Two Dogs and a Cat

So many friends are kind enough to watch my animals when I'm traveling that it's nice to be able to return the favor.


Ginger.

Shep.

Arthur.

Facebook

I love Facebook. I've reconnected with old friends from high school, Berlin, the AP ... even cousins I rarely see. Carolyn, who now lives in Indiana, is one such reconnection. When we realized she would be in Seattle to run her sixth marathon (!) the weekend after my business trip in Portland, I extended my stay, hung out with Molly who lives on Bainbridge Island and made plans to see Carolyn at the finish line. We chatted like no time at all had passed.

Pop Culture Gap

My parents didn't allow me to watch R-rated movies when I was young. And as a good kid, I actually did what they said. As a result, my pop culture knowledge has some gaps. I'd never seen Risky Business, Flashdance, Porky's, Purple Rain or Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Well, until this weekend.


Molly and I rented Fast Times and Risky Business -- both were surprisingly good and an excellent way to revisit the 80s.

Seattle

I spent the weekend in Seattle with Molly who lives on Bainbridge Island. I was lucky enough to enjoy spectacular weather, which was a welcome relief after Portland's gloom.


This view of downtown was taken from the ferry.

Ramble On

Lia, Molly and I got together last night for a "street ramble" here in Portland. It basically was a group of people taking a two-hour very speedy walk together. One of the sights along the way was the city's lovely rose garden.

Portland

Today, my friend, Molly, is picking me up from the hotel and taking me out and about. It will be nice to see a bit of Portland. I've been here before but really have no memory of anything other than Powell's book store.

Mount Hood

Yesterday provided spectacular views of Mount Hood (pictured) and Mount St. Helens. Sorry, but I couldn't capture both in one frame, although I can see both from my balcony.