Karina has a winning personality that combines intelligence & delightfulness -- two qualities not often found within the same individual. I felt comfortable around her more or less instantly. She & I are both professional writers, and although we serve radically differing market segments, it was always instructive to talk shop. Beyond this, however, I'm so grateful to her that she indulged me in the ongoing saga that is my relocation to Portlandia.... The house, though small-ish, lives up to Midcentury Marvel status. The gleaming wood in every room calls for a Houzz cover story. The NoPo neighborhood is well situated to frequent-run north-south and east-west buslines: a boon to car-free travelers like me. It is also within walking distance of such treasures as Tamale Boy (be prepared to exercise to work off the corn masa) and the life-saving P & Q Market, home of fresh produce, artisan bread, and Portuguese wine. It all happened so fast, our month together... Karina has an adorable co-host named Stella, a kitten who may be a cat by the time you read this. I arrived with an anti-cat bias, yet was charmed by Stella, who somehow got me to come around to feline appreciation. In huntress mode, Stella goes on the attack against invisible insects. She finds feet fascinating; if you wiggle your toes at her, she may land them a cuff with her paw. I'm pleased to say that after excessive toe-wiggling in her direction, I still have all 10 of them! If you're into food, wine, healing herbs, and fine prose, you will find much in common with Karina. The tiled shower/tub, foamy bed, and lovely kitchen are replenishing, too. Oh, and the back patio with wooden table and string lights.... seriously, it's a dream.