The Cameo

It was a cold morning as I scraped the frost from the windshield and side windows of my car. The temperatures had dipped below freezing during the night and a thick layer of frost lay on everything.

As I pulled onto I-205 traveling south the fog was thick, and at times it was difficult to see much in front of me. Traffic seemed a little lighter than usual, a welcomed reprieve from the norm. Intermittently the fog cleared in patches, leaving the roadway and the surrounding freeway landscape exposed. The grass and low-lying shrubs looked silver in color from the heavy blanket of frost.

Keeping up with the flow of traffic I started across the Glenn Jackson Bridge, which leaves Washington State and enters Portland Oregon. Looking to my left, toward Mount Hood, the sun was a huge creamy yellow ball shining through a dense layer of fog. It was a beautiful sight to see this cold winter's morning, and one that not only was warming to look at but also welcomed.

I exited the freeway, taking the Sandy Blvd. Exit.  Once on Sandy Blvd., it wasn't long before I saw my point of destination. The Cameo Pancake and Steak House is a nice little restaurant that specializes in serving breakfast all day. A small brick structure, it is situated at an angle off the main thoroughfare. With teal colored awnings and a cabana that stretches out over the walkway leading to the front door, this place looks like it belongs in a coastal village rather than a large metropolis like Portland.

I pulled into the parking lot and immediately was greeted with Kim's smiling face, as she sat waiting for me.  Smiling, I waved and pulled into the parking spot next to her.

I opened the car door and stepped out into the cold air. Although the sun was shining, winter still had the Pacific Northwest in her clutches.

Kim and I hugged briefly and headed toward the front door to share idle chatter over a leisurely breakfast. It was a wonderful start to a beautiful day!