Tuesday we got the fobs, they don’t use keys these days, to our apartment in the Pearl District of Portland, a world and two centuries away from La Thebauderie in Normandie. Tricia’s view today, and her views two years ago.

We like the Pearl, it has a bit of a Paris feel. The streets are tree lined, everything is pretty walkable, cafes and shops abound. We are hoping it satiates our longings a bit, we do like it here.

Last night we soaked up the views of the lighted units in the neighboring buildings, a couple were already in the Christmas spirit.

Tricia is blogging this week about the 2nd and 3rd Arrondissements of Paris, one of the historical sites is the home of Nicholas Flamel, so I did a sketch of the restaurant that is on the site of his original home, read her blog for some interesting history.

We so enjoyed our time with our friends here in Portland, they were so gracious to let us stay there while we found an apartment of our own. It was quite a relaxed time, Tim even had a brief catnap while pretending to read.

What a week it has been, a new apartment, we bought a very French-sized car, and we moved. Tomorrow we drive to Seattle to clear-out our storage unit and bring our long lost treasures to Portland. Then we plan to just settle in, enjoy our surroundings, and even relish boredom every now and then.

When I post this I plan to try out my new pochade box, painting the flowers in the building across the street, so send good vibes my way. I am switching to oil paints so there is a bit of learning in my future.

Keep traveling and trying new things, and capture them on paper or canvas in whatever medium you like. Love to hear from you, thanks so much.