Hello

 Forgiven, I am forgiven Loved, never forgotten Tried through my ups and downs Wore many smiles and frowns May my thoughts words and actions be pleasing to you May I give my best in all that I do May my hope remain and my joy be strong May I never lose the love of a song This is my prayer and this is my plea From a prisoner in chains to one who is free

 I love Tillamook cheese and ice cream! So naturally we had to stop by the Tillamook creamery which was very nice with a gift shop and overview of their cheese making history and current machinery. Driving through Tillamook was also beautiful with trees, mountains and rivers everywhere you look. Some pics from Tillamook and the Pittock Mansion. "Hey, thanks for the memory..."

 Look folks, there's always gonna be a lot of shade thrown at just about any major US city. That said, we set out to enjoy our time in Portland. We stayed at a nice hotel, The Embassy by Hilton which also had "Mother's" a really good restaurant. Continental Bfast was nice too. I chanced it parking my truck outside in a paid public parking area, but it was just fine. Yes there is a real homeless issue and it's plain to see. However, we never felt threatened or unsafe. We left them alone and they did likewise. We visited the beautiful Pittock mansion/museum. Here are some pics which are views from the outside of Pittock.  Overall I give Portland an 8.5 out of 10. Amanda and I agreed it's a hip city and has a lot of potential if they really make strides with improving their homelessness. I hope you enjoy it too.-JA

 My fiance and I had the good fortune of attending mass this morning at a nice, cozy and friendly Catholic church in the heart of Portland. St. Andre Bessette was a nice traditional Catholic church and the Priest greeted us, seeing we were out of town. I explained we were engaged and he wished us well and also briefly introduced us to the regular parishoners at the end of the mass. In short, he made us feel welcome and at peace. The way Christ Himself seeks to do to all who come to him with open hearts.  From the church's website:  1971 - 2018: Finally A Home The chapel’s then-Pastor, Fr. Louis Weis, was described as “incredulous” when he was informed that that U.S. Bank wanted to build its new 40-story headquarters at the 5th & Burnside Street location. The bank’s offer to help fund the renovation and remodeling of a new location, however, was difficult to turn down, so the fifth and final move for the chapel to its current location at NW 6th & Burnside – the site of the O

Let them come, let them see The complete side of me Dreams and visions of my past With current plans designed to last Friendly faces do appear; when I take time to make it clear Doom and gloom have done their best To rob me of my needed rest But my heart will still beat on Wise to every pro and con I've done my best in what I do And only wish the same for you So let them come, let them all see The man I truly try to be pic by  pueblovista  from Unsplash. Lyrics are my own. Thank you!-Joseph Albrecht

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10QOOvxw0uA

  https://youtu.be/wIUXmOE0y_s

 After all the hustle of the day winds down There's a spot where warmth and welcome are found Inside my homey kitchen there sits a true delight I surrender inhibition to coffee and candlelight Yes, coffee by the candlelight is just the place for me If you don't drink coffee, I've got plenty of tea Some nice jazz tunes or easy listening brings it home Inside this paradise is where I want to roam So if you're in a hurry, all filled with doubt and fear There's some coffee by candlelight just waiting for you here Pic by Nathan Dumlao at Unsplash.com

  Snowshoeing at Diamond Lake! Truck handled nice in the snow driving there. More importantly the lake held up and had quite a bit of “powder”. Finished the day with a lovely meal at Steamboat Inn then back to the Burg of Rose. #snowshoeing #snow #nature #oregon

 Conserve what I can, while wasting away Find joy and a plan for every new day Think twice, act once; but it's the same in the end I'm kicking the can, down a road with a bend Everything or nothing; I've heard it before But I'm through with bluffing and useless folklore The raindrops that fall from the sky give new life Supporting the earth like a husband's good wife An angel of light, fights the good fight of faith The devil of night pictured just like a wraith My heart throbs in madness, the fruit of my toil Let me feel the gladness of anointed oil Till then, I'll bubble up my own rants Drown out my trouble in Gregorian chants Decisions, decisions, but just one right way Divorce all divisions and live in the day

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XF-j4RMWuY4 If you like this vid consider subscribing to his channel @  https://www.youtube.com/@olepash

  https://youtu.be/O5IM7MZBqa8

 I've worked at the same job, in the same place for over 2.5 years now, living on my own for the vast majority of this time. I'd like to share some personal reflections from my own experiences.  -It is far too easy to become detached and isolated. Not just from people, but events, different places of the country, etc...  -You only get what you give. Yes there has to be a balance of give and take; and we all need personal time and space. Nonetheless, I find that when I go out of my own way to check up on things at work or reserve some time to organize things in my personal life, I'm rewarded beyond all expectations.  -No one is an island. I'm still working on truly learning this one. Similar to the first point, it's much easier to live rent-free in the confines of my own head, than to actively reach out to others. Especially when there is a need involved.  -Travel is one of the great antidotes to racism/biases. I believe Mark Twain said something similar. But how tru