Oh, my! After four days without email of phone service, we stopped to check email at the Bozeman, Montana Public Library. Found an email from my dear friend, Jeff's mother with the devastating news that he died on Sunday. I cried aloud and immediately had tears streaming down my face. No doubt the people around me were alarmed, but my response was visceral.
Jeff was such a dear, dear person. He was one of the kindest souls I've ever known. He had such a zest for life, and was an avid traveler. I loved living vicariously through his many trips abroad until his health kept him closer to home.
I feel lucky to have known him, and will cherish my memories of time spent together: All-State Chorus in Tuscaloosa where we met in 1972; military dance at West Point; beach trips to Ft. Walton Beach; a ten-year wedding anniversary trip to NYC, where Larry and I stayed at Jeff's empty Brooklyn Heights apartment; visits in passing as we met up while our family traveled to Alabama; meeting in Pensacola at the Air and Space Museum a few years back; his long, wonderful trip to visit us in Portland just last year.
He will be desperately missed by the many friends who loved him and the family he left behind. He was a wonderful son; his parents will be lost without his constant care and attention.
I miss him already.
Showing posts with label Jeff. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jeff. Show all posts
Friday, August 13, 2010
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Goodbye, Jeff!
After 2 1/2 weeks, we'd gotten pretty used to having Jeff around here. In fact, even Xeda the antisocial, bi-polar cat didn't hiss at him very much any more. I'd gotten accustomed to having help in the kitchen with the cooking and the dish washing. We enjoyed his pasta dishes and pimiento cheese. And, it was kind of nice to be motivated to take trips to the wine country and the Gorge and to shop at Saturday Market. But, alas, all good things must come to an end; I took him to the MAX station tonight for his return trip to the airport. Let's hope he comes back again for another visit - believe it or not, there is still more to see and do here! At least we have a fridge stocked with pimiento cheese - and the recipe for recreating it!
Mt. St. Helens
Since I missed the trip to Mt. St. Helens, I asked Jeff to guest blog for me about his outing. His narration follows:
While enjoying all of the fun day trips, with Joyce acting as my tour guide while Larry was at work, Larry was beginning to feel a little left out ... finally though, he managed to get a day off with no other pressing commitments. The previous week he had been kept busy with a "honey do list" involving lots of yard work, errands, and the completion of brake repairs for the family's second car. This week, however, the forecast was calling for an unusually warm day, with beautiful sunshine, and temperatures into the 90's ... and he was rearing to go on a road trip.
Upon reaching the end of our scenic drive, we arrived at an observatory and tourist center located there. Inside we viewed an informative and educational film on the history of Mount St. Helens, and of the nature of volcanoes in general. Larry explained to me that while National Monuments are deemed such by declaration of the President, National Parks are given their status by a declaration of Congress. While normally a National Park would be maintained by the U.S. Park Service, it was determined that in this case, it would be better maintained and monitored by being the responsibility of the U.S. Forest Service. We spent some time exploring the other exhibits in the observatory, took a couple of photos, and then began our journey home.
While enjoying all of the fun day trips, with Joyce acting as my tour guide while Larry was at work, Larry was beginning to feel a little left out ... finally though, he managed to get a day off with no other pressing commitments. The previous week he had been kept busy with a "honey do list" involving lots of yard work, errands, and the completion of brake repairs for the family's second car. This week, however, the forecast was calling for an unusually warm day, with beautiful sunshine, and temperatures into the 90's ... and he was rearing to go on a road trip.
After some discussion, and much preparation, it was decided we would drive up to see Mount St. Helens. While in college Larry first completed a degree in Biology, with a major in Chemistry. That was followed by additional schooling to complete an Engineering degree. Through the years Joyce has often regaled me with stories regarding life "being married to an engineer". All I can say is that he puts the Boy Scout motto of "being prepared" to shame. We went boldly into the day, complete with ice chest, snacks, sweaters, caps, sunscreen, maps, and armed with reams of information. We felt we were well prepared for virtually any contingency.
Joyce and Larry's youngest daughter, Emily, decided to accompany us on this trip ... while Joyce and Sarah were left to a day on their own. Mount St. Helens is an approximate two hour drive from Portland. For our reading pleasure Larry brought along a multi-page computer print out written by the geologists stationed at the National Volcanic Observatory located in Vancouver, Washington following the aftermath of the 1980 eruption. As our trip progressed, Larry pointed out sites of interest that corresponded to the observations made from the geologists' report, and we occasionally stopped to observe them up close, or for me to snap a picture or two.
Emily, who to some degree shares her Dad's affinity for science, and other randomly precocious facts, was kind enough to define some of the words with which I was having difficulty while reading from the geology report. I'll mention two of the terms, as they are evident in the photos here and you will then feel more informed, as was I. What appears to be the Toutle River, or riverbed in the photos is actually a "lahar", or the currently dry pathway of what was once the volcanic debris that flowed in rivulets from the crater source. The other term is "hummock", and refers to the "mounds" that are observed in the lahars. They were created by the large chunks of rock propelled by the explosion and then covered over by the flow of mud and ash.
Upon reaching the end of our scenic drive, we arrived at an observatory and tourist center located there. Inside we viewed an informative and educational film on the history of Mount St. Helens, and of the nature of volcanoes in general. Larry explained to me that while National Monuments are deemed such by declaration of the President, National Parks are given their status by a declaration of Congress. While normally a National Park would be maintained by the U.S. Park Service, it was determined that in this case, it would be better maintained and monitored by being the responsibility of the U.S. Forest Service. We spent some time exploring the other exhibits in the observatory, took a couple of photos, and then began our journey home.
Due to the exceptionally warm weather and lack of wind at the summit, we had no need of the sweaters and caps we came prepared with, but were blessed with an ideal day for a trip to view this astounding site. On the drive back Larry arranged for the perfect ending to a perfect day by meeting Joyce at a restaurant named Beaches in Vancouver for a seafood dinner. Beaches is located on the Washington side of the Columbia River, adjacent to a promenade that overlooks the river and the city of Portland. From that viewpoint we enjoyed a couple of margaritas and watched the sail boats sail by, as we watched the sun set.... and agreed it had been another beautiful day!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Mt. Hood and the Fruit Loop Tour
Yesterday Jeff and I set out for the Hood Valley Fruit Loop Tour with a side trip to Timberline Lodge. It was a beautiful day to hit the mountain!
The Fruit Loop Tour is a scenic loop drive through orchards, vineyards, and farm land of other various uses. We passed fruit stands and working farms, quaint farming communities, horses, cattle, and alpacas. We stopped and bought Bing cherries and pear cider, which we enjoyed during the drive, but could have loaded up on peaches, plums, Gravenstein apples, blueberries, hazelnuts, alpaca yarn, all kinds of jams, jellies, syrups, and relishes, or antiques. Bosc pears will be ripe enough to pick in another week or so. Living here affords residents with magnificent views of orchards, vineyards, and, of course, Mt. Hood every day.
Our favorite farm, though, was Lavender Valley, our last stop of the day. Here we found an idyllic spot with lavender fields as far as the eye could see, with a gazebo right in the middle; a gift shop with a lazy black lab outside, and a chemists' lab inside for mixing products containing lavender oil; a 90-year-old proprietor's mother who sells her original oil paintings in the shop; and a totally relaxing ambiance.
Halfway through the "loop", we vectored off and drove up Mount Hood to Timberline Lodge. Built by the WPA in 15 months beginning in 1937, this ski lodge and inn is owned today by the National Forest Service and is still in use. But its beauty is appreciated by as many tourists as skiers. Featured in the movie, "The Shining", it is a magnificent piece of architecture. Using locally found (Douglas fir timbers and basalt stones) and recycled (railroad ties forged as andirons, old tire chains refashioned as fireplace screens, old telephone poles carved into newel posts) materials, and out of work carpenters, craftspeople, and artisans, it is a testament to hard work and found materials. Art work abounds, from paintings, to wood and linoleum carvings, to mosaics and sculpture, all in a rustic mountain setting of fir trees and year-round snow. The dining room features excellent Northwest cuisine and an eclectic menu, featuring local and seasonal foods. Jeff was taken with the place, and remarked that his brother, Jules, would love seeing it on his next visit to the area. I took far too many pictures of art and architecture...
The Fruit Loop Tour is a scenic loop drive through orchards, vineyards, and farm land of other various uses. We passed fruit stands and working farms, quaint farming communities, horses, cattle, and alpacas. We stopped and bought Bing cherries and pear cider, which we enjoyed during the drive, but could have loaded up on peaches, plums, Gravenstein apples, blueberries, hazelnuts, alpaca yarn, all kinds of jams, jellies, syrups, and relishes, or antiques. Bosc pears will be ripe enough to pick in another week or so. Living here affords residents with magnificent views of orchards, vineyards, and, of course, Mt. Hood every day.
Our favorite farm, though, was Lavender Valley, our last stop of the day. Here we found an idyllic spot with lavender fields as far as the eye could see, with a gazebo right in the middle; a gift shop with a lazy black lab outside, and a chemists' lab inside for mixing products containing lavender oil; a 90-year-old proprietor's mother who sells her original oil paintings in the shop; and a totally relaxing ambiance.
Halfway through the "loop", we vectored off and drove up Mount Hood to Timberline Lodge. Built by the WPA in 15 months beginning in 1937, this ski lodge and inn is owned today by the National Forest Service and is still in use. But its beauty is appreciated by as many tourists as skiers. Featured in the movie, "The Shining", it is a magnificent piece of architecture. Using locally found (Douglas fir timbers and basalt stones) and recycled (railroad ties forged as andirons, old tire chains refashioned as fireplace screens, old telephone poles carved into newel posts) materials, and out of work carpenters, craftspeople, and artisans, it is a testament to hard work and found materials. Art work abounds, from paintings, to wood and linoleum carvings, to mosaics and sculpture, all in a rustic mountain setting of fir trees and year-round snow. The dining room features excellent Northwest cuisine and an eclectic menu, featuring local and seasonal foods. Jeff was taken with the place, and remarked that his brother, Jules, would love seeing it on his next visit to the area. I took far too many pictures of art and architecture...
Gardens, gardens, and more gardens!
For those faithful followers of Joyce's "Bates Bulletin", in which she has been so kind as to include updates of my visit and vacation pursuits in Portland, I'm sure it has become obvious to you by now that Joyce and Larry are both the consummate hosts. The roots of their southern hospitality and good upbringing have been shining through like the Portland sunshine in summer. They have graciously gone out of their way to make me feel welcomed and to personally see to it that I see everything that's worth seeing in Portland and in the surrounding area.
One day, however, I managed to convince Joyce to drop me off on my own for a foray into the Portland Japanese Gardens in Washington Park, which I enjoyed immensely. After that I continued my tour of gardens into the "City of Roses'" Rose Gardens (Portland's International Rose Test Gardens).
These days, when possible I prefer to join a guided tour, and I find that you can learn many interesting facts that are often not included in the self guided tour books. Then you can always go back, time allowing, and spend additional time on specific items of interest, or for a better photo-op. That was my approach at the Japanese Gardens which cover approximately 5 acres, with five separate garden styles. Our guide explained that all Japanese gardens incorporate three elements in their design: stone (the bones of the landscape), water (the life giving force), and the interwoven plants (the tapestry that represents the four seasons).
You will notice in some of the photos here that the three elements mentioned might not be literally represented. Note in the "Sand and Stone Garden" how the smooth stones are raked to give the impression of water, or of the sea. This garden is typical of those found in Zen monasteries, where one can sit, and meditate, and the interpretation of its design, or meaning of the garden is intended to be left to the individual who is viewing it.
When the former Ambassador of Japan to the United States visited the Portland Japanese Garden, he declared it to be "the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan." The gardens are intended to impart tranquility to those who visit it, and it did not disappoint. Moving on from the Japanese gardens, I followed a meandering pathway through a cool wooded area which led me to the Rose Gardens. What a departure!
The paths and grassy knolls of the rose gardens were as vibrant with color and scent as they were with the activity and the people milling about in them. I wandered among the roses admiring them, and watched as people arrived with picnic baskets for an evening concert while a Cuban Band began warming up playing a jazzy Salsa rendition. While making my way back to the point where Joyce was to pick me up, I happened upon a wedding party in the park, and I watched as the happy couple departed. Hopefully their day had been as good as mine!
Gardens, gardens, and you say what was the "more"? Well, after having enjoyed the first two gardens, I was dropped off the following day at the (Max) train station, and I made my way through the downtown area getting off at the China Town stop. I went in search of the Portland Classical Chinese Gardens. What I found was the most amazing gardens located in the midst of urban high rise buildings, contained within a wall that encompasses one entire city block. Yet as soon as you step into the gardens you can just as easily picture yourself as having been transported to China, and totally forget about the bustle of the city around you.
Again, I was fortunate enough to time my arrival at the beginning of a guided tour and very much enjoyed hearing of its history. The garden was designed specifically by Suzhou designers from Portland's sister city in China for its current location using traditional garden design principles, practices, and materials to ensure its authenticity. And to think that before it opened it's doors in 2000 it had for the previous 20 years been a parking lot! The five elements of a classical Chinese garden generally include: plants, stone, water, architecture, and poetry. Hopefully my photos were able to capture some of its charm and beauty.
Traveling on by foot I continued my exploration with a bit of a "divergence" from the tranquility of the gardens. It was now time to go in search of Portland's own "VooDoo Doughnut" store. I confess that this stop was made with the thought of impressing my niece, Kimberly. Enough said? I found it a couple of blocks away and was first alerted to it's location by the line of young people standing outside the door stretching the length of a city block... but yes, I did stand in the line long enough to say I had bought a doughnut there. I won't go into detail on the store's menu, (or of the attire of those standing in line with me) but I will say that the guy in front of me ordered a "bacon" doughnut, while most were in search of the "vegan" doughnut. Meanwhile, I settled for a chocolate frosted one, and then moved along.
Next on my list was a stop into Dan & Louis Oyster Bar, which was another block down. My Mom & Dad had raved about the Crab Louis and Oyster Stew they had when they were here, but I was not hungry by this point, so I decided to save that culinary treat for another day, and a new adventure.
After an easy train ride back, I had about an hour left before Joyce was to pick me up, so I sat on a bench outside the train station and read a good book, as I observed the passengers depart. The hour was rush hour and people were streaming off the platform on their way home from work. Most were dressed casually and many were accompanied by their bicycles. I noticed that during the whole hour not one person was dressed in a suit or tie. And I thought again, what a unique city Portland is compared to the rest of the U.S.!
One day, however, I managed to convince Joyce to drop me off on my own for a foray into the Portland Japanese Gardens in Washington Park, which I enjoyed immensely. After that I continued my tour of gardens into the "City of Roses'" Rose Gardens (Portland's International Rose Test Gardens).
These days, when possible I prefer to join a guided tour, and I find that you can learn many interesting facts that are often not included in the self guided tour books. Then you can always go back, time allowing, and spend additional time on specific items of interest, or for a better photo-op. That was my approach at the Japanese Gardens which cover approximately 5 acres, with five separate garden styles. Our guide explained that all Japanese gardens incorporate three elements in their design: stone (the bones of the landscape), water (the life giving force), and the interwoven plants (the tapestry that represents the four seasons).
You will notice in some of the photos here that the three elements mentioned might not be literally represented. Note in the "Sand and Stone Garden" how the smooth stones are raked to give the impression of water, or of the sea. This garden is typical of those found in Zen monasteries, where one can sit, and meditate, and the interpretation of its design, or meaning of the garden is intended to be left to the individual who is viewing it.
When the former Ambassador of Japan to the United States visited the Portland Japanese Garden, he declared it to be "the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan." The gardens are intended to impart tranquility to those who visit it, and it did not disappoint. Moving on from the Japanese gardens, I followed a meandering pathway through a cool wooded area which led me to the Rose Gardens. What a departure!
The paths and grassy knolls of the rose gardens were as vibrant with color and scent as they were with the activity and the people milling about in them. I wandered among the roses admiring them, and watched as people arrived with picnic baskets for an evening concert while a Cuban Band began warming up playing a jazzy Salsa rendition. While making my way back to the point where Joyce was to pick me up, I happened upon a wedding party in the park, and I watched as the happy couple departed. Hopefully their day had been as good as mine!
Gardens, gardens, and you say what was the "more"? Well, after having enjoyed the first two gardens, I was dropped off the following day at the (Max) train station, and I made my way through the downtown area getting off at the China Town stop. I went in search of the Portland Classical Chinese Gardens. What I found was the most amazing gardens located in the midst of urban high rise buildings, contained within a wall that encompasses one entire city block. Yet as soon as you step into the gardens you can just as easily picture yourself as having been transported to China, and totally forget about the bustle of the city around you.
Again, I was fortunate enough to time my arrival at the beginning of a guided tour and very much enjoyed hearing of its history. The garden was designed specifically by Suzhou designers from Portland's sister city in China for its current location using traditional garden design principles, practices, and materials to ensure its authenticity. And to think that before it opened it's doors in 2000 it had for the previous 20 years been a parking lot! The five elements of a classical Chinese garden generally include: plants, stone, water, architecture, and poetry. Hopefully my photos were able to capture some of its charm and beauty.
Traveling on by foot I continued my exploration with a bit of a "divergence" from the tranquility of the gardens. It was now time to go in search of Portland's own "VooDoo Doughnut" store. I confess that this stop was made with the thought of impressing my niece, Kimberly. Enough said? I found it a couple of blocks away and was first alerted to it's location by the line of young people standing outside the door stretching the length of a city block... but yes, I did stand in the line long enough to say I had bought a doughnut there. I won't go into detail on the store's menu, (or of the attire of those standing in line with me) but I will say that the guy in front of me ordered a "bacon" doughnut, while most were in search of the "vegan" doughnut. Meanwhile, I settled for a chocolate frosted one, and then moved along.
Next on my list was a stop into Dan & Louis Oyster Bar, which was another block down. My Mom & Dad had raved about the Crab Louis and Oyster Stew they had when they were here, but I was not hungry by this point, so I decided to save that culinary treat for another day, and a new adventure.
After an easy train ride back, I had about an hour left before Joyce was to pick me up, so I sat on a bench outside the train station and read a good book, as I observed the passengers depart. The hour was rush hour and people were streaming off the platform on their way home from work. Most were dressed casually and many were accompanied by their bicycles. I noticed that during the whole hour not one person was dressed in a suit or tie. And I thought again, what a unique city Portland is compared to the rest of the U.S.!
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