Owls and Crow

Who would have thought they would find so many owls and a crow facing off in downtown Portland. This is the window to the old Carl Greve jewelry store on SW Morrison and Park Avenues.

Passengers on the Portland Streetcar

These two men were on this morning Streetcar heading towards Downtown from the Pearl District. What you can't see in this photo is the fellow standing within two inches of me. We were all privy to his random conversation points about life as the train moved from stop to stop. Points of interest were his take on race relations, music, life in San Francisco and here in Portland.

Green on Green

Today's image is of the Portland Streetcar near Jamison Square. It's about ready to stop at Johnson and 11th. Green on Green including a green Streetcar Checker! In Berlin they're much more terrifying. That said I loved Berlin and would move there if the opportunity presented itself.

Encore

Yes, the Encore is making an encore. Here its wall is brightly made up looking much as the modern art  piece.

Leaving Tahoe Early

One of our cats went missing while we were on vacation. We cut our vacation short and returned to a rainy Portland. The good news is about 20 minutes after our arrival I had found Calvin. Long story short the Blog will be posted from Portland tomorrow.

Looking into the Carson City, Nevada area from the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Fun in the Snow

Still not in Portland, but there are two alternative forms of transportation here in South Lake Tahoe ~ the bus and the tram up to the ski area at Heavenly. Some of us chose to play in the snow down at the lake level not in the high altitudes.

Where the Snow Piles High

The Blog is getting used to the cold and snow here in South Lake Tahoe. Getting around on the streets is difficult for walking, must be careful not to slip and fall. And most importantly avoid the piles of snow! Regular programming to resume Monday, 29 November.

Blog on Vacation ~ View from Seattle Airport

Not only did the blog experience flight delays with snow and icy conditions it also ran into "Server Rejected" Messages when attempting to upload to Blogger. So we're linking to Flickr directly tonight. Sleep tight and see you tomorrow.

Blog Is Going on Vacation

Yes, another trip out of town. Not nearly as exotic as Istanbul. For the next five days Portland Through My Lens or Take the Streetcar will be publishing from South Lake Tahoe, California. During the process of getting ready, I took a run through Northwest Portland, eventually taking the Streetcar since I had gone past my turn around point. Here's a bright umbrella from that run. It was raining and the iPhone made a brave entry out of its plastic bag to capture this bright spot on a gray day.

Do You Know Where Your Coffee is Roasted?

Someday the Portland Streetcar will run along the east side of the Willamette River. When that happens you'll be able to visit Badbeard's Microroastery on Sandy and Stark. Here are two future roasters learning the ropes so to speak. As I recall they're looking for Waldos, those funny little off colored beans that make most of the other specialty roasts taste "not so good".  Justin Kagan the owner of Badbeard's spends long hours looking for those so your coffee will taste top notch. Also taking credit for the best coffee served in your cup is his fastidious roasting. Not all roasters are made equal. 

Hilary and Elizabeth looking for Waldos.

Oregon Symphony and Mahler's Symphony #10

Yes, I know Mahler didn't complete it. Kalmar chose the Cooke version. What I also know is that Carlos Kalmar and the Oregon Symphony Orchestra played this piece so well that the all of the people in the row that I sat in were on the edge of their seats. We heard the music and felt Mahler's emotion. Why Alma, why? That's a question for the ages. The answer for Portlanders is to attend Sunday and Monday's performance of this extraordinary work by Gustave Mahler. Carlos Kalmar and all of the members of the orchestra are at their finest, especially the viola section that opened the work and were focal points throughout the 72 minutes that seemed like 45.

Finally Friday

In front of the Portland Art Museum

On the Portland Streetcar heading North

Malcom and Bentley from Hip Hound pet store on NW 23rd out for a walk... 

Along the Willamette

If you'd like to live here, it would seem that you might be able to someday. Some of the units are completed, others have been waiting for years it seems. There are great views of the Willamette though.

Walking for a Week

We should all be as brave as Randall. Here he is walking along the Willamette River. No fear. Bring on the world. Toast Randall, he is our future!

Tuesday Street Scenes...

Bicycles and pedestrians are almost as prevalent as cars in the downtown corridor. The day ends with the yellow leafs. 

Reflections from the Portland Art Museum

Truth in blogging, the first image is on the way to the Portland Art Museum, steps away from the Portland Streetcar line. The second third and fourth are from inside the Mark Building. That would be the old Masonic Temple. Don't try to take photos of the art work. Looking out the window seems to be okay. And the last one was while I was stalking Big Pink. Those photos will be later...

Indoors and Outdoors

Leafs are still falling here in Portland. It's getting colder and of course it has been raining. Today's photos include this outdoor setting of empty chairs 

and for an indoors look a cello being played by none other than Justin Kagan

clicking on either photo will drop you into the Flickr photostream at their locations.

Two Views on Life

Two views of life along the Portland Streetcar line. A troubled soul portrayed on paper at PNCA and cheerful, happy balloons at the grand opening of Hip Hound on NW 23rd are shown below.

Friday, Finally

Taken along NW 23rd Avenue...

Sun to Song

NW 23rd After Dark

Tonight was a lovely evening for a walk. A bit cold, but the streets were dry and the umbrellas were down. 

Three Stores on NW 23rd

Today was dark and gray but if you look closely as you walk down the streets you'll find different types of brightness to keep your spirits buoyant.  First up is Jen Heckmann's "Hip Hound" recently moved from NW Westover. The tiny bright lights at Kitchen Kaboodle will keep your eyes moving and you'll be ready to stop at the neon sign that suggests you come in for a pint. Clicking on any image will drop you into the Flickr photostream.