Portland Marathon 2013

We happened to be at our place the weekend of the Portland Marathon in September. We were awakened by the sound of cheering, so we dressed quickly and went outside to investigate.

Even though we didn't know anyone running this year, we'd heard that lots of people just line up on the course to cheer people on. So we found a fun group in the neighborhood who were playing loud music and cheering loudly for the runners as they passed by.

Since the runners have their names on the front of their official badges, it was easy to call out their name as you cheered! "Way to go, Cheri"  "Keep it up, Stewart!" It was fun to see them smile through their panting. A fun way to watch the marathon.

Stella Scooter with Sidecar!

Spotted just about the coolest scooter ever seen in my neighborhood the other day. So amazing! Wondering if its vintage and restored or just new and made in the old styling. Such coolness!

Growing Beauty

When I was in Portland this spring, I was amazed by the proliferation of early blooms. Everywhere I walked I saw the most amazing flowers and plants. This rhododendron bush was huge!

All that Oregon rain and mild temps produce an early spring with blooming shrubs, perennial flowers, and lots of green. Love it!

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!