Portland at it's finest

I got off work today at 1 and it was so nice and sunny out that I decided to take a walk before catching the MAX home.  With the weather we're having, when the sun is shining you need to take advantage of it!!  I ended up at Pioneer Place and this young man was outside performing.  I couldn't resist taking a picture.  I donated a couple of dollars to his fund as I enjoyed the performance, and I ended up with a pretty cool picture.  Ah Portland, I do love you.

And it's pouring down rain as I type....Oregon weather..............

RMH Auction

Last night was the RMH auction.  I have worked it the last two years and it's always a good time.

Lots of folks who come every year, intending to spend lots of money to support some very deserving families.  I love the spirit in the room at this event.

Last year my friend Chad wore his red high top shoes.  I decided to do the same this year. 

As you can see in the background, Ronald knew his shoes weren't even in the same league as mine, so he left the room.  Sorry Ronald........

Tom Soma, the executive director of Ronald McDonald Houses Charities, is stepping down next year.  He has done an AMAZING job to promote the Houses (there are two in the area), forge good relations with leaders in the communities, and I have to tell you be a friend to the families.  I've seen him many times interact with moms, dads, and kids, and he truly cares about them.  He is not just in the office: to me he had the right balance between getting the job done, and giving it his personal, caring touch.  He will be missed and I wish him much success in whatever awaits him!!

Radom Amsterdam

This morning I was going over some things and I found a link to Cari's Amsterdam Blog.

I reviewed the pictures and they are amazing. I love her viewpoint.

This was one of my favorites.  She stated that this shot was one of the reasons they would leave the house for times like this.  She said these men were going up and down the canal with this 'object' in the boat, and they couldn't figure out a reason.

Oh Amsterdam, you funny, funny city.



Grandma Maxine

My friend Kathy is clearing out stuff to make room to move.  She has inspired me to step up my efforts to clear out stuff.  While going through boxes I found my Mom's Mom's HS Senior yearbook.

Maxine May.  1933.  Amazing.

My Mother went to Waverly HS also.

We lived there before we moved to California when I was four.

If I'd grown up there I would have been surrounded by family.  I have a LOT of family in Waverly.

I missed having grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins around.

My parents would drive us back every so often for a visit.  I tried hard to ensure my children grew up seeing their grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins as much as possible.  I think that is very important.  This is why I love FB: it's given me the chance to know my cousins.  I'm so glad they're my family.

 

Look at that smile. She was known for being one of the sweetest ladies you'll ever know.

I know where my Mom got it.

 

I also found this Christmas card in the same box.

From my Aunt Mike and Uncle Dave and 'all the kids'.

All those kids are now grown and in fact one of them is a Grandmother now!

Aunt Mike would be so very proud of all of them.  We lost her to breast cancer.

Waverly HS. 

Go Tigers!!

Who ever heard of a Lire in a box??

My friend Kathy is purging her craft supplies

and I brought home some books.

Someone in the house liked the box.

The books not so much.

Lire wanted to say

"Thank you Kathy for the box.  It's just what I wanted."

Cure JM Event

My friend Damon lost his son to JM.  This last Sunday they had a 'Cure JM' event and I went to help with the Ronald McDonald House booth, and to support Damon and his family.

This frog was a hit with the youngsters.

I know a certain man in my life that would have liked this.....

Nancy and I manned the booth.

We had several folks come and ask about volunteering.

It was wonderful to be able to give them the information. 

I hope they're able to come and be a part of the RMH family.

Kathy and Charlie were at the event.

It always makes me happy to see this adorable face.

I just love this girl to pieces.

She wanted me to have my picture taken with her wings.

I'm styling here.

We got to meet lots of people.

It was a rainy day.  We even had thunder and lightening. 

And there were some volunteers who braved the weather to be in the dunking booth.

These are the kind of people you want to be around. 

I'm very proud of Damon and his family and how they work to make a difference in the world.

Mason, their son, left the world a better place because he was here. 

Cats, dogs, flowers, and birthdays.

Lire likes boxes. 

I guess that's what cats do.

Here's my proof.  At least the latest example.

Deacon is getting older and tires easily.

We know that his time is coming: he has a growth that we and his doctor have decided not to re-treat.

At this time we're keeping him comfortable.  He had bad ear infections, but they're cleared up now, he's much happier, and we've been giving him lots and lots of treats.

He's been loving that.  He is sweet: I cherish these last days with this fellow.

Cari sent me some flowers for my birthday.

They're beautiful.

I love it when someone makes me feel special.

I

Dancing for the joy of it in Portland

Mark and I encountered a festival going on in Pioneer Square, sat ourselves down, and had a wonderful time.  Loved the message and the positive energy.  We both enjoyed the singing and dancing of these women.  Their joy and self knowledge was inspiring.

Bits and Pieces

A few more pics from my 'early' birthday celebration in Portland.

As we were crossing the street, I noticed a car parked that had a Christmas tree and a blue bunny on the top of the car.  Oh my: Portland is so weird.  I had to take a picture.

Loved the blue sky.

A yoga business who only takes donations.  Wow.

Good karma I guess.

Doesn't bode well for the bike owner.....

Mark admiring the scenery. 

Happy 'un-birthday' to me!

My birthday is tomorrow, but since Mark works and has football on my B day

we decided to celebrate yesterday.

Much fun was had.  We went to Portland and after a fun lunch at Rock Bottom (thanks Mom!!-we used your gift for Mark's birthday, so it was double the birthday fun!) Mark took me out for ice cream at Ben & Jerry's.

The proceeds from this store go 100% to education for local youth.

I love that.

 

A great time was had.  I love Portland, and I love hanging out with Mark.

It was a wonderful 'un-birthday'.

I think I need to have more of them!

The 'M' Birthday event of the year!

I went up to Port Orchard this weekend for some family love.

On Friday night Mary Jo, Marshon, Megan and I went out for a 'girl's night out'.

Megan was sweet and took our picture.  I wish we would have had one taken with her!  Darn!

Much fun and laughter was had.

Since our names all start with M, we went to a restaurant that starts with M.

After dinner we decided to stop by Marshalls to complete the M event.

Here Mary Jo compares her shoe size to a size 18 shoe.  Holy moley!

The drive home was filled with trees and lots and lots of other folks on the road.

I decided this visit to concentrate more on being with family and friends, rather than taking lots of pictures.  I had a wonderful time and I'm already looking forward to when I can go back up.

I LOVE my family!!!!