Book? What Book? Let's Look Around This Cool Loft!

A quick pop into Kelly's so everyone could meet up all at once before heading into the antiquated elevator together - we got to have a quick meet up and beverage. An old fashioned counter served up diner fare - we could smell the onion rings frying. Soon, it was time to head out!

We all piled in to the elevator, scooting as far as we could inside and making room for everyone. And... then it happened.  A head popped around the door and said, "I got this coupon from Target, but I only want to use one part of it. Does anyone want it? It's shampoo! Someone must want shampoo!" 

A British accent spoke up, "Sure, I'd happily take it."

And she says, "I'll just go cut it out for you!"

Oh, my. Now, we are all waiting in the antique elevator. Waiting for the random coupon woman to come back with her perfectly cut out coupon for shampoo.

We debate the issue. Should we push the "Up" button and proceed with our night? Or should we wait for the (I'm sure perfectly important) shampoo coupon?

 Oh, dear. We have all sorts of opinions. My gosh, how nice of her. OMG how could someone randomly do that? Holding us up? Well, just wanted to take advantage of her kindness! Oh, dear.

Well, thank goodness, the door soon opened and Coupon Lady came bearing her special coupon. Lovely and cut out special with scissors! She said, "And who was that British accented lady?!"

Rachel stepped up. British witticisms flew back and forth so fast I could barely register them. All I got was, "Tickety-boo!" Apparently when things are going well, this is what you might say in Britain.

Alright, finally! Coupon Lady has vanished, everyone says  they are ready. Mike yells, "Clear!" and the elevator starts moving.

This old rickety thing brings us up to the 4th floor. It takes longer than it would take to go 40 floors in Vegas, but who's counting? Just kidding. The thing was amazing. I was very confident the whole time it would get us all the way!

Mike's loft is a great space. With two oversized iron windows looking out into the city, the space is divided into a kitchen area, dining area (soon to be workspace), living area and loft bedroom. The place has plenty of old fashioned character, beginning with the antique elevator. I can see that Mike has already begun to build cabinets and bookshelves and whatever is needed.

The table, beautifully set, is so inviting.

At the end of the light rail line, the area seems busy and exciting. Across the street from us, a photographer was doing a photo shoot and we could see the flash bulbs popping. Loads of artists and creative types all around, I'm sure.

Man, we walked into Mike's space after walking through a bit of a maze-like hallway - and that Thai Curry soup smelled heavenly. We saw all the chopped up ingredients just ready for our own creative masterpieces. We were told that we'd be rolling our own Spring Rolls!

We all learned the trick to a perfectly hand rolled spring roll. This was a pan filled with water to dip the spring roll wrapper in. We all gave it our best effort - except maybe Louise, who opted for a more easily edible taco-like spring "roll"!

Delicious wine accompanied the meal while we talked books!

Here is my memory of the menu. See the photo for anything I may have left out.

Thai Curry Soup - a creamy blend of perfectly cooked noodles, pea pods and seasonings.

Handmade Spring rolls with choice of ingredients including ginger, grated carrots, shrimp, cilantro, red onion, rice noodles, and more. With two dipping sauces including a fish sauce and a spicy peanut sauce.

Cake! Happy Birthday, Mike. Book Club seemed to fall perfectly on your birthday, or thereabouts.

It was so nice to meet Cynthia. Thank you, Cynthia, for all your hard work putting everything together with Mike!

We missed some of our regular members, but look forward to catching up with them next time.

You know, we hardly discussed the books we read as they were merely blips on our Christmas/Holiday schedules. We read some holiday themed books that didn't make much of an impact. 

Next time, we will read a book related to Van Gogh and his brother - sounds great - apparently there are letters that exist from Van Gogh to his brother and they tell a remarkable story.

So, Louise and Marie talked about a fantastic new venue they have discovered on the East side and they will share those details with everyone, along with the title of the book and the author.

A fun night had by all - I think we were all in agreement that Mike should host Book Club more often!