| Seattle - Shaw Island - October 2006 Seattle - Starbucks - Pike Place Market and Ferries (What more can one want?). Located on the Seattle waterfront, across from the colorful and densely packed Pike Place Market, is the home of the first Starbucks. I was nearly speechless when I went up to the polished wooden counter and ordered a Grande Low-fat Mocha Latte with a dollop of cream. I could hardly believe that in this unobtrusive commercial space, Starbucks had actually sold it first cup of coffee. Be still my heart! And hanging out front, for all the world to see was the "First Starbucks Logo." The little mermaid has gone through quite a transition in her 39 years - from full breasts and a flourishing divided tail to discretely covered breasts with a much modified tail. What will be next, I shudder to think. 
Pike Place Market Flower Vendor Musicians playing to rapt audience in front of Starbucks No. I Washington State Ferry 
 Original Logo 2nd Logo 3rd Logo Shaw Island When I am on a Washington State Ferry I like to stand out on the bow. Regardless of the weather, the view is always spectacular - the feel of the sea exhilarating. Densely wooded Islands dot the seascape. Only 172 of the more than 428 islands which make up the San Juan Islands have names. Shaw Island is one of four that rate ferry service. The island is rural with no commercial or tourist facilities. The one exception is the General Store/Post Office at the ferry landing. I had come to the Island to visit Our Lady
of the Rock Benedictine Monastery. Beginning in 1977 with two nuns,
the semi-cloistered order has grown to seven nuns and the Reverend Mother.
On 300 acres the nuns raise rare, small, Scottish Highland Cattle - the most
precious cattle one could ever see, Kerry Cattle - a fine boned dairy
breed, beautiful Llamas and Alpacas, along with poultry, pigs, sheep,
vegetables, and herbs. Visitors are welcome, "We invite guests to stay
in our retreat house and partake in the work and prayer of our community
farm." I sincerely hope that one day I may return. "Ora Et
Labora" |
