We have EGGS!

Still busy with a recent photoshoot, but wanted to announce that the eggs have started arriving! And with this news comes confirmation that Francine is definitely a hen. She is our first layer and has already supplied us with 3 [#1 came on Sunday morning] delicious, albeit small eggs. The shells are light brown and the yolks are a deep orange-yellow. And man, are they tasty!! Yay Francine!!

My, what a busy summer!

It's officially fall here in Portland. The chickens are pretty much full grown, [we'll be looking for eggs in the next month or so], the pumpkins have been harvested, the last of the tomatoes are slowly ripening, the bathroom has been gutted and the remodel is in full swing, we've renewed our climbing gym memberships, the fenders are back on the bikes, we've been eating figs off neighborhood trees and checking the fallen chestnuts for little treasures.

Jim has been working very hard and very long hours over the summer, so our adventuring has been minimal. Instead we've put a lot of energy into projects in and around the house: a new roof for the deck, gardening, and the bathroom remodel. The demolition began 3 weeks ago, and the skylight is being put in as I write. The framing of the new lofted ceiling/walls has begun and almost all of the components and fixtures have been ordered. Where we could we've bartered with friends to keep costs down and keep the money "in the family". We're going as green as possible--to the point that it hurts at times! It's been a lot more work to research and specify truly green products, but it is worth it. In most cases we're actually saving money over the conventional route. We're doing our best to keep it local, too. I'll do another post later with all the details and final specs and, of course, photos. Today I just wanted to post a quick update to let you know all is well.

I've been getting several requests for portrait work, and in fact have one this weekend in Seattle with my friend Lisa. Once the remodel is done, I'll be able to focus on building a business. But for now I've dusted off my design hat and busted out my tape measure and clipboard and play Designer/General Contractor most days and evenings. It's actually been pretty fun, and in spite of all the dust and inconvenience of taking our only bathroom to the studs, it hasn't presented too much hardship. We still have a working toilet and tub, but eventually everything will need to come out to do the floors, which is when I expect we'll have a couple of rough days. But our neighbors have offered to let us use their bathrooms and we can shower at the climbing gym, so it shouldn't be too bad.

Now I'm off to order lights, call the plumber, and go to Pro Photo Supply...

First Thursday Exhibition Opening Tonight!!

Come downtown TONIGHT and join us at the reception for my first photography exhibit entitled, A Sense of Place. This is a solo show comprised of images captured over the past two years spanning four continents. There will be free drinks, & treats. If you can't make the opening, the show will run through the end of September. Hope to see you there!

August 2nd 6pm-8pm

Morning Star Cafe
510 SW 3rd Avenue
Portland, OR 97204

Much to do!

So much has been going on, so little being blogged about... I now know why people end up busier than ever once they retire... this retirement=boredom idea is a complete myth... urban legend, even. I suppose there could exist someone so unimaginative, so completely without inspiration that they must always have someone directing them, but thankfully I know of no one that fits that description.

As for me, there has been the website, chicken coop, garden, new planter boxes, djing a high school reunion, sweeping the 2007 Backyard BBQ Iron Chef competition, bike rides, discovering new restaurants, hanging with the neighbors, teaching young chickens new tricks, putting a show together, creating a studio/office space, taking photos, and learning to get comfortable marketing myself. In fact, there's been so much going on, I've only gone climbing 3 times since retiring!

My next week or so will be devoted to getting some marketing materials together, as I have a show opening on First Thursday! The evening of August 2nd will be the official opening downtown at the Morning Star Cafe. Save the date! More details to come. If you want to be added to the mailing list, please send me me an email.

[where: 510 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204]

New pics on the Chicks photostream

There are 26 new shots of the girls and their new coop from the past few weeks. You can really see how much they've changed in such a short time. Each has their own favorite food, distinct personality, and three of them come when called by name. NO kidding!! To view a slideshow in a big separate window, click HERE