Foxes, Hoots, and Guests Abound - Good Times to Be Had All Around!

Foxes. A whole fleet of them. Good stuff.
I bought new strings for my guitar. Strung her up today and played for a nice two hours. It always feels good to lose track of time doing something you love. I miss playing a lot. Today I learned Blue Spotted Tail by Fleet Foxes. There aren't any decent tabs of it yet, so I figured it out for myself. It's simple and easy and pretty.

As promised, here's my last two three weeks...

Last weekend, a bunch of us went out to the McMenamins Grand Lodge in Forest Grove, about 40 mins outside of Portland. I've never seen a city so green, but it feels good to get out and into the countryside for a bit. The reason for our travel was to see the band Hoots & Hellmouth from Philly, PA. They were incredible. The event was free, but I'd pay good money to see them play any day. The venue was gorgeous, set outside right next to a frisbee golf course.

It was a prefect summer night. The sun had just set, and little kids were running around, climbing trees, and rolling in the grass. I reminisced of when I was in their shoes many summers passed. But this summer, I had beer in my glass. Yum. Friends and family sat by the band, tapped their feet, and basked. Some danced, some sang, but every face held a smile en masse. Perfect. If only this night could ever last.


Back a bit further, having Jesse and Erica visit from NJ was a blast. Timbers Game: hot and rowdy... they won!, Waffle Window: delicious and cheap as always, Multnomah Falls: another landmark proving Oregon's endless beauty, Tillamook Cheese Factory: I discovered that I like cheese curds! and the ice cream is out of this world, Oregon Coast: there are always these random, unmarked trails on the side of the road that lead to breathtaking vistas. they never disappoint, Bula Kava House: Hawaiian dirt water that you drink from a coconut shell. offers relaxing qualities for the consumer... that is, if you can get past the taste, PSU Farmers Market: forever a favorite. you can make an entire lunch out of free samples, and then relax and listen to your pick of live music, Mt. St Helens: this girl blew her top 31 years ago, but she's still a beaut! lots of dust (ash). reminds me of the desert in Arizona, Bagby Hot Springs: peaceful and relaxing, and it doesn't smell like sulfur, Blue Moon Tavern: IRISH CAR BOMBS! Delicious like ice cream. Pool and good times.

Last weekend, as previously stated, Arlo's dad was in town to visit. I can't even remember everything we did. It's all mushed together in my head with the prior weekend with Jesse and Erica. But I do know it was tons of fun! And Erin finally came home!!! I missed her so, so much. The house feels like a family again already. Welcome Home, Erin + Riley! :)

I can't help but spend these times, when I'm having the time of my life, thinking about how much I'll miss it all when it's gone one day. The fact that everything ends is endlessly depressing. Ohh, to have the ignorance of childhood when good things lasted forever. One day, I'll learn to shut up and enjoy.