Seattle's best

This was our last day with our Jeep Cherokee - we dropped off one of our quartet at the airport in Portland and drove up to Seattle. We dropped off the car at the airport and took the train to the city.

After being in so many hot places (with the exception of SF), the gloomy, chilly weather that greeted us in Seattle was a bit of shock. Apparently just before we arrived, the weather had been warm and sunny, but the true climate of Seattle was what had greeted us.

Wintered

February always feels like the midst of an unending winter with the bitter cold and dirty snowbanks. I actually enjoy snow and winter sports, but the grey skies definitely make it harder to keep a cheery attitude on the daily. Fighting the winter blues has always been an ongoing struggle, but I have noticed a few things that have made a positive difference over the last few years.

Looking forward to summer might not always be easy, but making plans for weekend trips or vacation always gives me something to look forward to. Plans for warmer weather such as beach days, camping trips, or hikes. Making vacation plans in the winter also allows for ample time for planning - it also gives me greater incentive to watch my spending in order to budget for travelling.

Keeping Portland weird

We spent our first morning in Portland eating a classic American breakfast at the Original Pancake House.