but Xanga was having difficulties uploading pictures everytime I tried. Also, because I'm not on call as much (yay!), I have less idle time to spend on the computer blogging. That's my attempt at an excuse for being lazy. Updates: It's fall in Portland, and the leaves are changing rapidly. I'm sad to see summer going, but fall colors are so pretty. We will try to hike Falls Creek Fall again this October because the colors along the way are breath-taking. I love fall Saturday mornings, where I'm sipping my coffee, taking a walk outside in the sunny and chilly air in my coat. Hm.. I have to starting planting the tulip bulbs soon, before the ground freezes. We have been using our mountain bikes more often, taking the beginner's trail in Forest Park. We did a 10 mile ride 2 weeks ago and it was really fun. I'm not sure how it will be when it's wetter; maybe we'll reclaim the couch and our hot chocolate by the fire instead. The piano is finished, put together, and in the house. It's missing a piece that covers the keys; thus, looking like a gape opened mouth. I have yet to get it tuned (so expensive!), but geez, reading the bass clef again is troublesome. Cursed is the soprano, woe me :) I will practice. The garden is looking a bit sad. The strong winds last week blew over our dahlia bush, but it's surviving. My lettuce heads are too old now and should be clipped away. We have tomatoes and huge cucumbers still. I'm waiting for things to die as it gets colder. What can I say.. laziness. The husband is looking at getting another job. He wants a challenge :) We are taking aikido- a form of martial arts. Yesterday was our second lesson. I couldn't roll! I think it's the fear of being upside down- since I was a kid. But we practice once I got home and I think I'm getting a hang of it. The class is taught by an OB-GYN who is a win-chung and aikido master (what a combo!) to defend ourselves against crazy patients in the ER. Now we can't really hit them, so aikido will let us "help them to the floor" and avoid getting hurt (cool!) Most of the participants are health care professionals, so it's loads of fun. I'm going to Arizona next week for a short vacation. I think we will take a short family road trip somewhere; we haven't decided. But it will fun seeing my family again. Plus, it's nice in Phoenix in October. I'll try to call up Phoenix people once I arrive. We've been trying out new restaurants in Portland. Our new favorite is Serratto. Good glass (or bottle) of wine on a Friday evening after a full day of clinic is sooo nice. They have an excellent wine list and really good food. We've also tried Morrocan recently, and liked it a lot. After coming back from Phoenix, I think I'll paint our bedroom finally- a sage-y green, I think. That's all for updates w/ no pictures (sorry). Maybe I'll find a different method of uploading. Have a good Monday. | 
