From Portland Oregon to Sonoma by train 2005

First posted August 2005:

As soon as the Amtrak Coast Starlight departed Portland's Union Station, we First Class (Sleeper) passengers were treated to a special wine tasting in the Club Car; what a great way to start our trip and meet fellow travellers. Met a group of teachers travelling from Alabama to San Diego, by train the whole way. They had been on the train for four days by then. While sipping and talking our dinner reservations are taken. First seating preferrence to us again--gee beats airline food!

The miles and miles of flat Oregon farmland slipped under the quiet wheels of the train. So many small towns; so different than our island home.

After dinner our beds were turned down and we turned in. In the middle of the night, it was absolutely silent; it woke me up. We were high in the Cascade mountains, on a side track, letting a freight train go by.

At breakfast we were in Sacremento, Davis and finally our stop, Martinez. Our destination was Sonoma. Taking a train is such a civilized way to travel, so realxing and the scenery can't be beat!

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Bow Wow micro Bistro preview

First draft of 'look' and text.  Under construction, a work in progress etc.

Let the Adventure Begin-- to Hiroshima, Japan

As I age, time does seem to fly by; maybe the earth is spinning faster???  Made it through another Legislative session at the Capitol.  This one had me working harder and learning many new things.  I even got to enjoy reading bills and began to understand the state procurement process!  How's that for crazy?

As a reward and to decompress and detox, I am traveling to Japan this month.  My good and patient traveling friend, Susan has planned a fabulous: 3 days in Tokyo, 2 days in Kyoto and 4 days in Hiroshima.  Having not been to Japan in 17 years, I have been anticipating this trip for the last month during the waning weeks of the session.  It was the 'carrot' that kept me going through those long days and nights. 

It is also another campaign year and the usual fundraiser, sign waving, brochure writing and walking the district is waiting for me when I return.  But for now, I will escape to a foreign land.

My Bow Wow micro Bistro blog is finally got a look.  The logo is finished and the "branding" will now begin.  (Watch this space)