WASHINGTON STATE?!? #3

 Heidy-Ho, Blogging Buddies!!  This should be the last post about the trip to Washington State.

So... let's talk about the remaining things done while on the West Coast.

JMA's co-worker/friend lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area.  For many years (I think he may have said 30?), he has been renting a cabin in the Leavenworth area for some "down time"... be it vacation or just to chill.  In fact, he is the one who recommended we consider Leavenworth for a vacay.  He was actually staying at the cabin while we were visiting... unplanned!  But what a delight for us.  He invited us to the cabin for a dinner.  It was such an incredible spot.  We just took it all in and relaxed immediately!

Wow.  Relaxing to just SEE this place!

Nice hot tub for those cooler months.

River? Creek? Stream?  Dunno'.  But a great view from the porch... and a great place to get in for a little cool-off!!  Absolutely beautiful.

The owners, with whom JMA's friend is acquainted after all the years, actually built this place!  Very nicely done.

The kitchen area was just so charming (it does say "Country Charm" so I reckon it's accurate)!

We had a wonderful dinner (grilled salmon... YUM!) with fun conversation.  I totally understand his desire to return here year after year.

So... on our last full day, we decided to take the advice of one of the wine tasting rooms' guy... and travel about an hour+ to the Lake Chelan area for some tastings.  He told us there were incredible wineries out there... plus the beauty of a massive lake.  The drive was interesting.  We literally drove "along" this lake for MILES!  Beautiful scenery.  We visited two excellent wineries.

Benson Vineyard:

This vineyard was atop a hill area, sloping down toward the lake.  This is a picture from the back patio attached to the tasting room.  Below you see the seating areas that are set up for lake viewing, tasting, and dining!

Benson is 100% estate.  All of the wines they offer are made from grapes grown strictly on their property.  And they had very nice wines.

Well... heck... it's just darned pretty... the wine is excellent... why not try the pizza out under the pavilion below?!?  So we did.  And the pizza was excellent, too.  Ahhhhhh.

Tsillan Cellars:

Tsillan Cellars is 100% estate, also.  It was chosen as the 2020 Washington Winery of the Year by Wine Press Northwest magazine... followed by winning five gold medals at the Washington State Wine Competition!!  Nice.  Again... beautiful outdoor tasting areas with a view of the lake.  Oh... and what's with those glasses? 

Well, this winery provides five wines for tasting.  With a huge outdoor space, they can't really bring you one wine at a time (although you can do that inside)... so... someone came up with this great "stand" that holds the five glasses, pre-poured, for one to carry out (see the circle at the top... hand fits nicely into it!) to choose a table.  It was great.  Again... relaxation to the max.

So... while we were able to do so much in our three full days there, these have been the highlights.  If you somehow end up planning a trip in that area, I can recommend several things!

Until next post...

WASHINGTON STATE?!? #2

 Welcome back, Blogging Buddies!!  Washington State trip continues!

So, while at the Fox Den B&B, we had plenty of fur-babies to enjoy.  The owners were animal rescue fans... and did exactly that!  There were two dogs (Maya, a Husky/Malamute mix, I believe... and "Z", a German Shepherd), two cats (Balou, an orangey/whitish mix... and a new baby totally black with long hair... and yellow eyes), and two miniature horses, (Callie and Cooper).  "Z" adopted us and made certain he walked us to our suite each time we came in.  Pretty funny.  He occasionally slept in the hallway just outside our door, also... which made the need for checking before exiting!  LOL!  The pictures I got were of the mini-horses.

The owners had built this very nice shed, added the fence, and were working to expand the area the horses could roam.

Cooper and Callie each had their own "side" in the shed.

This is Callie.  The owner chopped up some carrots for us to go give to the horses so we could get a good look at them.  I was handing a piece at a time to Callie.

This is Cooper.  He has apparently been "addressed" by Callie when she wants something he has... so he stays a bit away during the times when goodies are being distributed.  He did, however, get some carrots.  JMA was making sure he received his.

Amusingly enough, Callie left me and headed toward JMA, making Cooper move back.  She apparently thought she should get even more carrots.  JMA, however, did not allow that to happen!!  Callie was scolded.  LOL!

So... on our first full day, we headed downtown to see what was there.  Very interesting place.  Not a true Bavarian town... but structured to appear as one, making for a specific "feeling" while there.  During the Covid pandemic, they had shut down the main street to vehicles, leaving it for pedestrians only (with delivery trucks the exception).  Apparently that had worked well... so they have continued with it as a pedestrian area where one can walk along the street and view all shops, coffee shops, restaurants, wine tasting rooms, etc., without having to deal with constant traffic.  Actually quite nice.

We sat outside on a patio area for a wine tasting... and this is the view that exists up and down the entire street.  It's only about 4 or 5 city blocks long... but lots to see!

The side streets contain lots of shops, etc., as well.  We wandered down 8th Street and found the "Leavenworth Unique Artique" shop!!  It was such fun!  Interesting pieces from various local artists.  The couple running the place were great... and I decided to allow her to provide me with a caricature.  I have two already... one from 1996 while in Austin and one from 2011 while in Louisiana.  Both are quite cute with just a slight caricature-style flair.  The new one?  Oh MY!!!!  A true caricature with rampant flair and insanity!  I LOVE it!!  When she "revealed" it to me, I had to ask her if she had seen some Barbara Streisand in me!  LOL!!  See what you think:

Our second full day there was one when we decided to go do our morning walk downtown.  The B&B owner had given us information on walking paths along the river that were literally right downtown!  So... off we went.  Below are a few shots (and videos) of what we saw as we walked.  Absolutely wonderful.

Alrighty!!  Probably enough for today!  Looks like this may become 4 posts!!  There are still pics to see and tales to hear!

Until next post...

WASHINGTON STATE?!? REALLY?

 Heidy-Ho, my Blogging Buddies!!!

My, oh my.  Things in this country were crazy in 2020... and it seems to be continuing in 2021!  Hang in there, my friends!!

So... won't tell the whole (long) story of why Washington State was where we went.  My TX Bestie, JMA, and I typically do our semi-annual Fredericksburg, TX winery run...and have for years.  After the inability to travel in 2020 and the long story, we ended up making a trip to Sea-Tac airport then a 2.5 hour drive through the Cascades to Leavenworth, WA.  JMA has a co-worker in the Sea-Tac area who advised her we would probably enjoy it there... so we went.  This may take two posts to cover... but for starters...

Airports.  Nightmare.  We stood in line for nearly an hour (on a Monday) to make it through the TSA in Austin, TX.  And we were plum early as our flight departed at 8:00 a.m. and we were there by 6:00 a.m.!!  Insane.  We just laughed our way through it as there was nothing else to do.  Sigh.  For good measure, will mention our return from Sea-Tac where we arrived plenty early for a 12:30 p.m. flight out (on Friday).  It was actually a much easier run to get through... and they are trying out a new method for folks to work through the TSA by scheduling a time & TSA line location.  But... the airport was still rampantly full and it was still a bit challenging.  Enough.  Not flying commercially again for quite some time!

So... the three days in between travel days were just great!  I had booked us at a B&B in Leavenworth.  The owner, who was very kind, had suggested we drive a route from Sea-Tac to there that was much more beautiful than the standard highway route.  It was!  We drove through mountains and small towns all along the way.  Really incredible.

Our B&B: Fox Den B&B.  Too much to tell you but some pics below.  Oh... and breakfast was stellar all three days!  Thank you, Lori and Dan!!!

This is the side of the B&B that faces the view.  Note the lower left corner beneath the lower deck.  That's where guests have a patio to enjoy coffee, wine, snacks, views... whatever.

This is from the side of the B&B where the decks/patio are set.  This is the view.

From the yard area just below the house/decks, one can see the driveway leading up the hillside to the property.

Passing this on the driveway heading to the B&B lets you know how lovely it will be!!

Here is the lower back patio where we spent some quality time with coffee, wine, snacks... and peace.

Looking from the lower patio, you can see the level of slope the property has!!  Lovely (and glad I don't have to mow it!)

Another view from the back patio looking to the other side.

We noticed a few Staghorn Ferns hanging on the posts of the patio.  Had not seen any for many years.  Enjoyed seeing them again!

First morning walk got us down to the main road.  This was the view.  Beautiful!

Finally (this trip may take 3 posts!), one of the things we enjoyed was sitting on the back patio watching nature.  We "met" a Robin that appeared to have claimed the barrel fountain for its bath!!  We saw it using it for that more than once!  So cute.  Had to video it as it was quite a busy bath!  (There are sprinklers going off in the background behind the Robin... not rain.)

So... this was Round One of the trip.  More to come about the downtown Leavenworth area as well as some funny things.

Until next post...

TESTING 1, 2, 3....

 Heidy-Ho, Blogging Buddies!!

Well now... this is technically a test to make certain you all receive the email with the link to this post!  I know I sent out a notice about two weeks ago letting you know you won't get the actual post in the email anymore.  Sorry 'bout that.  That's on "Blogger" where I have my blog account.  (Shame on them!)

I know it has been a while since my last post.  Most of the times that happens, I just haven't had anything to post about!  😀😀😀  This time, however, I am going to fill you in on a few things that have kept me away from my computer for a bit!

So... let's look back.

April 28th.  This was supposed to be a standard day.  A quick run to Sam's Club for some goods.  Normal stuff the rest of the day.  While out moving my heirloom tomato plants on their little dollies, I somehow (have NO clue what actually occurred!) found myself seeing the concrete of the patio coming at my face awfully fast!  WHAT?!?  Uh... now I am lying on the patio concrete wondering what the H*** just happened?  Hmmmm.  Body part check.  Nothing seems broken or fractured.  There is some pain in the right (ahem) "cheek" which is apparently where I landed... but am totally surprised to discover I was able to get myself up, walk slowly back into the house, and decide that movement was the best thing to do.  So... off to Sam's Club.  Took about 4 days for the mega-bruise of the "cheek" to appear... and it was sore for quite a bit... but that appeared to be the only actual "damage" done!  So... while I was not happy to take my first "old broad" fall, I was definitely blessed by the result!!  Watching where my feet are going much more closely these days!  (In considering, I think I may have caught my right heel on the leg of the bench while moving one of the plants.)  DOH!

May.  Finally closed on one of my listings that had been pushed back due to the inability to obtain an appraisal in a timely manner.  Sigh.  The listing hit our MLS on April 1st.  By the end of the day, there had been 17 showings and 7 offers were in my email (4 above list price)!!  WHAT?!?  Welcome to the insane world of real estate these days.  But it did close and my (now ex) neighbors have relocated to Pflugerville, TX (connects to Austin) and the buyers have moved in.

June.  Was able to meet up with a childhood pal during this month, which was wonderful!  Always so good to be able to do something like that!  Spent lots of time mowing the yard (which I LOVE to do!) and putzing around outside.  Wetter than usual June here in Central Texas.  Great for the plants and grass as they try to recover from "Snowmageddon" in February!  I did lose a few plants which have been replaced.  The only sad thing right now is our Red Oak in the back yard which has no leaves on any of the branches!!  There are only clumps of leaves around the trunk.  Hopefully, it will recover and leaf out next year.  It is still alive... and there are lots just like it all around the neighborhood.  Fingers crossed!

July.  Had another meet up with another childhood pal this month already!!  WOW!!  Has felt really good being able to get caught up and finding out about the world of others with whom I spent many hours as a young'un!  Have a trip planned with my friend in Austin.  Spending a week out-of-state somewhere we have never been.  Looking forward to it!!  Hope I get some good pics to share upon my return.  Oh... and did I mention The Man and I are hitting the 30-year mark?  Who would have ever thought anyone would put up with me for that long!!!  LOL!!  Bless his heart.  He has been incredibly fabulous.

Alrighty!  There you have it.  I truly hope things are going well for each and every one of you!!  Have a great rest-of-your-summer!!

Until next post...

HELLO, SPRINGTIME!!!

 Heidy-Ho, Blogging Buddies!!

Well, let's see.  The day after my last post was another fun-filled surgical day.  YUCK!!  But... all done.  All good.  Back to "old broad" normal!  LOL!!

Then, "Snowmageddon" hit all of us in Texas and Louisiana (and I'm sure even worse in states further north!).  What a nightmare that was in our worlds!!  That should NOT happen again!

Let's just say that February and March are off my list of months to remember.  In fact, I am completely removing the first quarter of 2021 as there was absolutely nothing I can think of that was worth any level of excitement.

So... Quarter Two!!!  April started with great fun.  Yep... another Fredericksburg semi-annual winery run!!  And even with slightly cool and damp weather, it was more than fun!  We stayed at a new Airbnb (really a Bed and Snacks) that I will tell you about later.

Night #1:  On the way, we stopped at our standing restaurant (Bryan's on 290 in Johnson City, TX).  In fact, we plan the trips so we can stop there for dinner on our way in to Fredericksburg.  The chef is amazing and the dining options are terrific.  Always something new and wonderful.  New starter:

The next morning, we made our walk up to Main Street and wandered about.  We popped into a Coffee place with bakery/breakfast items.  Two lattes and a wonderful avocado toast to share on the outdoor patio!!  Delish!

A childhood friend and I reconnected recently.  She had made a couple of recommendations of places to visit where we had not been before.  She is having a house built in Fredericksburg and is currently living there.  We were able to catch up while I was there which was really wonderful.  At any rate... one of the places she had suggested was our "lunch stop" for a charcuterie plate and a bottle of wine!  Beautiful back patio area with service from inside!

The next morning was a walk to our fave bakery (Twisted Sisters) for lattes and a bakery item to share.  So yummy.  We stopped at a new winery that had great reviews... but weren't terribly impressed.  Different strokes for different folks.  After that, we headed to "my" winery where I wanted to do a tasting as well as pick up my quarterly allotment (yes... I am a member there).  They are in the process of building a new tasting room on the property... but the current back area is absolutely lovely.

The young lady who "runs" the place is absolutely adorable and wonderful.  She had a baby in March (?) of 2020.  He was there with her and we got to see him.  Cutie!

That night, we decided to dine out... but didn't really know where.  Did a little Googling and had passed a place that looked interesting.  We went early to avoid a crowd... unsuccessfully!  LOL!  Had a 45 minute wait.  However... after a day of wine, we decided to go with cocktails at dinner.  VERY good!  And... dinner consisted of appetizer plates which were excellent.  We will go back there.

Then there are the random pics I take while on our walks.

Now then... we stayed at "La Paloma" in F'Burg.  We had not been there before but have been searching for a good spot ever since our previous B&B owners sold their place.  This was a "take a chance" place... and it did well.  We will be returning to it in the future.  The owners live next door, never bother you at all, provide great snacks (OJ, yogurt, bananas, coffees with a Keurig, granola bars, etc.), and while it really only houses two, it is large enough if you wanted to have a couple of guests over for food & wine!  Thoroughly enjoyed our stay.  In a nice, quiet neighborhood where our "old" B&B was so great walks.

After returning, it was time to get out for morning walks again.  This particular morning, I found it rather amazing what I saw... especially since a couple of things were so small and on the pavement, the likelihood of spotting just one was pretty low.  I saw both.  (You may have to go online on your computer to view the videos.)

This was NOT one of the "small" things!  In fact... the shoe alongside it is a Women's Size 11!!!

And yes... it was alive and moving... so I picked it up and put it into a yard where it would not be on the pavement.  Have never seen one this big before!!

Finally, this little guy was so cute!  Just moving on along without a care in the world!

Well... that's pretty much it for this round.  Hopefully there will be some things of interest to post about in the near future!!

Until next post...