Tag: bussing in Portland

Portland Festival of Lights

February 14, 2026

Dear Liza,

Happy Valentine’s Day! But that’s not what this blog is about.

Last evening we three bundled up and bussed off to our drizzly Downtown and enjoyed a bright, warm celebration of Portland city life.

Even before we got to Pioneer Square, known as Portland’s Living Room, we could see things were going to be interesting.

Shimmering lights, crocheted tents, furious “fire swamp” explosions, and an electrified juggler made us forget the rain.

Hundreds of folks were out, enjoying the show and the community. A well-tended bonfire in a beautifully wrought fire-pit warmed chilly fingers and evoked a camping-in-the-woods vibe.

Furthering our adventure, we walked to Director’s Park and found warm coffee and sweet s’mores (By Marsh & Mallow, in their new location). A delicately carved, glowing Nautilus shell lit what is usually a wading fountain.

Refreshed with sugar and caffeine, we had one last stop : Portland’s World Trade Center. We heard it before we saw it. “Audible” was a deafening understatement!

There were artworks you could walk into, walk through, and just marvel at.

And as our own batteries were running low, we had a long, quiet look at the Willamette and then headed off to catch the bus back home.

Thanks, Portland! It was delightful.

Love,

Grandma Judy

Tom, Dot’s and la Fete de la Bastille

Dear Liza,

As I said before, Summer days are incredibly busy here in Portland.

This past Saturday we went all over town! First, I watered my growing veggies and pulled out the under-performing radishes. I will plant some carrots in that spot this week and hope for better things.

Then we rode our bikes down to the Clinton neighborhood for brunch with our dear friend Tom! He and I taught together for about 15 years at University Park, and in moving to Portland, I accidentally moved to his hometown. Though he lives mostly in New Mexico now, he still has a house here.

We met him at Dot’s, about two miles from our place. It is a neighborhood classic, but we have never been there. It was delightful! Bright outdoor seating, wacky 1960s indoor decor, friendly service and tasty food all made for a great time.

After we ate, we headed down to Auntie Katie’s Books with Pictures to show Tom the ’new’ shop. Tom has known Katie since she was five years old, and was happy to see her being so successful!

We talked, bought some books, and then all headed off in our own directions.

We had to get to Jameson Square in northwest Portland, where the Bastille Day celebration was on. It was smaller than the previous ‘Fete’ (French for Festival) in 2019. Like everything else, it is still coming back after being shuttered for two years due to Covid.

But the fountain was there, full of happy kids. The wine and Cognac were there, delicious and cold. Beautiful handmade clothes were offered by June, and hung in the shade, allowing us all to feel rich and pretty.

And the music was there, delightful French tunes sung to the accompaniment of an accordion. We sat and listened until the music ended, then caught the bus home.

The day ended with the Giants’ Mike Yastrzemski hitting a walk-off Grand Slam to beat the Brewers! Hooray! And then off to bed.

Love,

Grandma Judy