Meanwhile, back in Seattle...

Amongst the delights of living on Puget Sound are the assorted islands and inlets that provide a charming retreat from the bustle of the big city. So let's hop aboard a friendly Washington State Ferry for a 30 min ride across to Bainbridge Island and indulge in more mindless photoblogging...

The Day of Moi

Yes HamsterFans, once again it's Cosmic Hamster Appreciation Day, that glorious day upon which We condescended to bring Our Glorious Presence into the world. Tributes are pouring in from around the globe! Here, chinchillas high in the Andes celebrate their "Fiesta del Hamstero".
FYI: Jewels and precious metals do make thoughtful gifts.

We interrupt this blog...

for the following paid political gloat:
I just couldn't resist. We now return you to our regular program.

-- by Decree of the Hamster

Space Needle

Whilst awaiting election results, amuse yourselves with Seattle's landmark attraction, the Space Needle and accompanying monorail. There was great satisfaction seeing this in person. I so wanted to go to the '62 World's Fair; finally getting there healed yet another childhood scar...
Cool reflection in the Experience Music Project building -- very much an attraction in its own right.
I just LOVE monorails too!
There are some lovely gardens at the base of the Needle, an unexpected delight.

Pike Place

A few shots of the Pike Place market (which is where the original Starbuck's is; this shot is, in fact, across the street from it).
Didn't get a picture of the famous flying fish, but we did notice this little pet crawling about the finny critters.
There's pretty flowers too, and all sorts of booths and shops.
On the weekend, there's even more stuff, with street vendors and all.
This was just soooo Seattle, I had to take a picture of it.

Happy Hamster Halloween!

Time for the annual Grand Masque here at the palace. Fun, fun, fun!

(Note to self: Find person who recommended "Jurassic Park" theme and have him shot. I feel silly in this thing.)

There she is!

You have to look real hard, but if you do, you might see Meritt sipping a macchiato in the window. (And yes, this is the very first, genuine, original Starbucks. In case you're wondering, this is before I set out the incense and candles in front of it.)

The Emerald City

Now that We have completed coverage of the imperial progress, it's time to indulge in what a friend of mine calls"mindless photo blogging." Seattle is such a lovely city! So let's spend some time havin' a look-see. First, some cityscapes:

--from the top of the Space Needle
--and from street level
--and from the harbor

Back to Seattle

After the state visit to British Columbia, the barge headed back to Seattle at full speed.
You can imagine how hard the little guys on the treadmills below decks had to work to turn up a wake like that!

Upon our return, We were of course, met by local officials and nobles.
Who were thoughtful enough to provide a nice new throne for Our use.
Hamster just LOVES pretty new thrones!

Then it was off to meet with our highest officials and most trusted councillors. Starting with an informal working lunch.
Note the port-a-flock once again provided security. Also, Butterball came along for the ride, eager to meet the most famous Woodchuck!

Many persons of the loftiest importance were in attendance.
Including the youngest members of the high nobility.
We then went off on a tour of the area and local artistic sites, including glass sculptures in Tacoma.
Members of the court were rapt in attention.
In the 17th century, a picture such as this would have been titled "The Beauties of the Court."
Beauty is, of course, in the eye of the beholder...
We have always believed that a wholesome and devoted family life amongst the younger nobility, such as the Squirrels, sets a fine example for the lower orders of society.
The day concluded with a state dinner at a Rogue Pub, the preferred beer-joint of the Imperial Court.
All in all, a perfectly tyrannical time was had by all. We must do this again some time soon!!!
Later that evening, the Imperial Air Marshall pulled up in "Despot 1" and We were flying off back to Lexington with so many happy memories!!!
WHEREAS, We were provided with a right-regal reception and delightfully despotic diversion on Our visit to Seattle, it's titles and promotions all around!

Woodchuck is hereby created Governor-General of Our Pacific Realms and Lord of the Woodlands.

Kel is hereby created Supreme Over-Mistress of checking opening hours and Queen of the Arts.

Squirrel is hereby created Imperial ArchForester, Master of Imperial Chain Saws, and Commissar of the Mold Detection Directorate.

Mrs. Squirrel is hereby created Rodentine Chief Justice for the Western District, with the power to hang at whim.

The Right-Noble Demoiselles Maraya, Elleah, and Baby Squirrel are created Princesses of the Rodentine Blood.

-- By Decree of The Hamster