A Perfect Sunday in Portland.............

This week Portland weather is fabulous - sunny in the low 80s - no rain in sight...............

To make the day even better, Roger decided to be "cook for the day" so in the morning he was busy making cookies and in the evening we enjoyed a split pea, chicken and eggplant Persian dish that was delicious!  Fortunately, there's enough for another meal !

Soroush's Graduation Party

Roger and Soroush met when they were both attending Portland Community College 4 1/2 years ago.  Soroush, his mother and brother emigrated to the U.S. so both boys could be educated here.  This was the beginning of a friendship with Soroush and his family and we were delighted to be invited to attend a graduation dinner party last night in his honor.

Weather last night was warm and balmy so I couldn't resist taking a photo of the pool outside the clubhouse where the party was held.  Now, Soroush is getting ready to earn his Masters so the journey continues .....

Ladies who lunch.................

Today we celebrated Cheryl's 70th birthday (sitting next to me).  All of us are 70 + and we really know how to have fun !

We ate at the Chart House, a gorgeous restaurant in the West Hills with a beautiful view.

In the photo are Sharon, Alma, Barbara, Cheryl and me.

It doesn't get any lazier than this...................

Pam is visiting us in Portland this week and we're having a great time.  What are we doing?  Well...........  n o t h i n g .................  We've managed to squeeze in a trip to Powells, a visit to Kenny & Zukes for lunch, brunch at Zells and pizza from "Hot Lips". 

Today our plan was to hop on MAX and explore the neighborhoods across the river but when we greeted cloudy skies and a promise of rain, we decided that staying inside with a bloody Mary, waffles for breakfast, quiet music, candles and fireplace was a better choice.  We both love to read so we're enjoying the leisure.

Portland Farmer's Market

It's berry season in Oregon so cherries and berries are everywhere at the Portland Farmer's Market.

The "must have" each week is farm fresh eggs laid by "happy chickens" (as the vendor advertises), but today I couldn't resist getting fresh flowers, too.  Also in the basket; baby spring onions, seeded multi-grain bread, berries, radishes, green beans and tiny new red potatoes.  I also found some farm tomatoes but it's still very early for them here in Oregon.

My favorite Asian vendor tells me there will be fresh basil in two weeks so around July 4th, we'll be making pesto.

Roger has a few minutes of fame...........................

http://www.kgw.com/news/local/psu-graduates-celebrate-success/246487542

 

Double click on the URL, above, to see the TV segment.


Roger is now a TV star.  His graduation has been quite an event........... Now he says he needs to find a job. 

(No - just kidding)


So far he's been taking a lot of "chair naps" but he's excited about getting back to his painting and also writing a book.

KGW Channel 8 News Interviewed Roger Today.............

This afternoon Roger was interviewed by a reporter at Channel 8 in Portland - KGW.com

The segment will be aired tomorrow (Thursday) at 4 p.m.  After 5 p.m. you can see it by going to KGW.com where a video of the interview will be posted.

Willie Stark and "All the King's Men"

"All the King's Men", a Pulitzer Prize winner, written by Robert Penn Warren, is a story of Willie Stark set in the 1930s who begins his political career as an idealistic man of the people but soon becomes corrupted by success.

Page 108 has a narrative that fits right into today's political arena. Willie is at the beginning of his bid for Governor and he's having a problem with his speeches.  They are boring because he insists on talking about specifics; how he will set up new tax programs, how he will make jobs (well, you all know the pitch). 

His advisor says:
"Yeah, I heard the speech.  But they don't give a damn about that.  Hell, make 'em cry, make 'em laugh, make 'em think you're their weak erring pal, or make 'em think you're God-Almighty. Or make 'em mad. Even mad at you. Just stir 'em up, it doesn't matter how or why, and they'll love you and come back for more.  Pinch 'em in the soft place.  They aren't alive, most of 'em, and haven't been alive in twenty years.  Hell, their wives have lost their teeth and their shape, and likker won't set on their stomachs, and they don't believe in God, so it's up to you to give 'em something to stir 'em up and make 'em feel alive again.  Just for half an hour. That's what they come for. Tell 'em anything. But for Sweet Jesus' sake don't try to improve their minds...............................

PSU 2016 Graduation

 The weekend was filled with celebration, starting with the Art Department ceremony on Friday and ending Sunday with the PSU 2016 graduation held at Moda Center.

Roger isn't only the oldest graduate but he's also one of the most loved by the students who shared classes with him the past two years.  Everywhere we went this weekend, students were calling his name and wishing him well.

Brian, Carolyn, and Rachael were able to attend the Sunday event so it was also a family day of celebration.

Now, Roger is busy reorganizing his studio where he plans to paint and also continue with writing his autobiography.

The photo below was shown on the teletron at Moda Center while the University President gave a synopsis of Roger's life. 

Roger Gets His Degree in Art Practice...............

PSU has two ceremonies for graduation; one for the department and one for the entire senior graduating class.  Today was the departmental ceremony and Roger was the "star".

A brief story of his life was read and he was honored as being the oldest graduate of the university. It was very moving when the entire audience raised to their feet, clapping and shouting, to show their honor.

Sunday, Brian, Carolyn and Rachael will join us to attend the main graduation at the Rose Quarter. 

Democracy, Dignity, and Donald Trump ...........................

So - Donald Trump is "really rich" - perhaps with money, but he got short-changed with humanity and intelligence.

This is a collage that Roger made for a recent class project.

It Has Been Awhile.....................

You've heard the saying "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all".  That's not quite why I haven't blogged for awhile - it's just that life has been somewhat repetitive.  Now - that's not a bad thing, it just isn't very exciting.

We still enjoy exploring Portland restaurants but we've found our favorites and it's hard to deviate.  We're happy to have a new place, Amili, a short walk from the condo, so we've checked it out for several lunches. 

Summer has finally arrived - today about 85 degrees and 97+ for the next two days - then we get back to the usual mid 70s which for us, is perfect.

Monday is Roger's last class at PSU and he graduates with a BA degree with a 362 Grade Average and he's the oldest in the class of 2016 so the communications department is planning a special recognition at the Art Department graduation on Friday, June 10th.  Now, he's ready to get back to writing a book about his years in Iran and enjoying his art.

We're into "healthy cooking", because Roger needs a simple diet, but I manage to cheat often enough to satisfy my grease and sugar needs.  We always enjoy going to the Saturday Farmer's Market, especially in the summer, so it's sort of a social event.  Even better, we can take MAX half ways and then walk a couple of blocks. Having MAX outside the condo has really changed how we travel throughout metropolitan Portland.

 Now we're looking forward to visitors; Pam will be here the week of June 20th (Lori can't get any vacation because the Co-Op is opening a new store in downtown Sacramento sometime in the fall) so Pam and I are looking forward to Kenny & Zukes for some pastrami and a couple of places for burgers.  I'm hoping we have time to visit Maysara in McMinnville where Helia and I joined their wine club.  Helia is also coming for a visit this summer but we don't have dates yet.  July 2nd, the Smiths will be here for several days over the July 4th holiday.  So far, the rest of the summer is open so................ anyone want to visit?