Best Presidents' Day by far

Over 800 miles in four days
In a wet and moldy car
With a friend I see every day
To visit a friend we haven't seen in a while

The CD player was annoying
Lisa read aloud from Unreasonable Behaviour
I tried to turn up her volume
It did not work

I had Irish cream
But not in coffee
To celebrate St. Paddy's Day
He is better than St. Valentine

After grilled cheese, we visited the ocean
Played in the waves and on the rocks
Then looked at Tom Cruise while eating burritos
Before learning where the blood will be

We ate ice cream at Billy's
And felt like small children
But we beat Oregon
And later mocked a stupid truck

I visited home
To de-mold my car
So my friends could visit my farm
Where a goat skull greeted us

Later there were guns and a goose
Thumbless emus and a green egg
We visited the bone yard
My father offered Jacob a cow pelvis

We began our return early
Got giant pancakes at The Rusty Tractor
Lisa took someone's drink (by accident)
Adventure over, we made it back in time for work

Schnitzel and Song of the Day

I went out to dinner with my father again last night. We drove to a little German restaurant in Everson. It was called Black Forest Schnitzel and Steakhouse. If you're ever on your way to Canada and need some food go here. You can sit and watch the chef prepare the meat through a window in the dining room. The food was AMAZING! In fact, I can't wait to get back to my room and heat it back up! The red cabbage was sweet and delicious, and the schnitzel makes my mouth water just thinking about it. It was stuffed with blue cheese and ham and the smokey goodness was beyond delicious.

This new exposure to the food of my family has inspired me to make the song of the day...
"Wooden Heart" by Elvis Presley.

Sirena

Sirena is the most fabulous gelateria I've ever been too. Well, it's the only gelateria I've ever been to, but I'm convinced it's the best. Situated right next to a moped/Vespa shop, it's like being in Italy.

I had pistachio and cappuccino, while my friends had chocolate, forest berries, raspberry, lemon, and cappuccino. The list of choices also included: mango, dark chocolate, green tea, tiramisu (not served today), panna (like whipped cream and frosting), watermelon, hazelnut, caramel, green apple, banana, mixed berries, vanilla, and cheese cake. I was upset that they didn't have tiramisu today, but that seems to always be my luck. I did end up expanding my horizons by trying the pistachio. I'd never had it before and have always been told that it is good. It was.

If you ever find yourself in Bellingham make sure you stop by Sirena. Maybe I'll be working there!

Top 5 Olympia Resaurants

These are my top 5 picks for Olympia restaurants that I have been to:

• Ranch House BBQ - A little out of the way for most, but well worth the drive! They have won tons of awards including some from the Food Network!
• Lemon Grass - Really small, not a lot of seating, but great food. Wide variety and perfect portion sizes.
• Waterstreet Café - Prices are a little high, but the food is worth it. Dessert menu changes regularly.
• Oyster House - Perfect for seafood lovers on a budget. If you get the mud bay mud pie make sure you have someone to share it with!
• Urban Onion - Great for healthy eaters. Soups and Sandwiches are perfect for lunch! Great catering as well.

Other restaurants of note:

• Taco Bus - although not an actual restaurant, if you want authentic Mexican food check it out!
• Casa Mia - I'm not a big salad fan, but at Casa Mia salads are piled with olives and mozzarella. Delizioso!
• Apollo's - Fabulous pizza.
• El Nopal - Has the BEST salsa I've ever had! You can even buy just the salsa to-go!
• Farmers Market - All the food at the Market is amazing!
• Vic's Pizzeria - Also has amazing pizza.
• Plenty - Unique and yummy sandwiches.

Restaurants for me to try:

• Meconi's
• Cieloblu
• Bamboo
• Peppers
• Chopsticks
• Basilico
• Iron Rabbit
• Nonna Rosa

Any other suggestions are welcome!