Bike rack - a recent addition to my apartment building's basement

I don't ride a bike, but I am proud to see this for those that do. And I have a vested interest in the fact that this many bike-riders live here.

On the smallest scale, that many bike-riders in the building means all the more possibility of there being a parking space available when I unload purchases from the occasional Zipcar.

On the largest scale, that many bike-riders in the building can be ex·trap·o·lated across Portland as taking a great big bite outta our carbon footprint. (I do my part by riding mass transit and walking and not owning an automobile. And every once in a while, since I live in such a flat neighborhood, I wish for an ol'-lady-sized tricycle.)

I pray for street safety and for observant-of-traffic-law-and-each-other bicyclists, motorists, and pedestrians.

Chapman Square, lady walking in the sunshine, vintage pickup truck driving by

Took this photo during lunch hour, June 3, 2011. The lady is walking northwest towards the intersection of SW Main with SW 4th Avenue. The pickup truck is going west on SE Main, having just driven around the Thompson Elk which stands in the center of the street, between Lownsdale Square and Chapman Square. The white truck in the distance is going east on SW Salmon which is the street at the northern end of Lowndale Square. It looks to me like this lady is walking for exercise and/or enjoyment of the sunshine, two activities I believe we all hope that we shall enjoy again next June.

Abundant designs, combined

As this woman approached me walking north on SE Grand Avenue, I thought, "She's all clean and shiny, totally fresh-looking." So I waited until she had passed and took a few shots. This one's my favorite because it best shows her combined designs: tiger stripes on her cap, houndstooth check on her jacket which appears to be made with at least five different fabrics. As for the pockets on her jeans, the designs look like cord curlicues which ended up in the shape of stars.

Who's having the most fun?

I'd say it's a toss up on the fun question although the man does seem to be smiling. However, it's certain that all four appear pleased to be out and about last November 20, walking west on SE Belmont. Well, the dogs are walking; the humans are striding, steppin' out.

The restaurant's wall makes for some nice contrast with the man, his jacket, and his Golden Retriever.

I have not been to Two Brothers Cafe & Grill, although I admit to being curious about what it might be like. I found the reviews at Citysearch and Yelp mostly positive, so one of these days ... maybe on a weekend.

Walking to keep up, but still wanting to look around before turning the corner to catch the MAX

Taken on blustery April 15, 2009, aboard the 18 bus on SW 2nd, headed home after work.

Swinging along in SE Portland

OK, so I'm chicken. I can't yet get myself to ask someone to let me photograph them for the blog. First, I don't want to slow them down when they so clearly have somewhere to go. Second, I don't want to be told no. Third, I don't want to be looked at like I've gone off the deep end. I know--cluck, cluck, cluck.

So until I can figure out how to get a backbone about this, I'll continue to have out-of-the-ordinary photos of intriguing Portlanders.

I like her grays and blacks, her layers, her beret, her shoulder bag, her shoes, and her exuberant stepping out walk. I took these photos last Wednesday on SE Hawthorne at 11th. It was after work, extremely windy and cold. I had been fooled by the sunshine into thinking it was warmer, so after I got outside, I had to put on my hat, my scarf and my gloves.


You can see the difference in the swing of her skirt, between this photo taken beside a building and the first one, taken as she crossed the street.

Red boots, walking

I had so much fun posting the cool girl in the cute shoes that I decided I ought to post additional such photos, taken at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Took this photo last October while seated on a low wall on the north side of the square, waiting for a MAX train. I have a few more, which I'll post at some point. It's a good place to take anonymous footwear photos--lots of folks walking by in downtown Portland complete with a somewhat comfortable seat. I love this city!