Seattle, start of cruise

Don't you just love looking at the buildings in a big city.
The ideas that come up with the architecture, and sometimes the colors used.
I found these two buildings intriguing. The colors used.

It's time!  It was a hazy morning.  If you look hard, that is Mt. Rainier in the
background.

Up closer you can see the city.  Another clear blue sky day.

The cruise ships are docked at pier 91  and right near is a harbor full of yachts.

I think this was some sort of jellyfish. In doing a bit of research, it could be a
Egg Yolk Jellyfish.  I actually saw a couple of them. Strange.

Laura Wasilowski, from Elgin, IL was one of our teachers.

Amy Ross, from Quilt Seminars at Sea.
At the beginning of our cruise we have a gathering to meet the teachers, and start
getting acquainted with each other.

This is what we were met with our first day at sea.

Another of Holland America ships.  I think this was the Koningsdam.
We would see her in port in Juneau.

You knew we were getting father North.
Small icebergs started showing up.

As we were arriving in Juneau on Monday afternoon.
This fog and haze, along with rain and cool weather was to be with us
for the rest of the week.

This is the quilt I would like to make.
When I was here two years ago, I saw this quilt, and got some of the
fabrics for it.  I figured I would use Alaskan batiks to make it.
When I checked my stash, I found I needed a couple more.
Did not have any background fabric.  I was on a quest!

We had the opportunity to go into town and shop before we were going on an
excursion later in the afternoon.
One interesting thing I found out, when you see a long set of stairs like this one,
it becomes a street. It was the entrance to a house farther up the hill.

Next up, excursion in Juneau.
Mary

Chihluly Garden and Glass, Seattle

Our hotel was a short walk from the Monorail that would take us to Seattle

Center.  It only took a few minutes to zip on over there.

I think you can see the Space Needle from anywhere.  It has a presence.

I have been up in the Space Needle, so did not need to
go again. We were there to see the Chihuly Glass Garden.

After reading about these flowers, I wish we could have been
there in the evening to see and hear them.

They are picking up the light from the day and when evening comes,
the energy created would power the blooms, so that they danced and
lite up.

In the gallery, these beautiful blankets are a focal point in the
Northwest, room.  The colors and patterns were so gorgeous.

Sealife Tower
We watched several short films about Dale Chihuly and the process
he uses for his creations.
There is a steel form underneath the glass, and the tubes that are blown
are placed on the branches.  It makes it easy to install and uninstall a display.

This is Mille Fiori
It reminded me of a display under the sea.
The colors are clear and vibrant.
So beautiful.

This is part of the display, "Float and Ikebana Boats.
I think someone, used this display to create a quilt showing all these
beautiful balls of glass.

Palazzo di Loredana Balboni Chandelier
My husband would have loved to see this one.
The color alone would have drawn him in.

This is just referred to as the "Glasshouses Sculpture"
It is on display in a glasshouse.

The garden displays were amazing.
What is interesting is that as the seasons change, the flowers, (the real ones)
are also changed.  They published a book that is a field guide to the flowers used
for the different seasons.  The glass pieces are there all the time.
Ron likes cobalt blue, so had to take
a picture of at least part of the display.

There is a display of bottle openers on the way to the restrooms.
One way to display something we collect on our travels.

Jan and I in the garden.

Again, you never know what you will see.

Fun to see the food trucks in various places.
I swear I could have eaten my way through Seattle.
The food smelled so good.  I did have fish a couple of times.
There were so many interesting things to see and do.  You could
spend several days checking it all out.

Next up, heading to Alaska.

Mary

Seattle before Alaska

Hello, I had every intention of writing about my trip when I arrived

back home.  Unfortunately, I ended up sick! Not exactly sure what hit me, but

it did keep me in bed for a week.  I am doing fine now, so more catch up!

Had to visit Pike Place Market.
It is celebrating 100 years.
If you go to Seattle, you must visit the market.
They say there are at least 500 separate stalls, through several buildings and along
a couple streets and alleys.  It is built on a hill along the bay.  It is also a great place
to get your exercise
You never know what you may see.  This Balloon Man was fascinating to just watch.
He seemed to be okay with just watching the world go by. 

For me, I love looking at all the flower stalls.
It is hard to imagine all the fields of flowers that come in daily for the most
gorgeous bouquets..  Trust me, I wanted to purchase one.  

Everyone, or so it seemed was walking around with at least one bouquet in their arms.

Then to see the food.  There is so much fresh seafood, you would like to try
it all.  Did see the "flying fish", but could not get close enough for any pictures.

The fresh produce, amazing.  The vendors were slicing up fresh fruit to try.
So good!  There was things we don't see at home.  "Fresh Truffles"!

The wall of gum!  This is in Post Alley!  Not sure why, you would want to add to it, but
it must hold some interest, as there is a lot of gum on it!

Here is the actual entrance.
There are street performers in several places along the way.
I could have spent hours watching people and taking it all in.

You can never be sure what you will see.
Watching people can be so interesting.

People are different, that is for sure.  Glad I don't have the
same fashion sense.

We stayed at the Hotel Max.  This was the door to our room.
We had a corner room, with lots of light.  I think it might be described
as a boutique hotel.  From 5:30 to 6:30 each evening there was free beer.
They would roll a keg in, tap it, and you could have all you wanted during
that hour.  So good!!

It is is in among the tall building.
It was a very nice hotel.  We found out there were quite a few quilters
staying there as well.
Seattle welcomed us with blue skies and beautiful sunshine.

Mary