because what fun is the news that is?
Yeah, it didn’t always feel like vacation, what with all the stupid travel issues. But it was still nice to get away and see everyone. Hope your holidays were equally thrilling!
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After a canceled flight, delayed flights, standbys and an excursion to Houston (Pythagoras was right: the shortest distance between two points is a straight line; unfortunately, we didn’t take it… on the upside, we can recommend Pappadeaux restaurant in the Houston airport), plus completely un-plowed roads in Portland and having to shovel the rental car out just to get it parked in the garage (thanks Valet guy), we’re here at a Kimpton Hotel in downtown Portland. We won’t make it to the coast, and we’re missing the big suitcase with most of Adrienne’s clothes (may still be in Houston at this moment), but we’re safe and sound. And really, that’s the important part.
Umbrellas die!
Just a few minutes ago I was taking the garbage out, and noticed a moon halo. Figured I’d grab a photo of it, but then I realized the G9 was left at work today. So I pulled the old A70 into service, after scrounging around for 4 AA batteries that had enough juice in them. So I took the pic – or rather, lots of them. Isn’t it funny how it’s always one of the first that are the best? At least that’s how it is for me.
By the by, for those of you keeping track, dpreview.com came out with their review of the D90 today. I have to say, I’m a bit conflicted. For all the accolades, it doesn’t seem as outstanding a review as I’d have maybe wanted. More research is definitely warranted!
Saturday morning I was in early at work, and had to deal with an unexpected water main break right outside our building. But then Adrienne and I headed north in a rented car, planning to do some sightseeing and biking and general cavorting in the area around Hyde Park. After hitting a bit of traffic, we managed to get up there around noon or so. We parked at the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, and got the bikes out. Ended up doing about 20 miles on Saturday, seeing the sites: the Culinary Institute of America, a Vanderbilt mansion, a nice state park with access to the Hudson River, some quaint towns, etc. We had a nice dinner at a place in Rhinebeck, and decided it would qualify as our anniversary dinner. The terrain there is much hillier than what we’re used to, so we both slept well at an EconoLodge in Poughkeepsie that night.
Sunday morning we had a good breakfast at the Eveready Diner, then did another 10 miles on the bikes. We cut it short to save Adrienne’s butt, but it was good because we got stuck in a heavy downpour. We waited it out under a tree for a bit, and then about two hours under the awning of a shopping center. It lightened, so we took our chances… and guessed wrong. We had about 3/4 mile to go, and got soaked through. Changed clothes and enjoyed some pastries in a little shop. Then got in the car to do some more exploring: up to Bard College, and around the Taconic State Parkway.
We made our way home on the mostly-scenic route 9 on the east side of the Hudson River. Since we had a car, we drove to a Trader Joe’s in the near-suburbs in Jersey, and stocked up with wine and other goodies. We were both hungry by that time (it was about 8pm), and we were close enough we decided to do what has become an annual tradition: a meal at The Reservoir, a nice little Italian restaurant in the cute suburb we stayed in Jersey our first week here. It was one of our first meals in Jersey. So we had our 1-year wedding anniversary dinner up in Rhinebeck and our 3-year ‘being in Jersey’ dinner (I think 8/1 or 2, but don’t remember). So productive!
Oh, we had been searching for a kitchen table to replace the card table that’s served us so well. Outside of something custom-made, we haven’t been able to find anything that is close to what we want. So on the way out of town Saturday, we stopped by IKEA and got the next best thing: a table that’s the size and functionality that we want, but not quite the quality. I got to put that together when we got home.
So, now that you’ve read the narrative, here are the pics!
I decided to try some grilled pizza last night. Here are some lessons learned:
1. Grilling in thunderstorms is not so fun. I dream of having a covered grilling area when I grow up.
2. Grilled pizza is best done on a larger-size grill where you can have a two- or three-zone fire.
3. Even at its worst (did I mention the rain? and too-small grill?), grilled pizza still is a good combination – fire and pizza!
With these temps at this time…
Wow, I need to dust…
Of the people I know that view this blog, it looks like we’re the only ones with sunny skies this Memorial Day morning. And not to make you jealous, but boy, is it beautiful! If I could bottle this weather up… hmmm, actually, now that I think about it, maybe I wouldn’t appreciate it as much if I always had it in store. Anyway, this is the kind of weather that reminds me of cool-breeze summer mornings of long ago… it makes me feel productive – so I know I must get that from Mom. Because with this weather, you know Mom would have been up an hour ago, and already be planting something in the garden, or have half the windows washed (from the outside!) or something. Even though I’ve already washed the dishes, I’m going to try my best to only be somewhat productive, because this is a holiday. Enjoy it!
Yesterday was very rainy, and extremely windy. You see a lot of umbrellas that have hopefully moved off to greener pastures (thanks in part to the rain…).
Not mine, thankfully.
Day lillies sprouting.
Torico’s is open.
Rejoice!