Spring has Sprung!
Mim over at MimKnits wants to see our favorite harbingers of spring. I haven't had much time to go out and take photos this spring (although it has definitely sprung here!) I took this photo of a bud on a star magnolia tree in Portland on the 16th of March. The tree was already in full bloom which is one of the things I love about Oregon, allergies notwithstanding.
My one consistently favorite sign of spring is the budding of the crocuses on campus. Here's a shot from last spring, taken in mid-February.
Idle Hands are the Devil’s Tools
And mine certainly haven't been idle! Two trips to Portland in the past three weekends, projects and all kinds of other things have kept me from having the time or energy to blog. I certainly have the fodder, just not the mental process.
The Pi Day trip to Portland was a great deal of fun. We were finally able to cash in the wedding gift from TheBoy's bosses; a two night stay at the hotel of our choice. And what was our choice? McMennamin's Kennedy School, one of our favorite places to stay in the city. Formerly a school, each classroom is now split into two bedrooms with a shared entry from the main hall (opening onto a tiny hall leading to the rooms). There is a cinema grill, a restaurant and two bars as well as a soaking pool and conference-type rooms. The best part? Chalkboards in the rooms and a distinct lack of TVs! Here's what the main entrance looks like:
The weather was grey, damp and cold all weekend. Friday meant a trip to Ikea, where I picked up a new stool to use while spinning for a whopping $6. It's wonderfully bright green as well. I'm hoping that it will get lots of use in the coming months.
O Danny Boy
My Pop-pop would have probably been horrified by this but may I point you to Danny Boy as sung by the Swedish Chef, Beaker and Animal. Pop-pop was American by birth location only, my Nanny and Granpa (my dad's grandparents) came to the States from Ireland in the early part of the 20th century. My sisters and I are the last generation to carry our family name, which is pretty sad for me, even with its horrible silent G.
For the more traditional amongst us. My family always celebrated St. Patrick's Day with a family dinner of corned beef and cabbage, something I try to make every year for my very much non-Irish husband. At least he appreciates a good slice of corned meat. May you have a great day, whether you celebrate quietly with family, raucously with green beer or not at all. Sláinte!
PiDay FriDay
Happy Pi Day folks!
I'm taking a short break from the Pi Day festivities to share today's fixation: Garfield, two ways.
Number 1: Without Garfield
Number 2: Live, full color, filmed in front of a blue screen, with bonus music videos.