TrackTown, USA: There is not much to report this evening. I was at the bus all day while DT attended meetings about track and field. Outside our motorhome, preparations - concerning this track meet and several other future track meets to be held in Eugene and Portland - continue. My Driver is involved.
DT went to meetings - taking my Jeep. I remained at the bus and needlepointed. Our adorable grandson, Leo, asked that I make a lion pillow for his 4th birthday in August. As often as The Lovely Lisa ridicules me with her "there is nothing toddlers love more than needlepoint, Mom" commentary, Leo still asked me for a lion pillow for his birthday. Naturally, after I ordered this cute lion canvas to stitch, Leo changed his mind and asked for a Pirate pillow. Too late, munchkin. Hopefully, Leo (the lion) will not remember his change of lion/pirate plan. The Laurel Burch canvas is only about ten inches wide and is painted on 13-mesh (13 squares-per-inch). The design is being stitched with Silk & Ivory (a 50/50 silk/wool blend, made in Switzerland) because there is nothing toddlers like more than pillows stitched in silk and wool. Though not a fan of 13-mesh (too big!), I am a huge fan of Silk and Ivory. It is so easy to work with, hides a lot of errors and the colors are so rich.
Tonight was our last chance of a dinner-for-two this week. After tonight, we will be crazy-busy with the track meet. We had reservations at Marche and enjoyed a lovely dinner before the restaurant was busy with every American track and field coach, staff, agent and fan. We were very very very very very happy to see University of Oregon coach, Robert Johnson. Coach Johnson has led the Ducks to national championship titles many times over the past three years. GO DUCKS!
Before the hordes ascended, DT and I had delicious (as always) meals at Marche. First, we tried their garbanzo bean "frites" with a spicy harissa aioli. Very nice.
Garbanzo "fries" - think French falafelWe usually dine from the bar menu, but went all-out tonight as Marche was offering lamb sugo over pappardelle (DT) and freshly-caught Oregon Chinook over an English Pea puree with peas, fingerling potatoes and baby carrots (me).
Braised lamb over Pappardelle
Oregon wild-caught Chinook with pea puree and vegetablesAfter loving the King Salmon at the Dundee Bistro last week and the Chinook Salmon (basically same species, but I am not a biologist) tonight at Marche, I am here to report both restaurants did it right. Sweet and moist (barely done) in the middle and seared to a crisp crunch on the outside.
The English pea swirl, fresh English peas, fingerling potatoes, beyond-baby carrots and mustard flowers (wow!) only added to the brightness of the fish.Until my next update, I remain, your "I am So Ready for Some Runners" correspondent.
RV PARK: Premier RV Park. I-5, exit 199. Large paved pull-throughs. Back-in sites line a small lake. Laundry, fitness center, club house, bath house, recycling, small store. 50 amp, free wifi. This park is very popular with campers in the area for repairs/maintenance at the many nearby RV facilities. We paid $51 per night (and had one night free via our frequent-flyer punch-card).