Good Things Jar

An exercise in making myself focus on the good stuff in life.

Lan Su Chinese Garden

Right in the middle of Chinatown (but of course), Portland boasts the lovely Lan Su Chinese Garden.

Where to draw the line

We cannot agree to stifle our voices when threatened. Put simply, that is in opposition to the very values of freedom for which France and the United States are most famous.

Mirror Lake: The scenes I missed

In December I hiked to Mirror Lake and Tom Dick and Harry Mountain for the first time. Though the whole region was sunny that day, there was a little microclimate engulfing our local volcano, Mt. Hood. Snow actually fell during the hike. At the summit of the mountain, I was told that it is typically […]

Making the most of 2015

Here’s hoping that most of your 2015 fantasies come true!

Goodbye Tree

Next the tree will be eaten by goats.

Clear, cold, colorful New Year’s Eve

I stood in the middle of the Hawthorne Bridge last night and took lots of blurry photos. I don’t know if it was the vibrating bridge that shook a little more each time a car pounded past me, or the dry cold air blasting into my face that had me in tears the entire time. […]

And Marcus went down to Boise

“You should go to Idaho, visit your dad, and catch the show while you’re there.”

Idaho family

Tara and I managed to squish in a quick trip to Boise and still be home for Christmas. We had remarkably good December weather and driving through the passes between Pendleton and Baker City was safe and quick. First stop was my brother and sister-in law’s house. My two nephews are at an age where a visitor […]

Snow hike

Despite all the clouds and fog and snow, it was a brilliant day.