Tacoma and Nancy's garden

The Feet and Forks took on Tacoma yesterday, exploring the city streets and then eating at the new McMenamins. I love the way Kandi, Nancy and Joyce look like they're actually in front of the sea in this photo of a huge mural we came across.

We wandered up and down stairways and alleys and back hallways, into intriguing shops and through obscure little parks, but I didn't snap into photo taking mode until I saw the giant ocean mural.

I debated whether to show this totem pole, billed as the largest in the world. I was suspicious when the plaque said "made and carved by Alaska Indians" and presented to the city of Tacoma in 1903. "Alaska Indians" is pretty vague, and some quick online research revealed that it is suspected to have been carved by white men on Vashon Island and then used as a tourist gimmick. Judge for yourself: the-strange-history-of-the-tacoma-totem-pole.

I think it's shameful. But there's no shame in these majestic cedars growing among the city buildings.

Then we entered McMenamins and wandered more dimly lit stairways and hallways connecting the multi levels and five restaurants and bars. We even found a tiny hidden bar behind a fake door. To say the decor was overdone is an understatement, but I think that was the intent. There are hundreds of vintage glass chandeliers and light fixtures, for starters.

You can read more about it here:  https://www.thenewstribune.com/entertainment/restaurants/tnt-diner/article229294674.html

After we polished off our food at the Pub with a sweeping view out over the waterway, we headed back to Gig Harbor where Nancy gave us a tour of her garden. She is a Master Gardener and was on the Gig Harbor Garden Tour some years ago. 

Her garden is a special treat of lush plantings and outdoor "rooms." Bold lines of the Calla lilies and hostas ...

... are juxtaposed with delicate Columbines

... and these tiny blue blooms

tucked among the ferns.

Last but not least, a bunny! This is one of my daughter's five baby bunnies from the rabbit mama and papa who she rescued. It's not really a giant ... she posed it on a miniature chair from her vintage shop.

Have a colorful day