Yurt!!!

Thanksgiving

tentative turkey dinner

1. Chinese Five Spice and Ginger sweet potatoes.
2. Fresh Jalapeno cranberry sauce
3. Brian's secret stuffing (I think there's sausage involved!)
4. Turkey stuffed with B's stuffing
5. Rolls
6. Pumpkin pie
7. Apple pie

I mean, do we really need vegetables?

Ape Caves

Whelp, I can check off another state on my very short list of places I've visited. This weekend we drove up to Washington en route to the infamous Ape Caves. The drive was, of course, absolutely beautiful, as is everything in the Pacific NW. We made a quick stop at a river, apparently "home of the bull trout", and then made our way on some very windy roads, through some very tiny towns, and out to the caves. The caves are as hard to capture as they are to describe (especially considering my writing skills...). Here it goes: you begin by walking down a set of steep stairs and are instantly amazed at what you find. Although, should you be surprised? I mean, we knew we were coming to visit caves, but were still taken back by the enormity and darkness. We donned head lamps and bike lights and made our way over boulders, under water drops, and through narrow passageways. Every now and then you have to stop to shine your light around and remember that theres more than just the 2 foot perimeter you've been focusing on. Coming to the end is sort of bittersweet. As enjoyable as the adventure is, there's still a feeling of needing to get out...at least for me, I think Brian could have stayed the night. We made our way up the ladder and into the sunlight to enjoy a veggie wrap, pomegranate, and an eerie hike back.

portland spirit

Last weekend we celebrated Brian's 24th birthday aboard the magnificent Portland Spirit. Our private table was located right by the window on the second level, a perfect view of the city. Our waitress was extremely gracious with the complimentary champagne and we enjoyed more than our fair share of the buffet. The weather was cloudy and a little chilly, but that didn't stop us from spending plenty of time on the top deck. The view from the boat was incredible and we got to see parts of Portland we hadn't seen yet, including several floating houses, one of which I will own someday (I already picked it out). It was a really cool experience. And oh yes, I almost forgot the best part, the whole crew sang throughout the cruise! It was exactly as you might expect: funny, fun, embarassing at times, but overall enjoyable.

cian, kieran, and taylor visit

After a very long and eventful train ride, Cian, Kieran, and Taylor arrived in Portland on Thursday evening. We walked down the street for some amazing cornmeal crust pizza and then headed over to the Kennedy school, an old elementary school turned restaurant, hotel, bar, and movie theater, for some drinks and pool.
Friday they all went to Brian's Chemistry seminar and surprisingly all found it very interesting. Afterwards they took the max over to Washington park where I met them after work. We went to dinner at Lucky Laborador Brewing Co. and then headed over to Carly's house where Taylor played some tunes and we enjoyed the fire.
On Saturday we drove out to the coast and made a stop in Tillamook to tour the cheese factory. We picked up some amazing aged cheddar and headed out to the ocean. The first stop was at a little bar/restaurant for hamburgers (rated 5 or 6 by Cian), beer, and cards. Afterwards, a walk along the beach.
That night we went bowling. I bowled a great first game and a terribe second....that always happens to me. Why? Oh well, the tater-tots and beer were good so we were happy.
All in all, it was a pretty amazing and fun weekend. I think I fall in love with Portland all over again every weekend, especially when we get to show it off to friends over a local microbrew.