A Brief Pause

The transfer of grandchildren from Bellevue to Bellingham by train went very smoothly, and they enjoyed their first train experience.

During the few hours we spent in Bellevue, daughter E took us on a tour of the Botanical Garden. I visited it once before, but didn't realize how big it is -- 53 acres of cultivated gardens, restored woodlands, and natural wetlands. There were masses of flowers in bloom and it was hard to stop taking photos.

We met my other daughter S during her lunch break, at one of their favorite Mexican restaurants in the neighborhood where we used to live. After a very enjoyable lunch, accompanied by much conversation and laughter, S regretfully went back to work and the rest of us went back to the E's house. I thought it was proper to show my appreciation for the meal by taking a short siesta on the sofa.

When we checked in at the train station the conductor gave us choice seats with a table on the westward (water) side. We were able to eat a surprisingly good meal in comfort while watching a spectacular sunset over the Salish Sea and San Juan Islands.

Eleven o'clock, and all's well. We'd better get a good rest -- we'll need lots of energy tomorrow.

Here's Cynthia's account of the day.