Truth be told, it's been a tough few days. Traveling to Eugene for a Thursday UCLA game - plus a weekend in Las Vegas - is difficult on these old bones. I don't even want to mention that I had a doctor appointment this morning. (I am sure my liver will be reported M.I.A. after a weekend in Las Vegas.) My boring check-up was nothing compared to My Dear Driver. DT had meetings all day in Eugene for the 2012 Olympic Trials that he is not helping to organize. Dave returned home this evening after 9 o'clock!
While we were away this weekend there was a terrible rain and wind storm in the general Portland area. Nearly 2 inches of rain was received. Limbs fell from trees. People were without power. Streets flooded.
You know, just your usual day in Oregon in the winter.
Thing is, this weather change came upon us so suddenly. As if someone flipped a switch. Just days ago we were enjoying cocktails on our porch. We did not need our furnace. We slept with the doors open.
But while we were away this weekend, winter arrived. It has snowed so much in the mountains the past two days, the ski resorts will open before Halloween - a very rare occurrence.
While we were away, our vine maples began to turn color.
While we were away, the maple trees in the forest behind our house turned brilliant gold.
I had a lovely vegetarian meal waiting at 9 o'clock this evening for My Driver: whole wheat pasta tossed with caramelized shallots, sage and crimini mushrooms and grated pecorino cheese - with a side of roasted butternut squash. Yes, it was a bit of strange combination, but it was really delicious and hit the late-night spot, especially with our suddenly-winter weather.
Really - half of a tomato, drizzled with olive oil, salt, pepper and a sprinkle of blue cheese is a salad.Until my next update, I remain, your happy-to-be-home correspondent.