The Senior Scene

What a summer it was when it finally arrived.  We had such fun going to the ocean, the mountain, the lake and the forests.  We are so blessed in our beautiful corner of the U.S.  We have not had the horrid snows, heavy rains, fierce winds, and summer heat of the rest of the country.  We may have a few gray days, some fog in the morning and perhaps a shower or two but in the long run, we seem to have it the best.

A trip to Long Beach, Wash, had us sharing a “tsunami burger.”  Just imagine a 16-inch bun, 5 pounds of ground beef, 16 slices of cheese, 3 tomatoes, a head of lettuce, a cup of mayo and a group of people to share it with.  I admit to a mess but we did have fun with it.  And a beautiful day to be at the ocean on top of it all.

August took us to Leavenworth for their fabulous summer theater.  We spent two nights there so that we could take in all 3 of their plays (“Sound of Music”, “Annie Get Your Gun” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie”).  It is so amazing to see such talented actors perform in such beautiful settings such as the ski hill and the salmon hatchery.  This trip had been talked about for years and finally came about.

If there is enough interest we will have another overnight adventure in September to Crystal Mountain.  There is a cable car that goes up the mountain to a restaurant.  The views should be spectacular and we generally have great weather at that time of the year.

Our big adventure in the near future is with Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd on board “Allure.”  I have talked about it many times and there is still an opportunity for others to join our group.  We will fly out on Oct. 20 for the cruise which starts on the 21.  This is one week with stops in Labadee, Jamaica and Cozumel.

In January there is another Caribbean adventure, this time with “Princess” to St Maarten, St. Thomas and Grand Turk.  Departure is on Jan. 19 with the 7 day cruise starting on Jan. 20.  By then you may really be looking for sunshine again.

Planning for 2013 has already started.  We are looking for fun things to do and encourage ideas.  If you have something you would like to do, toss it out and we just might catch it.

For reservations and information call Linda Finch at 253 927 8207 or get on the email list at linda.finch@gmail.com.

Here we are almost through summer and it seems like it just got here.  It certainly was late this year but it hasn’t slowed us down any.  The last mystery trip had us dreaming of sunshine and beautiful gardens as we wandered through the aisles at Molbak’s in Woodinville and then headed to Swanson’s for lunch in their café and more beautiful flowers.  The van was packed with things to plant and happy passengers as we headed home.

On another day we took off to explore Mercer Island.  If you start out with no set pattern it is amazing all that you can see.  We found spectacular gardens, amazing waterfront views and glamorous homes.   Lunch that day was at the Roanoke Inn, a quaint establishment that ha been in operation since the 1800s.  Weary travelers who ferried across the lake from Seattle to that then desolate island could relax here for a quick one on the way home.  We had a wonderful lunch on the back lawn under the shade of an umbrella.

The dinner group drove across the bridge and then headed south to Shelton and the smells and tastes at Xihn Clam and Oyster House,  Oh what a sumptuous evening. We always seem to find new and interesting places.

Leavenworth is on the schedule for August 10-12 with a nice two night stay in order to attend the theater 3 times:  “Sound of Music,” “Annie Get Your Gun,” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie”.  The weather should be nice and the shows entertaining.  You still might be able to snag a room reservation and tickets if you want to come along.

September will have us doing an overnight stay at Crystal Mountain.  We intend to drive around the area and then enjoy dinner at the top of the chair lift.  We are hoping for fantastic views.

Of course we are still talking about the Caribbean cruise in October  (20-28) aboard “Allure of the Seas”, the largest ship sailing at the moment.  We have made our reservations for the Broadway show “Chicago” as well as an ice show and another at the Aqua Theatre.  There is still time to join our group.  Remember, we help people find roommates.

If October is not good for you there is another group traveling on “Princess Cruise” Jan. 20 out of Ft. Lauderdale.  You might just want to think about getting out of our winter weather and into their sunshine.  It always seems to lift my spirits to get a little sun in the winter months.

Speaking of no sun in the winter month….what could be better than a couple of weeks in Hawaii?  We had a great time last year and will do it again if there is sufficient interest.  This time we will rent a house nearer to Diamond Head so there isn’t so much traveling for those who prefer to shop rather than just relax with a good book.  Be sure to let your interest be known.

For reservations and further information call Linda Finch at 253 927 8207 or email to linda.finch@gmail.com

What is it about cruising that is so peaceful?  Is it the fact that you are pampered and waited on; have time to really enjoy a spa treatment; are entertained every night by singers, dancers, bands, magicians, comedians; can relax by a pool or in a hot tub; sit on a balcony and watch the rhythm of the waves; learn to cook or play bridge.  We sailed out of San Diego for a 4 day cruise to Vancouver and loved every minute of it.
Now we look forward to the October cruise on “Allure”, the largest ship on the seas and then in January a trip on “Ruby Princess”.  Check now for further information and reservations.
Also in October is a wonderful trip to the Music Cities of the US.  Join with a group raveling to New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville.  Listen to jazz, visit Beale Street, and wander the halls of Elvis’ Graceland.
But what about now….how about summer things we can enjoy.  The Museum of Communication shows us the evolution of the telephone; the Georgetown Trailer Park Mall brings us in touch with one of the newest crazes with food and boutique trucks; Longbeach and a day at the ocean even includes a surprise lunch.  And don’t forget there is a Dinner Date and a Mystery Trip each month.  Those are always a surprise as we try out new restaurants and explore new highways and byways.
In August we are heading to Leavenworth for a fun filled time of three stage shows.  See “Sound of Music”, “Thoroughly Modern Millie”, and “Annie Get Your Gun” all in one weekend.  Reservations must be made early in order to reserve tickets.
For all reservations and information call Linda Finch at 253 927 8207 or ask to be added to the email list for all current updates at linda.finch@gmail.com

It seems a little late to be writing about getting out of the winter weather but that is exactly what a nice group of us did in March.  For two weeks we explored the island of Oahu while those of you at home were in snow and rain.  We rented two houses on the North Shore of the island, with sand and surf just steps away from the front doors.  This is the windward side of the island and we did have winds but certainly nothing like those of you who stayed home.  We had some rain but, unlike yours, it was warm and left as quickly as it came.

Our days were spent in exploration.  We went to the Dole Pineapple Plantation, Turtle Bay, all the wonderful and exciting surfing beaches (Sunset, Waimea and Pipeline), the Arizona Memorial, Punchbowl Memorial Cemetery, Makaha, the new Disney resort, Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Pali Lookout, Boydo-In Temple in the Valley of the Temples, the swap meet at Aloha Stadium, Waikiki Beach and Chinatown, Bellows Air Force Base and many other nooks and crannies.

Food was as varied as the locations we found it in.  Shrimp farms abounded; fresh fruit was sold by the roadside; pineapple ice cream at the Dole Plantation, shave ice from a quaint little store, local food from hole-in-the-wall drive-ins; burgers from Teddy’s Bigger Burgers; fish tacos from just up the street, Mai Tais at the Royal Hawaiian and an abundance of home cooking at our own houses.

Now it is time to think about more local travel.  Summer is just around the corner and with it more day tours. We always have the mystery trips and dinner dates.  Add to those the Museum of Communication. Georgetown Trailer Park Mall, a day at Long Beach and other exciting things as they may come up.  Reservations are being made for Leavenworth to see the summer shows and perhaps even to Ashland if there is enough interest.

A nice group is developing for travel on the largest passenger ship on the seas, ALLURE.  We will depart on Oct. 20 to Ft. Lauderdale and then sail for 7 days in the Caribbean.  Make reservations now to explore Central Park, Boardwalk, a skating rink, carousel, climbing wall, and wave rider pools; enjoy Broadway shows and the aqua theater.  Call now to hold a spot.  Space goes quickly.

Also in October is the American Music Cities tour covering New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville.  Learn how to cook Cajun-style, stroll Beale Street and take a backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry.

Reservations and questions to Linda Finch 253 927 8207 or email to linda.finch@gmail.com