Getting better…
We’re about 80% or so unpacked now, which feels a hell of a lot better than being totally hemmed in by boxes did. Now we need to hang our chandelier in the dining room, buy a new couch for the living room (thanks to Oscar), and figure out where to hang the paintings and mirrors. The fun stuff. Yeah…there are still boxes to be unpacked that are hiding in the basement and downstairs sun porch. I’m just happy to be able to see the beginnings of a functional living room and dining room.
Today was Billy’s first day of work, Thumper and my first day of finding our new weekday routine. We’re going to be trying on a couple of kid-friendly daytime knitting groups for size this week, and also have big plans to hit up a storytime at the library. Today we just did what we used to do back in Brooklyn. We loaded up in the stroller and went for a walk. (The difference in Portland being that I was sure to tuck our rain gear and the stroller rain shield into the carry basket. We didn’t need them, but apparently you really never know.)
We strollered over to Tandem Coffeehouse, which until right before we moved in had been Mabel’s, a knitting store/cafe. Now it’s the same owner but no yarn. Great timing, right? But it’s a lovely coffeehouse, with a nice big play area, so Thumper and I liked it just fine even without the yarn. It worked out way better than I could have ever planned, actually. Thumper fell asleep right before we arrived and stayed asleep in his stroller for an hour. I slowly sipped my coffee, and ate a bagel with Nutella, and wrote in my notebook for a solid hour. An hour. Uninterrupted. In a cafe. While he got a very nice nap. I couldn’t believe it.
While he slept, I managed to solve a plot/character problem in the new novel that was really tripping me up, and had a decent bagel (which is probably about as good as bagels get here, because I’ve had some pretty bad ones so far) and a great cup of (Stumptown, of course) coffee. Life is good in Portland. Or Utopia, as Billy and I have taken to calling it. “In Utopia all the children time their naps to allow their mothers much-needed creative breakthroughs on their novels.” We bust out with sentences like that constantly.
When he woke up, we played for a while in the play area, which was the reason we’d walked there in the first place. I was hoping to maybe run into some other kids around his age. We didn’t–there weren’t any other kids there–but Thumper did make a toy choice that just may indicate we’re doomed when he hits his teen years.
Historically Guitar Boys have been nothing but trouble for me (except for you, Lon. And mostly you, Tad. Okay…and for the most part you, Nick). Is it too controlling to hope I don’t have a budding Guitar Boy on my hands? (And while we’re on the topic, why is it that I know so many guitarists? Maybe it’s just that the world is too full of them.)
So we’re settling in pretty well. I miss my family, and my New York friends, but I think we’ll be happy here. Really happy. I’m going to establish the bed for the vegetable garden this weekend, to give it a chance to settle in before I start planting (in March, I think? I need to look more into local planting times etc). And how will I establish this vegetable garden? With some bagged soil and some of what we’ve already got, and then–get this–with compost from the neighborhood compost. Yep. There’s a shared compost for our neighborhood at the corner of one person’s yard. From the look of the bag of tomatoes our neighbor Eva gave me tonight, it’s fine compost indeed. I had been planning to get a small bin for our backyard, but now I’ll definitely contribute to the communal bin instead. See what I mean? Utopia.
PS: Please go check out this post at Rachael’s and please do consider reading her chapters and giving chapter 2 that “10” vote it totally deserves. Because Rachael rocks. That is all. Thank you.
Sounds like you are off to a great start! And don’t you just love it when they nap at just the right time?
As for gardens, I usually plant in late April, mostly cool weather stuff, peas etc. Then the warmer weather plants in May. In July I plant again for fall, peas, kale, carrots, kohlrabi. You could even put kale in now for the winter 🙂 🙂 I just wish it would warm up a wee bit so my tomatos can ripen a bit more.
Welcome to Utopia! And Shhh, don’t spread the news around too much, or we’ll be run over with people migrating out West 😉
Posted by: Michele
Portland’s supposed to be getting some real bagels places. One in the Ace Hotel, I think, and one across the street from Powell’s.
Posted by: Jessica
*new reader*
I’m so glad you’re enjoying Portland! I moved away a long time ago and completely agree with the “Utopia” label. Have you been to Abundant Yarn in Sellwood yet? Lovely store.
Posted by: Stacey
you know, I try to stay away from chain places, but noah’s makes decent bagels (nothing like H, but squishy enough on the inside and the 6-cheese kind is deeeeee-lish…oh crap you can’t have dairy…go for the chocolate chip, perhaps). As does the safeway deli, interestingly enough.
Posted by: jen
Fantastic!!! Good luck with the vegy garden, I guess the thing with gardening is that its like knitting, you don’t really have rules, its a creative thing, and worst case you just have to put in plants again. Enjoy your utopia!
Posted by: Sharon
Sounds like you are off to a great start! And don’t you just love it when they nap at just the right time?
As for gardens, I usually plant in late April, mostly cool weather stuff, peas etc. Then the warmer weather plants in May. In July I plant again for fall, peas, kale, carrots, kohlrabi. You could even put kale in now for the winter 🙂 🙂 I just wish it would warm up a wee bit so my tomatos can ripen a bit more.
Welcome to Utopia! And Shhh, don’t spread the news around too much, or we’ll be run over with people migrating out West 😉
Posted by: Michele
Portland’s supposed to be getting some real bagels places. One in the Ace Hotel, I think, and one across the street from Powell’s.
Posted by: Jessica
*new reader*
I’m so glad you’re enjoying Portland! I moved away a long time ago and completely agree with the “Utopia” label. Have you been to Abundant Yarn in Sellwood yet? Lovely store.
Posted by: Stacey
you know, I try to stay away from chain places, but noah’s makes decent bagels (nothing like H, but squishy enough on the inside and the 6-cheese kind is deeeeee-lish…oh crap you can’t have dairy…go for the chocolate chip, perhaps). As does the safeway deli, interestingly enough.
Posted by: jen
Fantastic!!! Good luck with the vegy garden, I guess the thing with gardening is that its like knitting, you don’t really have rules, its a creative thing, and worst case you just have to put in plants again. Enjoy your utopia!
Posted by: Sharon
The solution is obvious – get that kid a banjo!
Posted by: Lala
You would rather he choose drums? (I do love how he looks like he’s pretty intent on tuning that thing, though.)
I am so happy that you’re settling in, finding routines, and looking forward to that veggie garden. Miss you tons, though.
Posted by: Michelle
Not bagels but there is a place in Portland called Voodoo Donuts that I dream about when I sleep at night. I hope to have a need to come to Portland at some point in my life so I can gorge on them.
You should totally get Thumper the new Robeez flaming guitar shoes.
I’m impressed with your progress, we moved almost a year ago and still have about 8 boxes in the garage waiting to be unpacked.
Posted by: Trish
Yeah, he totally looks like he’s tuning it. You’re doomed. I can’t believe how grown-up he looks in that picture!
You sound so happy, Cari. I’m so glad for you guys!
Posted by: Carrie
I’d never heard Portland was Utopia. I can’t believe I’ve never heard that before! So nice that you guys are loving it. And you have neighborhood compost. THAT is cool!
Posted by: Kathy
Am happy to hear that you’re through the worst of the chaos. Seattle Tilth has a planting guide that tells you what to do each month and is written for this climate. You can find it at Portland Nursery and various bookstores. If you’re not familiar with sheet mulching, it’s a great use for cardboard boxes and the perfect time to do it. Just throw down cardboard where you want beds, spread compost over it and wait. The cardboard will smother the weeds and grass and gradually decompose to allow drainage.
Posted by: Andi
You and J.K. Rowling! By the way, isn’t there always at least one unpacked cardboard box in the cellar years after moving? I think it’s a rule.
Posted by: Mary K. in Rockport
The solution is obvious – get that kid a banjo!
Posted by: Lala
You would rather he choose drums? (I do love how he looks like he’s pretty intent on tuning that thing, though.)
I am so happy that you’re settling in, finding routines, and looking forward to that veggie garden. Miss you tons, though.
Posted by: Michelle
Not bagels but there is a place in Portland called Voodoo Donuts that I dream about when I sleep at night. I hope to have a need to come to Portland at some point in my life so I can gorge on them.
You should totally get Thumper the new Robeez flaming guitar shoes.
I’m impressed with your progress, we moved almost a year ago and still have about 8 boxes in the garage waiting to be unpacked.
Posted by: Trish
Yeah, he totally looks like he’s tuning it. You’re doomed. I can’t believe how grown-up he looks in that picture!
You sound so happy, Cari. I’m so glad for you guys!
Posted by: Carrie
I’d never heard Portland was Utopia. I can’t believe I’ve never heard that before! So nice that you guys are loving it. And you have neighborhood compost. THAT is cool!
Posted by: Kathy
Am happy to hear that you’re through the worst of the chaos. Seattle Tilth has a planting guide that tells you what to do each month and is written for this climate. You can find it at Portland Nursery and various bookstores. If you’re not familiar with sheet mulching, it’s a great use for cardboard boxes and the perfect time to do it. Just throw down cardboard where you want beds, spread compost over it and wait. The cardboard will smother the weeds and grass and gradually decompose to allow drainage.
Posted by: Andi
You and J.K. Rowling! By the way, isn’t there always at least one unpacked cardboard box in the cellar years after moving? I think it’s a rule.
Posted by: Mary K. in Rockport
Wow, sounds like an amazing start in your new home! Congratulations.
Posted by: Amy
Nice to see you settling in and feeling blissful. We just hung up the hall mirror after being in our place 10 months. I filled so many holes that I’m a bit leery about making new ones until I’ve let the house tell me where I want things to be.
May Thumper’s nap always be so productive!
Posted by: Dr. Steph
That’s how Lala and I feel about Canada: “In Canada all the parking cops stand in open spaces and hold your spot while you move your car to a better spot.” “In Canada, there is cheap sushi on every corner.” I’m so happy you’re happy, love.
Posted by: Rachael
The Seattle Tilth guide is a great suggestion.
I also like “Growing Vegetables West of the Cascades” by Steve Solomon — an excellent book that covers all aspects of the subject, from soil to seeds and irrigation. My copy carries a copyright date of 1989, but Amazon lists a 2002 edition (and the “buyers of this also liked…” section has a couple of other regionally-oriented books that look interesting.) There’s your excuse to go to Powell’s, if you haven’t yet 🙂
The author founded Territorial Seed Company, which is based near Portland and specializes in plant varieties that work well in the northwest coastal climate. (We have the same zone number as Atlanta, but a much cooler, wetter summer, so there are extra considerations…) Territorial puts a lot of effort into finding varieties of the warm-weather veggies (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants) that are cool-tolerant and mature quickly enough to make it in the growing season we have.
On the ornamental front, as a transplanted northeasterner I’m always amazed when I find what I think of as tropical potted plants (like fuchsias or palms) growing in the ground and thriving.
Posted by: Delf
had to laugh at your comment about the bagels in portland. seattle has the same problem 🙂 but overall, portland is a great city. sounds like you’re enjoying yourself so far.
Posted by: amanda
lucky for you, there’s a herd of folks in brooklyn who will be happy to fedex bagels should the need ever arise. in the meantime, yay utopia! so glad you guys are happy.
Posted by: heather
Well I’m so glad you are finding it working for you. A big move like this is tough but I think you moved to a good area and you and the family will be happy.
I am in the midst of prepping for planting next spring. I found a good book for gardening here. Month by Month, Gardening in Washington and Oregon. Now I just need to put in the fruit trees so I have my apples, pears and cherries like I have always wanted!
Oh, and good job on the boxes. You are ahead of me. 😉
Posted by: Laurie
Wow, sounds like an amazing start in your new home! Congratulations.
Posted by: Amy
Nice to see you settling in and feeling blissful. We just hung up the hall mirror after being in our place 10 months. I filled so many holes that I’m a bit leery about making new ones until I’ve let the house tell me where I want things to be.
May Thumper’s nap always be so productive!
Posted by: Dr. Steph
That’s how Lala and I feel about Canada: “In Canada all the parking cops stand in open spaces and hold your spot while you move your car to a better spot.” “In Canada, there is cheap sushi on every corner.” I’m so happy you’re happy, love.
Posted by: Rachael
The Seattle Tilth guide is a great suggestion.
I also like “Growing Vegetables West of the Cascades” by Steve Solomon — an excellent book that covers all aspects of the subject, from soil to seeds and irrigation. My copy carries a copyright date of 1989, but Amazon lists a 2002 edition (and the “buyers of this also liked…” section has a couple of other regionally-oriented books that look interesting.) There’s your excuse to go to Powell’s, if you haven’t yet 🙂
The author founded Territorial Seed Company, which is based near Portland and specializes in plant varieties that work well in the northwest coastal climate. (We have the same zone number as Atlanta, but a much cooler, wetter summer, so there are extra considerations…) Territorial puts a lot of effort into finding varieties of the warm-weather veggies (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants) that are cool-tolerant and mature quickly enough to make it in the growing season we have.
On the ornamental front, as a transplanted northeasterner I’m always amazed when I find what I think of as tropical potted plants (like fuchsias or palms) growing in the ground and thriving.
Posted by: Delf
had to laugh at your comment about the bagels in portland. seattle has the same problem 🙂 but overall, portland is a great city. sounds like you’re enjoying yourself so far.
Posted by: amanda
lucky for you, there’s a herd of folks in brooklyn who will be happy to fedex bagels should the need ever arise. in the meantime, yay utopia! so glad you guys are happy.
Posted by: heather
Well I’m so glad you are finding it working for you. A big move like this is tough but I think you moved to a good area and you and the family will be happy.
I am in the midst of prepping for planting next spring. I found a good book for gardening here. Month by Month, Gardening in Washington and Oregon. Now I just need to put in the fruit trees so I have my apples, pears and cherries like I have always wanted!
Oh, and good job on the boxes. You are ahead of me. 😉
Posted by: Laurie
Delurking after way too long. Welcome to the West Coast!
I second Delf’s comments above. You also may want to check out Nichols Nursery for seeds.
I live in Seattle, and grow veggies year round with and without my cold frame. Will be plunking spinach and lettuce starts in the ground for overwintering shortly.
Best wishes in your new home!
Posted by: Alyssa
I am not a gardener but suggest the OSU Extension Service gardening site: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/
Posted by: knitopia
Also check out Winter Gardening in the Maritime Northwest by Binda Colebrook–you don’t have to wait for spring to plant around here!
Posted by: Janine
Looking good! I hope you post a pic once the chandelier is up. Hooray for utopia!
Posted by: anina
Glad to you have settled down alright in Portland. If you remember, I’m that one who had moved from New York over 16 years ago. I consider you and your blog very special because since you are a recent transplant from NYC, I feel nostalgia every time a hear of recent stories, see new pix of NYC.
There are several knitting stores in Portland: one SW (sw of Burnside) on 11th at 1101 SW Alder, http://www.knit-purl.com/; one nw of burnside on 1238 NW Glisan, http://www.knitknotstudio.com/; one across the bridge easide on 8524 SE 17th, http://www.abundantyarn.com/; and there’s one on NE Powell, but cannot remember the name, except that store has an attached coffee shop (how could I forget such shop, it’s one of my favorites!).
By the way, I’m knitting your lovely TRAVELING VINES SCARF. I’m almost to the last 2oth pattern repeat; however, I think I’d like it a bit longer and will add another 10 row repeats. Once done, I’ll send you the photo. The only thing I hate doing when it comes to knitting is BLOCKING. In your pattern instruction, you mentioned blocking wires ~ what are they?
Take care! BTW, if u have not noticed yet, it’s now officially RAINING SEASON in the Northwest! Mind you, it does snow here but not as much as the northeast. It does get cold but seldom below zeros.
Posted by: oyama naku
I second the Tilth book and the Steve Solomon book for gardening help. I am glad you balanced the Portland bagel with the Stumptown coffee – now THAT’S good coffee. Sorry we started with the rain so early but glad you’re settling in.
Posted by: Regina
Does the utopian sleep thing happen with two kids in tow, because if so I’m moving.
Posted by: Alison
i gotta add to the utopia theme here…i once thought it was portland, then canada, until i visited sweden….i could go on. sigh. but i’ll say that canada is as close to it on this continent.
love that you found a place to go with thumper during the day. and a knitting day group!? yay! i hope to see you at an evening group though!
Posted by: k
Delurking after way too long. Welcome to the West Coast!
I second Delf’s comments above. You also may want to check out Nichols Nursery for seeds.
I live in Seattle, and grow veggies year round with and without my cold frame. Will be plunking spinach and lettuce starts in the ground for overwintering shortly.
Best wishes in your new home!
Posted by: Alyssa
I am not a gardener but suggest the OSU Extension Service gardening site: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/
Posted by: knitopia
Also check out Winter Gardening in the Maritime Northwest by Binda Colebrook–you don’t have to wait for spring to plant around here!
Posted by: Janine
Looking good! I hope you post a pic once the chandelier is up. Hooray for utopia!
Posted by: anina
Glad to you have settled down alright in Portland. If you remember, I’m that one who had moved from New York over 16 years ago. I consider you and your blog very special because since you are a recent transplant from NYC, I feel nostalgia every time a hear of recent stories, see new pix of NYC.
There are several knitting stores in Portland: one SW (sw of Burnside) on 11th at 1101 SW Alder, http://www.knit-purl.com/; one nw of burnside on 1238 NW Glisan, http://www.knitknotstudio.com/; one across the bridge easide on 8524 SE 17th, http://www.abundantyarn.com/; and there’s one on NE Powell, but cannot remember the name, except that store has an attached coffee shop (how could I forget such shop, it’s one of my favorites!).
By the way, I’m knitting your lovely TRAVELING VINES SCARF. I’m almost to the last 2oth pattern repeat; however, I think I’d like it a bit longer and will add another 10 row repeats. Once done, I’ll send you the photo. The only thing I hate doing when it comes to knitting is BLOCKING. In your pattern instruction, you mentioned blocking wires ~ what are they?
Take care! BTW, if u have not noticed yet, it’s now officially RAINING SEASON in the Northwest! Mind you, it does snow here but not as much as the northeast. It does get cold but seldom below zeros.
Posted by: oyama naku
I second the Tilth book and the Steve Solomon book for gardening help. I am glad you balanced the Portland bagel with the Stumptown coffee – now THAT’S good coffee. Sorry we started with the rain so early but glad you’re settling in.
Posted by: Regina
Does the utopian sleep thing happen with two kids in tow, because if so I’m moving.
Posted by: Alison
i gotta add to the utopia theme here…i once thought it was portland, then canada, until i visited sweden….i could go on. sigh. but i’ll say that canada is as close to it on this continent.
love that you found a place to go with thumper during the day. and a knitting day group!? yay! i hope to see you at an evening group though!
Posted by: k
every boy that moves to portland becomes a guitar boy. or a drummer boy. so, maybe he’s chosen the… um… more portable of the two?
it’s something in the water, which will now pour constantly. just for you. glad you’re liking portland so far.
Posted by: avalynda
Well, SOME sacrifices have to be made — even in utopia, apparently. Mediocre bagels for community compost? I’m sold. Mwah! XOXO
Posted by: Norma
I’m so glad you went to Tandem- it’s my kid’s favorite place to stop for breakfast on our (long) drive to school up in NE. Don’t forget challah this Friday! Plus, I think we’re going to start a SnB here pretty soon- actually maybe after the holidays. Can’t wait to meet you and Thumper!
Posted by: Kay
It truly looks & seems like Utopia – I’ve been looking for that place my whole life! Congrats on finding it! (Your posts just make me smile!)
Posted by: Rebecca
(also quite a new reader of DSY!)
On Monday I had lunch with a friend who wanted to tell me a story about a high school buddy who opened a yarn store/cafe, in response to an idea aboutmoving to the midwest and opening a yarn store/wine shop.
The midwest idea fell through already, but Mabel’s is her friend’s place! And I was just contacted about a job in Portland! I thought it was rather funny. I hope the settling in continues to go well.
Posted by: abby
I make my way down to Portland on a fairly regular basis. You will love it there.
Posted by: Sachi
Welcome to the Northwest! 🙂 I think guitarboys get transplanted. The only one I know moved from NYC to Portland a few years ago (granted, because he and his wife wanted a different place to raise their child).
Portland is lovely, congrats on the move.
Posted by: rebecca
every boy that moves to portland becomes a guitar boy. or a drummer boy. so, maybe he’s chosen the… um… more portable of the two?
it’s something in the water, which will now pour constantly. just for you. glad you’re liking portland so far.
Posted by: avalynda
Well, SOME sacrifices have to be made — even in utopia, apparently. Mediocre bagels for community compost? I’m sold. Mwah! XOXO
Posted by: Norma
I’m so glad you went to Tandem- it’s my kid’s favorite place to stop for breakfast on our (long) drive to school up in NE. Don’t forget challah this Friday! Plus, I think we’re going to start a SnB here pretty soon- actually maybe after the holidays. Can’t wait to meet you and Thumper!
Posted by: Kay
It truly looks & seems like Utopia – I’ve been looking for that place my whole life! Congrats on finding it! (Your posts just make me smile!)
Posted by: Rebecca
(also quite a new reader of DSY!)
On Monday I had lunch with a friend who wanted to tell me a story about a high school buddy who opened a yarn store/cafe, in response to an idea aboutmoving to the midwest and opening a yarn store/wine shop.
The midwest idea fell through already, but Mabel’s is her friend’s place! And I was just contacted about a job in Portland! I thought it was rather funny. I hope the settling in continues to go well.
Posted by: abby
I make my way down to Portland on a fairly regular basis. You will love it there.
Posted by: Sachi
Welcome to the Northwest! 🙂 I think guitarboys get transplanted. The only one I know moved from NYC to Portland a few years ago (granted, because he and his wife wanted a different place to raise their child).
Portland is lovely, congrats on the move.
Posted by: rebecca
Sounds perfect–all of it! I think my husband and I need to discuss what city might turn out to be our Utopia.
Posted by: Sneaksleep
So cute with his little green shirt, tousled hair and chubby hands. I love Tussie Mussie, thank you for that.
Posted by: Patricia
That looks cool, I’m anxious to see the house. I miss Portland so much. On a visit recently, I went to Mabel’s and bought yarn. My fav spot is Abundant in Sellwood and also Yarn Garden on Hawthorne in SE. It also has a little coffee cafe that’s good for naps! Check out the library branches – many have great children’s sections and play area. And you can go to any branch you want = fun to explore the city parks too.
Posted by: Shelley
Oh, how I loved the stroller-naps. Almost as much as the asleep in the car seat long enough to get all the groceries into the house and put away naps! And as long as he stays acoustic, a guitar boy is much less trying than a drummerboy (especially when drummerboy’s friends keyboard boy, bass boy, electric guitarboy, and screamy microphone girl come over to play with their amps!). And maybe Thumper’ll learn to play that uke and sing Somewhere Over the Rainbow like IZ Kamakawiwo’ole. 🙂
Posted by: Tish
The last time I was in Portland I was lucky enough to visit Mabels. It seemed like a great place. Enjoy Utopia!
Posted by: Knittripps
aloha and welcome to the pacific region! when my husband and i moved to hawai’i we weren’t so much here for the “paradise” aspects, but as more and more of our mainland friends are referring to our setup as such, we’re finding ourselves making “paradise” references in a manner similar to your “utopia” statements. on a related note, please oh please don’t be so quick to rule out the ukulele as a desirable instrument! embrace the jumping flea! it’s so portable, and quieter than the guitar! even in my pre-hawai’i sensibility, the world can’t have enough uke players.
best wishes for settling into your new home and territory,
michelle
Posted by: michelle / da twine
I laughed for a good 5 minutes about the guitar. I married a guitar player, and have dated many. I definitely have a love/hate thing forr them. What IS it about them, anyway?
Just remind him that it it’s ok to turn his amp down once in a while, that it really doesn’t need to be the loudest thing on stage, and it’ll be all good.
😉
Posted by: Megan
Your child is beautiful.
No…there are never “too many Guitar Boys” OR “Guitar Girls”.
If he’s leaning towards music, please…Let Him Play!
We need more music and poetry and art and the souls who create them in the world.
Besides, music is just a doorway. I can’t believe how many doctors and scientist and engineers I’ve met who are hobby musicians!
: )
Posted by: diva
Sounds perfect–all of it! I think my husband and I need to discuss what city might turn out to be our Utopia.
Posted by: Sneaksleep
So cute with his little green shirt, tousled hair and chubby hands. I love Tussie Mussie, thank you for that.
Posted by: Patricia
That looks cool, I’m anxious to see the house. I miss Portland so much. On a visit recently, I went to Mabel’s and bought yarn. My fav spot is Abundant in Sellwood and also Yarn Garden on Hawthorne in SE. It also has a little coffee cafe that’s good for naps! Check out the library branches – many have great children’s sections and play area. And you can go to any branch you want = fun to explore the city parks too.
Posted by: Shelley
Oh, how I loved the stroller-naps. Almost as much as the asleep in the car seat long enough to get all the groceries into the house and put away naps! And as long as he stays acoustic, a guitar boy is much less trying than a drummerboy (especially when drummerboy’s friends keyboard boy, bass boy, electric guitarboy, and screamy microphone girl come over to play with their amps!). And maybe Thumper’ll learn to play that uke and sing Somewhere Over the Rainbow like IZ Kamakawiwo’ole. 🙂
Posted by: Tish
The last time I was in Portland I was lucky enough to visit Mabels. It seemed like a great place. Enjoy Utopia!
Posted by: Knittripps
aloha and welcome to the pacific region! when my husband and i moved to hawai’i we weren’t so much here for the “paradise” aspects, but as more and more of our mainland friends are referring to our setup as such, we’re finding ourselves making “paradise” references in a manner similar to your “utopia” statements. on a related note, please oh please don’t be so quick to rule out the ukulele as a desirable instrument! embrace the jumping flea! it’s so portable, and quieter than the guitar! even in my pre-hawai’i sensibility, the world can’t have enough uke players.
best wishes for settling into your new home and territory,
michelle
Posted by: michelle / da twine
I laughed for a good 5 minutes about the guitar. I married a guitar player, and have dated many. I definitely have a love/hate thing forr them. What IS it about them, anyway?
Just remind him that it it’s ok to turn his amp down once in a while, that it really doesn’t need to be the loudest thing on stage, and it’ll be all good.
😉
Posted by: Megan
Your child is beautiful.
No…there are never “too many Guitar Boys” OR “Guitar Girls”.
If he’s leaning towards music, please…Let Him Play!
We need more music and poetry and art and the souls who create them in the world.
Besides, music is just a doorway. I can’t believe how many doctors and scientist and engineers I’ve met who are hobby musicians!
: )
Posted by: diva
Hi there. I haven’t been to your blog in a while, just too much going on to read enough. Then I stopped in and was like Hey, I know that play area! I have to tell you, as a NJ native, those ARE the best bagels around here. Sigh. But so many other things are really good. I’d love to meet you at the former Mabel’s/now Tandem sometime. My guy is 2.5 now and he likes to see “kids”!
Posted by: larissa
Oh, also…there is a rather raucous playdate at Abundant Yarn & Dyeworks in Sellwood on Friday mornings at 10:30 in their cafe. We usually go on 2 buses to visit that one. Not many kids frequent it yet, but those who do tend to be boys who run around. The owner does not mind.
Posted by: larissa
Hi there. I haven’t been to your blog in a while, just too much going on to read enough. Then I stopped in and was like Hey, I know that play area! I have to tell you, as a NJ native, those ARE the best bagels around here. Sigh. But so many other things are really good. I’d love to meet you at the former Mabel’s/now Tandem sometime. My guy is 2.5 now and he likes to see “kids”!
Posted by: larissa
Oh, also…there is a rather raucous playdate at Abundant Yarn & Dyeworks in Sellwood on Friday mornings at 10:30 in their cafe. We usually go on 2 buses to visit that one. Not many kids frequent it yet, but those who do tend to be boys who run around. The owner does not mind.
Posted by: larissa