Flannel Shirt

Mina, the dog across the street

This is Mina, the dog across the street. The dog residing with Ramona and her parents. This picture isn't across the street, though, it's at one of the many local parks in town. There are parks all over the place. Big parks to hike through, small parks scattered throughout. Parks for kids, city golf courses, places along the rivers. And a few dedicated dog parks. 

We need to get the dogs to the local dog park soon. We can't use the weather as an excuse. Of course, tomorrow is my appointment across the Columbia to the orthopedist to give me my options. And if they replace my knee, I imagine I won't be walking the dogs for a week or two. I'm getting the feeling that I may have to make a big choice soon.

Otherwise, the electrician got around to us today and fixed the outlet. The plumber who installed the new water heater and took out the old one apparently bumped the back of the outlet, which was loose anyway. In any case, everything seems to be working right now. 

 

 

 

In Portland

This is a very small cemetery somewhere in Portland, not sure where. So small I don't see any graves. 

Well, the guys were working to shore up the front porch again today. I think that they're pretty much done with that. This is the painting guys. They'll be back after Robin and Kinsley leave. Don't want that going on while they're here. 

And Yolanda the cleaning lady came today. Trucks all over the place. Hammering, saws, vacuum cleaners. Poor Izzy was freaking out. After everyone left she threw up. Not sure if it was something she ate or if she was just so upset. She came into the den this evening and quickly fell asleep. 

And I am going to try to figure out my way around my phone. I never carry it around, generally, but I want to make sure I know how to take pictures while they're here. 

(off)

This was actually from a couple of months ago. Wait, this is my night off.

Snow day

As you can see, the snow stuck over night. There was enough snow that the folks across the street made a snowman. Izzy was surprisingly happy frolicking in the stuff. She'd stick her snout in the snow then jump up, like she'd been hiding under the snow. Her black nose was white, at least for a moment until she shook it off. 

By early afternoon all the streets and sidewalks had melted and the snow on the lawns was beginning to thin. But it's snowing again tonight. Then the temperature will go up ten degrees and the snow will be just rain. 

Olympics. Skis and snowboards.

 

Not sure why, but there it is

Pretty quiet around here. Cleaned my closet today. Dogs and me made a few circuits around the block. Watched the Warriors. (They won.) Joan made a fettuccine and prawns dish that was excellent. With asparagus in it. Mmmm. Did my laundry. It actually turned into a pretty good day weatherwise. 

The guy across the street's dog had a tumor. Turns out it was benign, so we'll be seeing Frankie around for awhile longer.

We've got theater tickets for tomorrow. A show called "Kodachrome". 

This was a couple days ago

The temperature went up a few degrees and it was gone. Izzy appreciates not having to walk on ice and snow, but she's not particularly thrilled with rain either. I guess things were dry for her in Indio, California.

 

Snow in Portland

But I've got these snow thingies I put over my shoes.  They work great, too. Since I loop the block with a dog tugging at the leash four or five times a day, I need them, and they arrived the day before the snow did, so it's worked out great. Got my winter parka, too, which fits well and keeps me warm. That arrived a day before the weather turned serious. And the greatest piece of my dogwalking outfit now is the head lamp I wear. Works great. I think it was designed for night skiers or something. Works great. 

Portland, in snow, at night

Christmas in Portland in the water

Christmas Eve in Portland