Zoey at Two Weeks...............

Do you get the impression that Zoey is trying to say something here?  Like maybe she's come up with a new theory that she wants to discuss?

In this photo she's only two weeks old but Ashley says that she is already "off the chart" in regard to length so we're thinking that she'll be tall like her great-aunt Lori.

Mike is a proud grandpa so this is his first visit with his new little "grand girl".  We look forward to many years of love and joy watching this little one grow and thrive.

Lodi Zinfandel

When Lori and Pam recently visited, I gave them a shopping list for wine and liquor.  Here in Portland prices are close to double so the girls found some great buys to help me stock up.  I'm enjoying Zinfandels from Lodi and the foothills and tonight I want to mention "Shadow Ranch" from the Sequoia Hills (not sure where that is - maybe a fancy name for Plymouth or somewhere near there).  The first taste was like drinking bing cherries, plums, dark berries, etc.  It's drinkable alone and even better with food.  If you have a chance to buy some, give it a try.

I still prefer the old vine zin that is bottled in the Lodi area because it is dry and has a powerful flavor but it has been fun trying some labels that I've never had before.  Thanks to you - Lori and Pam !!

No words are necessary to describe today in Portland

Happy Easter ..................

Easter Sunday brings back many sweet memories of when Mike and Lori were children.  I even remember when I was a child and I was taught to pick lawn grass for the basket so the bunny would have a comfortable place to lay my eggs and treats.  The only problem was that the Easter bunny didn't know that when you put candy on damp grass, it gets all sticky.  Of course, I forgave him and it never happened again............

Living in Portland away from family makes it different - we miss the family gatherings but the message is still clear.  It's a renewal of faith and the beginning of a bright new year filled with possibilities.  Enjoy the day.  Hug someone you love..................

Ashley -- and -- Zoey ------ 3 days old

This is Zoey at age of three days and below is a picture of Ashley at the same age.

Both adorable and..................

Both loved very much................

What do girls do on their last day in Portland............? Well, EVERYTHING !

Lori and Pam decided to head back home tomorrow so on their last day's activities we started with a visit to the Portland Art Museum gift shop.  This place is fabulous with interesting and beautiful items from all over the world.

The girls wanted to check out "Imperial" where the head chef is known for his burgers and his fried chicken.  (He was the runner-up in this year's "Top Chef" competition).  Lori chose the chicken and the crust was really crunchy.  It was served with onions, sweet pickles, a house made hot sauce and honey.  Lori loved the idea of mixing the hot sauce (served from an eye dropper) and then a dab of honey.  Pam and I had our favorite - burgers and fries.

Our next stop was Powells Book Store where Pam and I bought a bag full of books - then it was time to hop on a streetcar and go to see the movie "Woman in Gold".  This movie is fantastic - see it if you can !!

Originally, our plan was to finish off at "Little Bird" for dinner,but instead, we ordered pizza from Hot Lips and we're making a salad.  Then, it's "goodbye to eating" at least for a little while so tomorrow night Roger will have to settle for homemade soup.

It's always a "party" when the girls are here so they will be greatly missed!

No April Fool..............................

Here, Zoey is "brand new", shortly after being born at 4:20 p.m. yesterday (April 1st).  She weighs 9 pounds 7 ounces so she's a big and healthy girl.

Ashley is doing well so today we're looking forward to hearing more details.

Congratulations - Jordan and Ashley !!