How Is Julie

Trail, Tram, Trolley, Train = 4T and a Fun Time

julie — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 01:18:31 +0000

A few weeks ago, I walked the 4-T trail with Liz and Don. The four T’s: Trail, Tram, Trolley, Train. However, I started with the train and met them up at the zoo where we then found the trail through the west hills all the way to OHSU! Then we took the tram down to the street car and I bid them Adieu at the MAX intersection.

As I was waiting for Don and Liz to arrive, I went into the zoo store and found some squirrels similar to the one my son slept with when he was little.

Our first stop, and lunch break, was at Council Crest. Nice view, huh.

As we hiked along we noticed a few homes that were nestled in the woods.

We looked for markers along the way to make sure we were on the correct path.

Liz and I knew to look for the 4T sign.

I led Liz and Don around to the Center for Women's Health where there is a lovely patio and lots of art on the nearby walls to admire. The tram is in the background here. It was out next T.

Mt Hood was closer at this stop.

A trip up the tram on a clear day is worth it. Going down from OHSU is free!

Festival Mexicano

julie — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 15:02:22 +0000

FEJAL NW to host “Jalisco Week in Oregon 2010” in observance of the “Bicentennial Celebration of Mexican Independence Day” and the “Centennial Observance of the Mexican Revolution”

The Federation of People of Jalisco in the Northwest (FEJAL NW) is proud to host “Jalisco Week in Oregon 2010” on August 19-22, 2010 in Hillsboro, Oregon. Various events are scheduled throughout the 3-day celebration highlighting the rich culture of Jalisco, Mexico. This year is especially significant in that this event will recognize, along with all of Mexico, the “Bicentennial Celebration of Mexican Independence Day” as well as the “Centennial Observance of the Mexican Revolution”.

The three-day Celebration will be kicked off with a “Gala Jaliscience” or Gala event on Thursday, August 19th at the Venetian Theatre in downtown Hillsboro. An evening of Mariachi music and Mexican folkloric dancers is planned featuring the Paco Padilla Group as highlight entertainment.

When we walked into the the Venetian Theatre in Hillsboro, we were greeted by dancers poising for pictures and a mariachi band on the staircase. The place was packed.

I had plenty of opportunity for pictures.

All the outfits were beautiful.

Outstanding musicians came for the event from Guadalajara.

The dancers had many opportunites to show their skills.

We had great VIP seats in the theatre.

Another talented group from Mexico entertained us.

I liked this musical "instrument" which were huge seeds of some kind.

I could read the "Unidos por un futuro mejor" -United for a better future.

Irving Street Kitchen

julie — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:03:45 +0000

After a committee meeting that meets two times a month from 5:30 to 7 p.m., I told Robert a few Mondays ago, to go to Irving Street Kitchen and get us a table. I’d meet him there a few minutes after 7. We had never been there and it seemed like a good idea. He was to have a mojito waiting for me, and he did! Problem is that with one cocktail each and a glass of wine for dinner, first course and entree with no dessert, the total without tip was exactly $100. Seems steep. Time to join AA or go somewhere else.

Maple Smoked Brook Trout, arugula salad, toasted hazelnut vinaigrette. It was good.

Robert started out with "angels on horseback' - bacon wrapped oysters, remoulade sauce

Ever had foam on your food before? I had the pan roasted halibut, white corn, mascarpone, Chanterelles, summer truffle cream.

The popular Draper Valley fried chicken, smashed potatoes, collard green, country gravy.

Liechenstein Party

julie — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:01:17 +0000

We attended a celebration of Liechtenstein’s Independence August 15th at its Oregon Honorary Consul’s home in the Portland west hills.

It was a hot, hot day so we dressed as cool as we could.

I didn't take a picture of the front of her house. This is a shot of our hostess' sun room that faces east. We came up the stairs from the road in the back and walked around to the front of the house.

It is on a the National Register of Historic Places.

This plaque can be seen from the entrance we took.

We headed to the lovely dining room and got a cold drink.

I enjoyed looking around the main floor.

We had appetizers and later dinner! That was a surprise, but I rose to the challenge.

Gunther Hoffmann, Honorary German Consul, and Robert had a chat.

Some of the view from the back patio where we ate with Norma Paulus and others. We had quite the lively discussion.

The side yard had vegetables and beautiful hydrangeas.

Lilies were near our patio table.

Later we were asked to come and gather near the staircase. I was impressed by the tapestry hanging there.

Here are some of the people present, as they wait for the program to start.

Our hostess, Consul Mary Jean Thompson, gave us all background information about Liechtenstein and the significance of this special day.

Robert and I then had some cake and went home.

Bre Gregg at Lovejoy

julie — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:23:18 +0000

August 12th, I got to the Lovejoy Bakers to get a good seat to hear Jazz and Blues singer Bre Gregg, who was starting at 5:30. I didn’t need to rush and even moved further away from my front row Adirondack chair, so we could have a table for our dinner. Lee Ann and Robert showed up after work and we enjoyed a nice evening outside.

Here is the menu on the wall inside, but the waitress brought me a printed one.

I had a white wine as I watched the singer, guitar player and sound man set up.

She sang lots of songs I knew and loved, so I was happy.

Robert's Lovejoy delux burger on house made bun with Fontina, apple-wood smoked bacon, rosemary garlic pommes frits.

Bre Gregg listens to the excellent guitar player.

Lee Ann's Pernod steamed mussels, fennel, Italian sausage, navy beans, shallots

I had fish, Dijon caper creme fraiche, on polenta.

The salads looked great, too, so when I go next time September 9 to hear her, I will order the warm Brussels sprout salad.

A Quick Grandparent Visit at SeaTac

julie — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 15:22:01 +0000

Robert and I drove up to Seattle near the airport to see Scott, Shana, Madison and Max as they were in transit form Sitka to Alexandria. They always spend the night in Seattle going east form Alaska due to the plane schedules, so here was our chance for hugs and kisses.

We had dinner with the kids in the restaurant of the Doubletree Motel where we all stayed the night. Madison and Grandpa color and wait for dinner.

Max and Madison share some noodles. Notice Max's helicopter shirt.

I didn’t take many pictures of them. It isn’t easy. Madison doesn’t like her picture taken most times….Plus we were visiting. Service was slow because they had a large party of people to deal with. It all worked out, however. I didn’t take even one picture of Scott and Shana. They don’t grow and change from visit to visit like the little guys do.

Max pulls along his own suitcase (essentials) which we gave him a while back.

Madison is a pretty girl, you have to admit.

Max likes to give and receive hugs. We loved it.