Walked 4.37 Miles - To Morrison

I don't usually work on Fridays, but I did have to work a half day today. The weather was pretty much perfect this morning and I impatiently counted the minutes until I was free and able to walk.





I dropped off 10 more books at the small lending library on 14th and Clinton. I was surprised to see it empty. Even the book by Ross Perot had been taken.





From there, I decided to walk over to Maitripa College. I saw the Dali Lama speak less than a month before on my birthday. As I walked around this building, it was nice to reflect on that amazing day. Once I realized that I was only about 8 blocks from the goats, I had to walk over to see them.








The minute I cross Hawthorne, I'm immediately on the look out for Kanye stickers. I found this gem on Morrison.








After I took this picture, I walked around the corner to the windows in the background.





And took this. I can't decide which one I like better.





As I took this picture, I realized that today's unintentional theme was buildings and the sky above them. Probably because the sky and clouds were so gorgeous that I spent the majority of the time looking up. I kept high stepping my steps to avoid tripping since I wasn't looking where I was going. I'm sure I made quite a sight.








I haven't seen these signs before. Having goats here is a good thing. I really hoping they will be here for years to come.





I got to pet this little baby since she was laying so close to the fence. While I was petting her, a dude with a dog also stopped. The dog and goat were nose to nose sniffing each other and neither one seemed to mind. 








Another picture of a building with the actual building behind it. This drawing of New Seasons is more informal than the other ones I've seen. I do love the addition of the cat on a skateboard.





I passed these flowers when I was carrying books to the lending library. I made a mental note to get a picture on the return trip home. I was pleasantly surprised to find the bush covered in bees. 





I've posted a picture of this cat before. Today she wouldn't stop rolling over. She rolled it over at least 5 times while I visited her.

Walked 3.23 Miles - Ladd's Addition

Today I walked with a purpose. Ever since I saw the small lending library less than a mile from my house on Clinton, I've wanted to leave some books there. Today I finally rounded up some books and headed that way. It was a very cool morning and I almost brought a jacket. I'm glad I didn't, because after a few minutes of walking I was plenty warm. It was kind of awkward walking with a bag of books and I didn't take any pictures before reaching my destination.

I left 10 books and I'm so glad I did. There were only a few books here when I arrived and one was by Ross Perot. I want to bring more books the  next time I head this direction. I think this is such a brilliant idea and I want to help it grow.








I spent some time in the South and East rose gardens in Ladd's Addition. I love seeing this many roses in bloom. What a wonderful asset to the community. Some of these roses were planted in the late 1970's.





These benches are so peaceful and I see them in use a lot. 





Underneath the bench was this plaque. "Find courage, gaiety and the quiet mind." 














I was walking down an alley and heard some squawking. I turned and these chickens were staring at me. They have a window to the outside world. I peeked into their space and they had luxurious digs.











This cat ran down her front porch steps to greet me. I didn't think I'd get a picture, because she wouldn't stop pacing in front of my feet. Finally she stopped for a few seconds. Such a beauty.





The Gideon pedestrian bridge looked festive today.

Walked 2.98 Miles - Maitripia College

I knew that the Dalai Lama would be speaking at the Maitripia College which is slightly over a mile from my house. I knew that I should walk there on my walk. I'd kick myself if I didn't check it out. I started walking just after 8am. That's pretty early for me (I like to sleep in a little later on my day off), but I was up and decided to get a jump on the day. The weather was perfect this early. Not too hot and there was a slight breeze. Really nice.

I checked on the construction at 12th and Division. As I standing there, I saw a bald eagle circling the area and he landed on the cell tower (he is the black dot on the left in the middle). Pretty amazing.





This is what I saw when I got to Maitripia College. There were probably about 200 people hanging out. The group inside (on the screen) were chanting and I liked hearing that. Did you see the secret service dude on the roof? There were about 4 on the roof and several others walking around the perimeter.





There was a stage set up behind the big screen. Many people were gathering around the fenced stage. It was just before 9am, so I was hoping that there was a chance the Dalai Lama would make an appearance outside before the official program started at 9am. I figured that if he was going to come out, I should switch to my regular iphone camera. Sadly, he didn't come outside. Just after 9am, we heard the Dalai Lama on the big screen and the program started. Most folks moved over to watch him on the screen.





I stayed about an hour listening to the Dalai Lama. The whole group gathered was very friendly and nice. There were many monks in the group and it was fun to people watch. 











This secret service dude rocked my world. 





I walked through Ladd's Addition on the way home. I love the tree lined streets. It's so peaceful here.





The debate about fluoride in our water continues to rage. I'm so hopeful that we will be able to vote this down. I do not feel that it's the right decision to add fluoride to our water for 3 very simple reasons. 1. Water is life and a healing source. Even if fluoride was a miracle cure (and it's not), it shouldn't be put in our water. 2. Medicating the population without their consent is unethical. People in the surrounding areas will be affected by this and they don't even get to vote. 3. The gain does not outweigh the risks. Fluoride added topically is way more affective to oral health than putting it in the water. As you can see, I feel pretty strongly about this issue. I hope people will vote and will decide that this is not the right decision for Portland. 








There was nobody at the skate park (this never happens) today, so I got to poke around and explore this area a bit. I love all of these skateboard pictures. 

Photo Friday - Little Things

I've been seeing so many of helicopters flying about the last few days and thought they would be the perfect subject for little things. I found these guys on today's walk. 1907 is a pretty early sidewalk for Portland. 

Walked 4.32 Miles - Ladd's Addition

Another beautiful day for walking. It was only about 70 degrees, but it felt down right hot to me. I headed to Ladd's Addition to find some shade. 

Ok, I know this is hard to see, but there is now curb and a single paved lane in the background of this picture. 17th avenue is in the foreground. The new road in the background is brand new due to the Max construction. It's amazing how different 17th ave will be once this project is different.





There have been many changes in the short time I was on vacation. It was fun to walk around the construction area to see what's new.





Soon Powell will be shut down for an entire weekend to finish demolition to the North side (pictured) of the old retaining wall. 





My standard view of the construction from the Gideon pedestrian bridge. 








All of the black dots are bees. These columns were swarming with them. I didn't want to get too much closer, but I did stop and watch them for a few moments. 





Lilacs are blooming! 





I spent most of my walk in alleys. I saw this paint brush in the distance. I thought it was completely random.





Then I saw this to the left of the paint bush. Art in an alley.

















I try not to mess with the pictures I take on my walks. Let's face it, it's hard enough for me to find the time to blog; I don't want to worry about editing pictures too. But I cropped this one and the next one because the squirrels are just too cute and I wanted you to see them as I saw them when I was taking their pictures. 








More Max construction. This is at Powell east of the train tracks. I'm really excited for the new pedestrian walkways to be created. They are supposed to be much safer than the previous versions with switchbacks.

Walked 3.67 Miles - Ladd's Addition

It was hard to know what to wear on my walk today. The skies were blue in one part and super dark in another. I wore a hat, sunglasses, and a jacket and didn't need any of the three. With all of the nice weather we've had lately, I think I'm getting a little soft. I need to remember that it's April and no longer jacket weather.

I checked on the MAX construction. It's great to see cement walls. I'm getting more comfortable taking pictures of the construction. I even had a worker dude wave to me. Fun!





Here's a pano of the construction area. This is looking north on Powell.








I checked out the latest building that was demolished. It's at 12th and Gideon and there used to be a sandwich shop and a few other businesses here. Soon there will be a MAX stop very close to this spot. By chance, a train was just passing by.





Here is a view from the Gideon pedestrian bridge. This is looking south. I was standing close to the white car in the upper right hand corner when I took the pano shot.








I wonder what these slices of tree will be used for.





The wooden plaque over the door says: "I am" Sanctuary. 





This was not the best walk. I had some decent pain in both legs. Walking felt really hard. I was slow and decided to head home sooner than I would on a Friday (my day off). Still I got over three and a half miles in which I feel is a success.

Onions growing in the alley.














The dark clouds were quickly rolling in when I was headed home. It was beautiful to watch.

Walked 3.93 Miles - Ladd's Addition

Today I walked to rent a movie at a nearby Redbox. We wanted to see the newest Bond movie Skyfall. I had 4 Redboxes to choose from and I decided to walk through Ladd's Addition to the 7-11 at 20th and Hawthorne. It was such a warm day and I wore shorts for the first time. 

This is a squirrel paradise. Besides this basket of sunflower seeds, there was also an apple for them to gnaw on.








I got to the 7-11 and my card wouldn't work in the machine. Hmm. I had just used the card the other day, so I knew it was fine. I asked the 7-11 dude and he said that the machine had been stuck for most of the day. So I headed to Safeway at 30th and Hawthorne and the next Redbox. 





That box didn't have Skyfall. So I headed home. I was grateful for the added blocks, because I walked passed the Sisters of Reparation house. I've only driven past it a couple of times and I always forget that it's there. It was great to walk by and take a few seconds to really look at this interesting place. 





Then I walked by a house with several Buddhas in the yard. 





And then I walked passed this house with a 15 foot tall pagan statute. I love Portland.

In the end, I did finally rent Skyfall. I drove to the other two Redboxes that were about two mile on other side of my house and they were both out. Finally I drove back to the 7-11 on Hawthorne. My card worked and I got my movie. 

Walked 4.02 Miles - Ladd's Addition

Another beautiful day in Portland. This is my backyard. The clouds were just amazing. It was warm enough to walk in short sleeves. I headed to Ladd's Addition to find some shade. I'm sad that the cold crisp sunny days seem to be ending. 

Occupy literature is popping up everywhere in Brooklyn. I wonder if this is happening in other parts of the city. 








There was a house here just a few days ago. I'm curious what the new house will look like.








It's weird to see this building which was always hidden by the building that used to stand in the foreground. The landscape is constantly changing. 











Things seem to be wrapping up in this spot for now. The big hole is gone! And look at those clouds. Just amazing.














A few weeks ago I wouldn't have known what this means. Now that I've been to a Timbers game (and loved every minute of it), I know this stands for Portland Timbers Football Club. I can't wait to go to another game.














I almost didn't notice these tiny mushrooms. Looking straight down at them, they looked like pebbles. 





The whole neighborhood smelled of Daphne.








Night construction is starting on the 17th Ave overpass. This is one last look on the sketchy walkway along Powell that goes under the train tracks. I never walked here. Lots of homeless folks hang out here and with the switchbacks, you couldn't know what you'd walk into. The new path will not have switchbacks and will be well lit. 





Detours are everywhere. The new overpass will be open this fall. I can't wait. 

Walked 4.4 Miles - SE Art Walk

The SE Art Walk is one of my favorite events. Now in its 10th year, this self guided tour of artists' studios, taking place the first weekend in March, has more than 80 artists participating. This is the first year that Greg and I have walked the event. In years past, we'd drive to an area and walk from there. The art walk has grown so much and now there are enough folks participating close to home that we decided to walk. The map of the event is much larger than this section, but this is the area we walked. I'm dork and filled our route in with a dashed line. We ended up seeing 46 artists in all.

The day started off with street art. I found a new face that I hadn't seen before. There are now at least 3 faces here at the corner of Poawell and Milwaukie. I was bummed to see the very cool face at Oaks Bottom has been removed. 





Our first stop was at the very cool Ford Building. We got muffins at Ford Food + Drink, and then checked out the three artists located in the building.














I even  made a page. "I'm too fly not to fly" is one of my favorite lines by Saul Williams.

The signs and green balloons were so helpful. Artists were in stores, coffee shops, their own studios and houses or hosted in homes by friends. The boundary of the Art Walk is from 9th to 39th Ave from Hawthorne to Divison. I love walking in this area.





Yesterday was cloudy and kind of stormy. We were so lucky to have practically perfect weather for our walk.





I really like this fiber installation. So intricate. We saw so many different mediums along the walk. 





One of the best things about the Art Walk is you get to go into some really cool houses. This house built in 1928 was placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the Interior National Park Service. 





A few churches were also involved and could house several artists. It felt like a craft fair at this church.

















This totally caught my eye. The picture on the pole is a picture of the video mural in the background. I love a picture within a picture. 





I couldn't believe it when I found another outside of St. Jack's at 21st and Clinton. Such a brilliant idea. I wish I would have thought of it first.





Art is everywhere.





We stopped for lunch at Gordito's and topped off the day with a cider from Apex. I couldn't have asked for a better day. I ended up buying a few things. I love this print of downtown Portland from the Oaks Bottom Bluff. It's one of my very favorite vistas. We refer to Portland as Oz when we see it from here. Now I need to figure out where to hang it. 

Walked 3.72 Miles - Ladd's Addition

 

 

On this walk, I headed to Ladd's Addtion. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Winter Daphne is starting to bloom. One of the best smells ever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I tried really hard to get a picture of this plastic rat with the cat sitting next to it. The cat was too friendly to cooperate. 

 

 

 

 

Another Little Free Library. I always shake my fists when I see Infinite Jest. I read the entire thing (over 1000 pages) and just didn't get it. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love the green doors on this church.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Omakase at Boxer Sushi is really just a wonderful thing. I highly recommend it. At 20th and Hawthorne, it's a great addition to the neighborhood. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A three hour tour, a three hour tour. I couldn't get that out of my head after seeing this toy boat.

 

 

 

 

A very good year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was painted in many places long an alley. I don't know if it's suppose to mean anything.

 

 

 

 

I was sad to see this piece that I've taken pictures of before was destroyed. I'm so curious about the story behind this.

 

 

Walked 3.33 Miles - Ladd's Addition

Today was blustery. While it rained most of my walk, it was so light that a true Portlander wouldn't call it rain. I enjoyed the wind and it really wasn't that cold. I headed to Ladd's Addition and had a very nice walk.

I wanted to see if this very large building was completely gone. Nope, there is about a half of a block to go. It's been so amazing to see this building disappear bit by bit.








May peace prevail on Earth





I'm pretty much in love with this picture.





I tweaked this picture quite a bit, so you'd be able to see this squirrel. I knew when I was taking it that the squirrel was horribly back lit, but he was just so cute that I didn't care. He would run away and then come back. He did this a couple of times until he finally leaned out on his feeder to see me better. We stared at each other for a while until I decided to head on my way.





Color is so rare this time of year. Such a treat.











This is so Portland! This is a brand new supply store for bee keepers...that has applied for a liquor license. Rad. I will be definitely checking back once they've gotten their license.











I  just finished reading Wild by Cheryl Strayed. Cheryl walked 1100 miles along the Pacific Crest Trail. Amazing. I've thought a lot about this book on my walks. My mom-in-law is currently preparing for her own long distrance trek. I'm so inspired by this concept. I don't know if it's for me, but who knows? I'm definitely not ruling it out. 

Walked 3.65 Miles to Ladd's Addition

It was nice to walk the day after Christmas. I had a great holiday filled with family and good food. I had so much fun, but it's nice to have the holiday over and to slowly return to real life. It was cold and a bit misty out, but really quite lovely for walking.

I can't get enough of moss. It's everywhere and just beautiful. I love having so much green in the month of December. It definitely brightens the gray days of winter.








I hadn't checked out the poetry at my neighbors house for quite some time. Emily Dickinson is a favorite of mine.





I checked on the MAX construction on my way to Ladd's Addition. Last week, we drove past the new MAX tracks in SW Portland. This project is really starting to happen. It's so exciting.





Here is a view of the construction from the Gideon pedestrian bridge.





I don't think folks will be able to skate for some time. There is so much water in this bowl.























I've walked by this church many times. Today, I got on the grounds and explored a bit more. It's such a beautiful building.





As I was taking pictures of the columns, I noticed two dimes stuck into a hole in the wall. I left them there for the next person to find.

Walked 3.60 Miles to Ladd's Addition

Today I headed over to Ladd's Addition. I had no planned route and I spent about half of the time walking in alleys. I was surprised by how quickly it was getting dark. This really hindered my pictures since there wasn't enough light in some cases for the phone to properly focus. I'm so lucky that I'm off work early enough to get any daylight at all.

Decorations are definitely out now. I love seeing how creative folks are.








I love finding windows in alleys.

















I wonder what the story behind this shoe is all about.





This house had jack o' lanterns at Halloween. 








I was so happy to see that I didn't get stuck behind this train. Night was definitely falling and it was getting pretty darn cold out.

Walked 3.32 Miles - Around Ladd's Addition

The last many days have been very busy due to Thanksgiving. Greg headed to the airport to pick up his mom and I used that time to get out and walk. I skirted around Ladd's Addition choosing my route by picking sidewalks without many leaves. Most leaves are cleared away, but the ones that are left are all kinds of slippery. 

All of the squirrels are fattening up for winter. This little guy was right at eye level and just as adorable as can be.





This is one of the prettiest garden sheds that I've come across. The chandelier makes it extra fancy.








I walked around the grounds of Abernathy elementary school. There are some really great things here.











This cat took me by surprise. He was so still that I didn't notice him until I had almost passed him by. Even when I circled back to take his picture, he didn't move.

 

Walked 3.85 Miles - Ladd's Addition

We got a break from the heavy rains and I took the opportunity to walk over to Ladd's Addition. I wanted to try and find a street lined with fall color leaves. I was amazed at how many people were out and about today. It's common to see people on my walks, but today it felt like Ladd's Addition was packed with people. Like me, I think folks realized that when the sun is out and the weather is this perfect and we should soak up as much of it as possible. This was really a great walk. I changed shoes to my blue sneakers and didn't have much issues with my legs. It's the best walk I've had in quite some time.

 

 

It's been awhile since I took a pic from this location. I spent some time looking through past posts and it was so interesting to see pictures from this spot from last year. I'm so glad I keep taking these construction photos. It will be great to see the progress long after I've forgotten all about it and the new Max is the norm.

 

 

Tempting Free Box. I almost snatched up Zoolander.

 

 

Do not fear mistakes. There are none. - Miles Davis. I wasn't familiar with this quote, but boy is a good one. I think it's especially poignant on this very large tree stump.

 

 

There were 4 squirrels here eatting the corncobs someone had tacked up to a tree. Even with so many people out, there were a ton of squirrels on my walk.

 

 

 

 

Arty self portrait. This spinner wouldn't stop spinning. I'm surprised I was able to catch myself at all.

 

 

I'm pretty sure my family had these lawn chairs on the 80's. 

 

 

I know I've been on a cat kick lately. I hung out with a few friendly cats on this walk. One followed me all down an alley. He was next to me as I spied this cat with a bow tie. Too good to pass up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

After I took this picture, I was walking past the white house on the right when a man on the porch started talking to me. I turned off my headphones and asked what he had said. He told me that the large sculpture on the right was for sale and did I want to buy it. I told him it was very cool, but I wouldn't be buying it today.

 

 

 

 

I found this yarn bombing first at the big turn around at the very heart of Ladd's Addition. Later one, I found the yarn bombing in the top picture in the East rose garden. I looked for more in the South and West rose gardens, but unfortunately, I didn't see any more.

 

 

Bunnies! This is my first bunny spotting. The guys were chilling in the yard right at the sidewalk. 

 

 

Shuffleboard! Another first. 

 

 

The decorations are in full swing now. I'm amazed at how intense some of the yards were in all of their gory decorations. I kept looking for a hand coming out of the cubby hole of the huge trees that line the street. I think that would be especially spooky.

 

 

 

 

This building next to the Gideon pedestrian bridge has the tell tale signs that it will be gone soon.