It has been a busy few days. I am starting to see less boxes in the living room. The other bedroom is a box factory that probably won't be tackled for awhile. I know that most of those boxes are books so they can wait until after the weekend.
I've managed to get out a little and enjoy some of Portland. On Thursday night, Brian and Abby invited me to go hear Will Shortz. It was a lot of fun. I also realized that I can be really stupid when it comes to puzzles. The best part of the talk was when he divided the audience into two teams and had us compete against each other with word games. That is when I realized that I would never become a master puzzler. Actually, a puzzler of any kind.
Yesterday, I went to the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Gardens. I took plenty of photos of the flowers but also the ducks that hang out in the garden. It was a beautiful spot. Lots of people were hanging out reading or eating a picnic lunch. Later, I went to the Hawthorne neighborhood to a Powell's outlet. I am limiting myself to one book a month. I bought two so I can't buy another until July. (yea, we'll see how long that lasts). I had my first McMenamins since moving to Portland at the Bagdad Pub across the street. I followed all of this up with a Stumptown coffee and a nap. While I was eating my tots and drinking my beer (not Terminator but Black Rabbit Porter which I really liked), I listened to a new employee get the entire rundown on things from the manager. It was pretty cool to hear that they are a progressive company that seem to treat their employees fairly. They do have to take a quiz on McMenamins history.
We've been going on long walks around the neighborhood. Elston continues to shove her entire face into flowers and plants. I just hope she doesn't get stung by a bee because I don't think I could handle another incident when she goes into shock. We have gone to the local dog park. The park is really nice. We live in the neighborhood where Beverly Cleary grew up and where the Ramona books took place. There is a statue garden in the park of Ramona and Henry. What else? The other day we had to pull over while a high school marching band practiced walking down the street in formation and playing their instruments. I can't imagine that happening in NJ.
I start work next week. I have an orientation on Monday and my first full day is either Thursday or Friday. I will probably make it Thursday. If it wasn't for $$, I would try to push it back another week.
Oh and I got my library card.
1 comment:
Loved the bit about Elston sticking her nose in flowers. Last Sunday, I met my friend John at the Museum of the City of New York to see the Robert Moses show. I got up there early so I meandered around the Conservatory Garden for a while. There were lilacs so I had to stick my nose and take a big whiff. No sting, great scent.
I leave for Switzerland on Tuesday and, yesterday, I spasmed my back and am moving gingerly. Damn. Not ready to give up but the thought has crossed my mind. Can't do that to Mac. I'm a tad skeptical that we'll manage as co-travellers but if I can travel with Sharon, I can probably travel with Mac. Sharon and I were staying put however and, as you so recently experienced, on the road is a mix of wonder and not so.
So am I playing? Well, this is fun. Am I (un)packing? No. Mac and I are going to "American Fiesta" this afternoon. The one-man play is about Fiestaware and being gay. Sounds like play to me.
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