Peonies and Potluck Pinochle Party - Sat., May 31

With sunny skies and a temperature hovering around 70, Mom and I headed to Brooks, Oregon to do a 5K (3.1 mile) Volksmarch in the Adelman Peony Gardens. 

The walk started off in a display garden showcasing peonies, hostas, columbine, delphiniums, allium, lobelia and clematis. The walk then wound up and down rows of peonies until we returned to the start point. 

Mom in display garden with peonies and delphinium

Adelman Peony Gardens

Volksmarch through peony fields.

A beautiful walk!

Winter wheat field we walked by.

Mom and I.

Columbine in display garden.

At the end of the walk, we were able to see vases with cut peonies identified. We made a second pass through the display garden after we finished the walk.

This bouquet is shaped like a heart.

On the way home, I took Mom to lunch at Oswego Grille in Wilsonville. We then spent the afternoon hanging out at Mom's house before driving 20 minutes to my sister's house to play pinochle. 

When we lived in Oregon, our group had a three-table potluck pinochle party once a month (except summer). Over the years people moved away or lost interest. I think it was great that my sister organized a party with family and friends while I'm here. Thank you, Jan.

When my brother, Frank, and sister-in-law, Gina, arrived at the party, they brought my sister, my Mom and I each a bouquet of pink carnations. What a thoughtful thing to do. The flowers are beautiful and much appreciated.

My brother, Frank.

Frank and Gina

Mom, me, Jan and Frank

My son, Mike, and I

Playing pinochle was fun, but my hands were terrible. I ended up second from the bottom. Gina pulled ahead of everyone at the end and won the top prize...$20. We had a good group: Mom, me, Jan, Frank, Gina, my son, Mike, our friends Margaret, Larry, Jo, Debbie, and Jan's friends, John and Jane.

Pinochle players deep in thought

My sister's two cats, Jake and Prince, made an appearance. Jake was the most sociable so he gets to be in my blog. 

Jake

My carnation bouquet with mom's
peonies and a rose.

Mom's carnation bouquet from Frank and Gina.

Another very enjoyable day today.

Fraternizing with Friends - Fri., May 30

Friday afternoon, I headed into Portland to meet up with our long-time friend, Rick, and his partner, Lee. We wanted to have dinner and catch up on what's new.

First, I was delighted to see the home they rent in Portland's West Hills. It's almost like living in a tree house. The home is two stories in a woodsy setting with a big wrap-around deck. The inside has many angled walls so there is a lot of visual interest. I got to meet their new cat, Isabelle. What a cutie! She put on quite a show playing with the laser pointer.

After the house tour and cat time, we hopped in their car and headed to downtown Portland. Lee has a parking space in the parking garage near his olive oil store, Benessere Olive Oils and Vinegar.

Lee taught me about pure olive oil and had me taste a fresh, pure olive oil sample. I was surprised when it burned the back of my throat. That's how you can tell if olive oil is fresh. The fresh oil has the most benefit. If you buy olive oil, buy in small quantities and use it within three to six months. After that all its inherent good nutrients deteriorate and the oil becomes rancid with a decrease in flavor.

Olive oils beautifully displayed.

You can sample olive oils and vinegars at Benessere.

Rick and Lee

How to distinguish the best olive oils.

Lee gave me a sample of raspberry balsamic vinegar. Wow! It was wonderful. He said they like to put it on ice cream. Another use for flavored balsamic vinegar is to mix it with seltzer water. You can even make mixed alcoholic beverages with the flavored balsamic vinegars. 

After some education about olive oil, balsamic vinegar and custom-made catsups, we went on walk-about in downtown Portland. It has been a few years since I've spent time in the Northwest quadrant of the city. There have been many changes, including Jamison Square with its interactive waterfall, new condos, an electric streetcar line, the remaking of an industrial downtown area into The Pearl with trendy lofts, condos, boutiques and many restaurants. 

We ended up having dinner on the outside patio at Bridgeport Brewpub. With the good food, excellent brews, warm temperature and a light breeze, it was a great place to have dinner. We took our time sauntering back to the car. Lee and Rick took me to see a number of cool places along the way. Thanks, guys, I had a delightful evening. And, Lee, thank you for dinner. That was very sweet of you.

A brand new, 35-story building is in the early stages in downtown Portland.

New 35-story building going up in downtown 

A downtown park...very well utilized.

Pioneer Courthouse Square Festival of Flowers

Pioneer Courthouse Square - Portland's living room.

Condo balconies

A one-of-a-kind "City Target" store in downtown.

Jamison Square Park

Jamison Square Park

Hammer & Hand

Bob's son, Randall, used to work at Hammer & Hand when he lived in Portland. Hammer & Hand does upscale remodels of historic homes, putting in beautiful woodwork and completing restorations.

The old Portland Tribune building.

How many of you remember elevators like the one pictured below? We rode this to the top floor of the parking garage.

Old-style elevator.

As day wore into evening, we finished our time together. Totally enjoyable visit.

Travel Bug out.