The Curse of Portland

When I was here in Portland 19 1/2 years ago for my belated honeymoon, I was so morning sick that I stumbled around in a nauseous, exhausted daze. My new husband, meanwhile, spent our Portland visit curled up sick in our hotel bed. Neither of us was in any condition to sightsee - what made the biggest impression on us were the constantly bubbling drinking fountains, something almost unimaginable to us drought-stricken Southern Californians.

Here I am, back in Portland for the Public Library Association conference. I have been sick since Tuesday night - spent most of Wednesday in bed (luckily had no programs that day) and am dragging myself around the convention center today in a seriously unpleasant stupor, determined not to miss any programs. (I'm trying to stay at least 10 feet away from all people, which comes naturally to my hermitic self).

Happily, the drinking fountains still bubble merrily.

Full report on the conference to come, once I am healthy and coherent.