What a curmudgeon wouldn't know

Beverly Cleary, for those bitter curmudgeons who read the Wall St. Journal in their youth, is an author of childrens' books who set her stories on the Portland street she grew up on. Despite having left Clickitat St. for California (you know the big on is coming) Ms. Cleary described the fictional adventures of Ramona, Henry, their friends, family and pets. The nearest library has an entire section dedicated to her work and the nearest park, Grant, has statues of Ramona, Henry and Ribsy the dog that spray water in summer. At other times of the year, the statues await the arrival of short people to play with.

Samurai Divorce Kits and other Noodle Drama

The weekend is our chance to unwind, sleep in (at least until 5:45 AM), and wear baggy clothing. It is also the time when we search out Portland's parks on our ever increasingly wide search for swings, slides, and small fragments of wood to gnaw on. To whet our pre-twig appetite we visited the Hawthorne District for some Pho.

Some was left behind.
(big tip).

Walking to the park we did some window shopping.

Then we hit the park to feed the beast. More, faster, and higher!

Sylvia's favorite activities includes walking up the small stairs to the top of the slide and then zipping down (all with some parental spotting and assist). I expect parental help will be neither needed nor appreciated in the near future.