain and was let off AGAIN  from getting a parking ticket and fine.

Back to the Market. I bought some food from one of the stalls at the Market. I ate the soup and sandwich in the Steinbeck Park. The blackberry bread pudding with chocolate chips I carried back to the hotel for later.

It was delicious. I have never made such decadent bread pudding. I may now have to liven up my frugal WW2 version from my dear mum.

Today I walked to the Seattle Centre and had a great time. TT called me just now as I was sitting outside by The Space Needle. I love walking around cities on my own and exploring.

It’s late and I’m sleepy from all my walking adventures.

I will finish by saying that at the Seattle Centre I chatted with some actors outside the Children’s Theatre. They were rehearsing for a play and were playing a Glow worm. I told them to break a leg and then realized that Glow worms don’t have any.

Watched a National Geographic documentary about Lewis and Clark in one of the Imax cinemas in the Science Centre. Not C.S. Lewis but Merriweather the fearless explorer of the West!

Came across some Madagascan cockroaches who were also at the Science Center. One crawled  over my hand.

It was quite beautiful and not nearly as scary as the ones who used to scuttle across the Path Lab floor at night. I used to do the “Mid night Haematology Lab shuffle and stamp” when opening the door and putting on the light to scare them off. Always tried to keep one eye on the floor and the other on the microscope. Not easy when there are two eyepieces.

O forgot to say, I ran into a mum and daughter from Oregon this afternoon. Mary, the daughter was taking part in an Irish dancing competition. I went with them as it was free to watch.  The dancing was quite good but I couldn’t stay too long.

The make up, long curly wigs and over the top costumes put me off. The mum did warn me.

Went around the retail outlet there to look at the prices of costumes.  2nd hand dresses started at $800. Wigs $150. Shoes$150.

No comment!

He has taken us thousands of miles from Ocean City New Jersey on the East Coast of the USA all the way to Ocean City Washington on the West. Up mountains and then down to sea level several times.

Yesterday, he put on his brakes and refused to go another mile without a day on the beach.

It was the least we could do for our faithful friend.

Here he is.

We decided to hire a “Surrey without a fringe on top” to check up on him.  He was doing fine. He appeared to be taken a lot of interest in a sleek red sports car parked furthur along the beach. We warned him about the nature of sea side holiday romances.

Come to think of it. TT and I met at Eastbourne by the sea. Now 46 years later we are still together. Hurray!!

TT gets a substitute vehicle for Big Blue's day off at the Seaside

BB enjoying a day on the beach at Ocean Shores!

Had a few hours being oil changed and having his tyres attended to.

Now feels much better

BB gets some TLC

Tomorrow we drive to Seattle. TT then catches a plane to Indiana.

He is performing “An Evening with C.S. Lewis” in the smart Honeywell Performing Arts Center.  Over 500 tickets already sold for Sunday!!  The Osmond Brothers are also performing there. I wonder how many tickets they have sold?

I shall stay and patiently wait in Seattle.  This city is one of my favourite places.

I plan to visit the fish market and gawp at the Olympic mountains and ocean.

See you there!

Take care my friends and family.

During one of the many hours we were “on the road”, I asked my darling hubby,  “What State are we in now?”

TT looked at his watch.  “It’s 2:00pm Sunday, so it must be Oregon”.

A few moments later we were crossing a bridge in Portland, Oregon,  when we saw a “Welcome to Washington” sign.

When we arrived at the hotel in Ocean Stores, there was an Irish flag outside the Galway Pub.

To add to the Celtic feel, TT was performing in Aberdeen that night at the Calvary Chapel there.

Here are some of the lovely folk we met at the church.

Wonderful Zabrina who organised the event

Lunch with Pastor Sean, his lovely wife and family.

To help us recover from out travels across the country, we are staying put in the lovely hotel Zabrina booked us into for 5 days. We have no more bookings for a week, so it will be lovely to sleep in the same place for more that a night or so.

So we admired the drift wood on the beach.

TT helps with the laundry. He's a keeper!

Had a coffee and a chat in the Galway Pub, while BB had an oil change

Need to catch up on office work, get TT oops BB a good clean on the inside and out. I shall be sad to lose the Redwood Forest floor droppings by my feet. It must go as there may be remains of elk poo still underneath it.

Thanks to my eagle-eyed readers who spotted the mistake, now corrected, in the last paragraph!

"Flat Lauren", her lovely Grands and pushy me at San Fran's Golden Gate Bridge.

Amazing trip continues up glorious Pacific Hwy 1.

So many wonderful sights. I’ll have to put photos up.

Just arrived in stormy Crescent City. http://www.crescentcity.org/ Tsunami destroyed a harbour building last week. Let’s continue to pray for Japan.

The internet connection in this seaside motel is a little slow. I wanted to upload some snaps, but the image uploading device is taking ages.

Watch this space.

TT has done a sterling job of going up and down mountains. Sometimes at over 6,000 ft. Then plunging down, hairpin and hair raising bends to sea level.

It’s now 11:20pm and past my bedtime.

Just wanted to stop by and stay”hello, good night or good morning” depending on which side of the Atlantic you are on. We have the Pacific just outside the door trashing and crashing on the beach.

Loads of folks to blog about too. Including those we have met at performances. Others we have ran into at various places like Yosemite, by the Golden Gate bridge in San Fransisco and at the Vagabond Inn. Not to mention the huge herd of Elk we watched the sun set with just now outside a little red school room. The sign said they belonged to President Roosevelt.

Unfortunately I still can’t upload the photos to prove it.

Hopefully tomorrow!

xx