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Welcome 2016


Last night, we watched the fireworks from the comforts of our home. Why not? We had a clear view of the Space Needle where the firework show lasted 8 minutes and it was beautifully done with crystal clear weather.  It was Nick's last night with us before he headed back to Japan this morning so it was our final time with him for awhile.

A friend of his from college stopped by, along with his parents, whom we are also friends, so I made won tons and my Holiday Moscow Mules.   It's always fun to see his friends who stop by to visit him when he's here.  He went to a Seahawks game last Sunday and then we all, including my brother's family, went out to a local neighborhood restaurant for their Sunday night fried chicken dinner special.  The restaurant is called Endolyne Joe's, named after an end-of-the line trolley stop from years ago, and it's one of our favorites in the neighborhood. 


Bruce and I have been there twice for their fried chicken and it's definitely quality fried chicken.


 I especially love their biscuits.  This was on Nick's "to do" list for this visit.


For being here 10 days, we did a lot of things on Nick's "to do" list like go to the Starbuck's Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room.  It's a one-of-a-kind Starbuck's experience that is like a roasting plant, a tasting bar, an art studio, library, and much, much more.  


 One of Nick's friends joined us and we all ordered a coffee drink that comes with a little cookie handed to you on a cute wooden tray. I just love this place.


We also stopped at the Amazon bookstore, the first brick and mortar store for Amazon.  It is located in our old neighborhood shopping area, University Village, so it's always fun for us to stop by and see how things have changed - and they've changed a lot.


We also went to Bellevue Square one evening to see Bellevue's festive Celebration Lane.



Before Christmas it is called Snowflake Lane and we like it because they have fake snow falling from the buildings, live drummers, entertainers and music. It will get you in the holiday mood in no time.

Nick also wanted to go to a store in Bellevue Square called Uniqlo that is a Japanese clothing store that recently opened in Seattle.  He loves the store but they don't carry his size in Japan so now he had a chance to shop there.  He bought a lovely cashmere sweater and some nice pants. We did lots of shopping while Nick was here.  A very productive visit!  
But mostly it was just fun to be together again, spend time getting caught up and experiencing life in our new city and neighborhood.


Christmas is such a perfect time to be together because of all the beauty surrounding us this time of year, natural beauty and Christmas beauty.  This holiday season has been one of my best ones.


I feel very optimistic about 2016 now.  It might be hard to top 2015 with us moving back to Seattle but now that we are here, I won't have any trouble enjoying every minute of it.  I welcome 2016 with open arms.











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