Debra Arrives and We Go to the Zoo, of course

Thomas gets ready for Debra's arrival from Pendleton (a cowboy-wife beater town about 3 hours away). This is the fire escape balcony just outside our hotel room door. It's always good to have alternative exits.

Here we are. The zoo is prettier than the signs.

Here is a statue of the mysterious mouse-like thing we saw on our hike Thursday evening up to the top of the falls. Called a pika (I think the inspiration for Pikachu, Thomas's most beloved (and most reviled) Pokemon), the litle guys are cuter than one would think possible. (The statue doesn't do it justice.)

Must everything have dinosaurs these days? Thomas was contemptuous of the animatronics that were 1/2 or 1/3 actual size--only life-size versions warranted his attention.

Thomas relives a pose he struck 4 (or 5?) years ago, when he and I visited Debra in Cincinnati and went to the zoo there (which was also littered with dinosaurs). Happily, Thomas wasn't scared of them this year. How many years before he finds them boring?

Japanese Garden and Thai Food

Here we are at the Japanese Garden, which turned out to be my favorite place in Portland. After getting lost at every turn in the zoo, it was nice to be in a place that was quiet, beautiful and primarily designed for peaceful contemplation. Thomas told me later that it was his favorite spot and, apparently, Debra's, too.

Thomas in front of a mossy statue that has significance of some sort.

Another mossy statue. It was the preponderance of moss that sold me on the place.

Back in town, we struggle to find a place to park with a meter that won't eat our credit cards. This one tried hard to financially ruin me, but Debra's nimble fingers saved the day. Then the challenge became finding quarters to keep these things satisfied while we had dinner--not as easy at one would think.

Our last dinner in Portland, at Thai Peacock. We (Simon, Thomas, Frederick, Debra and I) ate here last time we were in Portland (2 years ago or 3? Hell if I know anymore.) This time we didn't eat upstairs so weren't roasted alive while we ate. The food was excellent and Thomas even tried something he hadn't eaten before (vegetarian spring rolls)--and liked it!

Frederick Up Close

I was clearing 200 or so photos off the digital camera to get it ready for our (me and Thomas) trip to Portland in two days and while playing with the flash, I suddenly found Frederick right in front of me, posing for the camera. Not content with merely posing, he took his own picture for the second shot. In the third you can see how pleased he is with the results.

Couch Abuse

What do you do when it is hot and humid and on the verge of a crackin' thunder storm that just won't break? Jump on the couch, of course.

Exit Glacier (That's its Name)

Thomas: I'm taking a rest while hiking up a mountain.

Thomas: Another rest while hiking up a mountain.

Thomas: This is a danger sign about falling rocks.

Thomas: I'm in front of a glacier.

Thomas: This is information about the glacier.

Other sights and sounds of Alaska

Thomas:  We were coming back from the glacier when we saw these in letters and so we decided to take a picture.  We don't know for sure what these pellets are.


 


Thomas:  I think this is the place where we got stevia.  There were swarms of mosquitos here.

Seward Marine Life

...and more...

On (with only a pause to go to Alaska) to his percussion recital. Starting off with some xylophony:



Next up, some work on the snare:



The pause at the end was the result of stage directions from Thomas's teacher Alyssa who whispered "freeze!"

Talking of Alyssa, on to a duet:



(Apparently all percussionists have the same hair.)

It's annoying that only a little bit of Thomas can be seen behind the monstrously large mirimbas, but I thought it would have been rude to pop up and change seats once they had started just so I could get a better shot. Simon, of course, disagrees. "He's OUR kid! They don't need to see him play!" In retrospect, I agree.