Clothing optional...

Today Eric, Luka, Matie, Leah, Josh, and I went to Sauvie Island again to spend an afternoon at the "beach". It was so crowded that we had to go to the second area of beach parking where clothing is optional. Naked people everywhere. It was me in Spain all over again. This picture of him is very cute... and soon afterwards I took his diaper off so we could fit in a little. Haha... I can't really understand why and how people are so comfortable walking around nude, but it's nice that Portland has a place for them.

Last Thursday

We love Last Thursday on Alberta Street. They close of the road from 15th and up, and it becomes a mix of performers, musicians, artists, craftsmen, activists, food vendors, etc. Everyone from the neighborhood comes out and walks around stopping in galleries and watching street performances. Luka found his beloved buckets (same bucket player from last weekend at the Saturday Market) and put on another show for the onlookers. Eric and I invited our friends over and grilled some kebabs and hotdogs. 

Troutdale

Beach Day on Sauvie Island

A room with a view

I think it's so funny to just look out our window, which Luka and I do often. This is such a crazy neighborhood... Right now Luka is standing at the window watching our neighbor across the street juggle swords. No joke. They must be getting ready for the 2009 Alberta Street Art Hop Festival. I'm supposed to be volunteering, but Eric won't be getting back in town in time. I have last years Art Hop on the blog, and I'll try to get out and take some pictures of this years.

Luka and the spoon

I'm letting Luka spoon feed himself now. It's a big mess, but he doesn't want me to feed him anymore. Practice will make perfect.

Pete the Paver

Luka is glued to our window. The block in front of us has been closed to be repaved ... He is having a blast watching the flashing trucks go back and forth, as well as watching the pavers in their bright green vests.

A Goose Egg

Rod, a man who sits behind me in German class, gave me a goose egg last night. He lives on a farm that has been in his family since 1914, about 25 miles south of Portland.  Apparently he has geese and they have laid eggs so he brought in a paper bag filled with them. These things are huge. So this morning I cracked it into a bowl so that Luka and I could try it... and I have to admit I was pretty apprehensive once I saw how thick the yolk is, I could barely stir it with a fork. I eat eggs and meat on a fairly regular basis, but I was getting kind of squirmish at the thought of eating it- all I could do was picture those big long necked birds that chased us around West Moreland park a couple of weeks ago. But the egg was already cracked, and it would be wrong to let it go to waste. So, we scrambled it and each eat a quarter of the omelet (with lots of toast). It was good, the yolk was really yellow and has a stronger "yolk" taste than chicken eggs. Luka liked it, too. I would definitely eat another.

Busy Bee

This week has been crazy for me. First, Eric is out of town again- he's back in Washington doing an install job. Secondly, I started TWO jobs this week. This is awful. The first job is a clothing store about 1 block away. It will be easy, and they are only scheduling me as needed (nights/weekends). Although this week I had to train Monday morning, and I agreed to go in at 3:30 today... so it's been a chore getting babysitters for Luka. Monday my friend Beth (and baby Syla) watched him, today Scott (and baby Mae) will be watching him. The second job is really awful. I'm working from home 10 hours a week "scheduling appointments for a financial wholesaler"- which is not even the case! I wish that was what I'm doing. Beth, who I just mentioned, got me the job because it's what she does. But, I got stuck with this guy who is essentially making me cold call brokers. I hate it. Cold calling is rude. I have to talk to the women who run this business and see if I can work with someone else who actually has already established relationships with his clients. This is not for me! But it's money, so I can't complain too much.