Downtime in Portland

We ended the weekend back in Portland. The dogs needed a thorough cleaning,

and the kids needed to release some energy. So we hit our old standby, Hollywood Bowl.

I've had some good memories here, but boy, is this place hurting. Exposed wires jutting out of walls, filthy bathrooms, and different stages of construction throughout. It's generally falling apart. But we like it. There's never a wait, and it's straight up, no frills bowling.

A chilly weekend, indeed!

Another day full of vibrant scenery in Rainbow City. 

Even at our new favorite breakfast spot.

We decided to try out a new place, called Egg River Cafe. Got some great reviews. We agree - eggs are local and organic, bacon delish and staff is friendly. We were in and out pretty quickly, too. I really, really like this place.

Time to take that nasty carpet out. The pictures don't look so bad, but the carpet is filthy, and I cringe every time the kids roll around on it. 

This time it's Jesse's turn.

Strike a pose, Jesse!

OMG, look at all that dirt underneath!

Momma got to play with her little nippers again. What a great workout. My legs are sore from crouching down to pull nails out of the floor.

I've been using a HEPA vac instead of a shop vac to get the dust out. The local vacuum store (Stark Vacuums in Portland) will completely sanitize it when the renovations are finished.

Halloween in Portland

Halloween is intense on a school day. There are the school parties, parades, after school parties, visit to dad's office, Halloween parties, trick or treating, and if you're trying to do two neighborhoods, another round of trick or treating and parties. Our kids were wiped out by the end of the day. Oh, but what fun we had.

How cute are these tinies hiding out, eating candy?

And the best line of the night, by a five year old, "this is the best day ever!"

Decorating was fun....

We dipped local orchard apples in Franz Caramel - mmmmmmmmmm!

I think the kids had the most fun handing out candy.

We pulled a double header by heading to Hood River the next afternoon and hitting the Pfriem Dia de los Muertos party that night. Boy did these kids sleep in all weekend - sweet.

Super family-friendly event. The kids got to do a cupcake walk through the restaurant (where every child won eventually), and mom got a beer sampler.

We froze that night. It was fun to get all cozy with the family in a big flannel bed, but it's time to get a working furnace and or fireplace in. The fireplace appeared to be working, but it's so old, the door broke just after Jesse put in more logs. We propped it up with a metal poker, but I'd say that's the last time we'll be using it.


And the ducts are filthy and lined with asbestos tape - on the inside as well. An asbestos removal guy suggested we not use the heating system until it is remedied.

A spectacular October!

The weather was so mild this past month, we couldn't help but indulge ourselves in water fun and ice cream. The kids were so inspired one afternoon, they jumped in the local fountain and soaked themselves.

Joy is watching a child live life with complete abandon.

Lucky for me, husband was meeting me at the fountain to take the wet kids home, as I had a very important hair appointment.



We got a ton accomplished at the farm, too. The siding was finished and a french drain installed. Jesse busted up some concrete, only to end up with a case of tendonitis. 

That back deck will come down, I promise...

Unfortunately, we just didn't have time to get it painted. As dry as it was, the days started out quite foggy, and the wood was just too wet. I had a number of painting contractors over to give bids, and the honest ones were very clear that now is not the time to paint, if I want a long lasting paint job.

The last painter at the house even said that letting the shingles weather naturally will eventually result in complete failure in this climate. That they will dry out and become completely brittle. I guess that achieving that weathered beach look is out of the question.

That's somewhat good news to us, as we can now choose a stain that will protect the wood and give it a cohesive look, and a good 5 months to pick out the best color combination. He said that the stain should keep for 15 years, at which time we can re-stain or paint.

Wow, do I hope this helps with the water seeping into the basement. It's a river down there!

The front porch, that we initially planned to remove and replace with a full 2 story balcony, was restored. Talk about a budget saver. Sometimes you end up with a better result when grand plans don't happen.

Crazy loving the south side of the house. The upper shingles are such a pretty color. Too bad we can't have it all look that way.

Scrap wood will be nice kindling for some diseased orchard trees that will soon be burned.

Smells like Cedar

When I walked in the back porch the other day, I got the most delicious scent of cedar. The paint is all gone! It's beautiful! Smells Great!

Finishing touches on the roof...

I had been searching high and low and taking pictures all over town of L-brackets to replace the non-period ones under the eaves:

When my brilliant and practical contractor suggested matching them to the ones on the front porch:

Looking forward to seeing the finished product.