At the beginning of the month we took a harrowing drive down the I-5 to meet Jake’s parents at their time share in Welches, Oregon. We stopped overnight in Tumwater Washington, at the world famous Tumwater Best Western. While it lacked the vibrating bed I was hoping for, it had ample floral drapery.

The next morning we took off for Portland – for the requisite Anthropologie stop ‘n’ shop, a quick browse at Powell’s books, and a 5 star meal at VooDoo Doughnut. Everyone loves a big doughnut covered in fruit loops or orange tang. As they say, the magic is in the hole.

A weiner dog, all by his lonesome, being pulled in style by a bike rickshaw, passed us on the street. Portland truly has it all. The old buildings in the city have been magically restored - they are colorful, clean, and bright - and the city really feels like it’s full of energy.

Post Portland we hopped back on the freeway and headed to Welches – which is a teeny tiny little hamlet at the base of Mount Hood (where the Shining was filmed). We stayed at the Whispering Woods Resort – and had a big, beautiful two bedroom townhouse – facing a golf course. We bought $5 Oregon state wine, sunbathed and bbq-ed the day away. Late that night Jake’s parents flew in from Toronto. The next morning we hopped back on the I-5 and headed home.

Jake’s parents drove up to Vancouver a few days after us – and it was great having them come to stay. I discovered a new love of Lysol wipes and sanitized our house before their arrival.