Summer arrives and brings....more fish n chips!

It’s been a busy couple of weeks here.  Summer (finally) made an appearance, and I’m settling into my new job. 

The view from my space is spectacular – looking across to West Seattle and Alki; watching the ferries, huge cargo barges with their tugboat "minders" and other smaller boats navigate Puget Sound.  Sea gulls swoop and soar just outside the floor to ceiling windows and I can look down and see the tourists and those just out for a stroll along the waterfront.  Mondays see a Regatta cruise ship docked just below, waiting for the vacationers to board.  If it wasn't for the .66 mile each way walk to the bus stop (which is great in summer – sure to be miserable in winter), life here would be close to perfect J

So, my third fish and chips stop was just across the street at Anthony’s Fish Bar.  It has both indoor and outdoor seating and is an adjunct to Anthony’s restaurant proper.   I opted for the salmon and chips for $9.99.  3 pieces of salmon, coated in a beer batter.  The salmon was okay, but I did find myself peeling off the batter and just eating the fish – not typically a good sign. The fries were as ‘meh’ as anywhere else.  So far, this has been the least expensive option, but I can really only give it 3 stars.  There really isn't an ambiance or service level to rate – this was strictly food.

https://www.anthonys.com/restaurants/detail/anthonys-fish-bar

In other news, Keith, my sister-in-law Debbie and I are going to Seahawks training camp August 4^th.  As these opportunities sold out in a day – we are extremely lucky!   Very excited and this will mark the 5^th straight year I've made it to camp – since way back in 2009 when Matt Fisher took a very hung over (day after Mile Day!) Michelle to her first.

The fourth fish and chips stop, which will bring me up to date, was Etta’s.  This was actually one of my reps taking me to lunch, lucky me!  To date: Etta’s is ahead.  More of a panko type breading on true cod.  While the menu doesn't say exactly how many pieces, there were 3 large fillets and 3 smaller ones – a ton of fish for $14.50. The fries were of the shoestring variety with seasoning salt and better than we've had to date.   Service was, of course, very good.  The ambiance at Etta’s is unpretentious, but comfortable.  Overall I’d give Etta’s a 4.25 star rating.  Why not a 5 you ask?  Well 5 must be reserved for the fish and chips of perfection (if it exists)!

http://tomdouglas.com/index.php?page=ettas

I will not include any bus rants in this week's post; there would be too many (people who put their feet up on the seats I'm looking at you! Slobs - did your mothers not raise you right ????)

Finally, last Sunday was a Lake Washington Saddle Club Fun Show at Bridle Trails State Park.  Phoenix Farm riders had a blast and did well.  I schooled my kids in Ring 2 and they were awesome.  I was snapping selfies with them all; how come it always looks like I'm photo bombing myself?   Amateur!  Here's Reggie and I.  Have a beautiful sunny summer everyone!

Seattle - or where do you go for a bum free atmosphere?

And so begins the great fish ‘n chips review(s). We’ll go with a 5 star system, with 5 being outstanding. 

Perhaps a bit of background is in order.  I recently began a new position in Seattle, a mere block from Pier 66 and the rest of the waterfront.  After 8+ years of being spoiled by the ambiance of Downtown Bellevue, this is a big change to say the least.  

Its summer right now (Seattle’s version, which means it’s still cold to this girl), and my view of the water is pretty great when the sun is out.  So what else is there to do when you have a lunch hour, a waterfront and some sun?  Walk and eat of course!  2 blocks to my south is Pike Place Market – with their great $5 and $10 flower bouquets.  As I mentioned, 1 block to my west (?...I’m a bit directionally challenged) is the waterfront – and I confess to loving me some fish 'n chips.  So I set the bar high (…insert laughter here) and decided to try, review and blog about the great Seattle fish n' chips adventure.  I’m shooting for 1 spot per week, and so far have 2 to review.

Week One: Cutter’s http://www.cuttersbayhouse.com/
Now granted, this was a gratis lunch courtesy of my new team mates – which was a good thing as Cutter’s is NOT a cheap spot!  Try to get a table by the window – when the sun is out, the view is spectacular.  Service was very good.  Table bread, and a fairly extensive seafood menu.   The fish ‘n chips were “meh” to be honest.  The beer batter fry was overly crisped at the ends, making it very dry, and w/out fish.  (Aside: fish n’ chips aficionados know what I’m talking about. A well coated and evenly fried piece of fish does not have a great deal of excess dry fry w/no fish inside.)  The fries were just…fries.  I would have to unfortunately give Cutter’s a 2 for their fish n’ chips. They would rate a 4 for ambiance and service however.   3pc fish ‘n chips $16.95.

Week Two: The Edgewater Inn http://www.edgewaterhotel.com/seattle-six-seven-restaurant.aspx

We (my sister and I) opted to eat in the bar, as there was no wait for a table, and we could sit by the window with yet another spectacular view of the water.  Service, even in the bar at lunchtime, was excellent.  For you Beatles fans, this is apparently where the Fab Four stayed during a stop in Seattle.  I *guess* that’s a claim to fame..but it gets a *shrug* from me. 

No table bread here.  But the fish n’ chips was a step up from Cutter’s.  It was served sort of bento box style, and came w/your choice of soup. I love soup and chose the chicken noodle.  Before you decry that as an overly pedestrian choice, let me say it was some of the best of that basic I’ve had.  The noodles were more like long skinny dumplings, largish chunks of chicken, not too salty, and they didn’t try to pad it out w/vegetables to make up for skimping on noodles or chicken (which they didn’t….skimp that is).  The fish itself seemed a bit heavy on the beer batter for me, but at least it wasn't over-fried and dry at the ends like Cutter’s.  The fries, again, were just fries.  You’d have to be seriously incompetent to screw up the basic french fry – but I’m sure I’ll encounter someone who does sooner or later.   Since I’m raving more about the soup than the fish, I can really only give it a 3.  I’m trying to stay pretty tough w/my ratings – they need to truly make me say “ahhhh” to earn the coveted (!!) ponychick 5 star rating J
4 stars for ambiance and service.  3 pc fish n’ chips (comes w/soup and small green salad) $15

Finally – what blog regarding my Seattle adventures would be complete w/out a walk to/from the bus scorecard?  I’ve only been riding for 2.5 days now, so with limited data, here goes:

Bums and or panhandlers screaming at me for various reasons: 3
Bible versifier shouting at me and everyone else: 1
Man following me up the street talking/muttering at/to me: 1
Man calling me a b***h after I didn't give him money: 1
Possible contact high walking to bus: 2
Number of times ANY of the above happened to me on the Eastside: 0

This is the visual in my head when I encounter these Seattle wackos…I’d like to go all karate on their a** (and look fierce doing it). 

This is Emerald Downs (or Day 21 of my captivity)

My captors have seen fit to allow me some small freedoms.   It is now 21 days post-surgery, and while I still cannot lift, push, pull or torment small children, I can actually pull a shirt over my head, clasp a necklace and do my hair.  Small victories people, small victories. 

I am thinking about having tiny horseshoe tattoos put over the scars once they fully heal.  Constant reminder, or medal of courage (foolishness?)

Derby fever should go into overdrive next month.  Combine that with opening day at Emerald Downs, and me getting back on a horse (even if that means eluding my captors)  – and April promises to be great. 

Speaking of Emerald Downs, we are exactly 2 weeks away from the season opener.  The Inittowinit horses are ensconced at the Velasquez barn, and I can’t wait to see leading rider Juan Gutierrez back in the winner’s circle with them.   

Emerald’s head of Marketing, Sophia McKee has done, and continues to do, what I think is a great job of dragging horse racing in the NW (at least from a marketing perspective) into the 21^st century.  To that end – check out:

www.emeralddowns.com

(and while you’re there – vote for Juan for leading rider!)

Also be sure to see his very ESPN-ish commercial for opening day here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDxDw1QiPZc

Day 13 of My Captivity - Defeated by a Sports Bra

Day 13 of my Captivity – and I've been defeated by a sports bra.

It’s never a good thing when your Physical Therapist laughs at you.  OK, so maybe I deserved it, but really….come on…anyone would have done the same thing I did [maybe].

Here’s what happened.  Monday after work I was feeling pretty good, so decided a run would be just the ticket since I can’t ride and all.  Now I should add here that pre-surgery, I managed to find some zip front sports bras, knowing your average model would be tough to get on and off w/a recently fixed shoulder.  Ladies you know exactly what I’m talking about. 

And of course, at some point, all good things must be washed – so the zippy's were hanging to dry at the time of the “incident”.  No problem – I’m feeling good, I’ll just wear a regular pull on.  Went for a run, felt great, came home, and puttered around some more till bed-time…and then….BIG PROBLEMO.  Honestly – I thought I was going to have to either cut that bad boy off, or wear it to work and have my friend help me get it off.  Houdini’s chains, the Mummy’s wraps – neither of them could begin to compare to the impossible trap I’d gotten myself into.  Much howling, swearing and perhaps a few tears were shed but 15 minutes later I was free.

Fast forward to Wednesday morning, when I must confess all to my PT – who is asking why I regressed so badly.  Cue PT laughter.  Well.....lesson learned....I think.

2 Things I Think Today

1. I’m excited to see 50:1 – a great story that is too unbelievable to be fiction.
2. Cartier Trinity Ring….’nuff said.

Day 12 post shoulder surgery - I am being held captive...

Day 12 post shoulder surgery and I already hate everything and everybody. Okay, not really.  And I am certainly luckier than most.  But when my life essentially revolves around my horse it makes me a) one dimensional b) a raging lunatic when I can’t ride him. 

"So Michelle, why don’t you find something else to do, you know, like normal people?"   Well, I *do* work, so I’ve got going to work every day as something to do, and that’s always fun (said no one ever).  Um what else….[thinking, thinking]….yup that’s about it. 

So, to give in to my cranky side and really vent, here’s 5 things that drive me bat-shit crazy.

1. Please, I beg of you, if you are in line, know what you are going to order when it is your turn to do so.  You've had all this time in line to decide, if you still have not done so, perhaps step aside and let someone else go.  Where I come from that’s what’s called good manners.
2. Can we just stop with the endless meetings?  That’s all.
3. Pink NFL jerseys.  Really?   Why don’t you wear the team’s actual damn colors?   Afraid you won’t look female enough unless its pink?   I think I just gagged…
4. Trying to master the art of putting on false eyelashes.  Why why why can I not do this?  This is a basic female skill-set. Let me tell you, a glass of wine doesn't help either…I know…I tried that as a last resort.  #fail
5. Seattle drivers.  Actually, anywhere in Western Washington drivers.  If you drive here, you know exactly what I’m talking about.  If this confuses you, and you live in Western Washington, you are part of the problem.  Please consider public transportation.

And now that the meds have kicked in – to be balanced – here are 5 things to celebrate.

1. Oberon (do I really need to say more?  He’s the cause of this post).
2. My family and friends who, despite donning their Kevlar for the remainder of my out-of-saddle-time, pretty much put up with me (most of the time).
3. Emerald Downs opens for racing in a few more weeks.
4. My job – my horses are very happy I have one.
5. Winter is almost over.  Eff you winter – I hate you. And yes…that counts as a celebration.

Ode to Otto the Great

Dear Otto,

I know I didn’t get to say “goodbye”, but even if I had been there, I would not have bid you farewell.  Instead I would have sat and shared all my funny Otto stories.  Or, as you have been known at various times: Othello Forever (your registered name), Otto-Matic, Otto the Great, and of course – by those who worked it – The Thigh Master. 

                  

When you came to us we were mesmerized by the giant white horse with the roman nose and the great backstory.  European Grand Prix horse, permanent damage done on flight to the US, ended up with our friend Laura M in California, and finally to us.  You always had a presence about you; but despite endless internet searches, I’ve never found European footage of you. 

I remember the first fun show we took you too – and how you became a different horse the minute you stepped in the ring.  Competitiveness, ability and presence took over, and you showed us you could still turn on a dime (to the surprise of the rider).

You would do your flatwork, but the minute it became clear the jumping was to begin, you woke up and took a whole new interest in the proceedings. How many times did I say the words “this is child’s play for Otto the Great”?

But your Houdini escapades are what you became really famous for in later years.  There was no door you couldn’t open, if someone left the key in the lock you could undo that too, and the latch at the very bottom of the door merely presented another challenge for you.  How many times did Teri wake up to the uneven clip-clop of Otto hooves? 

I’ll never forget the weekend I had ‘watch’ of the barn while Teri and John were celebrating their anniversary with an unprecedented trip off the property.  Otto you were the only horse I was worried about – just KNOWING you were going to escape and go walkabout.  Even at horse shows – for example, the Evergreen Classic, you got out, and when we went searching for you – there was your large white rear sticking out of the feed room.

How many bags of carrots, jars of horse cookies and god knows what else did you consume on your almost nightly jaunts? 

How you loved your naps too.  Once you got to turnout, you’d meander a bit, and then find a good spot to stretch out and really snooze.  You also loved to get free longue time in the arena, where you’d run and play a bit, then walk over and tell us you were done.  I still have pictures of you “helping” MJ, Mic and I put away jumps. 

And how many people did you hold up for treats just so they could get and out of the porta-potty without you flinging your halter at them? 

One of my last great memories was when you were living up top with your buddy Condor, and I heard you coming down the drive into the main barn.  You knew we were there and wanted attention, so just let yourself out and appeared to demand your due. 

Grooming you was certainly a challenge, but I remember your favorite spots to be scratched, and the permanent scrape on your nose, and much, much more.

You were big and handsome and regal and talented and beloved by so many.  There’s quite a bit more I can say, but it’s time to let you rest.  Just know you are loved and certainly not forgotten.

~mb

Satire on a Wednesday

Sometimes I write satire just for the hell of it.

Puerto Rico out of money

Governor, lawmakers fail to reach deal to avert country closure.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (MPS Press) -- The government of Puerto Rico ran out of money Monday, forcing the U.S. commonwealth to close.
The legislature and governor failed to reach a last-minute accord that would have averted one of only a handful of country shutdowns in history.
All 1,600 public schools on the island were closed two weeks before the end of the academic year, and 43 government agencies were shut down after negotiations between lawmakers and Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla failed. All businesses, including hotels, resorts and restaurants also closed – leading to comparisons with the closure of Malaysia several years ago.
Looking beyond the obvious economic impact on Puerto Rico’s citizens, one of the major ramifications of country closure is going to be the loss of its traditional place on the world map.
UN Resolution 1441 states “any country remaining closed for a period of time greater than 30 days is subject to erasure or relocation on the world map”. The above mentioned Malaysia was relocated to just off the coast of Argentina and is now known as The Falklands. Pundits report general satisfaction with the move, especially since “that Tsunami thing”.
Not all broke nations are as lucky however, as Malaysia. The country formerly known as Siam, which bought the rights to the former Malaysia on the map, remain less than satisfied with their transaction.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon spoke at a press conference during his tour of Cuba (formerly Equador); “Canada has expressed a great deal of interest in moving to the spot on the map currently occupied by Puerto Rico. The UN is looking very hard at the Canadian’s more than generous offer. It would mean they would have to learn to dress better, and take up more interesting sports, but this is possible. Such a move, in all probability, means that Puerto Rico will be moving north to take the space on the world map vacated by Canada in its move south. Of course, if Puerto Rico can’t come up with any money for the move, we may have to see if another country wants, and can afford, to move there. Maybe Poland.”
Governor Padilla responded with a plea his countrymen seemed to echo “Look, we are a resort and tourism based island nation. Please, give us time to come up with some money, and re-open. Our sunny island people will never survive in the tundra that is currently Canada.”
But World Map and Atlas procedure is clear. The clock is ticking and Puerto Rico has 29 days to re-open for business.
"As of 8 a.m. this morning, I don't have in hand a single legislative proposal that resolves this crisis," Padilla told reporters.
Puerto Rico has a $740 million budget shortfall because the legislature and the governor have been unable to agree on a spending plan since 2004. Bermuda – who successfully emerged from the brink of closure in 1962, has offered to work with Puerto Rico on the budgeting process. There is as yet, no word on whether the offer has been accepted.

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