SEATTLE -- Sportswriters aren't usually "morning people" -- there was a time, in younger days, when some of us were more likely to be coming home as the sun was coming up, rather than heading out -- but, given a 3-hour time difference, and proximity to Pike Place Market, there was every reason to be up bright (some readers might dispute that) and early this morning.

Sleepless in Seattle?

Nope. Hungry in Seattle.

Pike Place Market, overlooking Puget Sound, is a delight. First of all, it's across the street from the original Starbucks. (There also seems to be a Starbucks on every other corner downtown.) At the entrance to the market, there's an old-time newstand, with papers and magazines from around the country -- and around the world. You can choose your publication and head for one of the breakfast places. Much better than sitting at a table with a computer! I chose Lowell's -- "Almost respectable, since 1957" -- and took my "smoked salmon scramble" (smoked salmon and green onions in 3-egg omelet) and coffee up to a table on the third floor by the floor-to-ceiling windows, where I could watch the ferry going back and forth to Bremerton.

After breakfast, it was fun to stroll past the stalls of fresh fish, fresh vegetables, and fresh flowers. It's a working market that happens also to be a tourist attraction.

On the way to Qwest Field, a brief stop at the Elliot Bay Bookstore was obligatory. It's near Pioneer Square, four or five blocks from the stadium, and is one of America's great independent bookstores -- lots of levels, nooks, and crannies. If you can't find what you want, it isn't in print.

Considering the distance, time of year, and the state of the economy, there are quite a few Patriots fans in evidence -- including one hard-core fan dressed like "Pat Patriot," who used to adorn New England's helmets in the days for the stylized, Elvis-like Patriot replaced him.

Turning to football, with QB Matt Hasselbeck -- a star at Boston College ('94-'97) and son of former Patriots tight end Don, who played in New England from 1977-83 -- sidelined by a disc problem, and Seattle's defense ranking last in the league against the pass, it's no surprise that the Pats, who are playing to keep their playoff hopes alive, are favored by a touchdown.

They should win by at least that, despite a depleted defense that will be without lineman Ty Warren, and has put two veteran standouts -- linebacker Adalius Thomas and strong safety Rodney Harrison -- on I.R.