Today is one of the first quiet days we have had this week, Tricia is on one side of the table writing a blog abut the importance of thank you notes, handwritten of course. She asked for a sketch of a pen and inks, which of course was a treat for me. I am on the other side writing this.

Jaques Herbin ink from France, established 1670, is my favorite. The pen came from Legatoria Koiné, a shop in Montepulciano, in the province of Sienna, Italy.

Valentine’s Day we drove out to Newberg to see Alexis and Joe, then came home and cooked dinner here. We usually make lunch our main event but this week we ended up with a few dinners. Tricia’s sister and family came down from Seattle. Monday we went to Momoyama with them for sushi, our ten year old nephew loves any fish, as long as it is raw, no wonder I like him.

Tuesday it was back to Newberg to go through some old, old, photos from my dad’s side of the family. Lots of memories, and lots of people I had no idea as to they were. It was fun telling Alexis what I could remember though.

Wednesday we met Tricia’s sister and family at Thunder Island Brewery in Cascade Locks for lunch.

I did a bit more graphite based sketching this week.

This morning we fancied (nods to our Brit friends) a croissant so we walked to a new bakery up on 17th. Well, we were quickly reminded that we are not in France.

$6!!! In Paris they would rarely be over 2 Euros, in Ceaucé just over 1 Euro. And I have never seen a chocolate croissant like that in France, c’est la vie.

The pizza dough should be done proofing by now so I will wrap this up. I hope your week is going well, that your journeys are filled with joy, and you capture some moments in a sketch journal. Thank you as always for following a long.