THEY AND SHE, SMILING AT ME

One summer evening, camera in hand, I strolled the Alberta neighborhood in Portland, OR, streets shut down to traffic for a raucous street fair, attracting colorful vendors, artists, street performers  and spectators of every ilk. My eye fixed on this cheerful trio perched on a balcony overhead. “”May I take your picture?” I called up. Raised beer mugs and grins said, “YES, go ahead!” Still wishing I’d climbed the stairs to join them in a pint.