Knit For Newborns

Last Sunday after Mark and my adventures in the morning, I took myself to Beaverton Library to be a part of the 'Knit For Newborns' group.  I did this for Hands On Greater Portland (they needed pictures for their Flickr account), and for me because I like to crochet and this seemed like a good fit.

They meet once a month and donate their lovely creations.

It was a great group of folks, and I can tell they enjoy hanging out and creating gifts for others.

Here's my start on a blanket: looking forward to turning it in next month.

Heck yeah I'm going back!

Dream on

Yesterday the good folks at Hands On Greater Portland took me out for lunch to celebrate my time spent with them.  December 31st is my last official day (but I will continue to volunteer), and I have so enjoyed my experience there. How many people get the chance to work for a non-profit and see the inner workings?  I 'm one of the luckiest folks you'll ever meet.

 

One of my gifts was a box of dream cards. 

There are 30 cards in the box, and you open one when you need some encouragement. 

Or you share one with someone who could use a lift.

(I have someone in mind already who is going to receive one).

I decided to open one and here it is.

I'm following my dream. 

I feel as if I am where I am suppose to be at this time and place in my life.

It's scary and exciting all at the same time. 

It ain't going to be easy, but I'm growing every day.

So lead on dreams: I'm in it for the win!

Wonderful way to spend a Sunday

Mark and I took a drive out to Multnomah Falls Sunday morning.

It was a wonderful time to go.  Wasn't busy, the weather was mild, and the views beautiful. 

It's so beautiful here.

You have to take pictures, right? 

And pose as well.

Look at those falls!

Oh, and the cute boy as well.  He is a cutie.

We walked down a path we'd never been before.

Look at all the snow that remains.  Wow.

This was a pretty falls.

Snow!

Snow!

Loved the fog. 

A couple asked Mark to take their picture.

You could tell they were having so much fun being together and riding their bikes.

Made our day even better to meet them.

Mark checks out the fog.

It was an amazing day, and I truly think will do down in my memory bank as one of my favorites.

I love living in the Pacific Northwest!!!!!

A cold day in Portlandia

Last weekend Mark and I ventured into Portland.

It was cold and sunny.

Note the warm duds, and sunglasses.

It was a beautiful day.

I love all the art in Portland.

In fact I even made friends with some of it!

Ugly sweater PDX. Ha!

Proud wearers of ugly sweaters.

Leg warmers count too I guess.

How fun is this?

Cold!

Mark and I went into Portland Sunday.

It was COLD!  Can you tell by Mark's stance? He wanted me to take the picture quickly so we could get moving again.  And come to find out there was a power outage that morning in several blocks.

Mark and I love Portland.  I mean, how could you not love a city that dresses their statues?

Cari faces....

Cari was in an ad!  Here is a link to the video.  That's my girl!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_bSWebYWFA

Ho, Ho, Ho!

Mark and I ventured out yesterday to look for a Christmas tree.

We didn't find one we liked (at the places we went they only had big ole trees, and we wanted a four foot tree or such), but we did take some Christmas pictures, and Mark bought me a poinsettia.

Al's Garden Center had some amazing poinsettias, and it was hard to decided which style I wanted.

One of the varieties was a pink flower and I went with that (yes, the plant in my hand is really a bright pink).  But the more I think about it the more I want to go back and get a couple more.  They were so beautiful.  And the really HUGE plants are sending me wave lengths to come back and take one home.  But I have to admit a really huge poinsettia will probably not make it's way here.

 

It was a fun day.  A cold day, but fun.  I love the holidays!!

Portland Revels

Wow, I only have two more weeks of working at Hands On Greater Portland. Where did the time go?

Each week I've volunteered at a different non-profit.  This last week I volunteered to help set up for the Portland Revels.  Portland Revels celebrates the seasons through song, dance, story and ritual of the past and present, creating community across generations and cultures. 

My friend Capi and I have gone to a couple of performances, and so the chance to help set up appealed to me.  We basically spent all day Thursday setting up the gift shop, food table, will call, and volunteer check in tables.  Their storage area is across the street, so lots of going back and forth.  Thank goodness traffic was light!

This is a mock up of the stage. 

I will be an usher one night next week, and I'll see the performance that night.

I really enjoyed meeting the folks that run this, and the other volunteers.

One of my favorite work days ever!

For the love of a wog.

Sometimes we still find ourselves looking for Deacon when we get home.

Or Wog, as Mark called him. 

Or when some food falls on the floor I've found myself calling out for our living vacuum cleaner to come take care of the problem. Unless it's chicken or hamburger Lire is not interested.

Deacon's Dr. touched our hearts by making a donation to the Oregon State Vet School in Deacon's honor.

Dr. Christensen is a kind man, and his staff are supportive and friendly.

I'm so thankful there are people who are willing to do a job to help folks at a time like this.

Deacon went very gently and we will always take our pets to these wonderful people.

Go TIgard!

We had our last game at Forrest Grove.  They are going to a different league and so we won't play them any longer.  I went along for old times sake.  Here Mark (on the left) hangs out on the sideline with the other coaches during the game.

 

Tigard won, so that was a great way for us to end our time with our Forrest Grove friends.

Thanks to them for all the memories throughout the year.

Oregon Humane Society

Wednesday my workday was spent at the Oregon Humane Society.

I was taking part in socializing dogs and cats, to help with their efforts to be adopted.

We first had a short introduction to the organization.

Our team leader was kind and informative.

This young man was very quiet during the class and the tour,

but he was extremely animated when spending time with the animals.

This is where I met my new friend, Shiloh.

"Say Hello Shiloh!"

He was very nervous at first,

but we hit it off right away and he seemed to enjoy himself.

After hanging out with Shiloh I then spent some time with a few cats.

It was a great experience, and I'm looking forward to the next time.

Sunday morning walk

Sunday morning Mark and I went for a walk.

I had volunteered in the park the day before and was inspired by all the folks walking and running that day.  I figured Mark and I could take advantage of such a nice park in our area.

Mark had a good time.

I enjoyed it.  It wasn't as sunny as the day before, but oh well.

Mark checked out a sign.

I check out a big ole tractor.

The sun was pretty cool.

Fanno Creek is a wonderful park.

And you can advertise in a 'poo free' area. 

How can you beat that?