It is Almost Time: The Second Time Around

so excited about starting my new job tomorrow at PSU....unpacking and cleaning my new office sounds like fun....meeting new people; working with new faculty and interlacing with new admin....PLUS learning from new students....here i come ready or not....let's make it a great day, week, year and many more....hope i can sleep tonight. nite nite

Darn Ole Cold Anyway: Oh Well

my cold symptoms are getting worse...darn it. tomorrow is my big day and I don't want to feel under the weather....l called this am and it was nice hearing her voice. just had my first inr in portland...almost late cuz i used the wrong bridge to go across the river....so that was fun. the lady was very nice and they understood my situation so they took my GALLON (not really) of blood. hope the levels are ok so i don't have to do something different with my meds...enough information...i agree. so got my groceries at the closet Safeway on Hawthorne and now i am home...can't wait to take a nap....i feel like i am starting school all over again...and in away that is what i am doing...now i need to get some new shoes, oh, i already did! nap time. kinda like the little shelton pony from yesterday...just cute...it was actually sat. more from the aquamarine. the view from the condo..my picture of the bridge and a sailboat....yummy.

I Almost Forgot

Strawberries to die for.....miniature horse (it was only one week old)....and fish markets..(I have another pix of this one)....Oregon is so rich with so many new places, people, animals, plants, fruits...etc. etc....my goodness what a place this is and I have only been here less than one month. I left Flag on June 1. I will be sharing some of my photos later when I get them downloaded from my camera. I have a new quote now: "Sometimes our only available transportation is a leap of faith"...I guess that is what I did!

Newport Beach on the Oregon Coast

I was invited to spend the weekend at Newport Beach on the coast in the middle of Oregon...a new friend invited me to go with her and what a sweet person she was to ask me to begin with and then be able to accept my complaints re my feet and then getting a cold...I felt so badly about this but I still had a wonderful time..It was beautiful and the weather was outstanding....cool, breezy, fog, clear skies, and so peaceful. Lots of rest, reading, watching the tube, looking at the beach, seeing new places like the jellyfish at the aquarium and an exhibit which had hand blown glass representing fish, plants, and you could barely tell what was real or not. New food including outstanding crab soup, crab patties, halibut (so tender), new drinks, and wine tasting....and plus went to a craft store that is going out of business so that was great fun....oh I forgot, fresh berries, art galleries...what a treat this was, thank you so very much, r. The pictures are of the bridge at Newport Beach, art deco on top of all of it! A wonderful pre work vacation plus! thanks again. Even saw a famous photographer at Canyon de Chelly in Arizona. Got back to my apartment and it was over 100 degrees inside so it took a long time to get it cool so I could even stand inside. Then a big thunder storm...sorry l re not going to the movie, I know you wanted to; just could not do it tonight. So sad of course to learn about the horrible accident in Flag; prayers for all those who died and have family who were impacted.

Good Morning, Good Morning

I was awake at 4:00 am this morning...had a dream about my mom and living in Window Rock. Some friends and I were rv camping in the mountains near Window Rock and there was smoke...we left to my parents home in WR and I was telling my friends about them. I saw matching pieces to the silver set I have now; old clothes of hers; living in poor conditions; feeling like I had to leave pretty soon with my friends to be safe somewhere else. Then I got up and looked at the peaceful quiet river outside my new apartment; twinkling lights; shimmering water; leaves blowing slightly. I was grateful when I woke up that I was not in any pain. So I was running to a safe zone but needing to leave right away with my friends. Amazing considering I left Flag about three and half weeks ago now. I left on June 1 and July 1st is next Tuesday. My entire life has been about coming and going different places physically, emotionally, spiritually, geographically, socially, culturally...I can see my female Buddha sitting on my desk on her red Navajo rug in a peaceful position. Reading meditations from my UU song book...let quiet come to me and let peace come to me; it is already within me already...just listen... Char (you have come along way and everything will be just fine).

Changing My E-Mail Address: The Shock Was Not That Bad

Yes, I changed my e-mail and it has actually been pretty harmless...I guess that is why they have the word "forward"....the picture is of d and i the other day....he is just a wonderful person!!!!!!!!!!! Must say i look really relaxed. I got up feeling pretty tired due to my deciding to walk at least 10 miles in downtown Portland...I really need to learn the words MODERATION AND BALANCE. Spent the am basically walking around my carpeted apartment and cleaning....then dear L1 called and we made plans to go to the mall with h and s. I bought a new leather purse...!!!!!!!!!!!!! and a HARD BACK BOOK. Yummy...went to wf and signed some papers....I think I will use the services near the mall, like Safeway, Pier Imports...banking...bookstore...and I can take my car to get there like other people do to get around and like I used to do in Flag....I don't know what I was trying to prove that I have to WALK everywhere or it does not count!...oh well...it is my learning curve with lots of hugs and smiles form L1. Off to the beach tomorrow with a new friend. Sure hope we like each other or I will have to take a bus home if it is not fun; I am not expecting that to happen but she is a new friend....very sweet of her to ask me to go with her...I am excited about seeing the ocean...it has been a long time. I don't have a laptop computer so I will not be ON MY COMPUTER for a few days....I hope I can survive. Wish me luck.....saw some jewelry today at Macy's named "Lucky"...cute.

What A Day

I walked and walked and walked some more....oh my goodness...went to a workshop sponsored by Apple Store on ipod and itunes but now I can't get my computer at home to have any sound...help oh great one of the speakers! Have been invited to go to Newport Beach, Or with a new friend I made via UU social events...leaving Thursday am and returned on Sunday afternoon...so that will be really different...she has a place there so I will be helping her with gas and driving. Making new friends...I have to learn how to get around a bit better cuz my poor feet are hurting so much. Tender, red, swollen, and painful...help if anyone knows of some medicine to help me....beautiful weather today---sunny and warm---love my new desk at home...so professional looking and now I have lots of room....going to put my feet up and in a water bath to see if that will help...later

Lov The MAN....

L1 thanks for sharing your d with me today...we went to IKEA and I bought my desk, shelves, chair, etc....he was so patient with me...he also PUT THEM ALL TOGETHER AT MY PLACE .....I will be taking you guys out to dinner! Just swell to have spent most of the day/night with d re my stuff...it looks wonderful...so clean, polished, orderly, new, attractive...and for me! Again, give your d a big thank you hug, ok???!!!! Safe travels...see u soon. c

Hi Again..It is Monday!

After I left my office I decided to attend a UU film discussion sponsored by someone who actually lives pretty close to l,h,d...i was the newcomer...i thought we would be watching films then discussion would follow...NO. They had a potluck and then we all gathered outside in the back yard (about 30 or so)and discuss three films which we are suppose to see before we attend this discussion...so, I heard about a film called "Young At Heart" and met a new person who loved it and she invited me to see it tomorrow sometime...I went to You Tube and it looks really fun and it takes place in Northampton, Mass...so that will be familiar since that is where I got my MSW years ago...how funny...came home and watched tv for awhile; talked with c; miss her...then started to make folders for my new job....I am getting excited about it....it will be such a new adventure. So, nite nite---(I guess I have been a busy bee today..or yesterday or tonight or early morning; whatever).

My New PSU Office---Alarms Going Off

Went to UU by the streetcar and two women (who I had met earlier in the week) welcomed me and I sat with them at UU...then I walked downtown to THE MALL...somethings never change...then I decided to go to my new office start the UNPACKING OF THOUSANDS OF BOXES. (Actually not that many!). Got into the building and my new office and was happy that my new keys worked...started to look around and of course turn on my computer...not sure if this one is the one but probalbly so...anyway, basically minding my own business---or I thought...no one here. Then I heard a noise and quickly turned around...TWO PSU officers were standing at my door. Apparently, I had not turned off the social work alarm and motion indicators...so, ---they were very nice and I explained who I was and they saw all my boxes...they did ask to see my new PSU id....so...I am suppose to call them when I leave so they can turn the alarm back on...so...I was officially welcomed! It made me certainly feel safe and now I know what I am suppose to do even though I don't know how to do it... My new office has two windows, the ceiling has three holes in it with the pipes showing through...hopefully they will get this fixed before I actually start on July 1...so...I can see a tree on the left and a large multistory building off in the distance (it is round); variuos construction items on the street...see students below on the street; I am on the fourth floor. Also, I hurt my left foot pretty badly; sure hope I have not broken it by all the walking I have been doing...finding some boxes with home stuff in them...vcr...art books, bathroom rugs...ok...too much information...so, adios and back to unpacking....maybe---l1, your photos are making me home sick...for the sunny southwest...but I hear it is HOT. See you next week sometime.

Lost Again & Thank You HP for Taking Care of Me...again

Basically I spent the day trying to find stores with no luck in spite of my new gps and fancy laminated map....I was so confused..so I stopped at Safeway and asked for help (directions) and tried to follow them...I continued to be lost...oh well, the gas I was trying to save by my quick trip to get office supplies turned into a long, expensive trip without getting to the store I actually wanted....oh well...another learning experience. So finally I gave up and went to Fred Myers and got the stupid file folders! I think it is getting time for me to start my new job and spend less time in the car...I almost had a very serious accident which would have been my fault so I thank HP over and over again....it was really stupid what I did and I cannot go into it anymore....just really glad I did not hurt someone else or myself....be gentle with yourself c. (Does anyone know why I took this picture and where it is?)....good nite

Playing Again

Artistic stuff re my recent move and some cool paper....or how to really mess up some pictures--you decide. Or too much of a good thing is too much of a good thing or.....ok. time to go to bed and get some sleep. all right already I really like blue and pink.

Summer in Portland: A Wonder to Behold

I still can't believe I actually live here now....truly amazing if I do say so myself. Had a sweet lunch with d and l at a nearby restaurant; (across the street!) overlooking the RIVER. Like l said...it is like a live in a resort! and that is true. I took a short nap on my new bed this afternoon---cool breeze and kayaks in the view. Getting closer to being unpacked at home; just need to start thinking of my new office at psu...I walked way too much yesterday so I am staying close to home today....my right leg is hurting. Well, off to do something or not! Later, L1 have a wonderful time in your travels to ARIZONA and dc. A big hug to d for putting in my new shower head with instructions for the future...I actually had some "plumbers tape"--he was pretty impressed by that...so z rubbed off on me a bit plus the class I took last year on "women and home repairs". ...and don't get too wet in the river....

More Pictures from Char

More pictures from cg...

Walking and More Walking

Mainly stayed home this am then went to the Pearl district for lunch then "the hunt" for a new place that I saw a couple of weeks ago that sold furniture...well, I took the streetcar and basically was lost but eventually found it with the help of some kind person; leather chairs and more leather chairs...too much for my small apartment so the hunt continues. Spent most of the day with h yesterday and we went to t and i....she is fun person to be around. L1 made me dinner at her house then I went home. I am getting most of my stuff put away....OH my new queen size bed arrived. It is wonderful and to actually sleep in it is great too; it is very high so I have to jump to get into it...not that bad but kinda high. Just trying to figure out what kind of headboard I really want. so I have been piling up the steps that's for sure....so that will help me with sleeping better and more balance in my life re other issues I am dealing with...I mainly need a desk first then a chair...had an all day orientation at psu re my benefits on Monday...need more time to decide which is the best plan. so that is it for right now. happy trip to l with her dad in Az. a may be moving to here or up north...will be nice to have her closer. The pix are from my trip to Portland and walking around....funny

The Real Reason I Can Play Today

Gracias to L1 and H for helping me put away my stuff yesterday and the day before....h was so much fun; sometime I will download a picture of her reading a book in a big box that she unpacked for me...thanks you two wonderful people.

Nirvana with Sun (and rain sometimes)

I have been a busy bee today....Portland Farmer's Market this morning then Gay Pride this afternoon.....on a specular day, bright blue skies, Mt. Hood, and dykes. I am so close to Tom McCall Waterfront Parkway, where the majority of summer events are located...about 15 minutes walking....it is like living downtown in Flag and walking to hertiage square....what a place this is; I just hope I don't forget to go to work on July 1....

good morning portland

This is the streetcar I will be using to get to work....just up the hill to psu.....Just happy to be here! so many choices...i feel like i am in a candy store and can't decide what to do (if that has ever been a problem)...be patient it will all be wonderful; my new job is going require me to be very active and visible so this will be a change; just be patient with yourself charchar...my new Internet is so much faster---it goes! new keyboard---to help me with my hands and give me some ease...getting already for my new life at psu. used my new microwave and had a good bkfts...coffee was wonderful too. So, off to do more unpacking at home then my new office....what fun this is! I wanted a new life and now I am getting into my new life....thank you to everyone who has helped me get here...lov u all....

Getting Really Connected

yes, today is the day I had my cable/Internet installed; he even set up my computer with the help of h. it is sunny today and i can see the moon and Mt. Hood; I mainly see the base because the top is obscured by the bridge...clear blue sky; how these days will be treasured in the coming years/months. l took me shopping at target for home stuff; it was fun being with her; she is so supportive and loving...accepts me totally. my computer is set up on the wall facing the north and on my right is the east doorway out to the balcony. can see all types of activity from this view point. little kids playing in the pond with gold fish; walking dogs; aroma of steak from a restaurant downstairs; lots of people out for a walk. I walked 9453 steps yesterday so my feet are really hurting today; i need to take care of my feet because I will be doing a lot of walking here; the positive side effect is that i slept really good last night until 8:00 am....h helped my unpack today and we got all the drawers lined with fancy paper; she was a big help then l joined us later and we went to her house for some late afternoon treats (cheese, crackers, apple and lemonade); i would generally agree i live in a paradise outside of my apartment and the inside is beautiful too; got a lot unpacked last night and today with help of h. what a treat to come home to every night...I can't believe it. and target was very happy i came by today! i feel like i am living next to a "movie" "on the river front"---watching all the changes each minute; each time i look it is different; light, river colors, shades of green, temperature....what a treat.....thank hp.

I Guess U Have to Be Here!

This is an insider story....ok, ok, ok, I got it. signed "the kitty cats of 44th Ave".

Travels with L1: AKA It could not be worse!

My dear dear fried L1 has been up all nite from a flight from DC via Denver...darn ole Denver for having put its terminal into the Midwest plains somewhere...far away from anything or anyone....nap time. Just image two cats with pampers on walking around with their back legs hobbled.....this is suppose to make you laugh if u know the context....anyway it is official I am a aunt cuz I get to take h somewhere now...yea! yea!

Queen for a Day: Or Let's Get Ready for Bed in My New Place

purchased my new queen sized bed this evening from m. so they will be delivering it next Tuesday...it will be so nice to look out my new window and see the river with all its charms, activity, boats, speed boats, etc. it was raining today; they say it will be in the 80's this weekend...h had her last day of class today. What a kid she is...just love her spirit and delightfulness! A new 6 grader now! Fun to watch her play with the 2 doggies and 2 kitties....running around, rolling around, and just playing! so, tomorrow i will be taking h to a friend and picking up l...then to psu to get my official id etc. THEN START UNPACKING. On with my new life now.....safe return for l from dc via denver.

Surrrounded by Big Boxes & Small Boxes & tiny boxes; ok you got the idea

Yesterday the movers arrived like clockwork...just 3 hours late; no big deal so that gave me enough time to look at my apartment and conduct the "checklist of errors" before I move in....you know me...I had to attach a 6 page handwritten comment section about every detail I could possible see...so they will not get one cent of my down payment (sounds like a car)..deposit...oh well, just 3 serious corrections need to be made...THEN THE BOXES ARRIVED. Whew....it was really hard watching them unload my 30+ boxes and at my office about 25+ boxes...so now for the unpacking....OF IT ALL....after they finished the unloading I attended my first BASW orientation meeting with 2/3rds of the students, faculty, and Jr who has been the director of the program so far...It was really nice to actually see them and everyone was very gracious and welcoming to me...very diverse students; so motivated and WANT TO CHANGE THE WORLD. Heavens knows we need that...so, it makes me feel very humble and I hope I can live up to their expectations...me too. 17 days until I official start at PSU so it is me and the BOXES for awhile...d,l,h so kind to let me stay with them....I know it is hard on everyone especially this time of year...so more later.............

The Count Down

The Dragon Boats can be seen from my balcony...did not see the race but have seen them practicing....about Sunday in Portland: The following discussion is basically all over the place; as you will find out yourself....enjoy. Well the movers will be at my new apartment between 9:00 and 9:30 am...so my life will be changing even more. The first item I have to purchase is a bed...a comfy one! Measured my bedroom and living room and d made a computer drawing of the two rooms and now to try to fit all that I brought into this floor space...went to my new home this morning and it was the first day of SUN AND BLUE SKIES..I feel like I came out from underneath a pretty soft green leaf all week...from my balcony I could see Mt. Hood, the River, all the bikes, kids, Lily pond, flowers and boats...so it will be beautiful each morning; spent about an hour lost between downtown and The Other Side of the River plus lots of closed streets due to the Rose Festival events...thousands of people everywhere...so, where I was reading my map, looking at the GPS and hearing The women's voice try to give me directions plus going over the river; not sure why this is such a big event for me I guess because I never have lived near WATER. So I just let it be "me lost"....and driving around aimlessly. (is that a word?); went to my first UU service this morning--whew that was an event of hundreds...they honored 4 seniors who have graduated from high school; the sermon was about "disappointments and new paths"---change was the theme and it certainly hit home for me right now. I stood up when they asked for "visitors" to stand..the woman next to me said hi...sang a song and it made me cry...for joy. so I will be finding my little niche in this large community after awhile; it will all just take time and patience....missed our little uu. It is a week since I left flag...I have been in between all week but tomorrow that will change due to getting my furniture and boxes...b called this evening and said I was missed at uu; thanks b...spoke with a this afternoon; and l1 left for dc...this is about the first Sunday I did not have my session with L2...8:00 am like clock work...miss her lots...so today was the day of THE SUN COMING OUT. Maybe summer has come to Portland now??!!??? So, good nite charchar....be patient with yourself and be gentle....and be loving...it will all be ok....

My First Day in Portland as a Newly Arrived

First and foremost, Happy Anniversary to D & L...saw their darling wedding pictures; so cute and in love! Lov u two...anyway, spent most of the day staying at their lovely home; adventured out by myself once to fax something to jp in flag. Started looking for new bedroom furniture, beds, and matresses..so personal. So hard re so many thougths and memories..So time to go more slowly and wait....I don't need anything but I would like to have a bed! Took a nap mid morning...so sleepy and tired from all of the driving and pushing to get out of flag....so, here I am and I don't have to leave!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! yea....it is very cold and rainy.

My First Bridge Crossing

I crossed my first bridge in Portland today about 5:00 pm...made it to the other side...without any incident...whew...

A New Reality

It just turned into June 6th.

I Can't Really Believe I Am Here! Fate as z would say

I feel so spaced out now that I am really here...what an opportunity and I can't wait to meet so many new people....lov to all my friends, come up and visit! congrats to a for getting her new job in Washington only 1 1/2 hours away..

Ashland Springs Hotel: A Room with a View

Living it up in Style---what a pure delight to celebrate my first night in Oregon...refined, soft, pleasure, peach, bubble bath...yes, I am here now. From their website: "Today, the Ashland Springs Hotel continues to offer first-class hospitality to those who are drawn by business, the arts or the area’s natural beauty. Ashland Springs Hotel combines the charm of a bed and breakfast, the friendliness of a small inn, the feel of a spa resort and the safety and convenience of a hotel. This beautifully restored hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places and is located in the heart of downtown Ashland just steps from the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Other nearby attractions include the Oregon Cabaret Theater, Lithia Park, wine tastings and gallery tours, skiing, golf, fishing, river-rafting, tax-free shopping, dining and pampering at the nearby Blue Giraffe Spa".

A 2000 year Play about Love India Style

The Clay Cart...a bit of mid afternoon delight....musical with a stage of 20 plus actors...in the round! funny, joyful, playful, laughter, dancing, silly, good throughout the ages...and just pure entertainment.

A Bit of Fun and Relaxation-Or How Many People Can Die at the End of A Play?

Othello---in Ashland An opulent production of Shakespeare’s larger-than-life tragedy The Moor Othello, a celebrated general but also an outsider, shares a boundless love with Desdemona, a Venetian aristocrat. Defying her family and social convention, they marry. Enter Othello’s military aide, who nurses a vengeful hate for his commander. The deceitful Iago plants seeds of envy that lead to catastrophe for Othello and Desdemona, and their perfect union comes tragically unraveled. Lisa Peterson’s muscular Shakespeare interpretation boils over with fury, sexual heat and consuming passions.

Hola Portland, Es Carlota

Well, I made it today. I arrived in Portland at 3:30 pm after 1,337 miles from Flag. What a trip. First night in Las Vegas, next day drove from LV to Susanville, CA via Reno...600 miles! The third day I drove from Susanville to Ashland, Or. Crossed into Oregon at 1:00pm. Saw sea gulls in the morning, fog at noon, and a play at night...while in Ashland I saw two plays and two mini concerts on the "green"...first night stayed at the Ashland Spring Hotel (historic hotel, was the first sky scrapper between Portland and San Fran in the 20's); I was on the 6th floor in a corner room; walked to the theatre one night; called a and k the next morning and stayed with them the second night in Ashland. So much fun with them; went to another play that afternoon;...so getting off on the right foot; seeing plays and listening to music...what a wondrous welcome to Oregon. Got to Portland today and got my keys to my new apartment...went to dinner with l,d, and h then we came over to see my new place and we all got wowed...with the view of the river...tried to image my furniture in the two rooms; it is bigger than I remember; the accent color in the lr is a rust/reddish (very southwestern hue)...then we went to the floating restaurant and had dessert..saw the Chinese boats practicing for the celebration mid June. Saw geese and ducks, a Lilly pond from my windows..what a fun place this is going to be with my dear friends, l1, d, and h. So my stuff is arriving early Monday morning and i will be staying with ldh until that time. sunset and tiny lights all over the bridges and river, and boats...it feels so special...then came back over to their house at 44th place. this is going to be such a treat in my life....yea char. lov to all in flag who made this possible...I am doing really well...the first night in my new home, Portland. I don't have to leave this time...so, off to bed with sugar plums dancing in my head and dreams...nite nite. thanks to l, d, and h for being so special and lov to you three forever!