Author: alohawild

I rose around 7, warmed up yesterday’s coffee, sliced a bagel, toasted it, smeared it with cream cheese, and added some green olives (I did not have capers) and took both to the office. I decided to avoid the crash for no food and just coffee (no sugar). The coffee, while reheated, is fair trade (the last of it until the next order arrives, hopefully before I am traveling), is bitter, and reminds me how far we have to go before Justice with Compassion becomes the mission of humanity.

I do the usual and add my new Platinum Delta Amex to everything after it is delivered. I am removing the Gold version from my wallet (both electronic and physical) and will cancel it in the future (once it spends a month without a charge). I had meant to upgrade the gold version, but I messed that up.

Next, I read some of the news and find it depressing as President Chaos-Battleship continues to spin news stories with obnoxious behavior to cover both his failures and the various nefarious schemes (Elon giving him options on the IPO, for instance, though this is not in the press; a guess on my part). I try not to get angry; it is a game with the White House, and I refuse to play.

I get the blog going and complete it. I spent some time trying to remember the day. It is always strange, the jumble that memory forms after twenty-four hours. I assembled the story and decorated it with pictures.

I started the laundry and got the towels done. I started the small mixed load of accumulated laundry from the weekend. While it was running, I headed off to lunch. I headed to Happy Panda, and when Air VW the Gray got me there without any issues, though the City of Beaverton and Washington County are installing holes all over the roads, and any lane choice is speculative, at best. It is hole season on our streets again.

My investments are doing well after recovering from the chaos of war. I am in a moderately aggressive mix, but still with bonds and cash to keep everything safe. US Bank Wealth Management is handling it.

Lunch was cashew chicken with extra veggies, with more water chestnuts and bamboo shoots requested by me. It was a good mix. The waiter at Happy Panda (sorry, I have forgotten her name) asked about my trips and remembered that my girlfriend is from the Detroit area, and was happy to hear I was headed to California in my EV. She was at first concerned about the price of gas, but then learned it was an electric-only vehicle and smiled.

I read more American Civil War stories as the battle is starting to wind up, what is known as the Last Hurrah of the Confederate Army (Nashville 1864). General Lee’s army was already locked in a siege at Petersburg (1864), having been cornered by Grant; the Army of Northern Virginia was slowly bludgeoned and reduced, and would ultimately surrender.

I paid the bill with my new AMEX, which was working, yay. I headed to Costco to get some supplies for the trip. I found a few things at Costco, and air filters for the house on special. Having escaped Costco, I next risked Safeway for some treats and other items. I filled another bag of items to take south. Aws was checking and was happy to see me. He has been checking for years, and we talk about life when there is nobody waiting. It was fun to quickly catch up (there was a line), a handshake, and a promise to update him on California when I am back.

With all breakfast stuff acquired (bowl, plates, plasticware still on the list), I was back at the house. I finished the laundry, forgetting to pull out a dress shirt, but it was only sort of wrinkled. I watched another Star Trek: Strange New Worlds episode. Time was disappearing, and soon it was time to head to the Golden Valley Brewery.

Dondrea and Z were waiting for me when I arrived a few minutes late. We got a table outside and drinks: Old Fashioned for Dondrea, their special Black Walnut Old Fashioned for me, and a Sherry Temple for Z. Dondrea and I both went for the meatloaf (It was lovely with mash and brochili) while Z tried the new item on the menu (that started today), Shrimp Boil. Z faced her first experience peeling shrimp, and it was fun to watch her learn to master this skill on slippery Cajun-style cooked crustaceans. There was spicy sausage, corn on the cob, and potatoes, too. All our food and drinks were great (though Z wanted cherries in her drink, we suspect the homemade cherries at the bar were not for kids). Dondrea and I switched to coffee while just enjoying the warm, dry June evening, something that did not exist for my first twenty years in Oregon. We enjoyed some decaf, but then we headed out in separate directions.

At the house, I was tired, and soon in bed, and quickly fell asleep.

Dear reader, please consider attending if you are in the area. From the press release:

BEAVERTON, Ore. — [May 18, 2026] — A new public forum dedicated to ideas, culture, and civic dialogue is coming to Beaverton with the launch of the Beaverton Lecture Series, a community-centered initiative designed to spark thoughtful conversation and deeper connection across the region. The series opens on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM with the inaugural lecture, “Indigenous Place Keeping: Learning from the Land,” featuring cultural leader David Harrelson. The event will be held at The Historic Downtown Methodist Church, located next to the Beaverton City Library at 12555 SW 4th Street, Beaverton, OR 97005. Admission is free and open to the public. Harrelson, an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the tribe’s Cultural Resources Department Manager, will explore the Indigenous practice of “keeping place” — understanding land not merely as physical space, but as a living network of relationships connecting people, plants, history, and community. “No matter where you live, you are on Indigenous land,” Harrelson says, underscoring the continuing relevance of Indigenous knowledge and stewardship.

With more than 16 years of experience in cultural resources and heritage preservation, Harrelson’s work spans ethnobotany, Indigenous foods, contact-era Pacific Northwest history, and Western Oregon Indigenous art. In addition to his leadership with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, he currently serves on the Oregon Arts Commission and previously served on the Oregon State Advisory Committee for Historic Preservation.

ABOUT BEAVERTON LECTURE SERIES
The Beaverton Lecture Series was created to provide an accessible and welcoming gathering space where residents can engage with important ideas shaping culture, history, identity, and civic life. Our hope is that this series becomes a trusted gathering point in Beaverton for learning, dialogue, and shared reflection.

HERE
What: Indigenous Place Keeping: Learning from the Land
Speaker: David Harrelson Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Historic Downtown Methodist Church 12555 SW 4th Street, Beaverton, OR 97005
Admission: Free and open to the public

Here is more information: David Harrelson Press Release.docx – Google Docs

Thanks for reading and considering attending (if you are in the local area).

 

Sunday started with me not rising to an alarm. I woke and was a bit unsteady at first, but after some coffee and getting started, I was able to move, write, and get ready with confidence. I used the last of my Fair Trade Equal Exchange coffee, but more is inbound. I again skipped breakfast and started on the blog. I had Sunday School to teach and food to bring. I bought sandwich trays and, this time, a cheese-and-meat platter with grapes at Costco for the class.

I wrote until about 9:15, then showered, dressed, and all that. The EV was at 100% charge, and I got in, looked, did not put it in reverse, got out of the car, and unplugged it. The car cannot be driven while plugged in, a good safety feature, and I was happy that this time I looked.

Traffic was now flowing in summer patterns, and my trip to First United Methodist in Beaverton, Oregon, was short, too short. I called Deborah, and we talked for twenty minutes until 10:30, when we exchanged with Emmaus Church, the church buildings, where they had the earlier morning service. The Wesley Hall and Chapel are used by other churches in the morning and early afternoon. The expansion of the buildings to be used (rented) by other congregations helps pay the bills and supports other Christian groups. Being Methodist means we have no doctrine of preeminence and accept other denominations. To us, our ways work, but it does not make us right or better.

I counted forty-two people present for the service and learned that three were watching online. I was distracted by the song “Morning Has Broken,” one from my wedding and a favorite, and I cried as I sang it. Ashley was behind me with her little one, singing beautifully, while I tried to match the pace of the song. I am a terrible and untalented singer. I forgot to take the count and was not ready when Dondrea, our preacher for today, called the usher (me) forward. I got it together and missed someone who wrote their check out. Later, at the final music, I calmly walked back to the altar, raised the check and the counts (written on a bulletin to identify the service), and then put them in the collection plate. After the service, Jack would collect me, and we would put the offering and note into the safe (stuffed in an envelope).

Dondrea, as I covered above, was preaching today. The Name of God is the theme of the new sermon series, and Dondrea is doing Elohim (אֱלֹהִים), God the Creator in Christian interpretations, she shares. She covers that this is the first name of God in the Hebrew text, and one of a hundred names. She explains this name is technically a plural form and that Christians believe it foreshadows the Trinity. It is also taken to how the majesty of God the Creator (a single form does not suffice to cover the majesty of God).

Dondrea, in one of her best sermons, I think (here), says God created relationships and made humans in God’s image. God and we need to be in a relationship, and this is one of God’s creations. That it is not just worship, but to be in community, and in community with God. I recommend the link (Dondrea’s sermon starts at 10:53).

One of the street people joined us and had some food; the meat-and-cheese plate was out early. He would continue to stay for my Sunday School Class. It was my last class, “The End is Nigh,” I would say a few times. When you are doing The Book of Revelation, it just seems the right thing to say.

After the service, I discussed some conclusions using a church reasoning system, TRES, which examines issues through four facets: Tradition, Reason, Experience, and Scripture. Methodists believe that our personal experience should be included in what is usually a three-view process. I covered various topics (not going to reteach the class here), and we talked about how some ideas fail on everything but experience, but we cannot deny these experiences. In the class, I suggest that this is why we have many different interpretations of the Apocalypse and the End Times, and why they are fiercely held.

With the class done, the room cleaned up, and most of the food eaten or packed away, I headed out. Back to the house. I had just a small sandwich roll and a few bits of cheese. I had Dungeons & Dragons with M@ at 5:30. Deborah and I spent a pleasant time just hanging out on the phone. We are both excited to be traveling together again soon. After ringing off, taking care of a few things, I finished the blog.

I was hungry and made a frozen Indian-style Trader Joe’s dinner with Naan and rice. It helped me get my focus back, and I watched another episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, in which most of the Enterprise’s senior staff are turned into Vulcans with poor social skills. The writing seemed a Shakespearean commedy variation on gender switches and mistaken identities. It was fun, and one character went full-Romulan.

That is my character with a custom printed and painted figure, Carter the Great, at the door looking in the room full of out-of-their-mind catering robots. Our characters left a poor review for the place and a copper for the tip.

I traveled to M@’s with roses and mint I got from the garden. We played our 11th Level D&D 2024 characters in the Expedition to Barrier Peaks rewrite for 5E, and now updated to 2024. This is a SciFi crossover adventure that incorporated material for an unfinished Space Opera version of early D&D (back in 1976), which later became Gamma World. We are working with the main computer (in addition to this rewrite) to clean up the ship. We cleared away various problems (details not included here to avoid spoilers and the material is copyrighted) and found ourselves in some fights. It was fun, and Scott and I talked tactics and gaming for about thirty minutes after. Our tactics were chaotic this gaming session.

In the backyard, there is a new Western Tiger Swallowtail. Summer is here. I love watching them flitter here and there.

After that, I read for a while and soon was nodding off. I slept on the side of the bed where Deborah rests when she is here. Deborah called me on Monday morning and shared that she dreamed I was beside her in Michigan, knew it was not true, reached out, and I was there. We both woke this morning happy, and some of the loneliness lifted, but we became impatient for our trip to start.

Dear reader, please consider attending if you are in the area. From the press release:

BEAVERTON, Ore. — [May 18, 2026] — A new public forum dedicated to ideas, culture, and civic dialogue is coming to Beaverton with the launch of the Beaverton Lecture Series, a community-centered initiative designed to spark thoughtful conversation and deeper connection across the region. The series opens on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM with the inaugural lecture, “Indigenous Place Keeping: Learning from the Land,” featuring cultural leader David Harrelson. The event will be held at The Historic Downtown Methodist Church, located next to the Beaverton City Library at 12555 SW 4th Street, Beaverton, OR 97005. Admission is free and open to the public. Harrelson, an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the tribe’s Cultural Resources Department Manager, will explore the Indigenous practice of “keeping place” — understanding land not merely as physical space, but as a living network of relationships connecting people, plants, history, and community. “No matter where you live, you are on Indigenous land,” Harrelson says, underscoring the continuing relevance of Indigenous knowledge and stewardship.

With more than 16 years of experience in cultural resources and heritage preservation, Harrelson’s work spans ethnobotany, Indigenous foods, contact-era Pacific Northwest history, and Western Oregon Indigenous art. In addition to his leadership with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, he currently serves on the Oregon Arts Commission and previously served on the Oregon State Advisory Committee for Historic Preservation.

ABOUT BEAVERTON LECTURE SERIES
The Beaverton Lecture Series was created to provide an accessible and welcoming gathering space where residents can engage with important ideas shaping culture, history, identity, and civic life. Our hope is that this series becomes a trusted gathering point in Beaverton for learning, dialogue, and shared reflection.

HERE
What: Indigenous Place Keeping: Learning from the Land
Speaker: David Harrelson Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Historic Downtown Methodist Church 12555 SW 4th Street, Beaverton, OR 97005
Admission: Free and open to the public

Here is more information: David Harrelson Press Release.docx – Google Docs

Thanks for reading and considering attending (if you are in the local area).

The headache started with a glass of wine for lunch, and I think I have developed a sensitivity to sulfides. It made the afternoon and evening harder. I will try to keep hydrated and avoid alcohol.

I rose early on Saturday as I had an opera at the local movie house. It was time for the Met Live in HD broadcasts of El Ultimo Sueno de Frida y Diego at 10 local time for the NYC 1:00 matinee showing at the Met. This was the only one I caught in this season of broadcasts; my travels to this point had overlapped some of the dates, and I became inattentive and missed a few. I saw a reminder for the show in a movie preview and bought a ticket only a few days ahead (and ended up in the second row from the screen, but it worked, and I have sat here before). Someday I will have to have an Opera Saturday for the church and get a group, and maybe a Sunday School class on the opera.

I made coffee, grabbed a yogurt, and swallowed that as I rushed. I wrote a few hundred words in the blog, recalling the events of Friday quickly today, which is not always easy, and saved the text to finish later. Dressed in a T-shirt, as this was a movie theater, not The Met, and boarded Air VW the Gray with a 50% charge, and spent a percent to get to the Century Theater. It is assigned seating, and I sat alone in my nearly front-row seat. I was only ten minutes early. A few other folks grabbed the end, but I was alone. I enjoy being with friends at these events, but also the quiet of being single.

The first act surprised me with how wonderfully bright, full of dance, and the opera was filled with haunting music. The story of the Day of the Dead and the release of Frida from the Realm of Death for this special moment. It introduces Diego first, and he is heavy now (there are lots of jokes about that), and his appearance at the Day of the Dead celebration, and begs Frida to cross over. A contra-tenor plays a dead person who cross-dresses as Greta Garbo, Orlando, and the ruler of the land, wonderfully played and sung as a sassy woman in a bones costume and skull face, only lets Orlando out when Frida agrees to cross over too. I was mesmerized by the colors, singing, music, staging, and the emotions of the first act.

It is a modern opera, and the breaks included interviews with the creators, and they discussed how the opera works in their minds. The singers, too, were interviewed, and we, as The Met Live in HD audience, also get to watch the set changes. I got some kettle corn, but I couldn’t finish it because the sugar high was too much.

The second act felt somewhat flat at first, but it slowly built to an incredible ending with Diego’s death (it is an opera, after all). Frida refuses Diego as he tortured her in life (the words from the opera) and will not have that pain back. She painted to stop from killing Diego or herself; her art consumed her pain. She returns to life not for Diego but the colors; she misses the colors in death. At the end, both shades now and all their pain fading, they finally hold hands, and the opera ends. Not forgiveness, but now, as shades, pain and anguish are behind them.

I cried and relived Susie’s passing as Diego passed on stage, but I was not hurt by those memories. I felt more at peace this time. Of late, I have had stray thoughts of how I could have saved Susie by getting the diagnosis of heart issues before the strokes, how I could have pushed more rehab, and all the usual replay your mind does, freely mixing grief and guilt (shaken but not stirred). I know it is grief (and survivor’s guilt) and yet another phase of acceptance (from Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross), but it does not make it easier (which Ms. Kübler-Ross said in her studies). Many folks who have faced the death of loved ones have told me it never stops. You keep going. I keep going. Deborah spots the hard days and is supportive. Susie’s mother, Leta, helps too.

Aside: My only psychology class, honors version as a freshman at Central Michigan University, by a practitioner, and I still draw from what I learned back in the 80s. It was a very difficult class. I remember doing well, but the tests were a nightmare of memorization.

I was dizzy from sitting in the dark and a sugar high, and drove the short distance to the other side of the strip mall that includes the theater, and tried Pastini. This is a chain, but this specific one at Cedar Hills seems better to me. Salads and garlic bread seem expertly made. I tried the meatball with pasta and found it industrial. The meatball was excellent, but the sauce reminded me of something from a can; my tastes are not what they were, and this could be a personal issue. I will stick to the Carbonara for here out. I ordered wine (and a headache) with my garlic bread. The salad was great.

Corwin called and was stopping by. I agreed, spacing I needed to get food at Costco, and waited for him, and he arrived with Hank the Dog. Corwin and I played the Cthulhu Pandemic board game and just missed closing all the gates, losing. Seldom have I played when Cthulhu appears (the stars were right) and ended the game. At least we went out spectacularly with the world being destroyed by the elder god.

I headed to McDonald’s on the way to Richard’s in Portland for a quick dinner and remembered I needed to get the sandwiches. I rushed to Costco. I managed to get the sandwiches and a meat-and-cheese platter with grapes. I then rushed back to the house and dropped off the platter and sandwiches. Corwin was cooking the spare pork chop I suggested he cook for dinner, and I managed to catch Hank before he bolted outside. With that problem resolved, I drove to Richard’s and arrived about ten minutes late. The traffic was low (It is the Rose Festival Parade weekend), and I was surprised, estimating 45 minutes late.

Today, my first time playing a Settlers of Catan brand game, Starfarers, and Richard did the teach for the game, and we soon were playing. The rules and structure are clear, and we were off. I started by dropping some colonies, not realizing how the resource generation worked, and just happened to have good numbers. I tried most things, but noticed Richard was playing a different game with upgrades. Laura (there were three of us) got a lucky break, and her ship jumped to the other side of the board. She was colonizing like me.

Richard won with my scoring three back, and Laura was just a point behind. Overall, I liked the game, and it plays fast. It sells for about $107 for a new copy (there are two add-ons for about $55 each). I passed on another play, but we did play the card game Flip 7, and Laura beat me by a few points. With the last game done, I headed out while Richard was heads down on some Kickstarter. There is always another game out there getting upgraded or reprinted (often with a super-sized box and premium components).

My return home was uneventful. Corwin was watching cable and the last season of Daredevil; it was a bank robbery story, and I did not remember much about it. We enjoyed that together, and then Corwin and Hank headed out. I ordered a prescription that would run out during my upcoming trip.

I snuggled into my bed, read more American Civil War history, then turned off the light and fell asleep.

Dear reader, please consider attending if you are in the area. From the press release:

BEAVERTON, Ore. — [May 18, 2026] — A new public forum dedicated to ideas, culture, and civic dialogue is coming to Beaverton with the launch of the Beaverton Lecture Series, a community-centered initiative designed to spark thoughtful conversation and deeper connection across the region. The series opens on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM with the inaugural lecture, “Indigenous Place Keeping: Learning from the Land,” featuring cultural leader David Harrelson. The event will be held at The Historic Downtown Methodist Church, located next to the Beaverton City Library at 12555 SW 4th Street, Beaverton, OR 97005. Admission is free and open to the public. Harrelson, an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the tribe’s Cultural Resources Department Manager, will explore the Indigenous practice of “keeping place” — understanding land not merely as physical space, but as a living network of relationships connecting people, plants, history, and community. “No matter where you live, you are on Indigenous land,” Harrelson says, underscoring the continuing relevance of Indigenous knowledge and stewardship.

With more than 16 years of experience in cultural resources and heritage preservation, Harrelson’s work spans ethnobotany, Indigenous foods, contact-era Pacific Northwest history, and Western Oregon Indigenous art. In addition to his leadership with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, he currently serves on the Oregon Arts Commission and previously served on the Oregon State Advisory Committee for Historic Preservation.

ABOUT BEAVERTON LECTURE SERIES
The Beaverton Lecture Series was created to provide an accessible and welcoming gathering space where residents can engage with important ideas shaping culture, history, identity, and civic life. Our hope is that this series becomes a trusted gathering point in Beaverton for learning, dialogue, and shared reflection.

HERE
What: Indigenous Place Keeping: Learning from the Land
Speaker: David Harrelson Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Historic Downtown Methodist Church 12555 SW 4th Street, Beaverton, OR 97005
Admission: Free and open to the public

Here is more information: David Harrelson Press Release.docx – Google Docs

Thanks for reading and considering attending (if you are in the local area).

 

I rose a bit late and started around 8ish. The sunrise had woken me, and I had rolled over and slept longer. Sunrises are too early now. But I do think of Dad Wild every morning, “I watch the runrise; there are only so many left.”

Coffee is reheated as there was plenty left. Enough for three cups. Breakfast is skipped as I am not hungry. I start the blog and write until about noon. I strip the bed and wash the sheets. Monday’s laundry is still unsorted or folded, and I spent the morning writing, talking to people, and doomscrolling by reading President Chaos-Battleship’s latest insanities, including a $250 US Currency with his picture (which requires an act of Congress to allow). I can no longer eye-roll, as it is just beyond anything I expected; such a waste of time and energy.

I write and talk to Deborah and others. I was feeling better, and I managed to complete the blog and some paperwork. I got all the clothing out of the dryer and done, two loads. I then reheated some Costco pre-made Indian-style chicken and cooked 1/2 cup of basmati rice to go with it. That was an excellent lunch, and I watched The Devinci Code, now a bit dated with a young Tom Hanks, while I folded the laundry. I also swept the floor, then mopped it with a Swiffer. The new flooring cleans up so easily, and I think it was worth the investment! Yes!

I returned to the office and assembled a forged document for Dungeons & Dragons. I had found the text of a modern indulgence on a Catholic website. I removed the Christian words and reworded them to give the bearer an indulgence for the usual adventurer raiding. I added an image of a wax seal. I then formatted the new fantasy-world-based text to fit on certificate paper, green like money, I found at Office Depot, and printed them on the parchment-like paper, added a gold seal (included with the certificates), and they were ready to give away at D&D at 6 at the Rune & Board gaming store at 167 East. My interview and first job at Nike were at 167 West. I always have a warm feeling in this area; I did AS/400 programming, database work, and job design here for the Laakdal Customer Care Center (warehouse).

Good memories now, but I know it was much harder and scarier than I remember now. I had to prove myself over and over. The past is always bright and pretty in a halo of forgotten pain and fear. It was never that good. But I do miss working on the IBM AS/400s and CL, DB2/400, and RPG programming. Years later, I visited Laakdal and saw that my code was still running (with only a few minor updates) and that the tools I wrote for the warehouse were still in use.

With the documents ready and pencil updates to my character, Carter The Great, a sorcerer, for D&D, I headed to Beaverton, a 60% charge on Air VW the Gray, and no traffic, but one close call as someone challenged a bus for a lane; the bus won, and they braked rather suddenly. I stopped at the Food Carts near City Hall and had the gumbo for a quick dinner. It was spicy but good. I then headed past Nike WHQ, now called the PHK HQ, and soon reached the gaming place.

I paid my $10 fee and bought an overpriced Diet Coke (supporting my local gaming store). I handed out my indulgences, which were well received. We continued the story where we left off, exploring the ruins to find the forge. By sheer chance, we found the means to reach the forge and then did so. This resulted in a battle. We ran over, but decided to finish the battle. Folks were late due to bad traffic. I reminded everyone it was my last play for a while (I need to pack the car next Friday) and thanked everyone for the three sessions. Everyone seemed happy to have me play. It has been fun, and I try not to stay in the chorus, if you like, as others want the spotlight. I don’t need it.

I headed home, watched more Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and enjoyed a reworking of the World Destroyer from the original series. I read and went to bed. A headache was back. I tried a protein bar to see if that would help, but nope, ibuprofen worked. I read about the American Civil War for a while, but soon I was nodding off. I dressed in my PJs and climbed under the clean sheets after making the bed.

I closed my eyes, and soon Morpheus took over and supplied pleasant dreams, now forgotten, which I imagined were with my character Carter, adventuring and forging various documents, with a smirk.

Dear reader, please consider attending if you are in the area. From the press release:

BEAVERTON, Ore. — [May 18, 2026] — A new public forum dedicated to ideas, culture, and civic dialogue is coming to Beaverton with the launch of the Beaverton Lecture Series, a community-centered initiative designed to spark thoughtful conversation and deeper connection across the region. The series opens on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM with the inaugural lecture, “Indigenous Place Keeping: Learning from the Land,” featuring cultural leader David Harrelson. The event will be held at The Historic Downtown Methodist Church, located next to the Beaverton City Library at 12555 SW 4th Street, Beaverton, OR 97005. Admission is free and open to the public. Harrelson, an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the tribe’s Cultural Resources Department Manager, will explore the Indigenous practice of “keeping place” — understanding land not merely as physical space, but as a living network of relationships connecting people, plants, history, and community. “No matter where you live, you are on Indigenous land,” Harrelson says, underscoring the continuing relevance of Indigenous knowledge and stewardship.

With more than 16 years of experience in cultural resources and heritage preservation, Harrelson’s work spans ethnobotany, Indigenous foods, contact-era Pacific Northwest history, and Western Oregon Indigenous art. In addition to his leadership with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, he currently serves on the Oregon Arts Commission and previously served on the Oregon State Advisory Committee for Historic Preservation.

ABOUT BEAVERTON LECTURE SERIES
The Beaverton Lecture Series was created to provide an accessible and welcoming gathering space where residents can engage with important ideas shaping culture, history, identity, and civic life. Our hope is that this series becomes a trusted gathering point in Beaverton for learning, dialogue, and shared reflection.

HERE
What: Indigenous Place Keeping: Learning from the Land
Speaker: David Harrelson Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Historic Downtown Methodist Church 12555 SW 4th Street, Beaverton, OR 97005
Admission: Free and open to the public

Here is more information: David Harrelson Press Release.docx – Google Docs

Thanks for reading and considering attending (if you are in the local area).

 

Thursday, I slept until about 7:30 in the morning. I had woken up multiple times again at night and felt I could stay in bed all morning, but there are things to do and blogs to write. Coffee had to be made, and the sink was full of dishes I had ignored for days. I did the dishes (mostly unloading the clean dishes from the dishwasher and reloading it), washed one pan, and then I felt confident about making the universe slightly better with a clean sink to make coffee. I used Equal Exchange Coffee, Fair Trade Certified, or what I call liberal coffee.

With a fresh cup and my laptop, I started to write the blog, and it took all morning and into the afternoon. Wednesday, what I wrote about Thursday morning, while looking out the window and watching the scrub jays and hummingbirds fly around, and a local squirrel searching the backyard for treasures hidden or lost. I took and made many calls, including rescheduling a dentist visit (my first under the new insurance). Deborah was busy today, and we connected often while driving from one event to the next. Others called, and even Emily, my nurse for Skyrizi, checked in (she shared that it takes annual treatment—four shots—before skin clearing begins in earnest). I put on my calendar when I need to call the pharmacy and when I take my next shot, July 4th. I shared that I was back to using creams because the flaking had returned, and she asked me to check in with my doctor. That is still on my list (Thursday).

Deborah reminded me that we have not set the dates for July yet, meaning a word was missing in my blog, “possible,” and the next week is more likely after being reminded of some dates. So maybe I will be in Michigan on the week of the 20th, more to come. The NYC trip is set in August.

I remembered to write a card for Mom Wild, walked it to the mail box, and there, in my robe and still unkempt hair, met the mailman. I said I was retired and that I was writing every morning and then dressing. I could see his judgmental American work ethic rising when he saw me, but we were smiling and happy by the end. “There is hope for all of us for an early and good retirement,” I told him, and that seemed to make him think and smile.

I skipped lunch, for now, and showered, remembered to apply the creams, and then boarded Air VW the Gray at 70% charge, I think, and headed out. The traffic was still slow-moving but not at rush hour levels. I did not see any extra-legal lane changes, but a few folks did dive into the turning lane when making a left turn on TV Highway. One person was too scared to pull out, even though all the cars waited for the driver, and I waved the driver out. That happens once in a while.

I had some tasks to do, one of which was finding some paper for my forger of Dungeons & Dragons documents. I make fun handouts at our game, and this is my last one for a month or more. I wanted something more than just white cardstock. I could not find a stationery shop on the Internet in the area, so I headed to Blicks for art supplies in Beaverton. I had to turn around as my colon decided it was time to remind me that it needed attention. With that under control, I returned and soon reached the art supply store.

They had a limited selection, and I needed something like Michael’s for what I was looking for. I did find some handmade 8.5×11 paper that would work. Next, I headed to Office Depot to see if they had a better fit, and I got a pack of certificate paper with seals. I tried New Seasons Market for shelf stable 1% or low-fat milk, but they do not carry it. After that, I tried Whole Foods, called them, and learned they no longer carry it.

Somewhere in this narrative, I visited our local Paris Baguette, a favorite of mine when I was stranded in NYC for a month during the pandemic, and had a baguette sandwich with turkey, cheese, veggies, and avocado (we are on the West Coast). It was an excellent sandwich, and I always remember the good one I had on the one day when I was in Paris back in the 90s. I always expected to be back, but so far, no.

I read my American Civil War (ACW) book while enjoying my sandwich. I do disagree with the author and think that, while Confederate General Hood was clearly batty, he had to win, and the text tells the story of Union officers considering surrender after they had mangled their march to Franklin. The army had fallen into a trap (that Hood unknowingly set), but it was at night, and the Confederates missed their chance as the Union quietly slipped by. But with this kind of bungling on the Union side, I think Hood was just pushing the Union everywhere and hoping for another error that he could just pounce on. To win, he needed another massive break, to exploit it, and to then crush the Union. I do agree with the author that General Hood’s lack of a clear plan and focus made it difficult to exploit any Union weakness, and that he, like Lee at Gettysburg, seemed to believe that just Rebel Spirit would carry the day. Instead, it was a disaster.

Putting aside the ACW, I returned home and saw that the day had mostly disappeared, and remembered that the new WW2 movie, Pressure, starring Brendon Fraser, was out today. I soon found tickets for the movie at the Cinemark theater and was retracing my previous drive back to Beaverton. I parked and rushed in; I was on time for my show. I had ordered popcorn, small with no butter, but my popcorn was not in the location I was told, and I, thinking I must have just ordered tickets (the paper they gave me after scanning my QR code had only the ticket on it), ordered another one and then went to find my seat. There in my chair was a carryout bag for my popcorn. I was surprised and disappointed to have purchased two small popcorns, but now I know this.

The movie was good and is about the week of the D-Day invasion and the weather problems. Yup, a movie on weather. Andrew Scott, a favorite actor since he played the villain on Sherlock, playing against Benedict Cumberbatch, is the focus of the movie, with Brent playing the American General Eisenhour. Kerry Condon plays a supporting role and the “Spock” role (i.e., explaining and advancing the story). The acting, special effects, and camera work all created an immersive feeling that you were there. I liked it.

I thought about getting dinner out, but instead stopped at Juan Carlos’s and got some tacos and other items to go. I was disappointed in my items and will not order them again, but the tacos were good. I ordered from them during the pandemic and had it delivered. It was not good this time. I might try again someday, but I was hungry and ate it anyway.

I watched more Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and they did a zombie-movie-style episode, reminding me of other shows and movies. It was interesting, and they suggested that a certain flowering plant could cause this. This appears in many mind control and zombie stories. Nice to see it reused here, and especially the collecting of special flowering plants for a cure, which fits the pulp novel format.

It was still light out, and I headed out for a walk. I walked to the bench and back just to get some more steps in. My neighbors had a plumbing truck at their house, never a good sign, and I learned that their sewer line was blocked again (they have had multiple problems of late, including tearing up their yard and reconnecting). The problem seemed to be with the street, and this means getting the local water company involved. I wished them well and was once again happy that my sewer lines have not failed.

Now in my Ps, I read more, grew tired, and soon went to sleep.

Dear reader, please consider attending if you are in the area. From the press release:

BEAVERTON, Ore. — [May 18, 2026] — A new public forum dedicated to ideas, culture, and civic dialogue is coming to Beaverton with the launch of the Beaverton Lecture Series, a community-centered initiative designed to spark thoughtful conversation and deeper connection across the region. The series opens on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM with the inaugural lecture, “Indigenous Place Keeping: Learning from the Land,” featuring cultural leader David Harrelson. The event will be held at The Historic Downtown Methodist Church, located next to the Beaverton City Library at 12555 SW 4th Street, Beaverton, OR 97005. Admission is free and open to the public. Harrelson, an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the tribe’s Cultural Resources Department Manager, will explore the Indigenous practice of “keeping place” — understanding land not merely as physical space, but as a living network of relationships connecting people, plants, history, and community. “No matter where you live, you are on Indigenous land,” Harrelson says, underscoring the continuing relevance of Indigenous knowledge and stewardship.

With more than 16 years of experience in cultural resources and heritage preservation, Harrelson’s work spans ethnobotany, Indigenous foods, contact-era Pacific Northwest history, and Western Oregon Indigenous art. In addition to his leadership with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, he currently serves on the Oregon Arts Commission and previously served on the Oregon State Advisory Committee for Historic Preservation.

ABOUT BEAVERTON LECTURE SERIES
The Beaverton Lecture Series was created to provide an accessible and welcoming gathering space where residents can engage with important ideas shaping culture, history, identity, and civic life. Our hope is that this series becomes a trusted gathering point in Beaverton for learning, dialogue, and shared reflection.

HERE
What: Indigenous Place Keeping: Learning from the Land
Speaker: David Harrelson Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Historic Downtown Methodist Church 12555 SW 4th Street, Beaverton, OR 97005
Admission: Free and open to the public

Here is more information: David Harrelson Press Release.docx – Google Docs

Thanks for reading and considering attending (if you are in the local area).