Islands are magical; even the non-tropical ones. I've always heard how beautiful the San Juan Islands are, so I finally went there. After reading an article about "glamping," or glamour camping, and its recommendation of Lakedale Resort at Three Lakes on San Juan Island, I made plans a few months ago. It was cheaper than any other accommodations on the island (and still not cheap), and I viewed it as a most awesome adventure.
After a two-hour drive north and west to Anacortes, I boarded the ferry to the island. The scenery along the way was beautiful but I didn't see any whales, darn it. The ferry ride is an hour and a half; much longer than many I've taken before. I rolled off the ferry at Friday Harbor at about 5:30 p.m., and drove straight to Lakedale so I could settle in before it got dark.
My "room" was a canvas wall tent complete with a wooden floor, very comfortable queen size bed with great linens, a table and chairs and my own fire pit outside with more chairs around it. Much to my dismay, I never did get a fire going. I've lost all my Camp Fire Girl skills! I almost got one started then it started to sprinkle so I gave up! The tent had no heat or electricity, just a Coleman lamp and a flashlight to make my way to the communal ladies/shower/potty facility. I worried I'd freeze to death or get eaten by a bear.
Neither happened! That tent was wonderful, and there are no bears on the island!!
Lakedale is just about halfway between Friday Harbor and the lovely little village of Roche Harbor. Not really knowing my way around, and the fact that it was getting dark, I decided to go up Roche Harbor Road a couple of miles to a restaurant called Duck Soup Inn for dinner.
Rustic, yet totally elegant, this is the ultimate date restaurant - in the middle of nowhere! I thought I'd died and gone to heaven over the food. I started with the ginger carrot soup finished with a dolop of basil mint feta, which was absolutely heavenly. The house salad had a touch of feta and a light, flavorful dressing. And - the homemade bread came with a anchois butter - emulsified olive oil with garlic and lemon which was just heavenly. For my entree I had the saffron seafood stew which was served over polenta and included fresh oysters, shrimp, salmon and clams. Just when I didn't think it could get any better I had the vanilla creme brulee and totally screwed up the diet, but it was irrestible. Not only that, I had two glasses of a 2007 Cabernet Franc from San Juan Vineyards, which is no longer available, and it went down like butter, baby! I highly, highly recommend this restaurant. I've been around a bit, and this is one of the best in the world. Bon Appetit, Gourmet, and Travel and Leisure magazines have all endorsed the Duck Soup Inn.
Back at the tent, it was so dark I almost got lost getting back to the tent from the bathroom facility! I had to have a nice couple point me in the right direction! It rained overnight, and was sort of lousy in the morning, so I poked around the farmer's market and the shops in Friday Harbor, then had a good lunch of salmon tacos at The Downrigger. Nice water view, good salmon. Seafood, seafood, seafood right? Hey, this is an island!
As the weather cleared and the day became quite lovely, I drove up to the lovely little village of Roche Harbor. Truly, this is a village - no mayor, no school....it's there because the town was established in 1886 due to rich lime deposits. This was once a boom town, sort like the Alaska Gold Rush. Now, most of the buildings are on the historic register. Lovely boats dot the tranquil harbor, and new summer "cottages" have sprung up for part-timers or retirees. Could be a great place to retire someday.
From there I drove south to Lime Kiln point on the west side of the island to see the lighthouse and watch for whales. Apparently the whales had moved up north toward Vancouver, B.C., but the view was still spectacular, and the lighthouse was magical. I had dinner back in Roche Harbor at an old, old place - McMillens, which was named after the town's founders and was once their home. Quaint and lovely, the food was fine but nothing like Duck Soup Inn!
Another rainy night with thunder, but I thought it was a dream. In the morning it cleared up, and I broke camp(!) at 11 a.m. the official check-out time. Very cool experience. I even met a new friend, a lady who biked all the way up there from Vancouver, Washington! She was cool - an attorney, and single mother of four daughters, who unwinds with obviously very long bike rides!
I stopped at San Juan Vineyards to buy some of the Cab Franc, only to find out that indeed, it's all gone, available at only a few fine restaurants like Duck Soup Inn. However, I did the tasting and still packed off four bottles and a few other trinkets.
Now what would a camping or glamping trip be without at least one animal/insect encounter? So, I'm standing at the tasting bar in my rubber boots, and all of a sudden I'm in pain - something is attacking my leg! I whipped my boot off and pulled up my pant leg, and I'll be damned if a yellow jacket didn't fly up my pant leg and sting me - then he flew out! The winery owner ran and got me something to put on it to take some of the sting out. I was pretty scared because I'd never been bitten by one before and didn't know if I'd have an allergic reaction, but thankfully I did not. I still hurts though. I hope the little bastard died afer he bit me!
So, back on the ferry and back home to Seattle - about 48 hours after I left. It was too short, but at least I've been there now and I do want to go back. I highly recommend Lakedale Resort (they have cabins and a lodge, too) and Duck Soup Inn. Memorable.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Bumbershoot - And, one year later
A year ago this weekend I was unpacking, wondering what have I done, moving to a city where I knew 2 people. Many of my friends thought I was crazy - or brave - or whatever. The year has gone fast, but in a way I feel like I've been here a long time. Much has happened. It feels like home.
I like it here. Contrary to popular opinion, the people here are totally nice. I had my first party last weekend, and eight people came that I did not know a year ago. It was a good time. Everyone got along famously!
So, I have new friends, and I have a job, although it's a lot of stress for very little pay, but I guess that's just part of the "new" normal in this sad economy.
Yesterday I attended my second ever Bumbershoot. Bumbershoot is a three-day celebration of music and art - all things I love - in it's 40th year. I chose to go Saturday because I thought it would be cool to see Bob Dylan, the legend, the headliner. I saw him 10 years ago for the first time and was very impressed.
Not so this time. He had a great band behind him, but Lord, the vocals (his) were horrid. He basically just croaks now. If it's an old song that's great because you can (sort of ) recognize it, but the newer material which I am not familiar with, is unrecognizable. You can't understand a damn word he's singing. I was tired and getting cold, and I admit, for the first time in my life, I left a concert mid-set. So shoot me if you're a big Dylan fan, but I couldn't take it anymore. I kept wishing a guest vocalist would step in.
However, Neko Case, a singer-songwriter originally from Tacoma of all places, was beautiful. She played the Main Stage before Dylan. I'm not familiar with all of her songs, but she is a lovely songstress with a bright future.
Earlier I caught Wheedle's Groove, a Seattle band with I swear about a dozen people in the band, on one of the secondary stages, and they were awesome! They are a funk/soul band that have been around since 1965 - mostly black dudes, dressed to the nines and totally soulful! You couldn't help but move! I've got to catch them again! They did a James Brown song and totally ripped it up!
Bumbershoot is fun; there are many options for entertainment, food and vendors, but I have to bitch about the beer gardens. I don't like beer, and all they offered was Barefoot wine, which totally sucks. I mean, come on - with all of the fabulous Washington wines, this is the best they can do? Yuk.
So, what now? I'm still in the same apartment I moved into when I got here. Even after looking around more, I realize I've got a pretty good deal here given that many places don't allow pets, and of course I have my darling Abbey. I'd like to buy, but given the job situation, it's not feasible now.
I've had my heart broken once since I've been here. So what's new there? All I can say about dating in Seattle is that the odds are good, but the goods are odd!
I'll survive. I always do.
I like it here. Contrary to popular opinion, the people here are totally nice. I had my first party last weekend, and eight people came that I did not know a year ago. It was a good time. Everyone got along famously!
So, I have new friends, and I have a job, although it's a lot of stress for very little pay, but I guess that's just part of the "new" normal in this sad economy.
Yesterday I attended my second ever Bumbershoot. Bumbershoot is a three-day celebration of music and art - all things I love - in it's 40th year. I chose to go Saturday because I thought it would be cool to see Bob Dylan, the legend, the headliner. I saw him 10 years ago for the first time and was very impressed.
Not so this time. He had a great band behind him, but Lord, the vocals (his) were horrid. He basically just croaks now. If it's an old song that's great because you can (sort of ) recognize it, but the newer material which I am not familiar with, is unrecognizable. You can't understand a damn word he's singing. I was tired and getting cold, and I admit, for the first time in my life, I left a concert mid-set. So shoot me if you're a big Dylan fan, but I couldn't take it anymore. I kept wishing a guest vocalist would step in.
However, Neko Case, a singer-songwriter originally from Tacoma of all places, was beautiful. She played the Main Stage before Dylan. I'm not familiar with all of her songs, but she is a lovely songstress with a bright future.
Earlier I caught Wheedle's Groove, a Seattle band with I swear about a dozen people in the band, on one of the secondary stages, and they were awesome! They are a funk/soul band that have been around since 1965 - mostly black dudes, dressed to the nines and totally soulful! You couldn't help but move! I've got to catch them again! They did a James Brown song and totally ripped it up!
Bumbershoot is fun; there are many options for entertainment, food and vendors, but I have to bitch about the beer gardens. I don't like beer, and all they offered was Barefoot wine, which totally sucks. I mean, come on - with all of the fabulous Washington wines, this is the best they can do? Yuk.
So, what now? I'm still in the same apartment I moved into when I got here. Even after looking around more, I realize I've got a pretty good deal here given that many places don't allow pets, and of course I have my darling Abbey. I'd like to buy, but given the job situation, it's not feasible now.
I've had my heart broken once since I've been here. So what's new there? All I can say about dating in Seattle is that the odds are good, but the goods are odd!
I'll survive. I always do.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Chris Isaak at Chateau Ste. Michelle
Live music is a wonderful thing. I don't know what I would do without it. It makes me feel incredibly alive. Friday night at the lovely grounds of the Chateau Ste. Michelle winery in Woodinville, singer/songwriter/rock-star Chris Isaak thanked us all for coming out to support live music, because where else would he get to wear that suit?!
The suit was a very jewel tone blue, with all kinds of bling going on. I thought Elvis was in the house for a minute. Isaak has a voice like silk as we know, but he's also very funny.
This was my first time at a concert at Chateau Ste. Michelle, and a first time seeing Isaak and his band. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect evening. Clear and warm, with the occasional hot air balloon passing overhead. Wineries are a great concert venue; you can buy a bottle of good wine, and take it to your seat or space on the lawn, no problem. The food vendors at this show were better than average, too. I got three super yummy crab cakes and coleslaw for $15 - which I chased down with a lovely Sauvignon Blanc. Good times!
Isaak not only "played" with the audience, but he came out amongst us! And guess where he strolled, while singing an Elvis tune (of all things)...within a foot of me! He came off stage with a remote mic, and walked up one pathway, then sat in this one girl's chair and continued singing. It was hilarious! Then, he hooked a right, and I was almost close enough to touch him. Needless to say, I got a good look at him, and yes, he's nice looking, but he does have a funny looking nose.
Back on stage, he and his band tore it up, thrilling the audience with the likes of "Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing," "San Francisco Days," and the gorgeous "Wicked Game."
I do have one complaint about Chateau Ste. Michelle - no cameras. I had to hike a considerable distance to take my camera back to my car (in hot weather). Seems kind of silly, because when Isaak was up close and personal, everybody took out their cell phones and started either taking still shots, or taking video of the whole thing.
Nonetheless, can't beat a live show, especially outside on a beautiful night, with good food and wine!
The suit was a very jewel tone blue, with all kinds of bling going on. I thought Elvis was in the house for a minute. Isaak has a voice like silk as we know, but he's also very funny.
This was my first time at a concert at Chateau Ste. Michelle, and a first time seeing Isaak and his band. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect evening. Clear and warm, with the occasional hot air balloon passing overhead. Wineries are a great concert venue; you can buy a bottle of good wine, and take it to your seat or space on the lawn, no problem. The food vendors at this show were better than average, too. I got three super yummy crab cakes and coleslaw for $15 - which I chased down with a lovely Sauvignon Blanc. Good times!
Isaak not only "played" with the audience, but he came out amongst us! And guess where he strolled, while singing an Elvis tune (of all things)...within a foot of me! He came off stage with a remote mic, and walked up one pathway, then sat in this one girl's chair and continued singing. It was hilarious! Then, he hooked a right, and I was almost close enough to touch him. Needless to say, I got a good look at him, and yes, he's nice looking, but he does have a funny looking nose.
Back on stage, he and his band tore it up, thrilling the audience with the likes of "Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing," "San Francisco Days," and the gorgeous "Wicked Game."
I do have one complaint about Chateau Ste. Michelle - no cameras. I had to hike a considerable distance to take my camera back to my car (in hot weather). Seems kind of silly, because when Isaak was up close and personal, everybody took out their cell phones and started either taking still shots, or taking video of the whole thing.
Nonetheless, can't beat a live show, especially outside on a beautiful night, with good food and wine!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Michael Franti and Spearhead at Marymoor Park
Life is no picnic. As the great recession drags on, the war in Afghanistan gets bloodier (and more complicated) and oil plagues the gulf coast - it's hard to smile.
Michael Franti and Spearhead are the cure for the blues, the feel-good band of the decade and wildly talented. I met Michael, guitarist J Boogie, bass player Carl Young and singer Jolene back in March when I won a seat for a private concert in 103.7 The Mountain's music lounge. I was hooked. They are genuinely nice people, and Michael defines warmth and truth. On stage at Marymoor were also the drummer Manas Itene, Dave Shulon on guitar and Raliegh Neal II on keyboards.
Saturday night at Marymoor Park in Redmond was not ideal as far as the weather goes. It had rained pretty much all day, but the air was still and warm. The opening act, the Flobots got the crowd warmed up, but it was Spearhead we were hungry for. I hate to admit it, but I was in the restroom, then getting another glass of wine so I missed their grand entrance! But I was back in my fifth row (!) seat (actually standing) for "Rude Boys Back in Town," and the fun never stopped all night!
Michael is a believer in peace. He has recently opened a yoga retreat in Bali. When the band did the song "Hey World (Don't Give up Version)," I was mesmerized. The song begins "tell me why the grass was greener/years ago I swear it used to grow here/but no more here/ tell me why / on this hill/ all the birds they used to come to fly here/ come to die here....."
The song makes you stop and think, and listen. I couldn't take my eyes off this gentle man.
But hey! Then I felt like a kid again when the band launched into "The Sound of Sunshine," the title cut off their upcoming CD set to drop Sept. 21. As the title implies, it's a happy tune. Out of nowhere, probably 50 beach balls were floating around, being volleyed by the crowd, and I found myself competitively whacking at the things! It was so much fun - to feel so alive.
"Say Hey (I Love You)" put these guys on the map, and of course they broke it out toward the end. To make it even sweeter, Michael called for the all the kids in the audience to come on stage and join in. Wow! There were a lot of kids there, too!! Obviously families dig Spearhead, too! The whole audience joined in while the kids and Michael grooved it out on stage. It was very heartwarming. "Everyone deserves Music," is another killer anthem that had me in tingles!
I have to add my own kudos for J Boogie. I love this guy. He's always so damn happy! When we met, I remarked on his infectious smile, and he said he couldn't help but notice mine! Just a great guy - unpretentious, like Michael. And, he's cute!
Here's my take....in 1996 I saw the Dave Matthews Band for the first time before they were the enormous rock power house that they are today. I was in the second row and it took my breath away. Now, I've met Michael, J Boogie etal, seen them in full action from row 5 - and I predict I'm going to love to tell this tale to my eventual grandkids, because Michael Franti and Spearhead are headed to the center of the musical universe. Go see them NOW!!! I beg and plead of any one reading this. Life got you down? Economy sucks? It's all okay at a Spearhead concert.
Michael Franti and Spearhead are the cure for the blues, the feel-good band of the decade and wildly talented. I met Michael, guitarist J Boogie, bass player Carl Young and singer Jolene back in March when I won a seat for a private concert in 103.7 The Mountain's music lounge. I was hooked. They are genuinely nice people, and Michael defines warmth and truth. On stage at Marymoor were also the drummer Manas Itene, Dave Shulon on guitar and Raliegh Neal II on keyboards.
Saturday night at Marymoor Park in Redmond was not ideal as far as the weather goes. It had rained pretty much all day, but the air was still and warm. The opening act, the Flobots got the crowd warmed up, but it was Spearhead we were hungry for. I hate to admit it, but I was in the restroom, then getting another glass of wine so I missed their grand entrance! But I was back in my fifth row (!) seat (actually standing) for "Rude Boys Back in Town," and the fun never stopped all night!
Michael is a believer in peace. He has recently opened a yoga retreat in Bali. When the band did the song "Hey World (Don't Give up Version)," I was mesmerized. The song begins "tell me why the grass was greener/years ago I swear it used to grow here/but no more here/ tell me why / on this hill/ all the birds they used to come to fly here/ come to die here....."
The song makes you stop and think, and listen. I couldn't take my eyes off this gentle man.
But hey! Then I felt like a kid again when the band launched into "The Sound of Sunshine," the title cut off their upcoming CD set to drop Sept. 21. As the title implies, it's a happy tune. Out of nowhere, probably 50 beach balls were floating around, being volleyed by the crowd, and I found myself competitively whacking at the things! It was so much fun - to feel so alive.
"Say Hey (I Love You)" put these guys on the map, and of course they broke it out toward the end. To make it even sweeter, Michael called for the all the kids in the audience to come on stage and join in. Wow! There were a lot of kids there, too!! Obviously families dig Spearhead, too! The whole audience joined in while the kids and Michael grooved it out on stage. It was very heartwarming. "Everyone deserves Music," is another killer anthem that had me in tingles!
I have to add my own kudos for J Boogie. I love this guy. He's always so damn happy! When we met, I remarked on his infectious smile, and he said he couldn't help but notice mine! Just a great guy - unpretentious, like Michael. And, he's cute!
Here's my take....in 1996 I saw the Dave Matthews Band for the first time before they were the enormous rock power house that they are today. I was in the second row and it took my breath away. Now, I've met Michael, J Boogie etal, seen them in full action from row 5 - and I predict I'm going to love to tell this tale to my eventual grandkids, because Michael Franti and Spearhead are headed to the center of the musical universe. Go see them NOW!!! I beg and plead of any one reading this. Life got you down? Economy sucks? It's all okay at a Spearhead concert.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Alki in the summertime
I can't believe I haven't blogged in five weeks. I've been to Alaska and back for a marvelous wedding, and time has just slipped away.
So, today in Seattle we set a record high. It's so beautiful I gathered up Abbey after dinner for a long walk down at Alki beach/drive. One of the reasons I settled in West Seattle was because I love it down there. I love it even more now.
A sweet little house caught my eye, one I've never really noticed before. It's heart warming to see these little cottages that have refused to give in to the condo developers! A man was outside watering, so I went over to admire his little beach house and see if perhaps he was ever thinking of selling it. It turns out he owns three out of four of these little cottages all in a row, and rents out the other two, but likes to keep the one I was admiring for his family and close friends as a beach house.
He invited me in to look at it, and oh God, I could so live there. It's just a one bedroom with another den type room, but has one and one half baths, and it's all redone inside. From the living/kitchen you're looking directly out over Elliott Bay at the Space Needle across the water. He's not interested in selling it and I couldn't afford it right now, but I have set my mind; I will live down there somehow. I have his business card, and plan to keep in touch in case one of the rentals comes up when my lease ends. I really want my own place, but you never know.
But what a lovely man to let me peek inside and to take the time to talk to me. People in Seattle are really nice. To all the nay-sayer's who told me not to move here because of the so-called snotty people, I can tell you they are a lot snottier in small towns where the big fish think their shit doesn't stink! I have lovely co-workers and a very special someone I love to spend time with when possible. I am blessed right now!
So, today in Seattle we set a record high. It's so beautiful I gathered up Abbey after dinner for a long walk down at Alki beach/drive. One of the reasons I settled in West Seattle was because I love it down there. I love it even more now.
A sweet little house caught my eye, one I've never really noticed before. It's heart warming to see these little cottages that have refused to give in to the condo developers! A man was outside watering, so I went over to admire his little beach house and see if perhaps he was ever thinking of selling it. It turns out he owns three out of four of these little cottages all in a row, and rents out the other two, but likes to keep the one I was admiring for his family and close friends as a beach house.
He invited me in to look at it, and oh God, I could so live there. It's just a one bedroom with another den type room, but has one and one half baths, and it's all redone inside. From the living/kitchen you're looking directly out over Elliott Bay at the Space Needle across the water. He's not interested in selling it and I couldn't afford it right now, but I have set my mind; I will live down there somehow. I have his business card, and plan to keep in touch in case one of the rentals comes up when my lease ends. I really want my own place, but you never know.
But what a lovely man to let me peek inside and to take the time to talk to me. People in Seattle are really nice. To all the nay-sayer's who told me not to move here because of the so-called snotty people, I can tell you they are a lot snottier in small towns where the big fish think their shit doesn't stink! I have lovely co-workers and a very special someone I love to spend time with when possible. I am blessed right now!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Kayaking 101
I've been watching people slicing through the water in kayaks on Puget Sound, thinking how fun it looks. So, I decided it was high time I tried it! Trusting the weather man who swore it would be 65 and sunny today, I scheduled a 2 p.m. with Alki Beach Tours for Kayaking 101. I was the only student! Turned out to be a bit cloudy and drizzly, but there was no wind, so the water was calm, thank God.
My instructor, Ben, originally from Hawaii, has been sea kayaking for 30 years, teaching here for four years. He was very nice, very aware of safety, especially when I told him I really can't swim worth a darn! We spent an hour on the ground before we even hit the water, so I could learn about the boat, how to maintain proper balance once in the cockpit, putting on the PFD, etc. You do get wet...you have to get your feet in the water to get in the kayak. I wore aqua-socks that I've had for years, which was a smart move. However Ben had on a $400 dry suit - a total advantage. I was not as warm and cozy as he was! Didn't matter...once I got moving, I warmed up fast.
We were out on the bay about an hour, just learning the basics. I learned how to paddle of course, turn, go in a circle, go backwards, and stop. My upper back and shoulders are going to be sore tomorrow!
A large group was going out on a tour, and it was hilarious watching them. Half of them didn't know what the hell they were doing, and there was a lot of laughing as they headed out to God knows where. They were all two to three to a kayak - I was in my own, as was Ben. I really had a good time.
See, I have a pretty strong fear of water, so this was a big move for me. I don't think I'd do it in rough water, but on a nice day with calm water, this could be very therapeutic for me.
I love living here.
My instructor, Ben, originally from Hawaii, has been sea kayaking for 30 years, teaching here for four years. He was very nice, very aware of safety, especially when I told him I really can't swim worth a darn! We spent an hour on the ground before we even hit the water, so I could learn about the boat, how to maintain proper balance once in the cockpit, putting on the PFD, etc. You do get wet...you have to get your feet in the water to get in the kayak. I wore aqua-socks that I've had for years, which was a smart move. However Ben had on a $400 dry suit - a total advantage. I was not as warm and cozy as he was! Didn't matter...once I got moving, I warmed up fast.
We were out on the bay about an hour, just learning the basics. I learned how to paddle of course, turn, go in a circle, go backwards, and stop. My upper back and shoulders are going to be sore tomorrow!
A large group was going out on a tour, and it was hilarious watching them. Half of them didn't know what the hell they were doing, and there was a lot of laughing as they headed out to God knows where. They were all two to three to a kayak - I was in my own, as was Ben. I really had a good time.
See, I have a pretty strong fear of water, so this was a big move for me. I don't think I'd do it in rough water, but on a nice day with calm water, this could be very therapeutic for me.
I love living here.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Putting it all in perspective - or - dead rat by the sidewalk
My car had been doing weird things. Idling really rough, stalling, oil light coming on and off intermittently, and then the dreaded check engine light.
I was about to take it to the BMW dealership, and my new boss said no! Take it next door to Big O - it will cost less and they're really good. I am aware the dealership really does sort of puff things up, and so I took my boss up on his suggestion. It took almost 2 days, but I got the car back and it runs like a new car! I'm so happy, even though it still cost me just over a grand.
Here's the deal. This car has been wonderful. This is the first really major thing to happen to it, and she's just about to hit 100,000 miles, an unheard of number for me. I usually get rid of them before that, but times such as they are, and the fact that it is such a wonderful car, which is paid for, well, what could I do.
The problem, I was told, was the PCV valve (positive crankcase ventilation aka oil separator). The mechanic said this is common in BMW's with substantial miles. It was totally clogged which also mucked up a bunch of valve covers. To get to this rascal, they had to practically tear the car apart (it's under the intake manifold). I went over several times, and at one point I could barely look - all I could think was, do they know where everything goes back? Anyway, all is well with the car now.
Yesterday the Big O folks gave me a ride home. But this morning I had to take the bus. Thank God I left early. After one transfer, I was dumped off by Safeco Field, and had to walk I bet a mile to work. It was cold, and early, and I had on wedgies.
So, off I go. Not the greatest stretch of road in the morning. First I see a dead rat in the dirt by the sidewalk. I stopped to mourn him. What a bummer to be a rat, and dead I thought. So, I go a little further and I notice something under an off-ramp. As I got closer, I realized it was a homeless person. He or she was sleeping, and I had to do a double take at how compact and organized his/her space was. But it made me sad. I wasn't afraid of any of this, just aware.
So, I'm a thousand bucks poorer. Big deal. I have a car and I'm not sleeping in it. Sure, I've had my challenges the last oh, 10 years, but I am blessed. I know this.
I was about to take it to the BMW dealership, and my new boss said no! Take it next door to Big O - it will cost less and they're really good. I am aware the dealership really does sort of puff things up, and so I took my boss up on his suggestion. It took almost 2 days, but I got the car back and it runs like a new car! I'm so happy, even though it still cost me just over a grand.
Here's the deal. This car has been wonderful. This is the first really major thing to happen to it, and she's just about to hit 100,000 miles, an unheard of number for me. I usually get rid of them before that, but times such as they are, and the fact that it is such a wonderful car, which is paid for, well, what could I do.
The problem, I was told, was the PCV valve (positive crankcase ventilation aka oil separator). The mechanic said this is common in BMW's with substantial miles. It was totally clogged which also mucked up a bunch of valve covers. To get to this rascal, they had to practically tear the car apart (it's under the intake manifold). I went over several times, and at one point I could barely look - all I could think was, do they know where everything goes back? Anyway, all is well with the car now.
Yesterday the Big O folks gave me a ride home. But this morning I had to take the bus. Thank God I left early. After one transfer, I was dumped off by Safeco Field, and had to walk I bet a mile to work. It was cold, and early, and I had on wedgies.
So, off I go. Not the greatest stretch of road in the morning. First I see a dead rat in the dirt by the sidewalk. I stopped to mourn him. What a bummer to be a rat, and dead I thought. So, I go a little further and I notice something under an off-ramp. As I got closer, I realized it was a homeless person. He or she was sleeping, and I had to do a double take at how compact and organized his/her space was. But it made me sad. I wasn't afraid of any of this, just aware.
So, I'm a thousand bucks poorer. Big deal. I have a car and I'm not sleeping in it. Sure, I've had my challenges the last oh, 10 years, but I am blessed. I know this.
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