Presenting the King and Queen of Washington State

Hello Lovelies!
remember I promised you serious fabulousness on my last post!

Now Dave, the husband formally known as Mr F, which meant Mr Foxy, because that was his name on my mobile phone for a long time.  One time I asked a male colleague to update a new SIM on my phone, he clocked 2 names - Mr Foxy (old number) and Dave (new number).  He looked at me, gave me the side eye and waited for me to explain myself.  Of course I didn't.  I smiled back enigmatically and said nothing.

Back-story to the Dave/Mr F explanation over.  Dave was in Seattle on a business trip.  I once had a 3 day stay in Manchester for training in a sales job.  I'm not kidding when I say part of the job was to dance in a Supermarket entrance.  If you ever have a minute, Youtube Phoenix Nights, 'Come and buy your black bin bags, they're on offer till December', you'll get the gist.

The Fisherman's Terminal in Ballard, Seattle

Now, Seattle you say!

Natalia and Justin

Gorgeous Natalia's blog is 'In the Writer's Closet' (click Natalia for the link)

I'm sure you all know Natalia! 

but, please if you haven't visited Natalia I recommend you do.  Immediately!

Natalia emailed me when she read my blog and discovered Dave was in Seattle.  

I was thrilled to receive her email. I know Natalia is a busy woman and was delighted when she suggested a meet up with Dave accompanied by Justin, her husband.

I contacted Dave, who was overwhelmed by their generosity.  Of course he wanted to meet them!

Now, I'm going to pass you over to Dave!

I'd been in Seattle for a whole week and I'd seen most of the sights I wanted to see - the Space Needle, the EMP Museum, Safeco Field - but what I hadn't managed to do was enjoy a really great meal with a local flavour with some really great company.  And that's where Natalia and Justin came in!!  I spent hours with this pair of intelligent, witty and fascinating people and can honestly say that it felt like minutes.  I'll admit that I was nervous whilst travelling on the bus - what happens if we had nothing to talk about? - but from the instant I met them, I felt completely at home, like a little piece of Liverpool transferred to the Pacific North West.  It's rare to feel so completely at home with people you've never met before, especially when you are 5,000 miles away from home, but that's Natalia & Justin for you!  They even gave me lift back to the city!  Thank you to you both!

I've never been a fan of seafood but I was directed to Boston Chowder (even though I then ordered the Manhattan one by mistake) - I've never had Chowder but I'll tell you this - I'll be having it again! Absolutely delicious - I could have had 3 bowls of it (but that would have been gluttonous).  After that, I had a Bay Shrimp and Crab Omelette that had to be seen to be believed.  A glass of coke and some water helped to wash it all down.  The restaurant was excellent and I had a thoroughly excellent time.  Shall we do it again next Sunday?

Thanks Dave!

Dave cited his time with Natalia and Justin as the highlight of his trip, he was truly smitten with this wonderful couple.

Now back to me!

The King and Queen of Washington State

The Restaurant was located in here,

it's called Chinook's

(don't you love how I'm saying this like I was there!)

Beautiful Natalia 

I love this photo of Justin

Outfit awesomeness modelled by Beautiful Natalia

And after all of that loveliness

there was more!

Natalia sent me this!!!!

A beautiful note and an incredible intricately crafted Birch Box heart shaped box containing earrings made by Russian artisans, 

'a very old art, common in Central Russia (Siberia)....Jasper is on the box'

I may have fainted

Thank you so much Natalia!

Do I have to share the earrings with my daughters!!!

the detail is breathtaking 

I hope my pics do them some justice

Thank you again to Natalia and Justin for taking care of my hairy husband and for my beautiful gifts!

You are beyond awesome!

You know if you are ever in Liverpool you have a place to stay.

The Global Blogging Sisterhood is a wonderful thing isn't it?

It truly warms my heart to be part of our incredible community.

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