Well-crafted stories and expert culinary insights

My prize for getting myself out the door this morning for some between-quarters tai chi practice (besides the usual joys of Lincoln Park): one of my tai chi pals gifting me some quince from his tree. Could have had twice as much, but carrying back UP the hill and all those steps. Now to decide what to do with the beauties.....

My latest newsletter, in which I invoke Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant to help toast the occasion of my first year on @substackinc. Note there's one extra-timely item in there: I'm moderating a talk at @mohaiseattle Saturday afternoon called "History on the Half Shell" with authors David George Gordon and David Berger. Info in the issue, link in the bio. #seafood #seafoodsavvy

This is a silly next-morning reenactment of part of the dinner menu last night. Because I was too distracted trying to remember how to have people over for dinner to stop and take any pics last night. We opened one of the cans of amazing sardines brought home from our April trip, from our tour of @conservas_pinhais in Portugal. To its left, may not look like much, a decadent smoked salmon collar brought home from @josephsonssmokehouse in Astoria. And yesterday morning I steamed open the mussels received in my monthly box from @hamahamaoysters and marinated them with fennel bulb. We slurped their Blue Pool oysters too. #seafoodsavvy #seafood #lifeinthenorthwest #smokedsalmon #mussels #sardines #tinnedfish #seafoodsnacking

Some highlights of a great couple days in Astoria, complete with a visit to Custard King for a fabulous cone. Had some good beer, too. #roadtrip #lifeinthenorthwest #oregoncoast #travel #drinkinglocal

Good morning from the Oregon coast, nothing invigorates like the ocean..... Happy as a clam. #oceantime #beachwalk #shadowselfie #oregoncoast #lifeinthenorthwest

Raindrops on roses..... #september #drivewaygarden #juliachildrose #raindrops #roses

Coffee and a particularly good bear claw, while watching @bhamfarmersmkt activities come to life. Saturday's off to a great start. Plus some highlights from yesterday: outstanding lunch at @taylorshellfish (sumo kumos a big favorite, photo doesn't cover all our courses) and a beach stroll at Larrabee Park. #weekendinbellingham #lifeinthenorthwest #eatinglocal #oysters #shuckingdelicious #timewithfriends

"Would you like grilled onions in your hash browns?" Mmmm, yes please. Great way to start to the day. #breakfast #hashbrowns #eggsovermedium #avocadoontheside