I have been dying to try out Sun Sui Wah Seafood Restaurant ever since B.C.'s preeminent dim sum place opened a Bellevue outpost in April. We left with bellies full, wallet empty. I wouldn't mind that Canadian exchange rate.

• Eight dim sum dishes for $100 with tip. That's USD. Plan accordingly.
• Restaurant opened at 10:30 a.m. We arrived at 10:40, and waited an hour and a half before being called. Not mad at all, I used the time to shop at Asian Family Market and 85 degrees C, both in the same parking lot.
• Parties of 6 or more can make a reservation.
• I'm obviously not there for the decor, but it looks upscale at first glance. Then you look closer and you realize the tables are folding tables and the chairs are vinyl. Kind of a mashup.

Yet another Taiwanese bubble tea chain popped up in our area, so we went to try it. 吃茶三千chichasanchen is a block from Downtown Park in Bellevue. Boba was super soft and warm, but the milk tea was too creamy. Also, $8+tax for this little cup. The price didn't seem to deter anyone else, because the line was out the door. We enjoyed it, but not enough to come back.

Beautiful day for a boat ride. We went on the Argosy Cruises summer views cruise, 90 minutes puttering around Elliott Bay during golden hour. Great views, and great snacks on board too!

Fourth of July festivities.

We went to check out the new Museum of Illusions and it was so much fun! Some of the illusions made me dizzy, but that's the power of perception, right? This isn't a temporary pop-up exhibit — it's supposed to be permanent — and I'm so happy it will draw people downtown.

Here's a link to my story for Seattle's Child.

My story and photos in the Sunday Seattle Times about curb appeal for less than $100.

I went on a lot of long walks with my camera to research this story. My neighbor understood the assignment; their yards are beautiful! Motivated me to finally ripped out the big dead bush in front of my house.

Now I know why a group of crows is called a murder.

A mother rabbit made a nest in my raised garden bed, in the middle of my chives. We watched in horror from the window as a crow swooped in, stabbed furiously with its beak and flew away with a squirmy baby. And came back again and again, with the mother chasing after it from the ground.

There are no babies left in the nest. It's been three days and she's still sitting there.

I think we're done with the chives this season.

Inclusive parks are near and dear to my heart, and I was thrilled to write about the new Pathways Park in Laurelhurst for The Seattle Times. Here's a link to my story.

The mission of this park is to be welcoming to everyone, and it is BEAUTIFUL.

The park honors the memory of a sweet little boy named Eli. This incredible project was driven by Eli's Park Project.

Seven years of hard work and $6.8 million in fundraising later, the park is open and ready for playing!

A treat for the boys, and a night off from cooking for me. The salmon burger and the mango shake are both seasonal and SO GOOD.

Love this view of Gasworks Park from the Center for Wooden Boats.