Tag: The Barley Mill

Leap Day at the Barley Mill

Dear Liza,

This last Thursday was February 29, also known as Leap Day. And of course, McMenamin’s was celebrating.

It was cold and almost rainy, practically trying to snow, and we had grocery shopping to do. But we stopped at The Barley Mill for lunch first. This is the location of the original McMenamin’s, and isn’t far from us. It is also one of my favorites.

The food is standard McMenamin’s; burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads, always tasty and well-made. We decided to pass on the special beers and cocktails they were offering, and just had some tea.

The decor of the Barley Mill is amazing.

Dedicated to Jerry Garcia and all things Grateful Dead, this cafe is delightfully chaotic. I see something new every time I come in.

Our waiter, a fellow named Nick, was friendly and fun. He gave Auntie Bridgett the Leap Day stamp in her McMenamin’s Passport.

We ate and chatted and then played PINBALL! This winter has been so awful we haven’t been out to play, and I’ve really missed it. The SHREK game has three flippers and even a tiny inset game in the top corner, as well as lines and music from the movie. The adrenaline rush was fabulous!

When we had done all the fun, we met Grandpa Nelson at Fred Meyer and did the shopping, picking up a nice fat chicken to make into soup to get through the rest of this nasty winter.

Love,

Grandma Judy

Just Some Fun

Dear Liza,

Today I just want to share some pictures I’ve taken lately that wouldn’t fit in the stories I was telling. So here they are.

We picked this pillow up at IKEA when we were replacing a broken bed. It looked so much like Mouse, we couldn’t resist! It sits in her chair. Don’t they look cute together?

This is some of the incredibly funky art at the McMenamin’s Barley Mill, their first restaurant, which celebrated its Fortieth Anniversary last week. The theme of the restaurant is the Grateful Dead and their leader, Jerry Garcia.

I made this piece of collage with Ruthie Inman last week. It shows how I feel, sometimes, when my head is so full of creative ideas.

Here is one of the flowers growing in my other friend Ruth’s garden; a delicate grey-lavender poppy, set against the bright green of the foliage.

And finally, these are the shadows that a few houseplants cast on my wall every evening at sunset. The low light turns everything a magical orange.

Hope you enjoyed the pictures!

Love,

Grandma Judy