tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68521633958725909662024-02-21T04:15:21.246-08:00Marnese: At A GlanceMarnese: At A Glance is the easiest way to learn about Marnese vocabulary, grammer, pronunciation and everyday (or every few days) life events- from Marni's point of view, all in one space!Marni, Robert, Zero, MaryJane and Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07319245752485139482noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852163395872590966.post-88904641470194307802009-11-17T10:40:00.000-08:002009-11-21T12:35:45.255-08:00Whoo Hoo! It's Fall!<div style="text-align: left;">Fall really is my favorite season. It has my favorite holiday, Halloween. It has my colors, green, gold, red, orange and streaks of purple. (Definitely me) It has my favorite weather, gusts of wind with mixing warm and cold crisp air. I have been sitting for hours on the front porch watching leaves dance and the robins get drunk on all the red berries in front of our house, their a hoot. The cats across the street are fascinated by their weird flights and giddiness.<br />
</div>We have definitely overbooked November. NanoWrimo, sewing classes, Opera, free concerts, fashion shows, and book clubs. Rob took me out for a belated birthday, starting with bacon wrapped dates stuffed with chevre and an almond. The restaurant's name is <a href="http://www.veritablequandary.com/">Veritable Quandry</a>. The cooking staff was all women that night. And we lingered over the meal for two hours. The hazelnut fed organic pork chops melted in your mouth, so juicy and tender they didn't need a fork, the nutty flavor would have made Nero Wolf eat his heart out. I had a drink called the Fall and it was sublime - when I closed my eyes I could see the dancing leaves of color (hey it was only one drink) For desert I had a super natural experience with a chocolate souffle drizzled with dark chocolate sauce. Oh heaven, I tell you! Definitely a restaurant to get reservations at if you ever visit the area. All you foodies -- heads up - Robert smiled through the whole meal.<br />
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</div>Next he took me for a short walk up the street and to the Keller Auditorium, where we watched Phillip Glass's <a href="http://wweek.com/editorial/3551/13256/">Orphee</a> (opera). Amazing! Our only complaint was that the audience wore a lot of perfume. The performance and orchestra where stellar in this modern retelling of the movie. How they worked out the mirror scenes was amazing and clever. It was a perfect compliment to the excellent dinner we just had.<br />
The walk to the bus stop was spectacular- down town was all aglow, the tree wrapped in white Christmas lights, twinkling the falling leaves. A great birthday. Robert bowls me over again!<br />
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One of the groups we signed up for, to meet locals, had an event that we attended, an underground tour of Portland. Wow, what an history. It was great fun to listen about all the characters in Portland's past and was totally shocked about all the bigotry and racism that surfaced in that history too. Definitely wasn't what I was expecting but it was a good time and we met some folks.<br />
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Back at home Chef Robert fixed braised lamp shanks in orange olive and tomato sauce. Ummm WOW. The meat virtually fell of the bone, no knife was needed and every succulent tender morsel sent me real-ling. The brussel sprouts were tender yet firm, rich in a sauce of white wine and caramelized pearl onions. God I love this guy! (Hey put in an order for this when you visit!)<br />
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I made my first pumpkin pie from scratch with gluten free crust, also made an apple pie. They were okay- the crust still isn't perfect yet, practice practice practice. The pumpkins were marvelous though- so yummy and sweet roasted.<br />
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Oh and the roller coaster didn't end there. In the spirit of recycle and reuse, I went to the fashion show "Junk to Funk" with one of the women from my sewing group. What a hoot! We also got to be up right up against the runway- great for shots:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Program above<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and corresponding fashion below:<br />
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</tbody></table>Love those shoes!<br />
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</div>Marni, Robert, Zero, MaryJane and Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07319245752485139482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852163395872590966.post-13575661190418649452009-10-29T14:41:00.000-07:002009-11-21T12:35:07.855-08:00Rant, sew, Rant, sew!Okay- I've got lots of excuses for not posting. Not going to spill them here--- just rant ;-).<br />
How come all the restaurants I've been to lately give Rob all the ice in the water? Is it a conspiracy? Do women in Portland not like ice in their water? What? No one anemics here? When I ask for ice, how come the sneer? Okay- started just switching glasses after waitstaff leaves the table. Only notable exception was the male waiter- who never returned to the table. Grr. NOTICE: Waitstaff, I leave BIGGER tips for ice! (I know it's a compulsion- ice eaters unite!) Bring on the trays!<br />
Now sew...here's my new baby.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Nothing fancy- but wow- what a little work horse! I've been obsessed since I got it. New curtains in the hall, taking pity on the neighbors so they don't have to watch me in the shower or on the toilet, cause lord knows that if I close the bathroom door- I must be escaping and <i>some</i> dog <i>must</i> rescue me! No peeking! Oh and covers for the couch. Shown here - looks like we have a winner- note that's not the covers I made ;-)<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgTKgBDPXzwZvb6082_4WVvDXLgcItydaELeQ8vGBJwXG_1oXqav3z5lgE0vm3S4GvsIW3F_01h5Amq1qFQFG5Q3M1tv_ZB8LgLgNr4ZONd19OAeXKIFNAGz5UK5Nk91zEwTpAsYpzs8H/s1600-h/IMG_1464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgTKgBDPXzwZvb6082_4WVvDXLgcItydaELeQ8vGBJwXG_1oXqav3z5lgE0vm3S4GvsIW3F_01h5Amq1qFQFG5Q3M1tv_ZB8LgLgNr4ZONd19OAeXKIFNAGz5UK5Nk91zEwTpAsYpzs8H/s320/IMG_1464.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Had to throw a few covers on it right after it was delivered, um Rob you'll have to grab a chair. (He's off on his own rant)<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Speaking of ranting, ;-) Please, please! If you walk your dogs in the city, have them on leash! You wouldn't let your 2 year old run across the street by themselves would you? Come on, do you really believe in the option of squirrel/kitty dinner that they are going to look for oncoming traffic? And although I feel for the woman who watched her puppy get hit on Burnside, I have a stronger urge to bitch slap her. Pets/children are a responsibility- step up to the plate! You down the street- put that beautiful border collie on a leash! This is the third screech of car brakes I've heard this week. Doesn't this qualify as animal abuse? You can't blame the drivers when your dog runs in and out between park cars. How do you think your kids are going to feel when they see that horrific event? A few bad apples ruins the pie.<br />
</div>Back to sewing, been watching several green sewing podcast videos- so....while Rob was looking for a chic lamp at VV, I bought 20 or so old sweaters (99 cents each) so I can reconstruct into a coat. Washing them and properly tacking them out to dry so I can cut them up and sew them is testing my patience. Whose virtue is that? ;-) So am now covering all the couch pillows with some groovy 70's material while I wait. Dogs dig it man- you know they can't be fully comfortable without a pillow!<br />
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Going to be struggle this next month doing NaNoWriMo and trying to balance my sewing cravings, wish me luck and many words!<br />
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"What are you mumbling?"<br />
"I'm trying to get all the bad words out of my mouth"<br />
Another Thin Man<br />
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Oh I am so spoiled...look what Rob went and got me to cheer me up! Gluten free beer and my very own jug! Isn't he sweet? (note: Yep that's a North Fork Brewery Glass!) won't be feeling anything after this ;-) GO PHILLIES!<br />
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</div>Marni, Robert, Zero, MaryJane and Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07319245752485139482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852163395872590966.post-26330593508034582702009-10-18T14:56:00.000-07:002009-11-21T12:32:02.871-08:00Kevin, Mark, James, George and Nallah...Oh My!We have company! I'm so excited! Chez Robert made Country Style French Stew, Sweet Potato Hashbrowns, Sage Sausage and made from scratch Pumpkin Pudding....yum! It was great to see all you guys again, glad you stopped by on your way back from the concert.<br />
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</tbody></table>Hope y'all had a good time and will come and visit again.<br />
About 11am, the house went dark, and there was a large rumble outside. We went outside to a wall of rain. The neighbors beautiful multi colored maple shed it's leaves in seconds flat. It was an exhilarating few moments. I love downpours, really miss our old metal roof.<br />
Well Mena is landing in Beijing as we speak. Hope that she will take lots of photos and has fun. <br />
I'm really tired today, I am so out of practice on being a hostess. Or at least that sounds like a good excuse for a nap!Marni, Robert, Zero, MaryJane and Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07319245752485139482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852163395872590966.post-74905387798425516332009-10-13T12:01:00.000-07:002009-11-21T12:32:30.279-08:00Maryjane's Birthday and the Japanese GardenMonday we celebrated MJ's birthday- she got the big trip to Kelley Point Park- bark, bark, along the way we stopped for her donut (plain cake)- so jealous since I can't have gluten. She said it was scrumptious. Chased ball via Chuck-it till she was dog-tracking, then went down to beach to tell tugboat captains off- bark, bark. Told the parks department workers all about our day- bark, bark and with tails waggin' jumped into the car to get a birthday surprise a mint flavored <a href="http://www.planetdog.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=ORBEE%20BONES">orebee-tuff bone</a>! Woof bark bark! Not sharing!! I didn't get any pictures of her- because I was carrying all the party favors. But here are a few of her pinups:<br />
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</div>After dropping her highness at home-she couldn't wait to show Zero and Grace her new gifts and tell them about her adventure- Wooooof, we headed out to the Japanese Garden. Except that it was Columbus Day- ahhhg the garden didn't open till noon! So we walked around downtown for a while and here is the unusual house for the week:<br />
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A very valuable lesson- don't visit the garden on days where children are not in school. It is a very meditative peaceful spot- and running screaming children don't fit the mood. Also seemed to be a lot of rude tourist, even though I stood on the edge of paths to take shots and took over 200, only a few came out because people seemed to think I was invisible, bumping me or standing/walking right in front of the shot. One other photographer was so surprised when I moved to let him take his shot that he stared at me a few seconds - concentration broken- then he thanked me and took his photo. Think I will get a membership so that I can come visit on days and hours when the garden is quiet.<br />
Please visit <a href="http://www.japanesegarden.com/">their website</a> for some great member photos too. Here are mine, credit to Portland Japanese Garden, Portland, OR:<br />
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Well the dogs are looking at my thigh like it would be mighty tasty so am going to go pick up some more puppy treats and dog food.<br />
MMarni, Robert, Zero, MaryJane and Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07319245752485139482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852163395872590966.post-12783547131243903352009-10-10T20:55:00.000-07:002009-11-21T12:34:30.413-08:00Something Chilly This Way ComesWhile sitting at the <a href="http://hobnobgrille.com/">Hob Nob Grille</a> this morning drinking my $2 dollar mimosa (mmmm good) and eavesdropping on those around me, I remembered that I hadn't posted my photos from my birthday. So here they are:<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Nym.SueD/Birthday09?authkey=Gv1sRgCPLMjZefjoHk1QE&feat=email#">Birthday09</a><br />
I had a blast downtown, at the Chinese garden - I took over 200 photos- but thought I would share the highlights including the surprise of a gluten free beer - fresh on tap. Thanks <a href="http://www.deschutesbrewery.com/">Deshutes </a>! Note no photos after the beer- just happy I got on the right bus to come home ;-0<br />
It just goes to show that the simple things are the best- a leaf caught up in a whirlpool, the foam on a good beer and public transportation.<br />
Also I made a plan for November (you know <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/">NaNoWriMo</a> is here again!). I'm going to hang out at the Hob Nob, drink Journalists (awesome martinis) with my laptop and water pistol and play Hemingway. Sound like fun? WARNING: this might be the mimosas speaking.<br />
I can't think of a better spot than the local bar/restaurant to find story ideas. <br />
Tonight the temperature is dropping, the leaves are rustling and fall is stretching it's cool fingers our way. Here comes my favorite time of year!Marni, Robert, Zero, MaryJane and Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07319245752485139482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852163395872590966.post-11763155548699023732009-10-07T10:20:00.000-07:002009-11-21T12:33:13.245-08:00Still kickin'!Whew- what a roller coaster. My legs are still a little trembly and eyes are trying to focus. If I didn't strongly disbelieve in the flu shot I'd tell you all to go out and get one ;-) But the world has turned right side up (I'm allowed out of bed and on the computer- Yea!) Got a few shots to share with you from before the whole retching business. I'm going to put up an album with all the interesting houses that I stumble upon. Here are the first two:<br />
High Living:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitx2ZY7mcEKr5_4Zvrmf_8BEXne2N9rtnOCoBRAOtOncrkhXQQZLy5um8sJmyR2Wp8ldEdHRPyGNNJb08U_Yrt2EAnmThOP_vGyqENpyN6fW7XGpfXlYJAxXLcUB_Bz8ByCw7YyTZxorDT/s1600-h/IMG_1025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitx2ZY7mcEKr5_4Zvrmf_8BEXne2N9rtnOCoBRAOtOncrkhXQQZLy5um8sJmyR2Wp8ldEdHRPyGNNJb08U_Yrt2EAnmThOP_vGyqENpyN6fW7XGpfXlYJAxXLcUB_Bz8ByCw7YyTZxorDT/s320/IMG_1025.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">did I hear someone shout Tara?<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And more HIGH living......<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWocC2mH0scfiXpWrKgMC7crHr7cRrCFdN7g-R-Ngbczv0P34hgW-ESfGUbLv_xHXnZEeRIt9go-fjw5WYlaD74hneQTGYxcESt93AwF4WAJaFLyQMzoSz_-mLYa3eS9_bUEzYpcCnevL/s1600-h/IMG_1035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWocC2mH0scfiXpWrKgMC7crHr7cRrCFdN7g-R-Ngbczv0P34hgW-ESfGUbLv_xHXnZEeRIt9go-fjw5WYlaD74hneQTGYxcESt93AwF4WAJaFLyQMzoSz_-mLYa3eS9_bUEzYpcCnevL/s320/IMG_1035.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">That's what I call moving.....<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">So while I was delirious in bed (and honey I don't mean the GOOD kind) I had a lot of weird ....daydreams. (which is great in a way since NaNoWriMo is next month--see silver lining ;->) Amongst terrors of fancy, and allot of Hitchcockian delusions this is the first view and sound (baying for my bones) out of bed. Sorry for the blur- remember I hadn't been on my feet very long.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPWoWGzOF5S6zdDdpOkDdTJyNJ1IO3p-glR1v0Ags4iVfAkNmsL2535vtCGX_uQOxbvB3d6uHaBJ-1FXk8mDyz5dl3acIIdn25hYHPnXRji2mF7_gzU4gPxQLfc-Z65ShJ10jOYnAPVm5/s1600-h/IMG_1029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPWoWGzOF5S6zdDdpOkDdTJyNJ1IO3p-glR1v0Ags4iVfAkNmsL2535vtCGX_uQOxbvB3d6uHaBJ-1FXk8mDyz5dl3acIIdn25hYHPnXRji2mF7_gzU4gPxQLfc-Z65ShJ10jOYnAPVm5/s320/IMG_1029.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Its the large walnut tree in the backyard- I lost count after 50 crows. A murder of crows.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To shake me out of my paranoia- "My birthday's coming...they must be a sign....garble...barble...foam", Robert took me downtown to clear the head. Ah sarcasm and car fumes. Does the trick every time!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The following are a few shots of Yamhill, looking for a spot to sit down and catch my breath and park my butt- I loved the irony of the no parking sign next to the benches. I sat on the "Edgar Allan Poe" bench- as it fit my mood.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmaMhB5wbAOuXZbbn3BFpkSs1jJjf0fWn2ese8tx-ScyGNLFh-vgW3R227X2cNyHhBAJoxujGg88qfQdcamYs3FpdcJnZ6jKIF5IJzcH4sIh7WHq3lI8lDAyUhn7hp_wNA1hxsYiMgD9A/s1600-h/IMG_1036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmaMhB5wbAOuXZbbn3BFpkSs1jJjf0fWn2ese8tx-ScyGNLFh-vgW3R227X2cNyHhBAJoxujGg88qfQdcamYs3FpdcJnZ6jKIF5IJzcH4sIh7WHq3lI8lDAyUhn7hp_wNA1hxsYiMgD9A/s320/IMG_1036.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_obQzQAFC5znE8Q9SitKK9zSTcsVJvr3BmUtbWC-qbl4AnhC6VJzk-PszcnFuqku3Q47jEb4kTeBVfKGA21tLjErOWHSDohG_kCVhCz_yl5lSalrYZKc5Bt1AcMzbDZmLEq6ZF1dB1os/s1600-h/IMG_1038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_obQzQAFC5znE8Q9SitKK9zSTcsVJvr3BmUtbWC-qbl4AnhC6VJzk-PszcnFuqku3Q47jEb4kTeBVfKGA21tLjErOWHSDohG_kCVhCz_yl5lSalrYZKc5Bt1AcMzbDZmLEq6ZF1dB1os/s320/IMG_1038.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div>Okay the one from above was for the dogs...they didn't get out much this week.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I really love this city...always have. It's why we kept planning our vacations here- or if we went someplace else we had to come through here for a "quick" stop. Let me just share a few of the other shot I took:<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-BdBsXk2M2ZjsmF0AfDX3mPvZeQ_0P0JsD68fLT7oxufmTmTClYGhRf6OEzde99CL3EdS8NbmunXamlbCkkug8o2vhQ5wRU3jETIvnOBCa-tTuzbtOXFvFydi-Iz3OCQ6SL9-ZfBJ3gW/s1600-h/IMG_1037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-BdBsXk2M2ZjsmF0AfDX3mPvZeQ_0P0JsD68fLT7oxufmTmTClYGhRf6OEzde99CL3EdS8NbmunXamlbCkkug8o2vhQ5wRU3jETIvnOBCa-tTuzbtOXFvFydi-Iz3OCQ6SL9-ZfBJ3gW/s320/IMG_1037.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Okay this one is just a few feet back - but I loved this tree line- the benches are park of the central library- 3 stories of bliss!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNLRMaYBlFdCh1j-m-o9EyyUKT4HPbph3iE2_BUp4JYkeLNHGKfrmAdQvVf8uw7aY656T9Nv2ZrMOuC2vngwFw1bbg5zSzT77aFOmLr2MRGRAvaEIukqhS1ROdVT-UzY_bCxNTxAMqoml/s1600-h/IMG_1041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNLRMaYBlFdCh1j-m-o9EyyUKT4HPbph3iE2_BUp4JYkeLNHGKfrmAdQvVf8uw7aY656T9Nv2ZrMOuC2vngwFw1bbg5zSzT77aFOmLr2MRGRAvaEIukqhS1ROdVT-UzY_bCxNTxAMqoml/s320/IMG_1041.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The juxtaposition of old and the new....love it. Ah yes, the old.... think I'll just skip that ;-) Rob is taking me downtown again today- I'm going to go play like a child. ;-)<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Peace<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">M<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh yes... I almost forgot, a few firsts: arcade and movie theater (doesn't sound exciting- try NICKEL arcade- yep have permanent nerve damage in my pistol finger again- oh and it's only a few blocks from our house ;-) the movie admission is $2.50- see I knew that change jar would come in handy) and although we didn't go in because of time constraints a restaurant/bar/movie theater where you order your food and eat it while watching the film (minors not allowed after 4:30pm- civilized!)<br />
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</div>Marni, Robert, Zero, MaryJane and Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07319245752485139482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852163395872590966.post-77859081803489125432009-09-27T13:18:00.000-07:002009-11-21T12:31:08.964-08:00Embrace the New!Many new events and happenings here. MJ and Grace had their first experience on leash at a public park- with (gasp) other dogs (I'm having a little sleep in problem so don't get to the park early enough). Gracie handled it with glee (she's Happy the Dog) however MJ wanted and thought by right the park belong to her exclusively (Hollywood Star syndrome), how dare someone else bring their mutt on her property and hey you in the tug boat, you are too close to shore and my park! (Bark, bark- I'm sure there was a few choice words I missed in translation as she did her "Doggy Dearest" impersonation- where's that wire hanger?) Alas it was fun for both of them and they napped for the rest of the afternoon. Unfortunately I didn't get any snapshots- too busy with the scoop bags, leash de-tangling and snack/small dog (and yes those are interchangeable) look out. Better luck next time, although MaryJane may be attending some "finishing school" classes. Poor Zero, hasn't settled in yet to go to the park- he still thinks the mailman is a threat- but at least is no longer trying to bite the mail coming through the mail slot in our door, and that little boy down the street really sounds like a dog whistle to him (the pitch is high enough believe me!)<br />
Rob and I have also have had a few firsts, starting with <a href="http://www.nwveg.org/vegfest.php">VegFest</a> (vegan festival) which was a grazing event - yum! Oktoberfest at <a href="http://www.belmont-station.com/">Belmont Station</a> (the place of 1000 beers) and guess what? <b>Six</b>- count them <b>six gluten free beers</b>! Embarrassing to say 2 beers (I didn't get to sample each!) and well I was wishing I hadn't worn heels, or had to hear Rob's snickers. The staff was very kind. Luckily we live only a few blocks away.<br />
Our <b>first guests</b> arrived! Whoo Hoo! Jeff and Janine stopped by on their way to visit family. Not only was this a first in our new nest, but I realized that it had been since November 4, 2004 since we've had visitors. (Another stigma of the Bush regime) Here's a photo of our first brave guests (on one of our only chairs):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6up4baeDKGKAlemRcIvsl9BQtM1MWNjPvWQBFlyX80Z8gfgIfu8mvMomlDfYFZskFoQRPALrAhfb8kHmHTz3DHVlSybrvBVfjx1kQUzr6AUvvDLiXPDNaomBnJDL3X2blRQVemvTi0YbM/s1600-h/IMG_1021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6up4baeDKGKAlemRcIvsl9BQtM1MWNjPvWQBFlyX80Z8gfgIfu8mvMomlDfYFZskFoQRPALrAhfb8kHmHTz3DHVlSybrvBVfjx1kQUzr6AUvvDLiXPDNaomBnJDL3X2blRQVemvTi0YbM/s320/IMG_1021.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course, they were sitting still and Zero wanted in on the action. All hugs must be cleared by him ;-)<br />
</div>We really enjoyed their visit and hope they didn't notice how rusty of hosts that we are. The babies out shined us by behaving really well. Only a few howls from Grace (I'm sure she was singing her joy) and MJ was gracious. They know good people when they meet them ;-) Thanks Jeff and Janine <hugs></hugs><br />
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A few other surprising firsts that we have stumbled upon: full buses of polite and respectful people, gluten-free bakeries, restaurants that have a gluten free menu and gasp- know what gluten is without explanation, libraries open on SUNDAYS (twilight zone!), neighbors who welcome you to the area and want to get to know you (they actually swap insurance and emergency information in case of accidents while you are away), blocks and blocks without Starbucks in a big city, <a href="http://burgerville.com/">Burgerville</a>- a fast food chain with a conscience who only buys locally and where the majority of its waste is compostable or recyclable!, a main drag with only one corporate chain (yes I have driven and walked back and forth several times up and down to verify) and shock- a three week wait to put gas in the car. (Felix is feeling neglected)<br />
Hope y'all are out there enjoying some firsts of your own. Would love to hear about them!<br />
Peace<br />
MMarni, Robert, Zero, MaryJane and Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07319245752485139482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852163395872590966.post-50011538822344404472009-09-22T16:39:00.000-07:002009-11-21T12:34:05.714-08:00Boxes, boxes everywhere!Okay...we're here...why do I feel like I forgot something? Might it be because all the boxes that I remember packing have vanished into the Uhaul Vortex, never to be seen again.(cue twilight zone music) And please someone tell me why I packed all these tupperwear containers!! AgHhhh! <br />
Here's a shot of our new abode:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XPaCIOzf21f-t-0i0Y5pqMdS4N-fo-19UJS-bd1ac0_OCF5lrAc8Z9eHnJjg15wZeaca4_4GlkGmlELqpL1w2fcAVBqGtlexhARepSLewmd9tbahU4I2EMlH88320Z_ZyB7Tcg2WwVnQ/s1600-h/IMG_1007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XPaCIOzf21f-t-0i0Y5pqMdS4N-fo-19UJS-bd1ac0_OCF5lrAc8Z9eHnJjg15wZeaca4_4GlkGmlELqpL1w2fcAVBqGtlexhARepSLewmd9tbahU4I2EMlH88320Z_ZyB7Tcg2WwVnQ/s320/IMG_1007.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And our view off the porch:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The confused (notice multiple colors of blooms) lovely smelling rose bush off of the porch:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2ofkQf3mTE6fzQxssARCIHF-xJfg4Q9e3lbgfYBPs_8r8Pv3tqO_Kjezy9oVjgLtDoyrwaOuxKIoDTWUi-S2xMx8CiThoupQDeGSiPf8R7ztBj6jR1NwARY0D9cbEDumRhzfWgpf3Vu2/s1600-h/IMG_1008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2ofkQf3mTE6fzQxssARCIHF-xJfg4Q9e3lbgfYBPs_8r8Pv3tqO_Kjezy9oVjgLtDoyrwaOuxKIoDTWUi-S2xMx8CiThoupQDeGSiPf8R7ztBj6jR1NwARY0D9cbEDumRhzfWgpf3Vu2/s320/IMG_1008.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now just got to finish unpacking- hope our new furniture (we only brought a table, our bed and a rocking chair- I got a little over zealous with getting rid of the old pieces!) arrives soon. The dog beds are doing double duty!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The kids are a little confused and off scoop schedule- also having a little trouble with the property boundries- bless our patient neighbors ;-). Hopefully a trip out to Kelly Point Park will settle all their nerves- a sleepy puppy is a happy puppy!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">#1 Moving Lesson: Let someone else do it. For $80/hr, we had someone (two youthful and energetic guys) unload our 17' truck and place the boxes in the upstairs or downstairs as directed. 2 Hours it was done and we had energy to be sweet to each other. It was totally worth it and next time I'm having them load the truck too! Your back, energy and time are worth it-plus it would have taken us way longer to do! PS: They will even pack for you too! Thanks Portland Student Movers!<br />
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</div>Marni, Robert, Zero, MaryJane and Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07319245752485139482noreply@blogger.com0