Pre-B'day Enjoyment

After a whirlwind of the Hobuck Hoedown and preparing my citizenship paperwork, I wanted a low-key birthday. Plus, the citz application set me back $400 (fees will go up to almost a grand after July).

FA and I just hung around our lovely Seattle backyard. Tried a new Ballard pizza place (Snoose Junction Pizza), did a little shopping at Olde Ballard and went to West Seattle to check out a new bakery--Bakery Nouveau. The owner used to be the head pastry chef at Essential--he was captain of the team that won the international baking championship. Tried the napoleon and eclair. I loved the custard filling of the napoleon but the eclair was too dense and heavy. We prefer our pastries delicate. Le Panier and Besalu are still at the top of our list. Still, we'll be back.

Went paddling--launched at Constellation Park, as parking is usually available even on a crazy day at Alki. Quieter too. Picture perfect, except for a little haze. Tide was more than midway in, so no long hike to water. Nice N wind too keep things cool. Paddled south, stopped for ferry traffic at Fauntleroy and continued another half-mile. Tide was still flooding so it'd take a little longer to return. Water was so cool and refreshing, I was tempted to roll but am still nursing tweaked abs, so no rolls for a while. Breeze kicked up some playful waves close to ferry dock so I tooled around while waiting for the ferry to leave.

Returned in time to pick up FA and head over to Maneki for dinner. Sushi!!!! :D