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Fine Canine Dining
October 8, 2025
Driving down the 101 we stopped to buy driving gloves in Florence, Oregon. While his dad shopped, Charlie and I took a stroll around the vicinity. The Homegrown sign attracted our attention so we stopped by to see it. As we left Denise, the server, greeted us and lavished attention on Charlie. I inquired about vegan food to learn that many fine options were on offer for us, and also a dog menu was available. The decision to eat lunch was made because I never expected to find a dog menu and thought the chance might never come again.
Our lunch at this nano brewery was superb. We enjoyed a veggie burger and vegan tacos with excellent salad and crispy fries. I drank amber beer, which was a perfect compliment to the food. All dishes were homemade. Charlie enjoyed his meatloaf with gusto. I suggested he slow down to savor it, but he is a dog.
We were joined on the patio by other dog parents. Wouldn’t you know that the dachshund sits at the table munching human menu items? Denise gives outstanding service to humans and dogs. The food was innovative, made with fresh ingredients, and presented artfully. Our lunch at Homegrown Public House Brewery was delicious for all of us. Highly recommended.
Dream Dog Beach
October 5, 2025
In Oregon the beach belongs to the state and cannot be private. Dogs are allowed to go off leash with reasonable behavior expected. Our dog Charlie is a huge fan of beach trips, feeling the need to greet all humans as well as canine visitors. He’s allowed to play with mutually consenting dogs. Today he met a one year old female dog from Texas who made him ecstatic. She is a great athlete who loves running as much as he does. His parents bring him here to run at the beach, all the way from Ft. Worth. She was his dream date.
Boulder Falls Healing Garden
October 3, 2025
In Lebanon, Oregon an exceptionally stunning Japanese garden grows that has been designed for healing. Arranged around a koi pond with fountains and waterfalls are rocks, trees, and floral gardens that provide privacy in serene beauty for those seeking healthier lives. The garden is connected to a hotel and conference center on a medical campus, Best Western Boulder Falls Inn. It’s popular for weddings and other special occasions as well as giving guests who are at the hospital for care a place to heal. It’s a brilliant idea and an unforgettable experience. We spent one night on our way out of Oregon. Enjoying the garden and koi pond was a superb way to begin our journey. The staff is courteous and professional, and the hotel is comfortable and well designed. The garden is what sets it apart from all other hotels. The dog loved it there.
Kimpton Vintage Portland
September 17, 2025
The oldest hotel in Portland, Oregon is known now as Kimpton Vintage. When it opened in 1894 it was called the Imperial Hotel. Its history includes expansion and contraction through changes in ownership. I particularly enjoy the architecture of that period, which was built when the city was riding high. I have stayed in other Kimpton properties, which I admire for the reform and restoration of historic structures. Kimpton Vintage Portland is a shining example of artful design that creates an atmosphere of elegance and hospitality.
We had a wonderful visit in an elegant corner room before a long train journey. The front desk agent, Ben, convinced us to return at the end of our trip. We asked him what was happening on the 9th floor on the balconies. He told us about the jacuzzi suites available, then booked one for us.
This was a perfect grand finale to our trip. The hotel has a daily complimentary wine happy hour with excellent local wines. The convivial lobby event gives guests a cozy way to meet each other. We met a fellow guest who had borrowed the free bike the hotel offers to ride across the bridge to survey the city.
Too many superb options exist for dining within walking distance of the hotel. We only had time to visit a couple old favorites on our stay.
I love staying downtown Portland to experience history in a modern context. I have now found the perfect place to enjoy that. It’s a short walk to the waterfront, my fave place to stroll. Public transportation is super convenient and efficient. Cosmopolitan living at its finest is available for visitors to the Rose City. Dogs are welcome.
#WeekendCoffeeShare, Quick Break Edition
March 11, 2018
— 5 Comments
Giant
If we were having coffee I would offer you a drink and a cozy place to sit while I tell you about the short trip from which we just returned. This weekend was the perfect time to visit Santa Cruz County, AZ. The birds are returning to Madera Canyon, a National Forrest area very popular with many species of migratory birds and their fans. We spent an afternoon in Tubac enjoying art and an excellent meal. My partner had a specific purchase in mind, but we always like to see the galleries and the shows at the Tubac Center for the Arts. The town is walkable with plenty of parking, even on the busiest days. This weekend they held an art walk to attract customers. It worked for us. Bob found the belt he wanted. We enjoyed seeing paintings, sculpture, and lots of lovely jewelry. We took in the current exhibits at the Center for the Arts, a small and very high quality museum in the middle of town.
glass ceiling at Elvira’s
Chile Relleno Frida Kahlo
Mango Margarita
His belt needed to be sized, so we went to Elvira’s, a restaurant we like, for lunch. I tried the chile relleno Frida Kahlo , which is an elaborate version of the stuffed classic fried whole chile. Bob order tongue with two kinds of mole. The place was jammed, so service was understandably slow. The waiter gave us an apology up front, and brought us some free guacamole to pass the time. We were in no rush. The mango margaritas with tajín and salt on the rim are excellent, as is the very exotic cheese crisp, not your standard tortilla. The place is decorated with thousands of glass drops, and many mirrors, which gives it a super festive look. It was the perfect place to spend our lunch break.
wild turkey in Madera Canyon
Today we walked around in Madera Canyon, enjoying a cool misty day. We saw a few species of birds and a porcupine, but our big nature thrill was wild turkeys. We ran into several groups while we walked. We stopped to see the feeders at the Santa Cruz Lodge, a famous place for bird watching. The gift shop carries excellent merchandise. I came home with a small piece of pottery that I adore and can exhibit in my china cabinet. Our trip had a little bit of everything. It felt as if we had been away on a longer vacation. We got a full recharge and rejuvenate on about 24 hours away from home. It feels a little bit magical. I am refreshed for work tomorrow.
#weekendcoffeeshare
Let me pour you another cup, or glass, of whatever you are drinking while you tell me about your week. I have been a lazy writer, but I hope this fate has not befallen any of you. How is the writing going? And life? If you are still thirsty for more digital coffee, please join us each weekend at Eclectic Ali’s. You are welcome to read, comment, or submit your own coffee share post here. Cheers! I hope your week will be rewarding and fun.
#WeekendCoffeeShare Defining Moments
December 25, 2017
— 6 Comments
Arizona Inn
Arizona Inn
Arizona Inn
If we were having coffee this Christmas morning I would invite you to sit back and enjoy the fire in the wood stove and the candle lighting around the room. I am up early to enjoy this predawn time, as usual. I am in a good mood because I realize how wonderful defining this year of 2017 has been. I did not plan to do a major change this year, but I have certainly accomplished one. I sold my extra red estate and pared down the size of my possessions in order to fit into my condo. This has been extremely liberating and satisfying. I am left with much less stuff, which I love much more.
I am serving coffee, and an assortment of teas, including some iced green tea. We have celebrated all month, and today have no plans to go out or do anything. We are not giving gifts because we just spent months deleting items from our possessions, and are not in the mood to fill up our space with stuff again. We are truly sated.
I did go on a shopping spree this fall, all of which has upgraded our lifestyle. I did little frivolous spending. Most of the spree was spent on very practical home improvements. I wrapped up the spree by buying a new garage door opener last weekend, because mine was on it’s last breath, about to break forever. I was so happy to replace it before it caused a tragic inconvenience in my life. I continue to take a box to the Goodwill each week to fine tune my stuff, since editing is forever. I have new underwear, socks, wifi speakers, and Alexa can now answer the phone on speaker. I have one more planned expenditure with my real estate profits, a hot springs vacation in February. I have not traveled much since I started my job last May, so I am planning a reward for myself in California. I will spa down for a few days, then stay in Joshua Tree in an air bnb. I have already booked my favorite hot springs hotel, but there are many highly desirable air bnb rentals near the Joshua Tree National Park. The decision is part of the fun for me. Are you going anywhere this winter? Do you like planing, or like to take off and see what happens? I like a good accommodation reservation and lots of free time. That is the perfect combination for me.
My blogging is slowly becoming regular once more. I changed may schedule at work, and have started doing my writing before I go to my job. This is working a little better. I do appreciate the return of the weekend coffee share because I enjoy keeping up with the group and the writing you are doing. Please join us on the weekends to share happenings and feelings over digital beverages. Eclectic Ali is hosting this movable feast, which includes a diverse group of writers from around the globe. The party is always digitally delicious. Merry Christmas to all! Thanks for stopping by.
#Weekendcoffeeshare
Arizona Highways Halloween Edition
October 26, 2017
— 3 Comments
Halloween car
I love living in Arizona. I used to travel around the world all the time. In fact, I was a travel agent for years, living the good life on the gravy train of the travel industry. The market has changed significantly and the service on airlines is not as great as it was in the past. I used miles to upgrade my international flights to business class back in the day, but those seats are never available with miles now. The super gold elite platinum members suck those all down for themselves. I no longer fly or collect airline miles for the future. I am happy as a tourist in my own spectacular state. We have it all, including the Grand Canyon.
I recently downsized my possessions and bought a Mini Cooper to drive. The change brings money into my budget and a fun tiny car that meets my needs perfectly. I drove the car recently to Phoenix for the Cannabis Expo weekend. It is super easy to park and easy to drive. My wanderlust for the open road has been revived by my new wheels. When I first saw the car I did not like it because it is orange and black. I have come to adore the colors, and think it is a snazzy sporty look. I will drive it down to Tombstone and Bisbee tomorrow for a Halloween weekend visit. Bisbee is all about haunting and history. Tombstone is all about gunslinging, Doc and Wyatt.
The drive is an easy two hours, about the same as Phoenix, from home. I will stop in Tombstone on the way down then take a day trip to Douglas on Saturday. Douglas was once a very wealthy smelter town for the Bisbee copper mine. The Louis Comfort Tiffany Window in the Hotel Gadsden is a remnant of those high rolling times. It is worth the drive to Douglas to see that window. Tombstone, Bisbee, and Douglas grew up around mines. The history of the wild west is still celebrated, particularly around Halloween. It will be a fantastic retreat, as well as a bargain for the cost. I feel lucky to have so many excellent and varied destinations to discover by a short drive.
#WeekendCoffeeShare Harvest Time
September 17, 2017
— 3 Comments
reaping what you clone
If we were having coffee this weekend in Tucson I would still be pouring iced beverages for both of us. We finally have a bit of a cold front easing us into the fall season. We had a wacky weather year, and many of the plants are confused. One of my jasmines is blooming again, but my lemon tree dropped all the fruit. I am selling my most productive trees, grapefruit and calamondin, in the lot across the street. I am sure I can strike a deal to buy some of the citrus crop because there are way too many for one family to handle. The sale is taking place before real estate taxes are due, which is a fabulous financial bonus. The family buying it are interesting and cool. They seem like they will make great neighbors.
If we were having iced tea I would try to persuade you to take home a few books, or some art work. The emptying of the barn is taking place for real now. I have a month to do it, but hope to finish before schedule because I have a trip to Phoenix planned for October. I will attend my first cannabis conference and expo at the convention center up there. There are two days of speakers and trade show displays. Vicente Fox, former president of Mexico, will be the keynote speaker. I am sure I will learn a lot about the state of the industry.
Our outdoor crop is being harvested now at the grow. I think it is really fun to work outside for a while. I get tired of the fluorescent lighting indoors. It is nice to have fresh air and natural light for a change. We have a shade cover to protect our skin. The flowers are big and tight, so the growers can take pride in the final product. It is a happy time for all participants. The harvest will continue for months, I think. Perhaps the best news about work is that a tortilla company has bought the building next door to ours. They will set up a tortilla factory there. We will soon be the best smelling neighborhood in the world.
Please allow me to pour you another glass of iced tea while you tell me how your writing is going. I have little to say about my own. My excuse for low levels of production is that I have to focus on the barn cleaning before all else. I have done it for a couple of hours today, and will return to the task later this afternoon. I believe when it is all finished my muse will be happy and inspired to create. I have been listening to books on audible more than writing anything myself. Are you feeling inspired lately?
The linky is down in New Orleans this week. Our hostess Diana at PartTimeMonster graciously holds the party when her internet is working. Use the hashtag #WeekendCoffeeShare on twitter to find the action this week.
#WeedWednesday Welcome To Arizona
July 4, 2017
— 1 Comment
cannabis
cannabis
cannabis
cannabis
Arizona made medical marijuana legal in November, 2010 by enacting Prop 203, which won by a narrow margin. The health department of the state regulates and licenses dispensaries. The number of dispensary licenses issued is linked to the number of pharmacy licenses in the state. Prop 203 calls for no more than one dispensary license to be granted for every 10 pharmacy permits issued by the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy. As of 2010 when the law was passed, that equates to 124 dispensaries statewide. Patients who live more than 25 miles form a dispensary can apply to have a caregiver grow for them, or be their own caregiver. Many rural areas of the state are more than 25 miles from a dispensary, most of which are concentrated in the urban areas of Phoenix and Tucson.
In Nov 2016 Proposition 205 was defeated by the voters, 51.32% to 48.68%. Had it passed Arizona would have joined the adjoining states of Colorado, Nevada, and California in legalizing recreational marijuana. This makes Arizona a less well-funded state, and creates a tourism draw for the other three. The marijuana tourist tax dollars Arizona turned away will visit Las Vegas and have no remorse.
Canadian firms have started to invest significantly in the AZ market, buying dispensary management companies and making other large investments throughout the state. The cannabis business will grow at a slower rate than our adjoining legal states, but still contribute much to the economy under the current medical law. Most people think it will eventually be legal in all states soon. Investors and consultants are setting themselves up in business within the law and are also preparing for the future. New products and product lines are brought to market and management contracts are being signed. Weed is big business, a growth business. The expanding market will be served in new ways, yet to be discovered. This is an interesting segment to watch. What are the marijuana laws in your state, gentle reader?
cannabis
cannabis
cannabis
Heritage Inn, Hospitality And History
June 27, 2017
— 1 Comment
rose garden
patio
patio
rose garden
The Heritage Inn in Snowflake, AZ is perfectly positioned in the middle of an historical neighborhood. Surrounded by restored buildings, the Inn stands out because of the flower gardens. The luscious rose collection welcomes guests at 161 Main Street. The ample shaded front porch is home to a couple of active humming bird feeders, vintage furniture, and charming outdoor art. One is instantly transported to a specific time. The decor throughout the inn reflects the historic legacy of this well restored home. Portraits of the original inhabitants and some traces of their story remind the visitor of the founding of this small town. We stayed in the Mary Maude Porter room, named for one of the first inhabitants of the home, which had been built in the 1890’s.
pioneer home
front porch of the inn
German baby for breakfast
Bob at breakfast
We went to Snowflake to escape the heat and go to a lavender farm that was having a festival. The heat followed us up the mountain, so the relief was not forthcoming from mother nature. We decided not to go out to the farm because it was just too hot to deliver what we wanted. Instead, we investigated the little town of Snowflake, then the adjacent town of Taylor, and checked in to the room a little early chill in the air conditioning. The weather was pleasant enough to take a stroll in the evening, and we walked around the museums and historic homes that were not open on Saturday. There is a good display in the small Heritage Park next to the inn that details the founding of the town and the families who developed area.
Our room had a French door that opened onto the patio, where a fountain decorated a lovely garden. Tables and chairs are placed for guests to use for relaxing, or for breakfast service. We chose to eat by the fountain in the morning, when the weather had cooled down a bit. Our fancy table setting and gourmet breakfast in the cool setting gave us what we had come to experience, a complete change of pace. When I travel I am looking or something different from day to day existence. The hosts of the Heritage Inn, JoAnne and Craig, give guests superior service in an elegant atmosphere of private, historical chic. We liked the feeling of elegant leisure, and plan to return when we know the weather will be cooler. Next time I will plan ahead and arrange to see the tour of the historical homes. The tiny town has much to offer the history buff, and the Heritage Inn offers superior accommodation from which to see it.
fountain patio
restored forge
history museum
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