My day trip to Seattle

It's always fun to go somewhere with Jenni 'cause she makes me laugh. I know, though, that she has periods of trying real hard to hold her tongue and not roll her eyes at my driving or my observations. It started right away.  When I plan to go somewhere, I preplan my trip by making sure I have cash, water, the right coat, and snacks.  I want to get on the road and get there so I can get home again.  I knew Jenni would need McDonalds first so I planned for that by picking her up a few minutes early. We also had to stop at a bank so she could get money.  I didn't tell her so but this was my eye-rolling moment--she works in a bank for crying out loud so why didn't she get cash then?!  The first ATM was closed as they were working on it so we went to another and drove through.

McDonalds was across the street. I didn't want anything and when we were preparing to pay, she had the exact amount but before handing it over, I had to check it first. (Some of her pennies looked like dimes to me)  She said:  "Mom! You have to remember that I'm an adult child now -- and not a 22-year-old adult. I'm in my forties and I know the difference between pennies and dimes.  ha ha

We drove to the Clearwater Casino and it was my first time maneuvering inside their multi-floored parking garage. It was a tad unsettling 'cause it was dark in there but it helped having Jenni navigate and we arrived early enough to get a parking space right near the elevator. We applied for a club card so we could ride their free shuttle bus to the ferry terminal.  I was already in their records but somehow a different woman's picture was on my ID in their files.  (She was 26) They gave me a new one and then Jenni and I played the slots for about 35 minutes.  Being a new member, she got some free money from them and managed to play the whole time with it.  I wasn't as lucky and donated.

We caught the bus right out front and were delivered to the ferry terminal where we walked right on. (You don't have to pay going on the ferry; just coming back)

 The ferry ride was uneventful except for when the captain began blowing his horn and stopped the ferry altogether. Apparently, some boater got too close. I only saw one couple I knew--Dick & Lynda Spindor but they didn't see me.

Ann Robson picked us up right across the street from the ferry and drove us to Swedish where Jenni was scheduled to see a neurologist.  Ann got a little lost  but Jenni and I were delighted as we got to see stuff we never would have in a cab.  Like Garfield High School, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, and several neat homes in cozy neighborhoods. I wish I had had my camera in hand on the trip back to the ferry as I saw several things of interest. Probably only interesting to me, however.  Like the cop on horseback in Pioneer Square, and the homeless tents pitched right in the middle of town

Jenni's appt was almost two hours long so Ann and I went to the cafeteria for lunch and to catch up on news. I took a few pictures around the place too.

 There were several nice plants and displays everywhere. I especially liked this one that took up a whole wall (with real plants)

 The view was cloudy because of the weather but still interesting to look at.

 One hallway was lined with old photos of nurses - clear back to the 1890s. Really cool.

Ann took us back to the ferry and luckily, we walked right onboard.  Much more crowded by this time. The shuttle picked us up but the trip back to the casino took longer because of traffic. I had a headache  by the time we finally arrived 'cause the bus driver and this one very loud rider carried on nonstop about the Seahawks and everything else they could think of that they thought we needed to know about their lives.  Sigh....

We played at the casino for maybe a half hour.  I contributed a tiny bit to the slots but became disgusted and moved over to the Keno area.  You can't always find Keno in the casinos these days so I was happy.  Even if I didn't hit anything.  One guy did win $1500.  The bathrooms were interesting too.  We had to read the directions going into a stall as they had revolving toilet seats already covered with paper.  Made me laugh.

I had to drive home in the dark but since it wasn't raining, I did okay.  Wasn't thrilled with it but I managed.  Jenni and I shared a few more laughs too.  She remembered things I didn't.  Like when my dad had a heart attack and couldn't drive.  They had a small truck with a stick shift which Marcella couldn't drive so we traded cars as I had an automatic.  She didn't like the bumper sticker I had on my car, however, and covered it up with a piece of brown paper bag and tape.  It said:  Your mother is ugly and she dresses you funny.   I remember thinking that was a very clever bumper sticker but Mar didn't think so. ha ha

Mary posted a picture on Facebook of the grocery store she visited right before the Super Bowl.  Says a lot about our culture.

Two other pictures she posted on game day.

It doesn't seem that long ago that he was a newborn in a receiving blanket.

Well, my morning is gone already and I haven't accomplished much outside of a quick trip to Safeway.  I went off dairy products last Saturday and so far, it hasn't been that much of a problem.  I might need to work on eating less gluten next as dairy may or may not be the culprit.

I'm probably going to  need a little nap before this day is over. I woke up at 3:45 a.m. WIDE AWAKE but had a stern talk with myself about how I was NOT getting up at that hour!  I finally fell asleep after an hour and then when I had to get up at 7, I was groggy and tired and had to force myself up.  Just hate it when that happens.

Two more movie shots for seniors...

                                                                       Cabaret

                                                            Saturday night fever