Day 228: Redwings Hockey, Northwest Waterways & My Hometown

Thursday, May 1
11:21 p.m.

It was a beautiful evening and lots of people were out in the Pearl District for First Thursday for the art walk.  I skipped the galleries and headed to On Deck, the sports bar in the Pearl.  There, I met a colleague, who’s from Michigan, to watch the Redwings game as they defeated the Avalanche.  Also on screens in the same main room were the Detroit-Yankees game and the Detroit basketball game.  I really only watched the hockey.

We ended up meeting a nice guy who was glued to the game, as well - Michael from Michigan.  I drank a Makers Mark Manhattan and ate a medium-rare burger without the bun.

After the game we chatted about the perils of rivers (rafting, canoeing), which made me realize how badly I wanted to get to the rivers this summer.  And how I want to go fly fishing on the Deschutes.  And kayaking in Alaska.  And sailing with my cousins in the Puget Sound.  I plan on making plans this summer.  And water is the element I am drawn to, that and snow capped mountains.  Oregon is the perfect place for a Capricorn like me - from the sea to the top of a mountain, the fish goat lives well in this landscape! 

Plus, an evening like this made me nostalgic for the rooftop bars in DC.  Lately, I have been a bit homesick.  I don’t know if I could ever live in the DC area again.  The humidity in the summertime is enough to keep me away, even though I like the balminess of summer nights, perfect for summer sundresses!  But, fear has also kept me away.  Following 9-11, I just wanted to get as far away from there as possible.   My fear from witnessing the plane hit the Pentagon created enough fear in me to move to the other side of the country.  I don’t want to be vigilent.  I want to be comforted and safe.  But, that’s a whole other story.

I will get to go home in September for my brother’s wedding.  I am already planning some time to enjoy the DC area and possibly get down to Sweet Briar, my college alma matter.