Where's Abby (+ Dylan and dogs)

First Portland Winter We survived the winter! It was not nearly as bad as I expected this year. Apparently this is not the norm though, so we'll see what we get in future winters. We did our best to prepare ourselves, mostly by convincing ourselves that just because the sun set early didn’t mean the day was over. The biggest game-changer- Not immediately swapping into cozy clothes after work so we'd be ready to head back out with ease..  We kept biking, even when rain seemed inevitable. Some of our usual long cross-town grocery hauls turned into quicker trips to closer stores, but we still got out there. One particularly memorable ride was up to Council Crest, Portland’s highest spot. The trek up? Warm, sunny and lovely. The way down? A full-on downpour. We made it to get my tire fixed, though, and rewarded ourselves with some delicious  No Name Pho —a perfectly warm treat after an unexpected soaking. Dylan reports No Name Pho is closest authenticity to Vietnam and I'll att...

We packed up our bikes in the car for our first ride out of the city. From Hood River, we rode along the Historic Columbia River Highway-- no cars allowed! The trail was fantastic with fall colors and the always striking views of the Gorge. After about 8 miles, Dylan was ready to give up. But we pulled over, ate our PB&Js next to some vineyard and I convinced him to "go at least 2 more miles." The old highway turned into road, but there were only a few cars. Through Mosier we rode and then up around a little loop to make our way back. As we came down one hill with beautiful open views ahead, we saw a winery overlooking these hills, so we had to stop there. A glass of wine in their lawn was such a nice treat. Back at Hood River, we filled our bellies with some tasty tacos. A much enjoyed birthday indeed. Birthday vids I had way more pictures than this but had to get them off my phone for more space and now I just can't be bothered with searching on the actual computer ...

Cheers to the start of a series to share about the things that make me say "that's so perfectly Portland." Because it is certainly a unique place with some interesting quirks. This will be the Perfectly Portland events or activities segment highlighting all the fun and quirky things this town is up to. Exhibit A: The Portland Plage Over the summer, my friends and I hopped on our bikes and landed in a more industrial district with warehouses and such around. But there, right in the middle of the buildings, was a manmade beach that they brought in for us to enjoy. Sand, beach chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas set up with little pools... So we sat there in our swimsuits and sunny-gees, drinking our piña coladas with the city sounds and sights nearby. The train was the icing on the cake. Exhibit B: Secret Roller Derbies One day Dylan and I were walking around the neighborhood and out of nowhere, in a school parking lot, was a surprise roller disco. Skate rentals and food carts a...

In pure Dylabby fashion, we had a very informal plan to head east to see the Painted Hills, John Day Fossil Beds, John Day River, and desert time, but then as we were packing up the car that morning, we changed our plans and decided to head north to Colchuck Lake in Washington. More chance for seeing the Northern Lights? Autumn colors? Less chance of rattlesnakes biting our dogs? Those were a few of the random reasons that were thrown out there.  We booked a hotel on the drive up for Wenatchee, WA near Leavenworth-- Leavenworth was crazy expensive, later to find out the Oktoberfest reason why. And booking camping in Washington is not fun. If anyone has tips that don’t involve having to book 6months (or even a month) in advance or having to do a whole lottery to get a permit, please let us last-minute travelers know. We did get a good stop in Leavenworth for some German beers, people watching, and a beautiful river walk right in town, and a lovely sunset dinner view.  The next ...

Dylan has never been a big birthday celebration guy. This year when I asked him what he wanted to do, he said something like, "I don't know. Maybe get some nice dinner around town somewhere?" But I on the otherhand  must celebrate birthdays. Especially Dylan's. This guy deserves a memorable celebration.  So I insisted we go to Crater Lake and it was so worth it. What an incredible, jaw dropping, thought provoking place. The first night, we sat enjoying the bluest waters with the perfect lighting. We camped at Mazama where we were all set up with our new camping boiler thing to cook up our freeze dried camping meals, new headlamps, coffee plans... and then ate some hot chili and a meal at the campground lodge. haha We at least enjoyed out coffee at the tent the next morning.  The next day was filled with three fantastic hikes to see the Watchman Lookout for epic views of this like 2000' deep, 7700 year old crater. Then we got a lovely wildflower loop and waterfall ...

This Sunday Times got held up on the route to your screen. The carrier must've been some bandits on the road or something.  Monday, I'd never felt so scatterbrained in my life. There were so many steps I needed to take in wacky orders that weren't able to be done before these other steps and then you'd get new information that changed the whole process and needed to scrap it and start over. I felt a mess.  But then Tuesday I got to go into the schools and see my sweet kids and it was wonderful.  Wednesday and Thursday were remote days that were so productive, comfortable and fulfilling. Like a 35 minute dog walk + bringing coffee home to my hubby vs a 35 minute drive? Yes please. Eating a healthy lunch and doing laundry on my lunch break. Being immediately home at 4:00 and ready for bike rides/walks. Working from a cozy coffee shop with Dylan one day. It's all just glorious.  Wednesday after work, we went on a long bike ride to Woodstock to putter around, then to Se...

A weekly update has now begun! If not for anything but to keep more of journal for ourselves to recap and think about each week. So much happens so quick I don't want to forget all the fun details! This week was my first full week to work with all the crew at my new job. Lots of planning with caseloads and meetings, and such. Excited to get working with the kids more in the next weeks. Dylan started his clinical this week too for his last semester of grad school! Woohoo! He's been killin' it and so close to graduating.  Monday was Labor Day and was a very cozy rainy Oregon day. It's been quite toasty lately, so this actually felt good. So we had a long walk to Peninsula Park for some roses and then hung around the casa making bags and relaxin.  Back to work on Tuesday for a good day and a rocking Crossfit after. I made some chicken tzatziki, a new fav.  Wednesday night we tried a Burmese place nearby after another very hot bike ride.  Thursday we actually went to a c...