Americans Can Do Anything

As proof....

We got motivated early today and headed up Hawthorne to walk the dog and to grab a latte at Peet's. It was pretty cold out (around 36 degrees) but, we survived.

Still seems amazing to me that flowers are popping up around here in February. Here is a shot of some Irises that we passed by. Little did I know that there are up to 300 species of this plant and as you may notice, this is one very short stemmed variety (if I am correct on this identification).


In the spirit of the title of this post, I thought it appropriate to close out the day monitoring some volcanoes. Might want to keep an eye on Mt. Redoubt everybody!

Oh and I also showered and shaved today!

Mardis Gras West Bay Club Style

Party on dude. You gotta fight, for your right... TO PARTY!

Anyway, we got gussied up for the Mardis Gras events here at Mom & Dad's place.

Hammer Time

Ted Brown rounding the last curve of the Edison Festival 5K in Fort Myers today. He was smoking in the 80 and over category as to be expected.

Florida Flora and Fauna

We were able to get some nice shots of the natives of Florida. Had fun watching the alligators fight for turf. These were pretty little guys, about 4-5 feet from head to tail.

DO NOT molest the Alligators please!

Daytime Activities

Went for a walk today and enjoyed the sun.


Hung out by the pool. This was a great day and the water was nice and warm.

Here Comes The Sun

Beautiful day in Florida today and we hit the Naples Museum of Art. Here are a few photos from that visit (none allowed inside the museum itself of course).




We ate lunch at the The Boathouse and as it was just ok, I would go elsewhere next time around.

After lunch we were in need for a walk and hit the beach near gulf shore drive. Very breezy but, great walk in the sun.

Off To Florida

We leave for Florida today to hang with the parental unit at the West Bay Club in Estero. Looking forward to some warm weather and hanging by the pool.

Black & Blue

Headed out for Pedicure #2 yesterday with Susan at Dosha (A nice B-day present) and after we were done, the sky was a cool black and blue.

We grabbed a cocktail from the mixologist at Belly Timber after we were finished.

Day 1 @ 43

Well well well. One more notch in the belt.

Had a great dinner with friends at Toro Bravo last night. I must say my favorite tapa was the brussel sprouts with bacon. Way smokey and delicious.

Brandi did us all a favor and ordered the Churro and chocolate sauce.

Hugo Bags For All

We had these bags made up with the image of the infamous Hugo. Compliments of Gina. These bags are now offered to the public at large on the Golly Lolly site that Gina has up.


These are great for kids or the like minded adult (holds a pack of smokes, cell phone and a wallet). The satchel bag pictured below also serves as an overnight bag for the minimalist packer.

Back In The Saddle

As with posting (none since last Sunday) and with the new snowfall here in Portland.


Big flakes but, too warm to stick here in Portland. Mt. Hood will be rearing to go for mountain fun after this snowfall.

Weekend Hawthorne Activities

Maria and the kids came up on Friday and we hit the streets on Saturday. We ate at Baghdad Cafe and then checked out the local shops.

Baby Back

Evil K and Jim hanging out last night. We think she might pop in March (maybe the 25th??).


I think I might have mine on the 26th. We shall see.