For a more detailed report, see Eriko’s blog.
On Saturday, we rode the Spirit of Washington Dinner Train, but at lunch time.
The food was good, the company was a bit different (an older lesbian couple),
and the few wasn’t bad (we were on the east side of the train when the view
of the lake was on the west side). Columbia Winery was neat and I enjoyed one
of the three wines that I tasted. Eriko became a little sick due to the
motion of the train (which rocked at slow speeds) and that we were facing
backwards on the return trip. All things considered, it was a nice train ride.
This morning we slept in, but woke up just in time to catch a bus destined for
a park near Lake Washington. There we were able to attend the final day of
Seafair. We arrived as the Blue Angels were performing and although we didn’t
get to see much of their performance, we saw enough to dazzle. The boat races
were a little confusing and boring – I couldn’t tell who was in the lead,
where the track was, or even what lap they were on (or how many in total). The
highlight, for me, was the biplane propeller acrobatics. A single plane, a
troupe of four planes, and a custom-built single plane were all quite amazing
to watch. Especially the last two, in which Eriko and I had great seats by
the lake. Afterwards, we each took a nap before meeting my co-worker Todd and
his girlfriend/ex-wife/future-fiancee Miki. Miki is native Japanese and spent
about half her life in Japan, so she and Eriko were able to converse naturally.
They looked at our wedding photos and nice conversation was had by all.
Either because of the naps or the large amount of sugar content (desert was
spectacular) we are up late. We both read, talked, and used the computer. We
have a great lead on ballet and tea ceremony schools, which Eriko would like
to continue. I’ll call tomorrow.
If I’m not dilligent about this, then I forget; for now, just the highlights.
In the evenings, Eriko usually reads her book on the couch. I either read a book with her, play on the computer, or watch TV. The nightly shower starts about 9; Eriko spends about an hour in the bathroom before it is my turn.
Be gentle with Bailey.
We arrived in Seattle about 2 PM and quickly discovered that the airlines had misplaced Eriko’s luggage. This was a bit of a downer and after the shuttle ride and a little house tour, we headed off to Fred Meyer to buy some clothes, supplies, and food. Eriko made dinner, which was pretty exciting for me. It was quite different from my normal tastes, but good. The shock of being together, without romance to fill the silence, made for a long night. Bailey came into the house (I opened the window because I was hot) and Eriko was quite unhappy. We survived, though. In the morning, things were very cool until Melissa & company arrived and we could focus on someone else (Matthew) besides each other. Eriko’s luggage arrived, Aaron agreed to take Bailey (although the transfer has yet to take place), and we all spent a relaxing day around the house. Trader Joe stuff for lunch, Red Robin for dinner. The evening was long again, but shorter than the previous. We both had trouble sleeping and didn’t get out of bed until late. Eriko had a list of items to be retrieved – towels, bath mat, cleaning supplies, conditioner, and more. We went to the bank and then to Target; we were able to procure almost everything on her list. A short visit to home so I could eat (more Trader Joe stuff) and then we were off to the Japanese bookstore so Eriko could pick up a romance novel she had seen advertised in the Seattle monthly Japanese magazine. Back home, Eriko made dinner while I entered receipts into the computer. Then we took the bus downtown so Eriko could find a keychain wallet. After about 30 minutes at Macy’s, we had to call off the search so we could watch the annual Seafair parade. We found a decent spot and Eriko really enjoyed the bands and other musical floats. After about a 100 vehicles, we were tired and ready for home. A short wait for the bus, a short ride, and we were back in a warm (but not too warm) condo. I was hungry again (TJ’s) and then we read our respective books and I played on the computer. Sleep was difficult for Eriko, but much more so for me. I never really seemed to fall asleep, just drifted from minute to minute until it was time to wake up. Eriko made breakfast and then checked her email/wrote in her diary while I watched ‘Meet the Press’. Now she cleans the house. Soon, we will go looking for a new bed (or mattress, at least) as the current one is no good for two people. I’d also like to purchase a laptop, but I haven’t decided whether to go Apple or Linux. If Bailey is around this evening, then I’m hoping Aaron and I can get together. Bailey has actually adjusted very quickly to not being allowed inside the house, although she is less comfortable with me – I have been bit and scratched more in the last two days than I was in the previous six months. Eriko is biting less, though.
I have known her for five years. It was love at first sight and so I brought her a hostile home (two allergic roommates). After a year and a half apart, we were finally reunited. She let me know immediately that she was mine – the first time I was absent (for three days) she bared her throat to me (upon my return). It took her a long time to trust me on a day to day basis, and she would often correct me with both teeth and claws. As our time together went on, she began to trust me more and more: remaining in the same room as I made loud noises, sleeping with her head on my arm, and allowing me to hold her for longer and longer durations. I knew she loved me for me, not just for my food; I would leave the window open and the food bowl full and she would still come around just to see me. She would follow me from room to room when I was home, always wanting to curl up in my vicinity. She helped me through a lot of really tough times: overcoming my substance abuse, finding myself, moving to a new city, and many, many lonely, solitary nights. Now, we must part. Whether our separation is permanent or just prolonged, she will again be a different cat when I see her next. I hope that she remembers my love and I remember hers.
