I was gifted a copy of Washington Irving's 1836 Astoria from my friend Laurie. Although I have read Peter Stark's more recent book by the same name, I always meant to read this original volume. Given that my dad and grandfather were Pacific Northwest historians, it might seem a bit surprising I didn't already have … Continue reading Time traveling to the secrets of our past: Part 1
Portland
Books, launches and variants
I know I’m not alone in feeling a bit depressed as news circulates about the newest, especially contagious, COVID-19 variant, omicron. If the whole thing weren't so darn serious one might make some science fiction inspired joke about its name. I know that the existence of variants isn't surprising to infectious disease experts who understand … Continue reading Books, launches and variants
E-bike: my two year review
Hard to believe that nearly two years ago I was dead set against ever purchasing an e-bike. Me, the mostly frugal individual that I am, would never spend more money when I already had a fine bike to both get to work on and get out for exercise. In fact, back then other earlier than … Continue reading E-bike: my two year review
Pedaling between headstones
It's not like I woke up thinking yesterday would be the day to hang out in a cemetery. I did plan to take the day off, overwhelmed by stress related to work these past few weeks. A good day to take a hike, work in the yard, or take a bike ride. I miss commuting … Continue reading Pedaling between headstones
The J.K. Gill Building renewed
Dear readers, perhaps you have thought I've written enough about J.K. Gill over the past years? Certainly I dedicated parts of several chapters of my memoir to this great-great-grandfather of mine, including a chapter aptly titled Books. If you are new to these ramblings, though, you might first catch up with this 2019 blog, J.K. … Continue reading The J.K. Gill Building renewed
Oaks Park: Portland’s Coney Island on the Willamette
This photograph, taken by F. Sowell around 1912, shows Edward Klees pulling taffy at Oaks Amusement Park. Image credit: Oregon History Project. My oldest memory tied to Portland's Oaks Park mostly reminds me of the Don McLean song American Pie. When it was first popular on the radio, early in the 1970s, I was an … Continue reading Oaks Park: Portland’s Coney Island on the Willamette
Portland Wrestling: A league of its own
Illahee Wrestlers poorly mimic Portland Wrestling. (I'm not sure how they got me to smile for this photo!) As a kid I was called a tomboy, not a girly girl. I'm hopeful that our kids of today aren't dropped into either of those buckets, and instead invited to be wherever on a continuum they want … Continue reading Portland Wrestling: A league of its own
Talking about early Portland football and the MAC
I was disappointed to have this week's Listen and Learn event at the Multnomah Athletic Club cancelled (due to low registrations), so instead imagined a way to still share parts of this interesting story. So here you have it! Whether you are looking for a break at work, telecommuting, or in quarantine due to that … Continue reading Talking about early Portland football and the MAC
J.K. Gill’s returns
I thank my friend Sally for alerting me to a story I was surprised to have missed when it was released a month prior. Perhaps it’s time to update my google news feed search from Brazilian Blowout (as, no doubt, any news today on that depresses me these 10 years after we issued formaldehyde warnings) to … Continue reading J.K. Gill’s returns
They keep coming
Five of the six Gill Brothers: J.K., Benjamin, James, John, and Samuel. I’m never going to get rich on book sales: that was never a dream or expectation. What I also didn’t expect or imagine, was the number of connections arising because of me publishing my books. And yet, they keep coming. I didn't think … Continue reading They keep coming
Dede's Books and blog 