Sunday, August 29, 2010

End of Summer Wrap-up Part 1

Every year my Mom, her husband Max, Kim, and I go down to Ashland and see some plays. It's been a tradition in our family for a really long time, and we all really cherish it. This was Olive's first year. Ashland is a fantastic town, and on the short list of places I'd move to. In the unlikely event I'd leave Eugene that is.

This year was Olive's first year going so we found a small rental house that would be comfortable for a whole family. It was only about 6 or 7 blocks from downtown Ashland, so it was still easy to walk everywhere. An easily walkable town ranks high in my book. My folks watched Olive while we went to some plays, and we did the same for them so they could catch some themselves.

This year we saw 3 plays and they were all pretty fantastic. We saw a brilliant update of Hamlet, American Night - an hilarious examination of the immigration issue, and She Loves Me which is the original musical the classic film The Shop Around the Corner and the Meg Ryan/Tom Hanks film You've Got Mail is based on. Very romantic and fun in a classic film sort of way.

Here's my mom and Olive and I with the cute hipster hat I picked out for Olive.



And here is Olive and I at Lithia Park.



The Eugene Celebration was early this year and it seemed to have been a good move with big crowds and the weather holding. I had grand ideas of seeing some bands but ended up turning into a pumpkin too early to catch most of them. Ah, fatherhood. Well, at least we got to eat some delicious street food!

The family in the downtown crowds.

Monday, August 9, 2010

One more band...

I forgot these guys in yesterday's post. This is "Rosie" from Baltimore's Lower Dens off their fantastic debut Twin Hand Movement.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Some New Music and the Whiteaker Block Party

Here are some videos of some new music I've been enjoying lately. Thanks Youtube, Sub Pop, and Brassland. Jaill is in town on August 21st with the Hold Steady. I know I've been saying that show is the 22nd. Sorry. Either way, I'm out of town. Weak.









Also, this weekend was the 4th annual Whiteaker Block Party. We had a really great time - had an Eddo Burger for the first time (oh, why didn't I get a picture?). The cart is located next to Tiny's Tavern on Blair. So good I can't believe it didn't have any meat in it! One of the coolest things going on in Eugene right now is an explosion of food carts and several great ones were at the Party.

Olive got into the spirit.



We also caught a little bit of Sea Bell's set at the Party. I think they're one of the better local bands around right now. Kim said they looked like the cast of Hair, and they sort of sound like the cast of Hair. But in a good way? Did I just say that? Anyway, they're fun to watch live. They'll be playing live at the store later in October.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Weekend Fun in The Eug

What a great weekend. It all started with a little Thai food on Friday night at Tararin.



Then it was off to the Meet Your Maker Craft Fair at the Last Friday Art Walk in Whiteaker.





Olive really loved the Mariachi band across the street.



On Saturday was the pig roast!



I'm an aspiring foodie, so I try and be a brave adventurous carnivore. But I couldn't kill an animal so I feel a little hypocritical eating them. The pig roast really brings you closer to it though, and I have to say I've never seen food celebrated or anticipated in quite the same way. It was also delicious.



Olive got a little snacky while we waited.



Some took off their shirts to just add to the carnal atmosphere.



On Sunday after a few hours playing at the park we went to the food cart competition at Ninkasi.



It was packed! I had a really delicious chicken wrap from a cart called Simplicity. They're normally on 6th and Lincoln Monday through Friday from 11-3.