Dear Liza,
We went downtown yesterday for another physical therapy session for Grandpa Nelson. He is doing better with the exercises but still needs work, (like we all do.)
After 45 minutes of workout, we wanted some scenery, so we bundled up and headed out.
Walking around Portland is always a revelation. Look at this whimsical, brand- new mosaic applied to the side of a parking garage, of all places. It makes an otherwise boring brick wall something to notice and smile at.
More amazing details were on the next corner. The Scottish Rite Masonic Temple at the corner of Broadway and SW 15th was built in 1902. It is used for Masonic meetings and such (it is a sort-of secret society, so who knows?) . It also rents out rooms for offices.
And look at these lovely details! These naked ladies and deer running along look like the decorations put on fine Wedgewood China dishes.
Still further along, we found this, one of my favorite views in downtown Portland. Here you see a twenty story apartment building, built in the last five years or so, standing just behind the carriage house of Elliot Ladd’s old estate, built in 1883. Even though the newer building is a more efficient use of the property, I think I like the older one better. It’s kept in good condition because it was used for a fancy restaurant for years, and just recently closed.
And that’s what we saw yesterday.
Love,
Grandma Judy
Dear Liza 