Seattle

We spent last weekend in Washington for the reunion and had a lot of fun. It was also exhausting and HOT. Apparently, the area was experiencing a bit of an unusual heat wave with temperatures in the 100's for the wine country area where the reunion actually took place. Last Wednesday, we flew into Seattle where my friend picked us up from the airport. The Seattle skyline is beautiful at night, and the view of Mt. Rainier on the flight in was also amazing. We stayed with him and his wife at their place in Everett before picking up Corrin's brother and grandma for the drive down to Yakima on Thursday. Since we had no set time to arrive, we took the scenic route through the national forest near Mt. Rainier. The drive was fantastic. Along the way, we saw a sign in Auburn, WA which read, "If it goes up or blows up, it's illegal in Auburn." Within a mile or so of this sign, we must've left Auburn, because we drove by a huge cluster of fireworks stalls scattered around a large lot. The lot itself was absolutely covered with debris from spent fireworks. Apparently when the hunger to light up the sky overwhelms them, the Auburnites can simply walk next door and Roman candle, crackle, shell, and rocket to their hearts content.

We stopped off in the park at a picturesque stream with views of Rainier, the forest and valley below, and a little snow right there by the road. The closer we got to our destination, the more signs popped up advertising FRUIT! of all kinds, various ciders, shakes and delights, and then, my personal favorite, Walla Walla Sweet Onions. I don't appreciate the onions themselves, but I like to read signs exactly as they are written. Somehow, this one came out with a bit of a robotic voice and the result was a funny bit that lasts and lasts. From Walla Walla Sweet Onions, I branched out into Walla Walla anything. One other favorite sign "Fruit Antiques". Maybe you had to be there.

On Friday, we took a leisurely float down the Yakima River with Corrin's parents and bro. The outfitter who rented us the raft had zero sense of humor, sarcasm or wit. She probably thought we were jerks or insane city-folk. That night, the reunion started with a dinner and showings of old home movies and photos. Saturday was a wine-tasting tour. Overall, I was unimpressed by the offerings of Washington wine. There were decent options at Bonair (very entertaining owner), Silver Lake and Sagelands (the best overall experience of the bunch and the site of our brunch on Sunday). The reunion ended Sunday, and we drove back to Everett to have dinner with our friends. We spent the night in Seattle and headed back to Burbank early Monday morning, then went straight to work.