plastic horns and bungee jumping

Hello everyone!

I had a really fun weekend. Friday night I met up with Elaine & Gina we hit the road to meet up with people before seeing a soccer game at PGE Park. First we picked up Joe and then we drove downtown to John's work. He works at a screen printing shop as an artist. He gave us the full tour of the place which was really interesting. We then drove and parked near the stadium and walked to the Matador where we met up with Dave and played some darts.

We then walked across the street to the stadium where the Portland Timbers were playing the Seattle Sounders in a playoff game. John's work has a suite at the stadium so it was really fun. We got giant hot dogs and beers and looked at the cute soccer players through John's binoculars. Elaine bought a giant plastic green horn which John is exceptionally good at blowing. You gotta have strong lungs to really blow that thing! The Timbers lost but the game was still tons of fun and it was really cool to be in one of the suites.

After the game we met up at the Space Room on Hawthorne with some other friends who had also been at the game. After one drink though we decided it was more fun to hang out at Elaine & Gina's so we went back to there house where we hung out and ate tacos. Gina & I were both very good about going to bed early though because we had big plans for the next day.

Saturday morning Brian, Gina & I drove up to Ski Bowl at Mt Hood. It's too early for skiing but the summer Adventure Park is still open. We bought our passes and went down the alpine slides once before heading to the other part of the park with the big attractions. We each got harnessed up and then headed for the zip line first. I went first. You jump off a platform (that first step is a killer!) and zip down a cable 500 feet then a lift rises up to pick you up. It was a huge adrenaline rush and tons of fun. Gina and Brian both went and Gina wrapped her legs up around the rope so she was hanging upside down!

Next we did the Rapid Riser which is a reverse bungee. You start at the bottom and then are flung up into the air repeatedly. The few seconds of free fall is insane. I was screaming and laughing. It was tons of fun. After Brian and Gina went we headed over to the finale...the 100 foot bungee tower. I went first. I had learned last time not to stand on the platform for long but to just close my eyes and step off. I screamed my head off and loved it! It was so much fun! Brian went next and he was also quick to jump off the platform. Gina went last and dove off head first. There was absolutely no one else at the park so after her jump they told her she could jump again if she'd like. Brian and I had already taken off our harnesses! Gina ran up and this time jumped off backwards! So much fun!

We were all hungry and decided to do one round in the go-carts before eating lunch. We were the only ones on the track so it was pretty funny. We ate lunch at the Mt Hood Brewing Company. We were all hungry and full of adrenaline so eating felt really good. After lunch we headed back to the alpine slides where we went down again and again and again. It's a half mile long with two slides side by side. Sometimes we would try and race. One time I bumped into two little girls who were completely stopped in the track. Whoops! It was pretty chilly riding up in the chair lift and then our hands were cold going down the slide holding onto the brake. The snow will definitely start flying up there soon. We went down the slides a bunch of times and certainly got our money's worth! We had a great time! I love going up there! Later Saturday night I drove down to NW 23rd where I met someone for a date. We had a drink and appetizers and then walked around the neighborhood for awhile.

Sunday morning I went over to Elaine's where she made some fresh carrot/apple juice and then we had coffee and did the crossword puzzle. We then drove to our friend's house and harvested their veggie garden that they have neglected. Gina even watered their plants for them! I went home and laid in my backyard in the warm, warm sun while reading my book. I even napped for a bit in the sun which was lovely. At this time of year I really feel I need to appreciate warm, sunny days because the rain could arrive at any time. Later in the afternoon I went back to Elaine & Gina's to help with getting dinner ready. There was a group of 8 for Sunday dinner which was really fun. Elaine cooked up a wonderful pork loin with apples and onions and served it with mashed potatoes and gravy, zucchini and squash, green beans and bacon and tomatoes in balsamic. It was another delicious meal! After dinner Elaine & Dave & I played cards for awhile before calling it a night.

So that was my weekend! Please let me know what you've been up to and how you are! I hope all is well in your world!

xoxo,
carolyn