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!

Salt & Straw Ice Cream Frenzy

Up the street from us is the locally famous gourmet ice cream shop, Salt & Straw. Since it opened earlier this year, I have watched the never-ending line out the door and around the block as I walk past. Portland people are going crazy for Salt & Straw! Even though it's local, this is a "destination" ice cream shop - people from all over the Portland area come to brave the line to get a taste.

I've only braved the long line one time with visiting friends. This is the list of flavors which changes seasonally. The staff cheerfully passes out samples for you to try before ordering. The ice cream IS good - full-fat, flavorful, creamy, and rich. Between the calories I don't need and the wait in line (it took us 45 minutes!) I won't be visiting often.

The good news is that a new location for Salt & Straw just opened up in Southeast Portland. That will help shorten our Northwest lines.

Artistic Vegetables

Love grocery stores that spend time making sure the produce is fresh and displayed well.

Portland has the greatest grocery stores. Amazingly fresh produce, great meat and fish counters, tempting gourmet cheese sections and fabulous bakeries.

This "artwork" is provided courtesy of New Seasons Market, Portland, Oregon.

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!

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.

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!

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.