My previous landlords had a farewell party this weekend, and I stopped in to say goodbye. I watched their kids about once a week for the three plus years I lived in the mother-in-law apartment in their basement. I can remember when their youngest, London, was born. She'll turn five years old this March. Her older brothers, Jake and Griffin, will be eight. They moved to California on short notice, and rented their old house out to two couples.
In a strange coincidence, I got a phone call from Sid's mom the same day. We set up a dinner date, and Sid and I had a fantastic time plowing through a pizza and an order of flatbread at Tutta Bella. We also tricked out our set of Wikkisticks. Sid, now six and a half (he was six months old when I started working for them, and not quite three when I left), not only made me a Valentine, but also wrote a huge book (12 x 18) complete with table of contents and an index entitled "Grat Lrnin" (Great Learning for those who don't speak kid). He read me the entire thing, and I freely admit that I am head over heels for it. If you want to hear all the best parts, call me and I'll read it to you. You can also see the head of the woodpecker and hummingbird he made for me in the picture, and he sent me home with many other creations as well as more fond memories.
Interpretation: Not bad for a no-sew costume. I am especially pleased with the earrings. Thanks, Michal, and Debbie for helping me get into it!
Four years ago, the governor's race in Washington was very close with two recounts and a court challenge (Christine Gregoire won by 130 votes in the end). I had volunteered for the recount, so once it was all said and done, I was informed about the Governor's Inaugural Ball, and took Sarah. We had a blast, so we went again this year. Although we weren't able to snag the governor (she ran down the stairs way too quickly for us to keep up with her!), we did get a very nice photograph with Sam Reed, the Secretary of State. (See more photographs). A variety of Washington wines accompanied the hors d'oeuvres, made by a variety of cooking schools. I even ate geo-duck! The only downside is that the ball takes place on a weeknight in Olympia. That means we have to get off work, get ready, then drive for an hour before we get there. We'll be sure to be there again in four years, however, as it's worth all the effort.
