It has been a while, hasn't it? We haven't had as much action and adventure as usual over the last month or so, certainly not as many photo worthy moments, hence the delay in the blog post. Since Jamie has joined us in Seattle, we have spent a lot of time enjoying new restaurants, cooking delicious meals together and exploring new neighborhoods.
Last weekend though, we did take the 3.5 hour drive south to Portland to see the one and only Kassie Henn. Many of you know I started my freshman year of college out at University of San Diego. Although I ultimately transferred back to Minnesota, destiny brought me out there for one main purpose. To meet one of the coolest cats I'd ever know. Kassie and I were paired as roommates (along with another lovely lady we called "Big D", her real name was Dianne). It was clear from day one that the Henn would be a lifelong friend. I will leave out the details on all the stupid things we got into during our time together in SD. I'll just stay there was never a dull moment.
Unfortunately, we didn't see much of each other after I transferred back to MN. Kassie went on New Orleans as a part of Teach for America, and then moved back to San Diego. She did join us in 2009 as a bridesmaid in our wedding, which was the last time we had seen her! Needless to say a reunion was long overdue. So I was elated to hear that shortly after we moved to Seattle she was moving up to Portland for grad school. For the first time in 10 years we were only a few hours away from one another!
Although it was a short weekend, we made the most of it. We started out the weekend with a delicious dinner at the Cuban restaurant below her apartment, Pambiche. With my notorious love of pork, the Cubano sandwich was a rock solid choice. The food was great and the company was even better! We then spent the night barhopping around her neighborhood enjoying a few local spots (including one with a photo booth). Even though it had been five years since we had seen each other, the three of us hadn't skipped a beat. We were back to our usual antics within minutes.
We continued to eat our way through the city all weekend, so much good food to be eaten in Portland. I will say that some of the local bars and clubs had a particular "odor" to them. It was quite humorous since when we crossed the Oregon border Travis had said "you know they make you hand over your deodorant at the border right?" Unfortunately, the smell of the locals made me think this funny stereotype was actually true. Man that "natural" vibe had really taken hold out on the dance floor!
Here are a few photos from our weekend:
The next morning we were a little under the weather...a sign of a real good time.
Pambiche was so tasty, we decided to have it again for breakfast. The fact that Kassie has a crush on one of the waiters may have had something to do with this too...
Unfortunately we got stuck on the bridge between Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA for over an hour since a huge accident happened about 2 minutes ahead of us. Although it was frustrating to wait that long in completely stopped traffic, I realized how lucky we were that those two minutes were between us and this very serious accident involving a semi truck, a bus and several cars. It was good perspective for the day on what to be thankful for and how quickly things can change for any of us.
On a lighter note...here are a few other random photos from the last few weeks:
We had some fun with Jamie's wigs while moving her in...no words to describe this beauty.
Out for a run by the Sound. The fall weather in Seattle has been GORGEOUS so far. While all of our family is covered in snow, we are enjoying 40-50 degree days with sunshine and clear mountain views. I know this own't last much longer since the rain is coming later this week, so I'm enjoying it while it lasts!
A view at dusk tonight while out on the patio grilling.
Miss Henn will be visiting us in January, we cannot wait to show her our neck of the woods and continue the fun! We are also looking forward to our first Thanksgiving in Seattle. Sis Maggie is flying out so we will be having our own version of family Thanksgiving. We have big shoes to fill when it comes to the menu. Chef Jim's famous stuffing, turkey and gravy will be a lot to live up to, but Jamie and I are going to try to tackle it!
I hope everyone at home is staying warm and driving safe! I don't miss those icy roads at all. However, the first snow is always a pretty one! Until next time...
Cheers!
KP
