I didn't want to blog about politics. In fact, when I began these "musings" and my novel last fall, it was precisely because of politics. And my worries for our country. I imagined a creative outlet; a needed heart-and-brain-break from news. Neither did I imagine much of an intersection between my career and day job … Continue reading Worker safety, politics, the past
Old Oregon
July means baseball
Yep, it's been a year. A year since I fractured four metatarsals running over home plate during the Old Fashioned Baseball game at West Linn's Willamette Park, pitching distance from the Willamette River. Silly me - I should have just avoided the base and merely rung the bell, which is all that really counts in … Continue reading July means baseball
Surprises in the mail
There is something a bit mysterious about an unopened, gifted package. The idea for the novel I am working on (see: A note in a bottle) was made even more special by the surprise package I received in the mail that one day, so many decades ago now. The post-office delivered mailer I received the other … Continue reading Surprises in the mail
Barges, I would like to go with you….
For the past ten years I have ridden the Portland Aerial Tram to work at OHSU, rising up to Portland's Marquam Hill. In these four moments of travel time I have watched breathtaking sunrises and exquisite sunsets, gray socked in days amid torrential loud downpours, and once, in a gusty windstorm, my tram car stopped … Continue reading Barges, I would like to go with you….
Ferries: the Willamette to the Mekong
Our dad loved ferries. We grew up ferrying across the Willamette River on the Canby Ferry, and back when I was little, we crossed the mouth of the Columbia by ferry between Astoria and Washington's Long Beach Peninsula. While I have been lucky to work a few times in Thailand, it really wasn't until this … Continue reading Ferries: the Willamette to the Mekong
Oregon’s visitor from the sky: the Willamette Meteorite
Most West Linners, at least those who have been here for awhile, likely know at least a little bit about a famed humongous piece of iron that sits today in the American Museum of Natural History in NYC. And if you happened to know nothing, but were out walking the paved trail that meanders along … Continue reading Oregon’s visitor from the sky: the Willamette Meteorite
Portland Pipe and Book Club
Today, many Portland visitors put Powell's - advertised as the "City of Books" - at the top of their list of sites to see when they stop in the Rose City. Thankfully, we still have popular small independent bookshops, libraries, and a thriving writing community. And - like in so many other places in the … Continue reading Portland Pipe and Book Club
Biddle’s Rock: A beacon of the gorge
The Columbia River Gorge. Isn't it true, no matter how many times we have traveled along the banks of the Columbia River as it weaves its way through this geologic rich gorge: we are awestruck? We are eager to show it off to those new to Oregon and it inspires us when we are lucky … Continue reading Biddle’s Rock: A beacon of the gorge
From William Stafford to George Rogers and back again
The stretch of the Willamette River adjacent to the trail connecting West Linn's River Road with Lake Oswego's George Rogers Park fills me with calm no matter what is happening in my life or the world around me. It is a stretch that set off my tears for months while riding to work after my … Continue reading From William Stafford to George Rogers and back again
Rights and responsibilities: Jury duty anyone?
Header photo caption: Crowd of women register for jury duty after gaining the right to vote, Portland, Oregon, 1912. Members of crowd include Marie Equi and [presumed from context of photo in source!] Abigail Scott Duniway. 1912 Source OPB, Author: Gardiner P. Bissel, Oregon Journal Just two hours into my time awaiting possible jury duty this week, I … Continue reading Rights and responsibilities: Jury duty anyone?
Dede's Books and blog 