Post Haste

Good morning, Kids! A cool and overcast NW morning today thankfully made richer and warmer with the colorful leaves. Decided to treat myself to a breakfast of something more than coffee and whipped up some waffles for a cozy morning-time meal. And surely you know that this was something involving more than a toaster? Yes, your Uncle makes them from scratch! Such a nice little self-imposed treat. (No...no photos because I needed to eat them waffles hot and had no time for styling! And I can assure you, the "after" shot of bits of syrup dripped down the front of my shirt didn't seem like such stylish fodder! Eew!)

I also wanted to let you know that I will be working up some "guest blogger" posts for sfgirlbybay over the next couple of days. I'll see if I can't give y'all a lil' somethin' of your own over here but can't make any promises at the moment as you probably know how your Uncle tends to fly by the seat of his pants! (And I am entrusting you all to leave that comment right where I put it!) So if I don't appear to be around tomorrow...you'll know where to find me. Happy Tuesday!

'Cause I'm a Gambler

Took a little day-trip over the weekend with my sister to Port Gamble, a step-back-in-time town on the Olympic Penninsula. This is one of the best times of the year to go out to this quaint little spot as the multitude of changing leaves just adds to the overall atmosphere. There isn't a lot to do in Port Gamble aside from perusing through the few antique stores, the local yarn shop, or taking some tea (which my sister graciously treated me to...but your Uncle had to check his masculinity at the door!). Always a lovely spot to recharge one's afternoon batteries.

Perfect Pix

Some delightfully delicious "pics" of "Pix"...Pix Patisserie in Portland! Kids, Pix is across the street from Ink & Peat, next to Lark Press and creating some of the tastiest French Macarons! (And, to be clear, I have been to Laduree in Paris.) It has a fun atmosphere that nods toward a kitzch-French sensibility but maintains an urban vibe. Kristine went decidedly more savory than Bob or I did but I just can't pass up those sweet little macarons. But it was ALL tasty and Francophile-satisfying. The orange-colored one was passion fruit, the tan-color was salted caramel, and the brownish-black was Ouzo (And a SERIOUS favorite! Perfection!). Mark it down, Kids...Pix is a Portland keeper!

Ink & Sweet

There were so many photo ops and inspirations abounding and I took full advantage. Most of the photos are sized to make for a great (if I do say so myself) desktop pic!

While putzing around Portland I was beyond thrilled that we stumbled upon Pam's new venture, Ink & Peat. I've been anticipating the chance to see her shop in person as she always displayed the most amazing photos of her floral artistry and design inspirations on her blog Housemartin. Ink & Peat did not disappoint...and nor did Pam!

As you can see the light was incredible...as was the shop!

Kids, this shop is so lovely filled with lots of bits, baubles, buds. Home decor, gifts, art, and other loveliness all interspersed with a subtle multitude of floral bouquets. (I scored the sweetest set of cups one can possibly imagine!) And the warmth of Ink & Peat (complimented by all the streaming sunlight!) was only enhanced by Pam herself as she couldn't have been sweeter! (Pam...you know we're all gonna have to dinner it up next time, right?)

So if you happen to be in Portland this is a must-see stop! And, if you're lucky, you might just get to ask Pam for an autograph. She'll be sweet and humble and think me ridiculous for saying so but, Kids, I know a star when I see one...and Miss Pam is a shiny one indeed!

Barn House

So Kristine & Bob and I went down to Battle Ground over the weekend to visit the last sale of the season at Barn House. Joe, Jermonne and the rest of the Barn House bunch did not disappoint with a visual (and literal) feast for all of us. There were food and finds galore in this Halloween-inspired event and now we're all just waiting for next year! Well done, Boys! (And more photos to be found at their blog!)

Taking pause...

Good Monday morning, Kids. I had a wonderfully whirlwind weekend that I had hoped to bring to you this morning. However, I have a longer workday today that I have to get prepared for and also have to call and wish my Aunt Fay a very "Happy Birthday!" So I'll be back with more prolific posting tomorrow but for now a lovely photo from Pam's newly minted beautiful Portland shop Ink & Peat. See you tomorrow!

Sol Food

Eh, since I'm on a lil' food kick this morning I thought I'd just roll with this one. When we were down in Napa we decided to partake in lunch at Solage, a gorgeous resort and spa in Calistoga. The setting couldn't have been more lovely or more California. I felt cleaner and more refreshed just walking onto the property.

We started things outside on the patio on the comfy couches before all that California sunshine began to take its toll on certain members of our party so we retreated indoors to SolBar. The photo below doesn't do the place true justice, but the space was a perfect balance of comfort and cool.

And this, ultimately, was the whole reason for this post (though I'd also include with this selection the Sangria and the Green Tomato Salad!). I am an adventurous eater by nature and am willing to give most things a try. I read the entry for this on the dessert menu and was like, "Oh yeah, I gotta." So I proceeded to order the Thyme French Toast with Heirloom Tomato Marmalade and Corn Ice Cream (topped with warm maple syrup). Um...DELICIOUS! At least as far as I was concerned. The jury was a bit mixed in the overall reviews but I applauded the pastry chef for her ingenuity and daring while still delivering on dessert. Bravo!

If you ever get to Napa by all means toodle on over to Solage for a little lunch and a little cocktail. Maybe even a dip in the pool or a decadent night over? At any rate, if you happen to walk into SolBar and see a man passed out on the floor with a little corn ice cream melted near his head and a smile on his face...don't worry, it's just your Uncle...and I warned the management that this might happen. ;)

Beefy Bloesems

Irene over at Bloesem was kind enough to invite me to be a part of her ongoing series "Your Own Private Museum". Have a look! Thanks, Irene!

Napa Style

Georgina actually rides this to school at the CIA. I'd spill my drink if I tried that.

Good morning, Kids. Running around like a crazy person...still. How is it possible that so many things can pile up after only 4 days away? Nuts! But these photos help to immediately place my mind into longing and relaxation.

This is where we stayed during our Napa hiatus for Sarah's birthday. Jon and Georgina have done alot to this 1902 cutie and it was the perfect respite to rest our inflated and overtaxed livers. They bought the house less than a year ago after Georgina was accepted to the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena. Sadly, she's a talented cook already, attractive, charming, funny, a delightful hostess, with an adorable house in Napa, and a looker of a husband with humor to spare. Don't worry, Kids...we all "hate" her!

Bon appétit!

100+ years and still kickin' it!


I think folding chairs and a rabid pit bull would look more welcoming but whatever.



That's Beefy's bed over by the wall. Beefy slept here. Should I send a plaque?


I couldn't get any work done here. This is daydream grand central!


I seriously hearted the glass canisters below with the vintage tea cups as scoops.


Georgina preparing the outside table for Jon's wine tasting.

I thought we shoulda put out some Cheetos and Pork Rinds. Y'know to keep it "klassy".

Yes, indeed...good times were had aplenty! Sigh. I miss you California...don't forget to write!

Beefy bails.

Kids, sorry to say but your Uncle is still playing catch-up from the trip so I'm basically bailing out on a decent posting today. I'll try to round up a couple of posts for your pleasurable perusing tomorrow but thanks for your patience and enjoy some shots of downtown St. Helena in the meantime. Thanks, Kids!