Kenny & Zukes Sandwich Shop

Kenny & Zuke's SandwichWorks
2376 NW Thurman
Portland, OR 97210
503.954.1737

Located in NW Portland in a Old Industrial building is a pretty cool little delicatessen. The interior is concrete and salvaged wood. The food is straight forward and simply delicious. I had rueban "sliders" which were actually large enough to have just one. Sour kraut with a bite and the most amazing pickle I have ever had. I look forward to going back when it is warmer the temperature inside was a bit frigid. Did I mention the pickle?

Pond Hockey

This weeks winter chill made pond hockey possible. I was and about in the Westmoreland area of Portland and discovered the Winterhawks were playing pond hockey. It was so much fun we were all just like little boys. Skating with future NHL players was quite fun. Picture is of myself and Brent Ponich. Picture taken by Monika (thank you) monika.wieland@gmail.com

Lucky Strike - 4 Star

Lucky Strike
12306 SE Powell Blvd
Portland, OR 97236
(503) 206-8292

It is worth the drive if you are looking for good Chinese food that does not leave you feeling like a Peking Duck. The menu is printed in Chinese with English explanations. Choose from jelly fish salad, crispy pig intestines or pepper bath chicken. Our food was prompt, hot and delicious. If you looking for General Tso or Beef/Broccoli you can go to PF Changs or Panda Express.

Welcome Back

Pondering, pursuing and perplexing ..... I need to update my blog. What to post? Is it a waste of time, would anyone read it.

Politics- I call myself "moderate" or "independent" but I am one thing for certain, fiscal conservative. The government should operate just like my household. If you can not pay for it you can not afford it.

Technology- I have much interest in technology, I attempt to stay abreast on the latest. I am Facebooking, twittering, blogging just to stay current. I have MAC OS, Windows XP and Linux Ubuntu on my machines. I am not a programmer though, code and script causes my ADD to kick in.

Recession Wishes

During these hard times I hope people wake up, realize what is important and change for the better.

May quality time with friends and family, quality products, craftsmanship and American pride become a priority.

I hope the jonesers keeping up with the jonesers with their coach hand bags, juicy suit sweats, large calorie laden coffee drinks driving their 4 wheel drive SUV's all fall on their ass and realize that their over extended stupidity helped create this mess.

Nong's Khao Man Gai

Authentic Thai street cart food in Portland. The menu is straight forward and simple. If you are unsure, just order and you will be happy. The chicken and rice served wrapped up in wax paper are spectacular, use the dipping sauce for some added kick. The soup was perfect and smooth on this cold fall day. It was awesome to see Nong out on the street taking orders with a smile! 5 Star dining in my book.

San Juan Island in September

From Washington State take the Anacortes ferry through the Puget Sound to Friday Harbor. This Marina is surrounded by clear blue water, evergreen trees and views of Mt. Baker. We stayed at the Euro chic boutique hotel Bird Rock Hotel we shared a community bathroom, enjoyed plush beds, nice soaps, a so-so breakfeast that was a bit disorganized and started late for us early risers. The hotel did provide single speed beach crusisers and suggested a nice 45 minute island loop. The weather was spectacular; sunny and 70 degrees for our kayak trip on the west side of the island. We seen seals, jelly fish, salmon, star fish, bald eagles but we had no orca sightings. Discovery Sea Kayaks were perfect for our expierenced group.Our first night on the island we were hungary and tired and unfortuntely chose Haleys Bait Shop Grill, perhaps the name should have warned us that the food would be more suitable to be used for bait! Black Ball. The short visit to this beautiful island was wonderful, the colorful flower baskets liven up the streets. There is a conscience effort with many of the establishments here to practice sustainable environmentaly friendly business.

Little Red Bike Cafe

Go here and eat before it goes big time and changes to $20 -$30 a meal. The talent and product is smashing. Sunday brunch,packed house with a line out the door. I had the Lox, Potato, egg and toast. Homemade huckleberry jam, perfect food, Courier Coffee. Green Flag.

Say Cheese !

Have you ever wanted to sit on a psychedelic bus and eat a mushroom, turkey, cheese on rye? The Grilled Cheese Grill on Ne Alberta will serve you up.You can choose from many options including the Kindergartner "they cut off the crust" Inexpensive and tasty. Green Flag.

Poor Business Practice

I had stayed away from Rose Family Dental for 2 years because of their billing procedures. I had a cracked filling and asked my employer how much I should expect to pay. I even got a written quote from Rose Family Dental and was ok with the out of pocket amount $154.00. I had the procedure done and was very impressed with the practice of Dr. Karl. Friday September 4th I received a statement asking for $219.00 !! Needless to say that was not what I had in mind for Labor day weekend. I will personally go into their office Tuesday morning and if this is not resolved in a professional manor I will have to officially put Rose Family Dental on my BLACK BALL list.

** UPDATE ** 9/8/09
I visited with Rose Dental this morning and went over the billing. Their was a billing error taking my balance to a more manageable $3.20!! I really like Dr. Bob, Dr. Karl and the two front desk help employee's ( sorry no names ) but this billing practice has happened 3 times now. I will officially have to put up the yellow flag; experienced surfers only, no life guard support.

Summer Day in Portland

Saturday was a nice day in Portland to enjoy the sounds, scents and scenery of the waning days or summer. A 3 on 3 street soccer tournament was being held; adding some international flavor to the area. Voodoo donuts was experiencing a busy afternoon as the line circled around the block for some sugary treats. US Outdoor store was having a sale and promoting upcoming film openings for the ski and snowboard season. Does anybody go to bed early during the week or is it just me? These movie premieres on Midweek days at 8-9pm! That is bedtime for the working folks.

Operating Systems - Ménage à trois

Our household is now running Mac OSX, Windows XP and Linux Ubuntu. Now lets see if I can manage to network them and successful share files and a printer?

Pacific City - Oregon

Travel about 1 1/2 hours Southwest from Portland, Oregon on the scenic Highway 101 will bring you to the coastal town of Pacific City. Here longboarders and rugged, weathered fisherman share the Pacific Ocean. The main lodging in town is The Inn at Cape Kiwanda, I would give the resort 2.5 stars. The rooms are lovely and the view is epic, but the value is lacking. We did enjoy a surfer style meal at FAT FREDDY'S DINER, down the street on Pacific Ave.

The beach has a old school feel to it as many beat up, rusted 4x4 vehicles drive right up to the ocean to deliver and pick up the Dory boats.

Hike up the sand dune and enjoy a panaromic view of the Oregon coastline. Pull on your wetsuit and enjoy the slow rolling breaking waves.

Visit the surf shops in town. Kiwanda Surf Shop

If you are waiting for the perfect day; life will pass you by

What ever you are wanting to do; do it today. Do not put off until tomorrow waiting for the best circumstances. The stars may never align perfectly in your mind and you will miss many glorious moments.

Culinary delight- Salmon,strawberries, raspberries, rhubarb

I was in Culinary ecstasy this weekend. This weekend I was spoiled by the skills of my wife who prepared Alaskan Salmon, Strawberry Rhubarb pie and strawberry/raspberry jam!

Nash Motorcycles

Nash Motorcycles

Cool bikes built right here in Vancouver, WA. Very unique style to these. I think I will put Bert's 5 step goal process into action. Then again, how often would a guy be able to go out and ride?

I tend to analyze, process and plan things out well in advanced. By the time fantasy becomes reality I just may be on to something different. I need kiting equipment, passes for upcoming snow board season, trip to Sweden. Not enough money and too money wants.

Can I bring Lisa for a ride on this thing? Or is this strictly a one man ride?

Hula Boy - Vancouver, WA

Restaurant Rating - 1 star

Lisa has been craving teriyaki. We went to Hula Boy in downtown Vancouver, WA. The place was cold, dark and had at least 6 flat screen TV's playing UFC fighting. Nothing makes food taste better than watching 2 barbaric humans with bleeding faces punch each other out!

The food was quick; therefore 1 star. The food was not very good quality and expensive, henceforth no more stars!

Kiting at Hood River

Unemployeed ? Looking for Work ?

I know many people are un or under employed in the economy. I am thankful to be currently working.

Some advice for people searching for employment or who may get hired for a trial period.

1. Lose the ear rings (males)

2. Your natural hair color is what you look best in, please do not walk into a company searching for work looking like a peacock.

3. A clean, crisp, white shirt looks very nice. They sell Dickie's for like $18.00 at Walmart, its an investment but remember you are looking for employment.

4. If you are hired show up 10 minutes before you are expected, don't start asking for day's off for this appointment or that appointment, or flute lessons or bringing your kid to college day! Do you want to work or do you want to cause your personal life to make your employment difficult? Don't start letting know which day's you can work late and which day's you can't.

5. When you are given a task, MOVE! get it done with confidence. Do your job quickly, neatly and in a professional manner. If you are not sure ask. Do NOT just ask questions before thinking though. If your intentions are to ask 100 questions so hopefully they will just give the task to someone else; you should probably start looking for another career.

6. Unemployment benefits and side jobs under the table is sure nice. You are making more money than when you were working honestly. The United States of America was built on the sweat of the middle class, honesty, integrity, quality and efficiency.

Hot Lips, Hot Weather and Sun dresses

Ham, pear and cheddar cheese pizza? washed down with strawberry soda? Sound strange? Actually quite delicious. Hot Lips pizza company in Portland strives to be a sustainable local product company.

The temperature was hovering right around 90 degrees, It made for a pleasant stroll around the Pearl district in downtown. We visited Diesel,American Apparel, Anthropologie and the local book store Powells.

The flower pots on the side walks and the hanging baskets were providing a colorful contrast to the brick and mortar shops.

The sundresses? I am just saying.

Kite Boarding

Friday I had the opportunity to receive a quick lesson with a Kite. My friend Mark Thompson met me at a secret boarding spot in Hood River, Oregon. We picked up a Slingshot trainer kite. Mark was patient with me explaining how not to "drive" the bar like a steering wheel. The gear, the lines it all seems rather intimidating but Mark reassured me that even kooks start some where. With all the other activities I enjoy, one wonders shall I take on another. YES! I have messed around surfing on the Oregon coast always wishing for quality waves. Here I have Hood River, a world class Kiteboarding spot right in my back yard. I think I will be able to progress quickly once I get this gear figured out!

Landscaping by Lisa

This is an example of Lisa's master gardening skills. We removed the grass 'landing strip' and she picked out and planted the native shrubs.

First Blog Post Ever

Hello,

My name is Jon and this is my first blog ever. I have been wanting to do more with my new imac computer so I thought I would start a blog.

I live in Southwest Washington and like to say "right by" Portland,Oregon.

I am currently employed by Prairie Electric which has been my place of employment, well; pretty much my entire life!

I live in a house with my wife of 11 years, We have no pets but have recently flirted with the idea of getting some back yard chickens.

My wife works for Arrow Timber in marketing. She is a awesome wife, although at times a bit obsessive. She is the best house wife, organizer, landscaper and best friend.

We enjoy outdoor activites, especially snow boarding, mountain biking, surfing and landscaping.