comments: 85

I was at the park early this morning, trying to beat the heat. It's going to be hot here these next few days. One hundred degrees plus. Naturally, I am terrified.

Summer Sweetness comments: 98

August has a glow. There was twilight birdsong all around us in the field. I cried in the sunset. My sister's visit has been wonderful. The world spins and spins. The flowers. The nights. The years.

Best Weather Ever comments: 129

Mid-70s, sunny, gentle breezes. Perfect, rare, delicious weekend days. Best weekend weather I can ever remember in my entire life. We harvested beets and potatoes from our wee garden plot on Friday afternoon. It was silly exciting — you stick your hand in the ground and come up with a bunch of gorgeous Yukon Gold potatoes. Cube them up, add a couple of the tender onions you also pulled out of the ground, add one of the teensy heads of garlic you also pulled out of the ground, splash on some olive oil, shower with pepper and sea salt, bake at 375 degrees F for 40 minutes, add some butter when they come out and you have the best dinner ever. Oh, and do the same thing (without the butter — or are they good with butter?) to the beets. That you pulled out of the ground. The best dinner to go with the best weather. I almost cried. To think there are probably twenty-plus more potatoes still out there? Oh my stars. Next year I may just grow potatoes, onions, garlic, and beets.

The wee sidewalk garden has been such a good experience. I have loved it all so much this summer. I was sitting out there on the stairs last night, watching the beautiful twilight come on after such gorgeous weekend weather. I thought about how the butternut squash and the cucumbers are now trailing up the teepee where the peas grew last month. I thought about the day we put the peas in, months ago. Having a vegetable garden makes the summer seems different, somehow. I've never noticed all of it, or appreciated all of it — the ground and the water and the sun and the season — quite so much as I have this summer. Cliched but true. I like sitting out there every morning and every evening, watching it all change. I like fussing over the tidy little squares of rows. I don't really know what I'm doing at all but the stuff still grows. It's much different and a lot more satisfying to me than growing flowers and shrubs. I love the flowers and the shrubs, but the vegetables are different. Maybe because it's just a smaller area, with defined boundaries, and it feels like the right size for me when the rest of the yard feels too big and like too much (even though it's really not all that big). The vegetables also appeal to my utilitarian nature. I have always liked to make things that get used.

Also, it's just still so bewildering to me that it all worked. We put it in the ground and then it just worked out. I'm not used to that.

Something's blooming in the woods right now that makes allergic people go crazy but makes me happy. It's some kind of weed that I like the smell of but I don't know exactly what it is. I'd like to bottle the scent. Speaking of, I was thinking of buying some perfume. I haven't bought any in years and years. I want something that smells like the summer woods. Any recommendations?

On Thursday night we went to Edgefield with friends. I sat on the quilt and knit while listening to Steven Martin and his bluegrass band. He was hilariously funny. Our friend's eleven-year-old niece was visiting from Texas. She sat next to me and watched my hands while I knit. She asked me questions: Is it hard? How many things have you made? What's your favorite thing that you've made? Who taught you? We talked through the night and I won't deny that I hoped she might go back to Fort Worth with the spark of an idea about little sticks and string.

Birds Bees Butterflies Blooms comments: 87

A walk through the summerfields on Oak Island. If you were a landscape, what would you be? He said the mountain woods, with a river, and huge trees overhead. I said a meadow, with tall grasses and wildflowers. Soft blue hills and silver water in the distance. Exactly like this. Especially on a bright gray day, where the clouds stack up like ruffles coming in from the sea. Where the berries are not quite ripe. Where the bees buzz along the edges of the hedgerow. Where the little birds swoop and dart. Where the soft seeds parachute to down to soft landings. Where the lacy blossoms and the golden grasses line the path for miles and miles.

Ah, one more gratuitous hottie shot, for good measure. It's Monday.

Summer Days comments: 55

Ah, summer days. Cloud cover and sunshine. Bicycles, books, and bridges. Beers on the front stairs and watching the garden grow. It's my sweet sissy's birthday today, and she has a gorgeous new blog!!! Xoxo love you girl.

Dinner Picnic comments: 63

Friday night at the river beach, Sauvie Island, 6/15/12.

Woodland Birthday comments: 114

Oh, sweetest of summer afternoons!

Nice Week comments: 55

Carrots and potatoes are up : : Tulips finished, peonies coming : : Antiquing for Shelly's birthday : : The best potato salad at Natalia's : : My hexie cheater quilt : : More friends in town tonight from Canada : : Climbing hydrangea covering the studio window : : Picking fallen leaves out of the vegetable garden by hand : : Meditative : : Peas look a bit yellow : : Good good good good dog : : Hollyhill was adorable : : Driving the back roads with Andy yesterday and this song (cool random video) : : Finished my cross-stitch, took it to the framer's : : Finished my cowl : : Next up is Quill, just waiting for the yarn (in Antler, again) : : Going to be working on a new web shop this summer : : Starting the new quilt : : Hard to think about work in this glorious weather.

Things to Do in Portland, Oregon comments: 135

Should you find yourself in the Rose City, here are a few suggestions for you. No list could be comprehensive; I compiled this one from this blog's local reader comments (thank you!), and added several of my and Andy's favorite places and activities. If you have further suggestions, please leave them in the comments for others to find. For more photos and posts about outings we've taken, the Portland and Oregon category (on my right-hand sidebar) may give you some ideas as well. Enjoy!

Must See and Do:

Washington Park ::: Gardens, the zoo, the arboretum, tennis courts, playgrounds
Powell's Books ::: You must!
Farmer’s Market ::: Our favorite is at Portland State University on Saturday mornings
Saturday Market ::: Largest continuously operating outdoor arts and crafts market in the country
Multnomah Falls ::: Take the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop at Crown Point
Timberline Lodge ::: A great historic hotel on Mt. Hood
Cannon Beach, and anywhere along the Oregon Coast ::: It’s all gorgeous
Clackamas County Fair and Oregon State Fair ::: In August, though we wait all year

Hotel:

Ace Hotel ::: Hipster heaven, and right in middle of it all
RiverPlace Hotel ::: Fancy, perfectly placed on the river, and within walking distance of downtown
Kennedy School ::: Renovated 1915 elementary school, with a soaking pool and characteristic McMenamins’ flair
The Jupiter Hotel ::: Edgy, pet-friendly, green, and urban cool
Hotel deLuxe ::: Hollywood glamour, and home of Gracie’s restaurant, where we go for lunch during the Christmas season

Fabric stores:

Fabric Depot ::: The largest and most complete fabric store in the country
Mill End Store ::: The best wools, silks, and linens in town, in my opinion
Bolt ::: A cutting-edge collection of contemporary sewing supplies and gorgeous fabric
Cool Cottons ::: Colorful, well-organized, perfectly chosen quilting cottons
Pendleton Woolen Mill Outlet ::: Wonderful wools in every color
Hollyhill Quilt Shoppe ::: Eeeeee! Cottons, gorgeously displayed
Pioneer Quilts ::: Tiny calicos!!!

Yarn store:

Happy Knits ::: Modern, airy, inspiring and always friendly
Close Knit ::: Warm and cozy collection in a great neighborhood for browsing
Yarn Garden ::: Lots and lots
Twisted ::: The place for sock yarn!
Knit Purl ::: Small but right downtown and on the streetcar line
Northwest Wools ::: Nice selection in cute little shopping area

Craft stores:

Collage ::: A curated collection of encaustic, mixed media, paper and other crafts
Gossamer ::: Fiber crafts, wool arts, and Waldorf supplies
SCRAP ::: Creative re-use, education programs, and affordable materials
Knittn’ Kitten ::: Vintage fabric, patterns, notions, and supplies
Acorns and Threads ::: Cross-stitch patterns, fabrics, and supplies
Playful Needle ::: Needlepoint and crewel patterns, fabrics, and supplies
Button Emporium ::: Buttons and ribbons galore

Antiques:

Monticello ::: Big and beautiful, with an emphasis on Shabby Chic-type things and great garden accessories and furniture
Stars and Stars & Splendid ::: Across the street from each other, both have a generous mix of great stuff
Dusty Tiger ::: I’ve found the best stuff at the best prices at this place, I tell you! Or maybe I shouldn’t tell you!
Antique Alley ::: Old school, baby.
Found on Fremont ::: Well curated collection of your favorites

Cool new little neighborhood restaurant:

St. Jack ::: Rustic French in a gorgeous space on one of my favorite corners anywhere
Equinox ::: Industrial + beautiful + seasonal + delicious + recycled materials = gottaloveit
Toro Bravo ::: Spanish tapas
Little Bird Bistro ::: Doesn’t get much cuter, or much more central, than this
June ::: On a busy street, but still intimate
Pizza Fino ::: Neighborhood pizza and more
Girasole ::: More neighborhood pizza. Probably can’t have too much neighborhood pizza.

Food carts:

Potato Champion ::: Andy’s favorite
Lardo ::: Andy’s other favorite
Grilled Cheese Grill ::: Everybody else’s favorite
Koi Fushion ::: Korean-Oregon infusion
Big-Ass Sandwiches ::: Prolly needs no explanation
Khao Man Gai ::: Just one thing on the menu

Breakfast:

Slappy Cakes ::: Make your own pancakes, and I really love the light here.
Broder ::: My favorite atmosphere and decor in the whole city. Especially wonderful in the morning, for some reason.
Zell’s ::: Classic neighborhood breakfast spot, complete with café curtains and eggs Benedict
The Waffle Window ::: Legendary in our house, and best on a day with no rain
Pine State Biscuits ::: With sausage or mushroom gravy, thick-cut bacon, fried chicken, eggs, grits, and preserves. I think you get it.
La Petite Provence ::: The best -- and best-priced -- French bakery/café in Portland. Don’t leave without taking home an éclair, seriously.
Helser’s on Alberta ::: Crowded but really wonderful

Outdoor restaurant dining:

Meriweather’s ::: Fancy date, or a lovely, grown-up place to take the in-laws
Departure ::: Uber swanky rooftop
Piazza Italia ::: My favorite sidewalk dining on Friday nights in the summertime
Por Que No ::: Mexican patio, and I seriously love their summer fruit juice drinks
Tin Shed ::: Playful and fun, kinda like being at great backyard party
Basta’s ::: Romantic and quiet grapevine covered patio

Burger and fries:

Little Big Burger ::: So simple, so perfect, and with truffle-oil fries: Andy’s requested birthday lunch
Violetta ::: Slow food fast, and in Director Park, a great new location for people-watching
Castagna Cafe ::: This one's good
Besaw’s ::: OH, this one is even better, but there is nothing I don’t love about Besaw’s. Stop here after hiking in Forest Park in the fall, and sit in the front room. Love love love.
The Observatory ::: A beloved veggie burger in an up-and-coming neighborhood
Café Nell ::: I haven’t tried this one, but it looks delish

Microbrew:

Hopworks ::: And The Derailer is a great chicken sandwich.
Bridgeport ::: Our neighborhood joint, so we love it.
Deschutes ::: It’s always good, and the pub is cool.
Captured by Porches ::: Definitely the best name

Coffee shop with a plug for your computer:

Water Avenue Coffee ::: Great coffee, great light, great colors, and not claustrophobic, which is why I love it
Caffe Pallino ::: Bright and streamlined, with gelato, food, and usually decent music
Cloud Seven ::: On a nice day you can sit outside, and this one even has good people-watching in Jamison Square, to boot.
The Press Club ::: With wine, crepes, and great magazines to boot.
Extracto ::: I haven’t been to either location, but they got several mentions

Coffee shop with people watching:

Stumptown ::: Daily
Ristretto ::: Another several-times-recommended shop I have to try
Fresh Pot ::: Watch the comings and goings in some of our favorite neighborhoods (Hawthorne and Mississippi) here
St. Honore Boulangerie ::: So adorable, so French, so crowded, so expensive, but so delicious

Garden:

International Rose Test Garden ::: If you do one thing. . . .
Portland Japanese Garden ::: Magical. Go on a weekday morning before it gets crowded, so you don’t have to hear a bunch of other peoples’ conversations. This is a place for quiet.
Lan Su Chinese Garden ::: So very beautiful on a cloudy day, especially
Elk Rock Garden of the Bishop’s Close ::: I love this place. It’s beautiful.

Outdoor fountain:

A walking map of local fountains is here.
Jamison Square ::: Really sweet little setting for kids, like a piazza with a tidal pool
Ira Keller Fountain Park ::: One of Andy’s favorites, an urban warren of waterfalls
Magnolia Park ::: In Hillsboro, with lots to do

Picnic spot:

Council Crest ::: On a clear day, this view is hard to beat
Wildwood Recreation Site ::: This looks gorgeous. Can’t even believe we haven’t been here yet. Will report back.
Commonwealth Lake ::: A suburban park with a lake that looks good for those with small kiddos
Pittock Mansion grounds ::: I always pretend I’m going to a wonderful party when I’m here. Except that I’m paying to get in. But still – the lawn is free.
Skidmore Bluffs ::: Sometimes I feel claustrophobic in Portland. Not up here. Love the view, and the neighborhood. Always feels like a different town to me.

Day hike:

Anywhere in Forest Park ::: The book Portland Hill Walks by Laura O. Foster is awesome.
Cascade Head ::: The mountains at the edge of the sea, with wildflowers
Angel’s Rest ::: A heavenly view
By the way, the Portland Hikers Field Guide web site is spectacular.

Bike ride through the country:

Springwater Corridor ::: We love to go from OMSI down to Sellwood, or from SE 136^th out to Gresham.
Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail ::: Totally wanting to do this from Tooth Rock to the Bridge of the Gods trailhead
Champoeg State Park ::: Such a cool place, with a little of everything

Swimming hole:

Opal Creek to Opal’s Pool ::: Oooo, oooo, oooo – I wanna go here!
Dougan Falls ::: Very pretty, very cold
Eagle Creek Trail to Punchbowl Falls ::: Quintessentially, gorgeously, lusciously Oregon
Oxbow Park ::: Close to town but feels like it’s a million miles away
Dabney State Recreation Area ::: Close to town, kinda scruffy, but if you find a good spot you’re good to go for an afternoon

Wildflower meadow:

Catherine Creek ::: Go in April or May, even if you’re in a wheelchair – this is a universal access path (yay!)
Mollala River State Park ::: I love this area
Tom McCall Nature Preserve ::: Oh this looks beautiful – a bit past Hood River in the Gorge.
Cairn Basin from Vista Ridge ::: A difficult hike with a creek crossing, but looks incredibly beautiful and includes lupine fields (sigh).
Dog Mountain ::: Another difficult (steep) hike, but wow.
Sauvie Island u-Picks ::: Oh, now these are easy! Try Bella Organic, Kruger’s, or Sauvie Island Farms for flowers.

Rented canoe ride:

Blue Lake ::: Close to town, and such a fun way to spend an afternoon together
Detroit Lake ::: Lots of things to do here: swimming, boating, camping, hiking, too.
Trillium Lake ::: On Mt. Hood, doesn’t get more beautiful

Waterfall hikes:

Trail of Ten Falls hike ::: Here are 10 falls, including the majestic and wonderful Silver Falls, in 8.8 miles.
Pool of the Winds ::: Short and pretty
Wahkeena to Multnomah Falls ::: Described as a waterfall lover’s paradise
Horsetail Falls ::: Family-friendly, low-elevation, and only 2.6 miles roundtrip
Oneonta Falls ::: Challenging to get to (you’ll be in the water), but it is my dream to figure out how to get my bad foot to this spot someday. Someday.

Pittock Mansion comments: 106

On a hill in the woods overlooking the city sits century-old Pittock Mansion (and its former servants' quarters, Gate Lodge). It's a beautiful house and has all of the old house-y things I love: butler's pantry, breakfast room, sleeping porches, cedar closets. From it you can see the mountains (that's Mt. St. Helens through the window), and the air smells of pine needles. The woodland gardens are also lovely and gentle. You could hike the Wildwood Trail to get up here and make a day of it.