
Dear Liza,
This past Saturday morning started slowly, with coffee and reading and bringing Auntie Bridgett’s Paperwhite bulbs out of the garage. They had to be potted and then kept in the dark for two weeks, and now they are ready for sunshine so they will bloom! I am looking forward to their pretty flowers and sweet smell.
Auntie Bridgett had an errand to do in a neighborhood on the west side called the Trendy Third, on NW 23rd between Burnside and Lovejoy. Grandpa Nelson drove us over and we went walkabout.
First we found the chocolate shop she was looking for, Moonstruck Chocolates. They have asked Auntie Bridgett to hang her bright, lovely artwork on their walls! As we sat at a table, enjoying some coffee and the art that is there now, two men came in and were seriously looking at the art to buy it! That’s a good sign.

We wandered down the street, going into shops that looked interesting. The Polish Pottery shop, in an old house, was delightful, full of vintage and contemporary pottery and collectables. This hand carved articulated wooden rabbit is going to find his way into my story… he is perfect.

Further along we found incidental delights…a trio of metal pigs (with piglets!) wallowing in front of an ice cream shop, and a modern take on old tiled doorways, this creative mosaic made of mismatched bits and pieces.
We walked by a shoe store called Ether, which was having a sale, 10$ and 20$ for shoes that usually cost 50$ or more. Auntie Bridgett has been wanting me to get boots that will keep my feet dry, and found a wonderful pair that fit, so I now have a new pair of boots! We’ll have to wait for the next rainstorm to see how they work.


Our last stop of the day was Pizzacatto, one of a chain of pizza shops here in town. We have been wanting to try one, so in we went. Four dollars a slice for some of the best pizza I’ve ever had, and a bright, comfy place to hang out, draw, and do crosswords, as well. Such a deal.
Our parking was about up and we were all walked out, so we headed home. Now Auntie Bridgett is at the SideStreet Art Gallery and we are being domestic and literary here at home.

Love,
Grandma Judy