October 1st-Portland, then homeward...

October 1st, 2005

Portland – then homeward….

Coming to Portland always has a feeling like coming home. Family that is excited to see you and so welcoming. Stayed with Cousin Walter & Sandi and had a great dinner and visit with cousins Robert, Dorothy and Sue on Saturday evening. Unfortunately, missed seeing Bev and Dan as they were away at their “getaway” property.

I knew that Rod was planning to get away from Vancouver early Saturday morning and expected to see him by about lunchtime. At 6:30 a.m. I was lying in bed awake and heard “the unmistakeable sound of a Dodge diesel”. I thought “Hmmmmm – haven’t heard one of those in this neighbourhood before…. “ then, with a cry of disbelief I threw off the covers and jumped out of bed to peek out the bedroom window. Sure enough, Rod was just pulling up in front of the house. He had our dog Tobi with him and the pair of them never looked better to me. A joyous reunion.

Rod needed to get some shut-eye but Walt was doing some real exciting stuff. He has been involved with the music industry for many years and has a full recording studio attached to his home. He had a gal, Katherine, coming over to cut a CD with a band. I have always had a HUGE love for music and at one time had considered going back to school and studying sound engineering as I have a real acute ear. Life wasn’t to play out for me that way though so this was a way to experience it first hand and see how it’s done. Sandi, bless her heart busied herself in the kitchen preparing a great lunch for all to enjoy. Sandi, is a tremendous cook and one, who has the gift of always making it look so effortless.

Sunday, Walt & Sandi had us join them at their church service. I had a lot to be VERY thankful for and was deeply moved by the service.

After church, we had time to go out to do some browsing and shopping that we rarely get time for at home. Besides, one of the neat things about Oregon is that they have no tax so right away we experience a 14% savings. Another, is that they have some real different stores than we have in Vancouver so it’s just fun to see what types of different things they might have in their shopping malls. Spent time at Washington Square and at a fun store called “Brookstone” that we don’t have in Canada. If you happen to be a “gadget” person like we are, it is like a terrific “candy store”.

Enjoyed a relaxing dinner out filled with laughter, fun and camaraderie.

The weather has been pretty nasty all weekend – cold, dark and rainy. What will tomorrow bring… homeward to Vancouver and all the “red tape” needed to bring “Paladin” to his new home in Canada. We plan to leave very early in the morning (about 5:30 a.m.) in order to arrive at both sides of customs. We have already found out where there is a 24 hour Starbuck’s so should be in good order.

Will keep you posted – stay tuned….