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Archive for August 29th, 2010

A Prairie Home Companion Evening

Sunday, August 29th, 2010

Last night, we took Mia to see the Prairie Home Companion concert at the Oregon Zoo. After collecting Mia and lawn chairs and books to read, we drove down town Portland, parked the car at Trinity and walked to the MAX station for the final leg of our adventure.

Mia is a delightful companion and loves an adventure. She is inquisitive and full of knowledge about our city and the radio show. She kept us entertained. Here she is letting us know that the train was coming.

It was a sold out crowd, so we spent lots of time waiting in lines. We had books to read, but I really enjoy just observing people. It is one of my favorite activities.

We were able to get very good seats and unknowingly, we sat just behind a concrete riser that was kept clear of people so that Garrison could walk down it to mingle with the crowd. So we got up close and personal with the star and got to shake his hand. It was a very beautiful evening – warm and sunny.

I was warned that the sun shines right into your face as it sets in the west. I bought Mia some Foster Grant sunglasses, which she loved.

Mr C and I were introduced to The Prairie Home Companion back in the 70s, when we were introduced to it by friends from Minnesota and Wisconsin. We have listened to the show off and on since then. Mia and her family are avid NPR listeners and so she has grown up with the show and knows all the characters and the people who play them. When the sound effects guy came on, she exclaimed – It’s Fred Newman!!

It was lots of fun, but Mia thought there was too much singing. We were both hoping for more of Garrison’s skits and monologues. We left a bit early because we needed to get her home and to bed. Her Mom and Dad are taking her backpacking for the first time. They are going close to home and just a 2-3 mile hike to spend one night. She has her own pack. Miles is coming to stay with us so we will have to do something special with him – perhaps the Lego store!

We had to wait a bit for the train back to our car, but we enjoyed seeing the wall art on the station walls.

I bought Mia a t-shirt and I got this bag for my grocery shopping.

You can see all of my photos from the evening and more station wall art on my Flickr Set.

As an aside, I think I had a minor flu bug last week. I woke up yesterday feeling like a new person. I am looking forward to a week of renewed creativity and inspiration.