Peet's Coffee and Le Bouchon

Another delightful day in Portland, my morning started with a latte at the Pearl Peet's Coffee Shop with a heart shape made in the foam. Bella and I met a friend, read the Oregonian and enjoyed lively conversation. Since we were talking about France it only seemed proper that we end up at Le Bouchon for lunch. The restaurant isn't impressive from the exterior but it's owned by a couple from France who serve fantastic food at an affordable price.

It has been a busy eBay day so now it's time to think about dinner. Yes, as I told you before, my life seems to revolve around food - but that's a good thing.

Wine Tasting At South Park Cafe Downtown Portland

Tonight was an enjoyable event sponsored by a wine club that I belong to "Portland Uncorked" at www.portlanduncorked.com. Tonight I went to one of their regular wine tastings with my friend Pat and we met some darling people and enjoyed some fantastic wine made by Grochau Cellars. Their winemaker is a very talented man who is definitely an expert at his craft. Since we were at one of our favorite restaurants, South Park, we decided to stay for dinner (fabulous) and we had a lot of laughs. I'll tell you more later about the source of our fun.

Today is my son's birthday - so, Happy Birthday, Mike. You know that I love you!

Saturday Night & Borra Zinfandel

Generally I judge the success of a dinner party by the number of empty bottles and the number of stemmed glassware used so, as the photo demonstrates, we had a really great time last night. I served dinner for six and the guests had not met before so the conversation was interesting and lively. Rain was forecast for today but the sun is shining so brightly into my office that I had to close the blinds for awhile (no complaint). Almost everyone drank white wine so I got lucky and there's some Zinfandel left for me to enjoy today. For my friends and family in California who can buy Borra wines locally, you absolutely must try the Borra Old Vine Zinfandel. It's like velvet and it has a great body.

Portland Albertina Kerr Center

Today I learned to have a new appreciation for the work that charitable organizations do when sending newsletters to their patrons. A group of seven women volunteered their time this morning to assemble, address and seal approximately 3,500 pamphlets. We enjoyed lively conversation and managed to complete the work in only 2 1/2 hours. (That's over 17 hours of work). The Center features a restaurant so we enjoyed a delicious lunch followed by shopping in the Thrift Shop. To learn more about this charity please go to: www.albertinakerr.org

Thursday in Portland

Today was one of those chase around days; first a stop at the symphony office to buy season POPS tickets, then a drive to the Elephant Deli Warehouse where they have an unbelievable sale (yes I took advantage of it and Saturday when I have a small dinner party there will be fabulous new table linens and other little surprises). Then it was time to get my shaggy mop of hair cut and when I walked past Stanfords it just seemed right to stop for a cocktail and something from their happy hour menu ($12 for a Manhattan and dinner is quite a deal!) As I walked to the streetcar I passed a huge bush filled with these little white bell-like flowers that are amazing. I've told most of you about the Portland streetcar line so I finally took a photo. Tomorrow I'll be volunteering at Albertina Kerr Center so I'll take some pictures so you can see what a beautiful facility it is.

Another Quiet Day

My cold has reappeared with a vengeance so I'm staying inside today. I've had it for over two weeks so I'm determined to get rid of it. Even Bella is sneezing so she may have one, too. I call days like today "movie day" so after I finish my work this morning Bella and I are going to sit by the fire and be ultra lazy this afternoon.

Good news! My friend Ed's surgery was successful and he'll be home from the hospital soon.

Carafe French Restaurant in Portland OR

There are no pictures today but in a day or so I will be showing you gorgeous colors from the blooming trees that surround the area that I live in. Today Bella and I met a friend at a French Bistro near the Keller Theater for lunch. Their fish special is delicious (I order it almost every time that I dine there) and it was an enjoyable experience. Spring is definitely here so each day is a new adventure. I'm feeling a bit restless so it may be time to get out there and GO somewhere! (Oh, I better wait until after Spring break).