A WALK AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD..............

We're enjoying sunshine and warm temps so I couldn't resist taking out my camera and going for a walk.  It's still a very early spring but there are amazing things happening to nature in our early Portland spring season.  Here's a few examples:

I don't know the name of these little bell shaped flowers but huge bunches grow on shrubs everywhere in the area.  I found this at the PSU campus and I love the black shadows that can be seen against the building.

Close to home I found tiny shrubs with these peach shaded flowers.

This is a new sculpture that was constructed across the street from my condo as part of the new MAX line that will open this September.

This is a lovely serene fountain at a condo complex across the street.  There is seating nearby so we can take a book, relax and enjoy the beauty..........

This is an early blossom on a tree outside of our condo.  The entire tree is filled with these lovely flowers. 

SO, the purpose of this post is to celebrate life and renewal of the spring season.  Enjoy life - it's our greatest gift-  and we need to treasure every moment......................

Iorio For Lobster and Scallop Lasagna & Triangle Theater "Becoming Dr. Ruth"

Allison and I shared a perfect evening last night when we started with an early dinner at Iorio on Hawthorne.  The special lasagna dish was made with fresh scallops, lobster and creamy fontina cheese sauce layered with fresh made pasta.  I think there were other ingredients mentioned but after hearing the above information I sensed that my brain disconnected because this sounded so fabulous.  Was it?  Oh, yes.  Allison and I like to enjoy several courses so we shared, starting with the best Caesar Salad in town with lots of anchovies, fresh baked bread with roasted garlic and squash spread, the lasagna and fresh made donut holes for dessert. 

After waddling out to the car we headed to the Triangle Theater to see "Becoming Dr. Ruth".  Portland is home to a marvelous actress, Wendy Westerwelle, who often stars in Jewish themed plays.  Last night she carried the entire play with a speaking part that lasted a full 90 minutes.  She portrayed Dr. Ruth from her childhood experiences during WWII while she lived in Germany and was sheltered in Switzerland - all the way to her life today - so it was a biographical adventure as much as a theatrical experience.  We learned that Dr. Ruth actually didn't start her practice until she was 50 years old.  Today she is 87 and still active and excited about her future.  This certainly proves my theory that we truly become better as we age.

To go home, the Burnside Bridge takes us directly to 2nd and 3rd Avenue and somehow the car turned down 3rd to go past Voodoo Doughnuts.  There was a parking place available and only a very short line to wait so, what should we do ????  Two pink boxes accompanied us home......................  We can repent tomorrow..............

Valentine Love and Greetings to you all............

I've learned that we have no control of our life's destiny as we grow older.  I never dreamed that there would be another man in my life but, after meeting Roger and spending time with him, I realized that, not only did we love each other, but that he and I would be a complement to each other.  His encouragement has driven me to seek new learning opportunities and my support of his artistic talents has been a stimulus to him.  Valentine's Day is a special day for people to communicate their love and connection.  For us, though, every day is Valentine's Day. 

Madonna Comix at Portland's Augen Gallery

Today Roger and I enjoyed a lecture and showing of an art exhibit at a local gallery.  The artist is Dianne Komberg who has a studio on one of the San Juan Islands in Washington State.  The exhibit consists of 26 large works.

Because of the Art History classes that Roger and I take at PSU, we have developed a more open mind about art but this collection was much different than we expected.  The artwork starts with a photograph but through a great deal of computer manipulation using Photoshop, the finished product has an eclectic and confusing appearance.  The artist's subject is "Madonna" and she adds poetry and comics to the finished product - thus the name "Madonna Comix".  Our goal is to open our minds to new ideas and to let our imagination run more freely.  Meanwhile, Roger will probably stick to more realistic subjects in his paintings.

Snarf + Sniffle + Sneeze

Yep, the cold bug bit me about a week ago, but I'm starting to feel much better so the worst appears to be over.  Fortunately, I had nothing important on the calendar so I was able to get a lot of rest (probably the best medicine).

Today we "girls", Allison, Ann and I went to lunch at Le Bouchon to celebrate Ann's birthday and to catch up with all the news and gossip.  2 1/2 hours of great food and conversation celebrating life, friendship and good health, all precious gifts .......................