It's September, 2021 -- we've received 2 vaccinations and feel safer to travel again.
This particular blog centers around our families more than the cities we visited. We missed them during the pandemic and were relieved to FINALLY be able to spend time with them. You'll probably see more family pictures than photos of tourist sites...we beg your pardon but our hearts were breaking after not seeing our families in other parts of the country for almost 2 years.
Thus, the two of us and my husband Dick planned a 2+ week vacation, flying from West Palm Beach to Seattle and then on to San Francisco for a few days to visit both of our sons. Here's our first glimpse of Mt. Rainier just before we arrived at SeaTac.....
We decided to take a cab at the airport to the Bainbridge Ferry. We weren't warned of the l-o-n-g walk from the cab to the terminal and then to the elevator and another long walk to the ferry itself -- all while dragging lots of luggage behind us (one large pullman with a broken wheel, no less). A fellow passenger helped tote the luggage on board for us and was waiting to help us at the Bainbridge terminal, along with his friend who also came to our rescue. We offered to buy lunch for them but they refused and said they were happy to help --amazing people in Seattle. We thank you both again!
When we arrived at the terminal, we didn't think we'd have a problem finding a cab to get to the Poulsbo Inn....wrong! And no ubers. Son Scott came to our rescue after finishing a tough day of work.
At last...our home away from home -- the Poulsbo Inn.
We've been staying at this lovely place for 15+ years and love the suite...living room with sofa bed and large tv - fully equipped kitchen with a keurig coffee machine (a must) - nice bathroom -- and a separate bedroom with 2 queen beds and another tv. It's wonderful space for three people. Joy, the manager, is always ready to help with any problems or questions.
After checking in and getting settled, we called the free shuttle and headed to the Clearwater Casino, one of our favorite spots in Poulsbo.
We then headed off to Kingston and spent a wonderful evening at Scott and Kristi's new home (it was entirely destroyed by fire and was totally rebuilt.)
The new home is gorgeous and no wonder they rebuilt....take a look at that view of the Puget Sound.
The next night the 5 of us went to Poulsbo and had a delicious dinner at one of Scott and Kristina's favorite restaurants, Sogno Di Vino. Their menu features various dinners for two where the diners each have a nice choice and included a bottle of wine -- we were ready for that bottle (still getting over the 3 hour time difference from the East Coast).
Scott and Kristi enjoyed their dinner for two....
and Dick liked his seafood pasta with his craft beer.
After our first couple of days in the Seattle area, Mary K and I headed out to SeaTac for a quick flight to San Francisco to visit son Tom. We decided to take the Kitsap Commuter Shuttle from Poulsbo to the airport and we're glad we did! Our driver, Joe, was a delight and the scenery is beautiful this time of year. The price is right and we had no hesitancy to take this shuttle 4 days later when we arrived back in Seattle.
Mary K's son, Tom, had a uber waiting for us at the airport and we soon arrived at his beautiful building near the City Center. His 2 bedroom apartment is simply stunning and we were grateful for the guest bedroom.
As a Christmas gift a couple of years ago, we bought Tom an air mattress which we quickly set up and were ready to check out his fabulous building. with gorgeous views from the roof.
We then checked out his Hayes St. neighborhood with neat little shops and restaurants. Several blocks were closed off from automobiles and make-shift outdoor booths were set up in the street for outdoor dining. We also came across this outdoor gym club....
And quaint little shops and restaurants....
All San Francisco bars and restaurants required masks and verification of vaccinations along with id -- not a problem for us. We stopped at Sugar's, a nice little neighborhood bar with happy hour -- the $5 well drinks were perfect and energized us for more walking. Tom lives in a very safe, upscale area of San Francisco and we saw very few homeless people during our walk.
A favorite coffee spot down this lantern lit alley…Blue Bottle
The next day we walked to one of our favorites -- the hop on/hop off bus where we could take in most of the touristy sites San Francisco offers.
Botanical Gardens....
San Francisco Bridge....
and sights along the way.
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That evening, Tom and his friend treated us to a special dinner at Ernest.
On Sunday, the 3 of us had fish and chips at Scoma’s.
and enjoyed Irish Coffees at Buena Vista
Our last day was spent at the Continuity exhibit at the Asian Museum.
This was a spectacular exhibit featuring several rooms with beautiful
lit figures moving in each room.
On our last evening in San Francisco, Tom (a genuine foodie) took us for a unique and delicious light dinner at Coqueta 
Many thanks to both of you for your wonderful hospitality! Miss you both already!
Back to Seattle and our shuttle ride from SeaTac to Poulsbo. Lots
of clothes to wash and errands to run, along with a trip to the Clearwater Casino again with our super driver, Judy, and then a shuttle ride to quaint downtown Poulsbo. 
Can't make a trip to Poulsbo without getting together with our friend, Valerie Nau -- we thank you for your service, Val....and for your friendship.
Scott's birthday is 9/27 and Kristina invited us to their home for a wonderful birthday brunch. Grandson Jack drove in from Western Washington University (where he teaches math) to wish his Dad a happy birthday. Also attending was Karin Hanlon (Kristi's Mom) as well and Jack and Riley Francisco (Kristi's sons).
Appetizers were served on the rear patio...
(There's that view again....)
And a beautiful brunch was served in their open kitchen --
steaks and salmon from the grill, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage...
Time for birthday gifts...
A finger piano from Aunt Mary
And family photos
We loved seeing their new home and Kristi's knack for decorating. Remember, this family lost everything in their house fire so they started from scratch.
The entry hall and staircase.....
and we love Scott's meditation room
and Kristi's favorite spot in the great room
Kristi, Jack and Riley.
Just outside the meditation room is a beautiful picture of Kristi reminding all of us of her great voice. This was painted by a talented local artist from a photo taken during the days of her singing engagements....
After Scott's birthday night, the "boys" wound up at the Clearwater Casino, led by "Snake-eyes Jack" in the lucky gold jacket!
It was wonderful seeing everyone after our almost 2 year "quarantine"....over the years, our travels have been wonderful but seeing our families is the best!
Stay strong and healthy, everyone,
