Pan Pacific Mountainside – Whistler BC

As the name implies, you walk out of the back door and there are ski lifts right there. It is in a beautiful setting and it is very well kept too. The staff couldn’t have been nicer either. We stayed in a Studio and had great kitchen facilities.

We really felt at home and enjoyed the friendly atmosphere during our stay. The only thing that seems out of line was parking was on top of the room and was expensive! At most places you end up paying for parking but usually there is a discount, at least for guests. I know it is a minor thing but it is just annoying to me. Why not just add it to the price of the room and let me think it is free. It always rubs me when you find out there is add ins. Don’t even get me started with paying for Internet at Hotels.

Aside from the price for parking we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. We went up on the lifts one day and took what they call “Peak to Peak”. Peak to Peak is the longest unsupported span in the world. The weather was just gorgeous while we were there also.

We look forward to staying there again next time we are in Whistler.

Getting Ready for Spring in October – Bulb Lasagna

I love the spring and I love bulbs – so now is the time to plant them.

Gardening expert Marianne Binetti shows the best ways to store and plant bulbs to ensure a beautiful spring bloom. She also shows how warm weather areas can “fool ” their bulbs into winter for great spring flowers.
* Note: Chill your bulbs throughout the winter.
Bulb Lasagna
In cold climates follow these steps to make bulb lasagna:
Steps:

  1. Start with a layer of soil in a deep pot and plant a layer of tulip bulbs, which bloom last.
  2. Add more soil and a layer of daffodil bulbs that bloom in mid-spring.
  3. Add more soil and a layer of early blooming crocuses.
  4. Top it off with some winter pansies that are already in bloom. They will survive in a milder winter climate.
  5. Leave the pot outside to take advantage of the winter’s chill.
  6. If planted in this way, you’ll enjoy three months of blooms from layers of bulbs.

* Note: In a warmer climate, where the outdoors are not able to provide your bulbs with the proper chill, simply store them in your refrigerator in a clearly marked brown paper bag for six weeks. Afterward, layer them in a pot–bulb lasagna style.

Doobie Brothers on Stage

Postcards from Seattle – Doobie Brothers 2010

We saw these guys in Redmond one evening. Great show and it was a sea of grey hairs at the outdoor theater. There was a very distinctive odor in the air too, even when it rained a little. Hmmm we wondered what that could be, the odor that is.

They played and sounded just like you remember. They even played some of their new stuff, from a CD coming out very soon, and it sounded like the old stuff too. It was great.

All in all a great evening, as you can tell we were pretty close to thees guys too.

Planning a trip to Seattle?

things to see and do

Pike Place Market

http://www.experiencewa.com/top-10-things-to-do-in-seattle-when-it-rains.aspx

some other great things to do

Snoqualmie – the falls 40 minutes from downtown the town is cute too
http://www.snoqualmiefalls.com/

Issaquah – Gilman Village (15 min from downtown)
http://www.gilmanvillage.com/generalinfo.php3

Kirkland – on the water and great for strolling, lunch, art – coffee (15 min from downtown)
http://www.explorekirkland.com/

if you like blown glass – then head to Tacoma to see the Museum of Glass – be sure to check out the hot shop and all so you can watch glass being blow (like in Murano, Italy) take a stroll across the bridge of glass and check out the court house too
http://www.museumofglass.org/ target=”_blank”
then head over to old Tacoma for a lunch on the water

how about some wine tasting …

Wineries
http://www.woodinvillewinecountry.com/

Wineries and tasting rooms
http://www.gotastewine.com/woodinville-wineries.php

info:
http://gonw.about.com/od/attractionswa/a/woodinville_2.htm