Portland, day 3 (pt. 3)

firemen get into the spirit of the parade

The "second chance" marching band was the best!!

Storm troopers were out in force

 The day ended with a Portland tradition, the Starlight Parade!  This eclectic "people's parade" featured all manner of entry from the odd to the really odd!  Nearly every unit (some 96 in all) had some electrical/color feature - some used glow sticks while others used generated power to light the way.  

The parade even had a prequel of sorts - the Starlight Run, along the 3.1 mile parade route.  Imagine the audience of "Let's Make a Deal" running through the streets of your town.  That's what was happening in downtown Portland Saturday evening!

It was a wonderful sharing of everything that makes Portland and the Rose Festival the city-wide celebration with something for everyone.

Portland, day 3 (pt. 2)

Put a sign out and they will come

A Portland tradition of long-standing

Some of the action at Skidmore Fountain 

Mast from the USS Oregon

Portlandia statue

Hello, from Portland!

After the visit to the Chinese Garden, Charles went walking through the Portland Saturday Market, stopping first at the Faux Museum, a quirky little place which fits perfectly with Portland's "keep Portland weird" theme.  The market is a fantastic place, filled at every turn with some truly amazing art and other home-made items.

Following the riverfront, he made his way to his next adventure, a ride on a Segway!  It was a hoot, traversing the streets of downtown Portland aboard on the two wheeled machines!  

Portland, day 3 (pt. 1)

Another full day was in store for Charles today as the Mission u activities ended this morning.  After the session wrapped-up, he headed into Portland to do some sightseeing. 

First up, the Lan Su Chinese Garden which is an oasis of peace and tranquility in the midst of the city.  After enjoying the flowers and other plants, he stopped in to the garden's Teahouse in the Tower of Cosmic Reflections.  What a treat!!!

Portland, day 2

Japanese-American Historical Plaza

Amazing donuts (tomorrow!) with a line
around the block!

Darcelle XV entertainers

Portland street art

A tori gate at the Expo Center metro stop

Another full day was in store for Charles today and what a day it was!  A full morning and afternoon of group sessions, worship, and mission programs filled the gathering with loads of energy!  

With some optional programs taking place in the evening, Charles took advantage of the opportunity to see some of Portland's nightlife and went in the old town area in search of adventure!  The hotel staff recommended that he check out the cabaret show at Darcelle XV - what a hoot!

Saturday sees the end of the Mission u training and the launching in earnest of Charles' Portland adventure - stay tuned!!!

Portland, day 1

Sunny day on the Colombia River

The first full day at Mission u training in Portland was filled with learning, worship and fellowship!  Charles is preparing to lead a study titled, "How is it with your soul?" based upon the question asked of early Methodists in England.  Lots of good stuff!

Charles was reunited with a fellow Wesley Theological Seminary grad yesterday, Debbie Dow Weatherspoon and today met up with a pastor from his time in Nebraska, Jamie Norwich Mclennan.  One never know who will be met at these type of events!!

Westward, ho!

Ready to take-off from Missoula

Somewhere over Idaho 

Flying through a rainbow during the approach into Portland 

Rainfall across the Colombia River in Washington

A weary traveler's reward

Charles set out for Portland, Oregon this afternoon to attend training for the upcoming sessions of Mission u, the learning experience offered by the United Methodist Women.  Charles will be one of the two presenters for the Yellowstone Conference's events this coming year.

Charles said it was nice to be in Oregon (his first time in that state) so quickly.  After settling into his hotel on the Colombia River, he enjoyed a great meal and local refreshments!  Tomorrow begins the 2 1/2 day training event, lots to look forward to!

Memorial Day, pt. 3

Wesley gets the day started with a nap!

It's a Missoula landmark!

Our Memorial Day has had several parts - a slow start to the morning, the parade in Corvallis, lunch in Missoula at Paul's Pancake Parlor, shopping for a new bed, and now a delightful evening at home.  Life is good in the Bitterroot Valley!

Memorial Day parade in Corvallis, pt. 2

Antique Montana Highway patrol car

Scouts were out in force today

Everyone loved the Shriners!

Belinda thanks a Korean War vet after the parade

Charles strikes a pose with "Monte," the UMT mascot

This morning's parade included Shriners, community groups, politicians, antique vehicles, and more!

Memorial Day parade in Corvallis, pt. 1

We joined a large gathering of Ravalli County residents this morning in Corvallis for the 95th Memorial Day parade.  It was such a beautiful morning to share in remembering those who gave so much for our country.

Wesley on the prowl

On the prowl in the backyard

Wesley inspects Charles' efforts

Examining the scene

"The birds will never see me in the mint"

Wesley enjoyed an afternoon frolic while Charles was working in the backyard.  He loves to chase bugs and has illusions of being a hunter of birds, though what he would do with one if he caught it is anyone's guess!

Backyard work continues

We continued the task of improving the look of the backyard this evening.  Charles cleared a section along the back fence, planting some hops starter vines.  Hopefully it will come along, until our first 'crop' comes in we'll enjoy the fresh look along the alley fence.