The Movie "Bridesmaids"...........

I don't often go to a movie theater since Netflix is so convenient at home but, today, Cheryl and I decided to go out for lunch and then see the movie "Bridesmaids". I'm not sure whether I should recommend it or tell you to "forget it". It had some very good moments and then, others that were very corny. If you're looking for some laughs and you don't mind watching some crazy behavior, then take a chance and go to see it.

Tony Bennett.........................

Last night we had a delightful experience starting with dinner with Ann and Allison at the Heathman Hotel and then, next door to the theater, to see Tony Bennett. We had seats near the front and the show was fabulous. At age 84 this man still has what it takes - great voice and a wonderful showman. Then, to top off the evening, Ann invited us to her place on the 17th floor for drinks and the fireworks show down at the river to celebrate the opening of this year's Rose Festival. + Life is good+

Three Years............

It seems like forever.

It feels like yesterday.

California......... here I come............

Yes, I'm looking forward to seeing friends and family so I'm heading to Sacramento on June 18th and I'll return to Portland on the 23rd. My plan is to visit Lodi, Stockton, Walnut Creek, San Francisco and Sacramento so it will be a busy, but fun trip.

The Finished Product..................

Today I picked up my new fused glass plate from the glass class that I took last Wednesday. I'm very pleased. I can actually use this one (unlike my first attempts a couple of months ago). See -We DO learn with practice.

Do any of you use SKYPE ????

Roger just connected to the phone system SKYPE on his computer with the video camera and microphone so he's having a great time connecting with some of his friends in other countries. So far he's only connected with a friend in Ontario and he's talked his sister in Paris to connect - SO - if anyone reading this uses Skype and would like to communicate with us, his e-mail is: rogerhatefi@gmail.com.

It's really exciting to be able to see the person that you're talking to, especially when they are half a world away.

Another Portland Experience

After dinner at Hotel 50 with my friend, Ann, we proceeded to an event sponsored by the Oregon Symphony at a private home in the "West Hills." It was a private fundraiser for the Symphony and they featured a married couple who both play for the Symphony; one a viola and the other a violin. To get there we drove over a mile on a narrow winding road that took us high into the hills above the city. The view was breathtaking and the music was the ultimate enjoyable experience.

A Stroll Down 23rd - Lunch at Kornblatt's Deli

On my walk to the streetcar I found that my favorite fountain has been turned on for the summer. The water is surrounded by terraces where people can sit, read or enjoy visiting in a tranquil setting.

After a routine visit to Legacy Clinic, I walked over to 23rd Avenue, starting with lunch at Kornblatt's New York Deli. It was my first visit, but not my last. It's a delightful deli that serves fresh made New York style deli food and the portions are HUGE. A good place to share a meal and the prices are very fair.

My walk continued with a visit to Dazzle (a shop with a decorated horse in front whose colors and clothing change with the seasons), and another stop at "3 Monkeys" where they sell really funky accessories and clothing.

So Roger wouldn't miss out on a treat, my next stop was "Two Tarts" where they specialize in making very small (and very elaborate and delicious) cookies.

My last stop was at a darling flower shop near the hospital to buy a fresh flower before boarding the streetcar to come home.

Happy Birthday, Lori............

Here's a BIG Happy Birthday wish to the best chef in the family. Have a delicious day............

With Love from Mom and Roger

Bullseye Glass Co. Fusing Class Tonight

Tonight I had a great time taking another fused glass class, this one at the Bullseye Glass Co. where they manufacture gorgeous art glass. Our instructor, Nathan, was very skilled and he did a wonderful job teaching us. Everyone created unusual and beautiful pieces that will be fired in kilns overnight. Saturday we get to pick up our finished product. The bright colored piece is mine and, hopefully, it will turn out well.

A Beautiful Day At River Front

A leisurely walk, sunshine, balmy breezes, lunch outdoors with a view and a visit with Callie. A perfect way to spend the day.

Saturday......................

Author Robert Harris

If you're interested in ancient history, as I am, I suggest that you read books written by Robert Harris. I started with "Pompeii" and then I read "Imperium". Now I'm reading "Conspirata" (both of these novels are fiction based on the life of Ciccero, B.C. 63.) Early in this latest book there is a quote.

"Surely the greatest mercy granted us by Providence is our ignorance of the future. Imagine if we knew the outcome of our hopes and plans, or could see the manner in which we are doomed to die - how ruined our lives would be ! Instead we live on dumbly from day to day as happily as animals. But all things must come to dust eventually. No human being, no system, no age is impervious to this law, everything beneath the stars will perish; the hardest rock will be worn away. Nothing endures but words.

" Hummmmm. perhaps "Twitter" and "Blogs" ???

Benson Hotel Steak Dinner

Tonight was "girl's night" so Allison and I went to the Benson Hotel for dinner. They were offering a four course steak dinner for $50 each so we decided to check it out. Champagne, two appetizers, filet steak with fries and dessert - so we sort of waddled out of the restaurant - but, no complaints. The food and service was excellent and we'll think about dieting tomorrow (or maybe next week).

A Cat's Diary

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.

Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now ...

A Bright Ray of Sunshine on a Gloomy Portland Monday

This morning I reconnected with a dear friend, Anne, who lives in Walnut Creek. We've been out of touch for about a year so it was great to catch up on each other's lives.

A Day For Mothers........ Memories....... and Love

My mother, Anna, at age 90. When this was taken she no longer knew me but I was "that nice lady who took care of her" and we still had good times, going out to lunch (sometimes a challenge), getting her hair done with a weekly manicure and visiting her sisters whom she still recognized.

She was a beautiful woman, inside and out and she was greatly loved..............

Happy Birthday, Caroline...............

Happy Birthday, Caroline. We hope that you have a chance to get pampered today...............

Friday Night Cocktail Party

I only attend the weekly cocktail party at the American Plaza about once a month but it's an important way to stay in the network (gossip). Tonight Roger is cooking chicken kabob and rice so it was an excellent opportunity for me to join in with the group. There was an interesting cross-section of residents and I met some new people so it turned out to be a lot of fun. The major topic right now is the upcoming MAX train that will be coming down Lincoln Street (right next to my condo). It's considered to be a "good thing / bad thing" depending on how you look at it. The bad being about four years of construction noise, loss of some property right outside my unit and trees that will have to be sacrificed. The good news is that if you fly into Portland, you can take the train directly to the condo, plus we will have access to even more of the small towns that circle Portland by just walking outside our door. TriMet will be compensating us for the property loss and potential noise so we'll just be patient and wait to see how this all works out.

Thanks, Lori and Pam.........

A huge surprise - 2 dozen roses delivered by UPS and shipped from San Diego. What a marvelous world we live in............. Thanks, Lori and Pam !!

Food Carts Near PCU

Bella and I took a walk to the bank and on our way home I decided to check out the food carts near the Portland State University Campus.

Today I started by trying the Burger Jerk cart, even though I ordered a tuna sandwich. The next one I'll try is "Gangster Meatballs". Then it'll be time to dabble into Thai, Asian, Indian and Spanish cart food.

Happy Birthday, Liz !!

A special day to celebrate life and love. Happy Birthday, dear friend................

May 3rd - 52 Years Ago................

Today is an important date in my life - when my dreams, love and future were still very young - a wedding (not Royal) but just as important because it was the beginning of a lifelong love, two beautiful children and an absolutely perfect grandchild. Now, life has brought me a new love but the memories will always remain of a marriage with a gentle, generous and loving man.

Portland's Living Room Theater

OK, picture this. The streetcar stops at the corner of 10th and Stark. You walk across the street, go into a small bar/cafe and buy your movie ticket for $5 (on Mondays and Tuesdays - other weekdays it's $7 and weekends, $10). Then you can order a drink, snack or lunch and either enjoy them in the cafe or the waitress will serve them to your seat inside the theater.

There you have a choice of sitting in a recliner or extra sized plush lounge chairs with tables for your food and drink. There are six small theaters, each seating about 50 people. Today I watched the movie "Water For Elephants". I enjoyed reading the book over a year ago but the movie far surpassed my expectations. Enjoying the movie while sipping on a draft red ale and munching on a snack plate made it a perfect way to spend an afternoon.