ariadne3: (feed me!)
Today I planned to have a peaceful day at home by myself. I'd already been considering going on a leisurely bike ride to check out the new portion of the McLane bike trail that has recently been paved at the top of Mud Bay Hill, but yesterday a friend of mine who runs a neighborhood popsicle and juice stand (think "like a lemonade stand but ten times better,") out in front of her house asked if I was going to be coming to said popsicle/juice bar today. When I said I hadn't been planning on it, she informed me that a neighbor of hers has a burgeoning fig tree that is in need of someone to come and give some figs a home. Since she knows that Cathy makes The Best Fig Jam In The World, she thought I might want to be one of those offering figgy homeness.
I'll be going up the hill shortly with empty panniers.
Y'see, this Best Fig Jam makes no lofty claims, it is the truth! She simmers figs with thin slices of Meyer lemon and a vanilla bean until everything is kind of pink, gooey and fragrant. Between the figs and the lemons, not much pectin, if any, need be added. Each little jar gets at least one slice of lemon, maybe more, so it's a little marmalade-y. I'd eat it plain, but it is probably the best toast amendment, ever.
Since I'm going to the popsicle/juice bar anyhow, I should scrounge up a couple of dollars for a popsicle. Past flavors I have enjoyed have included: apple-fennel, coconut-lemon, watermelon, and canteloupe-lime. She usually has between a dozen and twenty different flavors, mostly made with juice that she makes herself with her juicer. Not bad incentive to go riding, even if I hadn't been planning an excursion.
Hopefully I'll come home with copious amounts of figs. Mmmmm.
ariadne3: (just me)
I has one.

I decided against going across town (downhill) to go to the Tour de Fat because coming back to [livejournal.com profile] fjorlief's house (uphill) in 102 degree weather was less than appealing. I tooled around on the North end of Portland instead, went to visit my ex-housemate at work. He works at The Community Cycling Center at least until October. While there, I purchased a cupholder and really keen bell for my bike (pictures later, I'm way too thrilled about both items,) and a taillight for [livejournal.com profile] fjorlief so nobody flattens her when it's dark out.

It was a lovely bike ride despite the heat, and a man I rode past boosted my ego with a "Hey baby! How's it goin!" and a whistle. (Sweeeeet). I grinned and gave him a thumbs up, cause it was goin' thumbs up.

Stopped by New Seasons on the way back to Acorn Cottage. There was a melon tasting and some lovely agua fresca samples, which I helped myself to. Got some lunch and some peach lambic for later, as well as some Fizzy Lizzy soda, which is delightful on a hot day. It also bears the motto "Shake my hips gently before placing to your lips" which makes me really happy.

Spent most of the afternoon either working on my autobiographical cartoon (first assignment for the Master's program is an autobiographical art piece,) or sucked into one of the library books that was in the kitchen.

Soon, as soon as Forrest the ex-housemate gets here, we shall go have sushi which will be much better than cake.

PDX

Aug. 15th, 2008 06:02 pm
ariadne3: (lazy greek)
I got in Portland this afternoon, and, armed with maps and a general idea of where I wanted to go, I hopped on my bike and went across the river from the train station and headed toward [livejournal.com profile] fjorlief's house. Well, predictably, I got turned around somehow and ended up taking the "scenic" route through an industrial district. Yup, and hills. There are hills here in Portland, and I found myself a nice long one, happily not too steep, that one of my Google maps actually had marked. I made it all right, but holy hell is it ever hot today.

I got to Acorn Cottage and was invited in to douse myself in cold water. I've been hiding from the weather ever since. I might go visit Forrest later. That is, if I decide leaving inside is at all worthwhile or advisable. I'm also seriously rethinking the merits of riding all that way across town again to go hang out at a park with minimal shade available. Hmm. We'll see how stalwart and brave I am feeling in the face of the heat tomorrow.
ariadne3: (just me)
So, I'm still planning on going down to Portland this weekend for the Tour de Fat even though it sounds like the weather will be hotter than I really ever like it to be. My friend Forrest, who was going to go to the event with me, has to work, which is a super drag. So, if anyone in Portland enjoys biking, or beer, or preferably both, I'd love the company.
I'll be staying at [livejournal.com profile] fjorlief's house while I'm down, but she has to work.

I adorned my helmet and my bike with pretty ribbons today. The helmet is now my party hat. I'm determined to have fun, 'cause it's my birthday, damnit.

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