My dad’s parents live in Eugene and I don’t make it to the west coast often enough. My last visit with them was to Arizona where we admired the desert and red rocks areas as well as getting me to my first viewing of the Grand Canyon. While a fantastic trip, it is always good to see Eugene. They still live in the house my dad grew up in and I always get a new story about how my dad got into trouble. I also love the garden’s my grandmother keeps and a fantastic fountain Grandpa built from lava rocks – it looks so natural you can’t believe it hasn’t always been there except for the fact it’s back is a fence.
Anyway, a fairly uneventful trip on Delta landed me in Eugene’s own airport where I blew by them as I headed to baggage. They did manage to catch a picture of me flying by. Luckily they like my driving, so I got to make up for not having a car in NYC while Grandpa got a chauffer.
We managed to fit a lot into a few days – a trip to the coast to see the new exhibit at the aquarium was fantastic. We had stormy seas and had a lot of great wave action along the rocky coast. Also, we got to swing by my great grandparent’s farm, which still bears their name. Grandpa took us on a tour of the Oregon campus to look at the new buildings (home of the Ducks). Aunt Helen had us over and backed a pie for each person present. Plus Grandma and I brought over fresh baked cookies. There might be too much of a good thing. I even learned to clean up after a car (no dripping water allowed in the garage!).
I got to try the food at some of their favorite haunts and I have to say the roast beef sandwich was fantastic. My favorite meal was the Thanksgiving dinner Grandma made. She had already made a fantastic rhubarb and pumpkin pie but added turkey, a nice thick gravy and, of course, dressing. And a feast wouldn’t be a complete meal without potatoes so we had candied sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes. Pretty tasty! Of course breakfast was pretty enjoyable too – hot chocolate and Grandma’s canned cherries (see Hounds in the Kitchen for the recipe).
My last full day we actually chased a rainbow and found its end for a minute before it jumped away from us again. Since a picture is worth a 1000 words here are some to finish up.
Since it was rain season there, my flight out was almost was cancelled for rain and fog but they managed to get me out and on my way home. My new suitcase (a Zuca) did well and provided me with a seat during the layovers. It even managed to fit in my purchases for the trip back.
Quote of the Post:
I'm a Medford man - Medford, Oregon. Up in Medford, we take our time making up our minds.
- Mr. Jackson, in Double Indemnity (1944)
December 29, 2010
Free in the Adirondacks (with Connie and Ike)
When I discovered I had a long weekend and no work, I thought what better place to spend it then the Adirondacks. Luckily, my friend Connie agreed it was a great idea and so, in that time of year when you aren’t sure if it is the end of summer or the start of fall, we headed north with our dogs to visit my Grandparents.
With the leaves thinking about changing near the peaks, it was the perfect time of year to be up there. Black-fly season was over, no mud until next spring and with a bit brisk but not biting wind we got to enjoy a few long, relaxing days outside in the fresh air. Ike and Nissa played with Holly and made a funny set of pups and Connie managed to fit all of them in her lap at one point while soaking up some sun.
The funniest part was the walk on the town trail. Nissa and Ike were let off leash and ran like crazed beasts up and down the ravine bank to the stream with Holly at full speed, giving their owners a few heart attacks as they leapt over each other in their glee. There is nothing like dogs fully enjoying themselves to make you relax and take stock of what is important. Joy like that goes a long way.
Sadly, the weekend came to a close too fast and we headed back towards the city but a bit rejuvenated and with very happy, muddy dogs.
Quote of the Post:
There's facts about dogs, and there's opinions about them. The dogs have the facts, and the humans have the opinions.
~ The Monks of New Skete
With the leaves thinking about changing near the peaks, it was the perfect time of year to be up there. Black-fly season was over, no mud until next spring and with a bit brisk but not biting wind we got to enjoy a few long, relaxing days outside in the fresh air. Ike and Nissa played with Holly and made a funny set of pups and Connie managed to fit all of them in her lap at one point while soaking up some sun.
The funniest part was the walk on the town trail. Nissa and Ike were let off leash and ran like crazed beasts up and down the ravine bank to the stream with Holly at full speed, giving their owners a few heart attacks as they leapt over each other in their glee. There is nothing like dogs fully enjoying themselves to make you relax and take stock of what is important. Joy like that goes a long way.
Sadly, the weekend came to a close too fast and we headed back towards the city but a bit rejuvenated and with very happy, muddy dogs.
Quote of the Post:
There's facts about dogs, and there's opinions about them. The dogs have the facts, and the humans have the opinions.
~ The Monks of New Skete
September 30, 2010
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August 15, 2010
Life with Liz in Upstate
Nissa and I headed up to Albany on the train Friday night to see Liz and Ed. They were hosting a big BBQ on Saturday and had invited me to attend. Vanessa and Justin with their baby were also there and good times were had by all. Vanessa and Liz picked me up from the train station and I realized I was famished so when we had to stop to grab some things for the next day I grabbed some quick, heat up food to eat. The amount of pasta being made for pasta salads was astonishing – there was quite the production line.
The next morning we were up chopping veggies and getting tables set up. I got to run errands – I forgot how much fun driving a standard was, I almost went on a bit of a joy ride, but managed to contain myself. Before two, when the BBQ started, Liz’s parents were over and we got everything outside and set up. It was an impressive amount of food complete with four grills, a fridge for the meat outside, a huge set up to keep the salads iced down, and Ed’s home brew kegs ready for the party. They even had the tractor out to give hay rides to the kids. In all, everyone seemed to have a good time and no one left hungry. The night ended with a bonfire – there is something captivating about a fire, you just have to sit and watch for a while. Even the dogs had a good time – a whole pack of them running around.
The next morning I got to try out the new kitchen and make waffles – the ones my dad used to make on the weekend. People seemed to enjoy them and Liz has a freezer full of them to heat up if she is ever hungry. The train ride back seemed a bit long, but I knew there was work to finish up and I was a little tired from the weekend. Hosting a party is exhausting, but even attending makes me a bit tired. Nissa slept well on the way back though so at least one of us got some rest.
Quote of the Post:
True friendship multiplies the good in life and divides its evils.
-Baltasar Gracian
The next morning we were up chopping veggies and getting tables set up. I got to run errands – I forgot how much fun driving a standard was, I almost went on a bit of a joy ride, but managed to contain myself. Before two, when the BBQ started, Liz’s parents were over and we got everything outside and set up. It was an impressive amount of food complete with four grills, a fridge for the meat outside, a huge set up to keep the salads iced down, and Ed’s home brew kegs ready for the party. They even had the tractor out to give hay rides to the kids. In all, everyone seemed to have a good time and no one left hungry. The night ended with a bonfire – there is something captivating about a fire, you just have to sit and watch for a while. Even the dogs had a good time – a whole pack of them running around.
The next morning I got to try out the new kitchen and make waffles – the ones my dad used to make on the weekend. People seemed to enjoy them and Liz has a freezer full of them to heat up if she is ever hungry. The train ride back seemed a bit long, but I knew there was work to finish up and I was a little tired from the weekend. Hosting a party is exhausting, but even attending makes me a bit tired. Nissa slept well on the way back though so at least one of us got some rest.
Quote of the Post:
True friendship multiplies the good in life and divides its evils.
-Baltasar Gracian
The Family Returns
My parents hadn’t been down since they helped me move in back in January so my mom wanted to come see me now that I had settled in. Sara, my dad and mom drove down to visit Saturday. I had figured out where the suburban-style grocery store was so I was hoping to cajole them into a trip to a grocery store. But first things first.
My parents had gotten Sara a Leica camera for Christmas and she was hoping to fit it with a filter and light meter while in NY. A friend suggested B&H had a lot of new and old equipment so we headed towards Chelsea. First, Sara had purchased a large canister for flour when she was last in NY and found it was much too big for her apartment. She brought it back and we carried it back to the meatpacking district. After a bit of haggling, the store agreed to exchange it for a smaller canister and let her get something for $6 or less to make up the difference – a stressed few minutes followed while we all suggested items she might want for the $6.
This all took a bit longer than expected and we were famished. My dad’s old newspaper had been in this area and he suggested a steakhouse. Nearby was a diner that looked popular and won out when Sara saw a burger at the steakhouse was $40. The diner turned out to be really good and had a nice area to sit outside. While there, I discovered that B&H wasn’t even open on Saturdays, only Sundays, so we decided to head back to my place after dinner.
I started talking about the fact that corningware was finally making the original stuff again, instead of stoneware, and I was planning on buying some. My mom decided she’d like to get it for me for Christmas so we spent the evening online finding Corelle pieces to complete my dinnerware and corningware for my kitchen – it was fun.
The next morning, you guessed it, we headed back to Chelsea for brunch. Seating was faster than usual but service was quite a bit slower – had to chase them down for the check so we could get to B&H.
B&H was different, you don’t carry items with you. They put them in boxes and conveyer belts take them to the cashier line, where you pick your items up after you pay. Sara’s camera also was a bit different. Instaed of a 39mm or 40mm lens, it was 39.5mm, which is really rare so they didn’t have any filters for it but at least we learned the size. She also got a compact light meter for it at a good price.
It was mid-afternoon by the time we got back and so the grocery shopping did occur but it was a race. My dad dropped us off to go find parking and Sara and I ran around and got all the heavy, large items I usually avoid (gallons of milk, large boxes of cereal) so I wouldn’t have to them via subway later. We were fairly efficient and they got off towards home at a reasonable time.
A friend had wanted to attend a gay-oriented mass he had heard about and so I offered to go with him. I met up with him at the church. The sermon that day was about Mary Magdalene, but was more political then religious. An interesting experience, either way. Another of his friends had also attended and so the three of us headed to a wine bar to discuss the evening.
Quote of the Post:
Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.
-Voltaire, on Religion
My parents had gotten Sara a Leica camera for Christmas and she was hoping to fit it with a filter and light meter while in NY. A friend suggested B&H had a lot of new and old equipment so we headed towards Chelsea. First, Sara had purchased a large canister for flour when she was last in NY and found it was much too big for her apartment. She brought it back and we carried it back to the meatpacking district. After a bit of haggling, the store agreed to exchange it for a smaller canister and let her get something for $6 or less to make up the difference – a stressed few minutes followed while we all suggested items she might want for the $6.
This all took a bit longer than expected and we were famished. My dad’s old newspaper had been in this area and he suggested a steakhouse. Nearby was a diner that looked popular and won out when Sara saw a burger at the steakhouse was $40. The diner turned out to be really good and had a nice area to sit outside. While there, I discovered that B&H wasn’t even open on Saturdays, only Sundays, so we decided to head back to my place after dinner.
I started talking about the fact that corningware was finally making the original stuff again, instead of stoneware, and I was planning on buying some. My mom decided she’d like to get it for me for Christmas so we spent the evening online finding Corelle pieces to complete my dinnerware and corningware for my kitchen – it was fun.
The next morning, you guessed it, we headed back to Chelsea for brunch. Seating was faster than usual but service was quite a bit slower – had to chase them down for the check so we could get to B&H.
B&H was different, you don’t carry items with you. They put them in boxes and conveyer belts take them to the cashier line, where you pick your items up after you pay. Sara’s camera also was a bit different. Instaed of a 39mm or 40mm lens, it was 39.5mm, which is really rare so they didn’t have any filters for it but at least we learned the size. She also got a compact light meter for it at a good price.
It was mid-afternoon by the time we got back and so the grocery shopping did occur but it was a race. My dad dropped us off to go find parking and Sara and I ran around and got all the heavy, large items I usually avoid (gallons of milk, large boxes of cereal) so I wouldn’t have to them via subway later. We were fairly efficient and they got off towards home at a reasonable time.
A friend had wanted to attend a gay-oriented mass he had heard about and so I offered to go with him. I met up with him at the church. The sermon that day was about Mary Magdalene, but was more political then religious. An interesting experience, either way. Another of his friends had also attended and so the three of us headed to a wine bar to discuss the evening.
Quote of the Post:
Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.
-Voltaire, on Religion
Adventures with Margaret
Margaret finally got to make it up to visit Nissa and me in NYC. Unfortunately Bolt bus was not all it was advertised to be – left late, didn’t take a rest brake, no real wi-fi, etc. But she did finally arrive in one piece down near Penn station where Nissa and I were ready to grab her and get her home to our apartment. With the late arrival we crashed and chatted for a bit and planned for more things the next day.
It was one of the nicest weekends of the summer weather-wise. July had record breaking heat with the humidity to match, but we woke up to a low humidity day with a high in 80s expected. What to do but enjoy the day. After a breakfast of eggs and toast we headed to Central Park so Nissa could join in the fun. We explored and meandered, ending up in the rambles where we followed the sounds of music to an impromptu concert on a hill overlooking the lake. We joined the audience and sat for a good while singing along with feel good songs.
We lost track of time, and realized it was well past lunch and we were hungry. Since we planned on enjoying a large dinner of Spanish tapas, we didn’t want to overdo it so we headed to Patsy’s, were I knew they had outdoor seating, and grabbed some margarita pizza to tide us over. We were quite done exploring so we grappled the subway down to Soho to check out purl’s new store. Sadly I got us totally turned around by listening to my phone – for some reason it kept changing the street. But we got to see a lot of Noho and Soho as a result, but purl was closed when we finally reached it.
We headed back home and Nissa got to call it a night, but Margaret and I were not quite done – we still had dinner ahead of us. Margaret had recently been to Spain and was looking forward to having Spanish food again. We took the bus to Queens which always stresses me out because I think I’m going to miss the stop but it always works out fine. We had a great meal and decided the night was so nice we should walk back to my place instead of hailing a cab. Turns out it’s only a little over a mile walking and it was a really nice night. Margaret’s iPod has a program which had calculated we walked over 12 miles that day. Not bad for 1 day in the city.
No weekend in NYC would be complete without a trip to le grainee cafe for French toast, so Margaret and I headed there in the morning. Connie joined us there for yummy French toast and café au laes. OF course after all that eating you have to walk some, so we walked a bit but time was getting away so we needed to get Margaret’s suitcase so she could make her bus back. The NY bus left on time and seemed a more organized operation – she returned home more efficiently but was sold on the greatness of the bold bus.
Connie was more time since she could take any metro north train and I had a coupon from my sister to Coach. Since both of us had our eye on certain items we headed to the nearest Coach store and I got my new wallet and Connie got a fabulous purse in a midnight blue. I am hoping they come out with a wristlet in the blue color. I don’t need another purse right now but a wristlet would be great to have in that color. Sadly, back to reality and work the next day but a very enjoyable and relaxing weekend with friends.
Quote of the Post:
When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe.
-Henry David Thoreau
It was one of the nicest weekends of the summer weather-wise. July had record breaking heat with the humidity to match, but we woke up to a low humidity day with a high in 80s expected. What to do but enjoy the day. After a breakfast of eggs and toast we headed to Central Park so Nissa could join in the fun. We explored and meandered, ending up in the rambles where we followed the sounds of music to an impromptu concert on a hill overlooking the lake. We joined the audience and sat for a good while singing along with feel good songs.
We lost track of time, and realized it was well past lunch and we were hungry. Since we planned on enjoying a large dinner of Spanish tapas, we didn’t want to overdo it so we headed to Patsy’s, were I knew they had outdoor seating, and grabbed some margarita pizza to tide us over. We were quite done exploring so we grappled the subway down to Soho to check out purl’s new store. Sadly I got us totally turned around by listening to my phone – for some reason it kept changing the street. But we got to see a lot of Noho and Soho as a result, but purl was closed when we finally reached it.
We headed back home and Nissa got to call it a night, but Margaret and I were not quite done – we still had dinner ahead of us. Margaret had recently been to Spain and was looking forward to having Spanish food again. We took the bus to Queens which always stresses me out because I think I’m going to miss the stop but it always works out fine. We had a great meal and decided the night was so nice we should walk back to my place instead of hailing a cab. Turns out it’s only a little over a mile walking and it was a really nice night. Margaret’s iPod has a program which had calculated we walked over 12 miles that day. Not bad for 1 day in the city.
No weekend in NYC would be complete without a trip to le grainee cafe for French toast, so Margaret and I headed there in the morning. Connie joined us there for yummy French toast and café au laes. OF course after all that eating you have to walk some, so we walked a bit but time was getting away so we needed to get Margaret’s suitcase so she could make her bus back. The NY bus left on time and seemed a more organized operation – she returned home more efficiently but was sold on the greatness of the bold bus.
Connie was more time since she could take any metro north train and I had a coupon from my sister to Coach. Since both of us had our eye on certain items we headed to the nearest Coach store and I got my new wallet and Connie got a fabulous purse in a midnight blue. I am hoping they come out with a wristlet in the blue color. I don’t need another purse right now but a wristlet would be great to have in that color. Sadly, back to reality and work the next day but a very enjoyable and relaxing weekend with friends.
Quote of the Post:
When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe.
-Henry David Thoreau
Grandparents, the Yankees & Friends
A few weekend ago, my grandparents left the ADK to venture into the big wilds of NYC. Since they both grew up near NYC, stories of the old city came out as we navigated around. Our adventures started in the rat maze that is the new Penn Station on Friday at rush hour. Luckily, years of camping has made them light packers and so we quickly navigated the throngs of meandering masses and headed to the subways. A few stops later we were on my island and taking Nissa out for a walk and settling into their hotel room. I have to say it is nice having a hotel room in your apartment building.
Since any visit to NYC isn’t complete without food, we took a zipcar into Queen to enjoy some fabulous Spanish tapas at El Boqueron. The sangria was good, the Chianti was great, and the food was fabulous. Everyone enjoyed the food and diets took a back seat for the night. We were enjoying ourselves enough that I even got to take advantage of my zipcar app to extend our use by an hour. I was so excited to have a car, I dragged my grandparents in a tour of Queens trying to find the suburban –style supermarket I had seen a few months ago to get a large bag of dog food but succeeded only in getting us a bit loss. Instead we stopped at my local Gristedes for an overpriced, small bag of IAMS. That was preferable to trying to drag it home via subway later though.
The next day we had tickets to the Yankees against Kansas City in the new stadium in the Bronx, which is right next to the old stadium that is still standing. First though, we headed to Chelsea for French toast at la grainee cafe. I love that place and tend to take all my visitors but it is crowded and hectic, so it wasn’t as big of a hit as the tapas place the night before. The tapas restaurant is very continental in style – dinner starts late with only one seating expected and staying for 3 or 4 hours is normal.
After brunch, we jumped on the subway and got an express all the way to the Bronx to see the bombers. Sadly, they were not in top form and Kansas kicked their butt from the first inning. Alex had a chance to hit his 600th homerun but instead didn’t even get a single. Scorecards were $10 so I found a free app for my phone to keep track of the game instead, it was pretty good. Yankee stadium hit a high of 112 degree that afternoon so it was a bit warm. Grandfather treated us to $5 waters – best water ever. I had gotten good advice from a co-worker on seats and so we were in the shade along the 1st base line which also helped. After realizing a rally was unlikely we jumped the queue and got to the subways quickly. Amazingly we got an express again and so were back at my place in no time enjoying the AC.
Nissa was happy to see us and we were having dinner at home. I had picked up fresh corn and Omaha steaks. We started with one of those yummy stuffed breads from Omaha with the cheese and pepperoni in it, then corn, summer salads and grilled steaks and finished with Skinny cows. (Cows are low calorie, high fiber ice cream sandwiches Liz introduced me too – they are really yummy and fairly guilt free). We relaxed with a movie and drinks; I think Ba watched my view more than the movie however.
Sadly the next morning they were off on the train back to the ADK, but overall a great weekend in the city for all involved. Luckily for me, there was still time left in the weekend, Liz and her mom were on their way in to NYC.
Liz and her mom arrived that afternoon and headed to tkts to see what was available that evening. They got us amazing orchestra seats, dead center, to In the Heights. It was a really fun musical, a bit of West Side Story without the gangs and more real people you could really understand. Very fun, I came away wanting a snow-pop.
It rained that day and really cooled off. So we decided to extend the evening with dessert. We headed to Harvey's. We started with fries and the largest chicken fingers I had ever seen and finished with some really tasty NY cheesecake. Liz was planning on getting French toast at “the place” the next morning but sadly I couldn’t join since I had work. Cest’e la vie.
Quote of the Post:
Take me out to the ball game ... I don’t care if I never come back.
-Jack Norworth
Since any visit to NYC isn’t complete without food, we took a zipcar into Queen to enjoy some fabulous Spanish tapas at El Boqueron. The sangria was good, the Chianti was great, and the food was fabulous. Everyone enjoyed the food and diets took a back seat for the night. We were enjoying ourselves enough that I even got to take advantage of my zipcar app to extend our use by an hour. I was so excited to have a car, I dragged my grandparents in a tour of Queens trying to find the suburban –style supermarket I had seen a few months ago to get a large bag of dog food but succeeded only in getting us a bit loss. Instead we stopped at my local Gristedes for an overpriced, small bag of IAMS. That was preferable to trying to drag it home via subway later though.
The next day we had tickets to the Yankees against Kansas City in the new stadium in the Bronx, which is right next to the old stadium that is still standing. First though, we headed to Chelsea for French toast at la grainee cafe. I love that place and tend to take all my visitors but it is crowded and hectic, so it wasn’t as big of a hit as the tapas place the night before. The tapas restaurant is very continental in style – dinner starts late with only one seating expected and staying for 3 or 4 hours is normal.
After brunch, we jumped on the subway and got an express all the way to the Bronx to see the bombers. Sadly, they were not in top form and Kansas kicked their butt from the first inning. Alex had a chance to hit his 600th homerun but instead didn’t even get a single. Scorecards were $10 so I found a free app for my phone to keep track of the game instead, it was pretty good. Yankee stadium hit a high of 112 degree that afternoon so it was a bit warm. Grandfather treated us to $5 waters – best water ever. I had gotten good advice from a co-worker on seats and so we were in the shade along the 1st base line which also helped. After realizing a rally was unlikely we jumped the queue and got to the subways quickly. Amazingly we got an express again and so were back at my place in no time enjoying the AC.
Nissa was happy to see us and we were having dinner at home. I had picked up fresh corn and Omaha steaks. We started with one of those yummy stuffed breads from Omaha with the cheese and pepperoni in it, then corn, summer salads and grilled steaks and finished with Skinny cows. (Cows are low calorie, high fiber ice cream sandwiches Liz introduced me too – they are really yummy and fairly guilt free). We relaxed with a movie and drinks; I think Ba watched my view more than the movie however.
Sadly the next morning they were off on the train back to the ADK, but overall a great weekend in the city for all involved. Luckily for me, there was still time left in the weekend, Liz and her mom were on their way in to NYC.
Liz and her mom arrived that afternoon and headed to tkts to see what was available that evening. They got us amazing orchestra seats, dead center, to In the Heights. It was a really fun musical, a bit of West Side Story without the gangs and more real people you could really understand. Very fun, I came away wanting a snow-pop.
It rained that day and really cooled off. So we decided to extend the evening with dessert. We headed to Harvey's. We started with fries and the largest chicken fingers I had ever seen and finished with some really tasty NY cheesecake. Liz was planning on getting French toast at “the place” the next morning but sadly I couldn’t join since I had work. Cest’e la vie.
Quote of the Post:
Take me out to the ball game ... I don’t care if I never come back.
-Jack Norworth
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