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Today, I had to take the car in to get it serviced - just regular maintenance. I do most things without going to the dealer but for this major servicing, I decided to take it to the dealer. I don't mind the cost. I do mind the fact that they told me they needed the car from 7:30 until 3. It's not that it takes that long, just that they didn't want to commit to a particular timeslot, as far as I understand it. For bonus points, when I got there and dropped it off, they adjusted '3' to '5'. Sigh.
In any case, I debated. I could get a loaner car; or I could have Scott ferry me about and eat into his Saturday; or I could get a Tri-met all-day pass and go do stuff. Bingo. I needed to get back to the Lush store for a few more samples anyway (darnit, I want to find a solid shampoo that does good for my hair without making my scalp itch more, or making me want to sneeze). And I will NEVER go to our Lush store again by car if I have any choice. Their location is horrid for that - it's right on a bus-line, but it's in this renovated ex-residential now-commercial neighborhood with narrow streets, nothing but street parking, and crammed together/poor visibility. The one time we went out there by car, Scott drove, and I still almost had a panic fit over parking. (Scott ignored it, and parked anyway. Wise man.) So, if I want samples, I have to go by Tri-Met. Since that costs money and time both, it hasn't been worth it...but here I had a day to do something with and it just seemed to make sense.
I added a few other stops in there too, once I decided to, of course. So first I headed up to the Japanese Gardens and wandered for a bit (they being the only one of my destinations yet open at that hour). Then I made my way to Lush, acquired samples, and headed over to Saturday Market. Wandered there but didn't buy anything. I was amused by the musicians. I have seen drummers, guitar players, and even the piano player at Saturday Market before. I think I may have seen an accordian being played once before (and yes, there was one today). But I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've encountered someone playing bagpipes for tips at the Market.
Headed up to Powell's from there, sat in the cafe and vegged for a while, and then crossed to the technical bookstore to look through stuff. Then back down to the Washington Park stop and up to the zoo. Where I found out, much to my surprise, today was the grand opening day of the butterfly exhibit. Of course, it's likely to be better in future months, but I went in anyway and that was kind of cool. Plus, the folks who do the birds of prey show were practicing (the shows don't officially start for a while - they're training volunteers and getting used to routines - but they're doing it in front of audiences which is close eough for me).
Then it started raining. Hrrm. That was supposed to be this evening, not mid-afternoon. But it was after 3, so on the theory that they might have my car done, I headed back to the dealer. They didn't, but as I surmised, if they didn't they would have a perfectly nice waiting room. If I was going to seek a dry place to sit and read because it was raining, it might as well be a dry place where they'll tell me as soon as I can take my car and go home. Which they did. A detour to the grocery store to nab some vegetables and bread, and I am home.
Overall, a very good day. No idea if any of the pictures I took at various points came out, as I have't looked through them yet. My feet are protesting a little, but not violently, at least.
In any case, I debated. I could get a loaner car; or I could have Scott ferry me about and eat into his Saturday; or I could get a Tri-met all-day pass and go do stuff. Bingo. I needed to get back to the Lush store for a few more samples anyway (darnit, I want to find a solid shampoo that does good for my hair without making my scalp itch more, or making me want to sneeze). And I will NEVER go to our Lush store again by car if I have any choice. Their location is horrid for that - it's right on a bus-line, but it's in this renovated ex-residential now-commercial neighborhood with narrow streets, nothing but street parking, and crammed together/poor visibility. The one time we went out there by car, Scott drove, and I still almost had a panic fit over parking. (Scott ignored it, and parked anyway. Wise man.) So, if I want samples, I have to go by Tri-Met. Since that costs money and time both, it hasn't been worth it...but here I had a day to do something with and it just seemed to make sense.
I added a few other stops in there too, once I decided to, of course. So first I headed up to the Japanese Gardens and wandered for a bit (they being the only one of my destinations yet open at that hour). Then I made my way to Lush, acquired samples, and headed over to Saturday Market. Wandered there but didn't buy anything. I was amused by the musicians. I have seen drummers, guitar players, and even the piano player at Saturday Market before. I think I may have seen an accordian being played once before (and yes, there was one today). But I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've encountered someone playing bagpipes for tips at the Market.
Headed up to Powell's from there, sat in the cafe and vegged for a while, and then crossed to the technical bookstore to look through stuff. Then back down to the Washington Park stop and up to the zoo. Where I found out, much to my surprise, today was the grand opening day of the butterfly exhibit. Of course, it's likely to be better in future months, but I went in anyway and that was kind of cool. Plus, the folks who do the birds of prey show were practicing (the shows don't officially start for a while - they're training volunteers and getting used to routines - but they're doing it in front of audiences which is close eough for me).
Then it started raining. Hrrm. That was supposed to be this evening, not mid-afternoon. But it was after 3, so on the theory that they might have my car done, I headed back to the dealer. They didn't, but as I surmised, if they didn't they would have a perfectly nice waiting room. If I was going to seek a dry place to sit and read because it was raining, it might as well be a dry place where they'll tell me as soon as I can take my car and go home. Which they did. A detour to the grocery store to nab some vegetables and bread, and I am home.
Overall, a very good day. No idea if any of the pictures I took at various points came out, as I have't looked through them yet. My feet are protesting a little, but not violently, at least.
