My First Photoshop Design Project

I've had some fun this month working with Aurora and Ann to design a wine label for Ann's newly bottled Pinot Noir.  The wine isn't for sale so we didn't have to abide with laws and regulations in regard to designing the label because it's for private use.  Ann provided the picture of the grapes and I took her portrait.  I now have a greater appreciation for the magnificent graphics that we view in magazines and advertisements - with a new appreciation for the many hours of work that goes into their design.  This concept is simple.  The hard part for Ann is deciding which version to use.....................

Staying in Touch...............

Ooops, it looks like I have neglected by blog for awhile.  I could tell you that it's because I've been SO busy but the word "busy"isn't in my vocabulary any more.  The truth is that we continue to do our daily routine which includes classes at PSU, enjoying lunches at our favorite restaurants, cooking, reading, cooking............. and cooking - and Roger is painting and studying.  I've stocked the freezer with pasta sauce and yesterday I cooked a huge pot of chicken stock.  The cooler weather just gives me that push to start stocking up on things that will make holiday meals easier.

The past few weeks I've been spending a lot of hours designing a label for my friend Ann's wine bottles.  Last week she bottled 14 cases of Pinot Noir and it's for personal use, not for sale, so I've had a good time designing the label for the bottles.  Today we came (almost) to a final decision but I want her to "sleep" over them for a few days before we do the final/final.

Weather has now returned to "traditional Portland weather" meaning there is a forecast of at least a little rain each and every day.  I see this as an excuse to spend more time in my easy chair in front of the fireplace with Bella on my lap and reading a good book.

McMinnville Street Art................

On my way home from Lincoln City I stopped in a charming wine country town, McMinnville, for lunch at a Spanish restaurant, La Rambla.  At the corner I saw an interesting fall decor.  At first I thought the man sleeping was part of the decor, but, no............ he's just a street person who finished his "Bud" and is taking a snooze.

Beautiful Lincoln City

This is part of the beautiful scenery at Lincoln City.  The waves in the distance are between 20 and 30 feet high because of a weather phenomenon known as "sneaker waves". 

Below is a serene photo of the pond behind my hotel.  It was taken at dawn.

Wheel of Fortune..............

Bella and I enjoyed our time in Lincoln City.  The weather was warm and sunny and this weekend the waves were unusually high so the ocean was churning with waves that go as high as 30 feet.

Being chosen as a candidate for the TV show isn't all that easy.  Hundreds of people are competing and the contestants are chosen by the "luck of the draw".  My claim to fame was that almost every person that I made friends with got chosen to compete.  This afternoon the people next to me in line said that I was a good luck charm and, not only she was chosen, but the man sitting next to me was, too. Even though I wasn't one of the lucky ones, I had a great weekend and I had time to take some photos that I'll share as soon as I get them organized..

This is one of my favorite that I took as the sun was rising Sunday morning.

Le Bouchon and Brasserie Montmartre - My French Favorites

Portland has several authentic French Restaurants but I keep going back to my two favorites.  Tuesday, I went to Le Bouchon for their Lyonnaise Liver and Onions. It's always delicious and whenever it's available, I order it.  Of course, it must be accompanied with a glass of Cote du Rhone.   Their menu is full of all the well known classical French dishes and the owner/Chef was born and trained in France. For those from Portland who are reading this, you must give them a try.  I always go for lunch when the servings are a bit smaller and the prices are about half of those at dinner.  They are on 14th Ave. between Glisan and Hoyt.

At the opposite of the French spectrum is Brasserie Montmartre where they serve more modern French "cafe style" food.  Their decor and ambiance is elegant and comfortable and when they play French music, you can almost feel like you're in France.  Lunch or brunch is my favorite time to visit there because they are located near the streetcar and MAX lines and they are close to Pioneer Square and Macys.  It was a fun way to spend this lovely sunny Portland day, which will likely be the last for the summer/fall season.  Starting in a few days we're being told that back-to-back rain storms are on the way so we're ready to officially usher fall into Portland.

I just brought my suitcase up from storage so little Bella is giving me her "stinky-eye" look, afraid that I'm leaving her.  What a surprise she'll get when I start to pack and her blanket is the first into the suitcase.  She and I are going to run away to Lincoln City for the weekend.  Roger can't go because of a massive dose of homework and Allison wanted to join me but had other plans.  (If all else fails................. take Bella).  Why am I going?  To audition for Wheel of Fortune.......................

Yes, I know it's a longshot, particularly because of my age (Maybe I'll lie and knock off about ten years) but it will still be fun just for the experience.  The drive will be leisurely and it's only about two hours through some beautiful countryside so I'll take my camera with the hope of finding some interesting photos along the way.

My First SELFIE..........

Yes, really - this is my first "selfie". Helia is the one holding the camera.

Shown here are Helia Hatefi and her friend Sara Nasiri-Amini .

The Party has Ended.............

Both girls had morning flights to home; Helia to Oakland and Sara to Minneapolis.  Neither had been to VooDoo Donut so we made a stop there on the way to the airport.  Even early on a Monday morning there was about a 20 minute wait but, somehow, it always seems worth standing in line.

HellYeah !

Helia's name is unusual so when the marathon organizers asked for her name, she used a nickname from her school days.  It turned out to be fun for her because strangers along the marathon route all shouted out "Hell Ya" as she ran by.  She was surprised and pleased by the grand reception that local residents gave to the runners.  Part of the race went through a residential area.  One lady was pouring small glasses of champagne, some had bananas and oranges and Helia found two places that poured two ounces of beer.

Mid 70's weather made the day perfect for running a marathon.

One advantage of youth is stamina so after the race Helia joined her dad in the kitchen to cook a huge Iranian dinner.  The table was groaning with food but Brian and Chris from Springfield joined us so we managed to eat the whole thing......................

Portland Marathon Weekend

Helia, Roger's daughter, and Sara, her friend from Minnesota, arrived yesterday to spend the weekend and run in the Portland Marathon tomorrow.  We've been having a great time and the weather is fabulous so the girls have been enjoying sightseeing and shopping expeditions.  Last night Aaron, Roger's grandson, came for dinner and spent the night because he has an artist's booth at the Portland Saturday Market.  The girls are going to see him there this afternoon so I'm hoping for some pictures of him and his art work.

We started the morning with Racklette for breakfast, something new for both girls.  They're still out/about enjoying Portland and I have a fresh baked apple pie and dinner prepped so we're looking forward to another fun evening..