We returned home yesterday afternoon from our Seattle trip. We attended the anniversary/birthday/retirement party of Glenn P. We had a grand time and it certainly was great to see everyone again. Jerry and Linda had come to Victoria on a Clipper package and we had had a drink with them at their hotel on Wednesday night. It was a little surreal seeing everyone in Seattle and then driving home via the ferry. We loved seeing our friends but were VERY glad to come home.

In Seattle we went to Pikes Market for our big expedition. We really enjoyed the sights and sound. Yes, it is very touristy, but we had a good time there. We also managed to do a little shopping at Cost-Plus, Bath and Body Works, Trader Joe’s, the state liquor store and the various grocery stores.

We had no problem coming through Customs. We stayed in Anacortes our last night there so we could be at the ferry at 6:45am. In the future, we think it is better to go Swartz Bay/ Tsawwassen and drive down. The Anacortes ferry is small and has lovely scenery but the BC Ferry is fast and has many more amenities.

Before our trip we had the opportunity to meet with Melissa (2moms2canada) for dinner on Wednesday night. We went to Santiago’s. MSEH had dined there for lunch, as well. So now, the running joke is, ‘Where do you want to go to eat? Santiago's?’. We did love the Paella we had there. The next day we got to meet Bob of movingtocanada blog fame. It seemed like we had all known each other for years. Bob and David will be just a hop across the water in Vancouver so we hope that they will visit us here in Victoria. And who knows, MSEH, if the East Coast doesn’t work out for your family . . .

Oh, and I saved the best news for last. Diane got the job! They are hammering out contract language this week. We are thrilled. What about me? We have a plan that I am trying to stick too. I can’t talk about it in detail. It’s just that I’m a little impatient sometimes.