Bam

This wedding is on like Black Swan!

Chapel

D&M are to be married at this quaint little schoolhouse in about an hour. Thank goodness all the seats are in the shade.

90s

I am doing a hell of a job staying hydrated this trip. Additionally, I just had a phenomenal smoked salmon omelet at this sweet little cafe in town.

Just about got a picture of myself with this awesome middleschooler pimping apples at the farmers market but I chickened out. He was just too cool.

Cheers

Goats

Day at the farm setting up the reception. Also, goats.

I did not know their pupils were horizontal. Bizarre.

Hurry up and wait

So get up, run, then head out for a quick breakfast. Then get the meat around noon and head out from there to the wedding grounds.

Wait.

The meat has to be picked up AT noon because it won't be in a freezer, because the place above is the pickup spot. B-line it home, grab everything and jet to the bbq stand.

Wait.

The meat hasn't been delivered yet. Get the groom on the road and promise to wait and pay for eventual said meat delivery. Meet the guy handling the meat transactions so we both know who to deal with.

Wait.

Same meat purveyor you just met now pulls up next to you in his big white meat van explaining ever so softly why he is now leaving, wherein you understand maybe four key words in his soft paragraph on why you wont see him again.

Sit on curb.

My unnecessary speech.

When it comes down to it, there isn't that much that requires us to deal with one another. Yes, there are jobs and what are at least initial forced interactions, but politics and family can both be easily manipulated and/or dissolved over time if and when necessary. What truly matters, I believe, are the relationships which we choose to enter in to; those that we deem worth the endurance.

I have only been back in Portland for all of five days, but in that time I've experienced so many aspects of this privilege -- from meeting and bonding with what I now consider new friends (those of my current ones) to greeting some of my oldest and dearest, to even introducing myself to some I've known for many years yet never had the opportunity to actually meet. And now here I am, about to witness the most devoted version of these decisive connections: two friends publicly pledging - before most everyone who matters to them - to never allow that core of pure friendship to be compromised.

While I admit I may not know my two friends better than many of the people in attendance, what I do know is enough to confidently state two crucial things: 1.) These are two people I would individually trust in caring for me if I were to suddenly suffer a massive coronary, and 2.) They are both truly two peas from the same pod. I knew this when I first met them as much as I do today.

What we are attending here is not what many concede as the next logical step in their lives; it is what it should be - and is - the next logical step in their Life.

And to this I say, raise a glass. You both kick ass.

Wish You Were Here

Last time I was here I believe Chris negotiated himself behind the counter. The place is still the same, which is reassuring.

Spending a good afternoon sightseeing with the old roommate and his special lady friend.

Only in OR

Stopped by Clinton street, asked to be extras in an older white male (wearing a wool-lined winter vest)'s rap video.

Yep, that's about the size of it.

Addendum again-dum

In addition to this quiet evening the late afternoon was spent cruising downtown, where I found the *local* brewery and commenced to spend a little on souvenirs and dinner. Their Red Dawn ale is great, by the way, as are their wings. Also I got lost again in Powell's Books but not only did I find the exit, I also came across a great book by a favorite author/artist.

I'll try to spruce this place up with pics when I get a moment, promise.