County Line

Paul and I had what my mom would call "unexpected pocket of fun" this evening. Our fridge was rather bare, so off we went to grab groceries. On the way there we decided to get Chick-fil-a. We pull into the parking lot and guess what? They are tearing it down and building a bigger one! What?!

Plan B: Chick-fil-a at Northpark Mall.

 

I haven't been to the mall in a very long time and the two of us spent a lot of time reminiscing about the Northpark glory days. By the time we made it in the doors, we had each waxed poetically enough about Chinese food counters, we had to see if they were still around. While the one from my memory was gone, Paul's favorite was still going. We forgot all about chicken sandwiches and I had my first ever mall date complete with a loop around the mall "just to see."

Afterward, we finally made it to Target for groceries. In a special moment, our friend Kristen Ley's products have been picked up for a special collection. It was so cool to see her work and know these were designed in Jackson, but sold in Targets all over the country.

What a fun Monday night.

Home Again

I am typing this from the comforts of my cozy bed and I never want to leave again. A week of travel will do that to you. Five flights, a massive amount of streetcars, trains, buses and Lyft rides later, our whirlwind trip is over.

 

Yesterday we took a walking tour of Portland that was easily the highlight of the trip. Our guide had a spunky personality that was easy to love.

 

We said our goodbyes and headed out to our airport hotel. Paul was able to taste one last beer flight at dinner - this s'more stout was a favorite.

 

This was the view for most of our first flight (which came very bright and early). We crossed Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado before landing in Texas. I believe this was near Salt Lake City. 

Off to catch much needed beauty rest before work in the morning!

PDX

Hello from Portland! I don't have much to say at the moment because I am dead tired, but I'll share a few moments.

 

Portland via their aerial tram

 

 

We have also had our share of eats (in between walking, of course). I have been looking forward to that pastrami sandwich from Kenny & Zuke's for months. Also, Blue Star Donuts because donuts.

It has been rainy, but we are pushing through!

Half Day Tourist

With the tail end of my conference wrapping up right before lunch time, I got to play tourist for half of the day.

 

 

The Chinese Theatre, of course. It was less dramatic in real life, though it was cool to spot my favorite stars along the Walk of Fame.

We couldn't go to LA without getting close to the Hollywood sign. No dancing a la La La Land once we arrived at Griffith Observatory. Thankfully, the fog has gotten a little better this week.

 

 

 

Back downtown, we decided to check out the Museum of Contemporary Art, nestled right next to our hotel. Thanks to a pass I have for museums around the country, we received free admission.

 

 

Andy Warhol greeted us as we walked into the gallery.

I was mesmerized by an exhibit by Kerry James Marshall. Here is a wonderful NYT article about his work: https://nytimes.com/2016/10/21/arts/design/kerry-james-marshalls-paintings-show-what-it-means-to-be-black-in-america.html

 

 

Tomorrow: Portland!

West Coast Time

Hello from Los Angeles!

I finally found a way to post from my phone, which I am super excited about.

Paul and I have been in LA (I have a conference here through tomorrow) and it is such a change of pace.

Fog has been a big issue the past few days! We rented a car Sunday to drive up the Pacific Coast Highway. Unfortunately, it was hard to see much!

 

Above was at Venice Beach. It was very cold! Forecasts called for 90 degrees, but that was very deceiving. 

When we found a patch of clear beach on our way to Malibu, we were so excited!

 

 

We had a chance to eat at nearby Grand Central Market, which we have come to love. We also walked through the Downtown Arts District - it had a Fondren feel we appreciated.

 

 

 

More later!