Of Wine and Roses

We were lucky enough to have all the members of the Incredible Digit Husband's immediate family here at our house at the same time. It had been two years since we had all be together and we really enjoyed each other's company. My Mother and Father-in-law, I know, were particularly happy to have all their children in the same place even if it was for just a few days. There was also a group of long-time family friends that were in the area at the same time, as well. We took advantage of their presence to do a little sightseeing here in the Portland area. First stop was the International Rose Test Garden in the hills above downtown Portland. An amazing garden which seemingly has every known rose variety.




The Rose Test Garden is a such a pretty place to stroll and get lost in on a summer afternoon.

Next stop was Pittock Mansion .

A few miles and one hill over from the Rose Garden, this spectacular home was built in the 1800's by a local captain of industry. Now the mansion is amazing but it's the view that is really spectacular.

Not only can you see all of downtown Portland and the surrounding neighborhoods but on a clear day Mount Hood, Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Rainier can all be seen from this location. Now you have to pay a fee to go inside the mansion but wandering the grounds and the view is free!

After the sights and sounds of Portland, we all came back to the Digit home for a meal.


We were happy to share a few of the things we've come to love about the Pacific Northwest: Wild-caught salmon, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and a late-summer evening on our own deck. Now it is not lost on me that the last line makes me sound like the type of pretentious food and wine snob of whom I would normally make fun but.......that was a great night with great people so I'll take the "snob" hit.