Forty years ago Alex and I headed to Seattle, Washington on September 5 for our honeymoon. It was more a budget decision than a bucket list decision. You see, one of the airlines (I think American) was offering a one-price ticket to anywhere in the continental US and Seattle was as far as we could go on that deal. We stayed at a low-rent hotel downtown for the Labor Day Weekend and then rented an RV from Tin Can Rent-a-Car to circumnavigate Olympia National Park.
Budget was definitely a determining factor in 1981; not so much today. When we had the great inspiration to revisit Seattle on our 40th anniversary, we flew first class and stayed on the waterfront. About the only thing we repeated from our original trip, however, was a visit to the Space Needle.
Whereas in 1981 we had an elegant dinner in the revolving restaurant, that is no longer an option so we chose an early morning ticket to beat the crowds. Silly me! Other than a crowded elevator on the way up, though, it was easy to socially distance. We were impressed that Seattle has mask mandates and almost everyone seems to be complying without complaint.
Near the Needle is the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum. Oh, My! Not to be missed. Chihuly has done amazing things with glass and other art forms, as well. The museum is chock full of his works ...
... as is the garden ...
If you are ever in the Seattle area -- or if you hear of a Chihuly exhibit in your area -- do not miss it!!!
Of course, our trip would not have been complete without a trip to a quilt shop! At
Esther's Fabrics on Bainbridge Island I found this Charley Harper design for birchfabrics:
Yes, it's squid, but the tentacles remind me of the glass in the photo above. I want to do some kind of remembrance piece with it.
We did a lot of other things that I won't bore you with. I just want to applaud the citizens of Seattle and the state of Washington for taking as much precaution as is reasonable in this pandemic. Everyone at the airport and on the plane was masked. The only ill effects I have suffered (so far) is dry eye from my breath getting trapped under my glasses, and a sore ear from wearing the mask all day. Not to mention my blistered feet from forgetting to wear socks on a 15K-step day!
Lib, I'm so excited for you and Alex. And, I'm excited that you two are still enjoying this life 40 years later!
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a wonderful trip! I love that area, too. We got to see a Chihuly installation exhibit at the Denver Botanic Gardens a few years ago, and it was amazing!
ReplyDeletesounds like a wonderful time - and first class! what a way to travel
ReplyDeleteWe love Seattle, and my daughter lives there (as you know). It sounds like you had a lovely 40th anniversary. Congratulations on the commendable milestone, and I’m glad you’re home safely!
ReplyDeleteI saw a Chihuly exhibit in Chicago and agree, if there is one near you it isn't to be missed. First class flying is really a way to celebrate!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful trip! We did a similar itinerary a few years ago, and I agree, the Chihuly museum is fabulous. Truly inspiring. Love your squid fabric, and before you pointed out it's squid I thought it was abstract Chihuly glass. Good find for a remembrance project.
ReplyDeleteJust love that photo of the two of you, so nice to see you! What a fabulous thing to do and such an interesting city. Yes, to figuring out a way to use that awesome fabric in a remembrance project, Libby.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on this milestone anniversary and a lovely 2nd honeymoon trip, Libby!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary! How wonderful that you were able to travel to Seattle. I saw a Chihuly exhibit here at our art museum and it was awesome!! Your fabric really does look like a Chihuly sculpture.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you got to see the Chihuly Garden! Isn't it magical?? Happy anniversary to you both. (There will be a Chihuly installation at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix this winter--in time for QuiltCon.)
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