Today felt like a vacation day, with Roger and I being even more lazy than usual. We watched two spectacular movies; the first "The Girl With A Pearl Earring", painted by Vermeer.
Excellent acting, beautiful photography and an interesting look at a painter in the 1600s.
After snacking out of the refrigerator (no cooking when on vacation) we decided to continue our leisurely day by watching Frida, the story of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Another interesting look at two creative artists with fascinating personal stories.
Two weeks before the pandemic closed down our state, Roger had been accepted to show three of his paintings in a Cannon Beach Gallery. He had them ready to go so it was a disappointment when he found that the show had been cancelled.
The subject of the show was "Ebb And Flow". Here is one of his paintings. What's unusual about the art is the rock formation that is a sculpture that creates a high relief dimensional effect.
Yes, we're all missing the experience of dining out, linens, candlelight, sumptuous wine choices and multi-course menu choices. SO, instead, I just finished reading "DIRT', written by Bill Buford who lived in Lyon, France for five years, learning how to cook authentic French recipes under the tutelage of famous chefs, such as Paul Bocuse and Michel Richard.
I learned much about Lyon and I regret that I never visited there but just reading about the food and recipes was almost like being there to enjoy the food. Fortunately, the imagination is alive and well during our isolation.
I recently learned that my favorite Portland restaurant, Mucca Osteria, is delivering their fabulous Italian food using Grubhub so sometime this week, I plan on an indulgent dining experience. I'll just do a "pretend" restaurant by using linens, candles, smooth jazz on the stereo and a Navarro Pinot Noir. Now I have something special to look forward to!
A thick juicy burger on a soft roll with pickles, mustard and lots of other good stuff was one of my favorite restaurant lunches, however, my favorite burger places in downtown Portland are still closed.
I've never before mastered cooking a burger at home but desperation brings out new talents.
SO, here's my version of a "smashed" 80% lean/20% fat burger with a thick slice of Tillamook sharp cheddar on a Grand Central Bakery potato bun.
Good? Oh, yes ................................
It has been three months since I talked about the pleasure of living in the Portland inner city area, even during a crisis. Now it's time to tell you how well our city and state officials have been keeping us safe.
The polite attitude of most people has made personal safety easy because neighbors and shoppers are wearing masks and other protection while maintaining a good attitude. Grocery stores are ultra clean and organized to make shoppers feel safe and those of us over age 60 are given special accommodations by shopping for an hour before the stores open to the public.
Life has become somewhat stressful but Roger and I are daily thankful for being healthy and safe in our home.
Yes, we miss our social activities that included theater, symphony, restaurant dinners, trips to Hood River and the waterfalls, a wedding, a graduation and my cancelled 80th birthday celebration but we have health - our most precious gift. Living in beautiful downtown Portland makes our isolation even easier because we can walk to the nearby river area and take short road trips to soak in the beauty of nature.
Today felt like a vacation day, with Roger and I being even more lazy than usual. We watched two spectacular movies; the first "The Girl With A Pearl Earring", painted by Vermeer.
