I just came back from a 9-day visit to family in Portland that was made especially enjoyable by the sunny spring weather and the delightful accommodations I had in North Portland. Scott and Tamara have built a 2-story structure in their backyard with her pottery studio on the ground floor and a modern loft on top. This attractive living space features expansive views over the roof tops to the north and west and smaller windows in the east wall that frame green fir and red buds. I spent a good deal of time watching saucy crows swoop and soar, students at a nearby school romp at recess, and several beautiful sunsets. I was pleased to find this unit thoughtfully designed and completely furnished, including a well supplied kitchen in which I cooked a number of meals. It was very quiet, except for the freight trains that hoot their way along the river to the north--and I like trains. Aside from the loft itself, I enjoyed the Arbor Lodge neighborhood in North Portland in which it is located. It is just a few minutes from Arbor Lodge Park itself, a large inviting space with room for toddlers, dogs, joggers, and walkers. The proximity of good coffee shops (Arbor Lodge, Madrona Hill, and "sexy" cofee), New Seasons Market and Green Zebra, and the yellow Max Line to downtown make this a good choice for visitors. Scott and Tamara made me feel welcome but were unobtrusive; I hope next time I can find time to visit Tamara's pottery studio--the stoneware in the studio was beautiful.