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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