Father’s Day

Dear Liza,

In the days before Father’s Day, I focused on my Dad, who is long gone. But I got to spend the actual day with two of my favorite dads… Grandpa Nelson and your Daddy David.

First, Grandpa Nelson and I went for a walk. Neither one of us was feeling great, so we planned a slow stroll through the Laurelhurst neighborhood. There are always lovely gardens to see, and the hilly streets make every turn a surprising view.

The houses in this area were built between the 1920s to the 1930s, and have the feeling of ancient mansions. Tiny stone staircases wind through steep yards and hundred year old trees stand proudly.

While we were walking, Auntie Katie texted Grandpa Nelson to say Happy Father’s Day, and we decided to meet up at Colonel Summers Park. It was a longer walk than we had planned, but, as usual, I felt better once I got moving.

At the park we saw folks visiting (from safe distances), walking their dogs, and working in the community garden. Auntie Katie ran over (literally, she was on a run) and I realized I was hungry, so we walked to an old favorite, the Rocking Frog. Their back patio is perfect for non-crowded visiting. We took some Quarantine hair portraits! Katie gets her curly hair from Grandpa Nelson, so they kind of look alike, like Mad Scientists.

After we finished our visit, Katie continued her run and we walked the mile back up the hill to get home. I painted and rested for a while, then your Daddy David called and we had a nice visit over Duo. It was good to see you and hear that your family is planning to visit us here in Portland, once things open up a bit more.

And when all the visiting was over, Grandpa Nelson, Auntie Bridgett and I took our supper of cheese and goodies out onto the balcony and enjoyed the fine summer evening.

Love,

Grandma Judy