Category: Community

All about Living in Lake Oswego, Oregon

Posted on

Looking Ahead to Sunny Weather

Oregon is famous for its rain. From November to early June, that is a big part of living in the Pacific Northwest. So I think of late March and early April in much the same way that the modern office worker thinks of Wednesday. This is the “hump” time: rather like Wednesday in the middle of the week. We are half way through our rainy season and looking ahead to the onset of warm and sunny days.

Last summer I took a trip to the Oregon Garden with the specific idea to share it with readers of the blotter. But rather than post it in July, when everywhere you looked was sunshine and gorgeous, lush foliage, I decided to save it for getting us all over the hump in the rainy season. So here you have it. We are now getting over the hump an looking ahead to sunny weather.

The Oregon Garden
The Oregon Garden has a special place in my heart for a couple of reasons. My sister-in-law’s father, Bill Gerber (former mayor of Lake Oswego), was one of the founders of the garden. And my Mom, back in her active days as a Realtor, worked with Bill Gerber to find the land to create the garden. I also have a huge fondness for the Butchart Gardens in Victoria, B.C. as my husband and I visited them on our honeymoon in 1981. The Oregon Garden was founded by the Oregon Association of Nurserymen, in partnership with the City of Silverton, in 1995. The location of the garden was chosen for its gently rolling terrain, which provides variety and is easy to walk, and the abundant availability of water. The City of Silverton uses the garden to recycle its treated wastewater. This means that there is a constant source of water to serve the garden as well as the fountains and ponds.

To get to the garden, it is an easy drive from several exits off of Interstate 5. The route is well marked with signs near Woodburn and just North of Salem. It is about a 40 minute drive Southeast of Portland. When I go, driving from Lake Oswego, I go South on Stafford Road and take the back-country roads over the Willamette River at the Canby Ferry. I like the back roads because I like to drive and I like to stop at produce stands to buy fruits and vegetables direct from the farmers. It’s a gorgeous way to spend an afternoon.

The Garden is open October to April from 10am to 4pm, and May to September from 9am to 6pm. Admission is $10 for Adults, $9 for Seniors (60 and older), $8 for Students (8-17 years old), and children (7 and younger) are free. The price of admission includes use of the Tram which runs throughout the Garden for anyone who needs assistance getting around or if you’re just ready to sit and relax.

Along with the Garden having a cafe and large meeting room, there is a luxury hotel, The Oregon Garden Resort, which has a spa, restaurant, lounge, and meeting facilities for business conferences and wedding receptions.

The Garden itself is divided into a variety of landscapes to showcase the abundant variety of plants, trees and flowers that thrive in Oregon. There is a whimsical Children’s Garden, a Rose Garden, a Conifer Garden, a Water Garden, a Green Roof, and a Home Demonstration Garden, to name just a few. I am really big on flowers. Give me flowers, flowers, everywhere and I am a happy lady. So I was caught by surprise when I found that I especially enjoyed the Conifer Garden. I was with a friend who has several dogs. She was looking for landscape ideas for trees that wouldn’t hurt if her little blind dog ran into it. So we were touching and smelling and really participating in the Conifer Garden. I was amazed.

The other thing I really recommend is visiting The Gorden House, which is located at The Oregon Garden. The Gordon House was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1957. It is the only Frank Lloyd Wright house in Oregon, and the only one open to the public in the Pacific Northwest. Fans of architecture will understand that seeing a Frank Lloyd Wright house is a privilege. To get to do this on the same day that you visit a gorgeous garden is just icing on the cake.

The Garden hosts events year around. Some coming up in the near future are the Easter Egg Hunt on April 3rd (egg hunts for ages 0-3, 4-6, and 7-10; held at 11am, noon, and 1pm), Brewfest on April 23rd and 24th, a Motorcycle Show on May 22nd (I’ll be there with my husband, I can promise you), and a plant sale on June 12th.

So don’t give up. Don’t throw in the towel, although you may need to wring it out. The nice weather is just around the corner. And also remember that it is the long and rainy spring that makes Oregon so lush when the sun comes out in June. See you at the Garden!
Dianne

Posted on

St. Patrick’s Day Fun

Looking for things to do in Lake Oswego to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?  Check out this family-oriented celebration at Maher’s with live entertainment, dance lessons, activities, games, contests, and lots of great food. 10% of all funds received will be donated to the Lake Oswego School Foundation. For more information click here:   St. Patrick’s Day Festival

Then there’s always the option of a quick jaunt into Portland for the annual pilgrimage to Kell’s Irish Restaurant & Pub.  Its been voted one of the top Irish establishments in the U.S., and attracts quite a crowd on St. Patrick’s Day.  Prepare to witness a sea of cabbie’s in downtown Portland, many of whom have already said they’ll take people home even if they can’t find their wallet.  Check out details here:  Kells

Here is a collection of Irish sayings & blessings for your enjoyment.  Maybe one will cone in handy this year!

May you always have
Walls for the winds,
A roof for the rain,
Tea beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you,
Those you love near you,
And all your heart might desire!

May you be in
Heaven a half hour before the
Devil knows you’re dead!

When Irish eyes are smiling,
Tis like a morn in spring.
With a lilt of Irish laughter
You can hear the angels sing
When Irish hearts are happy
All the world is bright and gay
When Irish eyes are smiling
Sure, they steal your heart away.

May your blessings outnumber
The shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go.

There are many good reasons for drinking,
One has just entered my head.
If a man doesn’t drink when he’s living,
How in the hell can he drink when he’s dead?

May the best day of your past
Be the worst day of your future.

I’m looking over a four leaf clover
That I overlooked before
One leaf is sunshine, the second is rain,
Third is the roses that grow in the lane.
No need explaining the one remaining
Is somebody I adore.
I’m looking over a four leaf clover
That I overlooked before.

May you live to be a hundred years
With one extra year to repent.

May those who love us, love us
And those who don’t love us,
May God turn their hearts
And if he can’t turn their hearts,
May he turn their ankles
So we will know them by their limping!

As you slide down the banister of life,
May the splinters never point in the wrong direction!

May luck be our companion
May friends stand by our side
May history remind us all
Of Ireland’s faith and pride.
May God bless us with happiness
May love and faith abide.

Leprechauns, castles, good luck and laughter
Lullabies, dreams, and love ever after.
Poems and songs with pipes and drums
A thousand welcomes when anyone comes.
That’s the Irish for you!

There’s a dear little plant that grows in our isle,
‘Twas St. Patrick himself, sure, that sets it;
And the sun of his labor with pleasure did smile,
And with dew from his eye often wet it.
It grows through the bog, through the brake, through the mireland,
And they call it the dear little Shamrock of Ireland.

May your neighbors respect you,
Troubles neglect you,
The angels protect you,
And Heaven accept you.

May you have:
A world of wishes at your command
God and his angels close at hand
Friends and family their love impart,
And Irish blessings in you heart.

May God grant you many years to live,
For sure he must be knowing
The earth has angels all to few
And Heaven is overflowing.

These things I warmly wish to you-
Someone to love
Some work to do
A bit o’ sun
A bit o’ cheer
And a guardian angel always near.

Here’s to a long life and a merry one
A quick death and an easy one
A pretty girl and an honest one
A cold beer and another one!

May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light,
May good luck pursue you each morning and night,

O Ireland isn’t it grand you look
like a bride in her rich adornin?
And with all the pent up love of my heart
I bid you the top o’ the mornin!

May the lilt of lush laughter lighten ever road,
May the midst of Irish magic shorten every road.
May you taste the sweetest pleasures
that fortune ever bestowed,
And may all your friends remember
all the favors you are owed.

Go mbeannai Dia duit
(May God Bless You)

May your home always be too small to hold all your friends.
God is good, but never dance in a small boat.

May you live as long as you want,
And never want as long as you live.

If you’re enough lucky to be Irish…
You’re lucky enough!My wild Irish rose
The sweetest flower that grows
You may search everywhere
But none can compare to my wild Irish rose
My wild Irish rose
The sweetest flower that grows
Someday for my sake she may let me take
A bloom from my wild Irish rose

‘Tis better to buy a small bouquet
And give to your friend this very day,
Than a bushel of roses white and red
To lay on his coffin after he’s dead.

For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way-
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.

Dance as if no one were watching,
Sing as if no one were listening,
And live every day as if it were your last.

Posted on

City Chickens….

You’d have to be hiding under a rock somewhere not to have heard all the buzz about “chickens in the city”.  I haven’t witnessed such passionate discourse on anything other than elections, health insurance reform, or bank bailouts in quite a long time…on both sides of the issue. I do have to admit that chicken lovers seem to be most invested in the subject though, and therefore they are winning their battles all across the country.  Believe me, it’s not pretty when people who want chickens are told they cannot have them on their own property. Here’s an article from MSNBC in Sept ’09 entitled  ” In Portland, Ore., urban chickens rule the roost” . They even get into the fact that Portland’s Mayor Sam Adams owns two hens (I didn’t know that!).   Hmmm… Chickens in Portland on the national stage…

Chickens are said to make great pets, produce eggs, and eat table scraps like a dog but bark less. Actually they are said to make less noise (chickens don’t bark, silly!). I have friends with chickens, and witness much Facebooking and Twittering about these feathery pets. Recipes are exchanged online, and of course the fact that the eggs used came from the family pet always features prominently. My friend Pamela (who is a fabulous cook) feeds Adele, Fatima, Georgina, Hera and Irene fruit, vegetable, and bread leftovers.  (That’s Hera at the top of the page.) Just as there are “victory gardens” springing up everywhere these days that fit in nicely with the welcome & spreading focus on organic foods, home-grown eggs are also food you can count on for your family in times both lean and luxurious.

Chicken coops are appearing over backyard fences in every metropolitan area. Some of them are downright “designer”. Now, whether cities allow chickens or not is another matter. Many do not. Portland does… Beaverton does not. Salem does not. Tigard and Gresham only allow them on unusually large lots (must be 100 feet from neighbors). Almost all prohibit roosters (eggs do not require a rooster…  unless you want baby chicks). According to The City Chicken, Lake Oswego does allow them, does not prohibit roosters, and does not place a limit on how many you may have. That said, roosters in particular may end up in violation of city noise ordinances, so Lake Oswego is not about to give up on quality of life for neighbors of chickens.  Here is a resource for basic info about whether or not they are allowed in your location: Chicken Laws

Remember, if you decide to take on the delightful adventure of keeping chickens at your home, they are pets, and do require care and attention. (These are “The Irene’s” to the right… little Irene named after Pamela’s best friend.)  Give some thought to care, feeding, lodging and protection. Cats are attracted to them, and one cat doing what is natural can end up breaking your heart.

Below, you’ll find some links to sites with all kinds of information regarding: chickens, raising them in urban environments, organizing to change your city’s ordinances, educating yourself on avian flu, general upkeep, and lots more:

Mad City Chickens

The City Chicken

Pistils Nursery (Country Living in the City)

Keeping Chickens Blogspot

Feel free to use this forum to discuss your own experiences of “chickens in the city”.  We’d love to hear from you!  (Many thanks to my friend Pamela for the photos of her beauties!)

Posted on

Lake Oswego Reads

Beginning in 2007, the City of Lake Oswego has used the month of February to host a city-wide reading program. The concept is to encourage everyone in town to read the same book at the same time. The community then hosts events to show-case and share the ideas found in the book. This year’s book selection is The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig.

The Whistling Season is a coming-of-age story set in 1910. It tells the tale of a rural family of 3 boys and their widowed father. The book was selected because, tying into the Lake Oswego Centennial Celebration,  it will transport the reader back to 1910, the year that the City of Lake Oswego was originally founded. The book was selected by a panel of librarians, community leaders, High School English teachers and High School students.

Throughout the month of February events will be held all over Lake Oswego to bring The Whistling Season to life in the community:
February 1, Lake Oswego Writes, Chuck’s Place, 7pm
February 2-28, Art Exhitition at Graham’s Book and Stationary and at Chrisman Picture Frame and Gallery. 18 artists have created original pieces based upon their vision while reading the book.

February 3, History of the Telephone, Heritage House, 7pm

February 5, Pioneer Lunch, Noon, Adult Community Center

February 8, Book Club Quilter’s Tea, 2 pm, the Library

February 9, One Room School House Panel Discussion, Holy Names Heritage Center, 2pm

February 10, Spelling Bee, Lakewood Center, 7pm

February 11, Tales of the Secret Life of Lake Oswego, Library, 7pm

February 12, Photo Scavenger Hunt for Teens, Library, 7pm

February 13, Apron Making Classes, The Pine Needle, 10 am for kids, 1pm for adults

February 17, Dream Analysis, Lake Oswego Country Club, $15, 11:45 am

February 17, Hear Ivan Doig in Person, Lake Oswego High School, 7pm, tickets are free and given out 1st come 1st serve on January 30, 11 am, at the Library (see you there!)

February 18, Star Gazing, Luscher Farm, 7pm

February 18, Book Discussion, 7pm, West End Building

February 19, Book Discussion. 1 pm, Adult Community Center

February 20, Horse Carriage Rides, 11am to 3pm, Graham’s Stationary

February 20, Hoe Down, 5-8pm, West End Building

February 24, Historic Recipe Tasting, 1pm, Adult Community Center

February 24, Book Discussion, 7pm, the Library

February 25, Book Discussion, 10am, Mt. Park Church

February 25, Hear a real hand whistler, 7pm, the Library

February 26, Book Discussion, 1pm, Adult Community Center

February 27, Horse Show/ Jumper Night, 5:30, Oswego Hunt

For specifics on each event, click here.

I am an avid reader.  I jumped into the Lake Oswego Reads idea when it was first introduced in 2007.  I don’t attend all of the events, but I do try to get to a few of them.  This year I will make the effort to get to the art show as well as the evening with Ivan Doig.  I also plan to take my Mom to the One-Room-School-House discussion on the 9th (she actually went to school in a 1-room school house).  I have  learned that the book discussions are interesting, both in person and on-line.  I think what I like most about Lake Oswego Reads is that it introduces me to really good books that I might otherwise not read.  Here is a brief list of past book choices and my take on them:

2007, Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.  This book takes place in post-WWII Barcelona.  I liked this book.  It reminded me of The Davinci Code with its intrigue and espionage.  I particularly enjoyed the setting.  You feel like you are meandering through alleyways and breathing in Barcelona.  I know that this book was selected  because one of the goals of LO Reads is to draw in High School students as well as adults.  The local High Schools use the selected book in their classrooms.  This is a fast-paced story that successfully appeals to diverse age groups.

2008, Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Relin. This book is hands down one of the most important books of our time.  It is non-fiction.  It is about one man and his mission to bring peace to Afghanistan and Pakistan by building schools.  As I read it I found myself wishing that every world leader could take the time to read it too.  It is remarkable, amazing, and inspiring what one individual can accomplish.  And Greg Mortenson did it rather by chance.  You will find yourself with him as he comes off of climbing K2 and lands in a remote village in the Middle East.  He deals first-hand with The Taliban.  His mission is important and when your read about it you will be forever changed.

2009, Stubborn Twig by Lauren Kessler. This book traces 3 generations of Japanese immigrants from their early beginnings in the Hood River Valley, through their ordeals and the alterations of their lives during WWII, to the gradual assimilation into American culture after several generations.  I was completely touched by their story.  Like Three Cups of Tea, it is non-fiction.  This family came to the United States to find a better life, built a very successful business, and then lost nearly everything while being both jailed and put into Internment Camps.  And yet, they were and are  Americans, with lives of determination and patriotism.

I want to encourage you to get involved with Lake Oswego Reads.  If The Whistling Season is as good as the other book selections have been, then I know it will be a worthwhile experience.  And, let’s face it, one of the great things about February in Oregon is that it is the perfect time of year to curl up with a good book.

Dianne

Posted on

Broker’s Tour in L.O.~Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010

I thought I’d bring you along with Dianne and I to see some of what was on Brokers’ Tour Tuesday in Lake Oswego.

What do we DO on tour??? Well, we check out properties that are new on the market or that have had a major change such as remodeling work or price reductions. We also enjoy visiting with each other & learning more about the properties (this is a great way to find out material information that is not included on the listing sheet), and you should know that Realtors LOVE to eat on tour! Usually we’ve been at meetings all morning and are ravenous by the time we get out to tour.  Dianne calls it the Pavlov Response… she postulates that even when we don’t tour, we automatically get hungry on Tuesdays at 11:00…  I think she’s right!

I was not able to post everything we saw on Tuesday, but I’ve got quite a bit to show you… Let’s get going! (all photos used with permission ~ remember that you can enlarge any photo by clicking on it)

We headed over to Westridge to 51 Hillshire Dr., to visit a custom contemporary home set up above the road and surrounded by luscious landscaping, giving it peaceful views out the many bright windows.  We were met by Debbie Todd who answered questions and showed us around with warmth and hospitality. This one is stately, with 4306 SF, 4 bedrooms, a formal but open entry, master suite on the main floor, high vaulted ceilings, hardwoods, great room with gorgeous kitchen (yes, that’s Dianne in the kitchen), fireplace and access to the spa/patio area (also accessible from the spacious master).  Daylight basement offers pool table area, 1/2 bath, media area, and a beautiful wet bar.  Three bedrooms are upstairs (one non-conforming). The flow of this home is so elegant, and the feel so open and peaceful… I would highly recommend a look.  This one is set & ready to welcome it’s new owners with style & comfort from day one.

From Westridge we drove to 2057 Summit Dr  in Summit Heights where the neighborhood is nestled up the graceful slope from Lake Oswego. This particular home is a totally remodeled 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath 1975 Craftsman with panache. I mean, this home shouts easy, comfortable living from the street as you enter the circular drive.  It is just a ‘superstar’ sitting there waiting for the perfect occupants. Set back a ways from the road, we meandered up the walk and were met by Susy Darm, another charming local Realtor with tons of information about the property to share. It is 4589 SF on a .45 acre lot overlooking the lake with beautiful views from the upper deck & grand master bedroom.  The outdoor living options begin with the main level deck that wraps from the porch around to the side… vaulted with forest views & accessible from the kitchen and dining areas.  Did I mention the kitchen?  Let’s just say stunning slab granite, Dacor Pro stove, Sub Zero, Viking, alder cabinets, and an open/airy feel.  The great room is wired for surround sound, there are three fireplaces, one of which boasts an alluring river pebble fascia. I could go on & on… media & game room, stellar bathrooms… but really, this one needs to be seen in person.

Leaving Susy, we decided to finish up our tour with the new construction  home at 567 6th Street in First Addition. We walked through this one about a month or two ago when it was in full building mode… we gingerly stepped through the home being careful not to trip and trying to visualize the finished result.  It was fun to see the transformation yesterday.  Shari Newman met us in the beautiful kitchen featuring one of my favorites… Carrera Marble for back-splash.  It offers 2568 SF of brand new home, with 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths.  Floors are luxurious, dark hardwoods. Bathrooms feature granite and elegant fixtures & finishes.  The generous master is conveniently located on the main level. Upstairs also opens to three more bedrooms, one of which has high ceilings and could probably also be used as a game or media room.  Little touches than really shine include the brass gutters, and slatted wood ceilings on the front porch.  Style.

Well, that wraps up our Broker’s Tour for this week.  Hope it was fun tagging along with us! We’re always here to take a call & show you property if you find something that “speaks” to you.

If this is making you want to tour yourself, I’ll be holding 371 6th St. Open on Sunday in Lake Oswego from 2:00 – 4:00 PM.  This is a sweet 3 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath custom rowhouse in First Addition. C’mon down! We can chat.

Very Best,

Linda

You may reach me at:  503 318 2116

Posted on

It’s A New… Centennial Year in Lake Oswego!

HappyHappy 2010 to each of you!  I don’t know about you, but I can feel the excitement (and dare I say relief) in the air.  It’s a new year, and things are looking good.  Lake Oswego is already celebrating its Centennial, employment figures are up, real estate tax incentives are in full force (for a few months anyway), stocks started the year with a rally, and “the trend is still up” according to Rob Lutts, chief investment officer at Cabot Money Management.

Are there naysayers and warnings of impending doom?  Yes, as always.  I, however, am “cautiously excited” at the prospect of renewed opportunity all around.  I see my clients achieving their goals and changing their lives, and I know that time does indeed march on.  For my clients, job changes happen, marriages and divorces happen, families grow & need more space, loved ones want to be closer geographically, retirement and downsizing happen, and of course, “upsizing” is also very much alive.

Couple3The beginning of the year also always brings some legislative changes, like needing a hands-free device to talk on your cellphone in the car.  The new law does, however “…exempt motorists who are on their hand-held cell phones ‘in the scope of the person’s employment if operation of the motor vehicle is necessary for the person’s job’.”  Hmmmm, I wonder if that includes Realtors?  Well, I think I’ll opt for safety anyway, but I can smell some friction (is that burning rubber?) ahead in the way of challenges to these minimum $142. tickets.

In the real estate world, there are all manner of regulatory changes, and changes to the “new” forms we’ll be using.  Make sure to talk with your SophieTuckerRealtor (or Dianne and I if you are without a Realtor) if you have any questions.  Some of the changes could affect the timeline of your transaction if you are not aware of them. For instance, if a transaction includes any seller-carried financing, and the document is prepared by escrow, there is a 3-day mandatory review period… so if the Buyer is just seeing the document for the first time at signing, there will be a 3-day delay in closing.  Also, you will notice that our ML#’s have gotten a bit longer.  As we are starting a new decade, the ML#’s now start with “10”… so they’ll be longer numbers & have lots of zero’s for awhile : )   As an aside, the count on these, and therefore the number of new January listings as of today in Lake Oswego number 24, and range in price from $90,000 to $998,500.

CarrieNationLast, but definitely not least, I want to address the excitement of the ongoing Centennial Celebration in Lake Oswego.  I’m including a link here to a pdf that has all kinds of historic Lake Oswego photos, and news stories from 1910. By that time Lake Oswego had been in existence for 60 years already.  Three previous attempts at incorporation had failed due to fears around “additional regulations and taxation” (sound familiar?). Residents in First Addition were interested in: “promoting small businesses, water quality, fire protection, debate over the sale of alcohol, as well as government autonomy. The vote in favor of the measure was 79 to 22.  Only men cast their ballots because Oregon women did not win the right to vote until 1912.” You really MUST check out this link.  Some of the headlines read: “City Government Controls Width of Tires”,  “Buy a Lake-Front Lot for $50.”,  “Oswego’s Bear Population”, “Illiterate Cows”,  “Pig Penmanship”, and many, many more.

Happy, Happy 2010 to you and yours, and thank you for reading the Property Blotter!

Linda

Posted on

Holiday Notes from Lake Oswego

OrangesA very merry Christmas and holiday season to each of you from Dianne and me!

Here are a few notes from Lake Oswego:

Millenium Park Plaza in Final Phase! ~ The improvements include a small grove of Fuji cherry trees, a water feature and an ADA standard ramp to improve accessibility.  Views of Lakewood Bay will be enhanced, and there will be even more room for Lake Oswego’s famed Farmers’ Market and the Lake Run. The park will re-open in May of 2010 in time for Farmers’ Market.

Historic Belluschi House Moves to Marylhurst ~  A home built by noted Portland architect, Pietro Belluschi will stay in Lake Oswego after all.  Many thanks to Marylhurst University, where it will receive a permanent home on campus, and be restored as a lasting reminder of Belluschi’s architectural legacy.  It is truuly a work of mid-century modernist art, and was about to be demolished until Marylhurst came to the rescue.  Fund-raising efforts are now underway to move and restore the house.  Here is a link to a photo in ModernHomesPortland.com:  Belluschi House

Coat Drive ~ Lake Oswego will be collecting coat for Clackamas County Women and Children’s Centers through the month of February.  If you wish to donate, please stop by City Hall at 380 A Avenue, or call 503 635 0257.

Tree 09 bAdult Community Center New Year’s Luncheon ~ Doors open on Wednesday, December 30th at 11:30 for this fabulous feast & opportunity to celebrate with your neighbors.  Suggested donation is $4.00 for those 60 & older, and $5.00 for all other attendees.  The Community Center is located at the intersection of 5th & G Avenues.

Safety ~ The Lake Oswego Fire Department reminds us to consider safety and the safety of those around us as we move through this beautiful holiday season fraught with its own unusual circumstances.   We are not usually stringing lights all over our homes for instance, and do not usually place trees in our living rooms adorned with lights of their own.  The snaps of really cold weather (which broke many pipes in town a week or so ago) add another twist as we haul out our space heaters on those super frosty days.  Here is a link to some safety tips for you and your family:   Safety at Holiday Time

Posted on

Seeing the Christmas Lights

christmas shipLet’s face it, December is dark. The sun comes up about 7:30 and sets about 4:30. That’s just 9 hours of daylight. And that’s why Christmas lights are pretty darn important to me. I know they are put up to celebrate religious traditions. But as far as I am concerned they are put up for ME. I love them and need them to get through the month of the year with the shortest daylight. My own turkey barely has a chance to go cold on the counter before I am putting up my own Christmas lights. And I push the boundary on the other end too by leaving them up past Christmas. (Yes, one year I had them up until Valentine’s, but haven’t been that extreme in quite awhile.)

So when Linda and I first designed the propertyblotter, and had to think about what links we wanted permanently attached, the Christmas Ship Parade came immediately to mind. You will see our link to the Christmas Ships year around on our left tool bar. However, I don’t want to just assume that you have used it to see what it is all about. This year I want to point it out and suggest that you load up your car with family and a thermos of hot cocoa and drive over to Foothills Park on December 19th at about 6pm. This is the evening that the parade of lighted ships are scheduled to come as far South as George Rogers Park on the Willamette River. You can view them from George Rogers Park, and also from Roehr Park, but you would probably need to get out of your car. Personally, I love to sit in the car to watch them. Just find some Christmas music on the radio and stay toasty warm. When my children were little, we commonly did this with both of them bathed and in their pajamas.

There are about 20 or so ships that are organized and captained by volunteers. They do a nightly parade of both the Willamette and the Columbia Rivers with the evening parade location changing daily. I think the only time between now and Christmas that they will be as far South as LO is the 19th. If you are willing to drive North, you will be able to find them in other locations on other evenings. For a complete schedule, click here.

And if you want to find what I consider to be the top decorated house light displays, I want to recommend driving down Edenberry Drive in Westlake. The homeowners on the street go all out. It is gorgeous. Many of the side streets are also decorated. So swing through when you get the chance.

Enjoy the season. I know that I do: especially the Christmas lights.

Ho Ho Ho, Dianne

Posted on

Oh, To Be Thankful

ThanksgivingThis week we get to take a  step back from our daily routine… usually we take a few days to kick back & enjoy family, friends, and good food… and at the very minimum, we enjoy a few extra moments or hours to reflect on all we have to be grateful for.

This has been quite a year. I don’t think there are many who have not been affected, or had a loved one affected by the roller coaster ride that has been our economy. Now that things are starting to turn, and we hear “the recession is over”, we may or may not be seeing big changes in our own lives yet, but we can look around, and take stock. Do we have shelter? A roof over our heads, warmth and food? Do we have family? And if so, do we remember to tell them each and every day that we love them? Do we have friends… real friends? If so, do we remember to let them know that they make our lives richer just by being themselves? Do we have a job? & If so, do we think about all the ways that job enriches our lives, providing goods and/or services to others and supporting our family? Do we have beauty in our lives? Do we remember to actually look at those hanging baskets in downtown Lake Oswego, or the beautiful lights and holiday dressing the town takes on this time of year? Do we see the beautiful little things that cross our paths everyday… often escaping our notice? Ok, I’ll stop, but hopefully this gets you thinking a bit. Maybe this year would be the year to start a Gratitude Journal. I have a friend who records everything that happened that day for which he is grateful every night before bed. He swears that it has turned his life around! Maybe this year we might start a new tradition with our children, and have them fill out two lists… one being everything for which they are thankful, and the other being, well, you know… the one that goes to the North Pole (make sure to address it to City Hall/North Pole this year though : )

I am grateful for so many things, and I know I speak for Dianne and I both when I say we are so thankful for our Property Blotter readers & clients. You make it all worthwhile.

I’ll leave you with a few quotes to start your holiday season off just right:

“Stand up, on this Thanksgiving Day, stand upon your feet. Believe in man. Soberly and with clear eyes, believe in your own time and place. There is not, and there never has been a better time, or a better place to live in.” –Phillips Brooks

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
—Melody Beattie

“A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues.” –Cicero

“Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.” –W.T. Purkiser

“Serenely full, the epicure would say, Fate cannot harm me, I have dined today.”
–Sydney Smith

Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted on

Holiday Events in Lake Oswego

turkeyThere is a wonderful assortment of Holiday Events coming up here in Lake Oswego. It is a great time of year and the community comes together to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.

Adult Community Center Thanksgiving Luncheon

November 25, 11:30am, at the Adult Community Center.  Enjoy a holiday feast with friends.  Call 503-635-3758, to make a reservation.

Holiday Tree Lighting

November 27, 5pm.  Kick off the holiday season with the lighting of the giant sequoia tree at Fifth Street and A Avenue.  Enjoy free coffee and cocoa and listen to choir members from local high schools.  Then, walk to Millennium Plaza Park to enjoy more caroling, refreshments, live music, and several characters to entertain the kids.  Donations of non-perishable, canned food for the Oregon Food Bank and unwrapped toys are encouraged.

Gingerbread House Building

November 30, 6:30 to 8:30pm.  West End Building, 4101 Kruse Way.  Everything you need to build a beautiful gingerbread house is included.  Ages 18 and older. $47 per family/house.  Register at www.lakeoswegoparks.org (#4327200)

5th Annual Lake Oswego Holiday Market

December 5th & 6th, 9am to 4pm, Millennium Plaza Park.  A traditional European Holiday Market where you can shop for unique treasures:  crafts, greenery, eats and treats.  Local musicians will provide a background of Holiday music.  A family-friendly shopping experience.

Holiday Gift Workshop

December 12, 10am to 12pm, West End Building.  Spend a morning making holiday gifts for family and friends, snack on treats, and enjoy a special guest/entertainer.  For children ages 6 to 12.  Cost is $22.  Register at www.lakeoswegoparks.org (#4267100)

Carriage Rides

December 6, 12, & 19, 11am to 3pm, Millennium Plaza Park.  Get into the holiday spirit and enjoy a memorable carriage ride through the streets of beautiful downtown Lake Oswego.  The horse drawn carriage will pick you up at the entrance to Millennium Plaza Park.  Adults $3 and children under the age of 10, $1.

Christmas Ship Parade Viewing

December 19th, 6pm, Foothills Park.  Experience the sparkle of the ships and their reflections from the shore of the Willamette River at Foothills Park while enjoying hot chocolate and a warm fire.  For more information, go to www.christmasships.org.

Adult Community Center Holiday Luncheon

December 23rd, 11:30am, at the Adult Community Center.  Celebrate the season with food and music.  Call 503-635-3758 to make a lunch reservation.

Adult Community Center New Year’s Luncheon

December 30th, 11:30am, at the Adult Community Center.  Honor the last of 2009 and welcome 2010 with friends.  Call 503-635-3758 to make a reservation.

The above information is brought to us courtesy of Hello L.O., the official newsletter of the City of Lake Oswego.  Happy Holidays!