We're ready for a FABULOUS New Year .............

Life is good and there's so much to be grateful for and now............ we get to start all over with a fresh new year.

At our age, celebrations tend to be very low-key but for sure, we're eating well!  Halibut and Tiger prawns are in the refrigerator ready for New Year's Eve.  Tomorrow is my yearly "girl's New Years early eve" lunch with friends, Allison, Rae and Gina.  Ann can't join us so that gives us an excuse to have a repeat sometime soon.  Reservations are at Imperial, a popular downtown restaurant and, of course, champagne and appetizers will be here before we go to lunch.

Next week Roger will be in Sacramento for three days visiting with relatives from France so that gives us girls an excuse for more partying.

Roger and I wish you a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR, good health and happiness.  Yes, the "cat" with the Manhattan is me.........  CHEERS ................................

A Hatefi Christmas .....................

Today, Brian, Carolyn, Rachael and Adam drove to Portland from Springfield to join us for a Christmas celebration and afternoon dinner.

Roger was in charge of Iranian Holiday Rice made with lots of fresh orange peel, saffron, maple syrup, blanched almonds and pistachios.

He also fixed a fantastic beef shank while I made my version of chicken cacciatore and fixed appetizers, salads and dessert.  It turns out that we can work really well together in the kitchen and we had great fun.




Now presents are opened, house is back in order, dishes are washed and put away and we're looking forward to Christmas Day when we can get back to being lazy

Portland shuts down after a few inches of SNOW

Yesterday morning I made an early trip to New Seasons to pick up some groceries in preparation for snow that was forecast to start about noon.  It was the first time that I couldn't find a parking place in their large parking lot.  I got one of the last three shopping carts and finally managed to work my way through the crowds to get the few things that I needed.  Some items were already out of stock.

Portlanders go crazy at the thought of snow (myself included) probably because we remember being snow-bound for almost two weeks in 2008. The city doesn't have much snow equipment so the only roads that are cleared are the freeways and major streets.  This morning, Lincoln and 1st Avenue are solid snow and ice so we've been warned to stay inside.

The fireplace and heaters are cranked up and I'm getting ready to fix a big kettle of potato, leek, lentil soup so all is well in the Hatefi household.

How long does it take to delete 60,000 spam emails?

So far it has taken me four hours and now I only have 5,878 to go.  Comcast finally came through with a way to stop them from coming so in another hour or so, I should have a clean email file.  This nightmare has taught me some valuable lessons:

• Use stronger passwords and keep a record so I don't keep forgetting them
• Instead of calling Comcast, just send an email to:  abuse@comcast.net. Put the word "Phishing" in the subject line  This takes the problem to a special unit that specializes in spam and other email illegal issues.
• Don't open messages that "look" like spam.  Just send them straight to the spam folder
• Be more careful about ordering merchandise from unknown websites.  Stick with Amazon or stores where I regularly shop
• NEVER use my debit card for a web purchase

Now it's time to look ahead to the forecast of snow in Portland.  The latest news tells us that it will start mid-day tomorrow and snow into Thursday.  Temperatures will be below freezing every night for the next week so that means there will be ice on the roads again.

Bella has found a way to stay warm ................. I left my fuzzy blanket on the floor beside the couch and Bella decided it was a good place to sleep.  When I finish deleting the emails, it's going to be my turn.

2,668 EMAILS IN MY IN-BOX THIS MORNING

So, if you read my earlier post, you're already thinking, "poor Janice - what a mess".  Well, here's the rest of the story.

My email inbox currently has 2,668 emails all from the same "person".  They started at about 2 a.m. and they are continuing now with three added per minute.  They are all headed "Third, it won't get better unless you do something about it-and the sooner, the better.".  They advertise a remedy for men with a big prostate.  It says there's a video attached, but fortunately there is none.

SO, here's the problem. 
Three different units in Comcast are "working on it" but don't have a solution of how to stop it.  Each email is from a different sender name (all yahoo) so in order to block them, I would have to key in 2,668 emails. To make it even more fun, all of these emails are also on my I-Phone.

I've been reassured that they will find a solution but it may take a week or so......................... and, of course, it's FRIDAY ...........................

WHEN YOUR CHECKING ACCOUNT BALLANCE IS $0 (ZERO)

The morning has not started well.  When I logged into my email, I found a confirmation from Costco that they had received my order for a computer and had taken $1,699.99 out of my checking and savings accounts. Believe me, it's no fun to see your checking balance at $0 and money missing from savings.

The unfortunate thing about all of this is that the wheels run VERY SLOWLY so, instead of stopping the shipment of the computer, I just received a second email that they shipped it.  NO, not to me but to a different shipping address shown on the invoice (likely not a residence, but a mail pickup store).

Costco won't be able to investigate the situation until next week because (after all) it's a FRIDAY.  When I called a second time to protest the shipping of the computer, I was told they couldn't stop it until someone investigated it (next week).

The bank is VERY sorry that my money has been stolen but they must wait until Costco, sends them an authorization to refund the money (next week, probably).  Meanwhile they have also assessed my account $200 for having to make a second debit from my savings.  My debit card has been cancelled but I won't receive a new number until next week (4 to 6 days from today).

I called the police non-emergency line and I was told to log into the Internet and "fill out a form". 

Am I frustrated?  Oh, yes...........................

The message here is:
PLEASE CHECK YOUR BANK STATEMENT AT LEAST ONCE A DAY TO MAKE CERTAIN THERE ARE NO FICTITIOUS CHARGES.  THE SECOND SUGGESTION IS TO NOT ALLOW AN AUTOMATIC DEBIT FROM YOUR SAVINGS IF THE CHECKING ACCOUNT IS AT ZERO.

Snow and Freezing Rain in Downtown Portland .................

Snow is rare here in downtown Portland so it's always exciting when it happens, particularly around Christmas.  It started early this morning and we had about three hours of heavy downfall.  Now we're told to expect freezing rain through the night which is not a good thing because it creates an ice coating on the roads and sidewalks that is extremely slippery.

Fortunately, we have no place to go so our plan is to stay inside our warm condo and cook good food and enjoy some movies.

I'm recovering from a mohs skin cancer surgery on my forehead so my eyes are swollen, pink, purple, yellow and most colors in between so it's a perfect time to stay "under cover" until I start to look and feel better.

We're back to "Hopey-Changey"

SO, change is what America has voted for...............

I believe that goal has been achieved.  The question is - are we hopeful? 

Zoey is ready for Halloween !

Zoey is a busy little bumblebee.

How cute !!

Fall at Lincoln Tower

The fall colors are especially beautiful this year with vibrant multi-colored trees that surround our condo.

It's Roger's and my favorite season !

Sur la table COOKING CLASS featuring APPLES

Yesterday, I enjoyed an afternoon cooking class at the downtown Portland Sur la table that featured apples.

We started with Crostini with sharp cheddar and fresh made apple chutney.

This was followed by an apple and fennel salad with bleu cheese and hazelnuts, then braised chicken with cider, apples, cream and brandy and ending with a fresh baked apple tart drizzled with salted butter caramel sauce.

I am really excited to share some of these recipes with our Thanksgiving Day guests - especially the chutney and caramel sauce.

If any of you have a Sur la table in your city, I encourage you to check out their cooking classes.  They are well organized, high energy experiences with creative recipes and enthusiastic chefs.

Now it's time for me to buy some apples !

MAKE SURE TO VOTE !!

Oregon voters vote by mail.  We've received the ballots so we can either return them by mail or deposit them in receptacles that are located all over the city.

It was a busy weekend doing research on the Oregon propositions and candidates for office - and - success....................... Our votes have been made and ballots are mailed so now we can sit back and try not to listen to all of the last minute campaign rhetoric.

On November 8th we'll be at the Schnitzer watching the Capitol Steps political satire comedy team while simultaneously watching a big-screen that displays election data.  I went to their performance eight years ago and it's a fun way to get some laughs and to celebrate our freedom to elect those who lead our country.

Fall Color at Portland State University

I look forward each year to watching this tree change color.  Today, when I shopped at the Farmer's Market, I realized that it was at its peak.  Even better, it's surrounded with bright gold trees of different shades so fall colors are everywhere.  As I walked home from the market, gold leaves were raining down on my head and it felt like walking through a fall fairyland.

Roger and Daughter, Helia

A Proud Dad With His Beautiful Daughter .....................................

Reflection on things that I love ................

- - Reflection on things that I love - -

Walking through a carpet of golden fallen leaves

Warmth of the sun with a crisp cool fall breeze

Smell of cooked apples and cinnamon

Homemade soup gently bubbling on the stove

Fireplace and candles

Bella and a new book on my lap

Hugs from Roger

Priceless

It's all about ZOEY - ZOEY - ZOEY ....................

 A highlight of our trip to California was visiting with Jordan, Ashley and Zoey.  She is now 19 months old - potty trained - running around like a cute little cyclone - and able to say some words.  The first photo with her mom was shortly after we arrived and Zoey just wasn't sure that she wanted to get to know us.  As the evening progressed, she decided that Roger and I were OK and, of course, Bella got lots of attention.

After leaving Reno Wednesday morning we drove along the eastern side of Oregon to Lakeshore OR (never did see a lake) and then yesterday we drove up through Bend and Salem and then home.  The drive went through desert and culminated in mountains, forest and rivers and streams. 

Dan Rather regarding Donald Trump

The following was written and published by Dan Rather.

We need to think very carefully before casting our ballots this November.  I'm too old for the consequences to affect me either positively or negatively.  My concern is for those of you who are younger.  Please don't be complacent about this important decision.  May God watch over us all ..................................

"The headlines of the moment are in the growing roll call of prominent Republicans who are rescinding their support for Donald Trump. But I am left wondering how his candidacy and those who supported, enabled it, and abetted him until now, will be viewed through the long lens of history. It should be noted that many conservative editorial boards and critics have already come out against Trump long before this latest bombshell in very stark terms.

Apparently everyone has a line, and yet do you feel things would be different if all of these politicians thought Trump could still win in November?
And what should we make of all the other groups who have been insulted and marginalized by Trump and yet his supporters stood by him?
He attacked Mexicans as rapists and murderers - but that was not enough.
He called for barring Muslims from entering the country - but that was not enough.
He incited violence in his rallies - but that was not enough.
He publicly mocked the disabled - but that was not enough.
He retweeted anti-Semitic memes - but that was not enough.
He demeaned a Gold Star Family - but that was not enough.
He insulted the press and railed against their Constitutional freedoms - but that was not enough.
He said that those who suffer from PTSD were weak - but that was not enough.
He had a long history of misogynist and sexist comments - but that was not enough.
He repeatedly lied on issues big and small - but that was not enough.
He refused to release his tax records or health records - but that was not enough.
He joked about violence against his political rival - but that was not enough.
I could go on, and I ask you to do so in the comments section. Perhaps we can tag it with #butthatwasnotenough.

I know some equate Donald Trump with Nazisim - that goes too far for me. But in recent hours I have been hearing echoes of the chilling poem by the German anti-Nazi theologian Martin Niemöller about the culpability of his country's elite in the rise of Nazism.

"First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me."

America's better nature has always been to speak out for the marginalized and dispossessed. It is an ideal for which we have all too often fallen far short. What about now?"

Roger's New Paintings Feature HORSES ..............

Roger's newest paintings feature horses.  Both are acrylic on canvas; the top one, measures 30 by 40 inches and the black and white, measures 16 by 20 inches.

BELLA'S ELEVEN YEARS OLD TODAY

This is a Brodie Jaynes studio photo of Bella when she was only six months old.

Having Bella has been a beautiful journey for the past eleven years.  She has brought lots of joy to my life and to others, as well.

With medication, her congestive heart failure is under control and I'm hopeful that we'll have her for several more years.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR BELLA .....................................................


This is Bella at age 11 so that would make her 77 in dog years.

Portland TRIANGLE Productions FULL GALLOP

The Triangle Theater is a small neighborhood theater that features interesting and unusual productions.  Last night Allison and I attended the opening night for "Full Gallop" featuring Margie Boule as Diana Vreeland.  The setting is Diana Vreeland's Park Avenue apartment in August, 1971, shortly after Diana was fired from Vogue Magazine.

It is a fabulous production and I encourage all of my Portland friends to check this one out !

SCHOOL DAYS ................................

PSU classes started this week so Roger has an English writing class Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and I have a class on Tuesdays and Thursdays, studying Ancient Jewish History from antiquity to the year 1100 CE.

We're both excited about our classes and now that MAX is right outside the door we can take public transportation.

Portlanders who are 65 years old or older can take classes at PSU, tuition free, so we are grateful for the opportunity to continue learning ................................

THE TRUMP CARD ................

Last night we ended a busy weekend by going to the Newmark Theatre to listen to Mike Daisey speak on the upcoming election and the frustration and confusion by most of us voters who now have to choose between a damaged and flawed candidate vs another flawed candidate who could even be considered dangerous.  Mr. Daisey is the preeminent monologist in the American theater today and he provided a unique perspective in regard to the changes of the U.S. political arena. 

Perhaps the best that we can do on election day is to choose the one who will cause the least harm ..........................

"Our House" Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence

This afternoon was a lot of fun.  Pat Young, Allison Leak and I did some exploring by taking MAX and then transferring to the streetcar to venture into the area across the river.  We always drive so now it's time that we get more familiar with where public transportation will take us.  Yes, as expected, we made some (several) mistakes but it was a beneficial learning experience.

Our goal was to get to the Bit House Saloon (really funky and historic) for brunch, bingo and lots of enjoyment.  The "sisters" are all adorable gents dressed in some very creative outfits and they were perfect hosts.  We had the choice of Bloody Marys and Mimosas, along with the food, so the festivities quickly increased as drinks were poured.

Yes, we won prizes and it was great for three little old ladies to just be silly and have some fun.

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS At Portland ARMORY

Yesterday afternoon I treated myself to a show at the Gerding Theater in the Pearl.  The production "Little Shop of Horrors" is playing there for the next several weeks and I was lucky to snag a front row seat (and also one of the cheapest at $25.00).  Sitting up front makes me feel like I'm a part of the show and this one was really great!  If you're in Portland, definitely check this out.  The acting and stage setups were professional and entertaining with the "man eating plant" being the star of the show. 

At noon some of us "girls" are going to go to an "Our House" charity function hosted by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.  It's a brunch, bingo event at the Bit House Saloon and we're ready to have FUN ................... Pictures will follow later so prepare to be surprised.  The "sisters" are different than you might imagine.

Another Saturday - Another Portland Farmer's Market

OK - so there's not much to say except that it's a gloriously beautiful day in Portland and the visit to the Farmer's Market early this morning was a perfect way to start the day.

One of my market favorites is a mother and daughter who sell their homemade preserves, pickles, chutney and jam - Seeing their products is like revisiting my childhood when my mother's kitchen often looked just like their shop.

Now it's time for brunch at a new (to us) restaurant, Petisco, and take Bella to the "beauty parlour".  Another lovely day in Portland ...............

Portland Elders in Action

Yesterday afternoon, Allison and I attended an "Elders in Action" sponsored film titled "Experts in Their Own Aging" at PSU.  We viewed a series of films that interviewed older people who shared their life experiences and their views on aging.  Subjects covered things such as how bodies change, how attitudes and confidence change, ways that older people can accommodate their disabilities, unexpected surprises while aging, and methods to stay involved and active.

There was no charge for attending the event and we were surprised to find a buffet lunch waiting for us before the film started.

Allison and I are both decided to become involved with the organization.  It was inspiring to see people of an advanced age, energetic and eager to live life to the fullest. 

Enjoying dinner later at Nel Centro, a short walk from PSU, made the evening perfect.

http://eldersinaction.org

ART IN THE PEARL

Roger and I always look forward to the Labor Day weekend "Art in the Pearl" that is held on several blocks of park in the Pearl District.  It's a three day Fine Arts & Crafts Festival that features fabric art, oil and acrylic paintings, sculpture, pottery, and mixed media.  There's also food available for purchase and great music and entertainment so you can easily make it an all day affair.

Today it was even better; first because of 75 degree temps and second because we could hop on the MAX outside our door and not worry about driving and finding parking.

The festival was especially busy but our motto is "there's always room for two more".  If you're in Portland, don't miss it - they will be there tomorrow (Labor Day) until 5 p.m.  You can see more information by going to:

www.artinthepearl.com

1st Anniversary and 76th Birthday

We had  a great time; first celebrating our first wedding anniversary and then my 76th birthday at the coast in Astoria, Oregon.  Sunday we drove to Astoria and we stayed at the Elliott Hotel, downtown.  We won't stay there again (but that's another story).  Roger and I both believe in "making do", when we have to, so we were determined to overlook some of the hotel's deficiencies.  The good news is that we found a "drop dead gorgeous" hotel right on the Columbia River that offers reduced winter rates so we're already excited about returning. It's the Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa.  It was chosen as Sunset Magazine's "Top 25 hotels in the West".

We enjoyed our anniversary dinner at the Bridgewater Restaurant that overlooks the Columbia River.  Seafood is "king" there so Roger enjoyed a halibut dish and I had cioppino.

Monday, the drive over the Astoria-Megler Bridge to Washington State was exciting because it was Roger's first time and we both enjoyed touring the coast of Washington.  There is so much history there that we're still learning.  My goal this coming year is to find a class at PSU that teaches Oregon and Washington history.  They generally offer it on one of the semesters so I'll keep an eye out for it.

It's easy to walk through the Astoria downtown area and there are cute shops, cafes, and galleries so there was plenty to do.

Of course, there was also time for napping, reading, and just being lazy.




Our second night we just walked across the street to T Paul's Supper Club to celebrate my birthday.

Roger doesn't believe in Hallmark so he surprised me with a beautiful handmade card that included a sketched portrait.  I learned that he spent several nights after I went to bed, creating it.

Then, the final part of the celebration was to learn that we had a special delivery waiting for us when we got home this afternoon.  Thanks to the Smiths for the thoughtful gift - - and - - an extremely delicious gift.  I couldn't resist the heart shaped piece of pineapple, half dipped in chocolate ............ oh, my .....................  Now, Roger and I are already looking forward to having more for dessert.

Yes, we're back to "normal" but that's good, too ........................

One Year as Man and Wife ................

Today is our first wedding anniversary.  We've actually been together for a total of seven years but marriage has left a special mark on our relationship - now it's "forever".

We're on our way to Astoria for a few days to celebrate our love ................

College Friends..............

Tonight we had the pleasure of entertaining Austin and Stephanie.  Austin and Roger shared several classes at PSU and they became friends.  Austin is starting a website development company and he has just renovated Roger's website that we'll introduce in the next few days.

We were eager to meet his friend, Stephanie, so we had a wonderful evening enjoying Roger's Persian food and good conversation.

Sunday Morning at Sur la Table Cooking Class

 I enjoyed a great Sunday morning; first by taking the streetcar to Pearl Bakery to get a baguette for dinner and to enjoy a pastry and coffee before walking down to Sur la Table for a morning cooking class.





The theme today was Brunch with a menu of:

• Crunchy Granola Partait with summer berries and bruleed Greek yogurt
• Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
• Fresh Blackberry Syrup
• Homemade Chicken Apple Sausage

Yes, everything was made from "scratch" so we hand beat the egg whites for the pancakes, cooked the berry syrup and ground the chicken thighs for the chicken, apple sausage.  I am most grateful for the kitchen assistants who cleaned up after all of the mess (which there was plenty of).

We learned how to make a brulee crust using a blow torch and the dozens of combinations of nuts, fruit, seeds and grains to make homemade granola.

I was unfamiliar with vanilla bean paste which is used in place of a vanilla bean or bottled vanilla.  It's very delicious and it keeps well in the refrigerator.

The cooking class was a great experience with hands-on practice and the people attending were delightful and lots of fun.  Now I've promised Roger some homemade chicken sausage and I'm going to make blueberry syrup for our next breakfast.

Dapper, Debonair and Darling .................

Roger is so proud of his new hat that I couldn't resist taking his picture.

Behind him is one of his paintings that looks wonderful in our dining room.

He's been working on updating his web site so we'll be sharing it very soon.

Meanwhile, I always know where to find him - he has been in his studio all week painting and he is currently working on a scene with horses (his favorite animal - besides, Bella, of course).

Park Blocks, Portland Farmer's Market

Fruit and vegetables are at their peak in Oregon so the downtown Farmer's Market is more popular than ever.  Because temps are going to reach 101 today, I made a point to go early so I was back home by 9:30 with a bounty of wonderful things.

Farm fresh eggs, a giant artichoke, freshly dug small potatoes and onions, red peppers, black berries, fresh basil, green beans, shitaki mushrooms and ......... the best of all .......... giant fresh grown tomatoes.

This time of the year I take a rolling cart to carry everything and the best of all is that now I can hop on MAX to shorten the trip.

Yes, we still are in love with Portland ........................................ more than ever !

Uptown Billiards Club, Portland ....................

The Uptown Billiard's Club is a fascinating place that more people need to know about.  When you drive down 23rd Ave., you will see a sign and a doorway - nothing else to indicate that inside is one of the best Portland restaurants.  When you open the door, you face a dark carpeted stairway that makes one believe they are either in the wrong place or entering a speakeasy.  Two stairways up when you enter the bar area, you are now convinced that this is hidden treasure.

Yes, there are pool tables (lots of them) in a roomy bar area.  If you're there to eat, there is a small alcove with about 7 or 8 small tables.  This is where the adventure begins ..................

The chef offers two menus; one traditional with great choices and a five course tasting menu that features one specific food item.  The menu changes every two weeks.  Ann Olsen and I chose to go this week because each course of the menu featured berries.  I'm showing the menu so you can see the complexity of the food.  In addition a specially chosen wine accompanies each course.  It's probably 3 ounces or so - a perfect amount that enhances the food.

Temperatures in Portland are close to 100 degrees for the next three days so this was a great way to relax, enjoy conversation and stay cool - plus enjoying a memorable meal that we'll be talking about for weeks to come ............................

First Thursday ART WALK in the Pearl

The Portland art scene is vibrant and energized with clusters of art galleries throughout the city.  Many galleries are operated with volunteers so the hours they are open are limited.  The "First Thursday" of each month, has become the favorite way to see many of the new exhibitions because the galleries remain open until 9 p.m.  Some even serve snacks and wine and often local musicians provide music.  Basically, it's a big party.  Last night Roger and I visited five galleries in the Pearl on 9th Avenue and here, I'm showing two pieces that we found interesting.  The fabric panels are light weight so they move gently with a breeze.

The painting below measures about four feet square and it was our favorite (probably because it's painted in a style that is similar to Roger's art).

It was a lovely way to enjoy a warm summer evening ..................................

The Innocents Movie

http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-innocents-2016

Allison and I just finished watching "The Innocents" at the Portland Living Room Theater and it's one of the most exceptional films that we have ever seen.  The movie is based on a true story of nuns who were raped in their convent in Poland while the Russians were occupying the country after WWII.  It's the story of how the women managed to keep this abomination a secret and hide the pregnancies of seven of the nuns.  It's an Italian movie subtitled in English.  See it if you can !!!

A Pleasant Surprise ....................

Jessica and Ryan came into town yesterday evening for a quick overnight stay on their way home to Folsom.

Fortunately, this morning I had time to introduce them to Zell's for breakfast before they headed back home.

It was great to see you both.  Hurry Back !