Early tomorrow morning we're hitting the road for a trip to Vancouver BC. Roger goes about twice a year but it has been at least 15 years since I was there so I'm looking forward to the drive and to reacquainting myself with the city.
As usual, I'm taking way too much stuff but Roger is a good sport and he lets me do as I please. Bella gets to go along so she's already dancing around the condo watching us pack her things. We'll return on Saturday (probably late) and then it's time to prepare for a visit from Lori and Pam.
This is a special day to remember those that we loved and lost through the years. There are so many that touched my life and today, besides my darling Gary, I remember my mom who lived to be 93, my dad who lived to be 87, Gary's mom Alma who lived to be 96. Also remembered are Randy Lutz, Gary's dad, Al, and several who died recently; Marv Smith, Sam Holland and my Aunt Marie. Memories keep them alive in our hearts................
Some of our favorite people (Mari, Stewart and Ann) were dinner guests last night. What started out as a simple meal turned out into a spectacular event because Roger wanted to prepare some of his favorites, too. Right about the time that our guests were thinking of leaving the fireworks started at River Place so it was a perfect ending to an enjoyable evening.
Today the outdoor pool is open for the season; warmed to 82 degrees with all the lawn furniture in place and Portland is ready to celebrate the beginning of the Rose Festival. Roger and I are planning to take a drive into the Wine Region to visit a winery that has been given rave reviews - - but there's just one slight glitch - - It's cloudy, wet and gloomy which tends to "dampen the spirits" so I'm going to start the day reading the Oregonian in front of the fireplace instead of out by the pool. We're promised 72 degrees and sunshine tomorrow so we're hoping for a reprieve.
It's likely that I talked about razor clams before but since my readers are my age, you've likely forgotten, just as I have.
Today was my "me" day with a pedicure and manicure followed by lunch downtown at Jakes. Fresh razor clams were on the menu and since they are seasonal I made an order.
Most of you reading this remember Mac and Pat Tadena in the "good 'ole days" when they hosted abalone dinners. Abalone today is just a fond memory but razor clams are a good substitute. They have a more tough consistency but they have a similar taste so it's a chance to remember the earlier days when we enjoyed some great parties. My only regret is that I have lost touch with Pat and Mac.
http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/shelfish/razorclm/razor10.htm
The clams today came from Washington State. In a week we're on our way to Vancouver BC so maybe we'll get even closer to the source of these delicious clams.
This afternoon Roger and I visited an International market for the first time and we found food products that are not available in a general grocery store. Roger was excited to find fruit and vegetables that are only found in the Middle East. My favorite was a choice of fresh caught fish so tonight we had True Cod. I'm anxious to get back to try the fresh wild salmon and red snapper.
Two years ago we lost a loving husband, dad, grandpa and friend. Rest in Peace, dearest Gary.
It is said that time goes fast for those who have fun so that pretty much describes the last week.
Nothing exciting but just a progression of pleasant days filled with enjoyment.
Liz did well with her knee replacement on Monday and is now on the road to recovery,
Lori had a great birthday celebration entertaining friends with her new raclette machine,
Roger and I took care of dental and medical appointments and Cheryl and I enjoyed an afternoon of lunch at the Culinary Institute and shopping at Macys and Chicos, downtown.
Yesterday Callie joined me for a walk to the Farmer's Market and lunch down at the river and today we've been lazy, cooking and enjoying the weekend. While I write this Bella is busy getting a tummy rub from Roger. Now it's time to watch a movie.
Today is a celebration of Lori's birth, forty-"some" years ago on a Saturday afternoon.
I send my love and hope that your day is extra special just like you!
Happy Birthday from Mom........................
So, what does one write about when there's nothing enlightening or exciting? The Farmer's Market, of course .
Roger and Bella are waiting for the streetcar and this time, Roger isn't taking any chances with tomatoes. He already has several plants struggling on the balcony (it's been very cool at night) so now he has three more to plant this weekend. The fresh mint plants that Orlan and Sheila mailed to us are growing like weeds so it's nice to see something surviving the cool climate.
Note that Bella is yawning - probably because she's still experiencing "jet lag" from the busy time that she had in California.
Following the Farmer's Market we headed down to the river to have lunch - our favorite cafe where we can eat the best burger in Portland at an outside table. We Portlanders are euphoric because the temps reached the mid 70s today.
Now it's time for Spring cleaning and window washing so it will be a busy weekend.
Meanwhile, I'm still unpacking and cleaning my purchases from the auction so there's always something to do.
The trip to California was a great opportunity to reconnect with friends and also take care of business. I took Bella with me as an experiment to see if it would be feasible to fly with her for a longer vacation and she did very well. She was nervous on the flight to Sacramento but the return flight went extremely well - plus she was excited to see Roger at the airport.
Bella and I were treated to a lamb shank stew when we returned home so, even though she was exhausted, she took time to chew on her special bone before she crashed into her bed.
The Bonham's auction was fabulous so I bought a huge amount of things; some packed in my luggage and three large boxes that I shipped from Sacramento. So - - if you're wondering what I'll be doing the remainder of the month - I'll be chained to the computer while Roger helps by polishing all the sterling. Starting today, we'll set up a small workshop to clean, take photos, research and sell.
I didn't bring California sunshine back as I had hoped but it's still very early and the forecast is for the lower 70s so right now, I'm ignoring the cloudy sky.
A special thanks goes to Lori and Pam, Liz and Ed and Ron and Rosanna who housed me, fed me and pampered me. It was an enjoyable trip !!!
It's great to get back to California sunshine but tomorrow and Monday, rain is expected and my friends are blaming me for bringing Portland weather with me. If it's true perhaps I can bring some California sun back to Portland when I return next week.
Bella was a brave airplane traveler but she got slightly sick during the flight. I obtained some medicine that took care of the problem so she's back to being energetic and excited with all the activities and attention.
We started out in Sacramento with dinner at WaterBoy Restaurant for an early celebration of Lori's birthday. Friday I took Aunt Viola to lunch so we could catch up on family business and after a visit with John and Lenis, I enjoyed a delicious dinner with Ed and Liz and stayed the night.
This morning, Bella and I headed for San Francisco where I previewed the Bonham's auction that will be held tomorrow. We had time to stop at Perry's for brunch and I was lucky to get a sidewalk table so Bella could join me.
Now I'm writing this from Ron and Rosanna's where we just finished a delicious Italian dinner. I'll spend the next two nights here before returning to Sacramento.
The auction tomorrow has some amazing sterling and silver that dates as far back as the late 1700s so I'm very eager to buy some gorgeous antique treasures.
It will be nice to spend some time in sunny California and to see long-time friends and family. Tonight Lori, Pam and I will be celebrating their birthdays at Waterboy, our favorite Sacramento restaurant, and tomorrow Bella and I will head to Lodi to reconnect with friends.
Happy Cinco de Mayo, a day to enjoy good Mexican food and, here in Portland, a great reason to get out and celebrate at the Festival down on the river.
We had Mexican food over the weekend so tonight Roger is fixing my farewell dinner of lamb because I'll be in California until next Tuesday.
Bella was groomed today and the Vet gave her a certificate of health so she's ready for her first airplane ride.
The auction in S.F. is going to be a wonderful opportunity to buy a large amount of antique silver so I've left lots of room in my suitcase to pack things to bring on the return trip.
Happy Birthday, Liz. I hope that today is filled with laughter, love and joy !!
