Seattle

When plans for the Portland trip changed, I decided to make a side trip to Seattle to see a couple of people I've not seen in years(well, one more than the other). One is my very first viola teacher, Shari, whom I haven't seen in 18 yrs. My family has stayed in touch with her over the years and I know that she keeps up with me via my newsletters, so I thought it would be neat to go see her. I was a little concerned that I wouldn't recognize her after all this time, but she looks just the same- just a little greyer. =-) We didn't have a lot of time, but had a wonderful lunch catching up together and I was so happy that it had all worked out like that. The other person I visited with for the rest of the afternoon is a friend of my best friend, whom I've gotten to know over the years. I've never actually spent one on one time with just her before, but again, it was a lovely visit. We explored Pike's Market, went to the original Starbucks, sat and talked for a long time in the unusually sunny weather, went searching for and found the infamous "Gum Wall," and ended the afternoon at a spectacular overlook in her neighborhood. Then I drove the 3+ hours back to Portland, spent the night, and hopped on the pane back to Charlotte. It really was a great four days. =-)

With Shari, my first viola teacher

Meeting up with Naphtali

Watching the Fish Market guys at work

Mmmmm, gum!

With Naph at the beautiful overlook in her neighborhood

Gorgeous, right??