On to Portland, or rather southern Washington just on the other side of Portland, Oregon. Lena's grandfather and his wife live in a little town named Ridgefield, Washington just north of the Oregon border. They are both in their early 90's and don't get out much these days. They are content in their home and living as independently as possible. Whenever we have a chance to visit them, we take it. And whenever we are spending time with them, it's almost like being...

I've always enjoyed the Pacific Northwest of the United States and not just because it is where I grew up. It's always a beautiful place even on the cloudiest of days. Of course the weather did not disappoint. The clouds and drizzle that are so characteristic of Seattle were fully present upon our arrival. And, yes, everyone there bragged about how nice the weather was before we arrived. Although I moved away years before, we always go back for a visit. My paren...