I woke up this morning feeling awful. I was suspicious last night because I had a tickle in my throat. You know the feeling, kind of scratchy, you try to attribute it to smoke in the air or pollen or whatever but you know it is a virus waiting to pounce. Most of the time some sleep and and an orange and it goes away but this time it was not to be denied. I got up and sat staring at the news and realized that the energy to call in sick was barely there let alone to take a shower and dress myself so I called in.
Immediately you feel guilty because you wonder if you could not have forced yourself to make it in to the office but as your debating this you sort of fall asleep and realize you made the right choice. Besides, infecting your coworkers with whatever you have is not an appreciated form of sharing.
So now I am home unexpectedly and have a day stretching ahead without a plan or purpose. In our modern world this is a totally weird phenomenon. We live scheduled lives and without a schedule we feel somewhat frightened. Of course the first task is to get healthy enough to return to work. I always tell other people that my cure for illness is the 4 S regime. Soak, salad, sleep and sun will cure all. Soak in hot water, eat as many things with as many vitamins as you can manage, get as much sleep as you can stand and get out in the sunshine if at all possible. But I think today I have found a new S, stimulate the brain.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Dread and anticipation
Going to work every day doesn't generate very much anticipation and dread. Occasionally something disrupts the routine and a bit may enter in but mostly work is too much the same to generate a lot of emotion. On the other hand time off can generate a lot of both.
About every two years we treat ourselves to a really big adventure. The anticipation begins with the planning. It is fun to sit with travel brochures and computers and browse for all the fun places you might go and what you might see and do and eat while you are there. In the beginning budget constraints and time don't need to be considered. The whole world is available. Gradually we narrow down the choices to places we really would like to see. Unfortunately I started traveling too late to see every place so choices have to made. This is where the first little bit of dread slips in, what if I miss someplace I'll regret and go somewhere that turns out to be less than exciting? Fortunately this usually goes away quickly because on the whole almost any place that is "not at work" is good. The next dread spot is the cost because we have to choose, we are not wealthy. This causes some places to be eliminated and some trips, because of length, are just too expensive. But once the real choices are available the anticipation rushes in. Which would be the most fun for the least money? Can we pick up a new country, a new continent, a new culture? Once the choice is made and usually it seems obvious once we get to this stage then a whole new level of questions begin. What will the food be like, what sort of birds, trees, scenery will we see? Should we plan a lot of activity or have some days to just relax, is relaxing an option on vacation or should you make the most of every hour in a new place? Gradually all these options begin to settle into place. Some choices are dependent on the type of trip, some on the interest level in the various options available and some are just left open to suggestion.
The next dread spot is the making the actual arrangements. First all the different travel companies have to be at least glanced at because you want the very best deal possible. Also we tend to go with a tour group like Globus if we are looking at a place where we don't speak the language and we want a good overview of the place we are going. If we are traveling on our continent I usually make all the arrangements, usually with Expedia because despite checking all the options they almost always come up with the best package. Looking at all the options is very wearing and requires getting the warning on your computer about "too many tabs may cause slowing". Finally you think you have it nailed and actually put your money down. This is the biggest dread point. Wow, that is a lot on money, I hope the trip is worth it, I hope we like the place, what if we don't and even worse what if we get sick and miss the trip just past the point of getting a refund and we have spent all that money for nothing? A few deep breaths and a review of the itinerary usually calms this and to be honest once I've lined up a trip I'm going if I'm on a stretcher.
Once all the arrangements have been made the anticipation builds. We tend to get books and read about places we are going, maybe purchase a few things to make the trip more pleasant but mostly just talk. What are you going to pack, do you think we need raincoats (living in Oregon you always ask this even if you are going to the desert, habit), sun screen, bug repellent and so on and so on. As the days get closer the suitcases come out, you make sure you have cash, credit cards, passports in order, animals provided for, yard watered, mail stopped and all the other little details that need to be taken care of while you are gone. Then the packing begins and a little bit of dread creeps in, am I lugging 50 lbs of stuff and I will only need 20lbs, do I really need a pair of socks every day, should I plan on washing some clothes and lighten the suitcase, do I have enough books, music, puzzles in case we get stuck in an airport? Is there anything that TSA is going to find that I forgot I had? Eventually the suitcases are packed and sitting by the door waiting for the trip to begin.
Finally you are heading out the door and we both ask each other do you have this, do you have that, did you bring one of those or was I supposed to pack that, who has the tickets, the parking coupon, the itinerary. The last concerning spot is getting through all the airport fuss and getting to the gate. As my daughter once said "at that point you are in the travel tube and you just go with it". Time to relax and enjoy the trip.
About every two years we treat ourselves to a really big adventure. The anticipation begins with the planning. It is fun to sit with travel brochures and computers and browse for all the fun places you might go and what you might see and do and eat while you are there. In the beginning budget constraints and time don't need to be considered. The whole world is available. Gradually we narrow down the choices to places we really would like to see. Unfortunately I started traveling too late to see every place so choices have to made. This is where the first little bit of dread slips in, what if I miss someplace I'll regret and go somewhere that turns out to be less than exciting? Fortunately this usually goes away quickly because on the whole almost any place that is "not at work" is good. The next dread spot is the cost because we have to choose, we are not wealthy. This causes some places to be eliminated and some trips, because of length, are just too expensive. But once the real choices are available the anticipation rushes in. Which would be the most fun for the least money? Can we pick up a new country, a new continent, a new culture? Once the choice is made and usually it seems obvious once we get to this stage then a whole new level of questions begin. What will the food be like, what sort of birds, trees, scenery will we see? Should we plan a lot of activity or have some days to just relax, is relaxing an option on vacation or should you make the most of every hour in a new place? Gradually all these options begin to settle into place. Some choices are dependent on the type of trip, some on the interest level in the various options available and some are just left open to suggestion.
The next dread spot is the making the actual arrangements. First all the different travel companies have to be at least glanced at because you want the very best deal possible. Also we tend to go with a tour group like Globus if we are looking at a place where we don't speak the language and we want a good overview of the place we are going. If we are traveling on our continent I usually make all the arrangements, usually with Expedia because despite checking all the options they almost always come up with the best package. Looking at all the options is very wearing and requires getting the warning on your computer about "too many tabs may cause slowing". Finally you think you have it nailed and actually put your money down. This is the biggest dread point. Wow, that is a lot on money, I hope the trip is worth it, I hope we like the place, what if we don't and even worse what if we get sick and miss the trip just past the point of getting a refund and we have spent all that money for nothing? A few deep breaths and a review of the itinerary usually calms this and to be honest once I've lined up a trip I'm going if I'm on a stretcher.
Once all the arrangements have been made the anticipation builds. We tend to get books and read about places we are going, maybe purchase a few things to make the trip more pleasant but mostly just talk. What are you going to pack, do you think we need raincoats (living in Oregon you always ask this even if you are going to the desert, habit), sun screen, bug repellent and so on and so on. As the days get closer the suitcases come out, you make sure you have cash, credit cards, passports in order, animals provided for, yard watered, mail stopped and all the other little details that need to be taken care of while you are gone. Then the packing begins and a little bit of dread creeps in, am I lugging 50 lbs of stuff and I will only need 20lbs, do I really need a pair of socks every day, should I plan on washing some clothes and lighten the suitcase, do I have enough books, music, puzzles in case we get stuck in an airport? Is there anything that TSA is going to find that I forgot I had? Eventually the suitcases are packed and sitting by the door waiting for the trip to begin.
Finally you are heading out the door and we both ask each other do you have this, do you have that, did you bring one of those or was I supposed to pack that, who has the tickets, the parking coupon, the itinerary. The last concerning spot is getting through all the airport fuss and getting to the gate. As my daughter once said "at that point you are in the travel tube and you just go with it". Time to relax and enjoy the trip.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Berry memories
One of my very early memories is being in my grandfather's garden. I would follow him around with a little red cup in hand. I would pick raspberries off the canes and eat them almost as fast as I picked them. Many years later, long after my grandfather had died, I visited my Aunt, Uncle and cousins in Oregon. My cousin who was a few years older than me, took me on a walk along the Willamette river. Along the path blackberries were growing and I was fascinated with being able to just pick them and pop them in my mouth. At the time I was living in the Midwest and there was no equivalent activity in Kansas City.
Now I have a grandchild and I realized the other day that we two share a berry memory. Both of us have blueberry bushes in our yard and in summers past we have shared each others berries with enthusiasm. She is only four but apparently we have made a shared berry experience. Just the other day we were standing on her patio together and she pointed at the blueberries, which are still green. "Grandma, they aren't ready yet." "I know", I replied, "still green". At that point we both sighed. "Soon", I said. "Yes Grandma", she said.
Now I have a grandchild and I realized the other day that we two share a berry memory. Both of us have blueberry bushes in our yard and in summers past we have shared each others berries with enthusiasm. She is only four but apparently we have made a shared berry experience. Just the other day we were standing on her patio together and she pointed at the blueberries, which are still green. "Grandma, they aren't ready yet." "I know", I replied, "still green". At that point we both sighed. "Soon", I said. "Yes Grandma", she said.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Veggies!
One of the highlights of my summer is our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) weekly box of produce. We pay an upfront cost for the season and in return pick up a box of fresh from the fields produce once a week. We start in June and last year picked up our last box the week before Thanksgiving. This year I'm sharing with a friend from work because as the season gets in to full swing there is more than two of us can manage. To me it is like Christmas once a week. The box has something different every week as various fruits and vegetables ripen. Right now we are getting baby lettuce, spinach, green onion and strawberries. Later there will be corn and tomatoes, potatoes and peaches. Towards the end of the season, squashes and nuts. Besides having really good stuff to eat it also sparks the creativity a bit because you don't get to choose what is in the box. Each week when you open it you have to start figuring out how to use it all. This week almost all of it went into a spring veggie, chicken stew. Last year we were overwhelmed with green beans so I dug out an old canning guide and made some excellent garlic, chili, dill green beans that go very well with a pint of ale,cheese, crackers and a Formula 1 race. We had so many different kinds of potatoes I lost track but they actually all had a different flavor and texture. I don't really recommend the blue ones. I thought they were awfully dry but perhaps I didn't have the correct cooking technique. Sometimes there is something you have never tried like garlic buds, basically the stems and flowers of garlic. You cook them kind of like asparagus but they have a mild flavor that makes a very different veggie to go with your steak. After cooking for my family for almost 40 years anything that puts a little fun in the planning is welcome and these boxes of wonderful fresh food definitely adds some fun. To quote one of my favorite food celebrities, Alton Brown, "Good Eats".
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Small adventures.
Today was one of the few really pleasant days we have had this spring. We rode the BMW into work and I always forget how much fun it is too get out of the Toyota and onto the motorcycle for the first time each year. It is cold, barely 50 this morning when we left at 6:30, but with a heated vest it is bearable in fact almost cozy . Sitting behind my husband I don't have to worry about traffic or driving. I can watch for hawks along the road, smell whatever is in the air, sometimes Scotch Broom and sometimes dead skunk but still a pleasure. It is a way of starting the day with a little adventure and the best part is another ride is to be had coming home. A ride that will be in warmer temperatures and relaxing knowing the work day is over and you are heading home.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Special moments
Sometimes you don't need to wait for the weekend or a day off to have a moment of joy. One day the sun came out and the temperature went up to 65. As background you need to know that we had the coldest, rainiest March on record. Oregonians are used to rain but there are limits to a persons tolerance. But there was one day at the end of March when the temperature went into the 60's and the sun came out. My friend Nancy and I took a walk during our afternoon break and everyone we saw had a big grin on their face and waved and smiled as we passed. The warmth and sunshine just made you feel new. A moment which made the week and erased the annoyance of the day.
On another day one of the ward clerks I particularly enjoy made a different sort of sunshine in my day. She had asked me a question and I answered and she responded with something to the effect of we are all in this together. I responded with a smart alack comment about what are we in, the soup, the mud and so forth and she answered, are we in it with a ham, on the lam, and so on. It was a simple exchange that did nothing to interrupt our work but it made me smile and appreciate her all the more. Sometimes the joy comes as a surprise and it is important to take a moment to notice and let the good feeling wash over you. It can make all the difference.
On another day one of the ward clerks I particularly enjoy made a different sort of sunshine in my day. She had asked me a question and I answered and she responded with something to the effect of we are all in this together. I responded with a smart alack comment about what are we in, the soup, the mud and so forth and she answered, are we in it with a ham, on the lam, and so on. It was a simple exchange that did nothing to interrupt our work but it made me smile and appreciate her all the more. Sometimes the joy comes as a surprise and it is important to take a moment to notice and let the good feeling wash over you. It can make all the difference.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Weekends are just too short!
I didn't manage any time for writing last weekend so I will have to play catch up on this Sunday.
Last Saturday was my granddaughter's birthday and Rod and I spent the afternoon and evening with her and her parents. Miriam opened her gifts when we arrived because our gift was both an object and an event. I like to give people gifts that will provide a memory although I don't always manage this. Objects get lost, broken and out grown but memories last forever. The gifts were swimming suits, the event an afternoon at the pool. Elspeth documented all the water fun with her camera which goes everywhere she goes. Curtis and I tried the diving boards, low for diving, high for jumping. Miriam decided she wanted to try so I walked her to the end of the low board and dropped her off and she came up grinning. I asked if she wanted to go again and she pointed to the high board and said "That one." I told her no but I'm amazed she wanted to try. The lifeguard was giving us a look and I'm pretty sure she would have stopped us. Miriam tried the floating bridge and all the foam floaty things in the pool. If the pool hadn't closed I think we would still be there. Miriam had to be shown the empty pool after we got dressed before she would believe us we really had to get out. We followed this up with dinner at Red Robin. If you want to please a four year old have them be the center of attention in a restaurant. When the wait staff came over and began to sing to her she positively beamed. The ice cream they gave her was appreciated but definitely was secondary in enjoyment. Lovely day both for activities and company.
Sunday was boring weekend stuff, groceries, yard work, and so on. I really could use three day weekends so I could have one day for things like my quilt and writing and reading.
Yesterday Rod and I drove to the coast. Every time we go I wish we could live there although the devastation in Japan causes you a bit of pause. The predictions are that the coast of Oregon and Washington could experience a similar quake and resultant tsunami. There are a lot of houses I wouldn't buy or even feel real comfortable staying overnight. You find yourself looking up hill for escape routes as you drive along.
We took our usual route up to Tillamook where we stopped for coffee and a cheese sample or two. Oddly enough we found an excellent birthday gift for son-in-law Mark (won't spoil the surprise by saying what it is). After Tillamook we followed the Three Capes Scenic Loop just because the drive is so pretty. A stop at Cape Meares turned out to be particularly well timed. It had been raining off and on all day but just as we got out of the car the sun came out and the ocean took on all of its best colors so I took some dandy pictures.
Of course no trip to the coast is complete without a stop at Pelican Pub for some of their India Pelican Ale and a meal. Fried Oyster sandwich, spring greens salad with herb vinaigrette a pint of IPA and a lovely view of the ocean satisfied all needs.
Of course after you eat the choice is nap or walk and on the coast walk usually wins. We climbed the dune at the end of the beach and were treated to some wonderful views that we never knew where there. Nice rocks and crashing waves, caves and sea birds soaring all made the uphill climb worthwhile.
Sadly it is Sunday and after doing all the have to's there is never enough time for the want to's. Weekend is almost over and work week starts again.
Last Saturday was my granddaughter's birthday and Rod and I spent the afternoon and evening with her and her parents. Miriam opened her gifts when we arrived because our gift was both an object and an event. I like to give people gifts that will provide a memory although I don't always manage this. Objects get lost, broken and out grown but memories last forever. The gifts were swimming suits, the event an afternoon at the pool. Elspeth documented all the water fun with her camera which goes everywhere she goes. Curtis and I tried the diving boards, low for diving, high for jumping. Miriam decided she wanted to try so I walked her to the end of the low board and dropped her off and she came up grinning. I asked if she wanted to go again and she pointed to the high board and said "That one." I told her no but I'm amazed she wanted to try. The lifeguard was giving us a look and I'm pretty sure she would have stopped us. Miriam tried the floating bridge and all the foam floaty things in the pool. If the pool hadn't closed I think we would still be there. Miriam had to be shown the empty pool after we got dressed before she would believe us we really had to get out. We followed this up with dinner at Red Robin. If you want to please a four year old have them be the center of attention in a restaurant. When the wait staff came over and began to sing to her she positively beamed. The ice cream they gave her was appreciated but definitely was secondary in enjoyment. Lovely day both for activities and company.
Sunday was boring weekend stuff, groceries, yard work, and so on. I really could use three day weekends so I could have one day for things like my quilt and writing and reading.
Yesterday Rod and I drove to the coast. Every time we go I wish we could live there although the devastation in Japan causes you a bit of pause. The predictions are that the coast of Oregon and Washington could experience a similar quake and resultant tsunami. There are a lot of houses I wouldn't buy or even feel real comfortable staying overnight. You find yourself looking up hill for escape routes as you drive along.
We took our usual route up to Tillamook where we stopped for coffee and a cheese sample or two. Oddly enough we found an excellent birthday gift for son-in-law Mark (won't spoil the surprise by saying what it is). After Tillamook we followed the Three Capes Scenic Loop just because the drive is so pretty. A stop at Cape Meares turned out to be particularly well timed. It had been raining off and on all day but just as we got out of the car the sun came out and the ocean took on all of its best colors so I took some dandy pictures.
Of course no trip to the coast is complete without a stop at Pelican Pub for some of their India Pelican Ale and a meal. Fried Oyster sandwich, spring greens salad with herb vinaigrette a pint of IPA and a lovely view of the ocean satisfied all needs.
Of course after you eat the choice is nap or walk and on the coast walk usually wins. We climbed the dune at the end of the beach and were treated to some wonderful views that we never knew where there. Nice rocks and crashing waves, caves and sea birds soaring all made the uphill climb worthwhile.
Sadly it is Sunday and after doing all the have to's there is never enough time for the want to's. Weekend is almost over and work week starts again.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Mama Day
Today I spent the day with my Mama. Some things have become difficult for her so I came to help but that didn't mean we couldn't take a few pleasures in the day. My first stop was Bauman Farms where I stopped for some fresh produce. They always have a multitude of plants to look at and their produce is always the best. Because I joined their rewards program I received a free pansy with the rest of the produce I bought. A simple pleasure but pansies are always pretty. I arrived at Mama's and after the produce was put away we set off on errands. Our first stop was Coastal Farm to buy thistle seed for her bird feeders. It is chick season so they had a row of stock tanks comntaining of a variety of baby chicks. Regardless of how you might feel about chickens a flock of chicks peeping under their heat lamps is just cute. It is always a fleeting thought to buy a few but I always come to my senses and remember they will be chickens and what on earth do I need chickens for? The next errand was to get some books from the Tidal Wave bookstore, the outlet for Multnomah County Libraries unneeded books. If you have never been and you are in Portland, there is no cheaper place to buy books. The selection is variable but I have never walked in the door without walking out with a sackful or two of books and usually I spent little more than $10. The fun part of this errand was the meeting of old friends. Mama used to volunteer at Tidal Wave when she lived in Portland and she had an opportunity to visit with her friends from those days. I ran around and picked out books and piled them on the table and she caught up with her friends. By now it was lunchtime and we chose Meriwether's on Vaughn. They are a really special place to eat and we have been dining there almost since they opened. They have their own farm so most of what you eat is seasonal and Northwest grown.While we were eating the chef came out into the part of the restaurant where we were and put a suckling pig on a spit in their fireplace and began to cook it. We asked the waitress how long it would take to cook and the chef came over and told us all about how long and what they did with the meat when it was cooked. If you are curious 8 to 12 hours depending on the size of the pig. After that we went back to Hillsboro, I took care of a few things and then it was time to drive back to Sublimity. All in all a lovely day.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Worth the wait.
I made reservations over two months ago for McMinamin's Edgefield Inn. We counted the days until our three day weekend arrived. We had attempted to stay before but it is a very popular place for events and therefore difficult to reserve a room. When I made the reservation I knew we had a furlough day but had not noticed that the weekend followed St. Patrick's Day.
We took our time packing and getting ready to leave on Friday morning. It is such a luxury on a non-work day to take your time. Feel like an extra cup of coffee, decide to change your shoes, maybe eat a piece of toast? All things that the work day makes tricky if not impossible. Part of the secret to excellent time off is allowing yourself to slow your pace and relish the small stuff. Finally we seemed to be ready to mutter out the door and head north to Troutdale. As always we had enough electronics to stock Best Buy. GPS, check; smart phones, check: DS, check; Kindle, check: not to mention thermometer, watch, and flashlight. I'm not sure why we need all this but we seem to and we do use most if not all. When we got married we would take a map, a clock, a flashlight and occasionally a compass. Over the years we added a thermometer and a calculator. All the rest of the stuff has been within the last few years. Oddly enough the smart phones have cut back the need for the laptop. The other essential for all trips is a swimming suit. You just never know when you might wish for one and their are no good substitutes. Shorts and t shirt are too heavy and underwear is not really suitable after you are about five. There is nothing more sad than missing a water opportunity because you forgot your swimming suit.
We knew we were too early for check in so we decided to take in Bonneville Dam as long as we were within a few miles. Rod had never been to see it and I felt an engineer should see stuff like that so off we went. It was pouring down rain the entire time we were there but we had new rain hats so we braved the downpour to take a good look at the fish ladders. No fish were attempting to climb the ladders. In the viewing windows inside we could see a few tails in one window but on the whole it was pretty anticlimactic. We watched a short film about the dam and how it was proposed by Roosevelt. I always enjoy looking at the pictures of the Columbia predam. It is interesting to imagine the river running wold and free but also hard to imagine the Northwest without hydro power and flood control. Although interesting in concept a dam is pretty static and we decided to head downstream and take in the waterfalls along the old Columbia River Highway. The Columbia River Highway was the first paved road in Oregon, paved to promote tourism rather than business oddly enough. Nobody ever takes new technology seriously, it is always seen as entertainment and not something serious people could ever use for a practical purpose.
This has been such a wet month that the waterfalls were in full force. We stopped at several but the pouring rain was somewhat of a discouragement from much exploration. Onward to McMinamin's for further adventures.
Upon arrival I realized that St. Patrick's was still being celebrated with enthusiasm. The sound of bagpipes was the first clue, Irish stew and soda bread for lunch provided a second. We wandered around the grounds after lunch, watched a bit of Irish dancing by some young girls, settled into our room and decided to try out the soaking pool. We have lived by many hot springs, used quite a few hot tubs in our day but Ruby's soaking pool was bar none the best yet. Designed as a basic figure eight with various squiggles along the way it was very pretty, easy to find a corner to call your own, and a temperature that was just perfect. As with any place on a McMinamin's property there was sculpture, interesting lighting and plants to entertain the eye as well. We spent a blissful hour there paddling from place to place and only left because of hunger and pruney fingers.
Anyone who knows us knows that we are appreciative of good food and dinner provided us with some excellent taste treats. Smoked salmon salad with citrus dressing, grapefruit and avocado as garnish to start, tea soaked duck with slaw and won tons as dinner and dessert sampler to finish. Nothing to do after that than take a stroll around the grounds and head for bed.
Saturday morning dawned wet as every other day this March but we were undeterred. After a simple breakfast and some coffee we decided to stroll over to the Pub Courses and sign up for a tee time. Along the way I took pictures of some of the signs of spring; daffodils, budding trees and small green leaves on the various shrubs. We were prepared for rain but the sun came out just as we took to the course. The course is a 12 hole par 3 and perfect for someone who has never done more with a golf club than play miniature golf. Rod has played but not for a long time. He actually did rather well and I considered any hole scored less than double par a victory. We had a lovely time, the course meanders around the edge of the property and provided restful views for the eye as well as a mild physical challenge for the body. When we were finished we headed inside to have a bit of lunch. Just as we were seated the skies opened and the rain poured down. After a good ale, sandwich and salad rolls a nap was in order. After the nap we could not resist a second trip to the soaking pool. My co-worker John who is from Rwanda invited us to a celebration of his country. The event was in Portland. We had a very enjoyable evening watching dancing, listening to music and best of all sampling Rwandan food. Rwanda is a beautiful mountainous country and I can see why John refers to it as "My Country". He is obviously proud and maybe a bit homesick. A bit of dessert back at Edgefield and the day came to a close.
Unfortunately all trips come to and end and this one was no exception. We took our time getting ready to leave, oranges, muffins and coffee in bed while reading the Oregonian. Showers and packing and we could not stall any longer. Check out, set up the GPS and back on the road to home. It was a lovely weekend but time to go home and tend to cat and fish, begin to give some thought to the week ahead and add this trip to the memory book.
We took our time packing and getting ready to leave on Friday morning. It is such a luxury on a non-work day to take your time. Feel like an extra cup of coffee, decide to change your shoes, maybe eat a piece of toast? All things that the work day makes tricky if not impossible. Part of the secret to excellent time off is allowing yourself to slow your pace and relish the small stuff. Finally we seemed to be ready to mutter out the door and head north to Troutdale. As always we had enough electronics to stock Best Buy. GPS, check; smart phones, check: DS, check; Kindle, check: not to mention thermometer, watch, and flashlight. I'm not sure why we need all this but we seem to and we do use most if not all. When we got married we would take a map, a clock, a flashlight and occasionally a compass. Over the years we added a thermometer and a calculator. All the rest of the stuff has been within the last few years. Oddly enough the smart phones have cut back the need for the laptop. The other essential for all trips is a swimming suit. You just never know when you might wish for one and their are no good substitutes. Shorts and t shirt are too heavy and underwear is not really suitable after you are about five. There is nothing more sad than missing a water opportunity because you forgot your swimming suit.
We knew we were too early for check in so we decided to take in Bonneville Dam as long as we were within a few miles. Rod had never been to see it and I felt an engineer should see stuff like that so off we went. It was pouring down rain the entire time we were there but we had new rain hats so we braved the downpour to take a good look at the fish ladders. No fish were attempting to climb the ladders. In the viewing windows inside we could see a few tails in one window but on the whole it was pretty anticlimactic. We watched a short film about the dam and how it was proposed by Roosevelt. I always enjoy looking at the pictures of the Columbia predam. It is interesting to imagine the river running wold and free but also hard to imagine the Northwest without hydro power and flood control. Although interesting in concept a dam is pretty static and we decided to head downstream and take in the waterfalls along the old Columbia River Highway. The Columbia River Highway was the first paved road in Oregon, paved to promote tourism rather than business oddly enough. Nobody ever takes new technology seriously, it is always seen as entertainment and not something serious people could ever use for a practical purpose.
This has been such a wet month that the waterfalls were in full force. We stopped at several but the pouring rain was somewhat of a discouragement from much exploration. Onward to McMinamin's for further adventures.
Upon arrival I realized that St. Patrick's was still being celebrated with enthusiasm. The sound of bagpipes was the first clue, Irish stew and soda bread for lunch provided a second. We wandered around the grounds after lunch, watched a bit of Irish dancing by some young girls, settled into our room and decided to try out the soaking pool. We have lived by many hot springs, used quite a few hot tubs in our day but Ruby's soaking pool was bar none the best yet. Designed as a basic figure eight with various squiggles along the way it was very pretty, easy to find a corner to call your own, and a temperature that was just perfect. As with any place on a McMinamin's property there was sculpture, interesting lighting and plants to entertain the eye as well. We spent a blissful hour there paddling from place to place and only left because of hunger and pruney fingers.
Anyone who knows us knows that we are appreciative of good food and dinner provided us with some excellent taste treats. Smoked salmon salad with citrus dressing, grapefruit and avocado as garnish to start, tea soaked duck with slaw and won tons as dinner and dessert sampler to finish. Nothing to do after that than take a stroll around the grounds and head for bed.
Saturday morning dawned wet as every other day this March but we were undeterred. After a simple breakfast and some coffee we decided to stroll over to the Pub Courses and sign up for a tee time. Along the way I took pictures of some of the signs of spring; daffodils, budding trees and small green leaves on the various shrubs. We were prepared for rain but the sun came out just as we took to the course. The course is a 12 hole par 3 and perfect for someone who has never done more with a golf club than play miniature golf. Rod has played but not for a long time. He actually did rather well and I considered any hole scored less than double par a victory. We had a lovely time, the course meanders around the edge of the property and provided restful views for the eye as well as a mild physical challenge for the body. When we were finished we headed inside to have a bit of lunch. Just as we were seated the skies opened and the rain poured down. After a good ale, sandwich and salad rolls a nap was in order. After the nap we could not resist a second trip to the soaking pool. My co-worker John who is from Rwanda invited us to a celebration of his country. The event was in Portland. We had a very enjoyable evening watching dancing, listening to music and best of all sampling Rwandan food. Rwanda is a beautiful mountainous country and I can see why John refers to it as "My Country". He is obviously proud and maybe a bit homesick. A bit of dessert back at Edgefield and the day came to a close.
Unfortunately all trips come to and end and this one was no exception. We took our time getting ready to leave, oranges, muffins and coffee in bed while reading the Oregonian. Showers and packing and we could not stall any longer. Check out, set up the GPS and back on the road to home. It was a lovely weekend but time to go home and tend to cat and fish, begin to give some thought to the week ahead and add this trip to the memory book.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Memories
Sometimes you just get a dose of the past out of nowhere. During dinner at Mac's I just started connecting to old memories. College basketball was playing on the TV's. I remembered my first year at KU and the excitement about the Jayhawks going to the finals. I wasn't a basketball fan but the excitement on campus was fun. Then a country western song came on and it reminded me of a friend of ours who used to sing "Hey Good Lookin" to Cecilia when she was only a few months old, it always made her smile. What is it that triggers this stuff?
Weekend wise Friday we did dinner at Mac's where Chef Thomas as always produced some interesting food. We skipped the elk burger because we had ordered it before. The choices came down to Shrimp and grits and pulled pork tostados, both were excellent. To top the meal off we had lemon tarts. It would be difficult to choose between the lemon this week and the chocolate espresso last time, both were outstanding.
Saturday we spent mostly at the Danner's. In order to spend some of Miriam's boundless energy on a rainy day, we went to the park and made a complete circumference of the park carrying umbrellas and stomping in the puddles as we went. Rod took on keeping an eye on Miriam while Elspeth and I went to a "product party". Her friend Liz had us over and there was food and conversation. I really am somewhat out of my demographic with this group but again with the memories. I remember many such events when the girls were small. They were an opportunity to talk to grownups and have a night away from children. You love them but everyone needs a break from the routine.
Today was mostly hanging around the house. A little yard work, a good long walk, a little project work and an attempt to go to bed early enough to ameliorate the effects of "spring ahead".
Weekend wise Friday we did dinner at Mac's where Chef Thomas as always produced some interesting food. We skipped the elk burger because we had ordered it before. The choices came down to Shrimp and grits and pulled pork tostados, both were excellent. To top the meal off we had lemon tarts. It would be difficult to choose between the lemon this week and the chocolate espresso last time, both were outstanding.
Saturday we spent mostly at the Danner's. In order to spend some of Miriam's boundless energy on a rainy day, we went to the park and made a complete circumference of the park carrying umbrellas and stomping in the puddles as we went. Rod took on keeping an eye on Miriam while Elspeth and I went to a "product party". Her friend Liz had us over and there was food and conversation. I really am somewhat out of my demographic with this group but again with the memories. I remember many such events when the girls were small. They were an opportunity to talk to grownups and have a night away from children. You love them but everyone needs a break from the routine.
Today was mostly hanging around the house. A little yard work, a good long walk, a little project work and an attempt to go to bed early enough to ameliorate the effects of "spring ahead".
Friday, March 11, 2011
Anticipation
Friday is in many ways the best day of the week. The best part of Friday is the anticipation. Friday morning you know you are almost through the work week and the weekend is about to arrive. Discussions of where to go for dinner, what we might do and what we need to accomplish over the weekend accompany us as we ride together into Salem for work. "See you at 4." becomes the rallying cry for the weekend.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
A quiet weekend
Oddly enough the first week I start this we did not go out for dinner on Friday. Instead we stayed home and had scrambled eggs with caramelized onions and chicken apple sausage mixed in. The incentive to cook at home was a loaf of Cinnabon bread we picked up at the Oroweat outlet. I'm not sure what is is about cinnamon but it just smells like comfort. Saturday was spent running errands in the scooter and working on craft projects. I put on another row of water on my quilt, the next step is sand. Rod is working on putting together a couple of small, about 5 inches or so, wooden airplanes. One is a triplane and the other a biplane. Today we went to a movie, Rango. If you are a movie buff you will get a kick out of it because it references so many other movies. Think Star Wars but with bats. We went into Salem because that was the only theater playing Rango but usually we head into Silverton for movies. On Sunday they are only $4 and are usually first run. They only have one screen so sometimes you have to wait a week or so but it is a pretty decent theater and of course Mac's is across the street. Finally we had conversations with both our daughters and that is always a pleasure. Sadly enough the weekend is almost over but it has been a good one.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Friday nights
When our kids began to have a social life of their own my husband and I started what we call "Friday Nights". We both had jobs that required a late Friday night and when we were done it was nice to go out to dinner and shift gears from work week to weekend. We have been having "Friday Nights' for almost 15 years. Part of "Fridays" is learning to let work go and enjoy time off to the fullest so sometimes "Fridays" are longer than one evening. This is going to be about the things we find to do that are entertaining. We are not rich so mostly what we do is find good things to eat and interesting places to visit, mostly in Oregon but occasionally elsewhere. Even if you never visit the places we do I hope you start your own "Fridays" and maybe even share what you find to balance play against work.
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