I left town the other day and flew down south to a much warmer, drier piece of Land than that upon which Portland sits; i think i'll be here for a while.

What will i miss about that pretty place? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Whatever energy i put into missing Portland will lessen my ability to enjoy the wonders of the desert. Besides, i can visit any time. I have pictures of everything, right here in my mind.

Moss-covered sidewalk cracks. The massive trunks across the street whose leafy evergreen tops wave back and forth like underwater seafans when sheets of rain come pouring down. The tiny, dried-up flakes of snow who drifted down to say goodbye the day before i left.

Now, i'm in another Land, with sunny skies and February days of 82 degrees. Fresh, ripe-juicy oranges hanging on the trees. Skinny leaves on certain plants, that poke like needles do. I'm taking pictures in my mind, so i won't miss them when i'm gone.

-- Alberto