I'm beating the heat with...

From K.

Trips to the Queen Anne pool



Picnics in the shady, grassy quad at Seattle Pacific University (part of me and hubby J's efforts to keep right on having "dates" :)



The cool AC at the Big Picture in Belltown (catch the killer happy hour upstairs at El Gaucho for a fun night out! Love the bourbon lemonade and the 410 burger)



The sleek chill of Umi Sake House (try the Naughty Roll! Just a hint of spice to liven things up)



Icy cool watermelon from Ken's Market and PCC



How are YOU beating the heat?

I thwacked balls at the Interbay driving range

From K

What to do on a balmy evening during this endless summer? Hit the range.

J, my hubby, doesn't suggest outings all that often, content with letting me plan most of our adventures. So when he pitched a trip to Interbay Golf Center I was happy to indulge him. Plus, I'd been meaning to check out this spot between Queen Anne and Magnolia forever (FYI, there's a Red Mill Burgers outpost nearby on West Dravus if you get a craving for milkshakes or onion rings :)

First off: Who knew the range was so fancy? Some of the stalls are even heated, which means we've got a fun spot to visit come fall and winter (and oftentimes, spring).



We bought a medium-sized bucket of balls (about 20 minutes' worth between two), rented some drivers and found a good spot (all this for less than two movie tickets). Thwack. Thwack. Thwack...



Super relaxing, although I really need to go in for a quick lesson to refresh my swing. Methinks a night of driving range, mini golf and a trip to their espresso bar or the nearby Red Mill could make a fun first date. Or 400th date ;)

I joke that golf could easily become my next obsession due to all the fun equipment you get to shop for. Such adorable clothes. More shoes. Those funny club covers (saw one that looked like Yoda!). Look at the pretty golf balls they have for mini golf! Had no idea they came in Easter egg tones.

I saw Seahawk Craig Terrill at The Triple Door

From K.

You never know what you're gonna get with athletes-turned-musicians. Shaq's rap comes to mind. So you'll understand my trepidation when J persuaded me to accompany him to a recent show starring the Seahawk's defensive tackle.



I'd heard Craig live before, singing a mournful song a capella. It was very different on this night to watch his 6-foot-2, 295-pound self wail and yell and boom through his Americana rock set on stage, backed ably by his Craig Terrill Band. He has a serious voice and serious stage presence. I really admire people who excel in more than one area of life -- how many people do you know who can claim an NFL career *and* a viable music career? And an adorable family. What am I doing wrong? ;)

This night out also reminded me how much I adore The Triple Door. It calls to mind those great supper clubs of the 20s/30s/40s. Rows of tables rise in front of the stage, lined with candles and any number of wine glasses and cocktails. Food comes from Wild Ginger upstairs; we enjoyed the Seven-flavor Beef and Pad Thai. Order the banana split for dessert. With scoops of gelato it's almost insanely decadent. A great date spot if you want to impress (and you have a good inkling of your love interest's musical tastes).