Today was quite the day. Since Karel had parental obligations, I thought it would be fun to take his out-of-state guests - his girlfriend, the fabulous Dawn, and our mutual friend the bubbly Kim - for a day of Portland fun. So the three of us plus my demonspawn had a busy day.

First, we hit the first annual Portland Flugtag! Since it was a much hotter day than I’d been prepared for, we only stayed for about the first 5 teams, but at least we did get to see the winners go into the drink. We arrived early to find decent seating, and by the time we left (about an hour after the official start), the crowd was at capacity, with more waiting to get in. Next year, I will definitely bring sunscreen, comfy ground padding, water, and probably sunshade of some kind. Then we can stay for the whole show fairly comfortably. But we were able to see enough crazy Northwest silliness to make it worthwhile, and we got to introduce Kim to the wonder that is elephant ears!

Then we went to the Saturday Market, most of which is held under the Burnside Bridge, next to the Skidmore Fountain Building (which, appropriately enough, is next to the Skidmore Fountain). I had planned on only window-shopping, but when I saw a stand that had samples of jelly, I had to try a few. The marionberry was good enough that I bought a pint for Geoffrey - and then I saw something I’d never heard of: garlic jelly. Oh. My. Gods. It’s sweet but incredibly garlicky, and I’m sure it will be equally tasty as a glaze for meats as it is on bread. I love it! (Next thing you know, I’ll be trying garlic ice cream.)

Then we went to Mecca, aka Powell’s City of Books. As usual, I couldn’t restrain myself from dropping a C-note…which is why I rarely step through those hallowed doors (though at least half of that, admittedly, was a purchase for a friend who lives in South freaking Dakota, and obviously has little access to good bookstores). I’m sure we would all have loved to stay longer than an hour, but we were all tired, foot-sore, sunburned, and vaguely dehydrated. I’m sure we’ll have to drag Kim back for another visit before she goes back to New York City.

I should sleep well tonight, after all that excitement - especially as it was, for me, on not nearly enough sleep. It was certainly worth it, though - my date last night was utterly delightful, and not just the snuggly snogging either!