Sunday, February 15, 2009

Any Reason to Celebrate is a Good One

Valentine's Day. This was our first together. Last year, we were in different time zones. Sixteen hours apart to be exact. This year, as though to make up for last year, we started celebrating early.

Wednesday, February 11th.

Review in The Seattle Times, February 16th. 2009

This first night was on me. I got the tickets. We had dinner at the nearby 'Cheesecake Factory' before heading to the Paramount theatre. I had watched the show when I was on a solo trip to London in 2005. The show was awesome! It was worth watching again. I could tell that Chad enjoyed the whole experience immensely.

Thursday, February 12th.
Chad's gift to us was a trip to the quaint town of Port Townsend.

We stayed at the Palace Hotel. Our first choice for a room was the Miss Rose room. Alas, it was not to be. Although Chad had called to make reservations weeks before, the Miss Rose room was already taken. Looking at the pictures below, it is easy to see why it's so popular. Just look at that brass ceiling and chandelier in that bathroom. We just have to make sure we come back and get this room because that bathroom is just a dream!




The Miss Rose Bathroom at the Palace Hotel


The Miss Rose Room at the Palace Hotel


As we headed out that evening, we saw that the local theatre was playing 'Rachel Getting Married'. We looked at our watches. 4.20 pm. "When does the show start?" 4.30 pm. We looked at each other and the ticketing lady smiled. This theatre consists of only two screens with seating for maybe 75 on the small screen (the Rosebud) and 150 on the original Rose. Our show was playing in the Rosebud.

I loved the experience of watching a movie in this theater. One, I had never been in such a tiny theater. Two, it seemed everybody who came to watch the movie knew each other. And the best thing and what caught me by surprise was when a lady , a Rose employee, came in before the show to explain a few fun tidbits about the making of the movie. Chad would probably say that the best part was the popcorn, which I would agree, was very good.

After the movie, we had a wonderful dinner at the Silverwater cafe. We both had fish and shared a chocolate hazelnut mousse. My review would read "Great service, wonderful ambience and yummilicious food".

Friday, February 13th.
After a splendid breakfast at the Salal Cafe the next morning, we visited the shops. Our favourites are always the book shop, the puzzle shop and the kitchen shops. Before we left, I even managed to get some great sushi to go for later.

Historic Downtown of Poulsbo

On the way back to take the ferry to Seattle, we stopped by Poulsbo, which is Washington's piece of Norway. We did a bit of exploring. We went into a chocolate shop, got one of this and one of that. As we walked along. I was trying to pull Chad away from the display window of a bakery called Sluys. An elderly couple came out of the bakery just then, with a big bounty of pastries in hand. The sweet old lady looked at Chad staring into the display window and then looked at me to say with a smile, "He's not going to be able to come out of here empty handed". She was right. The apple cinnamon bread alone is worth a trip back to Poulsbo!

Pastries displayed at Sluy's

We were then back on our way to visit the other shops. We stopped by a really wonderful book store. Chad seemed to want to stop by every bakery and cafe! As we looped back, we had to make a second visit to the chocolate shop. We had already eaten our favourites and wanted more! Oh well, I guess Valentine's is the best excuse anyone can have for such indulgences. My favourite is the ginger dark chocolate and Chad's is the mint dark chocolate. I only wish we had more time in Poulsbo. It's such a charming town and one I would definitely want to visit again.

After we had arrived home, Chad presented me with a bouquet of little daisies and roses.*smile*

Saturday, February 14th.
Chad prepared a big Valentine's day breakfast. Blueberry pancakes! Saturdays are Chad's Mondays, so he had to head to work, so I tucked a Valentine's Day card with the lunch I had put together for him.

Chad came home after midnight and gave me his funny valentine's day card which made me laugh.

It was a good day.

A week filled with wonderful experiences and great memories.

Shared Tears of Laughter

This morning, Chad was reading Roger Ebert's latest journal entry, "Blackie come home". When he came to a comment from a reader, Chad broke out into a laughter. He was laughing even as he read out loud to me. He laughed so hard, tears were streaming down his cheeks. It was infectious and started me laughing too. Soon, I had tears in my eyes. Thank-you, mirror neurons! It then became too much for Chad. He had stop. He'll continue reading as soon as he has had a chance to catch his breath.

Here's the excerpt of what Chad was reading that tickled us so.

The Dog's Diary
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Dinner! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

The Cat's Diary
Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at theirfeet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that
my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe.

For now...


Chad was laughing so hard that he did not even make it past the first paragraph of the Cat' Diary. Thanks for sharing the laughter, Chad!