Welcome to Vincent's Room （瓶栓斗の部屋）

Many consider Pike Place Market Seattle's heart and soul. It certainly is a place that should not be missed if you ever have a chance to visit Seattle.

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Going back in time just a bit, I'll talk about my sightseeing in Seattle. If you remember, I said that my first stop would be a coffee shop because it was early in the morning and I was a bit sleepy. Seattle is actually famous for its coffee. We went to the very first Starbucks in Pike Place Market.

You'll notice that the logo is different. It's not green; it's brown, and the mermaid is topless with no hair strategically placed to cover the female anatomy.

We got there early and the street performer played us a tune. He sings Beatles songs, the Doors, etc. We each bought a CD from him.

We went to several other coffee shops. You may recognize them, too.

There's Seattle's Best Coffee...

Tully's Coffee -- You'll notice that this is the Corporate Headquarters and Roasting Plant.

Here's one that you might not recognize, but it is a local favorite.

It's called Seattle Coffee Works.

We went inside and had a cup. Beautiful, huh... It was delicious. However, Tully's won for the best coffee of the day -- nice and hot, rich and smooth!

Next up... more about Pike Place Market...

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I just finished eating Thanksgiving Dinner. It was delicious!

Here is the turkey before it was carved.

I was given the task of carving it.

I was given the privelege of sitting by my mom this year because I'm visiting from Japan and I hadn't seen her for over a year.

There were only 16 people at Thanksgiving Dinner this year. Many of my

brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews have Thanksgiving Dinner at their own houses.

In the past we've had over 75 people in the house. We would have to bring in more tables and go further into the living room. We would have to put boards from one chair to another to make a big, long bench for people to sit on. I wish I had pictures of that, but I don't.

I am from a big family. I am the youngest of 12. I have eight older sisters and 3 older brothers. I don't know exactly how many nieces and nephews I have, but I know that it's over 100 (that includes nieces, nephews, and their kids, too).

Speaking of nieces and nephews, there are two nieces in the computer room now bugging me, so I have to go and have some pumpkin pie!

Until next time...

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On my first full day back in Seattle, I met with my ex-coworkers. It was really great to get together with them!

We all went out to lunch. You'll notice badges hanging around their necks. I used to work in a very secure facility. I was a teacher at the King County Juvenile Detention Center in Seattle, Washington. I worked with kids who had gotten in trouble for one reason or another.

When kids in Seattle get arrested by the police, they are taken to the detention center and held there until their court date. While in the center, they attend a school within the lock-up facility.

The most important thing about working with these kids is believing that each one is a wonderful soul. They may have had tough times when they were growing up, but each one of them has a special gift for society. It's the teachers and other staff members' jobs to try to help these kids see their own potential.

Our success in nurturing our young people is critical for future peace in our neighborhoods and our world.

Until next time...

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When I was posting to my blog last night, I accidentally posted the same one twice. I just noticed that tonight so I deleted one of them, but then I realized I deleted some comments, too. I guess I'm too tired. I hope I don't make any more mistakes tonight. One of the comments was from my boss, too! Sorry! If your comment was deleted, please don't be offended.

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