Portland, OR and the Ongoing ROAD TRIP #1

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Re: Portland, OR and the Ongoing ROAD TRIP #1

Welcome to Portland, OR My Friends!

We're entering the city … I-5 turns onto to Marquam Bridge which I think is HUGE! We're crossing the river at this huge gap and we're up REALLY HIGH!! This is the first of the many bridges that “bridge” the west side of the Willamette River (pronounced “wi-LAM-met” not “Willa-met” as many people from outside the state are known to call it) to the east side.

OK, guys - I need help here. I always “white-knuckle it” while I drive over this bridge!!!


This is the view from the Marquam Bridge as we cruise into town. We are quite elevated at this point. The Bridge is about 150 feet above the river. It's a double-decker bridge and as we are headed into Portland we're on the upper level which has quite an effect my sense of vertigo!!! Yikes! Singing to self “just keep your eyes on the road … eyes on the road”!

I found this pic taken from the top of the bridge and here is the photographer's description of how he took it: “…this is from a car hurtling northbound on Interstate 5, on the top deck of the Marquam Bridge. Actually, the best views of central Portland proper are eyes left as you are going counterclockwise on the I-5/I-405 loop circling the Portland City Center, including an extremely inspirational view of the Fremont Bridge (my favorite bridge of any kind, not including suspension spans). The catch is, of course, you have to be on your toes if you're going to be taking in the view. You're in freeway traffic My wife was piloting my mobile platform. Best if you get a friend to drive whilst you look, then get off at the Rose Quarter exit and swap, get back on the freeway. It's really gorgeous at night, but I haven't found a way to stop and get a photo yet…there is no emergency shoulder to speak of on that bridge.”

Aaaaahhhh we made it!

OK, let's stop for LUNCH!!! I'm taking us over to the eastside of the river … where I live and where I'm most familiar with what's happening. Don't worry - we have lots of time to get back over to the other side. We are going over to the Hawthorne Neighborhood. I lived in this neighborhood for over 17 years… and it's not very far from my home now.       
       

Can I take you all to the Cup and Saucer Cafe? I have been a frequent customer here for many years. Let me recommend that we all order breakfast (even though it's lunch time) as it's the best meal they serve!

We'll get a big table! We'll all fit - squeeze in!  The owner is Maryanne and she started this place from a coffee cart way back in the late 80's, early 90's … I know because I used to get coffee from her cart when I was going to graduate school at Portland State University. This place has since become a neighborhood icon. I used to live around the block and would walk over with my daughter all the time.

OK, While we're eating breakfast let me share some factoids… did you know …. ????

• Portland's Population: almost 600,000

• Area: 130 square miles

• Elevation: 173 feet above sea level

• Miles to ocean: 78

• Miles to a glacier: 65

• Average Temperature: January, 33.5 degrees F.; July, 79.5 degreees F. (oh and it can reach 100+ some days in the heat of summer)

• Average annual rainfall: 37 inches

• Major industries: trade, shipping and transportation services, tourism, financial services, electronics, high tech.

• Here in Portland we have Powell's City of Books, occupying an entire city block, is the country's largest new-and-used book store.

• Portland's Saturday Market is the largest continuously operating open-air crafts market in the United States. (I used to work with one of the founding mothers of Portland Saturday Market … she “gave” us our wonderful dog Chloe…).

• The Port of Portland is home to one of the world's largest floating dry docks, able to handle ships nearly three football fields in length. The port's combined terminals handle $9 billion worth of cargo per year.

• Portland's Junior Rose Parade is the largest children's parade in America.

• “Portlandia” is the 2nd largest hammered copper statue in the world (the Statue of Liberty is the first).

(Here's a Pic of Porlandia that I just happen to have in my back pocket!!!)

 

• Portland's International Rose Test Garden is the oldest in the nation.

• More Asian elephants (27 to date) have been born in Portland than in any other North American city. (I just knew you wanted to know that!!!)

• Portland has more movie theaters and restaurants per capita than any other city in the United States.

• Portland has the first youth symphony in the country.

• Portland has more microbreweries and brew pubs than any other city in the nation. Yep!

• Portland is home to Mill Ends Park, which, at 24 inches, is the world's smallest dedicated park.

• Portland is home to the nation's largest city park - the 5,000-acre Forest Park.

• Portland has 37,000 acres of parks in the metro area.

• Portland is the only U.S. city with an extinct volcano (Mt Tabor) within its city limits.

• Portland's nicknames include “Rose City,” City of Bridges,” “Rip City,” “Rivercity,” “Stumptown” and “Puddletown.”

• Portland is one of the best places in America to live an active life (Men's Fitness magazine, January 1995).

• Portland is America's #1 bicycle city (Bicycling Magazine, October 1995).

• There is no sales tax in Oregon!

• Home of the Annual Portland Blues Fest

• Home of the Annual Rose Festival

• City of Neighborhoods

OK … my friends - next stop is Mt. Tabor!

In the summer, you still see and feel the love and some memorable birds come to visit. Last year there were some Red-tailed Hawks … and the year before a family of Bald Eagles. We often see Blue Heron (saw one once perched on my neighbor's roof) and pheasants. Summer is also the time when the amazing Soap Box Derby (for adults) takes place!!!

http://www.portlandground.com/archives/2006/09/chariots_of_syrofoam_soap.php

http://www.portlandground.com/archives/2006/09/office_cubicle_soap_box_d.php

Note how brown the grass is in this picture … yes, it does get dry in Oregon too!

In the fall - the color is incredible!  Here's a shot of the small upper reservoir (my favorite).

In the winter, the contrasts of wild, wind, wet and wonderful and beautiful sunsets is awe-inspiring.I've shared this park with friends, family, lovers. I know there are many spirits that dwell here. Over the years I've learned that the trees here are my spiritual friends.

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Re: Portland, OR and the Ongoing ROAD TRIP #1

Portland & Peri =  absolutely Paradise.

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Re: Portland, OR and the Ongoing ROAD TRIP #1

What beautiful pictures Peri….thank you for sharing them!  Ive not been to Portland but looks like I need to visit sometime.  Ive not been in Oregon at all but one of these days I will!  
I can see why you love it there! 

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Re: Portland, OR and the Ongoing ROAD TRIP #1

Thanks Julia! I sure hope this means you'll be “staying” with us while we hang out here in Portland … VIRTUALLY of course! Everyone say HI to Julia and help her feel at home!!!

We promise … no pillow fights - unless YOU initiate them! Sprite …. we'll have to restock the “FRIDGE” with whipped cream some time while we're here in Portland … as I see our supplies are actually starting to run low!!!

I'm suggesting that we have pizza(s), some salad, some local brew pub beer and some local wine to eat for dinner … and let's just do our own thing tonight.

Here's some Pink Martini … from Portland

I'm leaving some maps on the dining room table - here's the selection for local movies and I have lots of DVD's …  I'm going to hang out with my darlin' daughter and my animal family for awhile … oh and please help yourselves to my music!!!  Doug … feel free to paint - lots of paint/canvas/boards/paper …

Ok yeah, Pink Martini are fabulous … so here's more!!!

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Re: Portland, OR and the Ongoing ROAD TRIP #1

Note to everyone left on the table …

Help yourself to coffee and tea! Toast, jam, eggs, oatmeal, berries, yogurt … etc.

I'm off for a LONG WALK with my pooch after taking my daughter to school.

See you all later!  Maybe we can go DOWNTOWN …. where all the lights are bright!

p.s. Louise - Meaning of downtown (noun); form plural: downtowns
commercial center of a city; business district

here's Petula Clark singing …. Downtown

Here's some information about Downtown Portland … and the bridges too!!!

see you all in a little while!

peri

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Re: Portland, OR and the Ongoing ROAD TRIP #1

Oh Peri, I don't think I could drive that bridge either!  I'm such a chicken when it comes to traffic up there that if I don't have my GPS telling me every move to make, I park my car in a Park and Ride and just take MAX everywhere.

I am so excited to be here with you, because now I can learn about all the coolest places to take my family next time we're in Portland.  We've explored a lot of places and have some favorites, but seeing your favorite places is such a treat.  Thanks for the gorgeous sights!

Not to mention all the yummy food!  Shall I bring my guitar to our indoor “campfire?”

P.S. We all LOVE Pink Martini.  As a matter of fact, since we couldn't get up to their annual New Year's Eve party, we spent late night New Year's Eve this year drinking champagne (not pink martinis…don't like martinis) and watching them on OPB.  They are amazing!

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Re: Portland, OR and the Ongoing ROAD TRIP #1

Hello all..no I couldnt do that bridge either!  Ive never been one for big bridges.  I guess you found me out peri that I can be a bit of a voyuer!  lol  Didnt mean to leave you here all by yourself traveling alone!  Please dont sob…I cant bear it!

Louisevi…downtown basically is the heart of a city…the downtown area is kind of a main hub….its really hard to explain!  Ill have to look that up in the dictionary to give you a good definition…I dont think Ive done a very good job.

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Re: Portland, OR and the Ongoing ROAD TRIP #1

Oh…and I think I found the place in Portland that I would like to visit…  something about this place caught my eye…anyone else want to come?

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Re: Portland, OR and the Ongoing ROAD TRIP #1

Thanks Julia, but boys toy are not my type…….hahaah….I will wait for you walking around, perhaps I could meet some one real.

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I have done a little bit of editing … to the previous posting of this Road Trip entry! Enjoy!!!

This is part of the progressive Valentine Tea that is being presented by Play Pod Cultivator our Fearless Leader: Dryad and the wonderful Mod Squad!!!! Please visit Valentine Construction in another section of Play Podto make and share a Valentine with anyone that you love!!!

Valentine's Day … Portland Style

It is Valentine's Day!

So dear friends … I'm wondering if you would give me the honor of being my most special Valentine today?

 

 

 I'm going to take you all out with me this evening as my most very special Valentine Date(s)!!! but FIRST!!!!

Breakfast over in the Alberta Arts District … at the Tin Shed Cafe … Check out their website…

This place is GREAT! The food is wonderful and the people who run this restaurant and work here are wonderful.  While we stand in line (often) we can help ourselves to coffee … and read the graffiti. I hope it's warm enough … we can sit out in the patio.

Then let's explore Alberta Street!!!

 

Then we all have to get BEAUTIFUL!!!!

shopping …
and

  

We will ALL go here mid afternoon and get totally pampered my friends - OK?

Wonderful Spa: Nirvana

We better head home to get dressed for our evening out on the town!!!

 I can't wait to see what you've all decided to wear, be, create, share with all of us for this wonderful romantic evening of LOVE …. here in Portland. Who are you going to be this evening? What outfit are you wearing and/or what persona have you chosen? for the evening … reveal yourself in all of your beauty and splendor!!!

Douglass??? for you?

 

Everyone please:

1. Pick out the music you'd like to have playing softly and/or loudly with a good beat … in the background.

2.Let us know your favorite flower and/or scent!!!

3. Your favorite flower for tonight!

Tonight I'm going to take us to a wonderful, wild, romantic and enchanting restaurant here in Portland for dinner.

 

We have reservations for (how many?)

 

 

We will start our evening at the Jade Lounge Very romantic and we could easily spend our evening here … lots of food too!  However, we do want to go have a real romantic dinner - don't we?This very romantic Italian Restaurant here on the south east side of town. I love this place!  Il Piatto!!!

                 

Did you notice they have a Valentine's Menu???

If you want to go dancing … and check out the girls and the guys … let me make some suggestions … We could go over to the Pearl District (very happening!!!) and check out Blitz

… or we could go to the Ember's … where there is a great dance floor and a wonderful show …

 

We can dance …

WOW!

Or we could just go stylin and profiling as a group!!!


Or just catch the show!

Or we could go to the Crystal Ballroom … Let me know your preference!!!

Crystal Ballroom …

 

Some of you may just prefer to go walking and skip the fancy dinner, the dancing and smoozing.  Let me share the Eastside Esplanade … which I find to be very romantic and lovely in the twilight and, well actually anytime!!  What a beautiful night for a walk along the Esplanade …

as we walk south from this point … we will see this view from the south side of the Hawthorne Bridge … isn't it beautiful with the lovely red glow? How fitting for Valentine's night, eh?





Ready for dessert?  Chocolate, whipped cream, raspberries, strawberries … !!??

at Papa Hayden's … on the southeast side … 

 

My favorite!!!

Thanks for joining me here today.

This is also posted at Play Pod in the Road Trip section … with more things that I'll be adding throughout the day. Please enjoy at either place!

My love to all on this day and to me - means unconditional love …
 
~~peridot~~

 

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Re: Portland, OR and the Ongoing ROAD TRIP #1

Peri I love the look you selected for me. Yes, I am feeling white tieish and tails for the evening and by the end of the evening just in time for goodnight kisses on doorsteps with rain splatting on the overhead awning I’ll take on a more relaxed look.

Louisevi and Julia it’s so nice to see you two here on the left coast, up here in Portland with Peri !

Wow, are we dreaming or what?

Here catch this one.

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Re: Portland, OR and the Ongoing ROAD TRIP #1

Thanks Douglass … oh man you are quite the dancer! Yeah, it does get rainy here … but not last night - that must have been the night before! Oh wait - you were dreaming the whole thing?

I still LOVE that dance!!! I have great memories of watching that movie and that particular scene with Gene Kelly dancing is priceless!  It's better than this one - don't you think?
(this video gets a little stuck but just move the thingy along - worth it!!!!!!!!)

Yeah, it's nice to have Julia and Louisevi here with us in Portland!

I heard a rumor that Snow Moon will be joining us again! yay!!!!

Now I have to go find Sprite, Ayla, Kat and Winnie!!!

See you ALL later - the more the merrier!

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Re: Portland, OR and the Ongoing ROAD TRIP #1

Hi my friends,

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Re: Portland, OR and the Ongoing ROAD TRIP #1

Louise,
My dear friend …
I would be sad, very sad … if in reality you did come to visit and you stayed at a hotel while you were here! However … I also understand and love the comfort of visiting with friends/family and then having my own wonderful sanctuary to return to when we've all had our fill of each other and the events around us ….

I'd like to suggest this hotel …  a friend who visited me once stayed here
and LOVED it.  Hotel Lucia

Yes, it's Downtown where all the lights are bright, downtown … waiting for you tonight …
Downtown - It's gonna be all right … downtown, downtown, downtown!!! (sung by Petula Clark)

or here's another choice for you: The Governor

or … Hotel Vintage Plaza

Once you get over your jet lag and the adjustment to the time change can we come over and jump on the bed with you??? ;-)

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Re: Portland, OR and the Ongoing ROAD TRIP #1

Louise we can come jump on your bed if you like.  Ive brought along my best nightware…and I promise to shave my legs!  lol

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Re: Portland, OR and the Ongoing ROAD TRIP #1

Ah yes Louise…I will admit to being one of those dangerous beauties!  lol





Peri……we get to jump up on down on Louises bed!  yippeeeeeeeeee


wondering if eating crackers in bed is an issue….

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Re: Portland, OR and the Ongoing ROAD TRIP #1

Bed Jumping??? These guys are the pros….!!!

Holy Cow!!! Good moves!!!

There is even TRAINING CAMP!!!

This one is my favorite though … ((well, that is after my fantasy about Julia and Louisvi jumping on the hotel bed here in Portland!!! hehehe!))

I'll be by to pick everyone up later!!!

Love you ALL!!!

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Re: Portland, OR and the Ongoing ROAD TRIP #1

Hi you all, just poking my head in to say I am, well, sort of here :)  Lot's of work to do this weekend and I'll try to pop in from time to time.

Oh, my goodness I'm missing all the bedhopping fun though I am not quite sure what kind of hopping we are doing.  And here I brought these to wear!  Maybe these would be more appropriate?

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Re: Portland, OR and the Ongoing ROAD TRIP #1

Hey Louisevi … don't run off! Please share your interpretation of “bed jumping” … though I might have an idea!!! ;-)

OK … well, for the bed-jumping, pillow whapping and whipped cream squirting wild ones … we can do that over at my place OR inside the Winnebago!!???

I have more to share with all you, my Virtual Road Trip Friends who are here visiting with us in Portland, OR.  I've come down with the world's worst cold/virus … and I'm still moving a bit slow here today. I have tried to create this posting 2 times already and have had it disappear on me! How very frustrating.

It's not Gaia's fault either … it is called “brain on mucus”!!! I am determined to get it right this time … I'll come back and fill in the gaps later! 

We are heading down Hawthorne on the bus.
We'll take the #14 that we can catch on SE 52nd.  We will walk from my house through Mt Tabor and down Lincoln St.  I'll post a link to a SE Portland map after I get all of this up!!!

Also in Old Town is Old Town Pizza which is above the legendary “Shanghai
Tunnels” we can go on the tour (ANOTHER TIME) and learn the facts from below the floorboards of this neighborhood landmark.

We are also going to walk past the Chinatown Gateway - the entrance to the oldest part of downtown Portland.  Here is an article about this section of town.  This is where the 

Classical Chinese Garden is located.
We are JUST missing the Chinese New Year Celebration!
Year of the Rat



I know you might be a little tired after that …

however, this is going to revive you!!!
Though, if you're needing to rest, there is a coffee shop so grab a few books and make yourselves comfortable!!!
We'll gather together HERE before we head home for the evening!

We are going to Powell's City of Books.

I know that some of you have already been there!
I never tire of visiting this place!

Here's a video that shows a glimpse - just a glimpse of what Powell's is like!

When exploring I found this very cute video!

Is Portland Oregon Weird?

All this goes to show you a little more about why I love living here! :-)
Watch this weird video … strange - but funny!
Keep Portland Weird!!!

Here's more about why we are WEIRD!!!
Naked Bike Ride 2007




”MOving” by bicycle


enjoy!



QUESTIONS:
Anyone want to go see the Columbia River Gorge and some waterfalls tomorrow?
Or should we go to Sauvies Island?
MT. Hood and SNOW!!!!
I could take you on a Virtual Tour of all the various Festivals that Portland has?

Please let me know!!! I don't want to take you somewhere boring!!!

Later tonight, let's gather ' round the “campfire” in my living room and listen to Kat play guitar and Sprite tell her Finnish Valentine “Tea” story… OK?

What should we have for dinner?

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Re: Portland, OR and the Ongoing ROAD TRIP #1

I've packed enough Lysol to keep the germs away.



I don't want to spread my sickies to anyone….

okay you guys, stop jumping so i can spray the bed.



::::WHACK!!!:::::



ALL RIGHT! Who did that????

PILLOW FIGHT!



ZAP!    WHACK!    FLOP!  

NOW WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO WITH ALL THE FEATHERS?!?!?!

After I help to clean this mess up I am going to get into my jammies…
my jammies are not a feminine as yours Julia….but they sure are warm and toasty!



Then I'll do my nightly ritual…

my face…





My teeth…

And off to bed to get some BEAUTY sleep!

Night all!

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Re: Portland, OR and the Ongoing ROAD TRIP #1

Oh Snow Moon you are sooooo beeee-you-te-ful!!!

YOU 2 need to adjust to the WEst coast time zone… It's only 6:56 pm here my dear!!!

I know you've been sick and well it's almost 10 o'clock on the east coast!!! So we'll catch up … virtually with you!

I'm going out to get some “carry out” Thai food for our dinner tonight.  Louisevi doesn't drink alcohol so I got her some coconut concoction … and/or WATER is always good eh?

What do the rest of you want? I'm having a glass of Pinot Grigio. Julia? Sprite? Snow? Douglass? Winnie? Kat? Ayla? Help yourselves … to ice cold water, wine, beer, oooh I don't have a lot of mixed drinks sorry … I guess you'll have to go out and get your own! Liquor Store at 50th and Hawthorne!  I do have DESSERT~!! Sprite brought peanut butter and chocolate cookies!! hehehe!!

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Re: Portland, OR and the Ongoing ROAD TRIP #1

For me nice hot cup of Chamomile tea please.  Wanna wind down and get all relaxed before bed!

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Re: Portland, OR and the Ongoing ROAD TRIP #1

Oh that sounds nice Julia!!! TEA … I do have lots of tea to share! I've stopped drinking coffee in the morning and tea is my drink du jour.

OK everyone gather around … here is the story that Sprite is going to tell us tonight!!! It is magical and mythical and well … there is mystery involved as well!!! She has a delightful way of telling this tale!

I'm not sure she and I would have the same “outcome” to this story … but that is another tale to tell around another campfire, my friends!!!

Sprite's Valentine Tea story.   and Michael Buble' singing EVERYTHING

Kat will be playing background guitar music …  with this song … and well into the night (virtually!!!!!!!!)

love you all!
peri

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Re: Portland, OR and the Ongoing ROAD TRIP #1

Hi everyone!
Wow peri this has been quite an adventure so far! Thank you so much for showing us around your home town!
I popped in last night at the hotel still in my tux and felt a little over dressed with the bed jumping and biker babes and all so I quietly slipped back out to see what I could find to wear in one of the stores downstairs. Sad to say nothing in Victories Secret seemed like me. Julia looked lovely in her nightwear but it ain't happening on me, no sir!
Luckily I ran into Snow Moon who told me about the Dr Denton store down the street. So what do you think of these?
When I was a boy my younger brother and I used to get a new pair of Dr Denton's every winter. They were GREAT. Heck with those footies we would “ice skate” all across the wooden floors in our house in New Jersey until we wore holes in our Dr Denton's and a new year and time for a new pair!
So I'll have some Pinot Peri, unless you think I'm not old enough?

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Re: Portland, OR and the Ongoing ROAD TRIP #1

Never fear, Peri, we can tell the story any way we want.  It has already changed several times in the retelling :)  I am sure that the Raspberry Princes would be ok if either one of us declined (though I am sure they will be sad as we are such lovely ladies!) 

One version has the lover of the big sister show up.  Hm, and I thought the brothers could use wives :)

I think I will add some villagers to account for more friends!  I didn't want to leave anyone out, but shoot, I had to get some sleep!   btw, Mamakat is napping by the fire while all the hallaballo is going down.  Haha, by next Valentine's the story could have changed so much you all will think I am telling a deliciously new one!

Oh, I'm down here now, ok :) (Yikes, my dog literally just drank my tea!)  I'll have a glass of wine with you and Doug. Seems we're the only ones still up :)

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Re: Portland, OR and the Ongoing ROAD TRIP #1

Heehee Peri, the story is changing as we type, it has a mind of its own!

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