Portland Travelogue, contd.

One of the first things we did in Portland was to stop by Washington Park. It was raining (I won’t keep saying that because it applies to all of the days we were there) and pretty cold, but we explored the park in all its green, lush splendor. We saw a blue spruce in the middle of this green field of grass. It looked otherworldly. The international rose test garden was vast. There were blooms in the rose garden, albeit soggy. Must go back.

The gorgeous doorway of the Tiffany Center building.

Shiny streets, freshly washed down with rain.

The van in this picture, as only Portland can provide.

Most amazing bookstore ever.

Election Day

And it's a nail-biter! Here I am at the neighorhood polling site, just around the corner from our house. Peace, y'all.

Birthday in Portland

For my birthday this year, the hubs threw out, “hey, y’wanna go to Portland for your birthday?” To which I replied, “Yes!” I’ve been so curious about the city for so long, for reasons like: the Portland-based blogs I read, like this one and this one; a friend who was born there and went to college there; and of course the show Portlandia that spoofs so many things I consider regular life, like: asking the provenance of a part of your dinner (um, not to this degree, but…), loving owl and bird-inspired stuff and micro brewed beer, and that 1890s look--and so many other things that are so Portland.
So, go we did, and had lots of fun, most of which included eating and drinking, and dodging rain drops—of which there were many.
Below, a tabby sighting on a little side street near Tasty n Sons.

Off the plane early (9 a.m.), and straight to Tasty n Sons, a restaurant that was recommended and serves up some amazing brunch fare. The coffee was great, but what about the little bottle for the cream. Cute factor times ten.

I had the Fried Egg & Cheddar Biscuit with smoked sausage. I left my vegetarian tendencies at home and went for it. That biscuit was incredible. Flaky, herby, cheddary goodness.

James had BBQ Chicken Hash with onion sour cream and an over easy egg. We stabbed the egg pre-photo.

But, we didn’t stop there. We had brunch dessert: a Chocolate Potato Doughnut with crème anglaise. And, yes, we did sop up every drop of that pool of deliciousness that the doughnut was sitting in. We shared it—that wasn’t easy. Hey, wait, you’re taking an extra crumb!

And that was just breakfast. More updates to follow. I don’t want you to get too full.
Peace, love, and Portland,
Robin

Sailing on the Bay

Had the opportunity recently to go sailing with friends Megan and Nick, and it was a beautiful day. Open, calm water and just enough breeze to be cool but not cold.
 
Their sweet pooch, Sugar, was also on board, hangin’ close to her Dad’s legs for safety’s sake. Notice the pink collar. Oh my!

Meanwhile, at home, Gwynnie catches some zzzzzz’s, tongue out, short little grey whiskers, pinned back in deep sleep:

And, Katie Bee, with paw-covered face, on the back of the couch, in a snuggled ball of fur, dreams of exploring outside in the brisk air:

Peace, sailing, and kitty cats,
Robin

Gregory Page Fabulosity

His singing transported me to the 20s. The light in the room was vanilla-colored. If you’re never heard Gregory Page, make time to go. He plays every Saturday night in the very intimate Plaza Bar at the Westgate Hotel. Pardon the blur.

Gingham Style

I have a mad love for gingham. I even love to wear it, though it makes me look like a forest ranger and my husband loathes it on me. But how about these door panels.

The headboard got new clothes, too. And because I love this song so much, please enjoy.

Feline Slumber

On my walk the other night, I came across this little cutie. I’d seen her on a previous walk whereby she threw herself at my feet for about a 5-minute pet session. She’s an older kitty, a little sway backed, a little bony. But so friendly and sweet. I loved catching her mid-nap. And I love the tile address sign on this house. It’s a very cute little cottage.

Living in a Nutshell, book signing & crafting

Last night, my belle mere and I went to a book signing at Warwick’s in La Jolla. The book: Living in a Nutshell: Posh and Portable Decorating Ideas for Living in Small Spaces. The author: the smart, fun Janet Lee. But, this was no ordinary book signing. We not only heard the author’s story, but crafted these really cute tassels using a wine cork, velvet ribbon, and pretty paper. And, yes, that is a bottle of champagne and a cupcake. Now, this, my friends, is the way to host a book signing. The cupcakes were delicious; made by the author’s sister. Her parents were there also; an adorable couple. Her dad invented microsurgery.

More pics from the event:
Mary’s hands, putting on the finishing touches.

This yummy champagne is called Courtage. Made in France by a group of Americans with a passion for bubbly. Quite delicious and light. The bottles are tiny. Just enough.

Finished tassels.

Gwynnie Loves Saylor

Gwyneth is a certified snuggle bug, and she loves Saylor so much. She’s always snorgled up next to her. Evidence to follow, and this is a mere sampling of the pictures I have of these two love bugs.

This and that

On a walk the other day, I came across this little new cactus bud. It was like: hi! look how cute and new I am. *snap* And pardon the blurriness.

Also on a walk, this house I like to go by has chickens free ranging in the yard! Well, hi there, chicky! *snap*

And here’s little B. (short for: Katie Bee), mowing down some wheatgrass. She loves it.

Nom, nom, nom…

Peace, love, and Tabbies,
Robin

She Said Yes, of course :o)

Isaac’s Live Lip-Dub Proposal

The Lodge at Torrey Pines spa

Grab a day pass and soak up the peace at the Lodge at Torrey Pines. Be sure to walk through the garden before you leave; it's to the left of the entrance.

A Perfect Day

I’m a wee tardy with this post, but I had to share the cake photo! We celebrated Mother’s Day here last Sunday, and had a great time. The perfect number of folks, gathered on a gloriously sunny day, with the perfect Mom. I am one of the lucky ones to have a mother-in-law that I adore. The chocolate raspberry mousse cake and dutch apple pie were both yummy. I do believe I had a piece of both!

Some red birds even landed in the ivy. Inside. Can you beat a little made-in-China bird to fancy up an indoor plant? While I thought they’d just be a party decoration, I admit they are still there, perched, and still cute. Does this mean I have plastic flowers in my future? Oh dear! Let’s hope not.

Husby even honored my mother status with the fur babies and got me this beautiful bouquet of roses, which I promptly photographed at this odd angle. I love our tribe, though they deny me the pleasure of telling painful birthing stories, like, oh! the doctor had never seen a woman suffer like that! Wait. Maybe that’s just fine.

There were also tulips in attendance, purchased from the wholesale flower place, which was abuzz with Mother’s Day buyers.

And lastly, in mani/pedi news…this past weekend, during some La Jolla moseying, I found a “natural” mani/pedi place and came home with taupe toenails and turquoise fingernails. I can’t imagine ever using these colors even just five years ago. But I have to say, I am thoroughly digging them. They kind of spice up the workday when I look at my fingers typing on the keyboard in turquoise!

Chinchilly >

Turquoise & Caicos >

Have a wonderful week, blog peeps!

, R.

Mint and celedon and dark purple

Irom an amazing blog called Simply Smitten. 

How about the elegant, velvet dark green pillow sitting there fitting so perfectly?