While staying in Fairview, had the pleasure of going to a late lunch with Jackie and Madeline at Bumpers. It’s a pretty nice place and has these huge fish tanks that separate the dining area from the bar. Food is good, I really liked their fish and the very interesting fish sauce on the side they provide. Delish!
Anywho, here’s some pics from inside the place. Used my old iPhone for these shots. Admittedly, they’re not very good, but, they’re free so no complaining.
Here’s one of those Dory type Blue Tang fish. Yes, I know they are endangered but I don’t know what to do about this one. Yell at the staff?
And a few other species…
Well, dinner was good. And a few days later, July 23rd, I headed up to Brightwood on Mt. Hood to attend Jackie’s B’Day party. It’s not her actual birthdate, it’s the date of the party one of her friends threw for her. Nice of her. It’s way out in the sticks really, and GPS has a poor time deciding where the address is exactly. So the hosts put up several signs pointing the way.
Mt. Hood off in the distance on US-26, past Sandy a few miles.
And here we are at the hostesses house. Very nice. There was a time when I would have considered living way out here in the middle of nowhere on a hillside in a forest, 20 minute drive from anywhere, but the only time I did was a disaster in several ways. But, on this day, with the perfect weather, it was a sight to behold. A beautiful property that our hosts are happy to have. Gets them away from the stress and strain of living in town they tell me. I thought the property really looked like a park and wandered around a bit. Really is nice and peaceful here. But I wondered how dark and foreboding it would look during Oregon’s famous winter wet months. With rain for days up here, and early snows because of the elevation, it would likely be a bit uncomfortable and feel remote. One might hesitate to do much more then stay inside by the fire. The fully covered porch would be a great place to sit and enjoy poor weather or a gentle snow storm. If properly dressed that is.
The front door and the required mud room for this area of the forest…right here on the slopes of Mt. Hood.
This is the back yard. On the right is a very steep hill that drops to the neighbors property, the building on the left is a very large garage. I think my RV would almost fit in there.
And then all the gardens around the house. Some of them volunteered, some were planted. All beautiful.
There’s a neighbor’s horse corral over past that hedge, but unfortunately, no horses out today.
Maddy walks along a very nice pathway.
Looking off towards the west. The town of Sandy is off in that direction, as is Gresham a little further on, and then Portland.
Aren’t these pretty? 
I liked the patterns in these leaves. They really jump out at you in person. Very attractive. They have probably evolved to be invisible to leaf munchers.
Our hostess on the left, Jennifer I believe is her name, and Ronnie on the right, creating some interesting glassware. I stole one when she finished up with it.
Jackie and friends. Why the sour faces? IDK!
Back porch all set up for brunch.
And then Theresa (foreground) with her BF on her left, brought out Jackie’s b’day cake that she’d made. They’re cupcakes set up as a bunch of Concorde grapes. Evocative of wine, Jackies preferred libation.
Pretty neat. Theresa is getting really creative with her cakes…she’s done a bunch of them with person specific motifs for friends & family over the years.
And very tasty too.
Jackie’s SO with the beard…Jeff.
This guest grabbed some paint, a plain sun visor, and a few minutes later, had the work of art in the previous photo. Way to go dude! 
Ronnie flipping me off. Ain’t that cute? Or is it mean? IDK.
Lee (Theresa’s BF) & Michelle
Do you notice both the sweaters and then the short sleeved shirt and summery blouses? We’re late in the afternoon now and in shade. It’s getting a tiny bit chilly. And here it is late July. Just goes to show what it would be like in the winter here. Very cold for several months. That has its appeal of course.
“Cummear and take our picture!”
The Hall gurls with mom…Ronnie, Michelle, Theresa, mom Janice, & Jackie.
So that was a fine day and great b’day party. Quite the long drive but well worth it for the park like atmosphere, food, and visit with friends. Yea!