Roger and I are sharing a cold.................

It's not a pretty sight with us both coughing, choking, sneezing, dripping. So - all I can say is "Out, damned cold! out, I say!

Maybe tomorrow will be better...............

A Visit With Ashley

While in Reno it was a good opportunity to see my granddaughter, Ashley. She and her mom treated us to a great breakfast and then drove us to the airport. We had a great visit and got lots of hugs................

Reno Wedding - Josh and Virginia Hatefi

Roger and I flew to Reno Friday evening to attend a very special wedding of his grandson, Josh.

We stayed at the Peppermill Casino and Hotel and had a fabulous room - very elegant and large with all the amenities.

Saturday was a perfect 70 degree, sunny day and the wedding was lovely.

We're glad to be home now because we both have developed sore throats and a cold so we'll be staying close to home for the next few days until we feel better. The lovely lady in one photo is Josh's mom and the three men are Josh's dad in the middle and grandfathers on each side.

A Great Weekend............

We're looking forward to enjoying some special family time in Reno this weekend. Tomorrow is Roger's grandson's wedding. Josh and Virginia will be married in the morning. Then we're looking forward to seeing my granddaughter, Ashley. It's a quick trip as we'll be back in Portland Sunday afternoon.

Kabob Man - Barbecuing in the COLD

Interesting weather - really cold at night (in the low 40's), sunny and warm about 2 p.m. and at 5 p.m., cold again. This is when being outside using a barbecue isn't as pleasant as in the summer so Roger prepared himself for the event - he's bundled up like an Eskimo, including a wool beanie.

I'm supporting him by watching the news (since the World Series was cancelled for tonight) and sipping on some excellent Borra red wine.

We're preparing for a weekend in Reno to attend and celebrate the wedding of Roger's grandson, Josh. We're also looking forward to seeing Ashley and her mom to spend some time touring the city and surrounding areas.

Symphony POPS Concert - Brunch at Heathman - A GREAT way to spend a Sunday afternoon

The Oregon Symphony just gets better and better. This afternoon's POPs concert presented music from the '60s and '70s featuring four singers with amazing voices.

Brunch before the performance at the Heathman Hotel made for a perfect afternoon.

Now, it's time to watch the World's Series to see if the Cardinals can win another game...................

Date Night..............

So, what do old folks DO on a date night?? Well, first, they stop at a nearby market to buy groceries - BUT - this was actually exciting because Fred Meyer stores are very popular here in Portland and the one near us did a complete reconstruction during the past six months. Yesterday was their grand opening and it was like a giant party ! They had lots of great special prices and, of course, everything was fresh, perfect and beautiful. We actually had fun buying groceries.

Our next stop was a nearby cafe in an area called Multnomah Village. I've not been there before and it's a cozy little street (sort of like those in the S.F. Marina District) with little shops and restaurants. We went to "Down to Earth", a tiny Persian cafe and the food was authentic and cooked by the owner's wife. Roger says the food is as good as he cooks and we know how good that can be.

A lovely evening - a nice way to start a weekend...................

I'm in LOVE again +++++ with FRATELLI

After a nail appointment this morning I walked over to Fratelli for lunch and I've found a new favorite lunch spot !

Lunch started with a cup of cauliflower soup with fire roasted Brussels sprouts and truffle oil followed by a cracker thin crusted pizza with crispy pancetta and fresh tomatoes, hazelnuts and arugula. The food was fabulous so I'm looking forward to taking my friends next time.

We're staying close to home - Roger has a busy school schedule and I manage to keep busy doing "stuff".

Ho - Hummmmmmmmmm

A quiet week - mild and cool fall weather - time to read good books - fireplace - colorful falling leaves - lunch with friends - Bella on my lap - time to cook a big kettle of soup - lovely...............

Ummmmmmmm - Snickers..................

I LOVE October when you buy these tiny candy bars that don't make you feel guilty when you eat them - unless you're tempted to eat them all day. Today I found "one bite" sized Snickers - 45 calories - not bad for a guilty pleasure.............

Happy Birthday, Rosanna !!

You are a long time friend who looks younger every year.

I celebrate your birthday and I know that today will be a special day with your family in New Jersey.

Enjoy every minute............

A Busy Weekend in Portland..............

The street was busy about 6:30 this morning with thousands of marathon runners who came down 1st Avenue and turned on Lincoln. Meanwhile, downtown is being occupied with "Occupy Portland" protesters who have been marching since Thursday - apparently not yet ready to leave since tomorrow is a holiday. Are we staying home? Oh, yeahhhhhhh.

Roger is busy with classes and homework so this week it was a good opportunity for me to spend time with friends - yoga, lunches, shopping, reading - lunches, shopping............... and, finally, Friday "date night" with dinner at Iorio.

We enjoying cool "typical" Oregon weather - cool, warm, a little sun, and a few sprinkles.

Thought for a rainy Tuesday...............

"Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own."
Robert Heinlein

Bargain Night in Portland.............

Roger and I enjoyed a "ritzy" date tonight on a budget. We found a free parking place across from the entrance to the Schnitzer Theater, then walked four blocks for an early dinner at Brasserie Montmartre. They recently changed ownership and their food is beautifully prepared at an affordable price with several entrees under $20. They offered a Groupon several weeks ago ($15 for $30 worth of food and/or drink) so we used that tonight. An appetizer, one Manhattan, sturgeon and steak cost us $34 (plus the original $15).

After a short walk back to the theater, we went to our front row seats for a symphony performance. It was a special bargain night so our seats were only $20 each. (Normally those seats sell for about $75). I doubt that we'll sit that close to the stage in the future, but it was fun for one time because you can see everything going on during the performance.

A lovely evening - delicious food - beautiful music - less than $100. Not bad..............

Fall Produce - BEAUTIFUL - - - - -

Another leisurely walk to the Farmer's Market - a perfect way to start the weekend.