Thanksgiving

We arrived at our hotel at 12:00 sharp, four hours prior to check in. As we walked up to the hotel we passed a 1939 Buick and a 1952 Cadillac, shinny and oh so classic. The glass doors glided smoothly to the side and we stepped into the type of warmth only this magnificent hotel could provide. The staff welcomed us with open arms and checked us in promptly. I could tell I was going to like this place already.

We strolled up to our room, taking in as much of the common areas that our eyes could muster only to find our room even more impressive with breathtaking views of the Columbia. I poked about the room, exploring every nook and cranny. French doors opening to a bathroom with a claw-foot tub, a tile shower, and every detail of luxury accounted for, including plush bath robes. Through the French doors a swallow-you-up king bed lie just before a wall of windows displaying the Columbia River. After mere seconds, I wanted to move into this hotel.

Carl and I decided to go explore Astoria, the only beach town we had yet to explore along the Northern Oregon Coast. We came across the Astoria Column on Coxcomb Hill, a 125 foot historic tower (built to resemble Roman Trajan's Column), an artistic Frieze detailing the adventures of Lewis and Clark with 360 degree views of the Columbia River Basin, Astoria, and all surrounding bridges.

Little had we known that Astoria was the first permanent settlement west of the Rockies. The massive Columbia River has a star role in establishing Astoria. The small town is located by the convergence of the Pacific Ocean and the mighty Columbia allowing for early trade with easy access (not so easy if you know the history of the Columbia River swallowing over 2,000 ships as they attempted to cross the bar). The city was established in 1811 by members of the Pacific Fur Company (owned by the Astor family). There is a historic Trolley that runs along the waterfront that Carl and I have yet to experience. There are so many sights to see that we simply must return and explore them all!

After sight seeing a bit, we headed back to the hotel to watch giant cargo ships traverse the river, all from our room. At five, we decided to attend the wine and lox happy hour in the hotel lobby, free of charge to guests. It was a fabulous way to excite our pallets for Thanksgiving dinner at the Bistro down the pier. At seven, we were chauffeured in a 1952 Cadillac to Thanksgiving dinner, a most romantic affair. City lights bounced off of the river, birds floated in the wind, and roast Turkey enlivened our taste buds. Following dinner, our chauffeur returned us to the hotel just in time for a soak in the hot tub followed by relaxation in the sauna. Completely and utterly melted like butter, we returned to our room leaving the balcony door open so that we might listen to the sounds of the river as we drifted off to sleep wrapped in one another's arms.

We were awakened by the smell of breakfast lingering in the lobby. Belgian waffles made to order. Fresh fruit. Hard Boiled eggs. Coffee. Delightful decadence all perfectly satisfying. Satiated, we soaked in our clawfoot tub while watching the fish and crab boats head out to sea.

This has been one of the most romantic (and best) Thanksgiving's I have ever experienced. If anything, this holiday has validated that I have the best husband in the entire world. None of these experiences could have been as magnificent if he hadn't been by my side.

Thanksgiving Away

Snow, ice, rain, sleet, whatever. We are spending Thanksgiving here!

A Free Weekend

It's been quite a while since I last wrote. School has this tendency to suck me into a specific mindset significantly limiting my access to the outside world. I've just finished my summer quarter and have a two week break before the cycle begins again.

Our first no school weekend was great. Friday night, we prepared for a night hike near Mt. Hood. We left at 0200 on Saturday morning to hike Tom Dick Harry Trail (7.2 miles roundtrip, thank you Google Tracker). The trail ends on top of Tom Dick Harry Mountain presenting you with a face to face of Mt Hood, up close and personal. The top of the mountain is very rocky. Some of the rocks are set up as perfect chairs allowing for kickback lounging until the sun begins to rise. Of course, one has to be prepared for the cold weather and colder rocks. Mountain tops are not known for warmth, especially in the dark.

Sadly, cell phone photos don't do these scenes justice.

Saturday was birthday party extravaganza. It was one party right after the other. Seeing as how we were up at 0100 on Saturday morning for our hike, I was utterly exhausted by the last party at 2100.  It certainly did not help that I fell on our way down the mountain and banged up my knee and low back. They were throbbing the entire day. I was able to treat my knee with success before going to the last party, but I was not able to do the same for my low back as it is much harder to reach. At least the pain is gone.

Sunday, we went out for Dim Sum. I love Dim Sum in so many ways, I can't even begin to tell you. It's our special little outing where Carl and I can explore and enjoy one another just like any good Sunday brunch should allow. Good food, relaxed atmosphere, great company. Sunday mornings are fantastic.

We had the opportunity to plan our next hike- Lower Salmon River at the base of Mt. Hood. The guide describes it as a 5.2 mile round-trip easy (100 ft elevation gain) hike. We shall see if this holds true. The guide books were wrong regarding the mileage of Tom Dick Harry. Thank you again, Google tracker.  The hike follows the Salmon River to a swimming hole and is littered with nurse tress and wildlife (probably just squirrels). But we thought it was the perfect hike to take our 11 year old nephew on and great for a bum knee. I am really excited to go. There is no place where I feel more at home than in the mountains.

Sunday afternoon, we had the opportunity to see the Portland Opera preform at Director Park in the middle of downtown. It was perfect weather and a great turnout. Violetta just opened and the smell of the foods and refreshing drinks wafted through the air. We folded Origami while we listened to the two hour event. So relaxing.

Just across the street from the park is a movie theater. We couldn't resist. We ended Sunday with a movie, "Get Low." Not My cup of tea, really.

There is something so beautiful about the end of summer as it transitions to fall. The air becomes cooler and crisps ever so slightly. There is an energy force pulling the pieces of you from expansion to an inward time of reflection.  I noticed this throughout the day as I observed the downtown crowd. The pieces of me that were strewn out amongst other people's energies returned to my awareness. I felt an immense joy about my life. I am the luckiest lady alive. I've been so privileged to know the people I know, to have the opportunities that I do, and to be lucky enough to see them for what they are.

At the end of the evening, I turned to look at Carl. His eyes are bright and loving. His face smooth and full of warmth. His soul has a softness that wraps it's arms around you every time you get a look at him.  Of all the inward reflection I have known, I know more deeply how much I appreciate and love Carl to the core of his being.  He is such a magnificent person and I feel beyond lucky to have him.

This is why Fall makes my heart sing.

Married

Married. 

Yes, Carl and I eloped on Saturday May, 1. We said our "I do's" amongst the giant sequoias at the Arboretum. After, we had our first meal as husband and wife at a fancy french restaurant downtown where we were showered with campaign and music.  Our hotel was only a few blocks from where we ate, so we strolled over to find a bed showered with rose petals and more campaign on ice, compliments of the hotel.

It was perfect, just as a wedding should be.  It was all about us without any distractions.

We will eventually have a gathering of sorts for friends and family to join in on the celebration of our union. No date set yet, but will happen eventually! We'd like to sell our house first!

Oh yeah, our house is for sale. We would like to move downtown and play around in that part of town for a bit. We'll eventually buy a condo, we just want to try out a few neighborhoods first.

There is more change going on with our lives, but we'll let you all digest this first!

Moving On

We are selling our house and we are not going to buy another.

We've decided that it's time to let go of the house and all of the responsibilities that go along with it. We are going to rent a place downtown for a while and chill.

The best part is how freeing and exciting all of this is.  We will have the ability to travel more and enjoy more freedom...

I am so excited about this (and a few more plans we have up our sleeves--- wait for it, wait for it) that I feel like I am on top of the world (I think I can say this goes for Carl as well)!

Three long Months... It's been a busy Quarter.

All I have to say is that I am in love with Carl. He is perfect in every way, every single day.  I can honestly say that after three years, this man may as well be the mold for the perfect  man  human being. I've never met anyone as honest, caring, funny, innovative, intelligent, creative, motivated, and beautiful as him. I believe and feel this with every single cell in my body.

So, it's back to the books with me. March 24th will mark the end of a very trying quarter.