beware.....

 My west coast brother has informed me that today is "National Stay Away From Seattle Day."  I'm not sure if this is a warning from Seattle inhabitants they they do not welcome newcomers or a warning from the outside world that Seattle is not a good place to travel to. 

I am somewhat concerned about this because my oldest nephew and his wife live in a suburb of Seattle and have for many years.  Of course maybe it's ok in the suburbs.  

While I have never lived in Seattle, I do have some very vivid memories of the city from several visits.  First, it does not rain there all the time.  Very early in their married lives (the first time around for each of them) my daughter and son and their respective spouses lived and worked in Seattle. When we visited with them we got to tour the underground city.  I'm not sure if that's even possible any more. It was fascinating and a little bit spooky.  

When I travelled there on business with my boss we went to the Pike Place Fish Market where they fling fish around with wild enthusiasm.  It was there that my boss bought a large box of Dungeness crabs to bring back to Indiana.  Since she was older and had some mobility issues, I was the one who carried that box of crabs home to Indiana.  Not my idea of fine carry-on luggage. 

My worst Seattle experience which turned out to be one of the best is when I flew there for my nephew's wedding and had my suitcase stollen at the airport.  Happily they didn't get my purse.  I contacted the police, describe the contents as best I could, and accepted their assurance that they would do their best but there wasn't much hope of ever seeing my stuff again.  They were right about that.  Finally, about midnight, I checked into my hotel where, after hearing my sad story, they gave me a comb, toothbrush and toothpaste. 

The next day, still wearing the clothes I had traveled in, I explained the situation to my sister-in-law (wife of my west coast brother).  We were all, thank goodness, staying at the same hotel close to the wedding venue.  That wonderful lady took me on a quick shopping spree at a nearby mall and I bought a summery dress, shoes, slip, underwear, pajamas and a nice blue suitcase which I still use.  There was a Macy's in the shopping center so I was able to buy makeup and also cancel the Macy's gift card that was in my suitcase and get a new one.  The kindness of my sister-in-law and all the family was all I needed.  I had a wonderful time at the wedding.  

I highly recommend a trip to Seattle.  

If you can avoid the airport do so.

Actually I have mixed feelings about Seattle and its environs.  My oldest nephew was married there and that was a joyful ocassion.