Portland winter – Dear Liza

Freezing, Frozen, and Friendly

Dear Liza,

Our city of Portland, Oregon is just not prepared for all this cold! We usually get a few inches of snow, then it warms up, melts away, and we are back to mud.

But not this week. We started with sleety rain, then snow, then more snow, then more sleet… and it just never melted. We are in our seventh day of below freezing temperatures and nasty ice. The walkway between our buildings was getting really dangerous.

So Thursday, Auntie Bridgett and Stacy across the way got themselves bundled up and went out and did something about it! Using snow shovels, regular shovels and even a small sledge hammer, they busted up the ice and shoveled a path most of the way around the building! Lisa, our manager, came out to check on them.

They were out in the freezing cold for more than an hour. I knew I would not be very useful out there, so I made them big cups of hot cocoa to restore their will to live (and finish shoveling). They got a lot done, and then some other neighbors came out to finish the job.

I was totally impressed.

And that afternoon, Grandpa Nelson seemed inspired by their efforts and went for his first outside walk since December 23rd! He used his good sturdy cane and I used the stick Great-grandpa Lowell got in Alaska years ago. We only went a quarter of a block, but it was wonderful to see him up and about.

We are predicted to have a “slow thaw” starting midday today. I’ll believe that when I see it!

Love,

Grandma Judy

Sushi and Christmas Cookies

Dear Liza,

Yesterday evening I walked over to Auntie Katie’s house. I carried all the ingredients for sugar cookies, thinking the butter would soften on the way. Wrong! It was 45 degrees, about the same temperature as my refrigerator.

Anyway, once I got there, we chatted and mixed the dough, then put it in the actual fridge to chill and be ready to roll. While it was chilling, we wrapped up and walked to Yama Sushi, at SE Clinton and 21st. It is a wide, bright space, decorated with sake barrels and whimsical bits of art and fabric.

We ate as much sushi, scallops, bacon-wrapped peppers and halibut collar as we could hold for $37! Such a deal, and a small glass of sake, as well.

When we got back to Katie’s house, the cookie dough was ready to roll. Katie has a wonderful collection of cookie cutters, some that belonged to your great-grandma Billie, that I remember using when I was a little girl. The dough was very cooperative and we rolled and cut quickly, baking as we went.

unfrosted .jpg — **Cookies (and future reading material)**

Then we decorated! I have only ever done this when I was a child or when I had a child….either too young or too distracted to do very carefully. It was fun to decide what I wanted a cookie to look like and make it happen.

What a fun evening!

Today is the first day of winter, called the Solstice. We woke up to a temperature of 30 degrees (that’s two below freezing!) and fog. I put on the regular coat and hat, with two scarves (one for my neck and another for my face) and walked out for a bit.

winter solstice fog.jpg

As they say, there is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing. I was grateful for the second scarf.

See you soon!

Love, Grandma Judy

Zoo Lights

Dear Liza,

It is still very sunny here. Mouse enjoys sitting in the south facing glass and screen door, feeling the sun and watching the bird and dog action. Fortunately, the door keeps the cold out. The low has been 32 degrees, (freezing, actually freezing) and the high temperature only 44.

Kes at BwP.jpg — **Cousin Kestrel reading**

Last night Grandpa Nelson and I picked up the Cousins at their school. Then we walked over to Auntie Katie’s shop, Books with Pictures, and we all took the bus and train up to the Oregon Zoo for Zoolights. The train and elevator were packed with families. This is something a lot of zoos do, but it was my first time.

K, K and N at night.jpg — **Waiting for the train downtown**

At the zoo, since most of the animals are asleep or in dark corners away from the fences, the trees and lights become the attraction. All sorts of animals are outlined in lights.The trees become a fantastic forest of lights with the people just moving shadows underneath. It is eerie and wonderful.

light ostrich .jpg — **Glowing Ostriches**

bremen musicians .jpg — **Bremen Town Musicians in lights!**

It was also cold! After about an hour, we were feeling chilly and empty. We stepped into the Africafe for corn dogs, hot cocoa and some warm conversation, and soon were feeling cheerful again. More walking, including racing a lighted cheetah, and then we were done.

Auntie Katie and her dear friend Chelsea drove the tired cousins home, and Grandpa Nelson and I took the train and bus back. The newly painted train station was quiet and almost empty.

tunnel painting wash. park.jpg — **Beautiful train station under Washington Park**

We will take you next year, if you come up during winter. Bring your mittens!

Love,

Grandma Judy