The Front Page

Today marks a noteworthy first in my professional career: being quoted in the headline story of the front page of a major newspaper. I'll probably view this as a nuisance later in life, but for today, I'm delighted.

Today's Oregonian features a headline story about how land prices in the Portland metro area have increased dramatically over the last several years, with availability on the decline. The effect is higher prices, smaller lot sizes, and fewer choices for buyers among other things.

The writer of the story interviewed me for about 30 minutes last friday. Fun stuff. Check it out. The story's called "Land prices sizzle, home market cools"

Note: you might have to tell them your zipcode, birth year and gender to access the story. No one said you have to be honest.

A DAY AT THE BEACH

Yesterday was so hot in Hillsboro that we decided to drive to the coast for cooler, more pleasant weather. A second afternoon of 100-degree heat was best avoided.

So we drove to Cannon Beach and let Gabriel run free on the sand. I hope to post a photo or two, but he wasted no time running through puddles, running out into the shallow waves and splashing, grabbing and throwing a mussel shell over and over again, touching a starfish, and wow-ing at the seagulls as bigger kids chased them into flight.

We all had a great, much cooler time, and Gabriel didn't seem to at all mind the foot-numbing cold of the ocean water. Whereever we go on vacation, it's going to have to have a beach. The kid loves the water.