greenwood ave cottages - ross chapin architects

This project was completed in our office just before I started working there 7 years ago. I actually visited it under construction because I was interested in housing communities and this was a unique project. I often look back on these pictures which were taken a few years ago, because it captures the cottages and their gardens at such a perfect time. About 3 years after completion. Before that the gardens are too freshly planted and haven't filled in....going back today they are just as beautiful, but much fuller.

I just can't seem to get gardening off my brain. I have realized that it is a never ending project. Not just the maintaining, but the adding and tweaking. I've had so much fun working on ours at the new house...I'm realizing that I need to put some time in at our Genesee house as well. These photos are a constant inspiration. The owners have really put so much passion into their individual gardens. Typically in our projects, the developer puts in all the plantings outside the 2' private yard fence. You can barely see the cedar fence depicting what is commons and what is private, as the plantings have grown. It's all about the transition from the public realm to the private.

madison valley - cafe flora

One of the main reasons we bought the property that we did, was of course it's location. Madison Valley is just minutes to downtown, it's surrounded by Capital Hill, Montlake, Madison Park and Madrona and it's home to some of my favorite shops and restaurants. In particular, Cafe Flora. Cafe Flora is the premiere vegetarian restaurant in Seattle and it was the location of our first date. Neil has been a vegetarian for 16 years. Even though he does eat wild salmon and the occasional fish & chips, he has slowly cut out dairy and he doesn't do eggs. Looking back on that first date, I was quite lost when looking over the menu...at the time I thought I was still allergic to nuts and there was a bunch of other vegetables that I "thought" I didn't like. I have since learned to embrace all kinds of veggies and new foods. Eggplant, beans, zucchini, squash, kale, asparagus, broccoli...actually the list is endless....for growing up in the "Garden State" I wasn't much of a veggie eater except the basics like potatoes, corn and peas. A few years ago I picked up their cookbook. It has helped expand my homecooking...it's so easy to keep doing the same recipes over and over.


"Since opening its doors, Cafe Flora has been at the forefront of utilizing local, organic and sustainable produce and herbs and building strong and direct relationships with Washington farms. It's culinary team draws inspiration from international culinary traditions along with the availability of an abundance of locally grown produce to create imaginative and dynamic vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free cuisine." - text & photos from Cafe Flora

Cafe Flora has been a wonderful place to experiment and try new combinations. We have been back many times over the years with family and friends and recently discovered their happy hour weekdays 3-6. Nothing beats being able to stroll down the street for a meal or drink.

house update

I'm still here! Sorry about the absence. It's been a busy few weeks. We decided to list the house with Windermere after trying to sell it ourselves and have been overwhelmed all over again with the details.