New Orleans For Breakfast...

... and Seattle for lunch - how incredible is that? We stepped out into a light rain and mid-70's weather. Ahhh... I ltruly ove it - and I darned well better enjoy it... lol...

On the plane we met a soldier who was coming home from Iraq. Liz and I visited with him, both thanking him immediately for what he has done - the huge sacrifice and dedication. He had been gone for a year, and was going home to meet his wife and three kids; one of his children he was meeting for the first time. He was on top of the world. Having flown so far, he was exhausted but on an emotional high. He visited us, he rested a bit, but mostly he was grinning from ear to ear, and could not contain the excitement... the anticipation. When we were ready to leave, the stewardess made the announcement that we had two servicemen coming back from Iraq and asked everyone to let them get off the plane first to go greet their families. There was a huge applause that lasted until our new friend and his buddy made thier exit.

Our soldier buddy is pictured here, his name marked out to protect his identity... I did ask his permission. How do you become so connected to someone in such a short amount of time? Can you see his excitement?

While flying, I saw a perfect shot for a photographer - and since I was in the middle seat, I had to ask Liz to take it for me - but she did exactly as I asked her to do. Team work and here are our results: How cool is this shot?

Next on the agenda was meeting our own family :-)

Are't our nieces and nephew precious?

Ballard Locks had tons of salmon using the ladders! How fun to see them - and as many times as we have gone, this is the first time I have seen them. They were even rolling in the lake area! Amazing site to see - and I could just stay at the locks for hours!

...and finally but not least, while we were at the Ballard Locks, there was a boat towing another, obviously in trouble - and it started sinking! The locks rose and they had to bail water until the boat could get out of the locks and get it to a dry dock. The poor girl bailed for at leat 20 minutes - how horrible. I sure hope they made it.

It has been a wonderful relaxing day - the first unstressful day in a month. I took a 45 minute cat nap last night. Tonight Paul Mauriot has just lulled me into a cross eyed stupor - a contented one. Good night.