Grant Park

Keeps getting better. Ran a 2' 03" split tonight, so at some point I fugured out I should just run a mile. Weird timing. Second quarter was under two, third was two, so I cranked it up and got a 7' 48" for my mile. Yeah, I know that sounds really slow, but remember:

[1] Since Arlington, I have not run on the track. All city since then, so no real speed work.

[2] I am just now getting acclimatized to Portland.

[3] Fresh over the flu.

[4] Haven't been running as much as I should or would like to.

That's changing.

Breakfast at Anna's

I don't have a link for this place, but that's because they don't have a website. They're just a wee bit busy! Anna's Island Cafe in Portland - it's in the Swan Island Industrial Area replete with train yards, trucking concerns, smaller factories, and shipbuilding docks. That's where I am working right now. There's a few places to eat, mostly of the McDonald's/Subway ilk and a few crappy pizza/Mexican joints. And then, there's Anna's.

Like specialty coffees? Greek food? Basic American chow [and lots of it!!] with a nice home-made flair? Go eat at Anna's. I enjoy the specials on a regular basis, but am also happy to order off the menu. Big tasty Gyro with lamb meat (one may also choose chicken), Greek Spaghetti with Mizithra Cheese, Homemade Meatloaf, Navy Bean Soup..... oh, and Saturday I had a Greek Omelet [containing the usual suspects - Feta Cheese, Lamb Gyro Meat, Onions.... and I asked for Tzatziki Sauce: bonus points! It even contained bits of cucumber - nice touch!]

It's close to where I work, the food is good and plentiful, and the cost is reasonable (usually under ten bucks) and the atmosphere is friendly. Anna is always there [poor, tired gal! - we tease her that she should get roller skates!] and is very friendly. We crossed her up a couple of times by showing up en masse when she has not expected a business rush {like Saturday, when eight of us showed up at the same time for breakfast.... all at 6 AM and she was cooking/serving and running the register!!}. Oh, yes, she is indeed Greek. Special shout-out to servers Amanda and Candice, and Shoes [who wears colourful Nikes :-)] who are all a joy to chat with whilst having a meal.

Go eat at Anna's Island Cafe'. You'll be back.
Postscript - soon, Anna will have her liquor license, so you'll be able to stop by for dinner and a beer after leaving the shipyard [or wherever - go there on purpose, even!]. I like this place quite a lot, and I go back frequently :-)

R&T&me

The Rose and Thistle [Rose for England, Thistle for Scotia - that's fer all U Sassanachs out there!].... It's aboot four blocks up and four blocks over, on Broadway here in Portland. Walked there, and I can have another Guinness Draught if I wanna withoot nae worries aboot DUI. Halibut and chips, and indeed it was good. Nice fish! Tangy, lemony mayonnaise as well, aye, and bonus points for it.

Good, quiet place. Not a lot of atmosphere, but a place I could have taken Nikki and felt equally at home as in Cambuslang. That was a long time ago and we each have moved along, but you get the picture.

I'll be back for sure. Sis, shall I save ye a chair? Or, is there a place for pixykin? hahahaha! See ya there :-)

2010-2

Nephew and Niece, I have been working every day so far. I will keep you both apprised as to schedule, however. Back in VB from 2/7 to 2/12, then back here to Portland.

:-), Uncle Chuck

2010 -1

Well, well.

Another year is now upon us.

Tomorrow morning, I am flying off to Portland for three months. Shipyard job involving ballistic missile defence. Chance to see some new territory [plus to see Randy and Cyndi and their families :-)]. Longer workday, longer workweek. Extra money [hallelujah!!].

Please keep Kevin in your prayers. I have set up everything I could think of. Canned, frozen and packaged foods for a month. Money for perishables each week. Money for the cab ride to Job Corps, when he reports. Even so, I worry. Time for lil' Bucky to fly on his own, though, and I'll cheer him on :-)

Good news! I'll control the TV [meaning, I will have plenty of time to read and to write. Not sure if anyone knows this, but I find it extremely difficult to concentrate when the TV is on, and it is ALWAYS on at the apartment. Always. I have managed one post each for the past three months. I guess I could be more prolific.... thank you to everyone who has actually visited RR.

Poll question:

I am thinking of uncoupling RR from my Facebook account.

Should I?

Thanks,

Chuck