Au Pair Café

Posted by cdavis on June 9th, 2008 in Bothell & Woodinville, Kirkland & Redmond

Eight years ago today, I arrived Seattle for the first time ever. Before that day I had been as far as India, but never west of the Rocky Mountains. 

In exchange for my housing while I was looking for my first job out of college, I was a dog sitter! Having been a GREAT Au Pair in the past, I DID actually read stories to the dog and send post cards to the owners when they were out of town. I also did a lot of gardening for this host couple and their backyard was on a spring fed pond. I LOVE to sing and the water around it meant my voice carried…pretty far. In those days, I was also in a classical opera stage. You will all be very glad to know, I’m over it.

One day, I was out cutting roses and pulling weeds in the garden when someone leaned over from the deck in the neighboring yard and called out to me, “yoohoo, little singing gardening girl, what’s your name?” That was what I became known as - The voice of Aqua Vista. By the time the neighborhood met for their annual picnic, everyone knew who I was. I suppose it’s a good thing I have a decent voice! I also realized even though no one could see me in the backyard, that doesn’t mean no one could hear me.

Linda, one of the neighbors realized how much I liked music and invited me to a local concert. I wanted to get to know Seattle and so I accepted her invitation. A very simple invitation that changed my life! Linda became one of my first and dearest friends in Seattle. Being a native of Bothell, she has shown me so many things I would never noticed about this area.  I joined the choir after that concert and then the choir director’s daughter introduced me to my husband! HA! It’s amazing how something as small as singing in a garden can change your life.

This year, Linda and I got together in early May to celebrate her birthday. We had lunch at The Ranch Drive In. Open since 1959, Linda used to ride her bike there when she was in High School. The Ranch is a classic American drive in burger joint where we had fries and shakes with our lunch. We took the kids across the street to Bothell Landing to play at the park on a sunny day. What a perfect local spot I never knew existed! A fabulous way to spend an afternoon and to celebrate the birthday of a very dear friend!

I found a new friend, joined a choir, and was introduced to great spots around town – and all because I sang classical opera in a garden when I thought no one is looking? What about you? How do you make friends? What was the best thing you’ve done so far since you’ve been here?

Ranch Drive In Review and Address: http://www.yelp.com/biz/ranch-drive-in-bothell