today my parents left portland after a nice long visit. my mom came two weeks ago for a conference that was here and my dad joined her a few days later. during their visit we went for various hikes in and around portland, ate at a few of my favorite eateries, did a good handful of gardening, and attended my graduation from le cordon bleu, portland.

they have visited from iowa three times now and this visit easily had the best weather. spots of slight showers but lots of sun. a few clear days for beautiful views of mt. st. helens, rainer, and hood. we stopped in the rebuilding center a few times for some stuff for the back garden … a few things for hanging the hammock, boards for some small raised beds, and some odds and ends for make-shift fountains and bird baths.

it was a great visit.