Portland - the rainy city

I arrived in Portland late last night, and was informed by my taxi driver that Monday was sunny and 70, but the forecast for the rest of the week is rain. I read something about Portland that told me not to use an umbrella as I will stand out as an outsider, and just to bear the rain as it's typically not heavy and does to last long. 

This morning I kept looking out the window to see if it was raining before heading out, and it didn't look like it was, but everything was wet. Of course when I walked outside, it was raining. I still decided to enjoy a walk an try to find a non Starbucks coffee shop. 

I arrived at Pete's coffee, which also looks like a chain, but it isn't Starbucks and that was my qualifier. Sadly, after ordering a regular coffee I saw a sign for a Mayan Mocha...I think I will get that to go. (Edit: I did get it over ice, and it was delicious...rich cocoa and cinnamon with a peppery kick.) 

The sun is now trying to peak through the clouds, I should go find the convention center and pick up my conference registration materials. 

Also of note, it's very exciting to see trees blooming. I doubt the famous rose test garden is in bloom yet, but I think I will check it out. 

Pumpkin

I love pumpkin, all things pumpkin. My husband thinks I get a bit crazy in the fall when I put pumpkin into everything. I even named our cat pumpkin, and she isn't even orange.

So Although I am not quite ready to think Fall is on its way and summer is almost over, I was happy to see Shipyard pumpkin beer at the store today. I couldn't resist, and bought some. (My husband even added the pumpkin pop-tarts to our cart - I think I have him hooked on pumpkin now too.) Pumpkin beer in a sugar and cinnamon rimmed glass is one of my favorite indulgences. 

Photo of the Day | Arts & Culture | Smithsonian Magazine

Photo of the Day | Arts & Culture | Smithsonian Magazine

I decided to create a work/ESL related blog. It can be found at Lynn's ESL Blog.

Also, I posted a recipe for Caribbean White Sangria on the recipe tab above. Can't wait to make some more tonight.

Technology in the classroom

This week I am taking a course on using technology in the ELA classroom. It is focusing on using the iPad. (See Jerry, I am finally using this for work purposes.)

Here is something I just made:

I love photography, and see everyone making collages with their pictures, but I haven't found a reason to use Instagram yet.  Now I can do the same using the app "Pic stitch." It's a simple easy to use app. Now I just need to remember to upload my photos from my real camera on my iPad.

Here is one I made at home:

Skopje

I had a great time reminiscing with old friends today. I went to visit a family who lives in Macedonia, and I used to visit them when I needed to get away from Kosova and culture shock. It was great to just relax at their house and catch up on life. Then another American family I used to know in 2003 came over for dinner, so I got to see them also.

I am happy that I am still connected to the people and places I knew and loved while I worked on this side of the world.

new buildings

I like this picture because you can see some of the variety of buildings there are here. Some are new and some are old, and they are all mixed together. There are a lot of new buildings, more and more each time I come back. These two skyscrapers really stand out, but I assume more will be built in the future.

I still don't understand this building, but it makes for a good picture. This is the national library.