Chinese Gardens

Last month we took a couple of days of 'Staycation' and decided to explore some Cheap Dates in Portland.  Katie had the day off from school, so we invited her to join us.  I remember hearing all the buzz about the Chinese Gardens opening downtown, but couldn't believe that it had been nine years ago, and we still hadn't paid a visit so it was high time! 

In keeping with an Oriental theme, we checked out some downtown restaurants where we could grab a quick lunch before heading to the garden.  I went to the Internet and found Chef Naoko-natural and organic cuisine, at 1237 SW Jefferson St.  We decided to give it a try.  Don't let the innocent building or its small size fool you.  Once inside, you will be warmly welcomed and will find lots of attention to detail.  Aside from their regular menu, there is a Weekly News sheet full of interesting food tidbits, Japanese historical facts, and a hint of what's coming soon for the restaurant.

The food was fresh and delicious and came in a cute Bento box.

Rick and Katie had the Teriyaki Chicken

And I had a grilled natural chicken in a tomato sauce, with lovely spices, and a interesting bread pudding like 'thing.'  It was a great place, with fresh, organic ingredients, and everything prepared to order.

The Chinese Gardens are really amazing- truly an oasis within the city. Hard to believe they fit everything in one city block!  We just had time for a short visit, but it's worth planning to stay for tea, and to try going back for each season to see all the varieties of plants and trees in bloom.

I loved all the tiled roofs

They say that there's 52 windows/openings in the gardens and that no two are alike. The many points of interest were full of symbolism and stories, so it was nice to have the written guidebook to point things out.

I love the clash of culture and the mix of the old and new.

Not to mention all the beautiful details.  Everything is very authentic, since workers and materials actually came from China during the construction of the garden. 

Game Day

I've never been much of a football fan until I became a Oregon Duck by marriage.  Truth be known, I'm probably in it more for catching up with friends and the tailgates, but my DH is a die-hard fan, reading the blogs each night, and being a season ticket holder.  I actually get up each Saturday morning and watch ESPN's Game Day with him so when we heard the show was coming to Eugene for the Game of the Decade with USC, we just had to make the two hour trek south.  We drove down with our friends (like family), Mark and Barb at 4 AM! Oh yeah, did mention it was rainy, dark and cold?  It was us and the long haulers at that hour, and as we approached  Autzen Stadium, it stood out like a lit up space ship.

Imagine the excitement with thousands of wild and crazy fans, many holding signs and cheering wildly, as Chip Kelly, the team coach, rode in on a motorcycle just like the Duck Mascot does as the team charges into the Stadium before the games.

We walked around the beautiful 150 year old campus, and arrived back at Autzen close to game time.  It was Halloween and Tailgates were in full swing, with plenty of costumed revelers. I had stop and snap a picture of this Michael Jackson and Thriller re-enactment.

Of course, anyone who knows Barb, knows that she loves an excuse to dress up as her alter-ego, Velma-here at the EconoLodge!

Once the game started, there was a feeling that momentum was on our side, and the Ducks beat USC 47-20!  There's supposed to be a five-minute rule before fans can go onto the field after the game is over, but that went out the window as crowds swarmed the field.  The top dog in the Pac-10 was displaced!!  I've never seen anything like it, and we just stood and watched in awe.

Here's the four of us-only the brave dressed up for Halloween!

ESPN Game Day sets up for the post-game show, with Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit.

Like ants, the crowd moved over to see the post game ESPN Show.  There's lots of excitement around Oregon these days...will the Ducks make it to the Rose Bowl or (gasp!), the BCS Championship?  Pretty exciting time to consider the possibilities!

Yummy Fix It and Forget It Turkey Vegetable Soup

Happy Halloween. My treat for you is this great 'fix it' and 'forget it' soup. It's perfect to make ahead on Halloween Day, and then sit back and enjoy the goblins in the evening. When my kids were little, it was always so stressful to try and think about dinner at the same time that I was trying to get them into costumes and hand out treats at the same time!

We're a big soup family. In fact, our daughter asked for a soup pot and some soup recipes for Christmas so she could carry on the tradition. Here's my latest turkey and vegatable soup (with a twist-it's all in the peppers!).  This soup would also be great for some of that extra turkey after Thankgiving.  Enjoy!

CHOP :

1 onion

2 cups cooked turkey breast

1 red pepper

1 green pepper

1 Anaheim pepper

3 carrots

4 cloves of garlic

2 zucchini

satue above in olive oil until al dente'

ADD:

1 box Chicken Broth

2 cups tomato juice

2 cups water

(1 can garbanzo or black beans, opional)

1 cup frozen or fresh corn

2 tablespoons dill

pinch of red pepper flakes

2 tablespoons of chopped basil

salt and pepper

You could throw in a handful of pasta, but you don't really need it.

Simmer in a large pot, and serve with a tablespoon of Romano Cheese, and a piece of crusty Rye French Bread and enjoy!

Scenes from the mantle

I love the look of potato plants this time of year!

This is a scene from a local pumpkin farm.  They always decorate this wagon with a different seasonal theme

A view to savor

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Halloween

I love Halloween. It's not the same as when my now college-aged kids were little (OK, Bryan's graduated, but he's still living and working in La Grande, so it just seems like he's still in school).  Lots of fun memories of  sewing costumes and photographing the students in their finery at Sunset Elementary School when the kids were little. It's still fun to put out the decorations, fire up the cider, and make some homemade gingerbread. Yum! Here's some scenes from the house this Halloween:

This reminds me of the harvest offerings left at the altar of many churches in Scotland, when I was there in the fall many years ago. It was especially moving to look up at the ceiling and see the tattered flags from the Crusades.

I love putting up lights and placing small gourds and pumpkin in the planters for a festive look.

It's been fun making Halloween jewelry and sending it to Etsy customers, as far away as Australia this year!

Finding the Pretty

My friend Leigh Anne Wilkes has been featuring Pretty Things in her Blog: Homebased Mom. http://www.yourhomebasedmom.com/finding-the-prettyblue-artichoke-designs-giveaway/  She is featuring  moms who make things through their homebased businesses. This week, I'm honored that she has chosen to feature my Etsy shops.   I'm doing a jewelry giveaway of this sweet vintage inpired necklace.  To be in the drawing, all you have to do is log into above link, and leave a comment about which is your favorite jewelry piece.  That's it!  The winner will be choosen by midnight Saturday, October 23rd!  The necklace will  come in a gift package, perfect for you or for a gift.

You'll love Leigh Anne's site.  It's my go-to place for recipies, decorating ideas, and great stories. It's chock full of ideas on anything from clothing choices for family photos, to home organization.  Leigh Anne and I have been friends and business partners in Direct Sales for many years!  Enjoy!

Farmer's Market

In Oregon we're often in denial about fall because the weather is usually so great through September and much of October. However, this week, it's like someone pulled a switch and we have rain everyday for the foreseeable future. I thought I'd take one last look of the summer farmers market in Lake Oswego, since it's one of my favorite pastimes on Saturday morning. Mom and I, when possible, would trek out early to take in the sights, sounds, flowers and produce.

Sweet peas....my favorite, although I find them impossible to grow. If anyone has any tips for next year, please let me know! Soaking them in wet paper towels the night before didn't help!

I know this is totally cheating when there's so many yummy treats in the market itself, but a stop at St. Honore' for a Latte' and 'goodie' to plan our our stops is always looked eagerly anticipated.

Au revoir till next year!

St. Francis of Assisi

Today was the celebration of St. Francis of Assisi, http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_of_Assisi and the annual Pet Blessing Day at St. Michael and all Angel's. We've had this tradition for several years, and it's just one more thing that brings people (and animals), together in our church community.

A happy dog

Ann and Chad with their blue eyed sheep dog.

Several brave cats

Lulu and Molly being blessed by Rev. Chris Craun

Yes, these was a goose and rabbit also...

Some people really got into the spirit of the occasion

The animals all got treats, and St Francis metal. A good time was had by all!