Bon 1er Mai ! In France today it is La Fête du Muguet, the Festival of Lily of the Valley. It is also Labor Day in France and much of the world. The French tradition began when, in the 16th century, the French King Charles IX received a sprig of Lily of the Valley as…
TheTravelsketcher’s Tuesday – Continuing the story II
I am continuing with the story of how I became theTravelsketcher and my life on the road, here is the link to the first post. It is the second day at the Ramada in Portland; a burger for dinner in the Bonzo Bill’s Sports Bar. Monday Night Football is playing, the Indianapolis Colts and the…
This week in The Pearl – April 24, 2026
We had some nice weather this week, with just a bit of rain to remind us that it is still spring, not summer. Walking is our major form of exercise and we are blessed to be in a place with so many options. Just a few blocks away is the Willamette River Walk, our favorite….
TheTravelsketcher’s Tuesday – Another greeting card
Last week I showed an easy way to make a greeting card, I hope you give it a try. As promised, here is another card, almost as easy. I think most folks can do this one – just follow the steps. Here is the set up. Watercolors in Ultramarine blue and Sap green, a medium…
This week in The Pearl – April 17, 2026
Friday, I made something new, French-onion-stuffed mushrooms with gruyere, these are definitely on the do again list – with a blue-cheese and pecan salad it made a perfect lunch. Sunday, Alexis and Joe came over for Sunday lunch, and to celebrate Joe’s birthday. We started with one of Tricia’s best things, salmon chowder, this batch…
theTravelsketcher 