Oregon Wine Tasting

My aunt and uncle came to Portland for a visit and besides introducing our favorite restaurants to them (VQ, Jake’s, Henry’s, Portland City Grill, Kenny & Zuke’s), we took advantage of the fabulous weather and headed out to Newberg for some pinot and rosé tasting. My aunt and uncle are expert wine tasters who mapped out our course of action. We pulled into the parking lot of our first stop, August Cellars (family-run), 15 minutes before they opened, but we stared long enough and they put the “Open” sign in the window. Our next stop was Rex Hill (not sure how long they’ve been charging for tasting – obviously, we haven’t been wine tasting for awhile). We picnicked at Duck Pond Cellars (beautiful setting), and then took a long lazy drive over the hill to Ponzi (one of the first winemakers in Oregon). We managed to avoid the evil limos at every turn. I hate limos and the people in them. (I am not the Mean Girl in Portland).

Oregon Convention Center

The Oregon Convention Center is an amazing facility. I couldn't climb over the roses to ring the bell. Inside the OCC, there are beautiful glass flowers hanging from the ceiling, a giant pendulum in the design of the sun and planets, and all manner of artwork. All it needs is a major convention or trade show that would be worth attending. Oh, wait, all we need is major convention hotel to go with it. For such a progressive city, Portland doesn't think ahead...(no, I am not the Mean Girl in Portland).

International Rose Test Garden

This garden is a must for locals and visitors to stop and smell the roses. Visit in the summer so you don’t miss it. It does get cooler in the evening, so bring a light jacket.

Sick in the Summer

I caught one of those evil summer colds last week. There is nothing worse than being sick in the summer. It is such a waste of time! If it were in the winter, I wouldn’t mind bundling into my bed. As soon as I'm better, I'll take and post more pictures.

Sculpture at American Plaza Apartments

This sculpture is another one of those hidden finds. It was constructed in 1975, and I guess no one has had the heart to replace it (I am not the Mean Girl in Portland). It’s not even all that practical to climb on. We found this on one of our evening walks past a brick walkway and brilliant miniature plum trees. For a trio of apartment buildings, it sure was quiet.

Pettygrove Park

Pettygrove Park is a nice little hideout near our home. During the weekdays, I call it Smoker’s Row, because people who work in the surrounding offices come out there to stink up the air with their smoke (I am not the Mean Girl in Portland). But on the weekends, it is truly a hidden nugget of peace. There are three little hills and a gentle incline of a walkway that I think I’ll try to create a sled trail on the next time it snows. There is a sculpture here called "Dreamer." Joe thinks it looks like a squished Snoopy. Apparently, the sculpture has foam in its center and it is supposed to create some kind of interesting noise when it is rained on, but I haven’t wanted to stand out there when it rains just to hear the sculpture “speak.” Here is a picture of Joe...he is real. Some people don't think I have a husband. I didn't make him up! He exists!

Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival + Fourth of July Fireworks

The Blues Festival is one of the best venues in Portland to hear up-and-coming musicians as well as those well-established in the music realm. Joe and I used to make it a point to get to the festival during its four-day run during the Fourth of July celebration. But this year, when people ask, “Are you going to the Blues Festival?” We say, yes, but all we have to do is open a window, we live that close. To see the fireworks, we just step out on our balcony. This year, instead of one big barge like usual, the organizers decided to have two little barges. Fireworks are shot off the barge on the Willamette River, which makes for quite a sight. Not to complain or anything, but the two little barges made you divide your attention too much (Remember, I am not the Mean Girl in Portland). One barge full of fireworks is much more dramatic.

Salem World Beat Festival

The Salem World Beat Festival is held annually on the last weekend in June. The event is divided into five “villages” with enough food, handicrafts, and fine arts performances to sate your desires for worldly ethnic travel. There is no entrance fee, but a $3 donation per person is welcome, and you can’t beat that price in bringing the world to you. The performances are always entertaining as well as educational (spurring thoughts of “Wow, I wish I could do that”), but I have to question having the event on what feels like the hottest day of the year when normally benign people are at their most irritable. That angora bunny must have been hot. I had an unfortunate encounter with two of the most unhelpful snotty volunteers named Mary and Judy. They were at the volunteer tent, and I think their role was to be condescending to everyone who crossed their path. It is too bad that two rotten individuals could completely mar an amazing event that promotes brotherhood, sisterhood, and global cultural understanding. If you can avoid Mary and Judy, then you, too, should go to the World Beat Festival.