Tooling around town

We had a lovely day yesterday. Rode our bikes all over, explored the city park, had a great cup of coffee and scone. I made Paul do a few cutsie-tourist type photos, and then we were off to the Evergreen Flight and Space Museums. We love that sort of activity, and spent about four hours looking over all the exhibits.

Afterwards we went to a winery in Carlton called Anne Amie. The location was lovely -- as picturesque as I had imagined a winery to be. The wines were nice, and we actually purchased some whites!! Then we were off to downtown Carlton to check out Tyrus Evans tasting room. The lady at Anne Amie suggested it when I told her we prefer big reds. Tyrus Evans tasting room was set up in the old train depot in Historic Downtown Carlton. Unfortunately we didn't snap any photos (our brains were getting a little fuzzy). In our defense it was 4:oo, and other than a scone we hadn't eaten all day . Back to McMinnville we went, parked the car and rode our bikes to Golden Valley Brewery for an early dinner. I read they brewed their own beer and thought Paul might enjoy it. They also make their house wine, and the red I had was pretty decent (especially at $5 a glass). They raise their own beef and veggies which is impressive. All in all a very nice place to go.

What a great day, but my puppies were barking something fierce so it's another early night for us. We'll need the rest for our next adventure: Lincoln City!!

Harry and Patty were sweethearts...

We're in McMinnville, Oregon population who the heck knows but it's small. To celebrate our anniversary Paul and I are spending a few days here, and then off to Walla Walla. We're staying at McMennamin's Hotel Oregon. It's a historic building decorated with McMennamin's characteristic charm. Our room is (very) small, but comfortable, and tells the story of Harry (a former FBI agent turned Circuit Court Judge) and Peggy (niece of Hotel Oregon's proprietor) who met here during WWII, courted, married and enjoyed a long and happy marriage. A good omen for us I'm sure.

Our first day here was a bit disappointing. We were impatient to get the vacation started and left home pretty early arriving here around 11:30 (what can I say? We're early risers) and was informed very cheerfully by the lady at check-in that we had to wait until 3:00. Hmm, now what to do? We decided to walk around the Historic Downtown area which took all of about 25 minutes since everything but the kitchen store and a coffee shop was closed! Okay, to be fair it was Sunday, and a holiday weekend. So we got a cup of coffee, looked at a few brochures, and made our way back to McMennamin's to get a bite to eat.

We snagged a table at the Rooftop Bar. Hotel Oregon is one of McMinnville's tallest buildings rising a staggering four stories above street level. The sun was shining, a slight breeze kept the temperature comfortable, and the view was lovely. Unfortunately the service was bad, and after waiting over an hour we were finally able to enjoy a cold hamburger, fries, and an appetizer plate of chips sans salsa.

We finished the day off with a few games of pool and some drinks. I know this sounds weird but it gets boring sitting around drinking if all you have to do is sit around drinking so we decided to turn in early. We did some light reading, finished off a crossword puzzle, and relaxed. It was a nice end to the day.

Our Anniversary

10 years? Already? I can't believe Paul and I have been married for 10 years. Usually we just enjoy a quiet dinner to celebrate our anniversary, but since this is our 10th we're taking a trip through the wine country as our gift to each other (we're leaving the first week of July).

Last night we stopped at Tacoma Wine Merchant to pick up our wine club selection and purchase a few additional bottles. Afterwards we headed next door to Enoteca for a glass or two and a cheese plate before dinner. Bill gave us a glass of champagne (on the house) to start the evening off right. Such a sweet gesture.

Next we were off to Europa for dinner. The tables outside were open so we snagged one. I love sidewalk dining -- reminds me of Europe (and Seattle for that matter). Paul and I changed seats halfway through the meal so our faces would roast evenly as the sun went down. I have to say the food was a bit disappointing, but not the company. It was a lovely meal.

We stopped at home long enough to let the dogs out, put away the leftovers, and then we went for a short bike ride. We rode to the middle of Skyline Bridge to watch the sun as it set over the Narrows. It was a bit cloudy, but we could still enjoy the lovely pink and gold sky.

It was a perfect end to a lovely day that celebrates a wonderful marriage. I can't say it enough Paul -- I love you. Thanks for marrying me.