Another most enjoyable read, and when I read my name, it was almost like seeing myself on TV! 😂😂 I loved bus therapy and have since had two adventures: I took my grandkids on the FX2 from 82nd to Union Station and back. Then a week later, we took it to the depot to get on the train for Eugene. Great adventure. And then, when I returned, I got off the train, boarded the FX2 and went back to their house where my car was parked and drove home. I felt very accomplished. Thanks for your expert initial tutelage.
You are very welcome! One of my brothers has been bemoaning the lack of bus transit where he lives, in California’s Central Valley. We are lucky to have Trimet.
That video was fascinating. The amount of engineering in everyday design is so easily taken for granted. And I've lived long enough to have experienced the history of both aluminum cans and bottled water. That really frustrates me now. Last week, I went to get some distilled water for an appliance. Ninety-nine percent of the aisle displayed all flavors and brands of bottled waters, fizzy and otherwise. Finally, I found the distilled, almost hidden at the end of the aisle, in its state of unremarkableness.
Sometimes all you need is plain distilled water. For your iron, your c-pap machine, your darkroom. The water in Portland is so soft that if I use it in a vaporizer I have to add salt so that vapor can occur.
Yes, Jeff uses it in his Bipap machine. We're on well water and need to filter out the sand and grit. Otherwise, the washing machine seizes up. And my bones are probably unbreakable now because of all the calcium.
You keep reminding me of my old life. When we lived next to the Oxboros in Bloomington, Minn., we had a water softener because of all the minerals in the water. Hey, Culligan man!
Lots of synchronicities here. Love that mug. And I got a mention! Looking forward to some bus trips when we visit.
As always, my high regard for your insights and views of this thing called life.
Thanks, Bernie! And great thanks for recommending Becoming.
Another most enjoyable read, and when I read my name, it was almost like seeing myself on TV! 😂😂 I loved bus therapy and have since had two adventures: I took my grandkids on the FX2 from 82nd to Union Station and back. Then a week later, we took it to the depot to get on the train for Eugene. Great adventure. And then, when I returned, I got off the train, boarded the FX2 and went back to their house where my car was parked and drove home. I felt very accomplished. Thanks for your expert initial tutelage.
You are very welcome! One of my brothers has been bemoaning the lack of bus transit where he lives, in California’s Central Valley. We are lucky to have Trimet.
Ahh thanks for telling our squirrel tale.
That video was fascinating. The amount of engineering in everyday design is so easily taken for granted. And I've lived long enough to have experienced the history of both aluminum cans and bottled water. That really frustrates me now. Last week, I went to get some distilled water for an appliance. Ninety-nine percent of the aisle displayed all flavors and brands of bottled waters, fizzy and otherwise. Finally, I found the distilled, almost hidden at the end of the aisle, in its state of unremarkableness.
Sometimes all you need is plain distilled water. For your iron, your c-pap machine, your darkroom. The water in Portland is so soft that if I use it in a vaporizer I have to add salt so that vapor can occur.
Yes, Jeff uses it in his Bipap machine. We're on well water and need to filter out the sand and grit. Otherwise, the washing machine seizes up. And my bones are probably unbreakable now because of all the calcium.
You keep reminding me of my old life. When we lived next to the Oxboros in Bloomington, Minn., we had a water softener because of all the minerals in the water. Hey, Culligan man!
what a gem you gave us today, Fran! can I come ride the bus with you for tacos or coffee?!!!!
Please. Whenever you are in Portland.
we will do this for sure!
Great column!
Fran, I always enjoy your writing. I somehow connect with it and look forward to reading your next collection of everyday musings and encounters.