Seattle is a Siren

Sail boats and floating houses on Lake Union.  The new waterfront Ferris wheel opened just last week.
Downtown sparkles in the sunshine.

We've been in Seattle for over 3 weeks and, if you haven't noticed, we've posted very little. We've been too busy becoming infatuated....with Seattle!  Blessed with wonderful sunny days for the most part, it has been difficult to sit at the computer writing and getting together photos - especially as we see downtown and the Space Needle out the window beyond our desk.  

We've done  a few of the touristy things (Pike's Market, Bainbridge Island Ferry, a drive across Whidbey Island, the Museum of Flight, Woodinville wine tasting to name a few) but what we've enjoyed the most is just walking around soaking up the city swirling around us. Sunny, rainy, foggy, it doesn't matter - Seattle is a place to explore on foot. We stop for coffee or tea, sit on a park bench and take in the views of Lake Union, breath in the intoxicating blend of briny salt and blooming flowers.  We watch the fog drift over the tops of the skyscrapers, hop on and off buses like we are locals, all the while grateful that we've had time to get to know, and fall a little bit in love with, this beautiful city.

We know it's been done (and done) but who can resist colorful and entertaining Pike's Public Market?

 Fish and Chips at the Lockspot Cafe and alder smoked salmon cooked to perfection at the Ballard Seafoodfest.  

Seattle's neighborhoods each have their own unique appeal.  We're staying in Wallingford.
A stroll up 45th Avenue, the coffee shop around the corner and
some kitchy window dressing at the Hawaiian General Store. 

Woodinville's Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery.  Forget the wine - Colleen wants the Dorothy shoes!

The fog lends its own moody appeal to downtown.  At the Ballard Locks you can watch the ships go through
and the Salmon run.  Seattle's downtown skyline from the ferry docks.