Pushing 100!

Yeah baby! Word on the streets is that we are going to be pushing 100 degrees here this weekend. Summer has arrived! Texas...hope we are helping to relieve you from some of your sweltering summer heat misery by taking heat away from you. I'm sure you won't mind. We'll pass a cloud or two and perhaps some H2O your way. The snow is melting after all. Stay tuned for summer pics. I'll be attending my first Mariner's game on Monday.

Snakebit

Observe my vantage point from the overlook on Rattlesnake Trail. This particular 2-mile uphill hike brings you to a rock outcropping that is perfect for picnicking (so long as you can eat at a tilt) and presents you with a view of the Cascades that is pretty much unparalleled. Being from Texas I feel inclined to first clear up an issue regarding the appointed name of the trail. No, there are no rattlesnakes on this climb. In fact, snakes on the West side of the mountains in Washington--especially poisonous ones--are slim to none. Yay!

So far as I can figure the name must come from the approximate six sharp switchbacks (say that ten times quickly) that take you up the mountain at a particularly steep grade. I've hiked this trail twice now. The first time was a week after arriving in Seattle and the second time was on Father's Day, which also happened to be my Mom's birthday. Moms and pops alike were packing their small kids in Baby Bjorns and specialized packs up this trail in mass. I was just trying to pack myself up the trail! Geeze. It may only be two miles but it will take your breath away.

As another interesting side note, should you be in the NW and interesting in shopping for a dog, this is the place to be. From bottom to top you pass people towing every size and breed of dog. It is in essence, a dog feast and will make your pet senses drool with delight! Mike and I are snakebit with this new favorite.

America's Recession-Proof Cities (Forbes.com)

According to a recent article published by Forbes, Austin, Seattle, San Antonio, Dallas and Houston all made the top 10 list of currently recession-proof cities in which to live. Talk about taking the cake! Mind you, the list was compiled based largely on the status of the existing housing market in each respective city, as well as employment rates and other metropolitan vitals. It is a most interesting bit of information should you have an interest in looking it up online at Forbes.com. Of course, it is only a happy coincidence that I happened to move from one great recession-proof city to another. Hip, hip, HOORAY!

And the Thunder Rolls...

Garth Brooks will sing no lamenting songs of thunderous nights and lingering loves here. There are no thunderstorms to sing of. No tormented Texas black and blue skies, only grey. The rain here is steady spittle on the back of your neck. Bloodletting it is not.

Last week windows open I heard a deep and reminiscent rumbling. In the first moments I thought it was the grumbling of the monster truck downstairs. And then it hit me…thunder! Alas, it may not be furious, angry, evil and rattling but it is the sign of a thunderhead crashing in the horizon none the less. I’ll take what I can get. Every Texan needs a little angry weather every now and again.

Though awesome and relaxing, the constant calm of evergreens blowing in the breeze is best appreciated with a furious shake every now and again. As for Northwesterners…baby thunder here tends to be cause for celebration.

Gore-Tex Chic

It’s official: In this neck of the woods pinstripe and Gore-Tex are widely accepted as coordinating outfits. Don’t get me wrong. Many of my friends can tell you that I am by no means a fashionista. I’m of the breed who feels that wrinkles add character to an outfit and handkerchief do-rags are Sunday style at its best. Thus I was glad to stand behind a woman this morning at the local coffee joint who was dressed in pinstripes, stilettos and completed the outfit with her favorite bulky rain parka. After all, it was raining outside per the usual. A woman after my own instincts! Fleece and Gore-Tex – Don't leave home without it.