Swedish Meatballs and Belgian Beer

We were going to have breakfast at IKEA today, but didn't get there in time. We were a bit late getting on the road, and then we had a slight problem with Sylvia. Sylvia goes with us when we take a road trip and need help with navigation. It's not a ménage a trois - she isn't a real person ? it's the name we've given to the female voice on our GPS. It really wasn't her fault. She's using an old database, and couldn't find the address we gave her for IKEA.

I love IKEA, but when I go there I feel like getting rid of everything in our house and starting over again. We set a new IKEA time record today ? five hours -- and I enjoyed all of it, especially the Swedish meatball lunch for $3.99.

We were both in need of refreshment after the IKEA marathon, and stopped at Belmont Station on the way back to the condo. C found this place while doing her usual thorough trip planning research. It's a beer shop and pub with a fantastic beer selection ? I felt like the proverbial kid in a candy store. After trying one of the beers on tap, I stocked up on some Belgian beers I can't get back in Bellingham. I also bought a couple that are available in the 'ham, because they were cheaper here, and there's no sales tax in Oregon.

Sylvia did a great job on our return trip. We didn't feel like a heavy meal, so C made a nice salad with a Bleu d'Auvergne cheese, fresh figs, apples, grapes, and local lettuce. It went well with a Flemish red ale.

I enjoyed my last day as a sexagenarian.

You can see a few more photos of our visit to Belmont Station (cameo appearance by C), and my purchases, here.