Wednesday, September 11, 2013...

 

I got up around 8:00 AM, started the coffee brewer, had some cereal and a banana.  John  Savage had spoken with his daughter, Megan, and she told him about some of the stores and shops we should be able to find near our condo.  Since I had a lot of souvenirs and extra clothes that I didn't need in this climate, I located an Office Depot that could provide a box for my items, and then have it shipped to my home.  As it turned out, Office Depot and Target were in the same shopping area on Jantzen Island, just one exit north of us.  I was feeling much better after getting cleaned up, so John S., Pat and I headed to Office Depot.  A young lady there was a great help and it just cost $30 to ship my 18 pounds of loot. 

 

Next we were off to Target for some lunch supplies to have during our visit.  We were able to get more cereal, fresh fruit, metts, hot dogs, chips & dips, more bread, toilet paper & paper towels.  When we got back to the condo, Pat fixed us all a delicious lunch.  We discussed what we would like to do this afternoon, before it was time to pick up Sharon at the airport.

 

 

Children splashing in the splash area of Grant Park
with Ramona Quimby

Henry isn't very happy with Ribsy splashing
in puddles just after his bath!

Ribsy disobeying Henry Huggins

 

 

Ramona Quimby loves splashing in
puddles with her shiny new boots

 

I had always wanted to visit Grant Park in Portland to see sculptures of Beverly Cleary's famous characters, Henry Huggins, Ribsy, and Ramona Quimby.  As a 3rd grade teacher, I had read each of Beverly Cleary's books about Henry, Ramona and the Klickitat Street neighborhood, to my class each year.   I located the park on Google, then added the address to the GPS, as we headed to the park.  Tucked away in a corner of Grant Park, the 3 statues seemed to come to life, as children splashed and played all around the beloved characters.  I couldn't believe how overcome with emotion I was as we walked in Ramona & Henry's neighborhood.  I'm so happy I got to spend some time once again with Henry, Ribsy, and Ramona.

Close up of Ramona's joyful smile in Grant Park

 

 

 

A large lumpy tree in the Klickitat Street neighborhood

 

One of the many honors for the award winning children's author,
Beverly Cleary, Klickitat Neighborhood School

 

We came back to the condo and rested, before getting started on some research about tours of Portland.  I learned about the Pink Trolley, Hop On/Hop Off tour of Portland, that started at 11:00 AM.  We decided that this could be something for us to do tomorrow with Sharon.  John S. & Janice left for the wedding rehearsal at Mt. Tabor Park, and Pat & I headed out for a "dry run" to the airport.  We drove right to the airport, seeing the Alamo Car Rental area, on the way to the United Terminal where we would await Sharon's arrival around 8:30 PM.

 

About 3 exits south of the airport, we found "Elmer's Family Restaurant," where we decided to have dinner before heading back to the airport.  Pat and I split a cheeseburger and an amazing grilled Tillamook Cheese, tomato and bacon sandwich, with onion rings and French fries.  Yummy!  We enjoyed our meal, and decided that if Sharon was hungry upon arrival, we'd come back here, and THEN get dessert!

 

It was time to head back to the airport.  We followed the signs to the United terminal parking, and were surprised by the technology applied to the parking area.  There were red lights glowing above each occupied parking space, while a green light indicated an open space.  It was great not to have to drive around the lot, to try and find an open spot.  We also realized that this system is linked to the signage at the entrance of each level, that told whether the area was full or the number of spaces still available.  Great planning!

 

After checking the arrival board for Sharon's flight, we had time to walk through several shops there.  Sharon's flight arrived early, and we soon saw her come around the corner past security.  As we waited for her luggage, she shared about some of the "mishaps" that she had survived on the way here...but now she was ready to enjoy her brief vacation from school.  As we had predicted, Sharon hadn't been able to get anything to each since here lunch back at school, so we got to the car, and headed back to Elmers.  Sharon ordered breakfast for her meal, while Pat & I got pie and coffee. 

 

We arrived shortly at the condo, and John & Janice were back with stories from the wedding rehearsal.  We found out more about Sharon's fun flight, and made plans to sleep in...then head downtown Portland for the Pink Trolley Tour the next day.  Time to sleep fast!