Things we are learning

You know how when you move, there is kinda a cultural re-adjustment period?  You know, I can't just walk in to any Seattle grocery store and presume they will have pancetta, even if I plan on using it with my brussels sprouts.  Much like how in Pittsburgh you might have to make a directed effort to find a coffee shop.  Matt and I are enjoying getting to explore a bit and trying out some New things for our New life.  For example, Matt has been taking the bus to work.  The buses here are really nice, not to crowded and reasonably convenient, especially if you just want point-to-point travel, such as going to work (so your wife and run errands and get lost and such.)  I know, I never thought I'd see the day.

We are happily indulging in all products made by Tillamok, and a bountiful harvest of fall fruits and veggies.  Washington apples are as good as I remember.  Oh, and speaking of apples, you know that park behind our house?  You know, the one with the abandoned cabin?  There is also an abandoned apple orchard in there.  Matt wandered up there and grabbed a harvest of small, late season apples which turned into a very rich applesauce.  We feel like we are living off the land here.

And I'll just make a contrast to the general lay-out of both Pittsburgh and Seattle/Kirkland places.  Where the neighborhood down-towns of Pittsburgh always have an Italian or Middle eastern grocery store, a couple of smoke shops, at least once "local color" bar and maybe coffee or more likely a deli.  In Kirkland, it's like there is a mandate that if you own a strip mall, it must contain at least one teriyaki place, one Mexican Groceria and a beer store.  This provides the perfect climate for the drive through coffee place.  I haven't yet indulged in one of those teriyaki places yet, but it's on my list of things to do should I ever become hungry after Thanksgiving, so maybe December.

Matt and I will be headed to Concrete for the holiday, where are phone usually get spotty service. Will try to make some calls via Betty's phone to brag about what an awesome time we are having, but if you don't hear from us, assume it's a food coma.  Happy Thanksgiving, all!