Friday, May 30, 2008

A Friendly Visit

Kelley and Lisa arrived on a Friday for the weekend in Oregon. We came back to our house for lunch and to see the house and Sprueill family. Wade came home early to help get the weekend started. I think he was just as excited to see friends as I was. Or maybe he was just excited to get me out of the house for a few days!

It was hot as hell, or Arizona, but we still sat out back for lunch. The porch and apple tree offer shade which helped. We also enjoyed some local wine (which was only the beginning for the weekend's wine consumption). I purchased a few bottles from David Hill Winery which is the closest winery to our house...less than 2 miles. As we caught up over lunch and drinks, Chandler and Henry came home from school. We soon left for our hotel in downtown Portland. Beautiful room, with a great view of Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson.

The next day we were pick up by the touring company. We toured four vineyards, in this order, Elk Cove, Archery Summit, Erath Winery, and Lachini; and tasted 25 different wines. Elk Cove was a nice start, the view was beautiful and the landscape was picturesque. Archery Summit we tasted the most expensive wines, the top being $150 per bottle. It was also the most unique, with the tasting room being in a cave under the vines. We toured Erath which was a buzz kill but we still had fun. Lachini was a perfect ending. Their wines, in my opinion, the best of the day all around and the view was spectacular. Phil, our driver, was fun and put up with our chatting and silliness.



Sunday, we decided to drive to the Mulnomah and surrounding falls. We couldn't ask for better weather. It sucks to drive out there and see nothing but clouds. Although the falls are still visible and beautiful, rain or shine. We saw three different falls. Mulnomah, the last one, is the most popular and very crowded.

Our weekend ended with a drive around Portland. I got lost returning from the falls. I didn't plan out that trip and wasn't sure how to get back into downtown. We made it back and had time to quickly see the Saturday Market. Yes, it was Sunday but the market is called the Saturday Market. Lisa got her Banana Republic fix, at the city's two story store. We finished the night with a few drinks at an Italian restaurant.

Needless to say, we had a lovely time. I was thrilled Kelley and Lisa took the time to visit. I hope you had a great time too and Happy Birthday Kelley.

1 comment:

ORSprueills said...

You too can have a lovely time in Oregon...yes, that is an invitation!

PS love the book review added to your blog. I was going to add something like Wendy's to mine and the boys.
Also, 30 Days is premiering this Tuesday on FX a 10pm, is it for you also?