I have a black thumb when it comes to clematis. I have made numerous attempts to grow this vine over the past few years. Not sure what it is this plant needs that I seem to lack, but some gardeners have great luck, such as these examples show.

Peaks, Cornices and Columns

On June 6, 2012 By Fred KingIn buildings, design, Houses, Nikon D7000, PortlandLeave a comment

Another example of the turn of the century ( 20th ) design found in homes in NW Portland.

Oregon Macaroni Mfg. Co.

On June 5, 2012 By Fred KingIn buildings, design, Nikon D7000, PortlandLeave a comment

Fading ad on the side of a building in SW Portland, Or.

Twin Peaks

On June 5, 2012 By Fred KingIn buildings, design, Houses, Nikon D7000, PortlandLeave a comment

Peaks

On June 4, 2012 By Fred KingIn buildings, design, Houses, Nikon D7000, PortlandLeave a comment

A sampling of roof lines in the NW section of Portland. The details that went into the older, turn of the century homes are fascinating and fun.

Weathered House in NW Portland

On June 3, 2012 By Fred KingIn buildings, Houses, Portland, Urban DecayLeave a comment

A very weathered, old house in NW Portland, not far from downtown. This house could really use some TLC.

Street Hoops

On May 27, 2012 By Fred KingIn playground, PortlandLeave a comment

The Adoration of the Mermaid

On April 14, 2012 By Fred KingIn Art, garden, PortlandLeave a comment

Beethoven’s Head, Maybe

On April 12, 2012 By Fred KingIn Art, garden, Portland, portraitLeave a comment

Mullet Alert#2

On March 23, 2012 By Fred KingIn Alameda street, Portland, SignageLeave a comment

Alert#1 was spotted on Alki Point in Seattle a few months ago. This sighting was on Alberta St. in Portland, Or. a couple of weeks ago.

Pocket Watch

On March 21, 2012 By Fred KingIn Alberta Street, buildings, PortlandLeave a comment

Only on Alberta St.

On March 20, 2012March 20, 2012 By Fred KingIn Alberta Street, PortlandLeave a comment

Spotted, a cross-dressing Rubics Cube, strolling down Alberta St. one morning. I will restrain myself from editorializing.

William Burroughs

On March 18, 2012 By Fred KingIn Alberta Street, Portland, SignageLeave a comment

On the side of the Star E Rose Cafe on Alberta St., NE Portland.

Slow Down

On March 16, 2012 By Fred KingIn Children, Portland, SignageLeave a comment

A concerned parent probably made this sign and actually anchored it, using a chain, to a stake in the parking strip.

Sabin Plateau

On March 15, 2012March 15, 2012 By Fred KingIn PortlandLeave a comment

The Sabin Plateau in NE Portland is pretty amazing in terms of how level it is. Coming from Seattle I am used to dealing with hills in every direction. In this section of Portland there is just this large expanse of level land whose streets are pretty much laid out in a grid. It makes for a wonderful walking experience. In the distance you can see a minivan moving from right to left. After 5 years of walking this neighborhood I am still intrigued by the architecture and design styles I run across.

Transluscent

On March 15, 2012 By Fred KingIn Houses, Portland, Uncategorized1 Comment

Spotted on a porch in NE Portland.

Mike’s House: Project Completed

On March 9, 2012March 9, 2012 By Fred KingIn buildings, Houses, PortlandLeave a comment

For the past two years I have been following the renovation of this house in the Sabin Area of NE Portland, Or. It belongs to a guy named Mike. Mike and I have talked a few times during the course of the renovation, but I have no idea what his last name is. I believe this house belonged to an old guy that I saw once a few years ago, a relative of Mike’s wife. The house was inherited and nearly a tear-down; it was just a horrible mess inside and out. I don’t know how the old guy survived the winters in this house. The house is even more spectacular on the inside. I have peeked in a few windows, but have not seen Mike since he completed the interior. He did everything within his power to keep the integrity of the original design, even down to the shade of yellow he chose for the exterior. If/when I get a chance to walk through the interior I’m sure Mike will allow me to take some photos.