Survived Thanksgiving.

Seattle was apparently quite nice for November. Sunny a couple of days, although mostly rainy, foggy, and fairly cold.

Crashed for a few days with uncle and grandmother at uncle's house. It's in the middle of renovation, so things were a bit chaotic. There was much cleaning and shopping and cooking to be done before dinner on Thursday. I was chased out of the kitchen at least once. My uncle is not very happy with me for doing his dishes and putting everything away. I apparently "hide" things in places he can't find.

Thanksgiving day was fine. Church with grandmother, then naps and beer. A flurry of cousins arrived at about 3pm and dinner was assembled in a whirlwind of too-many-cooks-in-the-kitchen. Assorted step-family and a few friends arrived later, and dinner for 22 was served at three long tables. Unfortunately, I knew very few of the step-family and none of the friends. The screaming children and their somersaults and toys drove me to drink, literally. I was far into my cups by 8:30pm. In no shape to play poker, which was the plan for the under 35 crowd. I crashed with a nightcap of Scotch and promptly passed out with the new P.D. James novel on my chest.

Friday was mine. I ventured out to the Experience Music Project at Seattle Center. My real goal was the Science Fiction Museum. The Museum was smaller than I thought, but full of geeky goodness. Rather more books on the wall than I thought there ought to be, but the movie props and A/V exhibits of Dune, Mars, and various sci-fi movies were worth the price of admission.

Afterward was shopping at Pike Place Market. Coffee at Starbucks #1 (by accident), a yummy BBQ Pork humbow (bao) at Mee Sum Pastry, and a smoked salmon piroshky at Piroshky, Piroshky.

Convinced Joel that I needed a pub crawl Friday night. Hit all the Capitol Hill usual suspects, although it was too early for many people to be out. Madison Pub, C.C. Attle's, R-Place, the Eagle, the Cuff. After slices I said goodnight and made my way back to Bellevue for the night. After brunch at cousin's house Saturday, I made my way back to the airport and caught my flight home.

The only unfinished item on my list of things to do in Seattle was a trip to Specialty's Bakery for chocolate chip cookies. Next time.

So we're going to LA for my birthday in December. December 14th through 18th. Disneyland. The Hollywood sign. The Walt Disney Auditorium. Los Angeles Cathedral. Faultline. Brunch. Beer. Boys.

Then a night with friend Bob and out in Laguna, I think.

If one should have ideas as to where to stay in LA. Please do let me know. I haven't a clue.

Off to Seattle for Thanksgiving with oldest uncle and his family, plus Grandmum. Should be fun. I hope to escape for a bit to meet up with friends for cocktails...