Ten years ago (10/8/2014) I saw Sharon Van Etten at The Loving Touch in Ferndale, Michigan. Still one of my favorite shows of all time.

@sharonvanhalen #detroit

I need to change the pots on my Jazzmaster. This is starting to feel a bit like The Ship of Theseus.

We have limited options for nearby coffee places that I’d actually want to spend any time at. Haven Coffee on Murray in Cedar Mill is one of the good ones. Coffee is great, people are nice, and it’s easy for me to focus on work.

Took my son to Through the Veil yesterday. They sell these terrifying little monsters.

Hillsboro has the best parks.

Continuing my digital declutter from last week where I deleted 80 apps from my iPhone, this week I’ve deleted 56 more.

It’s not every day two bands I love pop up at the same venue within two days of each other. It’s gonna be a rough week! I wonder if they’ll let me bring a lawn chair.

These cookies are where it’s at. 🍪

We’ve been taking the business of Halloween decorating pretty seriously. 🎃

I don’t know who you are, but I want to be your friend.

I liked the look of these clouds.

When the office mini split is right above your cube. I generally run pretty warm, but my ears feel like they’re going to fall off.

Might need to get this one.

It’s been a great year for tomatoes. 🍅 #pnw

Noticed a typo at the skate park this afternoon. Can you spot it?

The dog days of summer, hopefully coming to an end.

The new routine. She insists on carrying his backpack.

Beautiful morning in the northwest, but time to button up the house until this evening. These temp swings are pretty drastic. #pdx

Happy to have found some #detroit dad hats in 3xl made by ‘47 on a specialty site for the cranially endowed.

Little friends at the park.

Saturday Market

#fensterfreitag #photography

The new TriMet light rail system map showing the extension of the Red Line 10 stations deeper into Washington County and improvements made at Gateway and the Airport.

#pdx #transit #portland #trimet

It’s gonna be fun whenever I go to use these pedals again.

Spending time with the in-laws - different politics, but steering clear of our differences.

Just realized Umami analytics has an iOS app, and it's pretty nice.

#pdx

Running around downtown Portland today.

I finally got a dedicated NEMA 14-50 outlet installed in the garage. No more dryer outlet charging!

Our relationship in a nutshell.

The rain never stopped us.

Such a nice campground down here at Beverly Beach! So cool to have 32A service With a 14-50 outlet right at the site! My son is so excited, too. Hopefully his enthusiasm is still high tomorrow (rain).

Trying out the dedicated B&W switch on the Nikon Zf at a coworker’s send-off last night.

Wardrobe change. She picked her outfit out this morning (changed twice) and ended up going with the Dino slip-ons she inherited from her brother.

Down 10 lbs since starting CICO. Only about 50 more to go. 😭

Nothing like camping at the Oregon Coast in mid-August.

40mm is one of my favorite focal lengths.

My wife competed in a duathlon on her birthday today and got third place in her age group. Proud of her.

Lose It! app makes me laugh with its “positive pattern detected” notifications. Yes, I like potatoes.

536 calories. A McDonald’s double cheeseburger has 100 fewer calories.

Looking pretty sassy for a tax collector.

Digging the wrap on this MAX car.

I dropped my son off at the kinder kickstart program at his elementary school this morning. Although kindergarten doesn’t officially begin for a few more weeks, this papa is full of all the feelings.

We took a country drive out to Carlton this morning to go swimming in their public pool, which was nicer than expected. In fact, the entire town was cuter than I expected. I had forgotten that some vineyards use it for their tasting rooms.

Afterward, we went out to our friend's house in a nearby rural area. The kids spent time with her father ("Pa"), taking rides on a makeshift train the guy made out of an old electric shopping cart (Amigo?) and several trailers he constructed himself out of old water filtration tanks.

Our friend has been growing flowers and giving them away for free. I think it's a really sweet idea and a nice way to brighten people's day. The adults and most of the kids helped put together some bouquets for their roadside stand.

We ate a fresh lunch and I went out and said hello to the mules. I think we connected, but they may have thought I had treats.

A neat flower I found last week.

Another of the Heidelberg

I can’t get enough of these old interiors. #detroit

Passing through Lansing and stopped for a bit. I lived here for over 10 years and I do not miss it. In fact, pretty sure I’m dealing with some minor PTSD having been trapped here for so long.

Still, I had to see how things had changed, and how they’ve stayed the same. My old house on Allen Street:

Someone sure put a lot of love into this backyard.

My buddy Dan’s once meticulously kept lawn is now an urban prairie.

Hunter Park:

And of course, one of the glimmers of decent memories, Dagwoods. I can almost taste their olive burger.

I waited in line for about an hour to tour the station today. It was worth it.

Heidelberg

Surprise, I ate pizza.

MCS looking glorious

An afternoon well spent at the Henry Ford Museum

Wanna go for a ride?

I missed you, Lake Michigan.

Grand Haven Fisherman’s Pier

Pronto Pup, Grand Haven, Michigan. Don’t you wish your weiner was this good after 77 years?

I was in the area for work, so drove up to Council Crest Park to break up the routine. Hazy, but gorgeous day (70° F), with many people out enjoying it. #pdx

After some thought and many years wearing the thing, I’ve decided to drop the Apple Watch in favor of my old mechanical Seiko for daily wear. What little value the Apple Watch brought never outweighed its annoyances for me.

Days like these make the hard days worth it.

Goodbye, ol’ Suby. You were a great car for the 11 years you were mine. I probably took this car to 30 states on road trips. Sold to a friend’s son as his first car, hopefully he gets another 100k out of it.

I got tired of my polycarbonate lenses always scratching, so last year I sent in my WP frames to Eyeglasses.com and had real glass lenses put in. No scratches. I love them.

I dragged a friend to the Les Savy Fav show and I don’t think they knew what they were getting into.

Downgrading your Verizon bill be like.

It was only 93° today.

Our back patio is usually chaos. Zoey doesn’t seem to mind. She says she could do without the heat, though.

Roughing it, obviously.

I see you, Cannon Beach.

Happy to see more EV chargers at state parks & campgrounds across Oregon.

Glamping supreme. Ask me if I brought the portable AC. 🏕️

It’s going to be around 100° the next four days. We walked around the neighborhood on the early side and stopped to listen to the bullfrogs at the wetlands. The creeping thistle looked neat. The bees looked happy.

Organic fireworks.

Nice day in PDX, and surprisingly quiet due to the holiday.

Quick trip to NW Portland to pick up some Carrot Cake Granola from Papa Haydn’s for a friend’s birthday. Decided to take the kids and get dessert, followed by Pittock Mansion and the splash pad. Both kids got some bumps and scrapes, like they do!

I love that my personalized radio station played me Ja Rule - Mesmerize on my drive home today.

Took the kids out in the canoe on the Willamette this afternoon with our friend P, who brought her paddle board. Great drop-in point in Newberg. Beautiful, calm day for it. The old 18.5’ Wenonah is still a champ. 🛶

Considering putting my big in scouts this year and of course I ended up on an Etsy page for alternative merit badges. Link

I’m slowly getting better at this.

Here’s some Detroit style pizza I ate at the new Ranch location. 🍕

Someone got off the hedonic treadmill a while ago and never looked back.

Although I’ve given up on growing my own peppers, I have not given up on fermenting my own hot sauce. See you in 4-6 weeks.

This past weekend’s project: the rainwater irrigation system. Despite a lot of work, I still haven’t solved the issue of the pump cycling. Suffice to say, I’ve put a lot more time into working on the automatic irrigation over the years than it would have taken to just water the vegetables by hand.

Summertime.

On high alert for bullfrogs.

“It’s too cold for shorts…”

“Can I take my my pants off?”

I’ve got the day off, so I’m heading to the coast with my boy. At long last, the weather looks decent. I like to keep all the beach gear in a clear tub so I can just throw it in the car and away we go.

Not sure how many of my followers here care about Detroit redevelopment, or old train stations, but the Michigan Central Depot has recently been magnificently restored. Long empty and falling apart, its restoration gets me all sorts of emotional. 📸: Bvictor1

#detroit #trains #historicpreservation https://skyscraperpage.com/forum/showpost.php?p=10225512&postcount=105

Not sure how many of my followers here care about Detroit redevelopment, or old train stations, but the Michigan Central Depot has recently been magnificently restored. Long empty and falling apart, its restoration gets me all sorts of emotional. 📸: Bvictor1

#detroit #trains #historicpreservation

El Jefe Food Cart. Picking up dinner a little early at the best taco truck on Portland’s west side.

Fleet Week in the Rose City.

Took me far too long to find the true purpose of these.

When in Rome…

…Goodnight.

Roma is the filthiest large city I’ve ever visited, but the food is good. Walking a lot (20,000 steps before siesta) and eating our way across the città. Breaking a lot of social norms and embarrassing myself with my poor italiano.

Yesterday we hiked in the Alps, today we hiked the Cinque Terre. We burned a thousand calories hiking from Monterosso to Vernazza. The weather has been great. Resting for a bit before a night out in La Spezia.

Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Benefits to your circadian rhythm being way off given the 9 hour time difference: waking up at 4 a.m. for morning views.

Someone discovered Beatles - White Album on Minidisc.

Tualatin Valley Water District soccer field.

Admittedly, I had no idea how important agritourism had become to suburban childrearing.

Breakside Brewery Beaverton.

Sunny Wednesday morning in downtown Portland for the Northwest Facilities Expo. Quite a different scene than the housing and planning conferences I’m used to. Plenty of swag, including free buckets 🤣. You just have to endure the gauntlet of people trying to sell you stuff. Don’t make eye contact!

Fungus among us

This popped up in photos as a 20-year memory today. This hit me like a ton of bricks. Coachella 2004. Me and some friends drove from Michigan to California, four-deep in a Honda Civic. This is my buddy Trevor. We’ve grown apart and have our own lives now, but I have a lot of good memories.

One very simple but thoughtful thing about the new car is that the center backrest folds down. As a parent of two young kids in car seats, this is very convenient! Can’t even tell you how many times I’ve had to take out a car seat just to make a run to the hardware store for some moulding or lumber.

I was cleaning out some old files and came across the software that came with my 2009 MBP. I still have the machine, too.

Well, it happened. After driving the same beat up old Subaru for 11 years, I got my very first new car at 43 years old. I bought a Tesla Model Y Long Range on Earth Day. I think my son might be more excited than I am.

Went for a drive in the countryside during my lunch break today.

#earthday

Aforementioned REI grand opening. It’s crazy over here.

Sitting in a coffee shop next to this building, which was one of the last affordable housing developments I was involved in as a funder. The nonprofit let me name it.

Saddened to learn of my cousin’s passing yesterday after a short but valiant battle with cancer. Although it’s only been in recent years that I have become close with her dad, I feel so much sorrow for their family losing her so young. Praying they find some peace during this difficult time.

Nice lunch on the waterfront in downtown Vancouver.

We shipped our kids off to my mother-in-law’s for the night and drove out past the gorge to Dalles Mountain Ranch in Columbia Hills Historical State Park. The wildflowers were in bloom and the cloud cover kept us cool. It was very peaceful, and it felt good to burn some calories in preparation for a well-earned beer.

The start of today’s hike.

Siblings and their budding friendship.

Not my doing, but love it nonetheless.

Afternoon walks this time of year.

An awesome #skyline shot from Opening Day in #Detroit from the #Tigers. 🐅

Photo from our neighborhood park over the weekend. This little place has become a central part of our lives and one of the best parts about where we live. There must have been at least 25 kids and their parents there, from diverse backgrounds, just in the short time we were there on Sunday.

Bumming around Southwest on this rainy Saturday. #pdx

“Hulk and Thanos”

Went past the light rail yard yesterday on one of my walks. I’ve always been a lover of trains.

The sidewalks never stood a chance.

My little mischief makers started the day with a giggle takeover!

Made this homemade pot pie recipe tonight for dinner, with some modifications. Mine of course didn’t look this beautiful, but it was a hit nonetheless!

https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/one-skillet-rotisserie-chicken-pot-pie

Arapahoe Basin, CO. 2012. #tbt

Four weeks after New Year’s and I nearly had the place to myself.

Hey @maique, happy anniversary! Beautiful couple. Apparently we got married within a few weeks of each other because this month also marks 6 years married to my best friend (Feb 10).

Moonrise on the Oregon Coast and a few moments of peace while walking the dog last night before settling in with the kids.

Sticking with our yearly tradition that we started in 2016 of going to the coast the week of my birthday. Fingers crossed for some decent weather, but in all likelihood we’ll be at the pool!

I was between site visits today and lucky enough to have a few moments to spare, so I stopped at one of my favorite little pull-offs where I used to sometimes stop to eat my sack lunch. A lovely day, and grateful for where I landed in this world. #pdx #pnw

When your organization requires you to take a 12 week leadership course but the only time you have to do it during the day is typically your lunch break while on the treadmill.

Out for an evening stroll.

Test drove a Model Y today (my birthday) and this was my first time seeing a Cybertruck in person. Honestly a bit smaller than I expected by the photos I’d seen.

Sometimes I look at my daughter and she looks a bit like my brother did when he was a kid. Wish he could’ve met her.

She disappeared and we found her sitting in the dining room by herself 😂

Fun in Olympia today on our 6th anniversary.

We took our restless animals to a farm and soaked up the sunshine.

2 years and 3 months after ordering it, my Italian ‘social security’ card arrives. 🤣

After last week’s weather, today’s sunshine and warmer temps were very much welcomed.

Our first Amazon delivery from a Rivian electric cargo van.

We grew some crystals this week and unveiled one tonight. He’s pretty excited about it.

We are thawing and the sun is shining, but here’s a photo of the pup from a few days ago. She’s 7 now and is slowing down a bit, but still has some spunk. 🐕‍🦺

A coating of ice on everything. I’ll be staying here today, if anyone needs me. #pdx

Another snow day.

Our silly girl

Did I mention we went sledding yesterday?

Today is my daughter’s 2nd birthday. It’s been a fun-filled year, and a joy watching her grow and explore the world! Happy birthday, little one!

Lego has become fun now that he can do so much more himself.

My littlest, one year ago. She’s turning 2 this Friday and my son is turning 5 in a couple weeks. 😭

Veggie chili tonight, accompanied by Chelsea, Michigan’s finest.

#jiffy #michigan

Last night we went to Hapa Pizza in downtown Beaverton. They have been included in several recent articles as a top pizza parlor in the region, so we decided to give it a try. Their Asian inspired pies are unique and tasty. We had one of the peanut sauce pizzas with tofu and it was great.

An old photo of us on NYE, when my wife and I first started dating. Time flies.

Working from home today and my dog keeps bugging me to go for a walk. It’s pretty cold and wet outside and I just want to stay warm and dry in my hoodie. I’ll probably relent, but I wish we had an indoor dog park nearby on days like today.

#holdup

Saturdays are the best.

Went to a ninja gym last night and it was a lot of fun!

That high noon sun.

Thankful for this day.

Beautiful outside.

My loves.

I have my in-laws over for Thanksgiving this year, so we had a full house and it was a lot of fun! My first time cooking a turkey…turned out pretty good. Now we are just drinking old fashioneds, eating coconut cream pie, and huddled around the living room watching football and playing with the kids.

Santa almost forgot to close up the attic.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends. I’m cooking this year, pray for me.

Cranbrook, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. 10 years ago.

This PNW rainy season

Commute.

Tillamook

#doggo

Lost Lake, Oregon.

Thinking of my brother on his heavenly birthday today. He would’ve been 41. Miss you.

More Seattle fun. We rode up to the top of the Space a needle with a load of Hindu monks. They were very kind to my son and let him ride by the windows in the elevator. Nice littlle extended weekend getaway for us boys.

Me and my boy saw KISS in Seattle tonight!

Three years ago, I was recognized as an Italian citizen and I’m going to visit the Veneto region where me and my children are registered. I’m really excited.

Best buds.

The paint I got on my watch yesterday unlocked memories of seeing similarly speckled paint on my dad’s digital watches growing up.

So this happened. Happy Halloween! 🎃

Halloween Part 1: Preschool Batman. 🎃

Happy Halloween 🎃

Somehow missed that my lil old car surpassed 150k. Knock on faux wood, but I’ve never had it in the shop for anything other than routine replacements. I’ve had this car for over 10 years and it was a few years used when I bought it. #subaru

Searching for painted rocks at the park on this beautiful day.

Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso…

One of those kinds of days.

From Peninsula Park this morning.

I mean, there truly isn’t a better restaurant name in the region.

This is so obviously fake, but every time the memory pops up this time of year, I have a good laugh.

I see this kind of parking job in my neighborhood all the time. Do I be that guy who calls/reports this? Mostly I’m worried about sight distance and kids getting beaned by cars. Also a safety hazard for emergency vehicles.

The very large box my treadmill came in is coming in handy for Project Mystery Machine.

I was on a roll cooking and baking this afternoon. Definitely not a healthy food day, but the weather has had me craving comfort food 🥘

Fun new park in the area.

Snagged a used KitchenAid stand mixer at Goodwill.

Someone out here living my alternate reality dream 😂

Leaving for work on my last day after 6 years at this job.

People from Michigan sometimes ask me how I deal with the rainy season in Oregon. What they don’t tell you is how often the clouds break up. I had severe SAD while in the Great Lakes region because the overcast was so low and persistent. Between the evergreens and cloud breaks here, I’m good.

Last night I went down one of those rabbit holes that led me to watching the Elliott Smith documentary: Heaven Adores You.

I went through my concert tickets and found the one for his show in 1999 at St. Andrew’s hall in Detroit my senior year in high school. Oct 21 marks 20 years since his death.

Setting up my new office space. A little bit darker than my old one, but it’s Fall on Oregon…it’s to be expected. Digging the greenery, though.

We had a really fun weekend, decorating and spending time with friends at their family farm where we got to feed a mule, play putt putt, make apple cider, pet a chicken, and share good food with friends. Happy 40th to our friend Penny.

Literally nobody cares 😂

The missus is away for a friend’s 40th birthday, so me and the kids picked up some Halloween decorations and probably went over budget, but it was worth it.

I added a second phone line on my iPhone for work. I used a budget MVNO called Tello for $10/mo since Verizon wanted to charge me $35. Almost everywhere I go, the Tello number has had more bars. I guess they use T-Mobile’s network.

The photos app is always showing me memories of all the fun times I had pre-kids! Halloween 2010, Lansing, Michigan. Quality Dairy parking lot, on the way to a party on the River Princess.

In about a month I get to take my son to his first concert. Ever since watching the Scooby-Doo and KISS movie, he’s loved KISS. So, in yet another experiment in parenting, we’re taking a trip up to Seattle on Amtrak to see them for their farewell tour. Should be entertaining!

Man, the Hudson Tower in Detroit is getting massive. What a beauty by SHoP Architects. Photo by dcholmes on Instagram.

This album dropped 28 years ago this month and it rocked my 14-year-old world.

I heard Saddle Mountain in the Oregon Coast Range is back open. I miss that hike. It’s a few years old, but here’s a photo at the top.

At the in-laws’ place for my FIL’s birthday. This view will never get old. Columbia River looking across to Oregon from Washington.

Played a 00017 today. It was a return at guitar Center. Nice Guitar for the money. Ultimately passed on it but it was hard. Lol.

Finally got the garage mostly cleaned up today. Living in a small house, our family’s spillover ends up cluttering up the garage where it acts as a catch-all for everything from half finished projects to underutilized baby paraphernalia. Felt good to get it somewhat organized. Then we played.

Yesterday we went to the rhododendron garden in Sellwood for the first time. Today, me and the wife are taking turns with the kids so we can alternate in the hot tub and sauna here at the community pool before we grab something for lunch at the new cart pod in downtown Hillsboro.

First day of seasonal depression.

Day 22: Road. Snapped this while walking from 10 Barrel Brewing to Pioneer Square for the Built to Spill concert a few weeks ago. As a planner, this makes my heart go pitter-patter.

Eastern Oregon is as backwards as anywhere.

Some thoughts today:

• Sometimes a breakfast burrito can reorient the direction of a bad morning and turn your day into a better one.

• Be more careful with knives. I almost sliced myself pretty badly being careless with my pocket knife while cutting a fishing line for my son. Thankfully I was only grazed. It is not entirely inconceivable that if I had not eaten that breakfast burrito in the morning, I might’ve spent the afternoon getting stitches.

Home with my daughter today.

You don’t need to be a land use planner to figure out there are probably some untidy loose ends around the land lease, but that hasn’t stopped me from daydreaming about buying this former Trout Lake lodge.

Zillow

Low key last weekend of summer. 🍂

Tore out a cabinet soffit from the ceiling and ripped out the side wall to replace some leaky plumbing. Now trying to finish the drywall sometime before the kids graduate. Note to self: hire somebody next time.

Lunch break heaven @ Thunder Road

Growing some pumpkins for my munchkins. 🧑‍🌾🌱

September photo challenge: statue.

Next week marks the 20th anniversary of my father’s death. This is a weird one for me in so many ways, but what’s been coming up for me lately is that I’m about the same age he was when he killed himself in a drunk driving accident. This life has required far too much forgiveness.

The spirit begins early around here.

Today’s hike.

My son’s maternal great grandfather, who is almost 85, is in town from Georgia. We went fishing and kayaking yesterday in SW Washington and it was great seeing them together. I loved watching Al teach him how to cast a rod.

Taking my boy for a spin today.

A few more from the beach yesterday.

Beautiful day at Cape Lookout.

Today I played some higher end small body guitars trying to see what might sound similar to my Art & Lutherie $200 guitar, but honestly I was not impressed.

I came across a brand recently called Iris out of Vermont that I’d really like to get my hands on, but I haven’t found any locally.

Mood. But they’re playing “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton. And just like Phoebe Bridgers said, I hate this song, but it is sad that his son died.

Listening to: Moon Song by Phoebe Bridgers

Walking back from a coffee shop in Nob Hill this afternoon, I saw this beautiful home and decided to look it up on Zillow. The property taxes are just over $19,000 per year, which means $1600/mo in property taxes alone.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

Pumping my own gas for the first time ever while in Oregon. #pdx #oregon

When your old 1st Gen iPad Pro is commandeered and de facto inherited by your children.

One of the many things we do as planners…connect neighborhoods with bike/ped facilities for safe routes to school, walking routes to transit, etc. The neighborhood behind me was separated from the elementary school by a creek. Nice to see plans become reality.

I think I need a new method to organize my favorite locations. Ugh this gives me anxiety lol.

Summertime and the livin’ is easy.

Built to Spill at Pioneer Courthouse Square.

#pdx

One thing the Portland region should absolutely be embarrassed about is how many of our light rail stations are just surface lot park & rides. Given our current housing crisis, there’s no reason why there shouldn’t be a thousand housing units or more at each of these. #pdx #oregon #transit

Got my cheap-o guitar back from Portland Fret Works. I had some Waverly tuners installed that I had lying around. I’m pretty sure I spent more on the tuners than the guitar. But hey, I’m thoroughly enjoying it and that’s all that matters.

Last year we lost our neighborhood Indian restaurant, our favorite. We were pretty upset when it closed, and quite honestly, we still are.

But since then, we’ve learned of all sorts of new things moving in nearby. In the place of the Indian restaurant, we’re now getting a brewery, one that we can walk to from our house.

Also, a new Himalayan dumpling place opened and it’s excellent!

Likely heat island effect, but ugh. It certainly feels like 110°F. #pdx

While the wife is away, the kids will play

Happy birthday to my lovely, compassionate, hardworking, thoughtful, fun, and caring wife. My best friend and amazing mother to our two children, you only get better as the years go on and we are so grateful and lucky to have you!

Follow-up visit to get the permanent crown fitted. I swear, these glasses they give you are purely for comedic relief.

My favorite Paul Reubens character will always be Derek Foreal in the movie Blow. Thanks for the laughs.

Since picking up that cheap Canadian folk guitar last week, I have been seriously considering selling my Martin 000-28. It’s a beautiful guitar, but I’m really wondering now if a 00-12 fret might be more my speed. Punchier, more balanced tone. Looking at other Martins, Santa Cruz, and Waterloo. Drop me a line if you have any experience with these smaller body guitars or have suggestions.

Every time I walk by this giant redwood in these people’s front yard, I can’t help but chuckle a little bit about its scale in proximity to the house.

The neglected cuttings I took into the office right before Covid: thriving.

The plants I took them from and cared for at home during this time: long gone.

Sinopah Mountain from Two Medicine Ranger Station in Glacier National Park, July 24, 2021.

On our walk this afternoon. When the earth just starts taking things back.

Reminds me of the World Made by Hand series by James Howard Kunstler I read a few years back.

Big Thief and Lucinda Williams didn’t disappoint. Hard to believe yesterday was our first full day alone together since both our kids were born. Also, my first concert since Covid. Thanks to my mother-in-law for giving us a day off.

Grateful to have this Japanese bakery nearby. Treated ourselves to some donuts this morning.

A memory popped up in my photos today of the time I sumitted South Sister, Oregon’s third tallest mountain at 10,358’. This was my first time doing anything of the sort, but I’d like to do it again when the kids are a little older.

Very excited to see Big Thief and Lucinda Williams at Edgefield this Friday!

I haven’t been to a concert since pre-COVID, so it’s long overdue.

Walked to the school playground for a bit and then to the nature park. Son was really interested in the boxelder bugs and spent a lot time in the dirt with them. He’s covered from head to toe in dirt lol. We’re lucky to have so many parks around.

The whole fam aside from me has been sick for most of the week, so the house is a snotty mess from kids and holding down work. I’m sure I’ll catch it right before I need to go on TV or something.

It’s taken forever, but finally getting some ripened tomatoes.

There is this weird habit of planners and other urbanists to rag on suburbs in the Portland area, especially Beaverton.

I know there are still a lot of parking lots, but that is changing fast. Western burbs are quickly urbanizing, and have some of the densest census tracts in the region.

Brady Bunch-like house on my walk around the neighborhood this morning.

We got a little bit of rain today, which is out of character for this time of year, but always welcome.

A beautiful deer we saw on our hike this morning at Cooper Mountain Nature Park.

Had a lot of fun celebrating my wife’s cousin’s wedding last night. Longest we’ve both been away from our kids in a while. Felt a little strange, but good.

Controlled chaos

A couple years back, when life was a little lighter. Lincoln City, OR.

Excuse the crude drawing, but when did it become socially acceptable for drivers turning right to pull up next to you, where there is only one lane, blocking your ability to see and safely turn left?

Am I the asshole for wanting to now hug the right curb while waiting to turn left?

I’ve been waffling between getting a Leaf and a small hybrid truck as my next vehicle. The answer may have been hidden in plain sight.

Apparently we also have our own See See Coffee now, too. So many changes lately.

Newest Breaskside Brewery location has officially opened. Still wish Matt’s BBQ hadn’t pulled out, but I’m looking forward to this patio.

I did something a little strange today. I visited the place I’m considering as my final resting place. Even though both my wife and I want to be cremated, we also would like someplace our children can visit once we’re gone. Cathartic in some small way.

Is it as good as a Yeti? No idea. But I put this ice in at noon on Thursday.

Went on a nice hike today, but my kids really tested my patience. 1.5 and 4.5 year old kids, day full of tantrums and meltdowns. Plus I’m feeling sick now. And out of shape/overweight. And grumpy. Hoping another decent night’s sleep will help.

Camping the Southern Oregon Coast, Cape Blanco State Park.

Walked to the edge of the earth today with my dog. Well, the lower 48, anyway.

“What’s this one say dad, they must’ve been really good.”

Made it, and set up camp just before sunset.

The Firth of Forth, Scotland. More than a handful of years ago. Edinburgh definitely left an impression on me.

Vigo di Cadore, BL, Veneto: where my paternal great grandparents were from (Laggio). This is where my kids and I are registered as IT citizens.

My wife and I are planning a trip to Italy for next spring and I’m looking forward to exploring this region.

(Photo: u/Roykamso on Reddit)

New Grand Central Bakery(!), Sizzle Pie, and Backwoods Brewery locations dangerously close to my work. This can’t be good.

Beautiful sunset in Seattle.

My step dad turns 60 this weekend, which is why I’m in Michigan from Oregon. My brother just got partial custody of his kid after a weird stretched out, ass backwards Michigan court battle thing. So his kid (5) and my kid (4), first cousins, just met for the first time (in person). We’re all “camping” this weekend at my parents’ RV site. How freaking fun this is already to watch them together!

16 years ago, London.

Cross-country boys’ trip. This kid has probably been on more flights before he’s 5 than I did before I was 30. PDX->DTW

Something that really bothers me about my Canon RP mirrorless is that the bokeh in the digital viewfinder and display is completely non representational of your aperture setting. Pictured here is the display vs. the actual photo. Makes me just a little bit crazy.

First ever solo trip with my son tomorrow, heading cross country back to the Great Lakes State. Looking forward to seeing family and friends.

Connected my Micro.blog bookshelf to Libby. Can you tell I have a 4-year-old? 📚

Thank you, Andy!

6 years ago, I proposed to my wife on a hike at the top of Cape Perpetua. The Oregon Coast is full of great hikes with dramatic views. Another one of my faves is Cape Lookout. @Monday 🥾

Waiting for a the doctor to fit us in.

Someone is tuckered out.

Farmers Market. Gorgeous day out here.

My property abuts two roads that don’t connect. My yard is often the shortest path between two points, for kids coming and going to school, or adults trying to catch a train at the MAX station.

My camera catches people cutting through my garden all day. Recently, some kids trampled my acorn squash.

Instead of putting up a fence, I decided to clear away some landscaping for a path around my garden. It doesn’t take a degree in urban planning to know these two roads should’ve connected.

I grew up in a very poor neighborhood in Saginaw, Michigan. I lived in a 900 square foot house with 7 other people. 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom.

My mom was a teenager when she had me. My mother and I, and later my two brothers, all lived with my grandmother, also a single mother, who still had 3 kids of her own at home.

Yet, by some stroke of luck, our part of the neighborhood was included in a very good school district. Six houses separated us from a very poor inner-city school.

Sometimes, I’m amazed by what some of the neighborhood kids grew up to become given their home environments, especially compared to some of the kids who were inside the city’s school district. Several kids who grew up on my street, including myself, have graduate degrees. One of my closest friends as a kid is an attorney in Chicago.

It’s sad to think schools can have such disparate impacts on kids. The families on either side of the line weren’t any different from ours in terms of socioeconomic status.

As a humanitarian, as a city planner, I wish we could solve the problem of our schools. Good, properly funded schools would go a long way toward solving so many of our societal ills. I think a decent education, along with affordable healthcare for all, are human rights, and the bare minimum any wealthy society should provide to its citizens.

The final piece of the puzzle on my guitar build: a flipped Telecaster control plate with push-pull series mode.

I was never much into serated pocket knives, but I love this Little Native. My first Spyderco.

It’s been a while since I’ve had the time to conquer anything this big in terms of home projects. Honestly, I don’t have many full days to dedicate to projects like this, but I’ve been sneaking in an hour or two here and there. Even though it’s nothing fancy, it feels good to work with my hands.

Last week I removed a soffit, which previously held some cabinets I removed a few years back. Mostly I’ve just wanted to remove it because it was aesthetically ugly and functionally useless.

However, we’ve always heard a “knocking” noise from this area whenever anyone showers. It was just enough to be annoying. So, two birds, one stone.

The knocking was from the expansion and contraction of a plastic pipe across wood. Whenever hot water rushed through the cold pipe, it rubbed against a joist ever so slightly.

Thankfully I did open it up, though. This is right below where two showers meet on the second floor, so lots of tight plumbing. Turns out that the master bath shower drain had a small leak. We were worried something like that might be the case and didn’t want mold growing under there.

I pulled out the side wall because it wasn’t mounted well and bowed in the middle. I also wanted to check for mold there.

On Friday, I replaced the side wall with mold resistant drywall and added outside metal corners. Yesterday, I fixed the leak (and the knock). Tomorrow I drywall the ceiling and start patching.

Honestly, I might hire out the texture. I’ve never done a job this big and it’s pretty much right in the middle of our house. If I screw that up, there’s no hiding it.

no

I love getting to be your dad.

Here’s a photo of me (center right) and my brothers with my stepdad (~1992), rocking an undershirt in public at Niagara Falls. He was 30 when he took on 3 kids who weren’t his own. Happy Father’s Day. 

Another one of my kiddos. They were having so much fun just running around up there at Panorama Point.

Given the weather at the coast was questionable today, we decided to head out to the Columbia River Gorge instead. Got some pizza at Double Mountain and now doing more exploring.

Started the gardening year late, but I think we’re gonna be okay. My tomato plants have grown quite a bit since transplanting. Just pruned the bottoms and put the side supports up.

Despite getting a lot of rain 8 months out of the year, the PNW gets virtually zero precip during the 4 hottest months.

With worsening droughts, I’ve become a big water conservationist. 5 years ago, I had a 3,100 gallon rain cistern installed. I can burn through this in 2 mos. on just 3 raised beds.

People are often surprised to learn that I have Italian citizenship because I don’t look like a stereotypical Italian.

My great grandmother was fully Italian, but she and her family were from the Veneto Region, specifically Cadore in the Dolomites. She had blue eyes and blonde hair.

A peaceful morning walk with my first-born.

Current home improvement project: removing a soffit in my kitchen. It only took me 7 years to get this far after removing the cabinets when I moved in. Check back in 2026 when I have this thing patched.

Hard to believe I’ve had my car for 10 years, almost a quarter of my life. Just waiting for that head gasket to go. (Photo from 2013)

Went for a hike today at Chehalem Ridge Nature Park. Even though the pics don’t show it, the kids were pretty moody today and were having a hard time, so we kept it short. We decided to head over to Hoffman Farms for some fresh strawberries and milkshakes.

Yesterday at the park.

I had some issues with incompatible pickup screw sizes, but I got most of my Telecaster build put together yesterday. So far, I’m happy with how it is turning out.

Folks on the East Coast are getting a small taste of what the West Coast has experienced every year since I moved here in 2015. Here’s a screenshot I took in September 2020. At one point we were over 1,000 ppm here in the Tualatin Valley.

This is what I mean about men’s sizes not making sense to me anymore. This is a 2XL. I realize I’m not exactly a small man, but this is cotton and will shrink. In what universe should a 6 ft’ tall, fairly average-built man, be wondering if maybe he should be buying a 3XL?

After napping on me for 2 hours, she was all cheery this afternoon.

First harvest.

Photo I took of my son two years ago today. I honestly didn’t expect to like Lake Tahoe as much as I did, but it was gorgeous and I’d like to go back someday. It probably helped that we were arriving just as everyone else was leaving for the weekend.

Listening to: Boys of Summer by First Aid Kit

People at 80% area median income spend 20% of their monthly budget on cars in the U.S. #cnu31

Spotted a pretty good dust devil at the ball fields.

Spent a good chunk of the weekend cleaning the house and making the yard look presentable because we had some friends and family over on Sunday for a barbecue.

The kids played with water balloons and a cheap slip and slide I picked up from Sierra. It was kind of cold but they didn’t seem to mind.

When they tired of that, they played on the tire swing. That has to be the one thing I’ve ever done that has ever been worth anything, installing that tire swing. It has paid for itself in free entertainment. No matter who comes over, they’re always using the tire swing. 

We all sat out on the back deck, had a few drinks, and ate too much food. My mother-in-law and one of her good friends' family came, too.

After our barbecue, we ran over to the coast on Monday for a short hike. Both of the kids seemed to really enjoy it. I was a little frustrated at first because the trails weren’t clearly marked and we couldn’t find the waterfall we were looking for. But it was hard to stay in a foul mood because the weather cleared and the beach was pretty nice. 

I also got most of my tomato starts planted:

After a nice long weekend, things have been pretty busy at work in preparation for me starting a new position in a few weeks. I unfortunately got behind on some monotonous tasks while we were out of the office due to Covid, so I’ve been playing catchup with filing and such. I’m also managing a project that is transitioning a very offline bureaucratic process into an online format. It’s unfortunate that I won’t be able to test out the system in real life, but I feel good about leading this project and hopefully providing a good tool for whoever takes my job after I’m gone. 

I heard from my new boss today. He and the director would like to get coffee with me next week as an informal way to get to know each other better and talk more about the position. I’m looking forward to it, and excited but nervous about the new direction my career is taking. 

Our roses are looking pretty good this year.

Beautiful day on the Oregon coast.

Remembering my brother today and every day.

Yesterday was hard to beat.

Sick kids again.

Mac ‘n cheesin’

An annual zoo membership is the best bargain in town when you have a couple little ones.

An absolutely perfect Portland evening for some back porch lounging.

The first rose of the season. The Rose City isn’t just a fancy moniker.

What started off as a trip to the library…

My 4 year old yesterday:

“I’ve had a really hard day mom, I just need to lay in the hammock for awhile.”

Met up with an old friend downtown yesterday. It was nice to get out of my bubble.

Just washed my car today. Pollen.

We’ve had a couple of car break-ins over the last year. I caught them on the security cameras but the outdoor lights just aren’t bright enough to show enough detail. They are just kids, I think deterrence is the best we can do. Picked up a 15,000 lumen LED floodlight. Maybe this will do the trick.

Who needs ChatGPT when Google Photos randomly creates slideshows of pizzas I’ve eaten over the past 5 years. 🍕

“Okay daddy, I’ll go to sleep but I’m NOT tired.”

Truth be told, my favorite part of the day is chatting with my son about life through his eyes before he falls asleep.

Definitely going to have some tomatoes this year.

An awesome day. Got out to Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge before it got too hot and hiked a couple miles with some friends and the kids. Stopped off for a beer and some food on the way home. Looking like nap time now that it’s 90°F.

Happy Mother’s Day to my incredible wife. We lucked out.

We had some pictures taken over the weekend and I’m really happy with how they turned out. Jenkins Estate was in full bloom.

These clearer, warmer, longer days are everything right now.

We’re training her for the X Games.

We had our friend Alyssa watch our kids for a few hours today so we could have some time to ourselves, something that is so often in short supply.

Went for a nice bike ride in the rain on the Banks-Vernonia Oregon State Trail and followed it up with a beer and some Texas style BBQ brisket at Hop Cycle.

Spring is still being moody but the redbuds are in full bloom.

Four food carts just opened in an underutilized industrial spot within walking distance of my house.

Mexican with excellent birria tacos, Hawaiian-Filipino infusion, Salvadoran, Venezuelan. This is bad. Real bad.

This month marks 8 years since I moved to Oregon, and the same for my work anniversary. Time flies!

I guess our house is the one all the neighborhood kids like to crash.

Some unusually nice days this week in Portland. Decided to get up early and head over to the Oregon Zoo.

In addition to our outdoor winter garden, I planted some starts a week and a half ago with my son, who’s 4. I should’ve started earlier, but I’m sure some will work out.

Not sure why, but I’m always amazed when anything grows at all, and I like the vibes I get when they do begin to sprout.

Gardening may be a net negative in terms of financial costs, but a big positive for our physical and mental health, not to mention a great education for our little ones.

#gardening #spring #growth

My child (left) having a full on meltdown after watching Super Mario Bros. because the arcade only accepts dollars and dad doesn’t carry cash 😂. Kiddo learned some life lessons today, namely you can’t always get what you want.

My 4 y.o. son kept referring to “goose tape” this past week and I had no idea what he was talking about. Turns out he meant duct tape all along. Kids!

Finally getting my garden into some sort of shape. Weeded this box, added some compost, soil amendments, etc. One down, one to go.

Also put a band-aid fix on the broken corner (bottom left). Last year a moving truck backed into my driveway and smashed the corner. Caught the whole thing on camera.

Feeling behind this year but it’s been so cold and rainy.

#gardening #garden #spring #pdx

A mural I spotted in New York last week.

#nyc #streetphotography #mural #einstein #cycling #love #photography #peace #love

Had such a wonderful time in New York. Can’t wait to go back. #nyc

What a great city. #philly

“And did you know the Liberty Bell is a replica
Silently housed in its original walls
And while its dreams played music in the night, quietly
It was told to believe”
— Mitski

As a parent, I’m horrified by mass shootings and live in fear for my kids. What perplexes me however is that motor vehicle deaths, although trending down, are on par with gun deaths. Somehow we keep building cities for cars and not people and the only outrage I see is when there isn’t enough parking, the roads aren’t wide enough, or high density housing is proposed down the street.

(Leading Causes of Death among Children and Adolescents in the United States, 1999 through 2020, CDC) #guns #cars

Hillsboro has nice stuff. Spent the morning and early afternoon swimming at Shute, played at the park, and picked up a big bag of books and movies at the library.

Finished modding my Jazzmaster a few weeks ago, so I was on the lookout for my next project. I have always wanted a double bound Telecaster but didn’t want to break the bank, so I picked up a Squier Classic Vibe. It’ll be fun swapping everything out and making it mine. First thing will be compensated brass saddles. #fender #telecaster #guitar

Here’s a fun one. Ratio of Median Sale Price of Single-Family Homes to Per Capita Income, by Metro Area.

#Today was a good day.

My photos app reminded me I saw Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks at the Loving Touch in Ferndale 9 years ago today. Man I miss that place! I saw so many shows there in the early 2010s and you could get so close to the musicians. I’d like to start seeing shows again, just need to pin down a solid babysitter! #stephenmalkmus #thelovingtouch

Nice and sunny PNW day. Had to hit the food cart pod near my house for a beer and some grub. #today

How many more artists’ depictions of exoplanets and other space junk could we possibly need?

I’m getting tired of clickbait space news headlines that try to pass off illustrations like they’re photos. To be sure, they add nothing and only serve to mislead.

#space #nasa #jwst

My wife and I have read 3 to 5 books per night to our son since he was about 18 months old. Every single night for 2.5 years. So it’s pretty safe to say we’re kind of experts on children’s books at this point. By FAR the absolute lowest effort books are the Hot Wheels ones. Can’t even believe this garbage was published.

Even as we approach our 5 year anniversary, my heart still sometimes skips a beat.

My boy turns 4 this week, so we had a birthday party for him today. So proud of this kid.

Finally made it into the Chef Store for the first time and my eyes are at long last awakened to life’s glories.

I’ve had the same Gmail address for going on 19 years. This is by far the longest digital relationship I’ve ever had, probably ever will. #gmail #email

Every day while I’m standing at my standing desk.
#applewatch #apple

Last night I found this photo from 1986 in my grandmother’s belongings. It’s of me and my brother. I’d never seen it before.

Everyone always says how much my son looks like my wife, so I was blown away by how much I look like him here. I was just a little bit older than he is now.

My dad left us when I was two. I feel so bad for him that he missed out on what it’s like to be a father to such an exceptional little human.

When you save a meme with Jesus in it and Google Photos asks if your deceased brother and Jesus are the same person.

Our meal delivery service just sent us Hamburger Helper and billed it as French Onion Beef.

My 3100 gallon rain cistern is finally full as of this week. Last year it was full by the end of October, but we had a drier start start to the season this year. I use this water all summer long to water my 3 raises beds.

It’s been such a joy to watch you grow, witness your wobbly first steps, listen to your frequent giggling, and just take pleasure in seeing you as a happy, fun, and playful baby. Feeling all around pretty lucky to be your dad. Happy first birthday to our Annie.

Finally saw my first in-line Apple Pay button on a paywalled news article. Now give us the option to pay you 25 cents per article instead of subscribing.

One great thing about living in an oceanic climate: growing food year-round. Just pulled these out of my raised beds.

Quick outing today to shake off the lethargy, and Annie’s first hike as a walker!

I started going to the gym a couple months ago to improve my mental health. My times are not at all impressive, but they are slowly improving. When I was a teenager (half a life ago) I used to run a 5K in the 17s. One of my goals this year is to run a 5K in under 30 minutes.

My first guitar (1995). Japanese made Lotus strat. My mom’s taste in home decor was also chef’s kiss. 🎸

Updated the bridge and neck on my Custom Player Jazzmaster. Took the adjustomatic off in favor of a Halon, and replaced the MIM pau ferro neck with a American Professional II. Still needs a few tweaks, but so far so good. 🎸

Santa had a lot of fun this year.

Preparing for all of metro #portland to be brought to its knees tomorrow due to freezing temps and a little over half an inch of snow. Might as well get ready to work from home with my two small children present bc it looks like I’ll be paying my daycare to not daycare.

Happy that we got down to California and back for Thanksgiving before all the precip hit in the Mtns. Beautiful as it is, I don’t miss driving in it, especially with steep grades.

Just baked another loaf of rustic white. I love carbs. #baking #bread #dutchoven

I’ve never been much of a baker, but I am a bit of a rustic bread addict. So I decided to give this recipe a try from NYTimes Cooking awhile back. Always turns out great. I plan on bringing some loaves to my holiday parties this year.

Is this...normal? Seems like a lot of activity in the Pacific.

Snapped this photo of Glacier National Park last summer as I rounded out states 46 through 49 on a road trip to clear my head. I had just lost my brother to brain cancer and the road was calling me. Glacier and the Black Hills hit me hard.

Snapped this photo of Glacier National Park last summer as I rounded out states 46 through 49 on a road trip to clear my head. I had just lost my brother to brain cancer and the road was calling me. Glacier and the Black Hills hit me hard. #nationalparks #roadtrip #montana #fuckcancer #nps #glacier

Early sunsets

Found some manzano / orange rocoto peppers at a local mercato. Figured I’d better try fermenting them into a hot sauce.

Tech support getting philosophical on me #ziply

Mercedes T2 811D fire engine spotted in the wild.

Just a couple cue ball headed punks. #minime

Had to break out the 20 oz hammer to get these open, but Pax had fun today with these Dino fossils from auntie Gab.

The artist at work

This is where he requested to sit and eat his strawberries.

How easily life’s needless things pass to your periphery when purpose comes into focus. 📷:@lindsaybacaphoto

This weather.

Poor dude was sick over his birthday week, so he couldn’t have a party at home or at school. Celebrated today with Grampa and Gramma Kofstad and got some cool new toys.

“What I think is this: You should give up looking for lost cats and start searching for the other half of your shadow.” - Kafka on the Shore 📷:@lindsaybacaphoto

A boy and his mama

Sleepyhead

Nice day on the lake.

Bonding leave status update.

Baby Annette, 1.12.22

Sweet park

Playing in the snow!

Santa swung through for a visit last night 🎅🏼

Our best gift. 📸:@stacyephoto

“I’m an ice cream super hero!” -my kid, who hates wearing clothes.

Pax and Santa

We live in a forest.

From our walk on the Columbia earlier today in Kalama, WA.

Making cobbler.

Howdy, Pilgrim!

Some kids are just extra. Here I caught him sitting down with his mouth closed for 1 second.

Big ass tree

Life north of the 45th parallel.

Helping get some things ready for his baby sister.

Happy Halloween 🎃

Pax went into the bathroom and closed the door…sometimes he goes in there to hide, so we didn’t think anything of it. He moved the stool over to the toilet, sat on it by himself, and did his business. Opened the door and he said, “I can use the big potty now because I’m getting big!” Too funny.

Enjoying some Detroit style pizza in PDX. Pretty sweet nod to Diego Rivera with the pizza & beer production murals.

This came up in my memories from a couple of years ago at the beach. It’s strange to think about what my life was like before this dude. Really looking forward to our second.

It’s baaaack. I love the rain.

#nofilter

23 weeks

Hanging with my folks at the coast. Happy to have them here!

Dad ran to Costco and said “we could eat Taco Bell every day this week and still be good.” 😂🧻

Kiddo. First day back to nursery school…though he never really left, I couldn’t resist a photo with seeing all the other cute kid photos.

Mmm, red chalk.

My kid does most things with his pants off now, and I don’t blame him.

Prom…1999

College roommates…20 years ago.

Happy birthday to my wonderful wife! She’s a great mom and partner and we’re thankful to have her in our lives.

Something came in the mail today! 🤌🏼 #alwaysbeprepared #pdx

Waking up sweaty and crabby from a nap. #momma

Ran into an old friendly face in Jackson. #porsche

Missing my boy!

An intensely amazing day.

That way.

These crows about gave me a heart attack this morning.

😎

2009. Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Getting my steps in.

Glamping for the night. Thanks Tim and LaVonna, for letting us use your place.

Happy Birthday, America…from IKEA.

The neighborhood allotments in full swing.

This morning at school. He’s been getting these little dollar store toys as bribes for going on the potty. He wouldn’t leave the house without the skirt part of this ladybug outfit on.

This is what you get when your burger flippers are unionized. Just sayin’

Caught a pic of a hummingbird on my morning walk.

The office cuttings have been thriving despite my neglect over the last year and a half. The jade was a small cutting from my huge jade plant at home, which I got from a farmer several years ago, who got it from her neighbor who passed away. I’ve made a few cuttings from that plant. Some make it, some don’t.

Very excited that THE FOOD has arrived. Link in BIO. P.S., Chris: I never finish anything. @loveaxeofficial #tinydeskconcert #bobboilen #tinydesk @nprmusic #bandcamp #loveaxe #thefood #vinyl @tinydesk

Drive around up here and you start questioning your life choices.

Sharayah snapped this one and sent it to me at work. I’m sure he’s pretty pumped about the pool on this 97° day.

Wanted to help me pump up the “back tires” on the wheelbarrow only to find out “there aren’t any dada, we need some new ones.”

She loves it when I open up the dormer window

Quiet office vibes

Who needs a truck when you’ve got

My other company

Sometimes you’re the mule. Mt Adams (12,280’) barely visible in the back.

I’m still not done yet, but I’m getting close to finishing this little bathroom. (Before and After)

Spent all weekend alone with this kiddo. He survived several visits to the hardware. High energy, but such a good boy.

6 years in the Rose City. What a trip.

#laketahoe

Meditation

Remembering my little brother on this Memorial Day.

POW POW power wheels

I had an Italian lesson during my lunch, and this little helper got excited when he found the animal images, and started naming them (in English). It’s been a busy couple of weeks, but the little things make it all worth it.

Experimented with a new batch of hot sauce and I like it a lot. Fermented habanero, garlic, radish and onion, with some apple, honey and ginger.

So it begins

I feel you, man

Getting pretty good at brushing his own teeth

I have this silly dream to do a garage conversion and make my house into an imitation Kilbourne Sears kit house. Don’t even care that it’d be pastiche.

Beautiful day. Lots of happy pollinators in the lavender.

What kid doesn’t want to be a fireman at some point?

Picnicking

Everyone used to say how much Brad looked like our dad, so I never really thought I looked too much like him. Then I came across this photo in my Gran’s things recently. First time I’d seen it. For a moment I wondered where I got that coat.

Numero dos, amigos.

figlio

Next comes the grilling station

The dudes have put in three 10 hour days so far and should be finished with the deck tomorrow.

Hiking with friends

#fatguychristmas

Our buddy.

File under “things I don’t remember”

We’re all bound for the ash heap.

My rock.

Somehow, coach thought my 139 lb frame would be great for the position of nose tackle. Suffice to say I ran cross country the next 2 years.

Me and mom, ‘81.

Camping and two-tracking in the Jeep, Aug 2013

Progress

Around 2003/04. I think this was right before Brad’s first deployment.

Sight for sore eyes.

Got the year pass, so…zoo day

Me and my brother Brad (left).

Adventures in home barbering!

I rented a tool but I ended up with athletic equipment. Whew.

Safety 1st

Moisturize. And don’t forget the sunscreen!

My brother Brad has gone through so much since his cancer diagnosis in 2014. I hate it that he has to go through this, and I wish I could take it away.

#pdxsnowpocalypse2021 #portland #pnw #snow

One cool thing about minidisc is that it has an optical in to sync/record. Not completely lossless, but damn good.

Grateful to get to spend some time with my brother in CO, and looking forward to coming back soon.

100 degree salt water pool with a decent view of a 14,000 foot mountain out the window. Good for the muscles, good for the soul.

standing awkwardly in nature

Lol I’m too old for this shit

While I caught the smell of flowers on our walk today, Zoey wanted blood after picking up the scent of the neighborhood rabbit :D

“I’m working!” - Pax. Happy 2nd birthday to our little guy. He knows his ABCs, can count to 14, and he’s learning to count in Spanish. He no longer likes “wheels on the bus” but “old Macdonald” is a timeless masterpiece. He loves going to the park and hiking in the woods. His interests include trucks, tractors, dinosaurs, animals, and space. Love ya kid!

My little slice of heaven for a few moments. #wintersunshine

Sometimes you still catch me off guard. #wy’east

No idea why this wine truck was parked in our neighborhood, but man this kid goes bonkers over big trucks.

My coworker today due to a gap in daycare coverage. My lil dude starts at a Montessori school next week ahead of turning 2 on Jan 26th! He’s such a smart, happy, caring and fun kid!

“You are an amazing woman.” - the mug. “Real men drink tea.” - the phrase on the tea bag. “You and your dad work on stuff, but you and me drink tea and get nice ‘n cozy.” - Shar. “Painting?” -Pax.

We were waiting for a break in the rain but there are only so many hours in the day…

Confession time. Our sofa is always in a state of complete disarray. Aside from bodies (both human and animals alike), you will find blankets to protect against said animal footprints, [5] blankets for warmth, blankets for “nice n cozyyy” (Pax), pillows, dog toys, dog bones, remnants of Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars, one AirPod, children’s PJs, an unused wet wipe, 2 mismatched children’s socks, and probably the remote control I haven’t seen since the first week of December.

I’ve found that the best way to keep my plants alive is to keep them within reach of the sink’s sprayer 😂 #lifehack

2020 was like nothing I could have ever imagined. I’ve had some struggles myself, both with my head and health. But I have been so privileged during this time, and I’m grateful for the people in my life, blessed to be a husband & dad, and thankful for the health of those around me. I also acknowledge my privilege as a white middle class household with relatively stable employment. I feel so heartbroken for those who don’t, and if there’s a way I can help, please let me know. I wish everyone a healthy and prosperous 2021, preferably at least once consuming delicious food and beverages INSIDE a really nice restaurant.

Merry Christmas to all!

A visit from Santa!

Playing in tunnels, listening to Rubber Soul.

“Dada I’m working”

“Elk”

Shar says this looks like a beer ad @ninkasibrewing

When dad and Pax grocery shop, cookies are involved…even if it’s 9 a.m. 😂

My Christmas decoration game is weak.

An important thing for maintaining my mental health: stepping outside, even if only for a few minutes. Fall is in full effect in the backyard.

He was interested in the guitar for 5 seconds and then it was onto the cordless drill.

The holidays started early ‘round here.

Target just gets me

Had a bit of a break in the rain today, so I drove up to Pittock and snapped a few. #pdx #portland #oregon #skyline #nightphotography #mthood

What can I say, the kid likes trains. #likefatherlikeson #pdx #onwardrosecity

The silver lining has been getting to spend so much time with my loves.

I just started watching Long Way Up the other night, an electric motorcycle journey from the tip of South America, up to LA, with Ewan McGregor. Someone mentioned that not everyone watched Evel Knievel jumping the Grand Canyon to see him make it—some watched it to see if he WOULDN’T. I stopped the episode and YouTubed Evel and fell into a hole. I never knew the guy was such a character. Highly recommended if you’re up sick and need something strange but interesting to watch.

Indian to open up those sinuses. Mmm

The culmination of many years of work finally paid off today with our recognition as Italian citizens. It still hasn’t fully set in, but I’m overjoyed, especially to be able to pass this onto my kids. Fingers crossed for some other good news today as well! 🇮🇹🇺🇸 . . . . . #juresanguinis #dualcitizenship #planB #italiandiaspora #italianamerican #italia #veneto

Hold the phone

Happy 4th birthday to our dog daughter, Zoey :) Pax wanted to sing happy birthday but then insisted on cake afterwords. Sorry bud, it’s 8 am and there isn’t any 🎂 lol.

It’s not our anniversary or anything. Just feeling grateful to have met my person. * 📸: @lindsaybacaphoto #weddingphotography

Cheap entertainment #thriftstorefinds #trainthemyoung

Love this kid so much.

That time my mom went back to college and finished her degree near the top of her class.

Can’t believe how fast this last year has gone by. Struggling with wanting this pandemic to end quickly vs enjoying my time with my little family and enjoying the ride. #tbt

I touched that tiny sliver of pepper to my tongue for roughly a second, then pulled it away. I didn’t feel anything at all for another 2-3 seconds. And then it literally took my breath away and my mouth is still burning 10 minutes later. The Carolina Reaper is a cross between a “really nastily hot” La Soufriere pepper from the Caribbean island of St. Vincent and a Naga Viper pepper from Pakistan, with an average Scoville heat rating of about 1.5 million. #carolinareaper #whathaveidone #chiles #hotpeppers #peppers #hotsauce #chilipeppers #fermentation

Pax got new homemade slippers and some PJs in the mail from gramma @hag1961 today, too cute. He wanted to put them on immediately LOL.

It’s garlic sowing season! After this year’s harvest, I’m eager to try something new and keep things going year-round. Thanks to our local @territorialseedcompany. There’s even a shout out to my alma mater on this variety’s packaging. #gardening #gardenersofinstagram #gardenersofig #gardenlife #pnw #pnwgardening #msuext #garlic #wintergarden #urbangarden #growingvegetables #oregongrown

Smashing Pumpkins 🎃 #smashingpumpkins @smashingpumpkins

My attempt at art. #anarchy #pdx #portland #anarchistjurisdiction #lifeofdad #edc #seiko #benchmade #pottytraining #vote

Still looking for that perfect toy I guess

Autumn!

Feeling almost human after lunch and a beer at Mazama Brewing. Great beer and food. Please visit or order from this place to give them some business.

My second batch of fermented hot sauce turned out a lot better. I filtered the solids out of this one, which I’ve heard are good as a sandwich spread. Good heat but not unbearable. Interested to find out how the flavor develops over time.

Spelunking the laundry room

More of this, please

Making some zucchini bread.

Somehow I managed to make this gourmet meal without the assistance of a pot filler.

I guess he requested it after seeing his mom do it. Poor kid has his dad’s feet, tho. 😂🤣

I wasn’t crazy about the woody taste of the last batch of hot sauce I made. So this time the only thing going into the fermentation are homegrown Red Hot Chili Peppers, a red sweet pepper, and garlic. I also removed the stems and sliced the peppers length-wise for good measure. 🌶

This stuff is rough. At KP getting an inhaler.

It’s called swagger and it runs in the family (nephew Lincoln).

Stumbled upon a local coffee roaster. Hate when that happens.

Happy Labor Day! Don’t labor today.

Out here spinning beyond comprehension. #astrophotography #feelsmallyet? #howis15mmnotwideenough?

In a few days I’ll have my first batch of fermented hot sauce. We’ll see if the carrots mellow out the heat or not. #serrano #chilis #hotsauce #jalapeno #gardening #fermentation #fermentedfoods #fetmentedhotsauce #diy

My loves #tbt

Perfect eve with the boy and @lavonnakofstad7 and Tim and pups.

Sunday vibes

Sunday funday.

“Dad, you are sooo annoying.”

She loves me.

My slowest producing pepper plant, the Carolina Reaper. Or as I affectionately call it: pucker butt.

#wcw

Happy birthday to my Sharayah. You’re always running circles around me and I’m not sure how you do it, but I’m so grateful. Here’s to many more good times and happy trips around the sun. ♥️ 💫 🌎 #loveinthetimeofcovid

Much needed weekend escape.

Monument

#basic

Watermelon

Ocean

Helping

Chocolate

Itty bitty watermelon. I can eat these like grapes, right?

I grew a zucchini.

Saw a full moon during Pax’s first camping trip this week

#dadshots

I can’t believe I used to wonder what she did all day. 💤

Please just lemme in, I swear I won’t do anything!

Zoey had to get a pretty tight shave due to some mats. But now she blends in with our lazy couch blanket and I definitely sat on her this morning. Felt so bad.

This one sums up this afternoon perfectly

Watching him learn is pure joy for me.

Hair was finally long enough for his first perm

When mom works Saturdays…

Getting way too familiar with a mattock. It’s a good way to take out frustration, though!

There are a few things I feel are worth splurging on. Good coffee is one of them. Water Ave, you complete me.

Spinning and being silly before bed

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. treat others as you’d like to be treated, etc.

Father/children weekend. Living dangerously under our front porch (garage) on this rainy day. We also learned about New Seasons’ apple pie.

When you get tired of filling up your spray bottle for your garden starts 😂

Love these two, and I’m feeling especially appreciative and lucky to have such a wonderful partner to help navigate this life. Pax’s face in this photo cracks me up. We got out to the Jenkins Estate and enjoyed Monday evening in the gardens and letting Pax run around like a fool in the grassy open areas. Most of the Rhodies were past their prime, but a few were still looking good. My favorite part was slowly looking around all the community garden plots and what people were doing with theirs. I took some notes. I think we’ll all be happy when this virus business is over and we can feel safer going out more often (and maybe having a beer or two on a patio somewhere - Oregon isn’t the same without that).

The bees love the lavender.

Stylin’ in his Nike track jacket this morn as we watered the veggies. Thanks gramma @hag1961 😊

Today’s classes: Walkie Talkie 101

Puppy pillow

One moment you think your kid’s a genius and the next moment he’s half naked with an upside down princess sticker on his forehead and banging repeatedly on your CPAP machine.

16 mos. today. I guess it’s time to start force feeding him piano and guitar lessons. They grow up so fast.

“So I says to the guy, I says to the guy, ‘the cow goes MOO!’”

FaceID finally just said ‘nope, you are not my owner and you must enter a passcode’.

I’m either turning into Bukowski or I’m joining a motorcycle gang for dads who sold their motorcycles.

Funny to think I’m older now than my parents were when I graduated.

Keeping it classy with a tire swing.

😍

Always fun to see what you can accomplish during nap time. #toddlerparents

Now that’s what grandmothers are for. Happy Mother’s Day, mom. Thanks for always being there.

To the woman who used the word “toilet” in her marriage vows, I love you. You are an amazing mother and Pax and I are so lucky to have you. Grateful for you everyday.

Thanks @erin__franke!

Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful

Man I feel like I just broke out of jail

Just rocking out on the electric avocado guitar

Another barn burner over here.

My work wife

As of this past weekend, we’ve got a #bigboy 😂. Wasn’t expecting this to start at 15 months.

I’ve had these two home with me for the last week and a half and now we’re all going back to our routines. It’s been nice and I’m gonna miss having them around.

She sure as heck did. #tigerking #carolebaskin

When you’re bored and a friend suggests dressing up like characters from old paintings… @heatherlynn7c 😂

Pax’s new favorite meal is mom’s vegetarian “meatloaf” #momthemeatloafwewantitnow

Sure beats buying 36 bags of soil from Home Depot.

Easter with grandma and grandpa

Just chillin

My crew.

Quarantine Day 21, post afternoon nap. #someonetoldmeilookhomeless

When your underutilized alcove/dormer/recording studio/spare room becomes an arm of the government.

Not exactly sure who I am anymore. #latergram

until tomorrow

The Rummikub Rainman.

A couple rainy day people having a photo shoot in our flowerbed. 💐

Progress. Love these beautiful days.

#cherryblossoms #spring #quarantineoutside

The joys of a $3, disinfected, new-for-him used ride.

With all this social distancing, what better time than now to try out that natural deodorant you’ve been meaning to try

People keep saying Pax looks like mini me. Sorry to have to burst that bubble. pop

Finally something Pax and I can both agree on: Judy Garland.

Clean baby ✅. For now, anyway.

Traded some toilet paper for a canoe. Heading to an undisclosed island in the Columbia till summer. See y’all later. #wenonah #canoe #jensen18

Had to.

Went about as well as could be expected on a Friday the 13th with a plague going around. But after 7 years of prepping, the citizenship app is in. And now I wait another 6 months to find out if I’m a fool or not. #arrivederci #italian

Um. Good morning.

I’m such a tourist.

#bitchdust

Almost, buddy.

Had fun celebrating, happy birthday @lavonnakofstad7 and have fun in Hawai’i!

#beachbabes

My beautiful mom.

Desperate times call for desperate measures #latergram

Rubbing elbows with senators on date night, front and center at the Asolo, thanks to an old friend. #thelifespanofafact

Thanks for the birthday wishes, everyone. It’s been a great week! #dadboddontcare #39

This is dad bod. #youknowyouwantit

When the Rhodies are bloomin’ and there’s the scent of freshly cut grass in the air.

Two years ago I made the best decision of my life. To the most wonderful partner and my best friend, happy anniversary. I love you beyond words.

What can I say, he’s pretty advanced. #quantummechanicsforbabies

These PNW winters are awful

Fantastic Italian dinner to start our 2nd anniversary weekend. I’m a lucky man.

When you come home for lunch to find your dog snagged the honey off the counter and ate about 1,000 calories worth…

Mom says he took his one-year vaccinations in both thighs like a champ. Officially travel ready.

I know my wife already posted this, but I can’t not post it too. Love my little boy. (📷:@lindsaybacaphoto)

Making the paneer tikka.

This place is 2 blocks from my office and it is daaangerous.

Little does he know, my plan all along. #inheritance #babyvirtuoso

Attempted jailbreak.

Still have some odds and ends to finish, but I think it’s an improvement.

#bedhead #whyareweupthisearlyagain

These dudes were born two days apart and have a similar fashion sense.

Hanging out in the studio with my boy, about to lay down some tracks.

Agate hunting

Baby, 11 months old today. Nose scab, 1 day old.

The transition has begun. Belly has arrived. Beard going white. Zoey’s night vision kicked in and she will start growing her antlers and a red nose soon.

#lunch

Santa paid a visit to the Kofstad family Christmas. 🎅🏻

Some early Christmas presents from cousin Garwood and Judy. I’ve been looking forward to reading this. @teacher1947

The Sunday hangover crew

Brothers from another mother (and father).

Happiness is 3 brothers eating pizza and playing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Happy birthday, brotha!

Pax and Shar and LaVonna

Thanksgiving at great grandma and grandpa’s.

Hard to believe he’s 10 months old in a few days. He’s all over the place too, and Zoey is so good with him.

When you’re 15 minutes from wine country, why not?

Man I love this kid.

Congratulations to this hard workin’ momma for landing a permanent position with benefits in her unit at the hospital! Way to create the future you want for you and your family. We are so proud of you!

4 years later. My, how our world has changed.

Gotta take advantage of these nice days.

Gotta say, this is a pretty great hotel for a conference.

Here we go!

Q: how many days per week do you not go somewhere because of traffic? A: Errry. damn. day. I’m moving to Idaho.

Whelp, won’t be long now and he’ll be climbing out.

New gutters ✅ new outdoor lighting ✅ next up: 3100 gallon rain tank and more raised beds

Practically had the place to ourselves for date night. Pretty surprising since we were impressed by the great beer and food!

Hi, I’m Pax. I love my mom and dad and my hobbies include: getting into anything I can reach, wearing rainbow pants, and drooling all over everything.

7 mos. and getting too big for his car seat 😩

Future location of a 3,100 gallon rainwater collection cistern.

Fatties do fit fine, but I might need some different fenders. #700x40c #surlycrosscheck #bike

I think I only post photos of my kid anymore, but I mean, how can I help it?

Getting some grandma time :)

Since everyone else is doing it. #firstdayofschool #lastdayofschool #19goddamnyears

Our son really loves breweries. Go figure.

Nice hike today around Silver Falls.

Leaps and bounds

The loves of my life.

Celebrating Pax’s 4 months right

Jesus take the wheel #firstfamilyroadtrip

Happy first Mother’s Day to this one. Couldn’t have asked for a better mother to raise our son with. Truly blessed.

Love making this kid laugh.

Later gram of lady lamb jams. Incredible show this past weekend. #mississippistudios #pdx #ladylamb @ladylambjams

Rest peacefully, Gran. You were a unique and special woman and you will be missed.

Stair skirts cut and fitted, about ready to lay some flooring.

Do I answer it?

Gotta say hi to Smokey.

Spending some time in nature while mom is at boot camp.

Who’s a good boy

The Life

Baby’s first Easter

Grandmas gonna grandma.

I’ve got poles in different area codes.

4 a.m. wake-up for some walleye fishing on the Columbia.

Man I love being a dad.

Hanging out with dad today (and eating my hand) on mom’s first day back to work! Good luck, mom!

A ‘W’ could make this a perfect day.

This kid

An Oregon right turn lane.

I kinda feel like a human again after this weekend!

Babies Rule Everything Around Me!

Baby overload.

Sky is 🔥 RN. #sunset #nofilter

#pdx

Orion was mighty pretty tonight.

Birthday gift from @outdoorshar ☺️

Pax goes to the coffee shop.

He couldn’t vocalize how he feels about Valentine’s Day, so he did the next best thing.

First bath, first trauma.

Two week appt., right on track.

Didn’t think I could love anything this much.

Our first child. #oldersister

Our once-a-year snowfall. Off to my only day of work this month (public hearing).

My little dude

👼

#39weeks

Okay, I think we’re ready to meet you, little one. Gotta a whole lotta love in my heart to give. 38 wks 2 days.

A month off from our anniversary but #fbf to when I married my best friend and ponicorns showed up.

What a year it’s been.⠀⠀⠀⠀📷:@lindsaybacaphoto #pdx #portland #love #wedding #marriage #unicorns #pony #firstcomeslove

Getting muddy with my girls and drinking hot cocoa on a sunny Christmas Day.

Quick trip to the nurse midwife before the holiday festivities.

Papi’s white elephant by way of necessity. Just a sip! #bulleitrye

So proud of this lady for passing her licensing exam today!!! At 7 and a half months pregnant! You’re looking at the latest Licensed Clinical Social Worker, folks :)

#PDX #friyay

The best breakfast sandwiches.

#commute

Cracks me up that Bay City got it right but Lansing couldn’t.

Selfie with my 86-year-old Gran. I setup her first smart phone for her today.

Mom threw me a baby shower. Thanks everyone for coming out! #cancersucks

Nice views of #mthood on the flight out of #PDX last night.

As to be expected, another incredible show with @aaronbacamusic.

Best of both worlds? #urbansuburban #pastiche

Full of health from milk!

#commute #sunrise

Walking home from the train.

#urbanplanning #janejacobs #brb #stfu #LOL #smh

Just about rounded out the second trimester! Still ain’t no one know if it’s a boy or a girl.

The dood abides

🍁✨

Still bloomin’

Over the moon. #23weeks

Strength comes in many different forms, not least of which are hope, bravery and love. You have these in spades, mom. I’m very grateful for you and your strengths. You’re taking a brave step tomorrow and I wish I could be there to hold your hand. I’m sorry you have to go through this, but I know you will only come back stronger, as you have so many other times. I love you. #fuckcancer

When Shar drives, I crane my neck.

Touch of grey

#pdx

The original Italian parish in Portland.

Honestly, I think I’d just like to live out here. I think that’s why I keep coming back. Impossible with Oregon’s land use laws, but a guy can dream.

Waiting for mom to get home from work. #nationaldogday

Shit’s getting real.

I need a lot of time to myself. I sneak it in when I can.

My nephew, Lincoln.

Not too bad for a map my work was gonna throw away and a frame from a second hand store. #pdx #portland #map #maps #oregon

Spent the day with my beautiful wife in Astoria for her birthday.

Celebrated 13 weeks with a hike up Smith Rock over the weekend!

Beautiful morning.

Two years ago today I bought this house in pre-foreclosure status as a short sale. It’s not the fanciest, nor the largest, neither is it the type of house I thought I wanted when I moved here. But I’m happy to make it a home with @outdoorshar. Getting there. Now, if the heat would just let up long enough for me to finish this paint job. Next summer I’m officially calling it: no maintenance, more trips!!!! #diy #rehab #rehabilitation #homeimprovement #pdx #portland #carpentry #paint #housepainting #beforeandafter #midnightblue #house #home

Straight chillin

Hey, dude.

Snagged some old maps before the office purge. #pdx #portland #maps #map

#tbt to 2007, London Eye. Must’ve been about 175 lbs in this photo. I’d like to get back to that point. I think I still have that shirt, even though there’s no way it still fits.

#citylab

Def not creepy.

It’s slow going when you have a job, but it’s starting to look like a different house (to me). I decided I’m going to take it easy on the white I think and throw in some darker accents when I’m done.

A park all to ourselves. #wildernessculture #wildflowers #pnw #oregon #pdx

Ah, post-riots architecture. Gotta hate it.

New toy store downtown. Can’t say that I’ve seen a toy store in a downtown my entire life, sad to say.

6.29.18. #moon

Turning out to be an awesome day. #mthood #pnw #pdx #oregon #exploregon

Lunchtime meanderings. #horse

Loving the sunshine.

My dad is a pretty cool guy. Still ready for adventures. Here’s one I won’t soon forget. Happy Father’s Day, Vern!

Shopping for a new pair of glasses. Are these in style yet?

That one time the President spoke at graduation. Hard to believe it’s been 8 years. #potus #Michigan #umich #trumpsucks #taubmancollege

Homemade Mac n cheese. It’s what’s for dinner.

Federalist was a success @spencerolinek. Thanks for the rec

amapaday

Howdy.

The way she gets me to do things sometimes is by threatening to cut off her hair. And let me tell you, it works.

People have asked me how I’ve managed to make it 3 months without eating meat. Well, the Beyond Meat burger on ciabatta is pretty special. #beyondmeat #vegetarian #WTF

Another one from late last year. Just thinking tonight about how this is a life I never even imagined could have happened a few years back. Nothing’s perfect, but I never asked it to be. Just better. And it is. #hike #hiking #oregon #exploregon #pnwonderland #pnw #saddlemountain #coastrange #cascadia #trail #view #ontopoftheworld #liveasaverb

On top of the world. • • • • #hike #hiking #oregon #exploregon #pnwonderland #pnw #saddlemountain #coastrange #cascadia #dood #doodle #goldendoodle #dogsofinstagram #puppers #trail #view #ontopoftheworld #liveasaverb

An actual place I visited on my birthday this year. A sort of happy accident we ended up here on our last day on the island, and a spectacular farewell it was. #magestic

#bukowski

Throwback to that one time. #ourwild

Our rose bushes this year are going wild.

Nine years ago we lost you. It took me a long time to even process or talk about it. Miss you every day.

Seriously the sweetest.

Beautiful day for a wedding.

Wildflowers bloomin’ on a lunchtime ride today.

When you both misunderstood one another as to who was supposed to get pizza, but both bring home exactly the same (special order) pizza without coordinating.

#Oregon

Parking deck views. #mthood

Shaping up to be a pretty nice week.

Shopping for new frames and stopped into Warby Parker yesterday. Shar says I look like an old man in these. #roundfacestruggles

Yes, please. * * * * #portland #nwportland #pdx #oregon #urban #historic #historichouse #spring #house

Night out. Heading to see @realrobbell.

Playing with the kids. (Sure feels good to fall in love all over again.)

Spotted at local Goodwill.

3 years ago, unpacking, moving alone. Trying to make something out of nothing.

Growler-getter almost complete. * * * * #surly #crosscheck #bike #bicycle #cruiserbike

Seismic retrofit by @seraarchitects. I like the corners, and that the basement will be daylighted. Hopefully the old concrete gets a power wash and the interior gets a refresh.

Definitely over planted the ol’ garden this year. I need to build another one.

I like this idea. * * * * #pdx #slabtown #portland #nw #pnw #lobby #signs #parks #tile #leed #interiordesign

Take me back * * * * #hawaii #maui

#siblingday #brothers

Ongoing seismic retrofit at the office.

Nearing the finish line on the music room.

Been awhile since I’ve been down here. Almost like they’re building a city from scratch.

My favorite new food cart. Argentinian empanadas. Yum.