This week I made some veal stew which pairs perfectly with saffron rice.  Saffron rice with osso buco is a classic combination and perfect together.  I like to always make some extra because the rice is only better the next day!

Last Saturday, first thing in the morning, the whole family took the subway from Brooklyn and visited the memorial.  There is still a sense of sadness and loss, but it is tempered with hope.  There are long lines, that move quickly and quietly.  No NY hustle and bustle here, people from all over the country and the world have come to honor the memory of those who died here.

You will have to pass through security, much like in an airport, but more civil, and no one complains or rushes you.  Once inside there is something that unites the visitors,  I heard so many different languages, you’ll see people of all ages and nationalities sharing a deep sorrow and finding peace.

Peace, you won’t find answers here, you’ll find a place to make peace and to reflect.  So many selfless men and women gave their lives here in an effort to save others. The memorial is a beautiful tribute and a reminder of that which makes us human, which makes us one.

If you’re planning a trip to NYC this summer, pay a visit, it’s a very different element of the NY experience. It is still a work in progress, the museum is not yet open to the public, and there is still a lot of construction going on around it, in some ways, that makes it all the more meaningful.

Admission is free, but you will have to get a visitor’s pass.  You should do this on-line, although you can get them at the visitor’s center.  Bring an ID.

My family became acquainted with this beautiful area of the country years ago because of the opportunity to go snowboarding in summer at Mount Hood.  My daughter Liza ended up in college in Portland with her boyfriend Jared, and now Portland has become their home.  Their wedding is planned for July and I prepared this list of things to do when visiting the area for my family and friends.  A spectacular part of the country that is worth exploring  if you have the chance!

PORTLAND

ROSE GARDEN -http://www.rosegardenstore.org/ Portland is the rose city.  The gardens are beautiful with countless rose varieties. You just stroll around. Close to Japanese gardens.

Garden Hours

7:30 am to 9:00 PM daily

Free Admission and parking

JAPANESE GARDENS-      www.japanesegarden.com Located directly above Rose Gardens in Washington Park, so do both if you can.  611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland. Admission 9.50 adults, 6.75 kids 6-17.  Take the tour.  The tea house is fun for a spot of tea when you are done.

CHINESE GARDENS -http://www.portlandchinesegarden.org/ Very pretty.  NW 3rd and Everett 9.50 adults.  I have yet to find a good restaurant in Portland’s Chinatown

PITTOCK MANSION -pittockmansion.org Great views.  The Pittock Mansion is located two miles of downtown, off West Burnside at 3229 NW Pittock Dr. You will need the car to get here.  8.50 adults, 5.50 kids 6-18. Hours 10-5.  Figure 1/2 hour to an hour to see. Fun to do even without going for the tour.  Great view and walking around the grounds.

THE NINES HOTEL BAR http://www.thenines.com/departure-restaurant Great BAR Departure’s bar showcases exotic cocktails, a global wine list and the city’s largest sake list. The saké and shochu list represents many hand-crafted, artisan producers. Departure boasts the design skills of Jeff Kovel of Skylab Architecture, one of Portland’s leading architectural firms. The 9,000 square-foot space added a new full-level 15^th floor to the original 1908 Meier & Frank building and two new rooftop patios with views overlooking downtown Portland, the Willamette River, Mt. Hood and Mount St. Helens.

Powells Book Store -http://www.powells.com/locations/powells-city-of-books/ A Portland landmark, downtown. Browse forever.  Close to Jake’s restaurant.

Mother’s Restaurant http://www.mothersbistro.com/ The perfect breakfast brunch spot.  Warning there is often a line!

Jakes -http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/locations/portland-oregon/portland-oregon/sw12thave.aspx 401 SW 12th Ave (SW Stark cross st) My favorite Portland restaurant, classic seafood, near Powells Books.  Make a reservation now. Hard to park but have valet.  Have oysters at the bar while admiring the art work.

Hawthorne –  http://www.portlandneighborhood.com/hawthorne.html Liza and Jared’s neighborhood.  Funky and fun, full of small ethnic restaurants, tons of shops, good for strolling.  Grab a hot dog at Zach’s Shack http://www.yelp.com/biz/zachs-shack-portland, the best pizza ever try Pizza Scholls.   Impossible to get in opens at 5pm.  http://apizzascholls.com/

Mt Tabor Park-  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Tabor,_Portland,_Oregon Gorgeous views and not tremendous.  Views, trails, water, strange happenings in the woods.  It’s all here.  Don’t miss the volcano cone thingie.  Don’t miss the long-ass stairway on the north side and elsewhere.  The huge water reservoirs are quite interesting and pleasant to walk around.  It’s not everywhere that you can view your drinking water before it gets to your home.  This is where your dog wants you to take him.

THE RIDE FROM PORTLAND TO HOOD RIVER (in between):

Multmonah Falls -http://www.oregon.com/attractions/multnomah_falls A MUST…plan on walking around the grounds.  Also a beautiful delicious restaurant for lunch

McMenamins Edgefield-http://www.mcmenamins.com/Edgefield Troutdale on the way to Mt Hood and Hood River.  This was a poor house back during the depression and you are free to walk around the building which is amazing and full of history and art work,  There is a winery and wine tasting room.  Gardens and restaurants, spa, and ampitheatre.

HOOD RIVER:

Town of Hood River- http://www.el.com/to/hoodriver/ Wind surfing capital of the world!  Fun funky town loaded with shops restaurants and views.

The Waterfront Park is great for a picnic or to fly a kite, only about 0.8 miles from the Hood River Hotel, and while there is ample space for parking, it’s also a quick and easy walk. Whether you’re walking or driving, follow these directions: From the Hood River Hotel, head West on Oak Street toward 2nd Ave. Turn right onto 2nd Ave cross over the highway and proceed through the stoplight. Turn left at the second stop sign, and the Park is located just west of 8th Street along the river. It’s easy to find.

Fruit Loop- http://www.hoodriverfruitloop.com/index.html Take the 35 mile scenic drive through the valley’s orchards, forests, farmlands and friendly communities.

Lavendar Farm- http://www.lavenderfarms.net/hoodriverlavender/about.html A sight  to see that won’t take much time.

Lost Lake- http://lostlakeresort.org/directions.php This is the lake you have seen photographed over and over with the mountain reflected on it.  Very gorgeous.  There is camping and a perfect place for a picnic.

MT HOOD:

Timberline Lodge -http://www.timberlinelodge.com/ A MUST SEE.  Historic and beautiful on Mt Hood.  Take the free tour, it’s great!  Delicious food.  Hikes with wild flowers.  See where the kids all went to camp.  You can ski or snowboard if you dare. My sons Luke and Jack will have just completed giving a camp.

Government Camp-http://www.mounthoodinfo.com/ This is the town for Mt Hood.  It is home to many of the snowboard and skateboard camps.  Loaded with kids from all over.  This is where you’ll find Luke skating at High Cascade. Have lunch at the Brew Pub.  They brew a great beer and serve the best fish taco and you can eat outside.

WASHINGTON STATE:

Mary Hill Winery-http://www.maryhillwinery.com/index.asp A must while in Hood River.  Not far over the bridge into Washington State.  Great wine, great views, and an  outdoor theatre.

THE OREGON COAST:

Canon Beach-http://ci.cannon-beach.or.us/ This is where you’ll want to go.  The gigantic rocks jut out of the ocean and star fish abound.  A Hamptons like town with shops and restaurants. An hour and a half from Portland…can easily be done in a day.   A sight  to see that won’t take much time.

It’s Mother’s Day and time to be mindful about the mothers of the world and the love we share. The lesson is gratitude and respect should be practiced everyday! Thanks Jack for the joke and the fun and being the opposite of the character in the video. Love is all you need.

Hayley’s Couscous and Tofu with Greens

White with queensannelace curtesy of Simply and Forever

Toast up a baguette, open a bottle of sparkling cider or wine and Mom will be impressed! And remember, your mother just wants to hear your voice on that special day.

Moms don’t need expensive gifts, they just want to be remembered and appreciated.  Sal has some Thoughtful and Inexpensive ideas that will be appreciated.

And if your mom is a gardener or just a woman who enjoys flowers, Jo suggests, Roses Of Course.

Cindy must have been on vacation that week, because I’m not finding any of her Mother’s Day recipes, but check the cookbook and make mom dinner.  Chop-Chop Salad and Linguini in Clam Sauce maybe?, and finish it off with a great dessert.

If mom enjoys sleeping late and having breakfast in bed or a late brunch, have some fun making quiche with Hayley and Shelby.  They even gave a video performance.

As for me, I don’t mind expensive gifts, or inexpensive ones for that matter. I love flowers and being fed. Most of all, I love hearing from my kids on Mother’s Day. Just be thoughtful.

Alex Nino’s iphone photo

Shelly Gibson’s moon over Manchester

Mine before bed

A friend of Ariel’s Andrea Kennedy’s photo in Colorado

Have this crazy feeling that Andrea might be a professional.  We’d love to see your photos from last night!