As Time Goes By

We loved our first apartment in NE Portland as a newly married couple in 1974. It was a one-level end unit in an older apartment complex. It included such amenities as a fireplace, utility room for a washer and dryer, two bedrooms, hardwood floors and a carport. It felt more like a small house and we enjoyed many happy memories during the year and half we lived there.
After taking pictures of the Adams demolition earlier this month we drove by our "first home" to find each apartment unit now for sale with a starting price of $139, 900! Wow ... never would have imagined that as part of the real estate market!!!
How times have changed ...

Earth Day 1970

. . . on April 22, 1970, Earth Day was held, one of the most remarkable happenings in the history of democracy. . . " -American Heritage Magazine, October 1993

Do you remember what you did on the first "Earth Day" in 1970?
We had school-wide student participation at our high school with various activities planned. Our school was divided into 4 "houses" and I remember one group held a burial for a car engine. Thinking back .... hmmm .... not sure how earth-conscious it was to bury that in the ground! I wonder if they've unearthed it during the demolition.
My Gen Ed class planned a protest against the automobile. We rode our bikes side-by-side blocking 33rd Drive to Marine Drive. Cars couldn't get past us and the drivers were extremely unhappy. The police ended up coming and used bullhorns to instruct us to move off the road. Personality-wise, I am not the protester type so this was my first and last involvement in this kind of activity!
How did Walt spend his first earth day???? Getting his driver's license!
Seriously, I think we've come a long way in making an effort to become more "green" and we need to continue to educate ourselves in ways we can each make a difference.
To read more on the history of this event check out this site: http://earthday.envirolink.org/history.html

Adams, You WERE The Very Best

That was then ...








This is now ....

A few weeks ago we were heading out to the airport to pick up our rental car for our spring break cruise and our jaws dropped as we drove by our old high school! We've read newspaper articles and heard rumors about the demolition but since we no longer live in the neighborhood we were not aware of a this scheduled event.
How very sad ... so many memories ... so many dreams, plans, friendships made ... now the last high school built in the Portland Public School District lies in rubble. I wish there had been some kind of alumni "farewell" and a time of closure.
It will be interesting to see what the future holds for this property.
As our school song went. "Adams, you are the very best. Adams, better than all the rest ....." Goodbye!

Kennedy Grade School

On Saturday the 28th our 8th-grade class from Kennedy Grade School will gather together for our 40-year reunion. Now that just doesn't seem possible! We will be meeting in the Community Room, which was my second grade classroom in 1960-61. I'm so thankful that our building has been restored. What a beautiful job the McMenamin brothers did ... transforming it from a neighborhood eyesore into a warm and inviting gathering place.
We continue to search for our old classmates hoping to have as many attend as possible. If you know of anyone from the class of '67, please let them know. It will be a fun day of old stories and for many attending, decades of things to catch up on.
Looking forward to it!

A Wonderful Surprise

This is the first year I haven't been able to find my favorite Easter treat ... Hershey's Eggs. I looked through several stores including Target, Fred Meyer and Walgreens. I finally gave up but it just wasn't the same without those yummy chocolately treats. After checking the CandyBlog I found posts from other sad Hershey Egg fans who were also having problems finding them in their area. I guess I was not alone ... Hopefully more stores will carry them next year.
Much to my surprise Tuesday -- Loretta dropped by Bible study with a bag she found at her Walgreens -- just for me!
Much joy to be celebrated. Thank you. Loretta for thinking of me : )

Easter Celebration

What an awesome Easter. We joined Potter's Hands for their first morning worship service at 10:02 a.m. Couldn't ask for a nicer day ... both Tim and Matt came and Brian was part of the worship team. The only sad part of the day was missing Michelle and Colin, who was home sick : (
It was not only awesome to worship with my family but also with those who have been like family to us over the years AND share in a special occasion ... McKenna's baptism. Sean shared a great message from Luke 24: 1-12.
Potter's Hand's new building looks warm and inviting ... great color and decor. Especially loved the kid's room with a beach theme complete with a surfboard table, cabanas etc. ... maybe a little So Cal influence from Sean?!?! Check out their website: http://www.pottershands.org for more info.
The perfect ending to our day was a ham dinner with all the gang at the Gears. Great food, fun and fellowship!

It's Spring!

I love spring ... everything is in bloom ... new growth pushing through the soil ... the colors and fragrances ... new life; new beginnings. Three weeks ago we cleaned up our flowerbeds and only found a few plants poking through the soil. Since we'd cruised on our spring break and have taken a little time off from our gardening, I looked out the kitchen window yesterday and marveled at our Bleeding Heart ... when did it make its debut? It wasn't there a few weeks ago ... and I've never seen it so large!
I'm lovin' it : )