Here I am in Portland, safe and sound. The flight was almost enjoyable. I snagged a seat near the front, had the row all to myself, and Southwest just installed these very comfy new leather seats. We landed early. And it wasn’t raining! It still isn’t, but when I go out to day you can bet I’m bringing my umbrella.

Last night I feel asleep so fast that I don’t even remember faling asleep. I do feel a bit of jetlag but that should be cleared up with a nap this afternoon. Shortly I’ll be hopping on the #9 bus and wandering around downtown. Pearl, the neighborhood is called. Elizabeth and Steve both snickered at the name when I mentioned it last night. They said it’s not as grandiose as all that. If that’s true then it must be a lot like LoDo in Denver. But I hear there’s a huge record store around there. And I’ll sit and write and have some coffee. Still polishing some excerpts I may be reading.

At noon I’m meeting Kevin Sampsell at Powell’s. He’s graciously offered to walk around the neighborhood with me, have a bite of lunch. Then I’ll give Brian B a call (http://www.supercoolnothing.com).

Tonight there’s talk of going to the Alibi (a tiki bar). I’m craving Chinese of Mexican food.

It’s quiet and green out there, moody. My iPod is loaded with suitable music, including Tom Verlaine, “Twin Peaks” and Julee Cruise, Keane, Supergrass “Road To Rouen,” Philip Glass, Michael Nyman’s soundtrack to “Wonderland,” and Gil Melle.