The Streetcars

Realizing that I have not mentioned the streetcars in Portland, I attempted to photograph a couple today, while driving.  By this blank page, you may surmise I was not successful.  What I wanted you to see is how “Vienna”, old-world-movie these ‘people movers’ make the city streets look.  The streetcars, hooked together, glide on their tracks, rather close to the ground, with big windows and people looking out at the cars.  They go around corners, in front of the waiting cars, along side of the cars and each and every time, it looks like a pre-world war-II movie set in the making.  I realize that I don’t think it quite fits the cityscape.  The buses fit the city view, the train whistles in the air heard anywhere downtown, fit, but these European-type streetcars seem a bit surreal.  And on the main streets on which they travel, traffic signs are most confusing. 5th Avenue is one way, but the place lane for the car is on the left hand side of the street.  There is so much signage to keep the traffic out of the way of the streetcars that to this day I don’t know what the indicators actually mean, and if there had not been cars ahead to follow, might have very well tried to drive on the far right, which I now believe is the bus lane.

Livin’ on the Edge

Steve said “I only have enough firewood for our stoves, for one year”. ‘Wow, really livin’ on the edge!’ I replied.  This exchange took place on a superbly rainy Monday at the Baily Farm.  Carol, Richard, Steve, Dottie and I spent an entire morning, into the afternoon, catching up on a few decades of history.  What a delightful event that was.  And about his firewood, I don’t know what he considers a “year’s worth”, but a guy with a pickup could make a good living, reselling what he had stacked there.

Trinity Episcopal Cathedral

Have wanted to attend a service at this church since childhood.  And today, finally fulfilled that wish.  Now being an Episcopalian, I know all the words from the Book of Common Prayers.  It was a beautiful, song-filled, welcoming service.  A perfect last Sunday!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity_Episcopal_Cathedral_(Portland,_Oregon)

Eye Department

921 SW 16th Avenue.  Popped in unannounced to them this morning with a pair of favorite glasses that had lost the arm.  Within a few minutes the screw was replaced and I was on my way, with a smile and no charge.  Most unexpected and most gracious.  If you are in need of eyewear, give them a visit.  Eye Department is the company name.

 

PIFF

Portland International Film Festival.  “miss casewell” – robin from the cast was ushering, but I purchased tickets.  Last night viewed ‘Tim’s Vermeer’.  A must see.  It is already playing in theaters in the City, and I saw that it is going to be in the Cinema 21 beginning March 7th.  Tonight I went to see “Of Men and Horses”.  An Icelandic submission.  If you have ever been to Iceland you will love the horse and the scenery and the way of life that the film depicts.  It had some weird moments in which I have no idea what the film maker was trying to convey, ie a Spanish speaking ‘kid’ on a bicycle… as I said, some weird moments.  There was a film on the Rijksmuseum that was cancelled before being shown. Don’t know what that was about!  There was a goodly list of submissions that, had it not been for the snow and the play would have been worth the trouble to attend.

Finale

A roaring crowd, a fun cast, and nephews Jessie, Anthony and Dad Mark in the crowd of the last show.  Thank you for taking time away from your busy schedules to join the mayhem.   A delight to have you there.