National Pancake Day - March 3, 2026

(from the It's Nice To Have Something For Free In This Country At The Moment, Isn't It* department)

In these trying times, it's nice to have something you can count on.  Like the yearly National Pancake Day at IHOP.

This year, Rose and I braved the crowds and headed down to our local IHOP just before 5:00 PM.  Although there were many people in the lobby - they seated us immediately.

We got a two person booth in the furthest corner of the restaurant.  Rose commented that she hadn't been back in this booth since she was six!  

The waitress brought us pancakes and water right after we sat down.  Rose was ready!!

I got ready to dig into my stack!  They were delicious!

Once again - we managed to successfully celebrate National Pancake Day.  A splendid time was had by all!

For more information - check out the IHOP website here: National Pancake Day 2026

Cheers,

Paul

*For you Beatle fans, that's a quote from the movie Let It Be.  From a man on the street during the rooftop concert. 

Merry Christmas from Santa and Rose (part 19)

(from the OMG - she's 18!!! department)

Well - I can't believe we're here.  Rose turned 18 in November.  This is the first Santa photo with three adults, not two adults and a kid.  

And so - here we go:

We do clean up well!!!  Rose did get a chance to talk to Santa after the photo, while I was taking care of the technical details of the photo session. I did overhear a discussion about possible presents, but didn't pick up any of the details - I hope Santa comes through!

Afterwards, we went out for a quick celebratory dinner at the Wedgwood Broiler.  I'm still glad parts of "Old Seattle" like the Wedgwood Broiler still exist.  (Link to: Wedgwood Broiler)

As for my Christmas wish from Santa?  I wish for continued good health for me and all of my friends and family - both immediate and extended.  I've come to value those connections even more lately.  I'm also hoping - much like Ringo Starr - for Peace and Love (and Happiness) in 2026!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone - from the Pietromonaco family!

Cheers,
Paul

P.S.  Bonus photos - all of us waiting outside to have our photo taken:

Haiku Writing - Moon Viewing 2025

(from the Splish Me Again! department)

Hi everyone,

Dana, Rose and I attended the Seattle Japanese Garden Moon Viewing on Saturday, September 6th, 2025.  

(Original announcement here: https://www.seattlejapanesegarden.org/events-calendar/2025/9/6/moon-viewing)

I took some great photos!

We also took part in the Haiku writing contest.  I wrote two haiku:

smoke filled sky - 

a blood orange moon

watches with a baleful eye

summer sun fades -

moonrise across the pond

our lanterns guide the way

You may notice that these haiku do not follow the 5 - 7 - 5 rule.  Modern haiku are less formal in English.

This year - I came in Second Place on Saturday!!!  It was the "smoke filled sky" haiku.

Full contest results are here: https://www.seattlejapanesegarden.org/blog/2025/9/18/moon-viewing-haiku

Dana, Rose and I had a great time.  Looking forward to next year!

Cheers,

Paul

Sleepless In Seattle (part 2)

(from the I Still Believe In Death Before Decaf department)

Hi everyone,

I was going through some of my old blog entries and found this one:

Sleepless in Seattle

This blog entry had a great photo of Rose taken in January 2009 when she was just under 2 years old:

This was taken at the Athenian Inn in Pike Place Market in Seattle - where Sleepless In Seattle was filmed.

The fun part is - Rose and I recreated this photo in May 2019 - at the same table - when she was about 12:

I think she was drinking cocoa here. Even now - she's still not a big coffee drinker.

So - once again - we were all Sleepless In Seattle!

*groan*

Cheers,

Paul

National Pancake Day - March 4, 2025

(from the Has It Really Been Five Years? department)

Hey - long time no pancake.  How've you been?  I think it's time for a stack of pancakes!

This time - we learned from the past.  Dana, Rose & I headed down to our local IHOP at about 5:00 PM.  We were able to be seated immediately.  After looking at the menu, we ordered our free pancakes, and I got a burger - with hash browns:

Burger - Not Pancake

Pancake - Not Burger

Rose ordered a strawberry crepe with her pancakes.  Dana asked if she could add blueberries to her free stack:

Ready To Dig In!!

A Thumbs - And A Butter Knife - Up!

We really enjoyed our meal.  Good thing we went early too. When we left at 6:00 PM - the line for pancakes was out the door:

Patiently Waiting For Pancakes

For more information - check out IHOP's website here:  National Pancake Day 2025 - Enjoy Free Pancakes at IHOP®

Cheers,
Paul

Kooza!!!

(from the I Can't Believe They Can Do That! department)

Hi everyone,

We went to the latest Cirque Du Soleil travelling production last night - Kooza.  It was in a big tent at Marymoor Park in Redmond.  Really well done.  

I'll leave the description of the show to other bloggers, but it's kind of a modernization of traditional circuses.  There's a ringleader, clowns, acrobats, etc.  They're not exactly the same as a Ringling Bros. show - but the roles are there, just done in a Cirque Du Soleil way.  

A note about the aerial work.  Some of it is incredible.  There's a section they do with a spinning structure that defies belief.  The tightrope walking is pretty amazing too.  But - seriously - all of the performers were outstanding.  Hard to pick the best, really.

The music was really good too - really tight band playing live.  The current touring group features a drummer named Eden Bahar, who holds the Guinness World Record for "Most drumstick spins in one minute (one hand)".  He set the record of 149 on 13-Sept-2018.  They gave him a solo spot in the show - he really shined, without being overbearing.  

Finally - we did manage to get a picture at the event:

You'll notice I'm wearing my down jacket.  I had on a blue-green t-shirt that matched the backdrop.  I kept disappearing in the photos.  Luckily - I had a zip-up down jacket - or you would have seen a much different photo!

They also gave us the raw image:

All in all - it was a magical night.  We had a lot of fun!

Cheers,
Paul

Merry Christmas from Santa and Rose (part 18)

(from the I Don't Think Rocky Had This Many Sequels department)

Well - we did it!  It was a mad whirlwind getting to the Santa photos today - we were booked in the last available slot.  But - we did it!!

Without further ado - Santa Photo 2024®!!

Rose is quite the young lady now.  But - she still asked Santa for a present!

Personally, I'm thankful that we were all available to be in the Santa photo this year.  We're working on staying healthy and optimistic this upcoming year.  (Health and happiness for all - that's what I'd ask Santa for!)

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone - from the Pietromonaco family!

Cheers,
Paul

Haiku Writing - Moon Viewing 2024

(from the Just Splish! department)

Hi everyone,

This year, Rose & I attended the Seattle Japanese Garden Moon Viewing on Thursday, Sept. 12th, 2024, at the Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle.

The event was a little more low-key than in previous years.  Also - the tea ceremony was only available for Friday's event, so this was even more low-key. Still - it was nice to get out of the house, stroll around the grounds - and watch the moon go behind the trees the minute we got there!  (At least there was a moon visible this year - previous years have been pretty cloudy!!)

(Original announcement here:  https://www.seattlejapanesegarden.org/events-calendar/2024/9/12/moon-viewing)

About the only event carried over from last year was the Haiku Contest.  Rose wrote one haiku - I managed to get two completed.  My second Haiku got an honorable mention!

Here's the Haiku:

Rose:

An angler fish rests in the sky

as he bites the moon

I feel light on my skin

Paul:

wind blows softly

gently pushing the clouds - 

moon sails above

Paul (honorable mention winner!):

viewer's footsteps - 

bundled against autumn chill

warmed by moonglow

(You might notice that the haikus don't necessarily follow the traditional 5-7-5 syllable pattern.  Modern haiku are less formal.)

Full contest results are here: https://www.seattlejapanesegarden.org/moon-viewing-2024-haiku-0912

Rose & I had a great time.  Looking forward to the viewing next year!

Cheers,
Paul

Merry Christmas from Santa and Rose (part 17)

(from the Yup - That's Rose!!! department)

Hi everyone,

The streak continues - 17 years!!

So - I present to you - the Santa photo...

It's been a transitional year for the family.  I was let go by Indeed on April 1st - April Fools' Day.  (Heh - funny!)  I've been looking for a job since then.  Dana continues her volunteer work at the Seattle Aquarium, and has a new gig volunteering at the Seattle Asian Art Museum.  Rose has settled into her second year of High School - she's doing well!  This year she's been studying American Sign Language (ASL).  

Happy Holidays and Season's Greetings from the Pietromonaco family (Dana, Rose & I).

Cheers,
Paul

Haiku Writing - Moon Viewing 2023

(from the Splish, Splish, Splish! department)

Hi everyone,

Dana, Rose & I attended the Seattle Japanese Garden Moon Viewing on Friday, Sept. 1st, 2023, at the Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle. 

This is a nice evening event where you can stroll around the Japanese Garden, see luminaria and lanterns, hear traditional Japanese music played on flute and Koto, and attend a real Japanese tea ceremony.

(More info here: https://www.seattlejapanesegarden.org/events-calendar/2023/9/1/moon-viewing)

This year, all three of us participated in the tea ceremony.  Simply amazing!  Then - we got to make a wish and launch a small boat with a candle.  (Well - a battery powered candle - no fires for us!)

Because of the length of the tea ceremony, Dana & Rose missed the Haiku Contest this year.  I barely made it in time - I only had five minutes to create a Haiku masterpiece!  Needless to say - that didn't happen - but I did get an honorable mention!!  (1 of 12 they handed out this year.)

Here's the haiku I wrote:

Paul:

Tea ceremony -

Small round cake

Calls to the moon

Not bad for 5 minutes!

(You might notice that the haikus don't necessarily follow the traditional 5-7-5 syllable pattern.  Modern haiku are less formal.)

And the moon?  It did show up later that evening, after the moon viewing was over.  Gorgeous moon tonight after all!

Cheers,
Paul

Merry Christmas from Santa and Rose (part 16)

(from the OMG - That's Rose??? department)

Hi everyone,

Well - we did it!  A 16 year streak!    

Without further ado...

It's been a busy year - Rose has started her first year at High School - Dana volunteers at the Seattle Aquarium - I'm doing more Java programming at work - and we're all still healthy!

Happy Holidays and Season's Greetings from the Pietromonaco family (Dana, Rose & I).

Cheers,
Paul

Merry Christmas from Santa and Rose (part 15)

(from the Look Ma - No Masks! department)

Hi everyone,

In these difficult times, it's more important than ever to try and maintain a semblance of normality.  

And - so - without further ado....

Don't worry - we're all fully vaccinated!  Everything was done quite safely.  And - check out Santa's cool "SC" belt buckle!  He was quite proud of it - and rightly so!

Happy Holidays and Season's Greetings from the Pietromonaco family (Dana, Rose & I).

Cheers,
Paul

Haiku Writing - Moon Viewing 2021

 (from the Splish, Splish! department)

Hi everyone,

Dana, Rose & I attended the Seattle Japanese Garden Moon Viewing on Friday, Sept. 10th, 2021 at the Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle.  This is the first time they've held the event since the pandemic started.

As stated in my previous blog entry, this is a "nice evening event where you can stroll around the Japanese Garden, see traditional Japanese music and dance being performed live, enjoy a Bento Box dinner, and see the moon in all of its glory."

(More info here: https://www.seattlejapanesegarden.org/events-calendar/2021/9/10/moon-viewing-01 )

This year, they scaled back a little - no Bento Box dinner sadly - but it was still wonderful.  The only slight disappointment was the lack of actual moon to view, due to clouds - similar to the last time.

As is our tradition, Dana, Rose & I took part in the Haiku writing contest.  This year, we were limited to one haiku each - so we made it count!

Here's the haiku we wrote:

Paul: 

The air is still -

Suddenly three birds launch

Searching for the moon

Dana:

We gather to see

Lady Luna hides her face

The clouds make her shy

Rose:

Oh, my muse and moon

Will thee return my friend?

I'll wait below stars

You might notice that the haikus don't necessarily follow the traditional 5-7-5 syllable pattern.  Modern haiku are less formal. 

As it turns out - we did even better this year than last year!  Dana got an honorable mention, and I came in 2nd place!!

We had a lot of fun Friday night - and writing haiku is always a highlight of our evening!

Cheers,
Paul

Merry Christmas from Santa and Rose (part 14)

(from the How Are There 14 Of These Since Rose Is Only 13? department)

Hi everyone,

Wow - what a year!  Even though we're still in lockdown, we did manage to visit with Santa this year.  However - it was a little different....

Yes - we're smiling happily!!  Can't you tell??

It's been a heck of year, putting it mildly.  There was something comforting about seeing Santa - this year more than ever.  

Happy Holidays and Season's Greetings from the Pietromonaco family (Dana, Rose & I).

Cheers,

Paul

National Pancake Day - February 25th, 2020

(from the Everything is better with Pancakes department)

Well - it's been a while since we went to IHOP's National Pancake Day celebration and got a stack of free pancakes.

And - unfortunately - it's going to be a while longer.  We got there after 7:00 PM, so no free platter of golden discs for us.

Still - Rose and I decided to go for it!  We placed our orders and started thinking about pancakes...

Are you taking photos Dad?

Mmmm - pancakes...

Rose makes a good point!

Rose ordered French Toast -

with Strawberries and Bananas

I ordered a Burger and Fries -

and a stack of Pancakes for the table!

We ate our meals first - then went for some Pancakes!!

We had a terrific meal - and even donated a little bit to their charity - Children's Miracle Network - as well!

You can read more about it here: IHOP National Pancake Day

Cheers,
Paul

Merry Christmas from Santa and Rose (part 13)

(from the Omg - Rose Is So Big Now!!! department)

Hi everyone,

Well once again - completely at the last minute - we have our Annual Santa Photo!®

I guess Rose really is too big to sit on Santa's lap anymore - but she sure looks happy!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone - from the Pietromonaco family!!!

Cheers,
Paul

P.S.  Yes - same red shirt - I only wear it once a year, basically :)

Haiku Writing - Moon Viewing 2019

(from the Splish! department)

Hi everyone,

Dana, Rose & I attended the Seattle Japanese Garden Moon Viewing on Friday, Sept. 13th, 2019 at the Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle.

If you aren't familiar, it's a nice evening event where you can stroll around the Japanese Garden, see traditional Japanese music and dance being performed live, enjoy a Bento Box dinner, and see the moon in all of its glory.

(More info here: https://www.seattlejapanesegarden.org/events-calendar/2019/9/13/moon-viewing-2019 )

We were really looking forward to this, since a full moon was expected!  Unfortunately - Washington weather conspired against us - the night of the moon viewing, the moon was completely obscured by clouds.

Still - we did have a good time - and even participated in the Haiku writing contest.  You could submit a maximum of two.

Here's the haiku we wrote that evening:

Paul:

Friday the thirteenth

Full moon hidden by clouds - splish

Now I swim with koi

Grey skies -

The promise of the Moon

Waiting to be uncovered

Dana: 

Moonbeams remind me

Of sharing summer secrets 

Whispered by sisters

Moon milk 

Cool the leaves' fire -

Warms my path

Rose:

Dear moon my friend

I shall see you again

When the flowers open and day ends 

Note - modern English haiku do not necessarily have to follow the 5 - 7 - 5 syllable rule, according to the rules of the contest.

As it turns out - Rose and I did pretty well this year!  We each got one of our haikus read out loud as an honorable mention!  Rose in the youth haiku category - and my "Grey skies" haiku as an adult!  

Sadly - my "Friday the thirteenth" did not make the humor category. 

Cheers,

Paul

Merry Christmas from Santa and Rose (part 12)

(from the Holy Cow - This Means She's 11!!! department)

Hi everyone,

Well - a little last minute - but we got our Santa photo this year!!

And - yes - I'm clean shaven.  Again.  This may be a semi-permanent thing now.  

The fun part?  This isn't the first Santa photo we took this year!  We also took a Santa photo on the 1st of December, during the Island Lights Festival in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.

Things are a little more relaxed in the islands - although I'm wearing my formal Hawaiian shirt. 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Pietromonaco family!!!

Cheers,

Paul

P.S.  Yes - that's the same red shirt.  Apparently, I only wear it once a year now.

Merry Christmas from Santa and Rose (part 11)

(from the Paul-dolph, The Red-Cheeked Daddy department)

Hi everyone,

We're on top of it this year!  Lights outside the house - festive spirit inside the house - and Santa photo taken early!

Again - this has been a transitional year for us!  But - a great year as well!  Plus - Rose is 10!  How did that happen??

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Pietromonaco family!

Cheers,
Paul

P.S.  No new shirt this year.  It's just too festive!

Rose with a Rose

(from the It's Poetry, right? department)

Hi everyone,

Took these photos of Rose today on a walk near our house.

She does like roses.

Cheers,
Paul