The End of Summer

Derek, Theo, and I have been busy this month with family and traveling. Theo's getting a lot of cousin time with Ryan Alec, Haydon, and Coby. Sprinklers, bath times, meals, and outings have been shared. He delights in each visit, loving to watch and play alongside his mates. Just today he was giving Coby hugs and kisses and tossing the ball back and forth. It's fun to watch Theo's curiosity with kids around his age and a bit older...Anyway, about a month ago T let me know that spoon-fed baby food was out. No more! He wants people food and rightly so. Nectarines, kiwi, squash, eggplant, bread, pasta, peanut butter- the possibilities and favorites go on and on. He'll eat whatever I give him, so I only have to cook one meal for the three of us which is nice. Since he weaned himself at 11 months, I now have to stop eating everything in front of me though. I've had a good run...enjoyed the indulgence of a pregnant and breastfeeding diet, but smaller portions are needed if I wish to fit into my pre-preg jeans this winter. (sigh)

In other news we just got back from Portland to see Derek's friend get hitched. The wedding was set in the Chinese Classical Gardens. No words can describe the venue, especially for a wedding and reception. Unfortunately I was juggling a toddler in a place where the bonsai and flora were tantalizingly in arms reach, so I was not able to take many pictures before the sun set. The music after dinner (Asian and Middle Eastern with dance beats spun by a real DJ) was irresistible. Theo bounced and spun to the beat, staying up very late for his time zone without a fuss. He was all smiles for the ladies of course. Derek and I got the opportunity to dance once little T nodded off. I found out I miss being able to dance with Derek to live, quality music. We've got to get out more often- at least more than twice in a year!

The city of Portland is in a beautiful setting with forests, mountains, and rivers. The public transportation was great. It has a young and socially progressive crowd, but we were disappointed by one thing. We were convinced that this was a place for excellent food and beer. Now there was an abundance of both. It was fresh and organic, but missing a vital aspect- taste. The farm eggs were not seasoned at all, the beer was nothing better than what you can get here, and it seemed a little deflating after all the hype about Portland being a foodie's playground. I mean, how can a pub mess up fish and chips and pizza?? Season the breading! Heard of basil, garlic, salt?? One bright spot was a place I found watching Triple D (Food Network) with Jason during my NM trip. The guy runs this bitty dive with no kitchen, and the food rocked! If you want to salivate watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5eg4CeEiBk Now I admit we did not get to try what I am sure are some great restaurants, but we went to places recommended by locals. Is it just a regional or personal oddity? I don't know. Seasoning is essential for me, along with fresh and all the other requirements for excellent cuisine. There is one thing that is similar to Indy. It is close to our city in size and friendliness. Are these connected? Maybe. I can see why people like living in Portland, if they can afford it. The price of gentrification has created a pale town, and I really like the diversity of my neighborhood and city. So I guess you could say that traveling abroad gives me a better appreciation for Naptown. We have good food (organic farmer's markets even), diversity, great museums, parks, and gardens. We've got decent brewpubs (though there's never enough of those), friendly people, some culture and arts, and a manageable-sized downtown. If only there were a public transit system and some mountains....

And here we are, a year later. I can't believe Theodore's going to turn one at the end of this month! Time flies. I know it's cliche, yet it holds. I have a dilemma as well. Should I get a half-sleeve tattoo for my 30th next month or something more domestic, like a set of new (unchipped, lead-free) dishes? Blurg! Practical or fun? What do you think?