Tam’s Think Tank

We just got back from taking our nephew to the airport for his trip back to San Jose. What a great young man Charles is. We had so much fun with him. Talk about a great guy. He is fun, intelligent, and self-possessed. A good description comes from someone who was at my family Thanksgiving gathering. She said, after having the chance to talk with him for a bit, that she didn’t know any other kid his age who could hold his own so well in a long conversation with adults. She described him as mature, intelligent, and knowledgeable about so many things. All of that is so true about him. Plus, he fit right in. Can you tell we really enjoyed having him hang with us for a few days? Charles… you can come and visit with us anytime. We loved having you over.

So, yesterday… we went and spent some time wandering around Saturday Market, a local Portland outdoor market that’s been around for 30 plus years… definitely a must see for visitors. We love doing our Christmas shopping there and this year was no exception, only this year we got to show it off to Charles. I think he liked it. At least, it looked like he did when he was dancing in the street next to the accordian man. Plus, we had enormous elephant ears. Tasty. Afterwards we headed to Mississippi Pizza for a slice and a soda and then we hit Muddy’s coffee for some coffee and hot chocolate. After hanging at Muddy’s for a bit drinking our beverages, perusing the paper, and watching Charles do all the puzzles in the paper, we headed toward Vancouver and Cinetopia. It’s a funky newish theather that’s supposed to make movie going more of an exprience. Like their commercial says, they have leather seats with more room, food delivery from the onsight restaurant to your chair up to ten mintues before the show, chocolate cake, and a gourmet butter bar to spice up your popcorn. We didn’t sample any food off the menu, the chocolate cake, or the butter bar, but Charles got a hot dog and a small popcorn, and he seemed pleased. All I know is that my butt didn’t hurt after sitting through the two hours and approximately 20 minutes of Deja Vu. That could’ve been two things… one, the movie was well paced and stayed interesting, and two, those seats really were comfy.

What a nice day yesterday was, and what great company to enjoy it with. Today, we just hung around the house before going to the airport. Very mellow. Just like the last 4 days have been… easy and relaxed. Something for which, on this weekend of thanksgiving, I am very very thankful.

How vast those Orbs must be, and how inconsiderable this Earth, the Theatre upon which all our mighty Designs, all our Navigations, and all our Wars are transacted, is when compared to them. A very fit consideration, and matter of Reflection, for those Kings and Princes who sacrifice the Lives of so many People, only to flatter their Ambition in being Masters of some pitiful corner of this small Spot. – Christiaan Huygens, (1629 *1695)