I’ve been back in Seattle permanently for what, about 13 days now. Sure, I’ve straddled the coasts for some time, but now that my stuff is actually heading this way, it’s time to feel at home.
Well, at home again, I should say. I must say, I’ve been away awhile. Somewhere along the way, Shucks became O’Reilly’s. Not really sure why, but I can still pretty well guarantee that no matter what part I buy from O’Reilly’s, I will end up returning it because I’m sure they have parts people who are just as dumb as the ones that worked at Shucks.
I am still getting used to a pedestrian-bus-bicycle centric world here. I have almost clipped a few. No one stops for anyone in Florida. I think it’s an old fart thing brought down by the snowbirds in their Caddies and Buick LeSabres. Here, you better watch out, unless you want to kill someone or have a bus do a face plant in the side of your car. And I won’t even mention run-ins with SLUTS.
You all know the thing I have aout Taco Time and Jack in the Box, so I won’t belabor those. And I am very excited to get my Costco card again, Sam’s just doesn’t cut it.
Wal-Mart kind of gets the short end of the stick here, too. They’re not on every block like they are in Florida. Few and far between, largely because Fred Meyer’s, or Freddie’s, kicks their ass all over the parking lot when it comes to quality and selection. Price, well, not so good.
Even though Trader Joe’s wasn’t founded here, I’ve become very accustomed to them. One of my new favorite places to shop.
In the oldie but goody department, there’s still Kidd Valley and Dick’s, though I profess some favoritism here for KV. Never been a huge Dick’s fan because quite frankly, Dag’s made a better burger and a Bag o’ Dags beat them all by a mile.
I see Baranoff’s is still on Greenwood. I hope it’s just as big of a dive as it always once was. No, I still haven’t been in it. Waiting for the Janmeister for that one. And I can still get a Hum Bow for under $3 at the Pike Place Market. Yes, I had one today. And yes, they are just as good.
I am learning to recycle again. People in Florida only halfway recycle. They get out as far as paper, plastic and cardboard. Well, paper and cardboard. This perhaps explains why the mountains there are made of garbage. I admit being frozen for a moment at McDonalds a few days ago. There were three different recycle options – paper/cardboard, food and paper/cardboard with food, and other. I had to decide if one stray splatter of secret sauce on the tray liner was enough to warrant the middle option. I finally went rogue and tossed it in paper/cardboard.
I missed Bartells. Went there today in fact. All they have in Florida is Walgreens and CVS, always on opposite sides of the street, beckoning the old farts to come in and get their prescriptions filled. I do miss Pay n Save and Ernst, however.
It’s going to be a little strange living north of Seattle for a change. I haven’t done that since 1986 I think. So much has changed, and yet, so much hasn’t. The Drift On Inn is still in business, though Parker’s as a ballroom is long gone.
But don’t think I’m just rooted in the old days. Hardly. I have quite enjoyed Top Pot Doughnuts, a stone’s throw from my new downtown working digs. I can thank my writer in crime Denise for that addiction. I still don’t like Starbucks. They have those in Florida and I didn’t like them there either. They are truly the McDonalds of coffee. Never spectacular, always predictable and always packed with people who seem to like it that way.
I see that Spuds is still here, and of course, Ivars. I still liked Skippers better and H. Salt Esq. on Rainier Avenue in Renton. Speaking of Renton, I ate at Jacks but it wasn’t the same. Where was the Highlander burger? Bring back the Highlander!!!
Ballard has become less Skandahoovian than it used to be. They are even having a Jazz Festival. What’s up with that? Since when did accordion players get into jazz? Fremont has condo-ized, but it’s still got enough funk left. And I see the Red Door is still around, though the door moved a block over.
In West Seattle, nothing much has changed. Never seems too. Still one of my favorite parts of town, but the one thing that has changed, from what absolutely everyone told me, was the ease of commute. Stay away from West Seattle, I was told. I did.
The commute to the new abode in Shoreline, piece of cake. From 6th and Virginia to 185th in 28 minutes, even in the rain. It used to seem so far away, hence my reluctance to live there. My friend Tami told me that soon I will be riding one of the more “colorful” busses in town… more fodder for RobZerrvations to be sure. I guess there’s some real characters on that bus.
It’s a bit odd to see everything in English here. In Florida nearly everything is in two languages. That happens here too, but mostly in the International District. That has always been one of the things I have missed most about Seattle – the endless parade of people who live life as they want to – wall to wall diversity that is so refreshing to be around. I already know I fit in… pirate costume and all.
In the Emerald City, wondering why I packed my pirate socks when everything else is about to be loaded onto a moving van,
– Robb
(And no, I’m not wearing them now)