Joe was being very mysterious about what he had planned for that evening. He made reservations for the four of us on a dinner cruise on the Williamette River that goes right through the middle of Portland. It was very enjoyable and the food was delicious.
Friday morning Marvin and I took the MAX and went exploring. We saw a few art galleries that I will long remember because of a couple of artists that I really enjoyed. Arne Westerman, (my favorite artist of the day.) Barbara Denedetti Newton (her work was in colored pencil/ watercolor) and David Carmack Lewis (he did some very interesting things with perspective).
Around noon Joe and Gillian joined us to go see the special showing of M. C. Escher's work at the Portland Museum. It was fantastic!
Then off to Portland's famous rose gardens!! Wow were they wonderful. (Pictures on future blog)Then Gillian took us to a favorite cafe for lunch- I can understand why they like it. I ended up gaining three pounds in the three days we were in Portland. :[
Saturday morning Jim came down to Portland and we went to a Kosher restaurant named Kenny and Duke for breakfast, very kosher. We went down to the Street Market but found it not worth the walking effort. We drove east of Portland to see the Multnomah Falls which is the second highest year round waterfall in the nation. It plunges 620 feet. Then we visited a fish hatchery. I guess I will always be a school teacher but it was really fun to learn all about the salmon and trout industry. I had my lessons plans all made by the time we left. :) Actually it was very interesting.
On the way back to Portlland we discovered an art gallery full of the wonderful works of Rip Caswell. He is a sculpture that reminds me of Jeff. Same good attitude and wonderful talent. His internet site is www.caswellsculptures.com Wonderful experience!!!
We then went up to see Pittock Mansion. The estate includes a 16,000 square foot, 30 room mansion and 46 acres of land. How the very rich spend their money.
We had lunch at Lauralwood restaurant with Jim and Joe, another one of Joes favorites. Then Marvin and I "took our meds". Our way of saying we took a nap. :)
That night we went to Water On The Desert. John and Misu's special program of Butoh. This was an art form that we had never experienced before. It was especially fun to see Misu on stage and feel her warm connection with the audience. Her dance explored the feelings accompaning a migration from one country to another. In her own families case from Italy to the U.S. Another number was an expression of the cycle of grief that I related to and recognized some of my own feelings in it.
Sunday we drove up to Kalama, Washington where Jim and Lita live. Lita was in Pocatello so we didn't get to see her but it was fun to see their apartment. Jim went with us to see Mt. St. Helens. What a beautiful drive!
Sunday night we drove back to Portland where we had a nice visit and dinner at an Italian restaurant with John and Mizu.All in all a wonderful time!!
