Derek left for Madison yesterday and I decided to stay an extra two days with my girlfriend, Chris, in the northern ‘burb of Marysville.

And neither she nor her roommate, Sammi, a 10-year-old umbrella cockatoo, has Internet.

So I can’t easily update my blog — or much else — in the next couple of days.

But I will tell you what to expect in my new few blogs:

• Chris and I did a food tour of Pike Place Market with Savor Seattle yesterday — and let’s just say I learned a lot.

• We walked around Belltown and the Seattle Center, where we’re heading today for lunch, before heading to my new favorite specialty store in Seattle: Uwajimaya. There are things you can’t get in Hawaii but can get here!

• Of course, what trip to the Mainland is complete without a visit to Trader Joe’s?

• Finally, for the very first time — and despite having lived in Chicago — I actually ate at the Olive Garden. Apparently, when you’re there, you’re family.

So lots to look forward to. I promise I’ll get something uploaded the next time I’m in the vicinity of Internet connectivity.

Until then, soak up that Hawaii sunshine for me. I haven’t seen the sun — what was that again? — in days!

Follow my adventures in Seattle and Portland on Twitter @thedailydish #CatTravels or on Instagram @catherinetoth.