garage sale find!

It seems the winter rains are finished--we haven't had rain for a week and today was beautiful and sunny. So that means garage sale season is starting! Here's what we found at a sale on our walk home from the coffee shop. A black, like-new, Restoration Hardware bistro set, perfect for the months of outdoor living that are ahead.

more painting

Painting the walls and ceiling in the hallway isn't exciting to anybody but me (I love how white paint reflects any glimmer of light). It's turning into a 3 coat job, one of primer and two finish coats. By the weekend it will be done and back I go to painting trim--there are four doors in this little hallway! I made a detour and painted glossy black this long-ago garage sale find. The more I look at Scandinavian interior blogs, the more black and white I want. The search is on for a black and white striped cotton runner for the hall. First thought was Ikea but no luck.

best in Seattle area

We go there to visit our kids...and go to a couple of great bakeries. Macrina has three bakeries and cafes in Seattle. Just take a look at the fantastic cookies in the window of the 1st Avenue location. There is always bunching up of people at the counter, waiting a turn to buy to take away or to eat at the cafe. In my carry-on coming home yesterday I had a crusty loaf of Apricot Bread, also Olive bread and a sweet streusel-topped fruit bar. The macaroons got eaten well before flight time.

We had breakfast at the Bread Peddler in Olympia. This bakery-cafe is another busy place so picture-taking has to be very quick. Fruit tarts, brioche, "chocolate shots", scones, bread pudding, muffins, however to decide? And beautiful breads too, we grabbed a baguette and whole wheat/rye loaf. Oh my, I love to eat in and around Seattle!