I didn’t get to much of what I had planned for the weekend, but that’s okay. I’m still figuring out how much free time I have now. And I’m realizing just how tired I can get by nine o’clock in the evening. What happened to me?

I did take some time to enjoy our garden, and found this tiny inhabitant.

Writing from: my study. Listening to: The Talk Show live from WWDC 2016. 

Just when I think Portland can’t get any rosier, FunkyPlaid and I discover a rose show at the mall.

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I’ve made my peace with the mall. I can’t say that I am a fan but my mind is a little more open now.

The roses helped.

Today’s photo is yet another beautiful specimen from Rose City, which is certainly living up to the nickname this week. Before my dad and I said goodbye tonight, we took one last wander around the neighborhood and stopped to smell the roses.

I had a whole rumination on our far-flung lives and how relieved I am to be at least on the same continent as my own family again … but my iPad ate it. For all my iPad appreciation, I still have not figured out how to use it to post here without losing text. Any tips from those of you posting to WordPress with your own tablets?

Writing from: the living-room. Listening to: the latest episode of “The Catch”. I can’t decide if I like it or not.

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During my dad and stepmom’s visit in Portland, I have been opting to go to bed on time instead of posting a photo each night. Tonight I realized that I was five posts behind. Whoops! Here is a quick catch-up.

Our activities have included a stunning drive in the Columbia River Gorge, communing with the Belmont Goats, a tootle around the International Rose Test Garden, and plenty more I didn’t think to photograph. And then there is the food. Some of it was even free (thanks, Taste of Bangkok)! All of it has been delicious. Of course. It’s Portland.

Writing from: my study. Listening to: “Fault Lines” by Beacon.