Early Portland and the flying pigskin

I really don't care much about football. This is not a claim I make lightly in Duck and Seahawk country. Sure, I was excited when our local West Linn High team won state, as they did just last month, or when my brother's team won the state title four decades ago. But really, unless I … Continue reading Early Portland and the flying pigskin

Of blizzards, snow drifts and ice

I have always loved snow. When I was little, I imagined having a winter as Laura Ingalls in the Little House in the Big Woods - sitting under blankets with a horse drawn sleigh. Or as Laura in The Long Winter - digging a tunnel through the snow to get to the livestock in the … Continue reading Of blizzards, snow drifts and ice

Looking back to move ahead

Last month, Portland was lucky to host film producer Dave DeSario as he screened his film A Day's Work. This 2015 tearjerker documentary shares the horrific story of 21-year old Day Davis who lost his life on his first day of work as a temporary worker at a Bacardi bottling plant. During the discussion that preceded … Continue reading Looking back to move ahead

Politics and elections: then and now

As most any politician will likely profess, it's hard to imagine how your life may change when you enter the political arena - even in small towns in Oregon. And as a First Lady, I am now convinced that those of us who are married to someone in public office should be warned ahead of time … Continue reading Politics and elections: then and now

Do you remember Henry?

If you were living in Portland in the 1970's like me, you might remember the Henry Weinhard commercial about the fictitious Schludwiller Beer: California beer attempting an Oregon border crossing featuring Dick Curtis as the Oregon Trooper. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=iigxaFBTAZ4 (Updated note: Longtime actor and comedian Dick Curtis died September 2023 at age 95. Read more about … Continue reading Do you remember Henry?