This week? Food, Urban Sketching, a birthday, chatting with friends from France – all good.

Last Friday after posting our blogs we headed to the Yamhill Valley for lunch and a wine tasting. First stop, Dundee Bistro for lunch.

We first went to the Dundee Bistro about 15 years ago, before we knew that Alexis would be going to college in nearby Newberg. She has since graduated from George Fox University with a degree in jounalism, met and married Joe, an engineering major. They just celebrated ten years and still live in Newberg. So we have made many trips to the area, and many meals at the Bistro.

Dundee Bistro was started by the Ponzi family, one of the earliest and most influential wineries in the history of Oregon wineries. We were club members for many years, loved the wine and the wine tasting rooms. Sadly, success and size has changed the winery. What was once a relaxing place to visit and taste, has become very expensive, and way too formal. I think they are trying to be like Napa. We don’t go back any more, but do have some good memories from before the changes.

Friday was the first time we had been to the Bistro since before going to France, and aside from them bringing the entree (main if you are in Europe) before we were finished with the appetizer (entree if you are in Europe) – which is a huge peeve of ours that should not happen at a place like this – it was a great time.

My appetizer was Crispy Brussel Sprouts, with a balsamic glaze, roasted hazelnuts, and pecorino cheese. Probably the best I have had.

My main was Gorgonzola Fusilli – pasta tossed in a Gorgonzola cream sauce, topped with toasted walnuts and Gorgonzola crumbles. So good. Tricia had Prawn Fettuccini with arugula pesto.

After lunch we visited a winery that was new to us, Bellingar Estates, and we are so glad we did. Tricia took this photo of the tasting room. We will be back for sure.

Saturday I went to another gathering of the Urban Sketchers of Portland at the Midtown Beer Garden foodtruck pod, which I learned was one of the first in Portland, a city famous for food pods. I saw a couple of folks that I remembered from the last time. I tried something new, oil painting for urban sketching – it worked well and I enjoyed it. I gave the painting to the coffee place.

Monday was my birthday, it was a perfect day. Of course it started with lunch. We went to the Five Spice Seafood + Wine Bar in Lake Oswego. It was warm enough to eat outside. I had a blackened salmon Caesar salad.

After lunch we went to the Pittock mansion, one of the most historic places in Portland, built by the owner of The Oregonian. Tricia will be posting about it today, along with her always beautiful photos.

Tuesday we took it easy, for my evening nosh, I had Patagonia brand Mackerel in capers and lemon juice, on sourdough krisps – it is hard to find anything much better.

Yesterday we had a video chat with two of our friends from France, thanks to technology we can stay in touch and keep the friendships going. We even got to see their dog Roscoe, one of the best dogs ever.

Of course thinking of France always affects my art. A castle on a hill is such a beacon.

The forecast is for 100F today (38C), about the same for tomorrow, then hopefully it will start coming down a bit. So if it is hot where you are keep cool, be safe, lots of water, and some indoor sketching to capture the moments.

As always thanks for following.