Author: Roadtirementvintage

My thoughts after returning to Indiana

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We don't see this in Indiana

We don’t see this in Indiana

Sher and I just got back from a fairly quick trip from Seattle to Indiana. We had spent the last three months in the Pacific Northwest, but were wanting to return to Indiana and family for the holiday season. It had been an intersting time, including our trip out to Seattle (mostly on I-90) and the return trip (mostly on I-80).

The trip back to Indiana took us down through Oregon on I-5. We then hooked up to I-80 south of Yuba City, California. Then it was across Nevada, the Utah panhandle, across southern Wyoming, then through Nebraska and on into Iowa, Missouri, finally across Illinois to pick up I-74 to Indiana.

Some musings of mine when we got back home again in Indiana: the Hoosier farm fields seemed so small compared to the ones out West. Where Indiana fields are measured in acres, the open ranges across Wyoming and Nebraska would be measured in sections. A corn stubble field with a few cattle in Indiana would seem like merely strays when compared to the scores of cattle out west. It was also different when you looked out and did not see any mountains, buttes, or foothills.

Another thing about Indiana: no laws saying that you have to have chains with you like Oregon and other states out west. And I really noticed that things look small in the midwest compared to the big sky you see not only in Montana but other states as well.

It is good to be back “home” for a while, but we are looking forward to our next journey.

 

Sunday Brunch at Arnie’s in Mukilteo

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The entrance to Arnies with the water in the background.

The entrance to Arnies with the water in the background.

Arnies Restaurant in Mukilteo puts on a very nice Sunday brunch from 10:00AM to 2:00PM. Located in Mukilteo, Washington, the restaurant presents a striking view of the harbor, ferry dock and both the Cascade range and the Olympic Mountains as well.

The brunch itself is just delightful. The friendly staff first bring a fruit plate with yogurt dip to the table. The menu offered is complete with both breakfast fare as well as lunch and even dinner items. Your meal comes complete with the fruit plate appetizer, a huge cinnamon roll (served warm!), your choice of champagne, orange juice or Mimosa and your choice of meal.

Delicious fresh fruit

Delicious fresh fruit

 

 

The snow capped Olympic Mountains on the horizon

The snow capped Olympic Mountains on the horizon

Sher and I dined there last Sunday with our son and daughter and their families. Accommodations were made for the grandkids including a sling for the baby and booster seat for our granddaughter. All enjoyed their meal. The portion sizes are large, and with the fruit plate and cinnamon rolls none of us had any room for dessert!

A riotous time at the Seattle International Comedy Competition, ECA version

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Wednesday Nov. 19 saw a showing of ten great comedians participating in one of the semi-final rounds of the Seattle International Comedy Competition held in the beautiful auditorium of
the Edmonds Center for the Arts.

IMG_0600_resizedThe evening began with the narrator of the evening’s festivities: Gabriel Rutledge. Oh, my.
Narrator does not due justice to his role in the night’s frivolity. Rutledge is a very very
funny stand up entertainer. He had the audience rolling on the floor during his opening set
and he brought the house down during his set during the time the scoring was calculated after
the ten comics were done. Rutledge really showed why he won the 2004 Comedy Competition.

The comics competing during the ECA semi-final round provided quite the variety of styles and
humor. Some were more humorous than others, in my opinion. Language and mature subject matter
are to be expected at an adults only comedy review. Some of the comedians were able to pull
off the cussing and sexual jokes. I felt that a couple of them did not, however. Enough of
my semi-rant.

This night of comedy was a great evening of entertainment. Hats off to the ECA facility. What
a nearly perfect venue for this type of event. The performance consisted of each comic having
ten minutes on stage: five comedians during the first half with a 20 minute intermission followed
by the last five.

Who won this nights round? First place went to Matt Donaher of Boston, MA. There is a continuing
hectic circuit of shows each night through the semi-final rounds that end on Nov. 23. Final
rounds begin on Nov 25.

The Edmonds Center for the Arts is a marvel of both purpose and facility. This establishment is to be
commended for the hosting of such events as the comedy competition. Once again kudos to Gabriel
Rutledge. Check out his website at http://www.gabrielrutledge.com/.

Gabriel Rutledge on stage somewhere. Photo from his website. Hey, it said to download it!

Gabriel Rutledge on stage somewhere. Photo from his website. Hey, it said to download it!

Old Spaghetti Factory at Lynnwood Washington

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IMG_0655 IMG_0657 IMG_0660 IMG_0662Tonight we had a nice time at the Old Spaghetti Factory in Lynnwood, IMG_0651Washington. We went with our daughter and son-in-law and grandson. This is one of a chain of these eateries that are spread out all over the country.

We had a great meal. Each entree on the menu comes with either a soup or a salad and is topped off with a dish of spumoni ice cream for dessert included in the price of the entree. There was endless warm bread and butter brought to the table right after we ordered. The Cokes were a bit pricy at $2.75 but refills were free.

The entree I had was the ‘Meat Lover’s” which was spaghetti with meat sauce and two huge meatballs and a large link of Italian suasage. The sauce was thick and chock full of meat crumbles. The portion of spaghetti was a decent size, and the two huge meatballs and the extra large link of sausage made for a filling meal.

Sher enjoyed the spinach and cheese ravioli. The moderate sized portion was just right fo her. It was very tasty and well presented.

The atmosphere at this version of the Old Spaghetti Factory was relaxed and comfortable. There was an old Seattle trolley car in the main dining room set up with tables in the car. This was an unique sight to say the least. Our waitress was a delightful addition to our meal. She kept our drink glasses full, made sure we had fresh bread at all times, and served us with a smile. Mia did a great job making us feel welcome, and we will ask for her again.

The Lynnwood facility is worthy of your patronage. It is located at 2500 196th Street SW, Lynnwood, WA.