My mom really likes gardens, especially Japanese themes, so this was a must on the week’s agenda.
This would be Jasmine’s first time here. She was excited to get a day off school and for her special sleepover with the grandparents this evening – for which she had packed a couple days in advance.
To summarize our visit: the gardens was a feast for the eyes and soothing to the soul.
For lunch we went to an Indian buffet. And dinner was at their hotel restaurant which had some fabulous desserts.
After dropping Jasmine off to school, the adults drove to the gorge. First stop was Multnomah Falls which was impressive as ever. The overlook bridge was closed due to some falling rock demolishing part of the structure. Another win for gravity.
Next stop was Hood River for lunch at a fav restaurant that has a wonderful view of the valley. I got my usual delicious clam chowder. Ted ordered a catfish sandwich with a side salad. Turns out the side salad so huge, that I helpfully volunteered to eat half the sandwich.
On the return trip we visited the Bonneville dam and fisheries.
We picked Jasmine up and then headed went out for a Chinese dinner.
My mom Karen and step-dad Ted arrived in town today for a week visit.
We start off by a short walk to a local pub where we had yummy sandwiches with homemade potato chips. We digest for a bit before going on another short walk to pick up Jasmine from school. Jasmine was happily surprised and immediately charged her grandparents for some super hugging.
We hang out at our place, catch up and plan out the week, particularly what to eat. Tonight we decide on a German feast at Gustav’s.
It was a busy weekend. A friend of ours had a free bed for the offering. So we embarked on the monumental undertaking of cleaning Jasmine’s room, disassembling her Ikea bed, driving across down to pick up the new bed, and re-setting up her room.
Our backs are tired, but Jasmine seems happy with her new digs.
I’ve been on a bean kick lately – slow cooking dried legumes in the crock-pot. This week I made a batch of garbanzos. I whipped up this fresh salad of cucumber, tomato, olive oil, and oregano. Yum.
