Saturday, June 29, 2013

City Parks Done Right!


The Pearl District waited a long time for this one...but in the end, I think it's worth it!


A little oasis of cool green on the north end of the Pearl District!


The Fields Park in Portland has an unusual layout and landscaping. But I find it refreshing. It will be interesting to see these trees and shrubs in a couple years.



You may have a dog on leash anywhere in the park, but they also planned an off-leash area in the northeast corner of the park. So smart! Dogs need places to run off-leash in the city!


My favorite part of the Fields Park is the Small Dog off-lease area, separated from the rest of the off-leash area by a gate! Both areas also include water fountains and dog dishes for public use. Thank you, Portland, for thinking of our furry friends!


We will be visiting The Fields Park daily when we bring our little Italian Greyhound, Rocco, to Portland with us!



Friday, June 28, 2013

City Bikes!


We purchased a couple of bikes to leave at the condo for short trips around the neighborhood...to the store, to farmer's market, to a cafe or brewery. Called "City Bikes", these are a hybrid between a road bike and a cruiser type. Sitting up right you can see the traffic, and a few gears to navigate the small hills. We both purchased Felt Bikes - Cafe 7's. As you can see, my husband is quite tall! I've ordered a pannier to use to haul cargo on the back of mine. These bikes are awaiting a reserved spot in our building's garage.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Waiting for Dinner...


I spotted this little dog (a french bulldog, right?) sitting with his owner outside a restaurant. He clearly wanted to be fed! His owner was sitting at an sidewalk cafe table just out of sight of this shot.


This dog persisted...he held this dog dish in his mouth for over 20 minutes, but finally got tired and stretched himself across the sidewalk. So cute! Lots of people had to step over or around him as this is a busy stretch of sidewalk along NW 23rd Ave. But I noticed that most people also smiled as they passed by!

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Oven & Shaker in the Pearl District


One of our favorite discoveries is the restaurant, Oven & Shaker in the Pearl district. We've been there a few times for lunch.


Great salads, sandwiches, soups, and pizzas made in their wood-burning brick oven. There is an Italian influence going on. Love the radicchio salad.


I was very impressed with their interesting cocktails made from fresh ingredients. 


They're picky about how they prepare their cocktail ingredients. All from scratch. Tasty! Oven & Shaker is the "little sister" of Nostrana restaurant, by chef Cathy Whims. 

Friday, June 14, 2013

Portland Rose Gardens


I missed the Portland Rose Festival Parade this year, but I didn't miss the roses!


One of my favorite places to go on a nice day is the Portland Rose Gardens up in Washington Park. 


If you're visiting Portland this summer, take a trip up to Washington Park in the west hills overlooking Portland and stroll through the Rose Gardens. It's free to enter, you're surrounded by beautiful gardens and flowers (the varieties are all labeled), and it's a pleasant place to stroll and enjoy.


I took my mom up here this last fall and the roses were still in full bloom. Beautiful!


The views from the Rose Gardens are fantastic. You can see downtown, the Willamette River, and on a clear day all the way to Mount Hood. 





Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Little Libraries!


When I was out for a walk in my neighborhood one day, I spotted this and had to stop. What? A "Little Library" just planted along the sidewalk. Someone built a charming little box (a bit larger than a mail box) and stocked it with books to share. What a generous and genius idea!


As you can see, it states "Please take a book if you see one you like, and leave a book when you have one to share." No signing a card. I love the level of trust in the goodwill of people to be able to set this up. I intend to go back one day and take a book, and leave one to share.

Don't you wish that more people in the world would do this? Maybe you could be the first in your neighborhood.


Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Back to Portland

After 28 years living elsewhere, I have returned, at least part-time. Not only a return to Portland, Oregon, but also to my old stomping ground neighborhood of Northwest District, when I was a young adult fresh out of college, working in NW Portland. I hoped to return someday, and now we have.



My goal in this blog is just to have a place to share little tidbits and photos about what I love in Portland. When I'm here I'm always inspired to snap photos...walking down the sidewalk I spot all kinds of beauty in the city.



We love exploring the city and discovering restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops in our own neighborhood, in nearby Pearl and downtown, and greater Portland as well. This is where I will share those photos and discoveries.



It's the little everyday joys that make for a sweet life. And I'm glad that I get to build that sweet life again in Portland. I hope you enjoy sharing my city adventures!