Sun, glorious sun!

We've had terrific weather here in the Seattle area, and I've reduced the hours I'm spending in front of a screen writing, instead opting for time on the deck reading, connecting with friends, and taking care of a few home projects.

Those home projects have taken (and are continuing to take) a tremendous amount of time. We've finally hired a painter to take care of an exterior paint job, repaired some issues with the water connection to our irrigation system, and have some lawn improvement efforts underway. All this has meant sticking close to home for getting estimates, working with contractors and inspectors, and finally checking some of these home projects off the to-do list.

I'm getting ready to head to Costa Rica in a couple weeks for a cruse with Kontiki. It's on a 16-passenger yacht, a new kind of cruising for me, and I'm excited to return to Costa Rica after a couple of decades.

Hope you're ready for summer!

Mary Jo & Tony

Have You Read:

Driving on Water: The Seattle Floating Bridges There are only about 20–30 floating bridges in the world, depending on how you count temporary or smaller structures, and Washington State has four of them. Three stretch across Lake Washington right in the Seattle metro area, and the fourth connects the Kitsap Peninsula to the Olympic Peninsula via Hood Canal. Read story

A Wine Lover's Guide to Victoria, B.C. If you enjoy discovering local wineries when you travel, Victoria, BC is a lovely place to spend a day or two. Vancouver Island is home to more than 30 wineries, and Victoria is a practical spot to serve as your home base for exploration. The wineries here aren’t about big, showy production; they’re more about small-batch wines, relaxed tastings, and a coastal kind of charm. Read story

Sailing the Loire on Croisi Cruises (A Review) Cruising the Loire River is not like cruising the Rhine or Danube—and that’s exactly the point. The pace is slower, the scenery more understated, and the towns feel less polished and more lived-in. If you’re drawn to a more contemplative, rural side of France, it offers something refreshingly different. ​ ​ Read story

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Here's what else is going on:

Traveling: Chicago

Tony's heading to Chicago next week for what has become an annual family outing - Pokemon Go Fest. I've been to a smaller event (last year in Vancouver, BC), but haven't braved this major one. Although I'm not as avid a player as some of our family members, my trainer name is travelingwithmj; if you play, feel free to add me as a friend.

Reading: They Called Us Enemy by George Takei

A stunning graphic memoir recounting actor/author/activist George Takei's childhood imprisoned within American concentration camps during World War II. Experience the forces that shaped an American icon -- and America itself -- in this gripping tale of courage, country, loyalty, and love.

I'm reading this book as part of the One Book, One Coast community reading program. It's part of an effort of 140 wet coast libraries to get millions of readers to read and discuss the same book together, celebrating literacy, community and meaningful conversation. The program concludes with a virtual conversation with the author on May 31st (2 pm PST time).You can register here (free).

Learn more about the book here, or check at your local library.

I've finished 59 books this year, fulfilling 22 prompts. The books from this past couple of weeks didn't check off any new prompts.

You can take a look at all the books I've read so far this year here.

Want to join in the challenge? It's designed for travelers who like to read and readers who like to travel. It started as a simple project with friends, grew into a larger project with friends and friends of friends, and now we have a small community of travelers who love to read. It's self-paced, and while you can read what you want when you want, we hope the prompts encourage you to try some new authors and genres to your reading choices.

You can learn more about the challenge by signing up for our monthly newsletter here. Or join our spoiler-free Facebook group here.

Watching: After the Flood (BritBox)

The crime series is another in our exploration of British detective and police series. The basic plot is summed up in the title, and explores what happens in a small English town after a devastating flash flood. Lots of turn and twists, good guys who are really bad guys, and I'm eager for the final two episodes.

More info here.

Season 3 hasn't been confirmed yet, but seems likely to happen.

We've gotten a couple recommendations for British shows that we'll be queueing up when we finish this one. Have you got any favorites? Let us know and we'll check them out.

Listening: Time After Time by Lisa Grunwald

A magical love story, inspired by the legend of a woman who vanished from Grand Central Terminal, sweeps readers from the 1920s to World War II and beyond.

This time-travel story is set in Grand Central Terminal, and nicely balances historical fiction and magical realism. I'm only a couple of hours into it, and I'm already curious about the real life events that were woven into the story.

Listen here.

Heads in Beds: Embassy Suites Pioneer Square (Seattle, Washington)

We met up with our Thai tailor at the 23-story Embassy Suites Pioneer Square, and were reminded of how convenient it is for Seattle sports events. The lobby is bright and modern, with an eight-story atrium that makes a winning first impression, and its super convenient for events at Lumen Field (and is home to Seahawks, Sounders, and Reign), T-Mobile Park (Mariners), and the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The hotel is easily accessed via light rail (get off at International District/Chinatown station) or Union Station (Amtrak).

Interested in booking Embassy Suites Pioneer Square? You may be hard pressed to get reservations during World Cup games (but always worth a try), but keep the hotel in mind for future Seattle trips.

If you're a DIYer, you can find info here.

Or, if you'd prefer to work directly with us for your travel booking, taking advantage of the many value-added perks we can help with at this hotel, get in touch via our dedicated booking email (most services at no fee).

In the Glass: 2019 Cascade Cliffs Winemaker's Select Red Mountain Syrah (Washington)

Tasting Notes: Bold, fruit-forward red characterized by a "Rhone-style" profile and deep purple color.

We pulled this one from the wine cellar as we're in a prime drinking window for this bottle. We decanted the bottle, enjoying aromas on floral and spice, opening up over time. Flavors of juicy dark berries, with just a hint of spice and leather. Smooth on the finish.

Served with: Mixed grill, a solid pairing. I think it would also work well with a charcuterie board (leaning into aged cheeses and hearty meats).

Price: Drinking from the cellar

4946 SW 329th Way, Federal Way, WA 98023

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