Zoo lights

zoo
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

It is the 20th year of Zoo lights. We went to see the lights last night. It was a cold dry night. Lots of families were there enjoying the zoo all lit up. The lines were long for the train which is an extra fee in addition to zoo admission. The train ride has light display that can only be seen from the train, like dinosaurs. It was delightful looking out from the ramp at all the lights all over the zoo. I saw old favorites like the giraffe putting a heart on a tree. The zoo keeps adding to the light displays. I laughed at the crocs on the lawn. It was fun to see parents taking pictures of their kids in front of the gingerbread house. Everything is covered with lights at www.oregonzoo.org

Peacock Lane

One of my favorite Christmas memories from my childhood is going to look at the Christmas lights on Christmas Eve and then coming back to my grandparents and finding out that Santa had been there. It was very exciting evening for me. I was fairly old before I caught on that one or two adults stayed home and didn’t come with us in the cars to see the lights. Peacock Lane was always one of the lighted streets that we went down. It is still one of my favorites. I like to stroll down the street enjoying the lights at a leisurely pace. It is going to be cold so bundle up to see the lights.

December 15 to December 31, 2007 from 6 pm to 11 pm. Peacock lane is between SE Stark and SE Belmont just east of NE 39^th. Take Tri Met bus 15 Belmont to the lane. Parking is hard to find and there is always a traffic jam.

www.peacocklane.net

Fabric Depot

I stopped in Fabric Depot to check out the fabric selection before the 40% off sale. I saw that they have new quilts hanging from the ceiling. A couple of them looked pretty and easy to make. They have lots of stocking stuffers for sale, cute pop up cards, imported candy and jams and lots of useful notions. They have a good selection of Christmas fabric. The 40% off sale is this Friday December 7 and December 8, 2007. The 30% off everything sale continues until next Tuesday. www.fabricdepot.com 700 SE 122nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97233 Phone: 503-252-9530 Toll Free: 888-896-1478

Sheridan Fruit Company

On this wet windy rainy day I stopped into Sheridan Fruit on SE MLK. They carried my purchases to my vehicle, which was a nice touch in all this rain. It has been my favorite place to go shopping for a long time. They have the widest selection of produce around. A huge wine selection, including Oregon wines that are hard to get any where else in town. The meat department is has a real butcher who will cut you meat any way you want. I have had them trim and cut up chuck roasts just the way I wanted. There is a deli with yummy foods. An olive bar with a huge variety of olives. The largest section of bulk foods around. A large variety of pastas and cheeses. They are also a wholesaler and can get you just about any thing you want for that special meal. Also you can order fruit baskets and gift boxes. They now have a online store. www.sheridanfruit.com 408 SE third ave, Portland OR, 97214, 503 236-2114

Holiday Ale Festival

The snow isn’t sticking and the wind hasn’t started up yet and there is still time to go to the Holiday Ale feast today. Tomorrow Sunday the Ale feast starts out with a Brewers Brunch for $30. From 10am to noon. 21 and over, you must have ID. The menu includes: Hair Of The Dog Fred, Scaldis Prestige, Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse , St. Feuillien Triple beers, and cheeses, pastries and fruit. The rest of the festival continues on until 6 pm. It is a very popular festival and very crowded. We went after work Friday with what looked like the rest of Portland getting off work. The beer lines were long. I didn’t want to get back into the long line. Instead of tasting beers like I wanted to I got a mug of beer. Then I found a less crowded place to drink it. I discovered that there were venders selling very nice looking arts and crafts. I drank my beer by the sculptures then left. Mugs are $5, tickets are a dollar each. Tastes are one ticket, mugs of beer 4 tickets. Get great deal but not as cheep as happy hour. Pioneer Courthouse Square 701 SW Sixth Ave Portland, Oregon 97204. Take MAX it stops on both side of the square. www.holidayale.com

Evergreen Vineyards

The tasting room is located in a sun lit corner of the Evergreen aviation museum. Evergreen Aviation started purchasing vineyards in the early 1990’s by 2003 they were ready to release their first pinot noir. They have added more varieties over the years. The vintages now offered are: 2004, 2005 Spruce Goose Pinot Gris, 2005 Jardiniere Rose Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, 2006 Spruce Goose Riesling, 2006 Spruce Goose Chardonnay, and a wide variety of Pinot Noirs, 2004 Spruce Goose Pinot Noir to 2005 Del-Mar Private Reserve Pinot noir. We liked the dry Riesling best. Evergreen Vineyards 3850 Three Mile lane McMinnvilee, Oregon 97128 866 434 4818, www.Evergreenvinyards.com

Evergreen Aviation Museum

Spitfire
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

Wow what an impressive museum. We have often driven past it on the way to the beach. This time we made it our destination. I am glad the we finally stopped in. I wish we would have stopped there sooner. There are three buildings, one houses the Spruce Goose and other airplanes, the middle building has the IMAX Theatre and the third building will house the new space museum. Every where you look, on the grounds, in all of the buildings and above your head there are airplanes. Along the back of the building there are tanks that look like they are guarding the perimeter.
The Spruce Goose is bigger than I pictured. I knew it was large but not that large. I realized how big it was when I tired to take its picture and could only get a little bit of the plane. The Spruce Goose is made out of birch not spruce. The press named Howard Hughes Flying Boat the Spruce Goose.
Also in the museum are Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, Titan Missile, Sopwith Camel, Douglas C-47 Gooney Bird and Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat. It is a great place to explore on a rainy day. Admission $13 with a dollar off for AAA members. Open Daily from 9am to 5pm, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and Easter.

500 NE Capt Michael Smith Way, McMinnville, OR 97128, 503 434 4180, www.sprucegoose.org .

Alameda Brewhouse

Recently I had a great lunch at Alameda Brewhouse. The food is made in house from fresh local ingredients. It is a great place for a vegetarian to get a meal. I had Alameda dip, a yummy version of French dip sandwich. Other good choices are the Harvest burger made from their brewer’s spent grain, peppers, onions and seasonings, Salmon Gyros and Black Forest Ham melt. They brew their own root brew. Grandma Mary’s root beer is very much better than the root beer that is usually served at restaurants. Seasonal brews include Beaumont Bock, East Village Amber and Papa Noel Olde Ale. A great place to stop into. You can’t miss it on NE Freemont, look for the Giant Hop hanging on the front of the building. Restaurant hours Sunday – Thursday 11am to 11 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am to 12 am. Happy hour Monday – Friday 3pm to 6pm. 4765 NE Fremont St
Portland, OR 97213, 503-460-9025. Tri Met bus 33 Freemont. www.alamedabrewhouse.com

Horse tail falls

Horse tail falls
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

On a lovely fall afternoon we went on a hike in the Columbia River gorge. We hiked up the horsetail falls trail 438 past pony tail falls then down and up the Oneonta trail, back on the highway. Distance was 2.7 miles. We started too late to go up to triple falls, trail 424. Both falls are beautiful to look at. The Oneonta gorge is spectacular to look down into. Stay on this trail, please don’t take short cuts. There is memorial for a 14 year old who fell into the gorge and recently a lady slipped and almost fell over the falls. Bring a map with you. We use Trails of the Columbia Gorge by Geo-Graphics. There is no bathroom at Horse tail falls, use the bathroom at Ainsworth state park. Have fun hiking. I know that I can’t wait to go back. Exit I 84 at mile post 35.

First Thursday November 1, 2007

I have found some fun stuff to go with First Thursday art walk in the Pearl and Downtown. Join the Lions of Batucada in a day of the dead procession. Once I joined the Lions for the starlight parade. I had a great time marching with this group. They do Samba music.

www.lionsofbatucada.com

Day of the Dead Procession
Beginning at NW Davis St. and 8th Ave.
Ending at Someday Lounge - 125 NW 5th Ave.
All Ages 'til 8:00 p.m.
http://www.somedaylounge.com/calendar

Margo Jacobsen Gallery is showing Trude Parkinson 1306 NW Hoyt #301.

Blackfish Gallery is hosting Gallery 110 from Seattle, 420 NW 9^th.

Mark Woolley is showing artists Alison O’Donoghue and Karen Esler, 817 SW 2^nd.

Bullseye gallery is showing works by Bulleye’s artists selected for Tacoma’s new Hotel Murano, 300 NW 13^th.

Shafer Vineyard Cellars

Shafer Vineyard Cellars
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

On a beautiful fall day we stopped at Shafer Winery. Originally I found Shafer winery on a trip back from the beach. I enjoy stopping in the tasting room because it is always Christmas. Miki has a German Christmas shop in the back of the tasting room that is open year around. The hand carved smokers from Germany are a delight to look at. The individual expressions on the figures make me smile. I loved the fat bride one. In addition there are hand painted ornaments from a couple dollars to over one hundred dollars. The wines are a good value. They make a nice Semi-Dry Riesling and Gewurztraminer-Ice Wine. No tasting fee and case discounts.

Shafer Vineyard Cellars
6200 NW Gales Creek Road / Forest Grove 97116 / 503-357-6604
www.shafervineyardcellars.com

Stub Stewart Oregon State Park

Hill Top Day use area
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

Wow, what a great new park we have. We stopped at Stub Stewart State park on sunny fall afternoon. The Hilltop Day use area has a bathroom and picnic tables. The view of the coast range from there is stunning. There are no garbage cans at the picnic area. They want you to take your garbage to a recycling area at the beginning of the park. Packing your garbage out is great for the environment and keeps the bears away from the picnic area. Bears and cougars live in the coast range. Wild animals haven’t been a problem in the park. The trails are named after logging terms and many of them follow old logging roads. We took our dog for a walk. She picked the horse trails because they smelled good. I don’t recommend hiking on the horse trails because they are muddy old logging roads. There are other trails to hike on.
We walked by the cabins. They have views of the coast range. The cabins looked so nice that I can’t wait to stay in one.
It is a fee park $3 per day. 30380 NW Hwy 47 Buxton, OR 97109 503-324-0606, reservations 1-800-452-5687 The Park is off Highway 47 North of Highway 26 before Vernonia on the Banks Vernonia State Trail.

Portland Nursery Apple Tasting

Every October for the past 20 years there has been an apple tasting event at Portland Nursery. I have a delicious time sampling all the different types of apple, pears and Asian pears. Available for sale are many varieties of apples and pears. I like to blend varieties to make apple sauce and apple crisp. Favorite apples from previous years are: Newton pippin, rubinette, splendour, spitzenberg and Swiss gourmet.

In addition to the usual apple treats of strudel and caramel apples this year there will be a lunch menu provided by Popp Catering. Venders, children’s activities and a scarecrow contest fill out the event.

Portland Nursery at 5050 SE Stark
Two weekends: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
October 12, 13, 14 & October 19, 20, 21, 2007
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

www.portlandnursery.com

Split Dine and Drink

While at Bridgeport village we stopped in Split for fun hour. It is a pleasant bar with reasonable prices. I had a glass of wine, Vina Borgia 05 Campo Borja and my husband had a beer. We split cheesy fries. They have Enomatic Wines, which allow you to taste a premium wines at a decent price. The enomatic system creates a closed environment that prevents wines from oxidizing after opening the bottle. Their cocktails use fresh local ingredients.

Open 11AM to 11PM Sunday thru Wednesday and 11AM to12AM Thursday thru Saturday, 503 639 5711 7335 Southwest Bridgeport Road Tigard OR 97224

www.splitdineanddrink.com

Portland Japanese Garden

vine maple
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

October 2007 Japanese Garden

At the beginning of October the leaves are just beginning to turn color at the Portland Japanese Garden. I enjoy going to the garden frequently in the fall. It is joyful to see the gorgeous colors, red, orange and yellow.

Portland Fall Home and Garden Show

fall home and garden show
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

Now at the Expo Center in two big halls is the Fall Home and Garden Show. The Show is from Thursday October 4, 2007 to Sunday October 7, 2007. Hours Thursday – Saturday 11am to 8 pm, Sunday 11am to 6 pm. Admission $8, kids 6 -12 $5, 5 and under free. Free parking on Friday.
We took advantage of the free parking and went to the show Thursday. While we were there my sister and I gave my Dad a break from watching my Mom. My Mom has dementia. She treated the show like trick or treating, going from booth to booth taking candy from the candy dishes the venders had set out. I quickly went from booth to booth trying to keep up with my mom. I saw hot tubs, doors, windows, fireplaces, granite counters, Koi fish, puppies and kittens, plants like succulents and orchids. We saw the puppies a couple of times. There was one that looked like my dog and another one who was real smart and sat when I told him too. It is a great show full of interesting things for sale and examples. There are five garage setups that show you how to fully utilize from garage for your hobbies.

First Thursday Art Walk October 4 2007

It is a raining first Thursday. There is a lot of art to see in downtown Portland and the Pearl. Bring your umbrella and enjoy splashing in mud puddles while going between galleries. Urban Wine works 407 NW 16^th is featuring artist Reginald Brooks. Music by Joshua Slamp and appetizers by Simply Thyme Catering. Each monthly featured artist paints a wine barrow. There is now quite a varied selection of painted wine barrows to look at. While you are there enjoy the flight of wines, tasting fee $15. This month it is 2006 Soellner Gruner Veltliner Wogenrain, 2005 Caymus Conundrum, 2004 Domino IV Syrah, and 2001 Brigaldara Amarone.

Mark Woolley Gallery 817 SW 2^nd is hosting Be Blue (Sky), a group show celebrating blue.

Bullseye gallery 300 NW 13^th, is showing janice vitkovsky, beneath the surface.

Cans film festival

Thursday September 27, 2007

To watch a film bring three cans of food to any Regal Cinema. IMAX and No pass attractions are ineligible. This festival benefits the Oregon Food Bank, whose cupboards are bare. Please bring cans of food that you like to eat. It is no fun to be given yucky food when you are hungry. There are a lot of good films to choose from. I am going to have a hard time making up my mind.

NW Quilt Expo

drakes lap quilt
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

The seventh annual Northwest Quilting & Creative Arts Expo 2007 is Thursday, September 27th from 9 am to 6 pm; Friday the 28th from 9 am to 6 pm; & Saturday, September 29th from 9 am to 5 pm at the Portland Expo Center.
Exhibit Hall Hours: 9 am–6pm, Thursday and Friday
9 am–5 pm Saturday
$8 per day
$21 per three-day pass
www.nwquiltingexpo.com
Take the yellow line max to the expo center. Parking is usually as much as the admission to a show.
Portland Expo Center
2060 N. Marine Dr.
Portland, OR 97217

I enjoy going to this quilt show. Last year I had my first quilt entered in this show. The judges said subtle color palette, elegant fabric. I didn’t get a quilt finished in time for this years show. I will go and get ideas for next year.
The photo is of the quilt I entered last year, drakes lap quilt.

Abundant yarn & dye works

yarn & dye works
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

Beautiful yarn shop with all sorts of hand dyed yarn and roving. There are many lovely choices of yarn to add to your stash. They offer lots of classes teaching knitting and dyeing. You can rent the drum carder for $10 an hour. They recommend that you make a reservation to use the drum carder. I was happy to find out that we could rent the drum carder. It solved the problem of what to do with the alpaca fleece sitting in my dining room. We stopped their booth at flock and fiber. They were the only booth selling boxed lunches along with yarn.

Busy Bee Café is located inside the store it serves tea, stumptown coffee and pastries; soups, and salads.

Store & Café Hours Sunday 12 pm to 5pm, Monday and Tuesday 10am to 7 pm, Wednesday and Thursday 10am to 9pm, Friday and Saturday 10 am to 6 pm.
8524 SE 17th, Portland, OR 97202
Phone: (503) 258-9276
www.abundantyarn.com

St Josef’s Grapestomping Festival

September 22nd & 23rd, 2007

Noon until dusk - both days!

$10 cover

http://stjosefs.tripod.com/index.html

This is a fun event. A winery version of Oktoberfest. A German band plays music to sing and dance to, including the chicken dance. You can sign up for the grape stomping contest. Get you feet all purple stomping grapes and you might win a lovely prize. In past years the prizes were announced to be such fine prizes as an over night stay in Estacada and a guided tour down the pudding river. Everyone has a jolly good time. My 80 year old mother in law enjoyed going to this, she especially like the tour of the winery.

Hug Point Oregon State Park

hug point
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

September is a great time to visit the Oregon coast. The weather is often clear and sunny with great sunsets. Recently we spent the afternoon at Hug Point a way side off Highway 101 just south of Cannon Beach. The park is named hug point because the stage coach trail that you can still see hugged the point as it went around. Know the tides before you go there, stop and get a tide table. High tide cuts off access to the caves on the other side of the point. Too many people get stranded at high tide. Fires are allowed on the beach. Bring your own fire wood and make a fire ring. Do not make a fire in the drift wood piles. When setting up your spot on the beach note the high tide line. A line of kelp and other debris is a good indicator of the high tide line. We watched high tide move surprised people back up the beach. The tide flooded blankets, tents and fires. Every tenth wave is a sneaker wave coming in stronger and higher. I have included practical advice because this is such a beautiful beach and I don’t want you experience ruined by high tide. Enjoy the view of rocks off shore, the caves where pirates treasure is rumored to be hidden, and the pretty waterfall. My Grandpa Lauren crashed his boat on of the rocks off the coast there. My sister Teresa and brother Joe were in a Bumble Bee commercial filmed at hug point.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIUbeQjd0ZY

Flock and Fiber Festival

On September 22-23, 2007 the Flock and Fiber Festival at the Clackamas County fairgrounds in Canby, OR is great fun. I enjoy getting to see and pet fiber producing animals without the hard work of owning them. Sheep, goats, rabbits, llamas and alpacas fill two barns. Angora rabbits are so soft to the touch. I love Romney sheep, they are colorful and fuzzy.

Three days of Workshops, Classes & Mini-Seminars Friday September 21, Saturday September 22 and Sunday September 23, 2007. Choose from needle felting, weaving, spinning, knitting and dyeing classes. You can sign up for a class up to 15 minutes before the class starts if the class isn’t full.

Over 40 venders are selling all sorts of animal fiber based items. Choose from hand spun and dyed yarn, fleeces, roving, drum carders, spinning wheels and weaving looms. You will find more than enough things to keep you busy and warm all winter. Food is available for purchase from the food venders.

Parking lot near main gate fiber sale Sunday September 23, 2007 from 9am to 11am. A good way to add to your fleece stash; pay $7.00 for 1-5 fleeces, $15 for 6 or more fleeces.

www.flockandfiberfestival.com

Springwater Corridor bike path

Recently on nice sunny morning we went for a bike ride on the Springwater corridor. We parked at the Johnson Creek trail head, SE Johnson Creek Blvd and SE 45th. At that location there is a parking lot and bathroom. The path is separated from traffic. The path is part of the 40 mile loop following Johnson creek most of the way. We went west from the parking lot over the new bridge that goes over 99E McLaughlin Blvd. We turned around when we got to surface streets. That section thru SE still doesn’t have a separate path connecting it to Oaks Bottom Park. Going East we went to Bell station. Very often the Springwater path crosses surfaces streets. There are lights at some of the crossings like SE 122^nd. I like riding on the Springwater Corridor. I see lots of interesting things, a wide variety of birds, and families strolling along. I have found memories of playing in the Tideman Johnson nature park. Paved trails go from Springwater path and loop thru the nature park.

Harry’s Fresh Deli

A deli near the PDX airport hotels. It is a popular deli on NE 122^nd. The deli was very full today when I stopped to buy soup for lunch. There is refrigerated wall of shelves that serves as an outlet for Harry’s fresh foods, which are mostly organic. I bought bargain priced soups today, Broccoli cheddar and corn chowder. Also available are their delicious casseroles, mac and cheese, lasagna and creamy chicken casserole, which come in individual and family sizes. The deli serves soups, hot and cold sandwiches, chowder chili, salads and casseroles. The turkey gobbler sandwich has oven baked turkey, swiss cheese, cream cheese, cranberry sauce on sourdough bread, yummy. They also cater check out the details on their web site. 5055 NE 122^nd ave, Portland, OR 97230, 503 262 5200, Open 7 am to 4 pm Monday –Friday, Saturday 11am to 3pm.

www.harrysfreshdeli.com

Water WheelBob’s Red Mill Whole Grain Store and Visitors Center

Water Wheel
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

The big red barn store with the as tall as the building water wheel is easy to spot. I park in the large parking lot and get out of my vehicle and listen to the water splash of the water wheel. It is a pleasure to watch the water wheel. Also in front of the building are old stone mill stones. Bob’s Red Mill has whole grain foods for every meal of the day. If you don’t feel like cooking there is a restaurant in the store that serves whole grain dishes for breakfast and lunch. There are cooking classes to teach about cooking with whole grain foods. I go there to buy my cereals, flours and mixes for cakes, pancakes and muffins. I bought a delicious spice apple cake mix last time I was there. With over 30 kinds of cereal it is hard to make my mind, but I can’t live with out the Scottish oatmeal. I buy the big 20 ounce size of Scottish oatmeal. I go there to purchase gluten free foods for my mother-in-law. They have a dedicated room for processing gluten free foods, it keeps the food from being contaminated. Batch testing is preformed before and after processing the gluten free foods using Codex Alimentarius, the international gluten free standard for manufacturers. I like the gluten free mixes because it takes the hassle out of making gluten free foods. Their chocolate gluten free cake has a big hit for a birthday party. Everyone said it tasted delicious and no one could tell that it was gluten free, it tasted like normal cake.
5000 SE International Way, Milwaukie, OR open 6am to 6pm Monday –Friday, 7am to 5 pm Saturday. Not open on Sundays. 503 607 6455. www.bobsredmill.com

High Fiber Diet: Simple Elegance

high fiber diet
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

An Exhibition of Fiber Art in the Japanese Garden Pavilion
September 11-23, 2007
10am - 6pm Tuesday -Sunday, Noon - 6pm on Mondays
On my last visit to the Japanese Garden I looked at the works of art made by local fiber artists. This year the artists explore the idea of Simple Elegance, inspired by the concept of wabi-sabi, a sense of the beauty of things that are simple, natural, sometimes rustic, and always quietly elegant. I saw hand painted fabric, quilting and appliqué. Fine handwork techniques were used. I would have liked broader color palates and designs that were more innovative. The show is worth seeing to admire the excellent handwork.

Thai Orchid Restaurant

We recently had a nice family dinner at Thai Orchid on West Burnside. Parking is terrible at that location. We had a hard time finding a parking place. I recommend taking tri-met. It is not a far walk from PGE park max station or ride the 20 Burnside bus. The restaurant prides its self with cooking with fresh local ingredients. We had tempura and Po Pia Sod fresh vegetable spring rolls in soft rice paper served with sweet and sour sauce with ground peanuts as appetizers. My husband who doesn’t usually like curry dishes thoroughly enjoyed his pineapple curry. I had a taste of it and it was very good. My son had Pad Thai, chicken, shrimp, fried tofu, and bean sprouts with rice noodles and egg in their famous Pad Thai sauce toped with ground peanuts. He got a big serving of it. My brother ordered yellow curry and I had Gaeng Mussaman Red curry, named from the Mussaman region with potatoes, carrots, onions, and peanuts. The Cinnamon in Mussaman curry is a delicious addition. We enjoyed ourselves eating good food. I noticed that many people came and happily got takeout. The prices are moderate in the $8 to $12 range. Choose from nine location of Thai Orchard. www.thaiorchidrestaurant.com 2231 W Burnside Portland, OR 503 226 4542 Open for Lunch Monday thru Friday 11:30am - 2:30pm, Saturday and Sunday 12:00noon - 4:30pm Dinner everyday 4:30pm - 9:30pm.

Crafty wonderland

Sunday September 9, 2007 at the Doug fir lounge. Numerous hand made crafts are available for purchase. The lounge is crowded with venders. With the variety of items there is something for everyone; hand spun and dyed yarn, jewelry, stuffed animal, art for your walls, and things to wear made out of recycled materials and natural fibers. All ages, free admission, 11am to 4 pm at Doug Fir lounge 830 E. Burnside Portland, OR

First Thursday September 6 2007

Time for another lovely evening walking around downtown and the Pearl looking at art.

Mark Woolley Gallery has moved back downtown to 817 SW 2^nd. The gallery is showing Melinda Thorsnes and Rebecca Guberman-Bloom works of art. Quintana Galleries is celebrating 35 years with an anniversary exhibition. I am looking forward to stopping in the museum of contemporary art and the other galleries in the same building like blue sky. 724 NW Davis.

Fabric Depot

bamboo fabric
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

I stopped in Fabric Depot today to preview the store before the big sale Friday. I found lots of interesting new fabrics. There is a display of floral black and white fabrics by Kona right inside the door. On the wall by the bath room are yarn dyed cottons and new knits by ITY. They have an expanded selection of bamboo fabrics. The Outdoor sale is still going on with great buys on fabric. 30% off everything in the store until next Tuesday September 11, 2007. 40% off fabric Friday September 7 and Saturday September 8. 700 SE 122nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97233 www.fabricdepot.com

Moonstruck Chocolate Cafe

We stopped in the Moonstruck Chocolate café on NW 23^rd for dessert. In addition to their delicious truffles they serve ice cream, cheese cake and cake for dessert. There are tables to sit at inside and out side on the side walk. With all that yummy chocolate it was hard to make up my mind on what to choose. I shared a decadent piece of chocolate peanut butter caramel cheese cake. Moonstruck is headquartered here in Portland. They make award winning handcrafted artesian truffles. www.moonstruckchocolate.com

Moonstruck Chocolate Cafe - NW 23rd 526 NW 23rd Avenue Portland, OR 97210 503-542-3400

rocky butte

rocky butte
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

An extinct volcano in Portland Oregon Rocky butte is a popular place for rock climbing and star gazing. We like to go up there to watch the sun set. The 360 degree views of the lights around Portland were beautiful last night.
The official name of the park is Joseph Wood Hill Park. It is named after the man who founded a military academy on rocky butte that built the fortress on top. The walls of the fortress are good place to learn climbing skills. Mazamas offers climbing classes at Rocky Butte. www.mazamas.org
I have watched eclipses of the moon from up there. The local astronomy groups often host star parties on Rocky Butte. Take NE Freemont East from 82 to get up there. The park closes at midnight.

Crema Coffee and Bakery

art above crema's door
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

A great place to stop in and get coffee and bakery goods. The available Wi-Fi makes it a good place to sit and write. I enjoy drinking stumptown coffee served in a large white ceramic cup with large saucer. I like cup and saucers because the saucer contains the spills. Coffee refills are 25 cents. The other day while having a good conversation, I enjoyed drinking coffee and eating a morning bun. It is hard to make up your mind with all the pastries, cookies, cupcakes and cakes. The bakery makes handcrafted cakes and tarts made with seasonal, locally grown and organic ingredients. Current summer choices include: Coconut Chiffon cake, Princess Cake, green tea cheese cake, and caramelized pear cheese cake. Open Monday thru Saturday 7 am to 6 pm, Sunday 7:30 to 5 pm. 2728 SE Ankeny St, Portland, OR 503 234 0206 www.cremabakery.com

John Luby Park

We went to a very shady park to play on the playground yesterday. John Luby Park is very dense with Doug Fir trees. Five year Colby declared the park as one his favorites. He said that high swings and a tall slide were fun to play on. There are also smaller sized slides and climbing structures. Picnic tables, benches and a drinking fountain are in the park, but no bathrooms. The park is crisscrossed with walking paths. I was very chilly yesterday in the shade and decide that this would be a great park on a very hot day. The park is at NE 128^th and NE Brazee across from Russell School. Brazee doesn’t go all the way to NE 122^nd take Thompson or San Raphael to get there.

Peninsula Park Rose garden

fountain
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

The oldest formal rose garden in Portland started out life as a horse race track. The city of Portland purchased it in 1909. In the sunken track they kept the beautiful fountain and plated roses around it. Brick pathways surround the fountain. Grass pathways are along the outside of the roses. When I was a child I would lay on the grass between the roses, smelling the wonderful fragrance and day dream watching the clouds go by. The other day I had a delightful time wandering amidst the roses. Peninsula Park is a great park with a play ground, community center and swimming pool. Located at 700 N Rosa Parks way. www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/

Free Oregon symphony concerts in the Park

A great way to end the summer is to go out with fireworks after the Oregon Symphony concert on the waterfront Thursday August 30, 2007. The last piece on the program is Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture complete with cannons and fireworks. Today Saturday August 25 they play at Arbor Lodge park in North Portland. The park is off N Greely and Rosa parks blvd. We will bring a picnic and enjoy the music.

Arbor Lodge Park

August 25

2:30-6:30 PM Afternoon Festival

7:00 PM Oregon Symphony
Gregory Vajda, conductor
Free Concert

Tom McCall Waterfront Park

August 30

5:00 PM Portland Youth Philharmonic
Mei-Ann Chen, conductor

7:00 PM Oregon Symphony
Carlos Kalmar, conductor
Gregory Vajda, conductor
Free Concert

www.orsymphony.org

Swan Island Dahlias

dahlia
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

It is late August and the dahlias are in bloom. I love those big gaudy flowers. I buy most of my dahlias from Swan Island Dahlias. I enjoy walking around the farm looking the dahlias in bloom. The 2007 Dahlia Festival is August 25th, 26th, 27th and September 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. 10am to 6 pm. There will be food booths with refreshments to purchase. Indoors there is a large display of cut dahlias. The gardens are open and free to visit everyday while the dahlias are in bloom. 995 NW 22nd Ave Canby, OR 97013
www.dahlias.com

Oak Knoll Winery

The other day we stopped by Oak Knoll tasting room. There is a five dollar tasting fee. The wines are reasonably priced from $5 a bottle to mid $20’s. The wines that I purchased 2005 Oregon Gewurztraminer and

2006 Oregon Muller Thurgau are only available at the tasting room. They were temporary out of the Twilight Blush. I will pick some up at a store. The tasting room is easy to get to. It is just south of Hillsboro just off highway 219. www.oakknollwinery.com

Fanno Creek Greenway trail

Sunday afternoon we took the dog for a nice walk along the Fanno greenway park. We started in a park on greenway in Beaverton ending in Tigard. It is a trail in process that will eventually connect to the 40 mile loop around the metro area. Currently it is 15 miles long connecting many little parks and play grounds. Bathrooms are few along the trail. Trees shade the path. It is a good year around trail that is basically flat. www.metro-region.org has information on this park and others.

marine drive bike path

plane landing
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

Along the dike holding the Columbia river out of the airport is a lovely bike path. I like to park on Marine drive close to I 205 bridge. My dog had a great walk along the path today. She find lots of things to smell. I like the view of the Columbia river and government island. The planes landing at the airport land almost on top of you. I ducked the first time I was there and one landed. I look at the birds, hawks and herons. Watch the water skiers and sailboats. People are friendly along the path. You can go for a very long bike ride on the path as it joins up with other bike paths. Go to www.portlandonline.com/transportation/index.cfm?c=34809 for bike route maps

Powell’s Books

It is a rainy Monday. A great day to spend the afternoon in Powell’s City of Books on SW Burnside. I love reading mysteries. I started with Nancy Drew, and then moved on to Agatha Christie, my all time favorite. I am in the process of writing my first mystery novel. While doing the writing I have been exploring how other mysteries are written, The scene and setting, character development and the plot. I felt I needed to expand my reading list to new authors. Powell’s books is a great place to find plenty of interesting wonderful books. I have been known to spend my grocery money on books. Great diet feeding my mind. www.powells.com

Summer night movies

Summer is a great time to watch movies outdoors. The lack of drive in movies is made up by putting up screens in the parks. Friday night August 17^th you can choose from Flicks on the Bricks at Pioneer Court house square. They will be showing Stand by Me at dusk. Pioneer Court House Square is located at SW 6^th and Morrison downtown.

Big Screen on the Green is showing Raiders of the Lost Ark at dusk in Laurelhurst Park. SE 39^th and Stark st.

The rest of the Big Screen on the Green movies:

18 August Saturday Hazeltine Park Madagascar

24 August Friday Brentwood Park Happy Feet

25 August Saturday Sellwood Park Shrek 2

31 August Friday Brooklyn Park Blades of Glory

7 September Friday Lents Park Stomp the Yard

8 September Saturday Dickinson Park Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

Portland farmers market

Portland farmers market
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

I love fresh produce right off the farm. The Portland Farmers market provides a huge amount produce to choose from. You can find every thing that you need for a meal or picnic; meat, fish, cheese, bread, prepared foods and flowers to go with your fruits and vegetables. I bought purple string beans which I haven’t been able to find any where else. I tasted a yummy coconut lentil soup. Located Saturdays in the South Park blocks by PSU, open 8:30 am to 2pm, Wednesdays South Park blocks SW Park between Salmon and Main 10 am to 2 pm. Thursdays Ecotrust building and Eastbank.
Melon madness and Corn roast festival is Thursday August 16, 2007 at Ecotrust building NW 10th between Irving and Johnson, 3:30 to 7:30 pm. Thursday August 23, 2007 at Eastbank SE 20th and Salmon, 3:30 to 7:30 pm
www.portlandfarmersmarket.org

The Barn

The Barn
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

The Barn is a farmers market located on NE 148th between Airport way and Marine Drive. It is Open Monday thru Saturday 9 am to 6pm. It will be open until Thanksgiving. Drive into the large parking lot in front of a big red building. Inside the large barn is lots of seasonal produce. Currently there is yellow, white and bicolor corn, tomatoes, peppers and summer squash. Blueberries and stone fruits, peaches, plums and apricots. Everything that you need for canning is there. I keep going back for yummy produce. They accept food stamps and credit cards

Washington Park Summer Festival 2007

We have been enjoying the wonderful free concerts in the Washington Park Amphitheatre. Curtis Salgado was full of life and in fine form. His song summertime blues was perfect for an August evening. People of all ages were dancing to his music. Courtney of Three Torso told funny stories. It was enjoyable to listen to bus ride to oblivion and frog spy. Portland Festival Symphony did a pleasant job playing Beethoven’s 5^th Symphony. The concert got cut short due to a few rain drops. Instruments are destroyed by rain and had to be protected. The Washington Park amphitheatre is a great place to view and listen to a concert. The concert risers make it look like an old greek or roman amphitheatre. I have fond memories of going to events at the park. I saw musicals and opera there when I was a child. I danced in a full length Ballet, the melancholy princess. When my children were little I took them to concerts there. Children are very welcome at the concerts and it is a great way for them to learn about music. The free concerts run from August 3 to 18, 2007. 6 to 8 pm. Monday August 13 are The Stolen Sweets, Tuesday August 14 is Janice Scroggins, Wednesday August 15 is Misty River Band, Thursday August 16 is Rebecca Kilgore, Friday August 17 is Rigoletto, and Saturday August 18 is Cana Son.

7th Annual Portland Zine Symposium

Audrey selling Yog's notebook
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

August 11 – 12, 2007, 11 to 5 pm.
www.pdxzines.com

I had a fascinating time wandering around the Smith Memorial ball room at Portland State looking at zines. An amazing amount of zines are on display at the Zine symposium. Stop by the table selling Yog’s notebook and enter the coloring contest. Yog’s notebook is a quarterly magazine of science-fiction and horror.

www.yogsnotebook.com

PGE Park

Tonight August 9 at 7 pm the Portland Timbers play Minnesota. Beer is usually cheep on Thursdays. The Timbers army has a lot of fun cheering for their team.
Tom wrote this after having a great time going to a company picnic at a ball game.
Located at 1844 SW Morrison in downtown Portland, PGE Park is a great place
to watch some summer baseball. The Triple-A Portland Beavers play 72 home
games at PGE Park each season. The season begins in early April and
concludes in early September. The tickets to a game are reasonable, from $8
for general admission up to $13 for the infield.

The stadium is located close to MAX, and to bus lines. There is limited
on-street parking, but there is also parking garages, including a Smart
Park, nearby.

Craft PDX block party

Free, Sunday July 22, 2007 724 NW Davis noon to 7:30

Celebrate the grand opening of the Museum of Contemporary Craft and the DeSoto Building.

Look at this long list of activites.

Schedule of Activities

12-7 pm Museum of Contemporary Craft Express! Tours - on the hour, every hour

(meet at the reception desk inside 724 NW Davis St.)

For more information about CRAFT IN AMERICA: Expanding Traditions, visit the

exhibitions page at MuseumofContemporaryCraft.org

12-7 pm DeSoto Galleries open

Augen Gallery, Blue Sky Gallery, Charles Hartman Fine Art , Froelick Gallery

1-2 pm Panel discussion in The Lab at Museum of Contemporary Craft

The Making of the CRAFT IN AMERICA documentary series

Moderated by Carol Sauvion.

Panelists: Dan Seeger (film director); Mira Nakashima, Denise and Sam Wallace

(artists); Linny Adamson (curator)

Join Producer Carol Sauvion as she leads a discussion on the making of the PBS

documentary series.

3-4 pm Panel discussion in The Lab at Museum of Contemporary Craft

Artists from the CRAFT IN AMERICA: Expanding Traditions exhibition

Moderated by Jo Lauria.

Panelists: Einar and Jamex de la Torre, David Gurney, Gerhardt Knodel and Mira

Nakashima.

Join Curator Jo Lauria as she leads a conversation with several of the exhibiting artists.

On-going Activities all day

Glass blowing by Tacoma’s Museum of Glass Mobile Hot Shop, and Jamex and Einar de la Torre

Interactive hands-on art activities for all ages featuring:

Clay Town on the Portland grid; The Stitch-o-Rama community embroidery project

Raku ceramics with Bruce Finch; Cotton jewelry with Heidi Steeves

Water bottle bracelets with Portland Church of Craft ‘ Matchbox shrines with Super Crafty

Artist Trading Cards with the DIY Lounge at collage

Demonstrations by several regional artists, guilds and collectives:

Greg Wilbur, Janet Buskirk and Jim Koudelka from Art In The Pearl ; Woodturner Dale Larsen

Creative Metal Arts Guild; Guild of Oregon Woodworkers; Oregon Glass Guild; Oregon Potters

Association; Pacific Northwest Sculptors Association; Portland Handweavers Guild

Also there is food, drink and live music.

www.contemporarycrafts.org

Geek Fair

Free Geek is having its annual street fair Saturday July 21, 2007, 1 to 7 pm at 1731 SE 10^th, Portland, OR. A fun fair with plenty of food and drink. Bash printers like they did in Office Space. Play shuffle board with hard drives. Listen to live music. Watch jugglers as they amazed the audience. Toss compact disks like frisbees. Join a LAN party. Go shopping at the store full of refurbished equipment.

www.freegeek.org

Cathedral Park Jazz Festival

Don’t let the rain keep you away from this beautiful park and free jazz festival. The park is under the east end of the St Johns Bridge. The 27^th annual Cathedral Park Jazz Festival runs from Friday July 20 to Sunday July 21, 2007. I like to bring a sand chair and blanket along with a picnic and sit on the grassy slope enjoying the music. People dance in front of the stage. Plenty of food and drink are available for purchase. There is a beer garden.

FRIDAY . JULY 20
6:00 - The Strange Tones
8:00 - Charlie Musselwhite

SATURDAY . JULY 21
Noon - Pete Krebs
2:00 - Keith Hinyard
4:00 - PDXV, jazz quintet of Portland, OR
6:00 - Steve Cannon and the Blowhard Big Band featuring Mic Gillette

SUNDAY . JULY 22
Noon - Devin Philips
2:00 - Sneakin' Out
4:00 - Al Andalus
6:00 - Plas Johnson & John Heard featuring Nancy King

www.cpjazz.com

RCT fabrics

RCT fabrics
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

A fantastic fabric store in the NW industrial area. When you walk in the door you are greeted with smiles from Annette. She is very friendly and a lot of help. They carry all kinds of high end knits: fleece, wickaway, suplex, lycra, hemp, bamboo. The store is having a gigantic warehouse sale July 18 to July 21, 2007, bolts of fabric $1 a yard, 10 yard minimum. I bought several bolts of formally very expensive wickaway fabric.
2515 NW Nicolai
Portland Oregon 97210
503-224-5666 ext.105, 1-800-728-5666
Store Hours 9:00 to 5:00 Monday thru Friday 10:00 to 3:00 Saturday Closed Sundays
www.fabricline.com

Fabric Depot

I just stopped by Fabric depot. They are having a unadvertised 30% off everything sale. 50% off dritz, omigrad and fons and porter notions. There are lots of new cotton prints. The outdoor sale is going full blast. SE 122nd and Stark.

Everyday Wine

On a hot afternoon we stopped in the cool shop, everyday wine. We were greeted by Porter the dog. He is a nice friendly black dog. We picked out a cold rose’ from the frig, MasdeBazan a fruity dry rose’ from Spain. For a five dollar corkage fee she will open any bottle in the shop. Or buy wine buy the glass. There is lots of nice art up on the walls, the artist change monthly. Bring your own food. The store doesn’t serve food. Check the web site for live music schedule. 1520 NE Alberta, 503 331 7119, Open Tuesday thru Saturday 2pm to 10 pm. www.everydaywine.com

Summer Concerts at Oregon Zoo

The lawn at the Zoo is a great place to enjoy a concert. The elephants dance to the music. Children have fun dancing and running around. Plenty of good food and drink are available for purchase. Bring your picnic. Leave all alcohol at home. Wine and beer are available at the zoo. Tonight Wednesday July 11 is Asleep at the Wheel. I enjoy dancing to this great western swing band. Concert free with Zoo admission,$9.75. Show starts at 7pm. Get there early. More details at www.oregonzoo.org

Waterfront Blue Festival July 8, 2007

Yesterday was another pleasant day at the blues festival. Some the music was tear jerking about New Orleans. Charmaine Neville said she had to get back home because she finally was getting a roof put back on her house. Two years get a roof put back on your house, which is too long. The music was a blessing for us all. The Dirty Dozen Brass band played lively music. I enjoyed their version of when the Saints go marching in. Today is Curtis Salgado and the Neville brothers. Also a Paul de Lay memorial all star band.

Glendoveer fitness trail

Glendoveer fitness trail
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

The Glendoveer Golf Course has a fitness trail around it. This morning we had a nice walk on the fitness trail. It is a two mile long trail. The path is soft wood chips. The area is shaded by trees. It is a little noisy along Halsey street. Located at Northeast 140th and Glisan Street. Parking for trail on Halsey. Port a Pot and drinking fountain next to parking lot. No dogs allowed.

Waterfront Blues Festival July 7,2007

Hawthorne Bridge at night
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

We have been having so much fun down at the Willamette river water front at the Blues festival. Last night the ground rumbled with the bass. The music has been great and varied. The nights warm and clear. Joan Armatrading was great Thursday evening. Friday Evening Kim Simmonds of Savoy Brown said that Portland was too nice to him, that he needed angst to have the Blues. It was crowd pleasing to have Eric Burdon sing House of the Rising Sun. Earlier in his set he added a lyric to we have to get out of here, saying we need to get out of Iraq. Today is a Zydeco Swamp romp. The Dirty Dozen Bras Band is on at 8pm. Admission is $8. www.waterfrontbluesfest.com

cup and saucer restaurant

cup and saucer restaurant
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

This morning we went for breakfast on our anniversary at the cup and saucer restaurant on Killingsworth. We both had French toast, Bruce had sour dough bread French toast and I had Challah French toast. Delicious food. French toast also comes in a half order size. The staff was friendly and attentive. My coffee cup never got empty. The Killingsworth restaurant is larger than the Hawthorne restaurant. It has a bar in it, something that the Hawthorne place doesn’t have. It is a friendly place to stop in for food. Breakfast is served all day.
3000 NE Killingsworth Portland Oregon served by two tri-met bus routes the 72 and 9.

20th Anniversary Waterfront Blues festival

What an event. I started going to it in the early 90’s and I haven’t missed a year since then. July 4 th thru July 8, 2007, from noon to midnite. The weather is going to be sunny and warm. Prefect weather for listening to the blues. This is fundraiser for Oregon Food Bank. Bargain admission prices at $8 a day and two cans of food or $25 for all five days. It is the best fundraiser that I have ever been too. Two main stages alternate acts. The crowds move from one stage to the other. I sit in the middle and watch the people go by. The A&E stage is on the other side of the Hawthorne Bridge. It has a dance floor in front. Don’t miss dancing to Lily Wilde and her swing orchestra on Sunday July 8 from 4:45 to 5:45, or Zydeco Swamp Romp Saturday July 7^th. Wednesday evening July Fourth has Koko Tayler at 8:45 to 10 pm Miller stage. Fire works at 10pm. Great music every day. Very Family friendly event, I brought my children when they were younger. Bring your picnic or buy yummy food at the festival. There is a no alcohol policy. That includes everything. They will open and pour out hiking type water bottles. Don’t bring a camel back. They are volunteers and know all the tricks of how to bring alcohol into an event. I have worked the gate and have seen disappointed people told to leave their starbucks coffee outside. Plenty of alcoholic beverages can be purchased inside. Bring a blanket and a low slung chair and grab a piece of lawn, sit back and enjoy the music. Tom McCall water front park between Naito parkway and the Willamette river, next to the Hawthorne Bridge. www.waterfrontbluesfest.com

4th of July fireworks

There are plenty of 4^th of July fireworks and events around the Portland area. There is something for everyone. The Biggest is in Vancouver, Wa, it can be seen from Marine drive. My favorite is at the Waterfront Blues festival, Tom McCall Waterfront Park. My second favorite is at Oaks Park along the Willamette River. Fireworks will be set off after the Beavers baseball game against Tacoma in PGE Park downtown. Lake Oswego has fire works at Lake Grove Swim Park between South Shore and Summit drives. Tigard has fire works at Tigard High Foot ball field 9000 SW Durham road. Corbett Fun Festival starts at 10:30 am with fireworks at dusk. Fairview starts the fun at Blue Lake Park at 1 pm until 11pm. $6 parking fee. Marine drive will be closed by Blue Lake Park. Happy Valley will have at day long party at City Park with fire works at the end. You can see fireworks display from any of the tall peaks, like Rocky Butte and Powell Butte. Have a fun and save Fourth.

Ziba'a Pita's

Audrey at Ziba'a Pita's
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

Ziba’s Pita’s
I just had another yummy pita from Ziba’s Pitas. I purchased the combo plate half spinach and the other half beef with roasted pepper dip. Ziba makes Authentic Bosian Food. She sells it out of a lunch cart at SW Alder and 9th. She makes vegetarian, vegan and meat pitas. The pita’s have a flakey rolled crust. They are more like spanakopita than a burrito.

Platform International Animation Film Festival

The Platform International Animation Film Festival is being held in Portland this week. We saw the screening of competition group five. I enjoyed watching the short films. Tyger and Sleeping with the Fishes were among my favorites. I liked how they show the puppeteers in Tyger. I liked the drawing of people in Sleeping with the Fishes. After the seeing the screening we joined a parade that marched over to PCNA to see animation installation art. It was great fun. A special screening of Snow white is tonight, followed by a street party in old town. The festival continues until Saturday June 30. There are showings of the winners on Sunday. Festival venue is at Portland center for the arts 1111 S. West Broadway. PNCA (Pacific Northwest College of Art) 1241 NW Johnson Street

www.platformfestival.com

Elmers Restaurant

Twice in the last month we have had breakfast after church at Elmer’s restaurant in Parkrose. Both times the staff were very accommodating of my mother in law’s gluten free diet. They substituted fruit for the toast that came with her scramble plate. I had a Belgian waffle with fruit topping and whipped cream on top. They also make yummy German pancakes.

10001 NE Sandy Blvd
Portland, OR
97220-3325

Phone: (503) 256-2150

www.elmers-restaurants.com

silver salmon grille

silver salmon grille
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

Recently we took a lovely day trip to the coast. We stopped for dinner at Silver Salmon Grille. Since it was early we were able to get a window seat with out having a reservation. We were very impressed with the service. The staff was very accommodating of special diet needs. My mother in law had a delicious salmon dinner that was gluten free. My husband had many choices on the low carb menu. I had Cajun coconut beer battered gulf shrimp with garlic mashed potatoes. The food was delicious but not very spicy. The jerk seasoned salmon was very mild. The dinners are in the $20 to $30 range. It was nice to find a pleasant seafood restaurant on the coast.

1105 Commercial Astoria, OR 97103 503-338-6640
www.silversalmongrille.com

Japanese Garden

japanese iris
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

At the Japanese Garden the irises are just starting to bloom. The Koi are very friendly. The Artists Alliance NW show is going on.
June 20 - July 1, 2007
Exhibit & Sale: Daily 10am-6pm (Mondays open at noon)
Meet the Artists: Sunday, June 24, 1pm-3pm
Members Free/Non-members Regular Admission

Rose festival 2007

rose festival grand floral parade 2007
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

The ships are leaving, the festival is over. It was another fun rose festival. We got very wet watching the grand floral parade. Good thing Columbia sports wear is located here. www.columbia.com We needed mother Gert’s good clothes for parade watching. A few years back I watched her ride in a very wet star light parade wearing a Columbia sports wear parka. She looked warm and dry. I took lots of pictures of the parade. I used up three batteries for my digital camera. Photos at www.flickr.com/photos/maryannethygesen My favorites are the tiger jumping thru flames float, the tank escorted by bike police, and all the international marchers and floats. Next festival that I look forward to being at is the blues festival. www.waterfrontbluesfest.com July 4 – 8, 2007
The Mother of all Stores
911 S.W. Broadway (Broadway at Taylor) Portland, OR 97205 Phone: 503.226.6800
flagshipstore@columbia.com
Store Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9am-7pm Sunday: 11am-5pm

First Thursday Art Walk June 7, 2007

This morning is overcast. Last night it stopped raining and was a lovely evening. I anticipate the same this evening. It is fun strolling around downtown and the pearl looking at art.

Walk up three flights of stairs to Margo Jacobsen Gallery http://www.margojacobsenartdealer.com

1301 NW Hoyt St., Suite 301, Portland, OR 97209
503.241.2771 open 5 to 7 pm. The photos by Christopher Burkett look textural and full of life.

Bullseye gallery 300 NW 13^th Ave 503 227 0222 has art into architecture BECon 2007 exhibition. www.bullseyegallery.com

Rose Festival 2007

Rose in Washington Park rose garden
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

Centennial Celebration, wow Portland’s version of Mardi Gras is 100 years old. The Star Light parade was last Saturday evening. This Saturday June 9, 2007 is the Grand Floral parade. I watch the parade on the east side. I arrive early in the morning and find a seat close to the curb. Currently People are out there camping on the curb saving their spot. It is a friendly party atmosphere. The police stop all traffic on the parade route a couple hours before the parade. I bring side walk chalk and decorate the street before the parade. I draw butterflies and flowers and what ever else that I am asked to draw. I share my chalk with the children around me. Bubbles are a lot of fun. I have a lot of fun waiting for the parade. This parade has been a very important part of my life. I was in the parade as a child. Read the story on Oregonlive blog http://blog.oregonlive.com/rosefestivalstories/2007/04/riding_on_the_girl_scout_float.html
I have marched in the starlight parade. Basically I love a parade. Find my photos at www.flickr.com/photos/maryannethygesen

www.rosefestival.org

Adelman Peony garden

adelman Peony garden
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

The Willamette valley is full of beautiful gardens and nurseries. Adelman Peony is not far from Schreiners iris gardens. Memorial Day is the height of the bloom season. The peony that I got last year from this nursery is about ready to bloom. As soon as I find room for more peonies I will buy more. They are such lovely long lived plants.
5690 Brooklake Rd, NE Salem, OR 503 393 6185 Open May 1 to June 15, 2007 www.peonyparadise.com

Cooleys iris Garden

Cooley's iris farm
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

Last Sunday I had a lot of fun visiting iris gardens. Cooleys garden is a nice garden by Silverton, Oregon. It isn’t as big of garden as Schreiners. The smaller size is nice for a short stroll. Currently the irises are in full bloom. Pick out irises for your garden. The quality is high and their policy are very friendly including; nightmare insurance available for $3.00. It provides replacement for unthinkable things like your dog or husband digging up the irises. They have a replacement policy for problems that are their fault like the tuber is rotten.
Peak Bloom Festival May 19th to June 2nd, 2007. Free admission, Daily from 8am to 7pm. Cooley's Gardens is at 11553 Silverton Road NE, just outside of Silverton and nine miles east of Salem, Oregon's Capital. www.cooleysgardens.com

Schreiners Iris gardens

Schreiners Iris gardens
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

Off of I 5 just north of Salem is a beautiful iris nursery and garden. It is delightful to look out gazing over the fields of irises. Last Sunday we drove down to wander thru the iris gardens. It was a rainy day. The crowds were thin. The irises sparkled with rain drops on them. It is fun to pick out the irises for your garden. Preorder for fall planting. Also available are nursery plants ready for your garden. Cut irises are for sale. Food and drink is available for purchase. Bring a picnic; there are plenty of picnic tables. On May 28, 2007 from 11:30 to 4 pm is a chicken BBQ.
Open May 4 to June 3, 2007 Dawn to Dusk. Free Admission. 3625 Qiumby Road NE Salem, OR, 503 393 3232
www.schreinersgardens.com

Fabric Depot

Fabric Depot
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

Acres of fabric surrounded by an ample parking lot. The new reader board signs announce when the big sales are. The outdoor sale starts this weekend. All summer long you will find lots of useful bargains at the outdoor sale. I walk inside and look at all the wonderful fabric. There are numerous quilts hanging from the ceiling and on the wall. Over the bridal section there are elegant clothes hanging from the ceiling. With all the fabrics to choose from, quilting cottons, fashion fabrics, bridal fabrics and home decorating fabrics the store has the largest, most complete selection of fabric in the west. They have an impressive collection of sewing, quilting and crafting supplies. I look around for new treasures. The staff is friendly and helpful. The web site has a new layout.
700 SE 122nd Ave Portland, OR 97233, cross street SE Stark. 1-888-896-1478, Hours Mon –Sat 9am to 9pm, Sunday 10am to 7pm.

www.fabricdepot.com

Hawthorne Coffee Merchant

Hawthorne Coffee Merchant
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

One of my favorite places to stop and buy coffee. I have been shopping there for a long time. Having a fresh brewed pot of coffee made from coffee purchased at Hawthorne Coffee Merchant starts my morning off happy. I usually buy merchants blend ground for Mr Coffee. The friendly staff does a good job in helping you pick out just the right beans, ground for your coffee pot. They sell freshly roasted specialty coffees and premium teas from all parts of the world, ready to brew at home. Stop in a different shop on the street for lattes or espresso.
Open 7 days, 9am to 7pm, 503-230-1222, 1-800-662-1533, 3564 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Portland OR, 97214
www.hawthornecoffee.com/

Meianna Bakery

Meianna Bakery
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

I like stopping at the Fubon Shopping Center in Southeast Portland and go to the Meianna Bakery. With all many choices of pineapple buns I have a hard time picking out which one that I want to eat. I usually get one with custard in the middle. The buns are reasonably priced at $1.10. Because the top looks like a pineapple, the buns are named after pineapples. Pineapple is not an ingredient in pineapple buns. It is fun to explore the rest of the shopping center, munching on a pineapple bun. 2850 SE 82nd Ave, Suite 27, Portland, OR 97266, 503 788 7968

Crafty Wonderland May 13

Stuffed Animal viruses
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

Art and craft fair with over 40 independent venders selling their work. Held on the second Sunday of each month at Dough Fir lounge, 830 E Burnside, Portland, OR
On May 13 Audrey Eschright will be there selling hand dyed yarn, iPod cozies, crocheted wire bracelets and purses. I will be selling stuffed animal viruses and making origami polyhedrons.

www.craftywonderland.com

Gartners Country Meats

Gartner' Country Meats
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

The bright red building is easy to spot. Parking is behind the building. Gartners Meat Market prepares meat German style. It is an old fashioned meat market and deli. It is a great place to stop before a picnic or BBQ to buy what you need. Marinated ribs, beef patties, butt rubbed chicken and sausages. Buttrub is a custom meat rub that is spicy. Sandwich fixings: cheese, deli meat bread and buns. Deli salads and chips and charcoal. They sell fresh seafood in the summer. The meat loaf mix was very popular when I served it for a birthday party. The prices are good; the best value is the freezer meat packages. My dog always appreciates a dog bone. The smoked dog bones come in all sizes small to large. Take a picture of your dog enjoying the bone and have them place it on the wall with the other pictures of dogs enjoying bones. They process wild game. On Killingsworth close to pdx hotels.
7450 N.E. Killingsworth, Portland, Or. 97218, 503-252-7801, hours: Tuesday though Saturday 9:00 AM TO 6:00 PM Sunday 10:00 AM TO 4:00 PM
www.gartnersmeats.com

Cup Saucer Cafe

Cup Saucer Cafe
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

The other day I walked over to Cup and Saucer Café on Hawthorne Blvd. It was spring day with sun breaks and sprinkles. I ordered breakfast for lunch. I had French toast made with cinnamon raisin bread. It was delicious and I had a hard time making up my mind with all the choices of bread for French toast, including sourdough and brioche. The restaurant also makes a good scramble, with nice fluffy scrambled cage free eggs. The café has a large selection of soups, sandwiches and salads. There is a good selection of vegan food. It is a popular café, sign the waiting list to get a table. The café has location on NE Killingsworth and in Kenton.
3566 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214, 503-236-6001
3000 NE Killingsworth, 503-287-4427, 8237 NE Denver, 503-247-6011

Wahkeena Falls

Wahkeena Falls
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

Last Sunday I went on a hike on one of my favorite trails, 420 Wahkeena Falls on the Oregon side of the Columbia River gorge. The park is on the old Columbia River Highway near Multnomah Falls. It was an overcast day and not too warm. A few years back on the first day of summer I went on a hike on that trail and it rained almost two inches. The trail became my favorite when I was a child. I fell in love with fairy falls, it was just my size and I could walk thru it. I was amazed by Wahkeena Spring. I start hiking at the picnic area at the bottom of the trail. There is a bathroom, picnic tables and barbeques in the picnic area. Cross the road and hike on the paved path up to the bridge over the creek about ¼ mile, then continue on up the now paved second part of the trail up to the view point. The boy scouts did a nice job rebuilding the trail holding up the side of the hill with rock walls. The trail zigzags up the switch backs. Enjoy the view, and then continue up the trail following the creek. Stop at fairy falls. Just past fairy falls there is a branch in the trail, both ways go to the spring the branch following the creek is muddier. At the top is the spring. The trail continues on you can go right to Angles Rest or left toward Larch mountain. It is a great trail for children. The trail is wide and the exposure to cliffs is limited. My dog loves the trail; she has easy access to water most of the trail.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/columbia/forest/recreation/trails/WahkeenaTrail.htm