Well, Laura had to leave today, and we just said goodbye to Lori and TIm (who have to leave by 4:45 AM or something!!), but all is well in Seattle.
I had a bunch of pictures I wanted to share with you….I’m tellin’ you, these steroids really motivate me to get stuff done!!! Only problem is it’s 12:46 AM now, and I’m not feeling too sleepy. Oh well.
I had a wonderful time with Laura, and I’m so glad she was feeling better by Thanksgiving. And Lori and Tim came into town Sunday, and of course time flew by. We had a good time getting around Seattle, despite the rain and clouds…the Christmas lights made everything brighter, of course!! Lori and Tim also met Carlo twice, lucky them! We went to coffee shops, Theo’s chocolate shop, the clinic (I’m always proud to show that off to everyone), my neighborhood walks. We had a wonderful time, played “Table Topics” and got into some deep thoughts (that somehow always ended up in giggling!
I was so relieved yesterday that Laura had a good experience with her nurse when they took her blood for the study. It didn’t last as long as she thought, she wasn’t in pain, and it sounds like she actually really enjoyed talking to her nurse. Thanks again, for ALL your gifts of life, Laura! Sorry I couldn’t hang out at the hospital with ya, but it was much more fun to go out for dinner at “Joey’s” and celebrate. Thanks for getting us that private room!!!
Oh, and I can’t forget the delicious cod Mom made Sunday….mmm..mmm…good!!! One of my favorite sauces for fish…I can’t remember what it is now, but once I get to my recipe project (and I will soon!!), I’ll have it forever to keep in my special recipe box.
I did go to the clinic today for all my appointments. Everyone thinks I’m doing great. They do notice the puffiness, but are blaming it on the Prednisone. They also negated any eye creams or makeup, so I’ll just have to wait a little longer! I am having my hair cut on Thursday though…..thhhhhhank goodness!!!!! I’m getting good exercise, and other than slight stiffness in my knees, I truly feel wonderful.
I better go try to wind down now…I think I’ll do some reading.
Thanks, Mom, Laura, Lori and Tim for the wonderful weekend/past few weeks. I feel truly special and blessed to constantly be surrounded by so many funny, upbeat, kind, thoughtful and loving friends and family. You make this easy!!!
Lots of love from Seattle,
Julie —- ENJOY THE PICS!
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These first few pics are taken by Lori...they are goooorgeous!! Down by Pike's Place and Puget Sound (correct me if I'm wrong, Lori!)--which I rarely am. :)
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This is such a gorgeous thought!! Unfortunately, all the credit goes to Lori! :)
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I'm glad you and Tim had some partially clear days for your visit!
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Lookin' Christmasy!!!
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The arches way over there are the sports stadiums....doesn't it look like that bird is sittin' right on top of the arch?---it's an optical illusion though. :)
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Boy is that sun shiny now!!!!!!!!
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Lori and Tim walked over so we could check out the clinic and walk around the 'hood.
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Notice Tim's full attire. :) hahahaha I love that look!
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On our walk to the clinic....Lori and Tim noticed the owners built this little bed for this cutie in the back of their jeep....cute, but looks dangerous to me!!!
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See him looking back at us...."Help me! Get me outta here! I'm too freakin' cute!!!"
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We happened upon this cool coffee shop, "Freemont Coffee Shop"...it too was very festive looking!
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It was a bit chilly and rainy and that hot cocoa was gooooood! We had just visited Theo's chocolate shop too---still haven't made it on a tour yet!! Next time. :)
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Isn't it quaint? Lori and Tim relax on the covered wraparound porch...
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Complete with a dog, of course!!!
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We met up with mom and Laura later for dinner (after Laura gave more cells)....we went to "Joey's"!! They basically gave us our own room, and it was a wonderful night.
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There's an extra "little" head of lettuce for your lettuce wrap, Lori! hahahahahahaha
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I'm actually dancing here....no crazy moves, just swaying to the soft music....Lori and Tim wouldn't let me put their cool dancing moves on the blog. :)
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Now I'm moving a little bit!! I mean, my hands are even blurred and I have my dancing face on!
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That's a nice shot! And a good lunch too----muchÃsimas gracias!
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Some Christmas bling we noticed inside the office building near "Vivace's"
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Tonight we drove around town for a little bit before dinner so we could look at lights...here we are down by my houseboats again....if you focus in and look hard, you'll see 2 cute ducks on the walkway.
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I thought this houseboat was pretty cool looking...looked cozy on a cool rainy December evening.
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Mom pauses to enjoy the view of the ships and the lake....she was, as always, our very loyal chauffeur.
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Comin' up on University Village....look at all those lights!!
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Notice Lori by the lights, head covered by hood...great shot, huh! :)
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More University Village....I like the big red ornaments!
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I think this turned out pretty cool....We're driving through the parking lot of University Village, it's rainy but beautiful with the lights, and we have our trusty Garmin (or Garminita, as you call him, Paulina!) to lead the way to dinner.
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More lights!
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Surprise, Mom!! Happy early birthday!!!!!!!!!!!! We got a few decorations to make the evening fun. :)Good thing they put us in the corner, huh?!!!
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Now don't we look like fun? Wouldn't you want to hang out with us?!! :)
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HAPPY ALMOST BIRTHDAY!!!!!
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Ahhh...a cute one!!! Tim, what happened to your hat?
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my gnocchi...yup, we went to "La Spiga"!!! :) God, I love the gnocchi there....and the Tiramisu.....mmmmmmmmm...tonight we had it all: delicious food, wonderful company and a celebration to boot!!
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Another good one of mom showing off her birthday spirit!
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Woohooooooo!! Don't worry, Mom...we'll celebrate tomorrow too!!!!
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Mmmm...I love me some olives!! (and yes, I've gotten a bit puffy again...I think it's a mix of the steroids and the fact that I gained 5 pounds in a week....ya know, Thanksgiving and all!!!) :)
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The waiter had the scariest face when he brought over her dessert (we brought the sparkler candle with us, and I think he thought it might burn off his fingers!!) Oh well, it made a good presentation, and he was just fine....most importantly, Mom liked it!!
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hahaha OK, Tim referred to this as the "23-point turn"....we needed to turn around and my mom pulled straight ahead when she could have angled the car perhaps a little better to ease the turn-around....take a look at the steps:
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Tim was a very good and patient guide. I just laughed and took pictures, and Lori was nice and stayed in the car with my mom.
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OK....a LITTLE closer, Mom.
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Good thing you can't see the license plate, huh?!!!--we're getting there!
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ALMOST!!!!!
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Good job, Mom and Tim!!!! Now let's get the heck outta here!