What a Lovely Day

This morning, the painter and the landscaper came, so we have newly painted garage doors and enhanced landscaping in our backyard (nothing special ... just some shrubs added). I took the dogs for a walk while D played poker and watched the Sweden/Germany match. We watched the first half of the Mexico/Argentina game (rooting for Mexico, of course) and then headed out for lunch. The little girl next door was having a lemonade stand with her friend, so D and I bought a couple of otter pops. I bet we were their only customers - bad location. Anyway, we drove down into the Pearl District, figuring we'd just wander around and find a place we hadn't tried yet. We parked by a park that was thronging with sunbathers and little kids running around in the fountain and found a little Italian place. We walked in and it was like being in Europe - the ambiance was perfect and there were TVs everywhere with the Mexico/Argentina game on. We stayed through the end of that game. The food was very European, not at all Americanized yet. I ordered prosciutto and melon and it was just like in Rome (yes, I eat pig when it's that darn good). The other great thing was it was European ambiance and food with American service - the best of both worlds!

Following our meal, and Mexico's disappointing loss, we headed over to the Rose Garden. I quite enjoyed it. They have all the roses labeled. There was the Diana Princess of Wales rose, the Leann Rimes, the Rosie O'Donnell, the Reba McIntyre, the Grace Allen right next to the George Burns. It was quite cool. Overall, there weren't many roses named after celebrities, but those are the names I remember.

Next we decided to hit the Chinese Garden, as well. It was very interesting. It's in downtown PDX, so it like a little sanctuary in the city (though not in the heart of downtown, but close enough). I preferred the Japanese Garden to it, but it was still a worth while stop.

We're now back home, both sitting on our back deck with our respective laptops. The dogs are laying with us, hoping we'll play ball. Life is good.

P.S. If Wordplay is playing near anyone, it is a terrific movie. We loved it. I just smiled the whole way through.