Timbers Opener 2013

When it rains, when it pours, let the Portland Timbers score.

Portland Street Art

It was midnight.
I saw geese. At least they weren't pink elephants.

Love Portland street art. Located on MLK Blvd near Russell.

Amanda Palmer at The Wonder Ballroom

The night was hot. It was hot in that ballroom. Hot. Hot. Hot.

The night was also beautiful and wonderful. The opening acts were fun and charming. It had the feel of the cabaret. All that was missing were the little round tables, red velvet and cigarette girls.

I can't help but feel as if the performers last night were characters in a novel, visions of The Great Gatsby wafting here and there.

The opening acts were mini shows put on by members of the The Grand Theft Orchestra, who are amazingly talented, silly and fun. Amanda Palmer filled the role of emcee and spoke to the crowd as if we were all just friends hanging out in her space. Friends who were there to enjoy the show. She ate anamorphic fruit while her tiara sparkled from afar. She was energized.

Here is a vid of Olly Olly Oxen Free.



Another of Want it Back.



You can pay what you want for the album. It's worth your time and some cash.

Theatre Is Evil - Pay What You Want

Some of my favorite music videos of songs from the Theatre is Evil album are out on the internets and are amazing and NSFW.

Here is one. Remember NSFW!  If nudity bothers you then don't click the link. :)

A show for you and a show for me...

I get to admire the poster.

That's all I got to see of the Shins show in Portland last night. You see, my teenage daughter went to the show and I did not. I went to bed early.

Woe is me.

But I get to see Ananda Palmer tomorrow night. Tee hee hee!

Portland Timbers

Soccer.

Next year the Portland Timbers will be an official MLS club.

Soccer.

Next year we will be attending those MLS matches in Portland.

Soccer.

Next year you should too.

So much fun!

Soccer.

Another Saturday Night

Good friends, beer and a bite.

Bus ride.

Timbers game.

Beer and a band

Wilco for the middle one

I came down with a touch of something icky last week.
It was not pleasant.
It was not fun.

It caused me to miss out on a Wilco show.

So... I sent my middle child in my stead.
His first concert.

Here are a few blurry snaps from his adventure.

He had fun and enjoyed the late night out. I suspect he had more fun on the adventure than at the actual show.

Another night out in Portland

It started with tickets to The Artists Repertory Theater's Holidazed. Fabulous.

Drinks and appetizers at Jake's Grill. No comment.





A lovely walk back to our hotel. The Mark Spencer. We'll be back. Simple yet delightful.





Breakfast with friends the next morn. I highly recommend the hash. Mmm balsamic vinegar.





Topped off with a stop at Trader Joe's on the way home. I love cheese and wine. These colorful pearl onions were just so ...




Cheers!

Portland Center Stage - A Christmas Carol

My son's less than stellar test score on "A Midsummer Night's Dream" has turned out to be a boon for me. Extra credit involves seeing plays (for us) and writing reports (for him).

"Holidazed" was already on the list for my husband and myself and now we've added three more plays to see in December.

Today's Sunday matinee of Portland Center Stage's "A Christmas Carol" was delightful.

Our seats were front row which was a bit too close. The sets were amazing and the production was fun. Effects were well done. Ooooh Spirits.

Next weekend is Salem Repertory's "A Christmas Memory".

And the weekend after that is "Twelfth Night".

It's always fun to enjoy a night out in Portland.






And what's a night out without seeing one police car in action?

A relaxing Wednesday

Loving a weekday respite in Portland.

Cocktails at the hotel lounge - Driftwood.
Dinner with extended family at Henry's Tavern.
Fried pie at Whiffies.
A great night at Hotel DeLuxe and sleeping in on a Wednesday.

Love it.


Next on the agenda:

Coffee, coffee, coffee
A nice walk around Portland
A movie - 'Damned United'
Finally, a visit with good friends and their new addition, Henry

The View Point Inn as a Birthday Destination

This last spring I was lucky enough to be part of the thirteen year birthday celebration for a wonderful girl I know, Em. Specifically, she is my college roommate's eldest daughter.

Now, in 2009 most thirteen year old's are familiar, if not briefly obsessed, with the Twilight series of books by Stephenie Meyer. (Em was no exception. I myself was no exception and I'm not thirteen anymore.)

Em's mother organized a wonderful night at The View Point Inn. This Inn was used in the filming of the movie adaptation of Twilight, specifically for portions of the prom scene.

We stayed the evening in The Roosevelt Suite, a beautiful two-room delight. The oldies read and chatted while the youngies played music and games, perused magazines and munched on junk food. As it was a suite, there was ample room for separation of us oldies from the youngies. What thirteen year old wants to hang out with her mom and friends?

The Inn is near enough to Troutdale that we were able to brave the winding road down to I-84 and head over to McMenamin's Edgefield for dinner and a pint (for the oldies of course) at the Power Station Pub and Theatre.

In the morning, we were served brunch in a beautiful dining area, adjacent to a great room with a lovely fire. Brunch was outstanding. I enjoyed the Dungeness Crab Benedict but eyed the wonderful looking Crown Point Burger from afar. Perfect.

Em's sister El, ordered tea and a few sides, including fruit, english muffin, and yogurt with granola. It was presented beautifully on a tray with tea service. What a delight.

The view, for which The View Point Inn is likely named, overlooks the Columbia River and is amazing. Why don't you see for yourself.

The Killers 9.24.09 ~ My daughter's first concert

Saturdays Are Wonderful

Saturdays are wonderful.

Soccer games, road trip, street fair, playing with a five year old with an impish grin, shaved ice, trying a new cheese (mmmm), and a beautiful sunset.

Soccer games were forgettable, unfortunately. A few good plays but no score thus no wins.

Road trip up to Portland and back.

The Mississippi Street Fair was excellent. It went forever. My favorites were - the superhero, cool hats, hip art, bucket drums and the cellist Adam Hurst.

The five year old was cute and had a friend. He loved lime shaved ice. He had a dirty face. He was bored and preparing to flop at New Seasons until he met the iPhone.

Shaved ice is always good. Lime and Mango today.

New cheese was smooth and peppery. Pyrenees Peppercorn. Went well with the fig spread.

And a beautiful sunset ends the day.

Durzo Blint - I love that name

My son reads incessantly.

Incessantly.

The latest fantasy series which consumed his time is from Brent Weeks - The Night Angel Trilogy. Now, I'm not one to let my kids read alone, so I usually pick up and read their leftovers. I really enjoyed this one. Great scope.

Durzo Blint. I love that name.

Today, at a birthday party for a two year old, the auntie pulled "The Way of Shadows" out of her purse. I let her know that I, and my son, had read and enjoyed the book. She let me know that the author was a friend of hers. Wow!

I can't wait to tell my son. He'll be excited...or maybe not. He is 15.

Portland Timbers - The Army in Action 7.1.09