Two Birthdays Today – Coho 5 and BTL Blog 23

Two milestones, one stubborn habit: I still write because figuring things out—and saving time—still wins the day, even as software fades and treats fall.
20+ Years of Design, Technology & More
20+ Years of Design, Technology & More

Two milestones, one stubborn habit: I still write because figuring things out—and saving time—still wins the day, even as software fades and treats fall.

A Saturday loop through Dufur, Tom McCall Preserve, Hood River, Solera Brewery in Parkdale, and dinner in Maupin. Wildflowers, an unexpectedly great organic market, and two very tired dogs.

Experience the art of airport travel with Portland International Airport, where good food and local culture redefine layover bliss.
During a week in Alaska with DOWL colleagues, I engaged in valuable discussions about diverse work in planning, engineering, and environmental disciplines. The local knowledge and stories, like a bear stealing an iPad, highlighted Alaska's unique blend of serious work and nature. This experience reinforced the importance of understanding the environment in our projects.
Bend celebrated its annual holiday paddle on The Deschutes River this past Friday, experiencing an unusually warm day instead of traditional snow and ice. I documented the event with drone footage and photos while maintaining a safe distance from the crowds.

The new Stevens Ranch Library in Bend is nearing completion, set to open in spring 2026. Spanning 100,000 square feet, it will serve diverse community needs across three levels. Designed for inclusivity, sustainability, and functionality, it aims to be a central hub for learning and creativity with a focus on community engagement.

Shared stunning drone photos and a hyperlapse capturing a spectacular sunset in Bend Oregon, featuring a remarkable lenticular cloud formation. This natural phenomenon occurs over mountains under specific conditions, glowing vividly at sunset. The night also saw an increase in trick-or-treaters, adding to the atmosphere of Halloween.

Our fall is usually short between summer and winter here in Central Oregon where we are located in the mountains. A couple photos from Bend Oregon and the autumn colors.

We just attended the Bend Oregon 132nd annual Pet Parade with many dogs, lizards, horses, kangaroo, ducks, guineapigs, pig, chicken, but cats aren’t allowed. The 3 nights prior to the July 4th holiday were some of the most vivid sunsets…

If you’ve driven past 27th Street lately, you’ve seen it—Bend’s new Stevens Ranch Library is rising fast.
Construction is really moving. The main structure is up, and crews are making steady progress toward what’s going to be a beautiful and much-needed 100,000 sq feet community space. The temporarily closed stretch of 27th Street should reopen soon, which will be a big relief for those of us who’ve been dodging detours for the past several months. While we still don’t have an official opening date, the exterior is looking close to done. And what has me excited? The mass timber design inside. I haven’t seen it in person yet, but judging by the plans and the early renderings, this is going to be one of the most architecturally interesting public buildings in Bend.