I had a week-end comprised of a great variety of experiences, from hiking at a state park to picking fresh veggies and fruits at the huge city farmers market to visiting Portland’s Children’s Museum with our 5 mo. old twin grand-babies to introduce them to more sensory doorways to enjoying a good dinner at our local Dullagan’s Restaurant and Pub. So how to choose one good time? A number of photos were taken in city center so that decided it. We haven’t meandered around downtown in a few months, since moving to the southwestern part of metro Portland. It was refreshing and invigorating–the sounds and smells, trashy spots amid changing architectural scenes, the great array of humanity. I just snapped away, so happy was I to be out and about.–I love our city! Enjoy a few of my views.
The Farmers’ Market has grown quite vast, so there is not excuse fro coming away without a satchel full of delicious fresh food. It sprawls between several Portland State University’s campus buildings in the park blocks, under the shelter of great trees. The scents,. the tastes, the lovely setting–it is one of Marc’s and my favorite places to spend a Saturday morning–and to choose lunch from various food stalls.
The last picture above and the one below show parts of Pioneer Square, nicknamed Portland’s “living room”. Pole come to hang hang out and eat, play chess, attend events that span the annual Christmas tree lighting to ethnic festivals to concerts to political rallies to summer outdoor movies.
Change is occurring at a rapid pace here, as people arrive in large numbers, looking for the Portland way of life and many job opportunities. It is an entrepreneurial city, as well, and many new businesses can succeed here. That is a good thing. But those of us who have been around decades or a lifetime feel the pinch as traffic worsens and housing becomes denser and very expensive. Homelessness is on the rise; more people means more social and lifestyle challenges. But you cannot stop change. We will always love the long tradition of invigorating, creative energy that fuels ongoing metamorphosis of our home city.
Tales for Life 
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