More Charity - Albertina Kerr

Today Cheryl and I packed up a car load of "stuff" that we contributed to the Albertina Kerr Society.  They have a resale shop with clothes and household items and they are able to earn a nice amount of money from the donations.  The only problem is that when we give, we stop to do some shopping, but I was good today and I only purchased one book, even though there were plenty of temptations.

After the delivery we took a walk to check out some of the local shops and cafes that are nearby.  Our first stop was a Pastaworks location on Sandy Blvd. where they house the Flying Fish Co., The Meat Monger, Rubinette Produce Market, Little T American Baker and Emerald Petals with gorgeous flowers.

Next door is a popular sandwich shop,Tails & Trotters.  They sell beautiful cuts of pork and a wide variety of pork sausages.  We shared a Reuben and then it was time for dessert......................



Next door is "The Pie Spot" where they specialize in individually sized pies.  Cheryl loves their pecan pie so you can see how happy she is..................................... 

We had such fun finding interesting places to eat that we're already talking about assembling more goodies to donate so we can return to eat at some of the other cafes that are nearby.  We're thinking either the meatball place or maybe Mexican.  I suspect that we'll also return for another piece of pie.  A great way to spend a Friday afternoon in Portland...............................

Fundraiser RIGHT BRAIN / LEFT BRAIN

Roger is taking a six credit class that involves community service and involvement.  One of his major projects was this past Wednesday when he contributed to a fundraiser by preparing and serving Persian food for fifty people.  His team of four provided decorations, entertainment, art for sale, raffles and, of course, the food..............

He prepared Persian chicken and beef patties, Persian chicken potato salad, hummus, flatbread, and pistachios.  He put me in charge of dessert so I prepared baklava.  I finally found the "perfect" recipe by combining items from two other recipes so it made quite a hit.  Several people came up to Roger to ask where his restaurant was located.

He'll learn how much the team made for the charity at his next class next Monday.  Everyone did a great job and the event was well organized so it definitely was a success.

A Special Valentine............

It's wonderful being married to a writer, poet and artist....................................

Zoey at 10 1/2 Months

Words are not necessary to describe this little charmer...

She is pure LOVE ...

Surgery Success...............

Yesterday, I met with my eye surgeon and, after she examined both eyes, I learned that my eyesight has noticeably improved and that, for now, I don't need surgery in the other eye.  So................ all is well.  It's nice to see things more clearly and I still only have to wear reading glasses occasionally.  I'm feeling very fortunate to live in a time when miraculous medical treatment is available.

After the exam, I visited the optical area to see about getting prescription reading glasses.  I started by choosing a frame and when I discovered that the frame cost was $400, I decided that "over the counter" would do just fine.  Even though lasik surgery was costly, I'm thinking that I actually saved money by not having to purchase eyeglasses every year or so.

Roger's Painting of Nelson Mandela

These are words of Nelson Mandela that have inspired Roger to paint a tribute to him.

"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.  The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear".

Acrylic on stretched canvas - 20 by 30 inches.

Movie "The Big Short"

Yesterday, after lunch at Kenny & Zukes, I went to the Living Room Theater to see "The Big Short".  See it, if you can.  It will bring out myriad emotions with "anger" likely taking the lead.  The story is familiar, especially for those of us who bought and/or sold property in late 2006 and early 2007 and the story makes clear how our tax dollars bailed out the big banks while their greed continues.......................