Hot hot hot

Everything is hot in NE Portland right now. The pavement, the days as well as the nights, but especially the real estate.

The rate at which properties are being snapped up, the speed at which houses are being torn down and going right back up, and the height at which the prices are sky-rocketing is astonishing. That is what comes with progress and popularity. Portland is having its day in the spotlight. On each and every single block in my neighbourhood; there is a sold sign, a moving truck parked, or a construction crew. Pools and retaining walls, renovations and new construction, multi-family and multi-purpose buildings on the main strip. Everybody's doing it. So much has changed in this last year. I believe it will continue to happen, as the city spreads further out. Young families are settling in. Retirees are immigrating from other parts of the States. New businesses pop up on a very regular basis on Alberta Street. It's exciting times for the neighborhood and I feel lucky to be a part of it.

In particular, I'm watching a house go up on the bluff. The lot has a great view overlooking the city just above the treetops. Even though it's going to be the newest and most modern house on the block, it blends in peculiarly well. I can't wait to see the finished product. It happens to be designed by a Vancouver architect. I'm not talking about Vancouver WA either. We're talking its Canadian counterpart, Vancouver BC.

So while the real estate and weather continue to heat up in Portland, make sure you stay hydrated and don't forget your SPF. Stay cool out there.

Dad's Day

How was your Dad's Day?

For the first time in a very long time, I didn't have to cook or clean or cater to the kids. Jo and Al made me breakfast. We had my favorite, huckleberry pancakes. They ran the day's errands while I watered the garden. When Spence woke up, we went on a bike ride down to my coffee shop, Extracto and popped in for a pastry at Ville Velo Bakeshop. I had my usual, while my son had an iced latte. We arrived home a few minutes after the girls, then I opened my pile of presents - a new hot air popcorn maker, my favorite chocolate bars, some new artwork by Jo. The kids made a batch of fresh popcorn right away. Hot air popcorn tastes so much better than microwave. We'll never go back.

We decided to go on a big family bike ride across town, ending up at Tonalli's for double scoops all around. An ice cream lunch is the best way to end a bit of afternoon exercise!

Homemade quarter pound burgers on the grill turned out great. Fried onions and portobello mushrooms, cheddar and bacon toppings. Iceberg lettuce wedge topped with ranch dressing with a side of cucumber salad seasoned with rice vinegar. We were all so full, we ended up skipping dessert.

I had a really great Father's Day. I hope you and your family did too!