It was a fun busy week for us starting last Monday when we went on a long bike ride in our neighborhood trails then a couple of concerts plus a festival. I really appreciate this warmer and drier weather when we could be outside more.

Tuesday, we went to see ColdPlay. They gave us these cool bracelets that were synchronized to the music. The lighting was amazing!

We were in a suite courtesy of my work but the location was on the side. The good thing was we were quite close to the stage compared to the seats on the other end.

The full effect of the lights, confetti, and smoke.

Jammin’

Snapshot of us

Wednesday we saw Esperanza Spalding at the Crystal Ballroom.

She was awesome! The band was great too. The venue left a lot to be desired. It was standing room only and I was not expecting that. Anyway, it was still fun.

Saturday evening was spent at the Eat Mobile Festival.

Banh Mi sandwich from Lardo.

Strawberry Balsamic and Espresso ice cream from Scoops.

We also participated in our community garage sale where we made some extra cash as we work towards simplifying our lifestyle.

I must say I was impressed at how the Canon G12 handled the low light images above. Way better than most point-and-shoot cameras.

What a week! I’d like to say the best is yet to come

Spring is in the air. That means time for more food exploration. Here are our latest finds…

The Grilled Cheese Grill on NE Alberta

Customized breakfast sandwich. Dining inside the famous old school bus.

Pulled Pork Combo – North and South Carolina BBQ from A Little Bit of Smoke Food Cart

Public Domain Coffee

Pulled Pork Sandwich from Elephant’s Deli

Hot Lips Pizza

My favorite Alotto Gelato – Orange Creamsicle, Peanut Butter Bacon, and Chocolate Yellow Cake

Crafty Wonderland grand opening

Pork Belly from Bao PDX

Seafood Noodles from Noodle House Food Cart

Southern Fried Chicken from Flogene’s Food Cart

Treats for Mulder from The Hip Hound

For this post I am experimenting with vintage effects on Photoshop. Let me know what you think.

Marcel finally hit the big 4-0 last weekend! He wants to celebrate for the entire year and this is just a start…

A pint of dunkel by Occidental Brewing Company at Hawthorne Hophouse

A lovely mango weizen by Trade Route Brewing Company for me

Fried brie with roasted garlic and ciabatta bread at Hawthorne Hophouse

I gave him four gifts to represent four decades. A Portland-Opoly board game to represent his childhood, a BEER t-shirt for his partying years, a Chemex Coffee Maker for the Pacific Northwest lifestyle, and the fourth one is for the next chapter of his life. He tells me he wants a kayak. I have the rest of the year to get one

Noodles for long life. Pho Ga at Pho Tango

Let’s not forget the cake. He insisted that I am not to make a cake but never said to not buy any. I really wanted to make this chocolate cake but instead I opted for little treats from Whole Foods Market Bakery -  an opera cake and créme brulée lemon bar.

Happy Birthday Marcel!