Today was a red letter day for today’s two bicyclists.  Baker & Spice was on our “Still Need to Visit” list for at least three years, and though we’re used to making the 8 mile flat ride to St. Johns or Sellwood, or throwing in a climb of Rocky Butte or Mt. Tabor on other Sundays, it never came together for the 9 mile ride to Hillsdale that includes climbing Terwilliger.   That was until Sept. 25.

Baker & Spice is a very popular bakery and meeting spot in SW.  However, like most bakeries, developing a place for patrons to hang out is not their top priority.  And yet despite their not having a variety of seating options, and other homey touches, the neighborhood does flock there and you could tell that certain groupings were there for the long haul.

Our conversation, however, wasn’t uplifting in that M had just returned from emotional funeral services back in southern Illinois for his brother.  Because his brother’s rare disease was in remission for so long, the speed at which it wrecked havoc took everyone by surprise.  Thankfully, M had the time to hang out with family members whom he rarely sees, to grieve together, and also learn more about his immigrant family’s history from his aunt.

6330 SW Capital Highway        bakerandspicepdx.com