We’re back from a fun few days in Portland, Oregon. It was a great trip, just hanging with family and friends. We got to see Carrie’s new home, play with the dogs and spend time with Jack’s longtime friends, Jim and Angela. A few years ago I chose to walk a marathon in honor of my 50th birthday in Portland, so it has a special place in my heart. (Despite months of training my time sucked, but I still have my finisher’s medal.)
I made time to visit the Yarn Garden while I was there and enjoyed browsing their well-stocked rooms. I found a couple things that have been on my wish list: a pair of sock blockers from Fiber Trends and a ball of Jamieson and Smith’s 1-ply cobweb yarn to test swatch for the Wedding Ring shawl. I fell hard for a ball of Harmony lace weight (100% merino wool) from Jojoland in shades of purple. It spoke so seductively of lace there was no way I could leave it behind. Carrie picked out some Tofutsies for socks that I’ll make for her. Finally, a set of rosewood double pointed needles from Bryson had the sharpest points I’ve ever seen in wooden needles. Beautiful and lethal.
I hardly pulled out my camera except for during an hour at the Portland Chinese Classical Gardens. It’s a small park that’s only about 8 years old with marvelous landscaping, meandering paths and quiet serenity in the middle of downtown. We enjoyed a peaceful afternoon there Saturday after a morning romp through Portland’s Saturday Market (crafts) and a visit to Powell Books.
Our itinerary took us through Chicago and every flight was full. While the passengers were generally pleasant, I can’t say the same for American’s gate agents. A very unhappy bunch of people and their service reflects it. One agent did earn my gratitude after he pulled Jack and me out of the boarding line and upgraded us to first class on our last leg home. It rescued an otherwise long and stressful day. I think it was Jack’s white hair that did it.
Came home to find the raccoons had beat up another sunflower and I had forgotten to turn on the faucet for the watering system. Mother Nature made up for my forgetfulness and delivered 2 inches of rain while we were gone so nothing got fried.
Knitting updates tomorrow, including socks and mittens. Yes, it’s 95 degrees out, so no need for either, but better to be the ant in this story than the grasshopper!
