Day 239: It DOES Snow in Portland, Oregon!

Woke up to a winter wonderland this morning! Of course, there was no hint of it in the forecast.  So the whole city shut down.  Only about 2 inches.  But it's just as well. Portlanders are not equipped to travel in the snow.

Sadly, the soprano from my chamber group and I were going to play for a homeless meal today.  She woke me up with a text that they were snowed in. I looked out my window and gasped.  We would have taken the bus down, but this dining hall had no piano. She was going to bring her electric keyboard. Her partner and her went out for a trial run and got stuck on a hill.  At least there was a Starbucks nearby. She told me they made it back safely.

All my plans were for naught.  No homeless concert. No gym. No visiting my mom and dad with my son.

I was pretty bummed for awhile.  Then I made breakfast and hot cocoa and realized I had a free day!  I've been cleaning and reorganizing, and catching up on emails.

Then I realized I needed to return some Redbox videos.  Luckily there is a 7-11 just four blocks from the house.  So I put on double layers and my sturdy rainboots.

Oh, it was such a refreshing walk!

I returned the videos and then walked up the street to see if the little Mexican joint on the corner was open. It was and it was hopping!

It's called "Taqueria El Cazador" on SE Foster and 101st.  Within walking distance of the house. I had never been there. But I was pleasantly surprised. Good food. Clean. I called my son to meet me. I had carne asadas soft tacos, beans and rice. He had a carne asada burrito. We watched soccer in Espanol.  I don't speak Spanish, but Spain was playing Germany and you don't need to speak the language to feel the excitement!

They had a little salsa bar, complete with chopped fresh radish and onion.  Very pleasant and good to know there is decent food nearby when I not able (or willing) to cook!  They have breakfast too!

Back at home, I watched the birds on our deck, guzzling up all the bird seed from the bird feeder my son-in-law put up.  They are so beautiful. I saw so many types of birds. I couldn't get a very good picture - they flew off every time I put my hand up to get a shot.

I let Honey Dog outside. She was very curious about the snow. Put a tentative paw in it before taking a step out.  Then she ran around like a crazy dog for awhile, and then sat in deep thought (so it seemed) for awhile before demanding re-entrance.

I am going to do some stretching and crunches in my room and then practice the piano.  Then a movie and bed. 

Who knows what the commute will be like tomorrow!

On another note, I am feeling more controlled with my eating today. Eating smaller portions and resisting the urge to snack.  My head is feeling clearer and my belly is settling down. December was not a good healthy eating month.

But tomorrow is day 240. That equals 8 months!  I am not giving up!

Happy Sunday! :)