Arizona: Day 02

After a good rest I was ready for another day.

I must here interject a great tragedy I've discovered on this trip:

This was the sight that filled my eyes at two, yes two, of locations I frequent whilst in the Vallley. I had already checked the website and the only location shown on the map is located at 40th St. & Camelback. The one above is located right across from the Starbucks I was at yesterday (photo taken then). Typically, this would be where I would want to meet...and if it had been open we would have immediately gone there. The second is at Tatum and Bell in the Basha's plaza. Word on the street all these locations are being re-done in some new way and will reopen a couple of months. Little good this is to satisfy my Dunkin' Donut Desire.

Today...I was headed to Buckeye. I figured 'on the way' I'd stop over at the 40th Street location for some Munchikins and a dozen donuts (I have a coupon--thanks Shan!). Much to my dismay...this is what awaited me:
Oh, the sorrow!

Next trip--Donuts every day!!!

To ease my sadness I went through the Fazoli's Drive through next door and bought four garlic sticks and a small soda. Definitely not donuts...but, the garlicy goodness was wonderful! These are no ordinary breadsticks...they are garlic heaven! Dipped in parmesan cheese--YUM!

Then off I drove to Buckeye. It's really not that far--it just feels like I'm halfway to Disneyland sometimes ;) I happily munched my sticks of garlic heaven and played with the radio.

Radio...a novel concept in autos, no?? I'm sure no one else thinks this way, yet me and my AM only back home found it completely enthralling to have so many listening options!

Soon I was with Amber and Megan doing a lot of not much. It is great to just hang out. Having eaten bread for lunch...by afternoon I felt I needed a bit more to make it thru until supper. Thank goodness Amber had bacon! She kindly cooked it up crispy and wonderful and we snacked.

At this point I'm sure those of you who do not know of my unique dining habits...well, you're catching on. I do, on the whole, eat a well balanced diet. I'm pretty good at moderation in general. There are some wonderful exceptions...like when I travel!

We chat and Megan showed me lots of books and some fun wooden toys she has. Sadly, I forgot to take a self portrait of the three of us. :( I also was hoping for a better shot of the compass. I've ever seen anyone quite as enthralled with this wonderful device. Well, beside me when I'm lost--seriously, how many people keep a compass on them at almost all times!


Early afternoon I began my trek back across the valley. I went the northern route as to catch a couple of folks on my way.

First I stopped at an old haunt...the Coldstone on 83rd Ave and Bell. I enjoyed a Like It chocolate with strawberries while having a lovely chat with Miss Talitha, my traveling companion from my Hungary trip last summer. This is the first time we have had an opportunity to catch up since we parted company in July of last year. All I can say...is I can hardly wait to plan our next trip!!! This photo looks very much like many we took all over HU. Good times...no crushed ice.

To end the day was a quick bite to eat with Chrissy. We met up at Texas Roadhouse. It was good to miss the crowds...and we sat at a very high table. Why this is of note, I'm not sure. We did find it noteworthy at the time, however. The main purpose of this trip is a wedding. Chrissy's to be precise! So this was our bit of hang out time before the festivities begin! It was a good time! (still no crushed ice) This is the second shot I took-after running across the parking lot for I'd forgotten while we were at the restaurant. It is pretty average. I took two because when I snapped the other I had just realised that this was our last girls supper with Chrissy being a single lass! We laughed after the first one...and then looked very happy in this one.

Here is the first one--rather silly on my part, reckon?



Again a nice day. I was pleased to be feeling pretty well--very tired, but well. As mentioned above...it is difficult for me sometimes...knowing there are many folks I really want to see....
Temperature: low-mid eighties with increasing winds. When I post general AZ photos, I have a couple trying to catch the force of these dust stirring events!
Average speed on the roads: 75

A little Easter Surprise...

As much as one can surprise themselves, that is :) Whilst on our little excursion to Pike's Place Market, Megan and I were rumbling about quite a few of the food shoppes (little specialty markets). This was very much at my request...and I found some real treasures. I literally gasped and pulled dear Megan over when I saw these wonderful Kinder eggs.

I first had the opportunity to indulge in these grand little eggs in Hungary at Eastertime 1998. Ever since, I have really missed them. When overseas in 2007 I was only able to find the Kinder Joy...which is quite different, yet also quite enjoyable!

Anyway...I purchased two (the fact our dollar is worth nearly nothing in the world market meant they were a little pricier than my budget had room for). Megan and I shared one on the bus ride home and I save the other for Easter.

Basically, this is a hollow egg. It has a double layer shell--one of milk chocolate the other milky white. The 'surprise' part is the toy inside! Way better than anything Cracker Jack has handed out in decades! There are themed sets of toys...usually you have a hand in putting the toy together and they are often quite silly.

This time around I had a spy themed toy. I'll have to take some photos of my Kinder Toys and post them up sometime.

Here you'll see the Bunny Mr. Potato Heads that were in my office. My spring time decor :)
They came down rather quickly since my secret pal at work gave me three of the Mr. Potato Head Parts and Pieces sets in my eater basket : Doctor, Police Man and Snowman. (THANKS SECRET PAL!!!) Here is a photo of them standing together. On a potato note...I just saw that there is a a new one!!!!! Taters of the Lost Ark--WOW! Here is a photo from the Hasbro Site:
Goodness...So many Potato Heads...so little time! My Star Wars Spuds are still lacking the company of Spudda Fett (Boba is absolutely one of my favorite villains!!!) and Darth Mash.

Well...needless to say, Easter was quite enjoyable for me in the PacNW. I was still feeling quite unwell and spent much of the day resting (doing nothing other than feel rather awful, that is).

The thing I always long to hear on Easter:
One: "He is risen!!"
Many: "He is risen indeed!!!!!!!"

Either way...He is truly risen!

St. Patty's Day 2008...a wee bit tardy :)

Hello everyone...it is an evening of playing blog catch up :) There have been many little things going on that I should blog as they happen--and I haven't been. I think I've done fairly well keeping up with these little bits since the beginning of the year...and hopefully I'll continue to do better!
I didn't feel myself on this day...I was having a super time dealing with edema like I never knew it could happen...needless to say I am very unhappy with how I looked in the photos from this trip. Though I must say Megan is a great blog trip buddy--great smile & always up for pictures and silly fun!!

These photos are from St.Patty's day (please note the green in the above photo!). My fun friend Megan and I went into Seattle to Pike's Place Market for a morning of produce buying and checking things out!
Here are a few photos from in and around the market...especially for all of you who are far away! I really enjoy going to the market--especially on week days, early! It's definitely not as busy...I have no ideas if the prices are better, but I did seem to find some yummy deals on fruits and veggies this day!

Here we have some of the neon inside...and some of the sites you'd expect to see--the Market sign and the PIG!! I have to say I've taken some better of the main sign...but so much depends on what trucks happen to be there...time of day...all those wonderful things one can't control :)

I must also say that I was hoping for a shot of Megan on said pig...yah, that didn't happen! (please note: I'm not on the pig either!)


This day was really pretty. It was warmer than it had been in awhile...perfect for wandering around...a bit warmer-yet not hot!!! It was a bit overcast, but hey...I'm sure the sun is still behind those clouds :)




Nearly every city I've been to has their own interesting 'art'...Seattle is no exception. This pretty lady is always overlooking the market.

We had a little brunch at The Crumpet Shoppe-always a nice spot to stop! It was lovely--not crowded and friendly! I branched out an tried something new. I don't have a very good shot of it, the lighting was weird. It's a tomato, pesto and parmesan crumpet. I don't think I'm going to be a big fan of pesto...but, I tried!

We had some fun with the little shoppes and vendors...Megan decided to have this little mermaid join her by the flower shoppe across from the fish throwing guys.


I had fun in Market Spice---every spice under the sun and lots and lots of tea!! It's always a good idea to have a tea party in the shoppe!!





We were both hoping to find some yummy produce...and we did! Here is a shot of lots of fruits and veggies as Megan waits for check out. All in all it was a fine morning...one of the best things was not driving and not parking. We took one of the express buses from the East Side and it was fabulous! I have since found that there is an express from the P&R by my house...I'm thrilled about that! How much better not to be stressed out from driving...and...how much wealthier we'll be from not paying for parking!!!!

Thanks Megan for a fun morning!

...just a bit...

The sun was shining all day long--bright and welcoming. Yet, every time I popped out for a stroll or to take care of something I was reminded that in the PacNW it is still winter. The temperature felt quite chill. I suppose it reached fifty... Ah well, no complaints here!!

The light in the trees was terrific. I didn't take any photos worth sharing (mostly roots actually). I do find winter sun rather amazing...everything seems to glow!

I have been trying to get outside and walk about town to take care of errands or just walk for the sake of walking :) When schedules work out it has been fun to spend some time with friends.

On my last off Monday I went across the lake with my friend Megan. We went into the mall (yah, the MALL!!) and she was able to find some new things for work. We browsed in one little shop and then made our way to this H-U-G-E Target!

Seriously...this place has two levels!! Megan is displaying our excitement as we arrive to check this place out!

I think Target is just a fun place to look around...and look around we did! I've always said that if I feel like buying something (nothing in particular) I'll just go to Target. If I look around long enough...I realise there is just too much STUFF...and I really don't need any more stuff :) If the urge to purchase hasn't waned...it is also possible to leave Target with a little something fun without giving up much cash.

On this little outing I found TWO pair of mittens for $1.07. What a deal!!! Plus, with it still being winter, mittens come in rather handy in the mornings. Here are two photos...showing one of each pair of mittens. Glorious, don't you think!

I've also pulled out my Nature in the City book and hopefully I'll be able to take some of the walks in coming months...on my own or with friends. There really is a lot here in this city...and the whole region. We'll see what, if anything comes of it!

Cheers! : )