Leaves and more leaves. Red, gold, orange. Or to be more poetic: crimson, bronze, copper. Of course, we have to sweep them, rake them, and move them around for the city to pick them up. But it's all part of living in Portland, and we are adjusting. Going for a run, walk or drive is certainly colorful!
We had 43 trick-or-treaters on Hallowe'en, mostly very small ones. Didn't see anyone over 11 years old. There are many young families in our neighborhood, with 2, 3, and 4-year-olds. Unfortunately (or fortunately) we had 150 pieces of chocolate to give out. Can you do the math?
Of course, October 31 brought not only ghosts and goblins (and Buzz Lightyear and countless firemen and pink fairy princesses) but also Reformation Sunday! Searching the internet in vain for a local observance of Reformation, we were disappointed to find no local churches doing more than mentioning that it was Reformation Sunday.
Soooooo.... we ventured down to Salem First Presbyterian Church for their Kirkin' of the Tartans. Salem is about 50 miles away, so a doable drive on Sunday morning. What a friendly congregation! One of the members told us that they had only been doing a Reformation service for three years, ever since some members decided they wanted to do it. There was piping (Oregon State Defense Pipers) in front of the church prior to the service; also in their Fellowship Hall was a great display of Luther's 95 Theses, books on tartans and Scotland, and even an Iona display! Homemade blueberry scones and shortbread were served with tea and coffee before and after the service.
Someone in the congregation had crafted flag poles and a stand for 36 tartans that were processed and piped into the sanctuary by members young (10 years old or so) and more senior (80's). Quite touching. The congregation was decked with their plaids; a couple of kilt-wearing gents were there, too. We sang "Mighty Fortress" and "Amazing Grace", although the pipers only piped the latter. The tartans were recessed to the piping of "Highland Cathedral". So, there you have it. Not as wonderful as First Pres San Bernardino, but enough piping, tartans and shortbread to tide us over for another year.
Afterwards we went for a walk on the Willamette (rhymes with dammit) Riverfront, and across an old steel bridge that has been turned into a pedestrian walkway.
This past week, we drove out to Hood River where the pear and apple orchards are. Also wineries! Beautiful out there this time of year.
So enjoy the photos of Autumn in Oregon!
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