from these hands...: Seattle

After the seeing my dear Dad through his passing to a better place, and unforeseen family issues that had arisen, I was in desperate need of a break.

I called my cousin, Mary, who lives in Seattle, and asked if she was up for a visit from me and yes! she and her husband, Ricky, were...

and here is my four-day (jam packed) trip!

FRIDAY

Landed and off we went to Pikes Market...for browsing and lunch.

Mark loves cherries and they were in season there- so I took a photo for him!

Blocks and block of flowers- me by my sweet pea birth flowers!

Bella Umbrella Store- it IS Seattle!

SATURDAY

We went by ferry to Vashon Island...

We roamed through the Vashon Farmer's Market and ate lunch at a bakery..ok...we did eat croissant filled with ham and cheese and did break down and share a big cookie!

Back onto the ferry late afternoon and head to downtown Seattle to see the Chihuly Museum at the Space Needle..it was beyond what I imagined...

starting off simple with American Indian baskets and his interpretation in glass.

A small room with pedestalled pieces of marine life...

And then BOOM!

a 20 ft high glass piece filling the huge space...keeping on with the sea life.

Rounding into a room...filled with glass in all shapes.

onward...to the things he is well known for...

And then outside to the garden.

I could go on with the 800 and some photos,

but I will end with my favorite photo!

SUNDAY

We had an "easy" day and went to brunch at the Des Moines Marina...they are known for their blueberry coffee cake!

kingfisher bird- I found this intriguing since the feathers are used in Imperial Chinese hats.

But wait there is more!

My cousin and her husband are really into family ancestry- to the point that they found one of my relatives on my Hansen side.. and he is my natural father's cousin- so my second cousin!

Ben and his sweet wife!