Homestead Portland-Beaverton

... with a large cold cup of milk for each of us. That made a lovely bedtime snack. The room was tiny, but cozy and warm. Kermie doesnt take too much extra space and we all slept really well. The next day, I had to be at the Red Lion Jantzen Beach for a Relay For Life training. EJ went to the movies with Emily and Jacob while I was busy. He picked me up that night and we came home.

A slight modification on the first noble truth.

As I prepare for my journey, an important shout out to this virtual world that the perfectionist in me will be letting go. On the path to my true Self I will be letting go of (hopefully) the noise pollution ...

... have been. We have hiked well over a hundred miles over Portland's streets and trails to be sure we can do it in Spain. But wait a minute! In Spain we have to hike everyday for two weeks, 12 or so miles a day. Hmmmm... Then the plans/hostals/albergues/hotels for the post-hike trip. Those have eaten up hundreds of hours on the computer, phone and even snail mail. Will our accomodations be perfect? Doubtful. But they have all been ...

The flights back to Albany were on United this time. I normally fly Delta but I had to take 2 different carriers to get the flight times I needed to fit this trip in. No hassles on either leg of the flights. And I got to sit up in first class again for both legs!! There really is no better way to fly!

... for birds there, and to an extent has been blocked off by scientist who deem it a risk to the wildlife. 5. The Beach. Don't come without a weatsuit. The Oregon Beach is very cold, but upon your visit there are other places to visit. Like the Oregon Coast Aquarium which once held Keiko from the movie "Free Willy." And yes, I did see Willy before he was transported, and I am very sad to hear that he died. Don't be limited either. Visit the sealion caves and see the ...

The next day we crossed to border into Oregon after the town of Yreka – lots of mountains, lakes & beautiful scenery. We drove through Oregon towns of Eugene & Salem & made our way to their home. So good to see them again!!!

Our 10 days in Portland was filled very quickly. Within a few days of our arrival an oppoprtunity to ...

Yes, the rooster cock-a-doodled us awake. The pig grunted, the sheep baa-ed, and the duck quacked. The other B&B guests were packing up and leaving. Two little girls, barely 60 pounds apiece, were doing jumping jacks to stay in shape, they said. Matt and I had breakfast at the picnic table, just outside our cabin door. Details later.

... decided to forget it and show them through QuickTime. It was a little complicated at first, but someone familiar with the Alt+TAB helped out and it went rather smoothly considering :) In any cases, it provided a good ice breaker: "I apologize for these slight technical difficulties, what about the marvels of technology, huh?" :) The good news though is that my paper won the best paper Award! :-D I wasn't really expecting it, everyone was so excellent :) Of course, they had ...

... a spot was the very toughest. But...there is still the possibility one or more of them will be offered a position in the "Supplemental Cast" which will join us in both Japan and Thailand. And if THAT doesn't happen...well...let's just say they are VERY resourceful people! I've attached some photos of the Expo site for perspective. I'm not sure how much info I'll have to share with you between now and July, but when something new happens rest assured ...

... not even be selected for the cast!!!! But there are several of my dearest loved ones who are also hoping to be selected and (fingers crossed) at least ONE of us will be going, so no matter what happens, Friday will be a day of celebration, though I'd be LYING BIG TIME if I didn't admit I'll be just a smidgin disappointed if I'm not selected. Stay tuned...and sayonara! Jenn