Where is spring?

We are still waiting for a full day of sunshine. There have been a few teasers, but the weather has not been great since returning home.

We drove to Chehalis yesterday to meet up with the Ouseys as they are making their way back to Victoria. Since we left Casa Grande in a bit of a hurry, it was nice to spend some time with them as we sipped some wine and dined on Subway sandwiches. They are planning to be on the 2:00 p.m. ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria today.

I just investigated another shopping venue here in the Northwest - Grocery Outlet. I know Craig and Cassie have shopped there, but this was a first for me. The stores are a bit on the dismal side, but there are some gems if you look, including fresh produce. For the size of the store, they have a large wine selection, and most everything I saw was in the $5 range. Mind you, I didn't recognize one single label, but for $5 they are worth a try. According to their website, there is a three-tier system for the marketing of wine, and they purchase at the lowest or third tier which means they buy up the cases that didn't sell through the first two tiers such as wholesalers and restaurants. Remember, if you are used to shopping at AJ's in Phoenix or Queen Ann Thriftway in Seattle or Metropolitan Market here in Tacoma, THIS STORE IS NOT FOR YOU!!

Craig is headed to Baltimore for a few days to visit a friend who was injured in Afghanistan and is now at Walter Reed. His injuries aren't life-threatening but he lost several fingers. One leg is going to require multiple surgeries and lots of metal. Fortunately, Craig can stay at Keith and Janet's while he is there so the trip is a two-for-one visit.

Colleen is in Spokane to attend a conference, and she too benefits from family and will stay with Jerry and Lois. The last time I checked, the rest of the family is where they are supposed to be although Brian said he has some travel coming up. And that includes Ken and Cooper who are still in bed!!

Ciao