Mussels, Mushrooms and More c/o Bucks County and New Jersey

Apologies for the lack of narration. Some pretty major shittiness is going down in my neck of life. I can't help but try to keep up with all the photographs I have taken (Seattle was quite cathartic). I have no doubt that at some point I'll be a bit more open about where I am right now, and why. But this evening is simply not that point.

Unconnected

On two, extremely different, notes.

Last night this was my Facebook status:
"Raise your hand if you just saw a pants-less man (in all his balls and penis glory) in the back of your hotel's well-lit, well-traveled parking lot! (I AM RAISING MY HAND)."

And, completely unrelated, today marks the 12th year since Carter Waghorne, a friend from high school, died. I haven't had the same kind of time to reflect on what this means as I have had in years past, and maybe it's not necessary to try to glean any new meaning out of the tragedy. But I still note this day and remember those with whom I grieved, and I hope that no one is offended that I'm remembering Carter's death right after mentioning a pants-less man.

Beer and Chicken Sandwich c/o Chili's...Yes, Chili's

Once in Chicago I learned that my flight to Philly was cancelled, which was annoying. I called the airline, they put me on a later plane, I asked what they would do for me as a result of the inconvenience, and they gave me a $250 voucher for my next flight (I didn't even make that big a stink...everyone should try even a bit of irked-ness in their voice and see what they can get). The fact remained, I had four hours to kill, so I went to the terminal Chili's and ordered a ridiculously expensive Budweiser and an incredibly underwhelming chicken sandwich.

Flight

On my flight from Seattle to Philadelphia, with a connection in Chicago, I saw some very pretty mountains from way up high. I have no idea what they might have been.

Carrot Cake Cupcake c/o Cupcake Royale

After lunch, T. suggested that we go to Cupcake Royale to pick up, you guessed it, a cupcake or two. C. and I were a little ambivalent. My main thought, which I vocalized, was 'well, if they have a carrot cake cupcake I'll do it.' So off we went (it wasn't far) and lo and behold! A carrot cake cupcake! C. abstained, and T. ordered a classic cupcake. We then went back to their place and enjoyed our sweets. I should note that, though there is not a single shred of photographic evidence to support this, we played mad crazy amounts of Rock Band. I sang. I drummed. I guitar-ed my little heart out.

Oh, and Wii Mario Kart. OMG. It is such a good thing that I don't have any of these devices in my home. You know hoarders? I'd be like that, except instead of collecting stuff, I'd just---wait, I really didn't think through that thought...I mainly wanted to point out that I watch hoarders and it scares me.

The cupcake was good. Casper tried to eat it, but we didn't let him.

Chocolate Chili Stout and Chile Burger c/o Elysian Fields Brewery

For lunch on Monday we went to Elysian Fields Brewery. Or maybe not the brewery, but one of its brew pubs? Probably the one in Capitol Hill, as that is where C&T live. I ordered what I thought was a brewery beer, the chocolate chili stout, which I liked very much but can't find on their list of beers. It's a bystery.
C&T found the beer to be more spicy in character than I did. I did like the little smokiness that the chili engendered, and the chocolate notes weren't as sweet as your typical chocolate stout.
We continued the tutelage of how to take a flattering photograph. Did that sentence make sense?

Less of a perfect example, but there's something about the tone of T.'s point that amuses me.
The masters, demonstrating how it's done.
In terms of food, I ordered the chile burger. It was good, not all that chile-riffic, but it hit the spot. I'm thinking about a burger right now, actually.

Volunteer Park Walkabout

On Monday C., Casper and I walked to Volunteer Park. It was a nice day. Children were playing, dogs were dogging. The Seattle Asian Art Museum was opening a new exhibit later on in the week. Flowers were swaying in the wind. Etc.

Cat

This I found c/o a Facebook friend and loved.

Green Chili Chicken, Guacamole and Rice

The next night C. made guacamole, green chicken chili and rice with cilantro. It was de-licious.

Lake Washington and Eagles

After dim sum we went on a drive along Lake Washington. I love spring. I love trees. I love lakes.
After driving in one direction for a while, we turned around and on our way back we noticed a crowd of people looking out towards the lake. We slowed and saw what they were seeing: a bald eagle doing its thing. It was pretty awesome. C. just stopped the car while I snapped away. I regret not bringing my zooomy lens; I really could have gotten a few great close ups. But this is the best I could do.



They're better to view large.

Dim Sum c/o Jade Garden

On Sunday morning T&C and I went to the International District for dim sum. I think we went to Jade Garden, but maybe not? I have been eating dim sum for nearly ever, and I have long heard that west coast dim sum puts east and mid-west dim sum to shame, but I was skeptical of this truth.
Well, folks, it's actually pretty true. The dumplings were all plumper, the shrimp a little fresher, and the variety pretty good. I'd say this was some of the best dim sum of my life, though I'd say it with a little reservation. There weren't as many carts going around, which was a little sad. But I did try a crab topped dumpling, and consumed at least four shrimp dumplings with pleasure.
The Chinese broccoli was a marvelous little bit of green in a sea of dumplings.
This was a new dish I'd never seen before, and totally satisfying. Though I would have liked to get it when it was a little hotter.
And this was another great one. I can't remember what it was.

Karaoke c/o A Place, The Name of Which I Forget

For dinner C. made us a nice salad and pizza.
Casper liked it.
I did too.
After eating we headed out to a relatively faraway restaurant/bar for karaoke with C.'s brother, his girlfriend and some of their friends.
Many songs were sung.
And many photographs taken.

C. and I sang Sweet Caroline.
We rocked it. Even if I look fat, which I might be...whatever.
T. chose a song for himself to sing and C. joined him. I forget what the song was. If more time was had I would have sung Flowers on the Wall by the Statler Brothers.
T. gave me a few pointers on how to smile for a photograph while avoiding a double chin. Here are a few shots of us trying out his method.


Lesson learned. Also: I know I wore the same outfit for this outing as the night before...but C. and T. didn't.