The never ending birthday................

Today another birthday surprise arrived from Mike and Teresa- thanks so much - I'm loving being so spoiled !

Bella went to the Beauty Parlor this morning and her dresses are washed and ironed so she, at least, is ready for our get-a-way tomorrow and Thursday. We'll be taking the back-roads to Silverton so the drive will be leisurely. We're looking forward to visiting the Silverton State Park where there are some beautiful waterfalls.

WOW, what a day............

Thanks to all of you for the cards, phone calls (even an Internet birthday card from Paris), flowers and good wishes.

Roger worked hard to bake a special cake using fresh orange juice in the recipe. We haven't tried it yet but I know it will be delicious.

It was more difficult because we have no water in the kitchen today - a broken disposal shut us down so we are going next door to the party room to use their kitchen for washing dishes. Tomorrow we'll probably have a new one installed but we'll think about that later..................

Wednesday, Roger is taking me to a resort in Silverton for my birthday treat and Bella gets to go, too. We're looking forward to getting away and enjoying the beautiful Fall weather.

Thanks Mike & Teresa !!

I just returned home after having a manicure and pedicure to find this gorgeous arrangement waiting for me. It's huge and it looks beautiful in the living room - thanks, Mike and Teresa.

What a great birthday!!

A Birthday Treat !

Birthdays are Great !

Cheryl surprised me with a lunch invitation and a huge lily plant for my birthday. We took the streetcar and walked a few blocks to Le Bouchon for a fabulous lunch. After lunch we decided to take a longer walk to do some window shopping (mostly at French decorating shops) and then to Sweet Masterpiece, a chocolate and coffee bar where you can buy hand made dark chocolate candy and truffles and enjoy either a cup of coffee or a variety of hot chocolate drinks. It was a decadent and fun way to start the birthday celebrations.....

A Miracle - Now I'm 49 !

http://www.peterrussell.com/Odds/WorldClock.php

My brother, Elmer, took pity on me and he sent a web site where we can calculate our "real" age. I love it! According to that web site, I am now 49 years old with a life expectancy of 100 (Boy, I hope the money holds out that long...............)

OK - I'm just being funny because I frankly don't care how old I'm destined to be - that's why I live each day to its fullest and when I'm gone, none of you should feel sad knowing that I did everything I could and more - life is good............. But - thanks, Elmer ! Now I'm ready for the 70s............

How Old Are We REALLY ?

I don't check my Facebook account often but recently I got a note from a former employee, Katherine, and it was great to hear from her. We had many good times and interesting work together at DMV Investigations.

While checking out the website, I saw an advertisement from Dr. OZ who offers a test to see how old we really are. Next Sunday is my 70th birthday and until I took the test, I had myself convinced that I was really more like a 60 year old. Well, the test results indicate that my body is actually 78.5 years old SO - since I'm at such an advanced age, I've decided that I better write a will - and - maybe I'll just do something really crazy.............

Another Beautiful Saturday in Portland

Big-time Party At American Plaza Towers

When my friend, Cheryl, asked me to be in charge of appetizers for a party tonight - I said yes thinking there would only be 15 or 20 people attending.

We rearranged furniture in the Lincoln Tower party room, opened the sliding doors out to the pool patio and put tables and chairs outside. There we served iced tea and champagne fruit punch with appetizers inside the party room.

I didn't count the attendees but there had to be at least 60 people. Fortunately, Cheryl and I both made two large batches of appetizers, each, and many of those attending also brought food. It turned out to be a fabulous party in celebration of the restoration of a huge sculpture in the park between our three buildings. The park is maintained by the city of Portland but we share the expenses of maintenance and security. It's a peaceful place to sit and visit with neighbors, read or walk our dogs so it's also a meeting place for many of the residents. Tonight the guest of honor is the artist who originally created the sculpture and now he's renovating it with plans to have it completed in about a week or two. I'll share a picture when it's finished.

For now - I'm going to crash - this entire week seems like one big party so I'm ready for some rest and relaxation.

Another busy day with Ashley

Today was another fully packed day starting with Raclette for breakfast while Bella was getting a bath and haircut. After picking her up we drove out to see the waterfalls in the Columbia Gorge. They are at their smallest now but they are still beautiful and impressive.

Ashley and I finished the afternoon with Happy Hour at Jake's Crawfish Restaurant, established in 1892, where we had about 3 dozen clams for $5, California Rolls for $4 and an artichoke and spinach hot dip with chips for $2. (Now you can see why we love Happy Hour here in Portland).

From Jakes we headed to the freeway to drive Ashley to the Airport. Traffic was ultra heavy so it turned out to be an hour drive (20 minutes to return home). We allowed enough time so it worked out well.

Bella is moping and already missing Ashley so I expect her to be sad for at least a day or more. Ashley and she slept together and Bella followed her everywhere!

Another hard day in Portland...................

Today started a little later since we all decided to sleep in - Bella got lucky and ended up in bed with Ashley this morning. When I glanced into their room it was really sweet with Ashley sound asleep on one side of the bed and Bella stretched out on the pillow next to her.

We "girls", Ashley, Bella and I took the Streetcar to Everett Street Grill for lunch. Afterward we got back on the Streetcar and traveled out to 23rd Avenue, a popular up-scale shopping area. It's mostly small privately owned boutiques, shops and cafes and we had fun window shopping and enjoying the 75 degree temperature.

We couldn't resist stopping at the shop "3 Monkeys" which is absolutely darling with some very trendy and eclectic clothing and other personal articles.

Today was a perfect way to spend a leisurely afternoon and soon we'll enjoy an eggplant appetizer made by Roger.

Tuesday at Pasha

Today started out warm and ended with cool breezes so the temps are on their way down starting tomorrow.

After a fresh pastry from Ken's Artisan Bakery this morning we ventured out to Pasha for lunch. Roger knows the owner so we're always treated special there.

Tonight Roger's friend, Mo, joined us for dinner - Roger fixed lamb and beef kabob and we poured a 7 Deadly Zins from Lodi which was perfect with both meats. The smell of Roger's barbecuing is driving the neighbors nuts. He's gotten quite a reputation here for his kabob.

We're really enjoying Ashley's visit. We're keeping her busy but also giving her a chance to rest and relax after working so many extra hours at her work.

Happy Hour At OBA !!

Yesterday Ashley arrived a little after 2 p.m. and by 4 p.m. she and I were at Oba for Happy Hour with Alicia (pictured) and my friend Mari.

It was Margarita time and we enjoyed every one plus we decided that Oba burgers were in order.

Oba is one of my favorite restaurants in the Pearl and the best part is that the streetcar goes within two blocks of it.

Ashley worked night shift before she came so after watching a movie with us at home she ended up in bed early (just like us old folks).

Barbie Man

I don't ask any questions - I just let Roger do his thing - if he needs to use a gas and a charcoal barbecue, I'm not saying anything to discourage this!

The result was a fabulous dinner with almost no clean-up for me but Roger tells me that he's going to have to clean all three barbecues tomorrow in preparation for Ashley's visit.

Yes, Yes, another Farmer's Market Note

I can't help it - I simply must talk over and over about the local Farmer's Market. Today my friend, Ann, joined me for the walk over to the park where we bought so much stuff it was hard to carry all the weight back home. Every berry imaginable (plus some I've never heard of) and peaches are the star attraction this weekend.

We both purchased fresh caught salmon from a man who fishes on Friday and sells on Saturday. We were there about 10:30 a.m. and he already was close to being sold out. Tomorrow night we'll be enjoying his catch.

Yes, it finally got hot (one of the first days this summer) and the temps will continue in the mid to high 90s until later next week. Roger is going to brave the heat this evening to barbecue chicken kabob and corn on the cob.

Ashley flies in Monday early afternoon and we already have a date with Mari and Alicia to go to Oba for Happy Hour Monday evening (think Margaritas.........).

www.maysara.com

Today we took a short driving trip to the Maysara Winery near McMinnville. It's only about 45 miles from Portland but we have to drive on some congested country roads (similar to areas in the Napa Valley) so it can take up to 1.5 hours. The drive was enjoyable with beautiful scenery everywhere.

The owners originated from Tehran so Roger was eager to meet them.

Their philosophy is to return to nature what we take from nature through the purest means possible so they utilize digestible organics instead of commercial fertilizers that often poison the environment. The results of their growing techniques is wine that is fabulous. I wanted to buy a bottle of each but I held back and only bought a few. Bella got to go along so she's going to bed early tonight.

The weather is warming and we're warned of a "heat wave" this weekend - somewhere near 100 degrees - so it's time to bundle up us old folks and put us into a shelter.............

Well, actually, Roger and I will probably go skinny dipping in the pool after hours (smile).

Grecian Baklava

Today is was time to do something new in the kitchen so we decided to make Baklava. First I checked for a recipe on the Internet. After reviewing at least two dozen, I finally decided on one that included fresh squeezed orange juice in the syrup. Roger was in charge of the syrup and I put the phyllo and nut mixture together using some pistachios and walnuts combined. With two of us working it didn't even take much time.

We ended up with 32 pieces so tonight we shared half of the pan with our friends at Lincoln Tower.

Monday Farmer's Market At Portland's Pioneer Square

After a manicure and lunch at Jakes I decided to check out another Farmer's Market held on Mondays at the center of downtown - a square block named "Pioneer Square". It houses a tourist center, a TV station and has room for outdoor movies, concerts, sand castle building and a wide variety of other organized events.

This is the first year for the Monday market at this location and my first time going there. It's very tiny compared to the Saturday market but today it had all the little items that I needed plus I found fresh dill which is something Roger loves to cook with.

The best thing is that the newest MAX line goes directly to Pioneer Square and back from close to where I live so getting there is easy. Bella and I may start making that a weekly event!

South Packfic and VQ - A Perfect Sunday in Portland

This afternoon our friends Stewart and Mari treated us to tickets to see the Broadway production, South Pacific. We've seen the production in past years but today was the best ever with beautiful stage scenery, a live orchestra and singers with amazing voices.

After, we all walked over to Veritable Quandary (VQ) for a late afternoon snack. The weather is mild and lovely today so we took an outdoor table and thoroughly enjoyed the ambiance (my Manhattan was good, too!)

Puff Pastry with Herbed Goat Cheese & Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes

We spent the afternoon at the Iranian Festival down in the Park Blocks (next to the Saturday Farmer's Market) where we enjoyed listening to unique ancient and modern Iranian music and also ate some delicious food.

This evening it was time to try a new recipe and it is so delicious I want to share it.

You'll need Pepperidge Farm pastry sheets, milk, fresh basil, cherry tomatoes (I used heirloom) and a small amount of herbed goat cheese plus one egg yolk.

Thaw puff pastry sheets (one for two people). Cut four strips off one side about one inch wide. Then cut the remaining dough in half. Place the squares on parchment paper lining a large baking sheet. Using the four strips, cut each in half and arrange them around the square edge. Make an egg wash with the egg yolk and about 1 tablespoon water. Brush it all around the edges and bake at 400 degrees for about 22 minutes.

Whisk together 2 ounces of herb-flavored goat cheese with a tablespoon of milk (I added some finely chopped green onion with chives) while the pastry is baking.

Take pastry out of the oven and divide the cheese mixture among the center of the tart, spreading it and pressing lightly to deflate the center. Top cheese mixture with cut cherry tomatoes, season with sea salt and pepper.

Bake an additional 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil after you remove them from the oven. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Recipe from the current Cuisine magazine.

Shopping on 23rd Avenue

Yes, it's another warm day (Bella's tongue is a good thermometer). She and I took the streetcar all the way to 23rd Avenue this afternoon to enjoy a walk and do a little shopping.

We stopped at a tiny cafe "Pepino's" where I had nachos and a Corona. The cafe serves healthy and natural food and I couldn't believe the bill - would you believe $1.50 for the Corona and $3.95 for a huge plate of nachos?

Anyway, Ashley, when you visit in another week this will be a definite stop and Bella will show you the way!

Happy Birthday, Dean !!!

Another year older, huh?????? Well, as your aging Aunt I won't disclose your age because then you'll want to pay me back when it's my turn.

Las Vegas is a great place to celebrate so I wish you a happy day and hope that you're doing something very special.

Happy Birthday!

Calm Before the Storm..............

I have a large shipment of sterling that left San Francisco this afternoon so this week has been quiet with not much to do until it arrives ................ so - we decided that it was time to do "Spring Cleaning" (slightly late). So - each day we tackle a new storage cupboard and we're amazed at what we have accomplished.

Roger would like to bake and decorate special occasion cakes because he really loves being creative so we bought a kitchen island that he has fully stocked with his equipment. (I never would have guessed how much it takes to create a decorated cake). While I'm on the computer, he's in the kitchen (nothing wrong with that) so each day is a creative experience.

This morning we took Bella for a walk down to RiverFront for lunch at Little River.

When we returned to the Streetcar station we realized the impact of tourists visiting Portland in August. There must have been 40 people waiting - all carrying a street map. Anyway, we ended up being tour guides.

Bella has recovered from her teeth cleaning and tomorrow she gets groomed so she'll be back to looking adorable.

We're starting to get a "visitor's calendar" with most people wanting to come in September. It's a beautiful month in Portland and we're excited with the anticipation of seeing long-time friends.

My Review

Originally submitted at The Kitchen Island Superstore (kitchen-island-superstore)

Perfect Addition To A Busy Kitchen !!

By Roger's Cakes from Portland, OR on 8/3/2010

 

5out of 5

Pros: Easy To Move, Adequate Storage, Attractive Design, Good Worktop, Easy To Assemble

Describe Yourself: Midrange Shopper

We needed a storage area specifically for cake baking and decorating implements. This cart is elegant, sturdy and well built with wheels that easily glide on the kitchen tile floor. We're very pleased with the service this company provided - great communication and FAST shipping ! Plus shipping was FREE ! How good is that ???????????

A Special Birthday Cake

(legalese)

Happy Birthday MR. ED..............................

Today is a special day to celebrate the birthday of a special friend, Ed Reagor.

There are many memories of your birthdays through the years but I think the most memorable for Gary was on your 40th when we all dressed as we would have looked in 1940. Gary was a baby in 1940 so, of course, he drank his gin and tonic from a baby bottle. He never did fully remember that party!

The one that I remember fondly is when Liz rented a Limo and treated us to a fabulous evening at Auberge du Soleil in celebration of another birthday.

Remember the dinner party at John's Landing at Tahoe and the day we rode horses at Northstar to a picnic? Yes, many years and many wonderful times - SO, now today I wish you a fabulous and happy birthday. Enjoy every moment!

Little Bella Goes To The Dentist

Tonight Bella is recovering from a traumatic day having her teeth cleaned for the first time She had anesthesia so tonight she's still acting a little goofy.

Remember the "speech" that we all get after having our teeth cleaned? You know the one------- floss, use mouthwash, brush a gazillion times each day - and on and on.....

Well, it's the same for dogs so I got the speech for Bella !

It's painful to admit what it cost but just figure about 2 1/2 times what you pay and that's what they charge for a small dog. I hate to think what they charge for a really big guy.

Is she worth it? Oh, yes...............