This weekend went by in a whirlwind. John’s friend from med school, Nick, has been doing research in San Diego this year and decided to fly to Portland for the weekend before moving back to Birmingham.
Friday night I picked up Nick from the airport. John grilled steaks and I made a blackberry sauce (recipe from 100 Perfect Pairings) and roasted rosemary potatoes. Late night at Bar Mingo and M Bar.
Saturday morning we had brunch at Interurban. Hiked in the Gorge to Eagle Creek & Loowit Falls. Lunch in Hood River at Double Mountain.

Saturday night: Party of 7 at Paley’s Place for Portland Dining Month with my running friends. Ran into the Naked Bike Ride – not kidding, I’ll let you google that one for yourself. Thousands of people. Riding their bikes. Totally Naked. It was the craziest thing I have ever seen. Portland is so weird. Goodfoot Lounge for Russell Batiste, Walter Wolfman Washington. We closed the place down.

Sunday morning I conned Nick into running trails with me. Foot pain has increased. Hoping it is nothing. Hillsdale Farmer’s Market, airport trip and a nice long nap.
Around 5:30 I was sitting on the porch reading when John walked outside to join me. He said he got me an early birthday present and pulled out two 5th row tickets to the Tedeschi Trucks Concert that night! He purchased them months ago and has kept quiet this whole time. So sneaky. And thoughtful. And FUN.

Smiling from ear to ear, I tossed my books the side, sprinted upstairs to get ready, and we headed downtown to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. That band is housing more talent than you can imagine. 3 backup singers, 3 horns, 2 drummers, the Oteil and his brother, Susan’s voice, Derek’s incredible guitar skills and a partridge in a pear tree. By the last song everyone was on his or her feet.

It has been a while since I have been to a show like that. A cozy seat up close. No one spilling beer on me while they attempt to dance. The air was cool and calming, the acoustics were perfect, and the mood was just right. One of my favorites, “Bound for Glory,” went on for 9 minutes.
What a perfect surprise and ending to a great weekend. I was one happy lady.
On a side note, my foot is not in good shape. The pain is tough in the mornings. Planning on staying off of it most of this week before the big run. Stay tuned for updates.
