Peacock Lane 2008

Sunday starts the opening of Peacock Lane for the 2008 season. Opening day will be car free. The street will be blocks to traffic. Pedestrians will not have to deal with cars while enjoying the light displays.

Peacock Lane has been my favorite place to look at Christmas lights since I was a little kid. I feel the Christmas magic like a little kid when I go there to see the lights.

Lights on Sunday December 14 to Dec 31 6 pm until 11 pm. Between SE Stark and SE Belmont one block east of 39th. Tri-Met has buses going down both SE 39th bus 75 and SE Belmont bus 15. www.Tri-met.org

For a preview of the lights, see the slide show on their web page.
www.peacocklane.net

The whole nine yards

The whole nine yards
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

The whole nine yards

This is my favorite interior fabric store. I stopped in there today to browse the beautiful fabrics and get expert advice on how to solve a broken drapery rod problem. They provided excellent advice on how to rehang my drapes. If you have cats go in and ask them how they hang drapery panels with ring and hooks to make a quick release.

In addition to beautiful fabric they offer classes and referrals to make your fabric interior decorating projects. The next classes offered are curtain making and basic pillow making.

1820 East Burnside Portland, OR 97214
503-223-2880
Store Hours Mon-Fri 10-6 Saturday 10-5

http://w9yards.com

Gossamer

Gossamer
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

I was curious about seeing this store after reading about in Threads magazine. The store has an impressive amount of wool felt. A large selection of the felt is plant dyed. After seeing the wool felt, I am busy thinking of designs to use it for making embroidered Christmas ornaments.

Gossamer offers classes including an after school knitting club for grade school age children. Every Tuesday evening from 7 to 9 pm they have a craft night. Bring an ongoing project or start a new one.

Friday evening they are having their first year birthday party from 7 to 9 pm.

Open Tuesday thru Sat 11 am to 5 pm Sunday noon to 5 pm. 2418 E Burnside St Portland Oregon 503 233 4807
www.gossamerfiberarts.com

Zoo lights 2009

bamboo
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

I went to the zoo lights this weekend.

Dazzling lights are in the entry plaza. Animated deer leap over the top of the ramp. Bobsledders wind around the down ramp. They are officiated by a whale at the end of the ride.

On the viewing platform on the ramp there is a spectacular vista of the lights all over the zoo grounds.

Lights were all around me everywhere I walked. Smells of elephant ears and elephants. Green and yellow orange Bamboo trees by the elephant yard.

I saw Rose-Tu put her baby Samudra to bed in the elephant barn, covering him up with straw.

The Zoo lawn is a big lake with crocodiles and hippos.

The farm is open with plenty of animals.

Open November 29 to December 28, 2008. Closed December 24 and 25, 2008. Hours are 5 to 8 pm Sunday thru Thursday, 5 to 8:30 pm Friday and Saturday. Admission is free at the plus level of membership. Otherwise: $8.50 for adults and $5.50 for children. More information about ticket prices and the train on their website. Take Max and save $1 on your admission.

www.oregonzoo.org

knittin kitten

knittin kitten
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

A thrift store full of fabric, books, magazines, yarn, beads, and embroidery thread. I found lots of treasures in the store. Shell buttons, wool and alpaca yarn. There is a large collection of vintage fabrics and linens. I brought in a large stack of magazines, recent quilting, knitting and sewing publications. You can sell unneeded and leftover craft supplies and fabric to the store.

It is an easy to spot store with a large kitten on the side of the building.

7930 NE Glisan
Portland, Oregon

503 255 3022

Ruthies Rags

ruhties rags
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

Ruthies Rags Fifth Anniversary Sale

Ruth is having a fifth anniversary sale at her store. Today November 22, 2008 is the last day. The wonderful natural fabrics are 25% to 50% off. I bought purple knit bamboo and silk georgette. I had a great conversation with Ruth, she is fun to talk with.

Ruthie's Rags
10602 NE Sandy Blvd
Portland, OR 97220
503-261-7177

Ikea fabric

lena fabric
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

Ikea has a nice selection of decorator fabrics. The Bold, bright, large prints that are joyous and fun to look at. The thick cotton fabrics are loosely woven, good for curtains and aprons, not for quilting.

Ikea has a great cafeteria. I love their meatballs. Adults can order the children’s plates. For $2.49 I got five meatballs in a colorful plastic bowl along with my side of choice which was mashed potatoes in another colorful plastic bowl. My drink came in a cute plastic cup. To get the right size proportions of food, I have fun tolerating eating my meal off kid’s dishes.

Ikea Cascade Station off Airport Way Portland Oregon

Vancouver Quilt, Craft and Sewing Festival

November 20, 21, 22 2008
10 am to 5 pm
Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Clark county Fair Grounds exit 9 from I 5
$5 parking
$8 admission.

This morning I went to this event. Sadly I wasn’t able to take any pictures; the venders didn’t want any photos taken. I was disappointed that there were no display quilts to admire.

There were shopping opportunities galore. Venders with 108 inch wide batik fabric. Batik flannel. All sorts of sparkly embellishments. Venders selling embroidery and stuffed animal patterns Many sewing machine venders including my favorite Montavilla sewing.

www.montavillasewing.com

There are free make and take workshops and free seminars.

Have fun shopping.

Bargain Shopping at the Expo Center

This week end November 15 and 16, 2008 at the Portland Expo Center.

Adidas Fall Clearance Event Hall C
Saturday: 10am - 8pm
Sunday: 10am - 5pm
Free Admission
The last time I went to this event, I purchased workout pants for only $10 each.

Portland Skifever and Snowboard Show
Hall E
Admission: Adults: $11, ages 6-12: $3, Under 6 Free with Paid Adult
Saturday, Nov 15: 10am-10pm
Sunday Nov 16: 10am-6pm

This has the largest ski swap around Portland

Hollywood Entertainment Fall Clearance Sale
Hall A
Free Admission
11/15 10am - 8pm
11/16 10am - 6pm

The radio add says there will be lots of previously used DVD and games for $5.


Parking $ 7 cash only. $6 car pool three or more persons. The Dog doesn’t count I already tired this.

Yellow line Max stops at the Expo Center.

2060 N Marine Drive, Portland, Oregon

Wordstock

Wordstock Book Fair
Saturday, November 8th & Sunday, November 9th
At The Portland Convention Center, 777 NE MLK Jr. Blvd.
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
$ 5 admission

I am excited about this event celebrating words, books and story telling. The $ 5 book fair is not just venders and books for sale but also includes panels and talks. There are other fun events listed on their web site.

www.wordstockfestival.com

Portland Nursery 21st Apple tasting

The large red apple floating over Portland Nursery announced that it is having the annual apple tasting. On Friday I sampled apples, pears and Asian pears. I had a yummy time tasting the over 70 varieties of fruit. Most of the fruit sampled are available for purchase at 89 cents a pound. I bought Jonagold, Mutsu, Cox orange pippin, Spitzenberg apples and Red Comice pears. Lots of other fun activities are going on there this weekend and next.
October 10, 11, 12 and 17, 18, and 19, 2008. 10 am to 5 pm Free event.

www.portlandnursery.com


5050 SE Stark • Portland, OR 97215 • 503-231-5050

Friends of the Library fall book sale 2008

This weekend is the 35th annual friends of the library annual fall book sale.

October 10 to 13, 2008
8150 N Lombard Street
Portland, Oregon 97203
(St. Johns neighborhood, in a former car dealership building)

Friday member’s only sale. You can purchase a membership at the door.
Saturday, October 11, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, October 12, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday, October 13, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - 50% off Discount Day


I am going to look for cookbooks and mysteries stories to add to my collection.

Knit and Crochet Fall show

The Knit and Crochet fall show 2008 sponsored by Crochet Guild of America CGOA and The Knitting Guild Association TKGA is happening now at the Oregon Convention Center.

I visited the vender booths yesterday. Lace knitting is popular this year. There were lots of yarns, needles, examples and instructions for lace knitting. I was very impressed by the examples that I saw, especially the lace knit doilies.

Stop by Teresa Ruch’s booth. She does beautiful hand dyed yarns. She uses many different fibers from rayon, tencel to bamboo.

Save the Children has a booth. They are running a campaign called Knit one, save one, to promote knitting and crochet hats for babies. Pick up a brochure with instructions at the Save the Children booth. They request that the hats be made from any yarn but wool. Use up your non wool bits of yarn.

At the many vender booths I found lots of pretty yarns to choose from to add to my stash.

Shopping hours 10am to 6 pm Saturday September 13, 2008 and 10 am to 3 pm Sunday September 14, 2008. Ten dollar admission. Two dollars off discount tickets available on their web page. www.knitandcrochetshow.com/fallshow.asp

Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Portland. On the Max line.

First Thursday Art Walk September 4, 2008

One of the events tonight is the opening of PICA’s Time based art festival. TBA:08 opens Thursday Sept 4, 2008 at 8 pm

8:30 pm Anna Halprin Blank Placard Happening meet in PNCA Commons
9:00 pm Opening Night at THE WORKS at Leftbank including TBA:08 ON SIGHT

www.pica.org/tba

p:ear has moved into a new building. See them at 388 NW 6^th and Flanders.

www.pearmentor.org

While in the neighborhood go by the Everett street lofts.

Blackfish is showing Michael Knutson, Enfolding fields. See his use of geometry in his art work. 420 NW Ninth ave

Fabric Depot

Fabric Depot’s last 40% off sale

Friday and Saturday September 12 and 13, 2008. The next sales will be 35% off all fabric and 25% off everything else in the store. Currently everything in the store is 30% off until September 16, 2008. Plan to stock up on the last 40% off all fabric sale. They have lots of holiday fabric in stock.

700 SE 122^nd Ave Portland, Oregon 97233

www.fabricdepot.com

Art in the Pearl

Fine arts and Crafts festival Labor Day weekend. August 30, 31, and September 1, 2008. Northwest Park Blocks Between West Burnside and NW Glisan at 8^th Avenue. Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 6 pm, Monday 10 am to 5 pm. Free admission.

The trees in the Park shade the many booths of art and food. There is a play ground and children’s activities in the park. It is pleasant to stroll through the park and admire the art. This event is a great precursor to what is shaping up to be a fantastic First Thursday September 4^th, 2008.

www.artinthepearl.com

Movies in the Pearl

I stopped by Jamison Square last night. I was too early to see the movie, but I plan to go to it next month. They turn off the fountain and put up a large inflated movie screen. There was a beer garden set up. No out side alcoholic beverages are allowed in the park. Bring a low chair to enjoy the movie. Movies start 30 minutes after sunset. Available are $5 picnic meals made by Safeway to benefit p:ear. The movie on September 4, 2008 will be Casino Royale.

Jamison Square NW 11th and Johnson on the street car line.

www.moviesinthepearl.com

Little Red Shed Concert and Movie Series

On Thursdays Music at 6 pm, after the music classic movies.

August 7, 2008 Black Stallion

August 14, 2008 Bull Durham

August 21, 2008 Shakespeare in Love

August 28, 2008 Peoples Choice for best Love story

Free

All ages welcome. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs. Please do not bring your picnic or pets. Good food and drink is available for purchase. In case of rain the music moves inside to the winery which is 21 and over.

McMenamins Edgefield 2126 SW Halsey St Troutdale Oregon 503 669 8610 www.mcmenamins.com

Trout Lake Fair 2008

wild puppy float
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

Trout Lake 43rd annual fair August 1 -3, 2008

This is a fun community fair. There is a fun run Saturday morning. At 10 am is a parade. The parade has lots of farm and logging equipment. Cute kids and pets are in the parade. The parade does a nice job showcasing the community. I think there are more people in this parade than watching it. Please come and cheer for this community. There are food booths selling hamburgers, hot dogs and sausages. Don’t expect Portland’s food cart cuisine; instead enjoy good old fashion fair food. There is a timber carnival from 12:30 to 3 pm. There are games for children. There is a bounce house, bungee run, climbing wall and a zip line. The day ends with a family barn dance from 7 to 11 pm. The fair is a non profit. The proceeds provide scholarships for the school children. www.troutlake.org/main/custom.asp?recid=21

Shakespeare in the Park

Presented by Portland Actors Ensemble. Tonight July 19, 2008 at 7:30 pm is the last performance of Julius Cesar. At Washington park inside of Lewis & Clark Circle , located at the park entrance nearest downtown Portland.

It is the 39^th year of Shakespeare in the Park. Two Gentlemen of Verona will be presented for six weekends at various parks in Portland. The play Two gentlemen of Verona is a very funny play. Nobody acts like a gentleman.

The free shows start at 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Bring a picnic and enjoy the fun.

Laurelhurst park July 26 and 27, 2008 SE 35 and SE Oak

Lynchwood Park August 2 and 3^rd, 2008 SE Haig and SE 174

Washington park August 9 and 10, 2008

Gabriel park August 16 and 17, 2008 SW 35 and SW Nevada

Fernwood park August 23 and 24, 2008 NE 37^th and NE Ainsworth

Reed College August 30, 31, and September 1, 2008

www.portlandactors.com

Troutlake Festival of the Arts

The festival is going on as planned. The cold springs forest fire hasn’t canceled the fun. Troutlake is a beautiful community on Mt Adams. The annual art fair is a fun all ages event. The Art festival has plenty of art, good food and beverages, along with entertainment. From Hood River go across the bridge to Bingen, Washinton. The Bridge is a toll bridge, have change ready. Follow highway 141 along the White Salmon river (where the gorge games are going on) to Troutlake, Washinton. Saturday July 19, 2008 and Sunday July 20, 2008. Free event.

www.troutlake.org

Also Saturday July 19, 2008 from 5 to 9pm in White Salmon, Washington (across from Hood River, Oregon) is the Night in White Salmon art and wine event. Free event. For those over 21 buy a wine tasting pass and glass. The area has some great wine producers.

http://whitesalmonarts.org/

iota by kaufman

iota by kaufman
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

Today Friday July 18, 2008 and Saturday July 19 all Fabric is 40% at Fabric Depot. Everything else is 30% off. The outdoor sale is still going on with lots of bargains. 700 SE 122nd Portland, Oregon

Cathedral Park Jazz festival 2008

The 28 th Jazz festival starts Friday July 18, and runs until Sunday July 20, 2008. I have been listening to previews of the music on KMHD 89.1 FM. The music sounds like another great line up. Friday opens at 6pm with Kenny Lavitz and closes with Curtis Salgado at 8pm. Saturday July 19, 2008 opens with The Krebsic Orkestar at noon, Linda Lee Michelet at 2 pm, Towner Galaher at 4 pm, and closes with Randy Porter at 6pm. Sunday starts with Bryant Allard at noon, Karla Harris at 2pm, Portland Jazz Orchestra at 4pm and closes with Bill Mays along with Gary Hobbs and Dave Captien at 6pm. McMinamens has a beer and wine garden at the festival. When I am not at the festival I will listen to the simulcast on KMHD fm. Cathedral Park is located at the east end of the ST Johns Bridge. This is a free event.

www.kmhd.org

www.cpjazz.com

2008 Summer concerts at the Oregon Zoo

Last Wednesday concert at the zoo was another lovely performance. Hapa performed great cover tunes and original songs. The Hula dancers were lyrical and fluid in their movements. It was a pleasure to watch the dancers. To enjoy more music and dancing from the islands go to the Ho`ike and Hawaiian Festival Saturday, July 26, 2008 from 10 am to 7 pm at Ester Short park in Vancouver Washington. There will be live music and hula/Polynesian dancing all day long, plus food vendors featuring authentic foods from the islands, including shave ice, as well as merchandise vendors. Free admission Sponsored by Ke Kukui Foundation.

Esther Short Park, Esther St. and W. 8th Street Vancouver, Washington

For a list of other fun events at Ester Short Park go to:

www.cityofvancouver.us/concerts.asp?menuid=10466&submenuID=22829

Ringside Steak House Restaurant Glendonveer

We had a lovely anniversary dinner at Ringside. Ringside is a steak house with a well deserved reputation. If you get on their mailing list they will send you special coupons for birthdays and anniversaries. We had onion rings for an appetizer. Ringside’s onion rings are the best in Portland. I had beef tenderloin and Bruce had prime rib. The menu is a la carte. I had the caesar salad. The presentation of the salad was one that I hadn’t seen before, whole leaves of romaine lettuce topped with whole slices of parmesan cheese topped with anchovies. Good thing that it came with a steak knife because I needed a knife to cut up my salad to bite size. My beef tenderloin was tender and delicious. I had the leftovers for lunch the next two days. For dessert I had cheese cake. They brought us anniversary sundaes with a candle on top. Their wine list is extensive. The mark up on the wine isn’t very much. The Sterling vineyards merlot that we drank was $30 a bottle about $10 more than retail. If you order your food before 5:45 they have early bird discounted entrées at $25. Offer good also after 9pm. Happy Hour in the bar happens daily: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. to close.

14021 NE Glisan Portland, OR Phone: 503-255-0750

www.ringsidesteakhouse.com

After the blues

March Fourth marching Band
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

Waterfront Blues Festival 2008
Sunday after the festival was over, I was sad that it was over. I can’t wait for next year’s festival. Curtis Salgado was the final act. He put on a great show. Over the years it has been fun listening to his music at the festival. I pray that he stays well enough to make it to next year. March Fourth Marching band was the next to last act. I got up close to the stage to watch their fun crowd pleasing act. Phoebe Snow sang with such a beautiful voice. On Saturday the Zydeco Swap romp was great. Duffy Bishop belted out songs with her fantastic voice. I am so glad that Reggie Houston has relocated to Portland. What a show that he put on. Until next year you can catch Blues acts at these smoke free venues: Halibut’s. 2525 NE Alberta St Portland, OR, Duffy Bishop plays there July 19, 2008. Kay’s Bar 6903 SE Milwaukie Portland, OR. Tillicum club 8585 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy
Portland, OR. All the venues go smoke free on January 1, 2009.

Waterfront Blues Festival

Miller stage
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

Wow what a great show last night. Two barges of fireworks one on either side of the Hawthorne bridge. The clouds had gone away and the fireworks were great. I didn’t want the show to end. I could of stayed there forever. I have been enjoying the music, mellow music and lively music. Great guitar players and wonderful singers. Memphis soul and Count Basie tribute. Today is the Zydeco swamp romp, Charlie Musselwhite and Elvin Bishop. Tomorrow is Phoebe Snow and Cutis Salgado. Go down to the waterfront and mellow out. Benefit for the Oregon food bank $10 admission and two cans of food. Tom McCall waterfront park on the west side Willamette River by the Hawthorne Bridge. July 3 to July 6, 2008
www.waterfrontbluesfest.com

Fourth of July fireworks 2008

There are numerous fireworks displays and activities to choose from on Friday.

Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival, Tom McCall water front park downtown Portland on the Willamette River. 10pm $10 admission, arrive very early because the park fills up and the fire marshal stops allowing entry into the park. www.Waterfrontbluesfest.com

Oaks amusement Park on the Willamette river in Sellwood by the Sellwood bridge. Fire works at 9:45 pm. www.Oakspark.com

PGE Park downtown Portland after the Beavers Baseball game. www.pgepark.com

St Paul Rodeo, St Paul Oregon fireworks after rodeo www.stpaulrodeo.com

Molalla Buckeroo rodeo Molalla, Oregon fireworks after rodeo www.molallabuckeroo.com

Bluelake regional park Northeast 223^rd ave Fairview, Oregon music starts at 6 pm fireworks at 10:30 fee park $5 Marine drive closed between NE 185^th and NE 223^rd

Tigard high school soccer field 9000 SW Durham road Tigard, Oregon Entertainment at 6pm fireworks at dusk www.ci.tigard.or.us

Lake Grove swim park off Lakeview Blvd Lake Oswego Oregon fireworks at 9:45 pm www.ci.oswego.or.us

Trost Elementary School soccer field 800 S Redwood street Canby, Oregon fireworks at 10pm www.generalcanbyday.org

Estacada High School 355 NE 6^th ave. Estacada, Oregon fireworks at 10 pm www.estacada4thofjuly.com

Clackamette Park 1955 Clackamette drive Oregon City, Oregon fireworks at dusk www.orcity.org

Fort Vancouver Historic Reserve Vancouver Washington $4 gate admission www.official4thofjuly.org

Sandy High school football field 17100 SE Bluff Road Sandy Oregon fireworks at dusk

Corbett Fun Festival Corbett, Oregon fireworks at dusk parade at 10:30 am

There are way too many events to choose from, too bad that I can’t clone myself and go to all of them.

Portland Beavers Baseball

baseball
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

Take me out to the ballgame. We taught Colby that song on the way to the game. I told him that we would sing it at the seventh inning stretch. On a summer evening Baseball games are a fun family activity. Colby got right into the game after the details and the rules of the game were explained to him. For days afterward he talked about how he went to a baseball game and his team won. Tonight is Comcast Feast Friday with cheap food like $1 Hot dogs. The Portland Beavers play the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. Thursdays are thirsty Thursdays at PGE Park with cheap beer. The Portland Beavers play Tacoma Rainiers on the Fourth of July, there will be fireworks after the game. In addition to the regular ticket prices the is a special $35 field level seating with all you can eat hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, cookies and soft drinks. Tickets start at $8 for general seating. Play Ball. www.portlandbeavers.com

Kathy Mattea at the Oregon Zoo

I really enjoyed the performance that Kathy Mattea gave last night at the Zoo. The harmonies and instrumentation were tight and wonderful to listen to. Her songs told stories, many of them sad. Kathy is excellent at engaging her audience. She got the dancers up front all to move in the same direction. It was fun watching the dancers sway to the music. I enjoyed her concert.

I was disappointed with the new rules for the concerts. You can not bring in any beverages to the Zoo. That means no water bottles or juice boxes. You can bring in containers to put water into. There are big orange jugs of water near the concert lawn. The concert lawn doesn’t open until 5 pm, not 4pm. If you get there before 5 pm you stand in a hot long line with out any water. They check your tickets twice, once when you go into the zoo and again when you get to the concert lawn. There is stroller parking.

www.mattea.com

www.oregonzoo.org

Fu Jin

Recently we went to Fu Jin Chinese restaurant on Hawthorne. We were warmly greeted and seated promptly. There were lots of tasty items on the menu. It was hard picking out what I wanted to eat. I ordered shrimp and cashews, we also got General Tso chicken, Sweet and sour chicken, and pork fried rice. They served six year Colby a big plate of noodles. They were very good at accommodating Colby and making him happy. We were impressed with the sauces. Each sauce was distinctive and not over powered by any one ingredient. The delicious sauces made for a wonderful meal.

3549 SE Hawthorne Blvd
Portland, OR 97214-5141
Phone: (503) 231-3753

Oregon Zoo Summer concerts

The summer season of concerts starts tonight. Yesterday the zoo looked good but had a lot of fences up for remodeling. The area behind the concert lawn is fenced off while the Alaska exhibit becomes the savanna. An example of global warming. The lawn looked nice and green, ready to sit on for a concert. Tonight Wednesday June 18, 2008 is Junior Brown. There will be 10 Wednesday night concerts this year. Check out the zoo’s web page for information on the concerts. Remember do not bring alcoholic beverages into the zoo. You have to buy your beer or wine in the Zoo and drink it there. For the rest of the rules and there are many, check the Zoo’s web page. I am looking forward to lazy summer nights listening to good music and watching the animals dance to the music. I just listened to HAPA’s music on the web playing July 9^th, 2008. They sound like they will play an excellent concert.

www.oregonzoo.org/Concerts/index.htm

courting RosieRose Festival 2008

courting Rosie
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

I had a great time going to Rose Festival events this year. After a cool spring my roses bloomed just for the festival. I enjoyed watching the Starlight parade. It was fun to see the runners go by in the Starlight run. One of the runners dressed as a ghost from Pac-Man got way ahead of Pac-Man and the rest of the ghosts. There was no way that Pac-Man would catch that ghost. The parade had a large number of bands including the one more time around band and the Last Regiment syncopated drummers. I have loved syncopated cadences ever since I was in drum and bugle corps and marched to the cadences. Pear’s float was the prettiest float. Daimler trucks had the most impressive trucks.
It didn’t rain on the Grand Floral parade. It was just cool and cloudy. I liked George Morlan’s purple elephant taking a bubble bath. Battle Ground’s purple ballerina hippo being held up by groaning frogs brought a smile to my face. To round out the floats there were lots of horses. It looks like every county around has a rodeo. Again the one more time around band stole the show. The Last Regiment of Syncopated Drummers led the rose parade walkers. Good cadences to walk to.

Yesterday I went down the waterfront to take pictures of the floats lined up along Naito Parkway. The weather was nice and sunny Sunday after a cool Saturday. I wanted to get a better look at the purple hippo and the purple elephant. Today they are packing everything up. The ships are leaving and the 101 Rose Festival is over for another year. See you next year.

A festival of quilts

The 34^th Annual Quilt Show presented by Northwest Quilters, Inc. June 6-8, 2008. I stopped in to see this show. I was impressed by the number of hand quilted quilts. I was inspired by the friendly, helpful people that I talked with. There were fun cat quilts, nifty alien quilts and a quilt with a prayer labyrinth on the back. You can go to talks and demonstrations. Work on a block for a charity quilt. At PSU University Place 310 S.W. Lincoln Street Portland, Oregon. Hours are: Friday 10 am -7pm , Saturday 10 am – 4pm, and Sunday 10am -4 pm. Parking is $2 an hour or $9 all day. $6 admission Discount coupon on web page.

www.northwestquilters.org

Fabric Depot Sale June 6 and 7, 2008

Today Friday and tomorrow Saturday is the 40% off Fabric sale and the 30% off everything else in the store. The outdoor sale is now going on. I stopped in and noticed that there are many new summer fabrics for sale. Pretty new quilting prints and plenty of prints with roses on them. The outdoor sale is a great way to stock up on notions and buy bargain priced fabric.

Tri-Met stops by Fabric Depot www.Trimet.org

700 SE 122^nd cross street SE Stark, Portland OR

www.fabricdepot.com

First Thursday June 5, 2008

It is time for first Thursday art walk in the Pearl and downtown. It might be raining tonight. I am hoping that it is like last night with pretty clouds and no rain. Glass Art Society is hosting its 38th annual conference here in town later this month. For the month of June just about everywhere is showcasing glass art. I enjoy looking at glass art, the way light plays off the glass. Bullseye is hosting an exhibit of selected works of Klaus Moje and the Glass Workshop at Canberra School of Art, Australian National University. This exhibit is held concurrently with a similar exhibit at Portland Art museum. Bullseye Gallery 300 NW 13th Avenue Portland, OR www.bullseyegallery.com

Portland Art Museum 1219 SW Park avenue admission $10

www.pam.org

Oaks Park

Oaks park is celebrating its 103 birthday this week end June 7 and 8, 2008 12 to 7 pm. The ride tickets are going to be dirt cheap on those days. Oaks Park is a fun place to visit during Rose festival. It is family friendly and less expensive than the waterfront village. Years ago I had a lot of fun at a children’s day at Oaks Park for the Rose Festival. I dressed up as a clown and helped my Mom who was a profession clown entertain the children.

The skating rink at Oaks Park is a fun happy place. Recently I have been taking my nephew to preschool skate at Oaks Park. The instructor is very good. In addition to showing the children how to skate, she showed them how to stop, fall down and how to get up without stepping on your hands. Until June 11, 2008 10 to 11:30 am $5 admission includes skates. Watch for summer schedule. www.oakspark.com At the foot of the Sellwood bridge, east side.

rose festival 2008

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

Rose Festival 2008
101 years of fun!
Tonight about 9:45pm is fireworks on the waterfront. The WaMu Waterfront village is open May 29 to June 8, 2008 waterfront park. It has Jurassic village with dinosaurs this year. Admission is $5 and free on Tuesdays. Ride prices vary.
The Starlight run is Saturday May 31, 2008 at 8pm. The Starlight parade is downtown at 8:30 pm Saturday May 31, 2008. The junior parade is in the Hollywood district Wednesday June 4, 2008 at 1 pm. The Grand Floral parade is Saturday June 7, 2008 Memorial Coliseum to downtown Portland. For new information on saving your spot on the parade route read: www.portlandonline.com/bds/index.cfm?c=47020 Have fun Romancing the Rose.
www.rosefestival.org
From last year
http://blog.oregonlive.com/rosefest/2007/05/rose_festival_memories.html

Sebright Gardens

I found a flyer for this garden at another garden. I am very pleased that we found it and stopped in. You drive a round about way to it because there isn’t a road straight through to it from 99E. It is worth finding. They have several hundred varieties of hostas. I have never seen so many different kinds of hostas. The best part was the Japanese iris. They grow almost 100 varieties of Japanese iris. I bought a dark purple Midnight stars Japanese iris. This is the first time that I have found Japanese irises for sale. I intend to go back in late June when the Japanese iris are in bloom. Garden hours April 14 to July 31, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. 7185 Lakeside Drive NE Salem, Oregon 97305 exit 263 from I-5

www.sebrightgardens.com

Schreiners Iris Gardens

This is the garden that started me driving down to Salem to look a nursery gardens. It is spectacular. I have taken many lovely pictures here and have bought many irises from them. They have picnic tables under large shady oak trees. I usually bring a picnic with me. The ground is even enough for my elderly mother-in-law to walk on without tripping. It is open at least another week.

Exit 263 from I-5, 3625 Quinaby Road N.E. Salem OR 97303 1-800-525-2367

www.schreinersgardens.com

Brooks garden

Brooks garden
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

Brooks Gardens
An interesting garden down a winding gravel road. We made a wrong turn getting there. At the wrong farm we were greeted by dachshund guard dogs. We turned around and found the turn we had missed. My husband Bruce loved this garden he said that it was his kind of garden. The garden has over 200 varieties of peonies and 1000 varieties of bearded iris. Also a conifer Arboretum. I saw many interesting specimens of plants. Since it was near the other gardens it was worth the stop.
6219 Topaz Street NE Brooks, Oregon 97305 503.393.7999 exit 263 from I-5
2008 Bloom Season - OPEN Wednesdays Sundays from 10 am 6 pm.
www.brooksgardens.com

Adelman peony gardens

adelman peony gardens
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

The first time that I found this garden it was serendipity. The last time I was there again the same thing, I didn’t know we were on the road that it is on until we drove past it. We came from a different direction than I usually go to get there. It was the second stop on my tour of gardens in bloom in the Willamette valley near Salem, Oregon. I adore their peonies. I have bought several peonies from them over the years.
5690 Brooklake Rd NE Brooks, OR 97305 1½ miles east of I-5 exit 263. There is a light at the crossroad 99E and Brooklane
www.peonyparadise.com

cooleys garden

cooley's garden
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

Cooleys Gardens was the first stop on my tour of gardens in the Willamette valley near Salem, OR. Everything is a little late this year and the gardens were not in full bloom. Plenty of beautiful irises were blooming. The weather turned from cloudy to sunny while I was there. The pleasant change in weather must have been because of those beautiful irises.
Cooleys Garden was founded in 1928 by Rholin and Pauline Cooley. The gardens are celebrating their 80 th year of existence.
Peak Bloom Festival May 17th to June 1nd, 2008. Free admission, Daily from 8am to 7pm. No pets are allowed. 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

Oregon Zoo dinosaur exhibit

dino
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

The Oregon Zoo has a new dinosaur exhibit. We went there on one of the hottest day of the year so far. The zoo was very full that Friday with lots of people enjoying that first warm sunny day. Almost six year Colby was happily scared by the T Rex dinosaur. He wants to go back and see the exhibit again this summer. The life like automated dinosaurs represented gentle plant eaters and ferocious meat eaters. There were eggs hatching and young dinosaurs, small to the very large T Rex.
After paying Zoo admission pricing for the Dino exhibit is $4 for general admission, and $3 for Zoo Members.
The Summer Concert Season at the Zoo starts June 15, 2008
www.oregonzoo.org
4001 SW Canyon Road
Portland, Oregon 97221

Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens

lilac
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

We stopped to see the gardens. The house museum was open. The volunteers dressed in period clothes did a nice job explaining the family and the gardens. Hulda Klager hybridized over 14 new varieties of lilacs. She died in 1960 at the age of 96. The Hulda Klager Lilac society, a nonprofit, administers the estate. This beautiful garden site almost got bulldozed. Now it is a state and national historic site. The garden is smaller than I expected but amazing full of different varieties of plants and shrubs. I love smelling lilacs they remind me of my great Grandma Alice. Stop by and see this pretty place just off I-5 in Woodland, WA.
Lilac festival until May 11, 2008 Admission $2 per person.
115 South Pekin Road Woodland, Washington 98674
www.lilacgardens.com

magnolia trail

magnolia trail
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

Hoyt Arboretum
Today I stopped by the arboretum to see if the Magnolias were in bloom. I was treated to a fantastic sight. Magnolias blooming everywhere on the Magnolia trail. Trees in bloom, blooms on the ground. Take the beach trail out of the parking lot to the magnolia trail. Enjoy the sight. Trails and trees are well marked. 4000 SW Fairview Blvd., Portland, OR 97221 (503) 865-8733
www.hoytarboretum.org

Mercato

I stumbled upon a new restaurant while going between the two Powells on Couch. I almost tripped over the reader board stating the lunch items of the day. I was intrigued by the listing of onion, ale and gorgonzola soup. The soup sounded yummy and I was hungry. I wandered in and ordered my lunch. They offer a bowl of soup and half a salad or half a Panini for $8. I am very happy to find half orders for lunch. The bowl of onion, ale and gorgonzola soup came in white soup bowl that was lower on one side. The salad was on the side of the soup bowl. The napkins were white cloth, what a treat. The soup was delicious. I was sorry when my bowl was empty. I would like to make the soup at home.

Mercato 904 NW Couch St. Portland, Or 97209 503.219.9966 www.mercatopdx.com

Halibuts

halibuts
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

The halibut fish and chips that we had for lunch at Halibuts was just right. They serve half orders. The two pieces of fish was the right size. I don’t care for getting too much food in restaurants and love it when I can order half an order. The beer battered halibut was light and fluffy not heavy and greasy.
Live Jazz and blues is played in the bar Halibuts II on most evenings.
2525 NE Alberta St
Portland, OR 97211
Phone: (503) 808-9600

Tulip Wine Down

tulip mickey mouse
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

This looks like a fun way to see the tulips and benefit charity.
Saturday April 19 and Sunday 20, 2008. Admission is $10, cash only. Must be 21 with ID. The Tulip Wine Down is an all Charity base event helping non-profits within the Mid-Willamette Valley. There will be over 10 wineries including David Hill vineyards, Eola Hills wine cellars and Willamette valley Vineyards. An additional tasting fee is charged to taste the wines. The Tulip Festival is extended to April 27, 2008
$5 per vehicle Saturday and Sundays.
33814 S Meridian Rd, Woodburn, OR Follow signs off I-5 Woodburn exit or from Hwy 99E in Woodburn.
www.woodenshoe.com

Portland Nursery

Portland Nursery
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

I don’t need a reason to stop in this nursery. It has an amazing variety of plants to tempt me. Portland nursery carries a large selection of native plants. The native plant of the month of April is Native Trillium ovatum. Trillium is such a pretty plant. I find trillium to be easy care plant in my yard, each spring it pops up under the shrubs. Portland nursery has a large selection of herbs, sedum and roses in stock. There are varieties of plants that aren’t available in the other nurseries. The help desk provides expert advice. When you tell them the growing conditions of where you are going to put a plant, they will tell you if it will thrive under those conditions or suggest something else that will thrive in your yard.
5050 SE Stark Portland, OR 97215, Spring store hours: Sunday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m; Friday and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
www.portlandnursery.com

MagnoliaHoyt Arboretum

Magnolia
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

Recently I hiked along the Cherry trail to the wildwood trail through the winter garden to the Magnolia trail then back up the hill to the Visitors Center. I was looking for flowering trees. I was disappointed to find that Magnolia Collection had very few blooms open. I checked the dates on my photos from last year. I went too early. I took the pictures of magnolias in late April last year. I intend to go back to hike and take photos. Hopefully the dogwoods will be in bloom then along with the Magnolias.
The Magnolia trail starts by the winter garden. Make sure that you find the sign that says magnolia trail. If you take a different trail like Oak or Beech you will not see the Magnolias. It took me a few tries to find the correct trail.

www.hoytarboretum.org

Rain or Shine

This garden supply store has everything. I shop there for my seed starting supplies. They give expert advice on starting seeds. With their help I have been very successful starting seeds and growing seedlings ready to plant outside. They have the trays, cells and soil for stating seeds. They sell grow lights, green houses and pond equipment. I have a hard time sticking to my shopping list when I go there. They have so many different things that aren’t available any where else that it is easy to get temped to add something to my purchases.

www.landscapeusa.com

Rain or Shine 13126 NE Airport Way Portland, OR 97230 (503) 255-1981‎ (800) 248-1981‎ - Toll Free

Springwater corridor Bike path

mile marker
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

Sunday Afternoon was a lovely afternoon for a bike ride. I went for my first bike ride of the year. It was great to be out on my bike. I started my bike ride a Gresham Main city park. The park is on Main street in Gresham just off Powell blvd. I rode east on the Springwater path. I heard many different bird songs as I rode along. I got passed by a child happily signing while being pulled in a bike trailer. People of all ages were out enjoying the path. The busy street crossings are well marked. There are posts along the route telling you the mile markers. Springwater is part of the 40 mile loop. It connects to the 205 path when it crosses 205. On the East end bike lanes connect it to the esplanade or the Sellwood Bridge. Trail map at www.40mileloop.org/maps/map_springwater_corridor.pdf

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

I went to Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden this morning between rain showers. Walking into the garden I was awe struck. Beautiful blooming trees scattering petals all over the ground like snow flakes. It was fun walking around looking at what was blooming early. I looked over the early bloomers sale. The prices ranged from $8 to 20 dollars. There was a ride variety of colors and sizes of rhodi’s for sale. The sale is from 9am to 5pm Saturday April 5, 2008. SE 28th Street across from Reed College, one block north of woodstock. $3 admission, sometimes free early morning. www.rhodies.org

Portland Farmers market

Portland Farmers Market opens Saturday April 5, 2008 in the south park blocks in Portland State University. Open from 8:30 am to 2 pm. April is garden month at the market. There will be plenty of plants to choose from. In past years I remember seeing vegetables starts, herbs, bedding plants and a few shrubs. Local vegetables that are ready for harvest are radishes, spring greens and leeks. The list of venders is not posted yet. With over 100 venders there should be something that you like. It is a fun, interesting and very crowded shopping experience.

www.portlandfarmersmarket.org

Gardenpalooza

Saturday April 5, 2008 8:00am - 4:00pm at Fir Point farms.

This event is huge with six tents and a couple buildings. There will be many wholesale not open to the public nurseries selling plants. Gardenpalooza will have over 40 local nurseries and garden venders. On the list of venders are: Nichols Garden Nursery, they have a large selection of herb plants and seeds; One Green World, they have edible landscape plants; and Sedum chicks specializing in Sedum and Sempervivum. A petting zoo and food venders round out the event. The web page has coupons to print out and bring.

www.gardenpalooza.com

Fir Point Farm is not far from the tulip fields and you can stop at Fry’s in Wilsonville on the way home.

Take I-5 SOUTH toward SALEM

Take Exit 282A onto CANBY-HUBBARD ROAD NE

Go about 2 miles to the first traffic light

Turn Left (East) on ARNDT RD NE & go 0.4 miles. The MAIN ENTRANCE is 800 feet east of the AIRPORT RD NE intersection.

First Friday Art Walk April 4, 2008

Troutdale, OR is having an Art walk in historical downtown from 5 to 9 pm. Caswell Gallery will be open. 101 W Columbia River HWY. Rip Caswell’s bronze sculptures are stunning and life like. I wish that more of his sculptures were public art.

www.ripcaswell.com

Historic Downtown Troutdale on the old Columbia River highway is a quaint place to visit with lots of antiques and collectibles.

Fabric Depot Sale April 4 and 5, 2008

Friday and Saturday are the 40% off fabric sale days. Everything else is 30% off. Find fabric for a new spring outfit or prom dress. There is plenty of new quilting cotton for making of a new spring quilt. I saw a pretty embroidered linen fabric to make a skirt out off.

www.fabricdepot.com

First Thursday Art walk April 3, 2008

Time to wander downtown and in the Pearl looking at Art. It is not suppose to rain until tomorrow. I have a bad case of spring fever. All the blooms are late this year due to the rain. Looking at art should do wonders for my spring fever. For a little different walk, start at Urban wineworks 407 NW 16^th Ave. The featured artist for the month of April is Erika Warhus. Featured music is by Alfonso Pe Benito. Appetizers by phresh organic catering. Drink a flight of wine for $15. For April it is a high end flight of Domaine Michel Julliot 2005 Mecurey Blanc France, Bishop Creek Cellers 2005 Valois Reserve pinot noir Oregon. Domaine Des Relagnes 2004 Chateaneuf Du Pape Rouge France. Penny Hill 2005 Shiraz Australia.

Afterwards wander down Everett stopping at interesting places like Bullseye gallery until you get to Everett Street lofts. Have fun there are lots of interesting places to stop in along NW Everett.

wooden shoe tulip farm

wooden shoe tulip farm
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

Tulip Fest
We went to the tulip Fest on Sunday. We were there between thunderstorms. I got some great pictures of clouds and tulips. The entry fee is $5 per car. The weather has made the tulips bloom late this year. Only a few early tulips were blooming. I plan to go back later to view the tulips. This year they have added a tram to take people around the fields.

www.woodenshoe.com

Wooden shoe tulip farm

Wooden shoe tulip farm
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

Tulip festival

March 20 to April 20, 2008
I got my Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm catalog in the mail today. The pretty catalog reminded me that it is time to go to this year’s festival. I hope to go there several times this year. I want to take more beautiful pictures and wander around the gorgeous fields.
$5 per vehicle Saturday and Sundays. Free during the week. Over 40 acres of blooms.
33814 S Meridian Rd, Woodburn, OR Follow signs off I-5 Woodburn exit or from Hwy 99E in Woodburn. They way is well marked.

www.woodenshoe.com

Mississippi station

Mississippi station
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

I had yummy French toast at Mississippi on Friday. The bread was very thick slices. They call it bread pudding French toast, a house specialty. The French toast is $7. We sat in the window eating our French toast, watching the people walk by the restaurant. Our table was wobbly. The floor is rough cut and uneven old wood flooring. Our server fixed the wobbling table by putting a coaster under one table leg, leveling out the table.
The place has a nice long bar. The patio looked like a pleasant place to be at in the summer.
No Cover weekly music: Janice Scroggins 7 -9 pm Sundays; Pete Krebs Duo 7-9 pm Tuesdays.
3943 N Mississippi, Portland, OR 97227, 503. 517.5751
Hours: Brunch 8am to 3 pm Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 3 pm weekdays. Dinner 3 pm to close 7 days a week.
www.mississippistation.com

Pistils Nursery

kalachoe fedtschenkoi
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

I found the plant that I have been searching for at Pistils Nursery yesterday. I have been looking for a plant that I remember from my childhood that I called the maternity plant. When I described the plant to sellers of succulents I was told that very few people carried the plant because it was considered weedy. The current nick name for the plant was mother of millions. We went into pistils to look at the baby chickens. You can have three hens but no rosters in your back yard in Portland. After looking at the cute chicks I noticed a new shipment of succulents at $2 apiece. I asked if they had mother of millions she pulled out a plant from the box and said this is it. The Latin name for my plant is Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi and it is a sedum.
The nursery isn’t very big but it has lots of interesting and useful things, plenty to keep you busy in your yard. They even have the red compost worms. After I set up new worm box I will go back and get red worms.
3811 N Mississippi Ave Portland, OR 503.288.4889
www.pistilsnursery.com

Southpark Seafood Grill and Wine Bar

Monday we stopped in Southpark’s Wine bar before an Oregon Symphony Concert.

I enjoyed a glass of the house red wine. It was a smooth red blend. The wine is nicely priced at seven dollars a glass. The tables are small and the place is cozy. The food served at Southpark is made from fresh local ingredients.

The concert was a woodwind lover’s delight. I was trilled to hear all the oboe solos. It was wonderful to listen to the quiet dissonant movements in En Saga by Jean Sibelius. Pekka Kuusito did a wonderful job playing Stravinsky’s Concerto in D major for violin and Orchestra. After three ovations Pekka came back on stage and played a little Bach on his violin. After the intermission the Orchestra played Symphony number 4 in F minor by Tchaikovsky. A pleasant way to end the evening.

Southpark Seafood Grill & Wine Bar

901 SW Salmon St
Portland, OR 97205
Phone: (503) 326-1300

Oregon Symphony

www.orsymphony.org

vinideus wine shop

vinideus wine shop
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

Two locations one in the pearl and one in Beaumont village. I have been stopping in the Beaumont location to listen to Jazz on Saturday evenings. Last Saturday I had a delightful evening sipping wine and listening to Jazz. Their wines are handcrafted from small vineyards. They are very good at finding me a wine to drink that matches my description of what I want to drink. They serve wine by the glass and small plates of food that compliment the wine. Pay a small corkage fee and drink any wine in the shop.
Up coming events at the Beaumont shop: March 15, 2008 from 5 pm until close $15 for six Oysters and a flight of three wines. Saturday March 16, 2008 sample 2004 Marguaux and 2004 Château Vernous from 4 – 7 pm; Music from 7 pm – 10pm by Nick O’Donnell Band.
Vinideus Pearl 1019 NW 11th, Portland , Or
Vinideus Beaumont Village 4759c NE Freemont, Portland, OR
www.vinideus.net

Bob's Red Mill

Water Wheel
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

On Friday I went shopping at Bob’s Red Mill. We stopped for lunch at their restaurant. They serve breakfast until 3pm. It being lent I had an omelet, hash browns and biscuits. Everything they serve is made from whole grains. The whole grain biscuits were quite nice. While I was there I noticed many new gluten free foods. The new gluten free pizza dough mix looked nice. Gluten free chocolate cake mix is on sale the month of March.
www.bobsredmill.com Use their web map locater to get directions to the store on International Way in Milwaukie, OR

Portland Saturday market

Open now Saturday and Sunday for its 35^th season. Everything sold in the booths is handmade. There are many different things to choose from. There is something for everyone from baby clothes, candles to wood toys. The food venders serve a wide variety of tasty foods. Choose from whole multi grain vegan elephant ears and kettle corn, along with food from every continent BBQ, gyros, spring rolls, and burritos to name a few. Check out their web page for the lists of all the venders. www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com

Fabric Depot March 7 and 8 Sale

Fabric Depot is having a 40% off fabric sale today Friday March 7 and Saturday March 8, 2008. The rest of the store is 30% off. This store is such a treasure for Portland. Last Saturday I had a great time riding the bus that fabric depot provided to Sew Expo in Washington. I got many fun new ideas for projects at sew expo.

Fabric Depot www.fabricdepot.com 700 SE 122nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97233

First Thursday Art Walk March 6, 2008

I am hoping that the sun comes out for a nice evening tonight. It was a beautiful sunrise this morning and it would be pretty to have a nice sunset. Dodging the construction downtown I am going to look at art in the galleries. Pulliam Deffenbaugh Gallery 929 NW Flanders www.pulliamdeffenbaugh.com is showing painter James Boulton, who is paying a measure of homage to 19th century mathematician and philosopher, George Boole.

The museum of Contemporary Craft is a lot of fun to visit. 724 NW Davis

www.museumofcontemporarycraft.org

Blackfish Gallery 420 NW Ninth www.blackfish.com

Digital Art Group Show is a jointly organized exhibition by Blackfish Gallery and Mt Hood Community College.

Sauvie island wildlife area Hike

Sauvie isalnd wildlife area
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

Sunday was another beautiful day with magnificent clouds dotting the sky. We went for a hike in the Sauvie Island Wildlife area. When we got to the gravel parking lot I was pleased to find a port a pot with lots of toilet paper. We hiked along the beach and followed the road when we ran out of beach. The beach had a clear view of Mt St Helens having a steam eruption. Birds are abundant. We saw Bald Eagles, black cormorants, and white egrets. This is one of the few bird areas where dogs are allowed. Just remember to keep your dog on a leash. Until April 15 stay on the beach side of the fence. The fence is posted no admittance without a valid hunting license until April 15. You have to have a parking permit to park on Sauvie Island. It is $3.50 per day or currently $11 for the annual permit. Parking passes are available at the store that is at the base of the bridge. Take hwy 30 to the Sauvie Island bridge, go over the bridge turn left onto Sauvie Island road, stop at the store to get your parking permit, head north until you get to Reeder road, turn right, go past the school until you get to the far side of the island, continue down Reeder road past the clothing optional beach until you get to a gravel turn around and parking lot.

Yard garden and patio Show 2008

I often find February to be a long dreary month. To cheer myself up I look for signs of spring coming. A nice dry way to look for signs of spring is at garden shows. The Yard, Garden and Patio show starts Friday February 15, 2008 and runs until Sunday February 17, 2008. The show is at the Oregon convention center. 13 local wineries will be there sampling their wines. Find out what wines go with your plants. What a nice thought, a glass of wine by the pool relaxing in the evening. That is a few months off, until then I can pick out new patio furniture, buy plants that I don’t have room for, and plan an outdoor kitchen that won’t fit in my yard. Dreaming what fun. www.ygpshow.com

Admission is $11. $2 off discount tickets are available at the web site under tickets. The show will run from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Sunday. Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Portland. On the Max line.

First Thursday Art Walk February 7, 2008

The weather report is 50% chance of showers. Those sound like good odds to me. I have cabin fever and I am going to poke my nose outside and enjoy some art. Quintana Galleries has the annual Native American and Indigenous Art Antiques Show. www.quintanagalleries.com 120 NW 9 th Portland, OR

Bullseye gallery has more cool glass by artist Carrie Iverson, and Cobi Cockburn. 300 NW 13^th Portland, OR www.bullseyegallery.com

Attic Gallery at NW 10^th and Hoyt has Oil paintings by Gage Mace. www.atticgallery.com

Sadly the Margo Jacobson gallery has closed.

Ignite Portland 2

At the Bagdad Theatre the speakers of Ignite Portland 2 spoke to a capacity crowd about 750 people. The line to get went around the block. I was one of the lucky ones to get in. The rest who didn’t get in were able to watch it online. With my beer and pizza I sat down to enjoy a wonderful set of talks. The five minute time limit with 20 automatically advancing slides gave the talks a comedic timing. There were lots of laughs and a few somber moments. Talks that I especially liked were: Beauty in Abandonment - Peat Bakke; he had beautiful pictures of abandoned places in Portland, How to be an Undercover Hooker - Jessica Bruder, she shortened a seven hour class into a very funny five minute talk, Living a Made Up Life - And Getting Away With It! - Adrienne Fritze, she gave a very poignant talk about how to be a whole person after being abused, Why Deutschland Loves David Hasselhoff - Mario Schulzke, got the most laughs, and A History of the Stick Figure - Eric Lewallen, was an informative and humorous presentation.

Look for ignite Portland 3 in the spring at a bigger venue. www.igniteportland.com