the happiness thing

Still tired. Still droopy. Don't know if it's from the mere two hours of sleep on Saturday night, or the blahness that comes once something special you've been looking forward to is over with. My problem is that I expect myself to be happy all the time, which is crazy, right? Life has ups and downs, both of which are okay. It's the both okay part that gives me trouble. I kind of know that part, but haven't quite memorized it yet.

paperweight snagged at a Portland Goodwill

When I was growing up, my mom had a famous line which was her rule for my sisters and me: "Just smile and be happy." This from a woman who moved her family fourteen times. Hmmm. Any time I was less than buoyant, I'd get chewed out for my lack of pep. This, of course, only made me feel guilty on top of unhappy. Oy. Oy, I tell ya. The happiness thing is a good goal which I still aspire to. But if I don't make it once in a while...eeh. Whatev. It's cool. I've heard it said that all of life is an effort to recover from childhood. Maybe. Old habits die hard. But the important thing is to keep trying. And to keep learning. And to keep smiling. But, not necessarily every day. Only on the days you feel like it. Capish?

Here are a few Portland blooms. Some flowers are so magical I long to climb aboard and recline on their velvety petals forever. When I get to heaven, I hope it's exactly like the inside of a yellow rose.

Here are some of the nicest folk around. Kelly's friend, Sarah, and her mom, Beth, invited us to a lovely tea at Beth's house. Good times.

Our relatives (actually relatives of our relative, which we have now claimed as relatives) had us over for the best halibut fish dinner in history. Check out that loaf of bread. It is Olina's favorite, so we brought them the industrial sized loaf from Ken's Artisan Bakery, which is right around the corner from Kelly's place. The bread was so huge it cracked us up. I had to get a picture.

Portland has about a billion coffee shops. If you go there, you must drink at least five cups a day. It is the law.

Kelly's humble apartment and other coolness.



Friends and fellow pizza eaters.



Enthusiastic UVA alum. As you can see.

Portland and granola, of course.

People, people, people...I have so much to tell you. Portland was super-fantastically fun. I have some good pics, but first, the granola recipe I promised. It is one I came up with based on others I've read, plus a little sumptin sumptin on the side.

Here's how to make Gleanfreak Granola, a pretty darn healthy and oh-so-tasty granola which is good plain or with milk, but is especially delish sprinkled over yogurt for breakfast. Get a giant bowl and two huge parchment-paper-lined baking sheets. Into the bowl, put 10 cups rolled oats, 2 cups wheat bran, 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds, 1 cup well-chopped walnuts, 1 cup well-chopped almonds,  and 1 cup well-chopped pecans. Stir it. Now, get a sauce pan and put 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, 2/3 cups organic coconot oil, 1Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground ginger into it. Bring this comglomeration to a boil over medium heat. Pour it over the dry ingredients. Add 2 cups dried cranberries and 1 cup raisins.

 Mix it up well using your hands to break apart all of the dried fruit. Spread the mixture onto the parchment-lined baking sheets.

 Bake for about 20-22 minutes on 325 degrees stirring once halfway through. Store in airtight jars or heavy ziplock bags. Makes a nice gift.


Miss Adorable, in the flesh.

Now, about that Portland. Is there anything better than chillin' like a villan with your grown-up child? The correct answer is, no there is not. Kelly and I had a super-fun time. Also, I got to catch up with my grandcat: Scout.

 Here are some of the highlights. Portland buildings: old, quaint and entertaining in their own right.

Portland people and animals. Generally, a breed apart.

 Berry picking & farmer's market.

 

Too...many...pictures. Too tired from red-eye flight. Portland part deux tomorrow.