Tag: Ladd’s Addition

The Joys of Proximity

Dear Liza,

When I lived just a few blocks from you, we had dinner every week and visited a lot. Now that I am in Portland, I see Auntie Katie more. Last week’s walk in the Fall drizzle ended up at her cozy apartment.

First, I had a piece of pumpkin pie. A slice of not too sweet pumpkin pie delicious-ness is the perfect thing for Second breakfast after a two mile walk.


Restored and refreshed by the pie, I had a visit with Sir Isaac Snooten, Kestrel’s hog-nosed snake. He has a new, larger enclosure and has gotten so big! He is a happy, social, snake boy.

And then, on to the goodies! I have decided to try (after years of feeling intimidated) a Crazy Quilt. You know, non-geometric piecing, lots of trims, and gobs of embroidery. Auntie Katie sweetly offered me her stash of fabrics, and we spent a happy time sifting through four drawers and a basket to find the right textures and colors. It was a real treasure hunt.

We put the chosen fabrics (along with a year’s supply of Publisher’s Weekly as collage fodder) into a sack, had an hug, and I headed back up the hill. I spent a happy hour combining Katie’s fabrics and mine to come up with the color pallet for my first-ever crazy quilt. (Don’t worry, that odd pink flower fabric is not part of the scheme… she just wandered in.)

So now, there are just hundreds of pieces to cut, sew, press, trim, embroider, and piece together. Wish me luck! I’ll keep you posted on my progress.

Love,

Grandma Judy

The Things You See in Portland

Dear Liza,

We moved to Portland, six years ago now, for many reasons. One of the main ones was the quirky, artsy, never-know-what’s-next culture.

For example, this delightful tie-dye inspired picnic table at the Short Box food court by Books with Pictures. Isn’t it pretty?

Up the road, these hard working city employees were laying down some new sidewalks to keep the kids heading to Abernethy Elementary next week nice and safe. I never knew road paint got sealed with a blow torch! It’s hot work on these August days.

At the South Rose garden in Ladd’s Addition, the roses are getting near the end of their season. I love how their whole life cycle can be seen in a small cluster of flowers. The intense pinks are newly bloomed; the paler ones, middle aged; and the white ones, ready to lose their petals. C’est la vie en rose, for sure.

Here’s a twist on the “Make Love, Not War” protests of my teenage years. This one seems to aimed at social media. Make Love, Not Content.

And, getting back to art, this newly painted plaque was installed high on a power pole. The artist, who goes by @mizchaos, has a way with color that I really like. They also use bits of glass for texture, like a made-up mosaic. Nice.

In case you are wondering, yes, I still love Portland!

Love,

Grandma Judy

Heading to Auntie Katie’s

Dear Liza,

Our weather has gotten so pretty! Almost 70 F, sunny, and just a tiny breeze. Today I got to appreciate it all as I walked down to Auntie Katie’s house.
I was there for difficult reasons, but the view was wonderful. The garden at Books with Pictures is looking good, and Nick, Kitty and the staff are keeping the shop open and running well.

There is a mighty strain of strep throat racing through Cousin Jasper’s Middle School. He caught it from his best friend’s sister, and gave it to Katie. Jasper is currently staying a few nights at Randall’s Children’s hospital getting treatment, and Auntie Katie is home on antibiotics. We hope for a good recovery for all.

I took chicken soup and made sure Katie had food and a clean kitchen to live with until she recovered. Then I got some lunch for myself from Tori’s Underbite food truck (roasted cauliflower soup, yummy!)

I headed home past the East Rose Garden of Ladd’s Addition. They are all looking good, at a uniform level of new-red- leafiness. Give them another few weeks and they will they explode with color.

The neighborhood between Ladd’s and Sunnyside is always so pretty, with the yards well-tended and explosions of color! This colorful rock garden just tumbles down the side yard of this old craftsman style house, with tall red tulips standing happily above.

Sending love to you and hope you all stay well!

Grandma Judy

Pup Tent Flowers and Gifts

Dear Liza,

One thing I love about going for long walks is that you never know what you’re going to learn.

Grandpa Nelson and I headed south the other day, and ”almost accidentally”stopped at Palio Bakery in Ladd’s Addition for snacks and coffee. While we were there, we texted Auntie Katie, who came by and shared our cake. We caught up on news, and then it was time for the Cousins to be coming home from school!

Down at Books with Pictures, I found something new. Amarette Gregor has opened up her new business, Pup Tent Flowers and Gifts, out of Auntie Katie’s garage!

I asked how this came about, and Amarette said that she just walked into Books with Pictures, introduced herself to Katie and said, “How would you like a flower shop?” And she did!

Amarette’s business is mostly pop-up and delivery, but she also has display space in the garage.

After hugs and a chat with Jasper and Kestrel, we walked through the Clinton neighborhood, passing the historic Clinton Theater, where they still show The Rocky Horror Picture Show every Saturday at Midnight.

As the weather is getting colder, these long walks will be on hold until Spring, but I sure love walking around town!

Love,

Grandma Judy