Next week (Saturday, June 30th), from 10 AM to 5 PM, there's an event combining 2 of my most favorite things for summertime:
Lavender and BBQ
What event we're talking about?
Why...It's the Oregon Lavender Festival, ladies and gentlemen!
Visit the website for the Oregon Lavender Farm at http://libertynatural.com/olf/ for more information. So far, what we know is that there will be at least 2 music acts, lavender products galore, Smokin' Rose Barbecue company will be serving fresh corn, ribs, BBQ sandwiches and sausages.
So, come hungry and load up on fresh cut lavender and lavender products!
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Friday, June 15, 2007
Happy Birthday My Love
Christopher is 2 today! Finally! I'm tired of saying, "Well, he's ALMOST 2, but not quite..."
He's born around 3:46 PM at St Vincent Hospital 2 years ago.
He was 8.9 lbs (quite a big baby), and 21 inches high.
He refused to pop out for 2 weeks! Yes. This baby was overdue for 2 weeks, and I endured 15 hours of labor (thanks alot, son).
He'll be receiving some goodies and of course, the obligatory sweet: THE CHOCOLATE BIRTHDAY CAKE. Or maybe Cheesecake? We'll see.
Happy birthday dear Son. We love you!
Mommy
He's born around 3:46 PM at St Vincent Hospital 2 years ago.
He was 8.9 lbs (quite a big baby), and 21 inches high.
He refused to pop out for 2 weeks! Yes. This baby was overdue for 2 weeks, and I endured 15 hours of labor (thanks alot, son).
He'll be receiving some goodies and of course, the obligatory sweet: THE CHOCOLATE BIRTHDAY CAKE. Or maybe Cheesecake? We'll see.
Happy birthday dear Son. We love you!
Mommy
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
I'm Sad
I just learned that yesterday a boy I know just did something unthinkable.
I know this boy since he's 12, he's a troubled boy, his past riddled with pain and darkness. But he's always such a good boy around me and Dee. His dad is also the nicest guy, he adopted this boy although many have told him that this boy was a lost cause.
I never thought of J as a lost cause, we tried our hardest to encourage him but I'm sad because he' proving me wrong. The past 2 years I've not spoken to or seen him because he has been living on the streets, hooked on heroin.
On Monday evening J stabbed his dad and now he's wanted by the authority. The wounds, they reported on the news, are life-threatening. I talked to the secretary of our church and she told me that the authority wouldn't let them know where J's dad is, but only that he's progressing. He's still in critical condition.
I'm hoping that they catch J safely. I hate that J has the "armed and dangerous" mark on him knowing how trigger-happy cops in Portland are. I hope J doesn't do anything stupid. I just want him apprehended safely and maybe even get some help that he really really needs.
I hope that J's dad will be all better so that I can finally go visit. Michael told me to do so anyway after the cops let us know which hospital he's in...
I know this boy since he's 12, he's a troubled boy, his past riddled with pain and darkness. But he's always such a good boy around me and Dee. His dad is also the nicest guy, he adopted this boy although many have told him that this boy was a lost cause.
I never thought of J as a lost cause, we tried our hardest to encourage him but I'm sad because he' proving me wrong. The past 2 years I've not spoken to or seen him because he has been living on the streets, hooked on heroin.
On Monday evening J stabbed his dad and now he's wanted by the authority. The wounds, they reported on the news, are life-threatening. I talked to the secretary of our church and she told me that the authority wouldn't let them know where J's dad is, but only that he's progressing. He's still in critical condition.
I'm hoping that they catch J safely. I hate that J has the "armed and dangerous" mark on him knowing how trigger-happy cops in Portland are. I hope J doesn't do anything stupid. I just want him apprehended safely and maybe even get some help that he really really needs.
I hope that J's dad will be all better so that I can finally go visit. Michael told me to do so anyway after the cops let us know which hospital he's in...
Monday, June 4, 2007
Happy Cheese Day
Oh Thy Glorious Cheese...
Since today is National Cheese Day, let me share these cheese serving techniques that I've learned:
Since today is National Cheese Day, let me share these cheese serving techniques that I've learned:
- Cheese should be refrigerated in the original wrapping until ready to use. Keep it in an area where it will be less likely to pick up the other odors/flavors floating around in the fridge.
- Once unwrapped, wrap hard or semi-soft cheese in wax paper (it's better than plastic) and if possible store in a sealed plastic container. Use a fresh piece of wax paper each time. Soft-cheeses do not need the wax paper and should be kept in a sealed container.
- Consider double wrapping potent (aka stinky) cheeses so that their odors do not escape.
- Remove cheese from fridge an hour before serving, so that it can be up to room temperature. Only remove what you're planning on eating.
- If you're going to eat it in a day or two, the cheese can be left out at room temperature.
- If mold develops on hard or semi-soft cheeses (such as cheddar and swiss), it's okay to cut it off. To be safe, cut a half inch of cheese off on all sides with visible mold. If it shows up on soft cheeses (such as brie), then say good bye and toss it out.
- Speaking of mold, keep blue cheeses away from other foods and definitely in separate containers. The spores in the blue cheese can migrate to other foods.
- Don't freeze your cheese. A lot of people say you can, but if you do, use the cheese for cooking only. The flavor and texture are definitely diminished after freezing.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
We've Got Haunted Stuff Here in Portland!
Indeed.
Welcome to our Unique Travel Destination Segments!
Well, after Jersey, and Hawaii, why not return back to my hometown, Portland?
Today we'll be talking about the INFAMOUS Haunted Shanghai Tunnel TOUR!
Background of this tour:
These are educational tours of the infamous "Portland Underground" that focuses on the shanghai trade in the City of Portland that survived from 1850-1941, as well as "white slavery", prohibition, and even the turn-of-the-century history of the Industrial Workers of the World (I.W.W.) labor movement in the Northwest. In addition, the early history of the Chinese is covered, along with the Japanese and the Gypsies. These tours are operated by the Cascade Geographic Society (CGS) and provide a unique glimpse back into the hidden (or buried) past of the "City of Roses". The "Shanghaiing Trade" began in Portland in 1850 and steadily grew to make the "City of Roses" the most infamous port in the world by 1870. This shocking abuse where men were kidnapped, taken through secret tunnels that ran beneath the city, and then sold to sea captains where they were forced to work for free the remainder of the voyage, was a notoriety that this seemingly quaint Victorian Village along the Willamette River would never be able to forget, even to this very day. Unfortunately, this practice continued until 1941, when World War II began.
For the 91 years that "Shanghaiing" existed in Portland, reports of "ghosts" or "forlorn spirits" surfaced from the "Portland Underground". Some believe that these are "lost souls" who died during the course of being "Shanghaied", either being knocked on the head too hard, given too heavy of a dose of "knock-out" drops, or suffocated to death in the small holding cells where the victims were held before being taken through the tunnels.
The tour takes approximately an hour and a half, and participants are with a guide at all times. The tour-goers receive an above-ground orientation, and then the guide will lead participants into the "Portland Underground", where they will receive the majority of the historical and oral history about this infamous maritime practice that gave Portland a notorious reputation throughout the world. Tour participants must be able to handle stairs that lead to and from this hidden world. In addition, there will be dust, dirt, musty smells, and anything else that would be associated with this type of environment, so if you need a dust mask, please bring one. Also, at each station people will be required to stand for at least 15 minutes at a time in order to receive the necessary information. Also, the "Portland Underground" is constantly in transition as more and more sections are opened or restored, which is why some people have taken this tour several times.
Cost: $16/aduts, $11 children under 12!
So how do we get to this tour?
Welcome to our Unique Travel Destination Segments!
Well, after Jersey, and Hawaii, why not return back to my hometown, Portland?
Today we'll be talking about the INFAMOUS Haunted Shanghai Tunnel TOUR!
Background of this tour:
These are educational tours of the infamous "Portland Underground" that focuses on the shanghai trade in the City of Portland that survived from 1850-1941, as well as "white slavery", prohibition, and even the turn-of-the-century history of the Industrial Workers of the World (I.W.W.) labor movement in the Northwest. In addition, the early history of the Chinese is covered, along with the Japanese and the Gypsies. These tours are operated by the Cascade Geographic Society (CGS) and provide a unique glimpse back into the hidden (or buried) past of the "City of Roses". The "Shanghaiing Trade" began in Portland in 1850 and steadily grew to make the "City of Roses" the most infamous port in the world by 1870. This shocking abuse where men were kidnapped, taken through secret tunnels that ran beneath the city, and then sold to sea captains where they were forced to work for free the remainder of the voyage, was a notoriety that this seemingly quaint Victorian Village along the Willamette River would never be able to forget, even to this very day. Unfortunately, this practice continued until 1941, when World War II began.
For the 91 years that "Shanghaiing" existed in Portland, reports of "ghosts" or "forlorn spirits" surfaced from the "Portland Underground". Some believe that these are "lost souls" who died during the course of being "Shanghaied", either being knocked on the head too hard, given too heavy of a dose of "knock-out" drops, or suffocated to death in the small holding cells where the victims were held before being taken through the tunnels.
The tour takes approximately an hour and a half, and participants are with a guide at all times. The tour-goers receive an above-ground orientation, and then the guide will lead participants into the "Portland Underground", where they will receive the majority of the historical and oral history about this infamous maritime practice that gave Portland a notorious reputation throughout the world. Tour participants must be able to handle stairs that lead to and from this hidden world. In addition, there will be dust, dirt, musty smells, and anything else that would be associated with this type of environment, so if you need a dust mask, please bring one. Also, at each station people will be required to stand for at least 15 minutes at a time in order to receive the necessary information. Also, the "Portland Underground" is constantly in transition as more and more sections are opened or restored, which is why some people have taken this tour several times.
Cost: $16/aduts, $11 children under 12!
So how do we get to this tour?
Hobo's Restaurant, 120 N.W. Third Avenue, Portland, Oregon.
If you patronize the restaurant as a customer prior to your tour, let the waiter know and we will find you in the restaurant.
If you're not a restaurant customer, please meet ten minutes prior to your tour outside Hobo's on the sidewalk.
[DIRECTIONS: Located two and a half blocks north of West Burnside, between N.W. Couch & N.W. Davis Streets.]
The restaurant staff does not schedule or lead the tours; pre-arranged tours are available only through tour guides who can be contacted at 503-622-4798.
Good luck and don't get shanghaiied!
If you patronize the restaurant as a customer prior to your tour, let the waiter know and we will find you in the restaurant.
If you're not a restaurant customer, please meet ten minutes prior to your tour outside Hobo's on the sidewalk.
[DIRECTIONS: Located two and a half blocks north of West Burnside, between N.W. Couch & N.W. Davis Streets.]
The restaurant staff does not schedule or lead the tours; pre-arranged tours are available only through tour guides who can be contacted at 503-622-4798.
Good luck and don't get shanghaiied!
Friday, June 1, 2007
Unique Travel Destination II: Jersey City, New Jersey!
You've heard of Newark, the biggest city in New Jersey, Jersey Shore (summer PARTY destination), or even going to Atlantic City (fun poker and slot machines). But Jersey City? Trailing after Newark, Jersey City is the second largest city in NJ. It lies on the west bank of the Hudson River across from Lower Manhattan in New York City, and is part of the New York metropolitan area. Jersey City has benefited from its location near the island of Manhattan, as many of its companies are extensions of businesses headquartered there. Recent developments have included increased housing and shopping areas; some parts of the city.
Why do you want to visit Jersey City? Maybe you'd like to see the scenery, visit the culturally diverse neighborhood restaurants (it is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in the country), immerse yourself in shopping, and so on and so forth. They all say that it's a totally different "world" over there (Have you watched "I'm a Jersey Girl" True Life segment on MTV? If you have, then, you know what I'm talking about).
Maybe you'd like to try something different. Make a trip to remember. If you'd like to know more about this lovely, unique travel destination, by all means check out this cool, helpful website:
http://www.destinationjerseycity.com/
I know some people pride themselves as spontaneous travelers, especially when you're visiting another city in your own country, but believe me, it's ALWAYS good to be prepared (hey, you want things to go as smoothly, and fit in your budget as much as possible--travel can be stressful instead of fun without preparation). And if you're a local there, isn't it kind of cool to check out this website and to find new cool stuffs to discover about your city?
http://www.destinationjerseycity.com/ provides list of fun things to do, where to go, an online "note book" on your planned trip (so you know what to do, what to expect, and etc), online map, transportation information, etc. Simply put: The whole Hoopla. Plus, it's FREE. Nope. Can't beat that price. :)
So what are you waiting for? Put Jersey City in your list of unique travel destination for this summer or next one (if you've plans for this summer already)! And don't forget to prepare your travel at: http://www.destinationjerseycity.com/
Have a FUN FUN summer!!!
Love,
Tracy
Why do you want to visit Jersey City? Maybe you'd like to see the scenery, visit the culturally diverse neighborhood restaurants (it is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in the country), immerse yourself in shopping, and so on and so forth. They all say that it's a totally different "world" over there (Have you watched "I'm a Jersey Girl" True Life segment on MTV? If you have, then, you know what I'm talking about).
Maybe you'd like to try something different. Make a trip to remember. If you'd like to know more about this lovely, unique travel destination, by all means check out this cool, helpful website:
http://www.destinationjerseycity.com/
I know some people pride themselves as spontaneous travelers, especially when you're visiting another city in your own country, but believe me, it's ALWAYS good to be prepared (hey, you want things to go as smoothly, and fit in your budget as much as possible--travel can be stressful instead of fun without preparation). And if you're a local there, isn't it kind of cool to check out this website and to find new cool stuffs to discover about your city?
http://www.destinationjerseycity.com/ provides list of fun things to do, where to go, an online "note book" on your planned trip (so you know what to do, what to expect, and etc), online map, transportation information, etc. Simply put: The whole Hoopla. Plus, it's FREE. Nope. Can't beat that price. :)
So what are you waiting for? Put Jersey City in your list of unique travel destination for this summer or next one (if you've plans for this summer already)! And don't forget to prepare your travel at: http://www.destinationjerseycity.com/
Have a FUN FUN summer!!!
Love,
Tracy
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