Fanno Creek Greenway "Greenbelt" Trail

Sandra and I have been walking the "greenbelt" for over 2 months now. We've discovered about a 2 mile loop from Rebecca Lane over Greenway and onto the Fanno Creek Greenway Trail. It's a great walk with beautiful weeping willows and rows of poplar trees. Many nights we see squirrels and hear numerous birds (part of the greenbelt is devoted to a bird watching area with information boards).

The Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District maintains an extensive urban trail system. With more than 35 miles of trails, many of which are multi-use where residents can enjoy the outdoors at their own pace. Our "greenbelt" is east of Greenway between Hall and Scholls Ferry with a park size of 87.37 acres.


At the end of July they are hosting a free outdoor concert from 6-8. What a great summer evening activity. We are looking forward to that!

Stace


The ROSE LADY's House

Roger Clemens 2057

This made me laugh until I cried!!!

Father's Day Weekend in Eugene, OR

Greeting!

I hope everyone had a nice weekend. Our weather here in the Pacific NW continues to be cool, cloudy and wet. It was a lovely weekend in Eugene despite not having a clear, sunny day to explore King Estate Winery in Lorane, OR - one of the Willamette Valley's premier wineries. Check out the website for pictures, wine descriptions and the menu.




Brian and I drove down from Portland on Saturday morning and my Dad and Rosemary and Rosemary's mother, Phyllis drove Brian and I out to Lorane, OR for lunch at the estate. We had a wonderful complimentary tasting and all really enjoyed the Pinot Gris and even the "ice" processed dessert wine. Our lunch was fantastic, especially the torchon of duck foie gras with pineapple chutney. It paired well with the Pinot Gris. Brian and my Dad had crabcakes and Rosemary and Phyllis had a white bean soup. Excellent and decadent food.



After lunch we took a wonderful drive around the back side of Spencer's Butte and back to Eugene/Springfield to share our Delaware pictures with the family.

We met my Dad and Rosemary in downtown Eugene for dinner at the Lucky Noodle Cafe for an amazing dinner. Brian once again had the penne with braised beef and I treated myself to the filet mignon special - cooked to perfection. It's quite an interesting restaurant with an Asian theme, but an eclectic menu including pasta, seafood and grilled steak.



It was nice to spend the weekend in Eugene!

Stace

Chambers Bay - Tacoma, WA

Happy Wednesday!


Over the weekend, Brian and I had an up close and personal walk through the new Chambers Bay golf course set to open on June 23rd. It's situated right on the Puget Sound about 2 miles from Brian's front door. I've been watching them construct the course for the past year as the train rolls right past the course.

They've incorporated this interesting black-top walking trail through the golf course - which I initially thought was the cart path, but come to find out they are not allowing golf carts (sorry Pop) - caddies only!

Brian and I walked from Grandview street down into the course to water level on a nice trail and then through the course and back up a 10% grade to Grandview. The entire walk took us about an hour (but Brian did it in 45 minutes, 2 days later - with a slight jog).

This course will be hard to play, especially on a windy day. Check it out!


http://www.chambersbaygolf.com/layout10.asp?id=173&page=3342



Stace

EAST COAST SWING- PART 5

Thursday, April 26th:
As Brian previously mentioned in his baseball blog, Thursday was spent in Philadelphia, PA. We headed north from Wilmington mid-morning and walked around historic Philadelphia. Philadelphia's architectural history dates back to Colonial times and has included a wide range of styles, sometimes showcased within a range of several blocks. Most of the city's landmarks in Old City and the Historical District in the Society Hill neighborhood east of Center City, including Independence National Historical Park, site of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. A steady drizzle fell as we walked around Independence Hall and snapped a few photos. Unfortunately, with tickets to see the Phillies we didn’t have time to wait in line to see the Liberty Bell, although it is visible through a large window from the outside of the building. I did, however eat my first “authentic” street cart Philly Cheese steak. YUM!

We drove south back to Citizen’s Bank Park for the 3:05 business person’s special against the Washington Nationals. The Philadelphia Phillies have played in the National League since their inception in 1883.
Although the Phillies are currently the only major-league baseball franchise operating in Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Athletics, now based in Oakland after residing in Kansas City from 1955-67, were the club's (generally more successful) cross-town rivals during the first half of the 20th century. They are the oldest continuous one-nickname, one-city franchise in all of American professional sports (although the team briefly used alternate nicknames in some years). The Phillies also have had a long acquaintance with futility. They won their first league title in their 33rd season (1915), and they won their first World Series in their 98th season (1980), the 78th season since the beginning of the modern World Series in 1903, becoming the last of the 16 pre-expansion Major League franchises to win the World Series. In 2007, the franchise will reach the ignominious mark of 10,000 losses. Despite the club's meager overall success, the team has had its share of talent, and currently claims 31 Hall of Famers including, Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton and Richie Ashburn.
Citizens Bank Park (informally called "The Bank") is a 43,647-seat baseball only stadium that opened on April 3, 2004. The ballpark was built to replace the now-demolished Veterans Stadium. Behind center field is Ashburn Alley, named after Phillies great center fielder and Hall of Famer, Richie Ashburn, a walkway featuring restaurants and memorabilia from Phillies history, along with a restaurant/bar and grille called "Harry The K's" named after Hall of Fame broadcaster, Harry Kalas (the Campbell soup commercial guy as well as the voice of NFL Films). It was a chilly afternoon so Brian and I hit the Phillies shop for a long-sleeved shirt and wandered around every inch of the park. Brian really wanted me to walk up to Greg Luzinski in “Bull's BBQ” for an autograph and to reminisce about watching him play for the Eugene Emeralds when I was a little girl – but I was too chicken! Instead, we walked down to field level and watched the last of the Nat’s batting practice and one of the coaches tossed me a ball!

Brian and I had great seats down the 3rd base line and in the upper deck. A great over-all view of the entire field and the city of Philadelphia.

Friday, April 27th :
Our last day on the east coast! Brian, Ann and I drove south into Cecil County, Maryland and had lunch with Brian’s Uncle Paul and Aunt Iggy at Wesley’s in Elkton, MD. Elkton was once known as the “Gretna Green of the West" because of its popularity as a place for eloping couples to marry until a state law was passed in 1938 requiring a 48-hour waiting period. Still, the town maintains several wedding chapels. Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller were married in the Main Street Chapel.

It was nice to meet more of Brian’s family and to talk with Uncle Paul about baseball. Knowing I am a huge baseball fan, he showed up to the restaurant with a Spring Training T-shirt especially for me!

After lunch we took a drive through the countryside and before I knew it, we were in Pennsylvania! I woke up in Deleware - I had lunch in Maryland and ended up in rural Pennsylvania. Sound confussed? Brian's mom, Ann had mentioned growing up in Pennsylvania in a home called "Elbow Lane". I had this idea that it was somewhere in the middle of the state and had no idea that it was so close to Newark, DE. Brian and I really enjoyed seeing the old home and Brian took a couple of really great photos.

A few last minute photos before we left the east coast. Brian's last meal request was a Philly Cheese Steak from Mike's in Newark, DE.

Our hosts, Kerry and Julie Lee

Our last evening at the Lee's.

Brian and I say our goodbyes to Ann.

Our east coast adventure is over. We are looking forward to our next trip to the east coast

Stace

EAST COAST SWING - Part 4

Wednesday, April 25th -

No trip to Newark, DE would be complete without a beer and some nachos at the Deer Park Tavern. It’s located in downtown Newark and was built in 1851 on the land where the remains of the burned down St. Patrick's Inn had resided since 1747.

The St. Patrick’s Inn was said to house famous historical figures such as George Washington and Edgar Allan Poe.

In 1764, Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon stayed at the inn with their team of surveyors. A folk account of their stay says that they were a jolly bunch who kept a tame bear for amusement and consumed large portions of peach and apricot brandy. The Mason-Dixon Line was the boundary between Pennsylvania and Maryland, which became famous as the line of demarcation between free and slave states.

On December 23, 1843, Edgar Allan Poe lectured at the Academy and visited the inn. As he was attempting to emerge from his carriage at the inn, he was reputed to have fallen in the mud and was so upset that he put a curse on the building.

The first railroad line built through Newark in 1869 is close to the building, and helped to escalate the hotel’s popularity. At this time, The Deer Park was considered one of the finest hotels on the east coast. Much history surrounds the Deer Park including rumors that the basement was used as part of the Underground Railroad during the Civil War.

Brian, Kerry and I had a few beers and a huge plate of nachos (although I think Brian’s Deer Park “homemade” nachos are much better).

EAST COAST SWING - Part 3

April 24, 2007

My 38th birthday was fabulous! Brian and I hit the road south to Baltimore, an hour away from Wilmington, Delaware, early and arrived at the Inner Harbor – a few blocks from Camden Yards before noon. The Inner Harbor is a historic seaport, tourist attraction and landmark of Baltimore. The harbor itself is actually the end of the Northwest Branch of the Patapsco River and includes any water west of a line drawn between the National Aquarium and the Rusty Scupper restaurant. The term "Inner Harbor" is used not just for the water but for the surrounding area of the city.

Brian had my birthday lunch all planned. A brief walk around the Inner Harbor first (it was sticky humid) and lunch at Phillip’s Seafood (check out the menu) www.phillipsseafood.com

We each had an amazing Chesapeake Bay Crab Cake with big huge lumps of crab meat. The best crab cake I’ve ever had (and I live in Dungeness crab country).

After lunch we walked over to Oriole Park at Camden Yards. It was the first, and thus one of the most highly praised, of the "retro" major league ballparks constructed during the 1990s and early 2000s. It is situated in a picturesque location, at the corner of downtown Baltimore and the Inner Harbor. Camden Yards is just a short walk from Babe Ruth’s birthplace, which is now a museum. Coincidentally, the location of his father's pub was where center field is currently located on the playing field.

Camden Yards is built at the former location of a major rail station; its name derives from the rail yards that were formerly on the site. The view from much of the park is dominated by the former B & O Warehouse behind the right-field wall. The stadium planners incorporated the warehouse into the architecture of the ballpark experience rather than tear it down or shorten it. The warehouse has been hit on the fly only once (by Ken Griffey, Jr. during the home run derby for the 1993 MLB All-Star Game).

At street level, between the stadium and the warehouse, is Eutaw Street. Along this avenue, spectators can get a view of the game or visit the many shops and restaurants that line the thoroughfare, including Boog Powell’s outdoor barbeque stand.

Brian and I walked around and took pictures for 2 hours before the first pitch trying to take in all the nooks and crannies of the park. The first pitch was at 3:05 and we sat in the hot sun 4 rows behind the first base bag - so close I could see the stubble on the face of the first baseman!
Camden Yards has a very intimate feel. I found myself staring at the B & O Warehouse – unable to believe that I was actually there. Still (in my opinion) Camden Yards ranks second to the major league ball parks that I have visited, behind Pittsburgh’s PNC Park which still remains #1.
The game against the Oakland A’s ended too quickly and with the Orioles losing 4-2. Soon Brian and I were back on the road and heading north to Delaware and looking forward to a nice dinner. Brian treated me to a birthday meal at the Iron Mill Brewery, on the banks of the Brandywine River in Wilmington - check out the menu for Wilmington location. www.ironhillbrewery.com (the pan seared scallops and shrimp with crab meat was AWESOME).

We ended the evening back at Kerry and Julie’s who surprised me with a YUMMY ice cream cake! A perfect ending to my perfect birthday! This vacation is going too fast!!

Stace

EAST COAST SWING - Part 2

April 22, 2007

Brian and I left D.C. in the early afternoon on the 22st of April and headed NE into Maryland – going through (or should I say around) Baltimore. One of the first things I noticed while traveling in the car was how “flat” the landscape appeared. Without the coast range or the Cascades, I was unable to tell exactly what direction we were going in!

Another interesting thing about the east coast is the toll fees on the highway. The first toll we encountered was in Baltimore at the Ft. McHenry Tunnel for $2.00.
As we drove north further into Maryland, the next toll we encountered ($5.00) was upon crossing the Susquehanna River Bridge named in honor of Millard E. Tydings, a longtime Congressman and Senator who died in 1961. The bridge, a multi-span girder connecting Havre de Grace, MD with Perryville, MD has to be the SCARIEST bridge I have ever crossed in my life! I made Brian drive in the center lane as I was fairly certain we would go over the edge (although no one ever has according to Brian’s brother, Kerry)!

Just north of the bridge you drive past Aberdeen, MD home to Brian’s hero, Cal Ripkin Jr. who retired from baseball in 2001 and paid for a new stadium in his home town (it’s sits right off the highway).

Another interesting fact about the Delaware Turnpike - On November 15, 1963, just one week before his assassination, President John F. Kennedy opened the 49 miles of the Northeast Expressway and the 11 miles of the Delaware Turnpike at the Delaware-Maryland border. The border is more popularly known as the Mason-Dixon Line.

As we crossed into Delaware (about 2 hours after we left D.C.), we handed over another $3.00 toll fee – making our toll total for the day $10.00. Next stop – Newark (sounds like New Ark), Brian’s hometown.

Meeting Brian’s Mom, Ann was so special. She cooked us a homemade “Sunday” spaghetti dinner along with salad and fresh bread that was YUMM-O! As the sun set, we made our way north to Wilmington, DE to Brian’s brother Kerry and sister-in-law, Julie’s home where we watched Sunday night baseball (it’s starts at 8PM on the east coast) and talked about our D.C. adventures.

April 23rd

Our first full day in Delaware started with an eating adventure – scrapple. Scrapple is a savory (whatever) mush in which cornmeal and flour, often buckwheat flour, are simmered with pork scraps and trimmings, and then formed into a loaf. Small scraps of meat left over from butchering, too small to be used or sold elsewhere, were made into scrapple to avoid waste, a Pennsylvania Dutch tradition.

We picked up Brian’s Mom and headed to the small town of Stanton, DE – home of Mary’s Café for my first (and last) taste of scrapple. When it arrived on my plate, it appeared gray in color - a rectangular crispy slice. Thank goodness for the fried potatoes and eggs, because the “gamey” taste of the scrapple (it’s often spiced with sage and thyme) was not at all good (and I eat everything). I joked to Ann that I would be back to Delaware, but not for the scrapple.

The most poignant part of our day was a visit to Brian’s Dad – Allen K. Lee’s gravesite. Al died in January 2007 after a long illness. He was laid to rest in a beautiful military cemetery outside of Newark – surrounded by poplar trees and lush farmland.

We ran various errands in Newark and took a quick loop around the downtown and University of Delaware area before returning to Kerry and Julie’s in the afternoon for an evening BBQ. Day three of our vacation in the books.

Stace