Tacos El Machin: Foodie Friday

April 17, 2026April 14, 2026 / SoyBend / Leave a comment

Last week we ate Mexican food at Tacos El Machin in Bend, Oregon. We were pleasantly surprised by the flavor of the food and the reasonable prices.

I ordered the 3 Taco Small Plate. This meal includes 3 street-style tacos with your choice of meat, garnished with onions and cilantro. You also get rice and your choice of whole beans or refried beans. For my tacos, I chose pollo (chicken), al pastor (marinated pork), and cabeza (beef cheek). I liked the al pastor the best and appreciated the simple garnish. The rice and beans were both good and did not include a lot of other ingredients.

My companion ordered fajitas with steak. You can also choose chicken or shrimp. The large serving included small flour tortillas, grilled bell peppers and onions, with a side of rice and beans. The meat was flavorful and tender.

I ordered a Passionfruit Margarita with my meal. It came in a LARGE goblet that was so heavy I had to use both hands to lift it. This margarita had a fresh, fruity taste and was one of those drinks where the alcohol might sneak up on you. It included a straw covered with a hard layer of spices that you can stir your drink with to get more flavor.

In my previous picture, you may have noticed a reflection on the table that says, “$2 tacos.” On Tuesdays and Fridays, tacos are only $2 each. That’s a good deal!.

Their menu also includes burritos, quesadillas, torta, asada, tostadas, camarones, and alambres. They have five kinds of hot sauces, a slightly spicy salsa, and tortilla chips. Tacos El Machin serves churros and fried ice cream desserts. If you want to try these, it’s self-serve. The beverages include cocktails, horchata, Jarrito, and beer.

Tacos El Machin location and hours

Tacos El Machin is at 2570 NE Twin Knolls Dr Ste 145 in Bend, Oregon. They are open from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm Sunday through Thursday, and from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm on Friday and Saturday. They also have restaurants in Albany and Corvallis, Oregon.

Foodie Friday

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Otters at High Desert Museum: Wordless Wednesday

April 15, 2026April 15, 2026 / SoyBend / 4 Comments

Northern River Otters at High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon

Otters at the High Desert Museum 27September2016

Otter at the museum in Bend, Oregon 27September2016

Wordless Wednesday

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Two Triceratops in black & white: MM

April 13, 2026April 13, 2026 / SoyBend / 2 Comments

Two Triceratops in black and white at the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Montana.

Monochrome Monday (MM)

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As luck would have it: LAPC

April 12, 2026April 12, 2026 / SoyBend / 22 Comments

As luck would have it, sometimes I see skies painted with bold strokes of orange

In a High Desert yard - sunset October 2019

Or blue skies full of popcorn clouds

Popcorn Factory , Clouds over Bend, Oregon 9November2018

Sometimes, I’m in a distant place at the right time and see tiny perennials in bloom

Or winged beauties alighting on blossoms in my own garden

As luck would have it, sometimes I pause along a road and a small predator looks back at me

Or I discover a snowshoe-footed creature by the trail that other hikers did not notice

And if I’m very lucky, sometimes I unknowingly photograph something I hadn’t intended to

Can you find two purple pickerel bloom stalks, a pink waterlily, two spiders, and a frog?

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Lucky Shot

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Ear-full of waxwings: Birds of the Week

April 7, 2026April 7, 2026 / SoyBend / 12 Comments

Last spring, I saw this ear-full of waxwings in my yard. A group of Cedar Waxwings, Bombycilla cedrorum, is referred to as an ‘ear-full’ or a ‘museum’. Yes, there are some very strange names for groups of animals.

Why are they called ear-fulls? It may be because of their constant high-pitched calls and trills. I often hear them way before I see them.

Here’s a recording of their calls.

These sociable birds frequently travel in groups. Sometimes these ear-fulls include hundreds of waxwings.

In my yard, they like to perch atop western juniper trees.

They also like to drink and bathe in our water feature.

It’s kinda like a spa for birds. 😉

Birds of the Week

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A well-designed garden: LAPC

April 6, 2026April 6, 2026 / SoyBend / 23 Comments

A well-designed garden considers hardscapes and softscapes
in the foreground, middle ground, and background

Hardscape waterfalls and pergolas anchor scenes in the background
In the fall, softscapes of colorful foliage add visual interest

In winter, the structure of leafless trees and shrubs is prominent

Sand gardens serve as a neutral middle ground
In the fall, color is a main character in large gardens

In winter, string sculptures add an element of artistry

Rock-lined pathways curve ahead in the foreground
In the fall, in a well-designed garden, the colors pull you forward

In winter, structures are revealed beneath twisted, leafless trees near bamboo-bordered trails

These photographs were taken in the fall and winter at the Portland Japanese Garden in Oregon.

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Framing Your Shots: Exploring the Foreground, Middle Ground, and Background

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Poem with an artsy mat: First Friday Art

April 3, 2026April 3, 2026 / SoyBend / 9 Comments

I framed this river poem I wrote with an artsy mat. The green paper contains small leaves, and the brown paper includes little bits of bark and sticks. I bought this paper at an art supply store.

I created the blue paper by dripping acrylic paint onto a pan full of liquid laundry starch and gently swirling it. You drop a piece of paper onto this mixture and peel it away to get a marbled effect “print.” It’s a fun process because you never know how it will turn out.

I altered the length and position of each line of this poem to imitate a meandering river. By showing the poem with an artsy mat and changing the layout, it became a unique piece of art. When I entered this piece in a state fair competition, it won a blue ribbon. 😀

Here’s the poem in another format.

River Retreat

Traveling from afar to alight

In an oasis of comfort and contentment

A restful sleep wakening to

A joyful dawn chorus from feathered friends

Breaking the fast with

Nourishment for body and soul

Flying away

Until the river beckons us again

Do you have artwork you would like to share? Be sure to include the First Friday Art tag.

First Friday Art

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High Desert Voices April 2026 newsletter

April 1, 2026April 1, 2026 / SoyBend / 2 Comments

Here’s the High Desert Voices April 2026 newsletter for your reading pleasure. Lots of nice photos as well! This newsletter is published by and for volunteers at the High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon. I’ve been working there as a volunteer since 2013.

Articles this month include one about the Hollow and Still: Photographs Following Fire exhibition and a talk on the long-term effects of wildfire, one on the Prohibition Party event, and one on the Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration exhibition. A calendar of upcoming events and exhibitions is on the last page.

Please enjoy the High Desert Voices April 2026 issue!

04 HDV April 2026 Download

To view previous issues, visit the HDV newsletter tag.

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Tool of enlightenment: LAPC

March 29, 2026March 29, 2026 / SoyBend / 16 Comments

In moments of darkness, I reach for the tool of enlightenment tucked inside my pocket.

Click! Click! Click! Click! I enlighten exhibitions.

4th Floor to Mildness by Pipilotti Rist, Portland Art Museum in 2026, Oregon

Fulfillment of Emptiness by Jang Jin-ik, Portland Art Museum in 2026, Oregon

Forest at Night by High Desert Museum staff in 2026, Oregon

Infinite Moment: Burning Man on the Horizon by High Desert Museum staff in 2020, Oregon

In moments of darkness, I reach for the tool of enlightenment tucked inside my pocket.

Click! Click! Click! Click! I enlighten landscapes.

Subway Cave, Lassen National Forest, California

Sunrise over Bend, Oregon

Steam over hot springs, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Playa at Summer Lake, Oregon

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Phone Photography

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Burger and fries in Bend: Foodie Friday

March 27, 2026March 27, 2026 / SoyBend / 4 Comments

There are a lot of places to buy a burger and fries in Bend, Oregon. Today, I’ll feature burgers from three different restaurants.

Americana burger and fries

If you ask a local where to buy a good burger and fries, many will mention Americana first. They used to only serve their burgers from a food truck, but now they have a brick-and-mortar location downtown. They still have a truck at one of our food truck pods.

Americana serves smashburgers. This is a type of burger that’s smashed flat before or during cooking. Their menu is limited to eight burgers, two kinds of fries, soft drinks, beer, and milkshakes. The food truck only serves three kinds of burgers. It kinda reminds me of the ‘Cheeseburger Cheeseburger‘ sketch that was on Saturday Night Live.

Here’s a close up of The Popper burger I ordered. It includes pickled jalapeños, jalapeño cream cheese, white American cheese, caramelized onions, bacon, shredded lettuce, fresh tomato and secret sauce served on a brioche bun. I admit, I like thicker burgers, but I liked this nicely spicey, very flavorful burger.

The fries, shown below, were another story. The pieces were small and didn’t have much flavor at all.

Americana’s restaurant is at 1033 NW Bond St, Suite 100 in Bend. Their food truck is at at the Podski pod at 536 NW Arizona Ave in Bend. Both locations are open from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm on Tuesday through Saturday. They’re closed on Sunday and Monday. The prices at Americana are relatively low.

Killer Burger

Next, I’m showing a burger from Killer Burger. Their menu includes nine beef burgers, including a Peanut Butter Pickle Bacon one. They also serve three chicken burgers, chicken tenders, and eight sauces. You can order three sizes of burgers, Pint, Original, and Double. Drinks include beer, cider, and soda.

I ordered a Classic burger in the Original size. It included bacon, American cheese, crisp lettuce, tomato, grilled onion, pickle, mayonnaise, and house sauce. I’ll have to go back and try something more unique next time. I thought the burger was better than average, but not outstanding.

The fries, however, were great! Nice and crispy and full of flavor.

Killer Burger is at 20789 NW Henry Ave, Suite 180 in Bend. They are open from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm daily. This restaurant is right next to Costco. They have other restaurants in western Oregon, eastern Washington, and in parts of Texas. Their prices are low to moderate.

Bend Burger Company burger and fries

Next, I’m sharing a picture of a burger from Bend Burger. I ordered the Pole Pedal Paddle burger. It included fresh cut charred jalapeños, mango ginger chutney, aged cheddar cheese, bacon, and mayonnaise. This burger was a wonderful combination of sweet and spicy. It does get messy, so be prepared. Do NOT attempt to eat this one while driving.

The fries were thick-cut and the serving size was large. However, they were a bit soggy, not crispy.

Bend Burger Company serves eight beef burgers, two chicken burgers, a tri-tip steak sandwich, BLTs, and a grilled cheese sandwich. They also have three salads. Bend Burger makes three kinds of fries, two kinds of tater tots, onion rings, and seven sauces. They serve the usual drinks plus milkshakes in six flavors.

Bend Burger is at 1939 NE 3rd Street in Bend. There’s also a Redmond location. They are open from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm daily. The prices are on the high end, but I’ve never had a bad burger there.

Best burger and fries?

So which place had the best burger and fries? I can’t really say. One burger was a smashburger, one was a classic burger, and one was a gourmet burger. If I rated just the beef patty, not including the bun or condiments, I’d have to say Americana.

The fries were easier to pick a favorite. Killer Burger’s fries were crispy and flavorful, just the way I like them.

Foodie Friday

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Watching backyard TV: Wordless Wednesday

March 25, 2026March 25, 2026 / SoyBend / 8 Comments

Watching backyard TV in Bend, Oregon

Wordless Wednesday

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Color in photos: RDP

March 23, 2026March 23, 2026 / SoyBend / 5 Comments

Color in photos highlights

a balance of form and function

medleys of wholesome tasty treats

and lanterns of luck and happiness

Color in photos highlights

rainbow rows of vegetables

bright graphic designs on balloons

and the personality of each ornate orchid

Yesterday’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge was to show colorful images in monotone. My post Scenes without color shows six black and white photographs of various scenes. In today’s post, I shared how the same images looked before I edited them by restoring the color. Both versions are beautiful in their own sort of way.

Ragtag Daily Prompt (RDP) – Restore

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Scenes without color: LAPC

March 22, 2026March 23, 2026 / SoyBend / 19 Comments

Scenes without color highlight

design elements of feathered finery

Artistic arrangements of snacks

and fantastical architectural forms

Scenes without color highlight

perfection in imperfect patterns

bold and buoyant formations

and the delicacy of floral details

To see these same images in color see my Color in photos post.

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Color in Black and White

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Infinity Chair: Pull Up a Seat

March 20, 2026March 20, 2026 / SoyBend / 7 Comments

The Infinity Chair is a marble sculpture created by Pedro Reyes in 2018. It’s on display at the Portland Art Museum in Oregon. Reyes is a multidisciplinary Mexican artist who studied architecture at Ibero-American University in Mexico City. Later, he became interested in sculpture.

Pull Up a Seat

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A falconry experience in Ireland

March 17, 2026March 17, 2026 / SoyBend / 19 Comments

When I visited Ireland with my daughter, one of our favorite things was a falconry experience in Dingle, County Kerry. The guides at the Dingle Falconry Experience tell you a bit about each bird they fly. You also get a chance to have the birds perch on your gloved hand.

Owls at Dingle Falconry Experience

One of the most impressive birds we saw was an Eurasian Eagle Owl, Bubo bubo.

Guide at Dingle Falconry Experience Ireland March 2020

I mentioned it in one of my previous posts. It is so heavy, the guide helps support your arm when it perches on you.

Our guide flew it from one post to another. See it in action in this video.

The bird with the most beautiful plumage was a Western Barn Owl, Tyto alba.

Barn owl up close, Dingle, Ireland March 2020

I took this photo of its back to get the details of its feathers. Note, I wasn’t really paying attention to the alignment of the background. 😀

The birds fly from person to person as you stand in a large circle. Here’s the Barn Owl flying around our group.

A stunning hawk

The Harris’s Hawk, Parabuteo unicinctus, had a powerful presence. Here it is up close.

Here’s the bird perching before it flies to the next participant.

A falcon in flight

When we were there, the guide used a lure with a piece of prey attached to exercise a falcon. Here’s a video of the bird in flight.

The Peregrine Falcon, Falco pergrinus, was gorgeous in flight and on the ground.

Here’s the bird eating a snack with the guide.

If you’re looking for an up-close and personal encounter with birds of prey, check out the Dingle Falconry Experience. It was educational and fun!

Birds of the Week

Hope you all have a Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

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Crane Hot Springs

March 15, 2026April 3, 2026 / SoyBend / 18 Comments

If you’re looking for a relaxing oasis in the middle of a desert, check out Crane Hot Springs near Burns, Oregon.

Hot springs in this area were first developed for commercial use in the 1920s. A dance hall and restaurant were built near Crane Hot Springs, but they burned down around 1930.

Over the years, this business has passed through several owners and is currently managed by Dan and Denise Kryger. They have been busy renovating and upgrading the property. They dug out the pond, built bathhouses, added RV facilities, and renovated the motel and cabins. Previously known as Crystal Crane Hot Springs (CCHS), the current owners shortened the name to Crane Hot Springs.

The restrooms and changing rooms are clean and comfortable. Here are a couple photos of them. I visited this hot spring decades ago and there have been huge improvements since then.

The large outdoor pond is the big attraction at this site. It measures 9,728 square feet in size and holds 323,143 gallons of water. Water in the pond reaches depths of almost seven feet. Water temperatures range from 99 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Private soaking tubs are also available.

One of the wonderful things about this place is that you can sit in the hot springs and view spectacular sunrises, sunsets, and dark skies bursting with stars.

Crane Hot Springs accommodations

This site has many overnight options available. There are several cabins to stay in, but you might also consider staying in a teepee, covered wagon, or their 5^th wheel rental. The smallest cabins, pictured below, have no restrooms but they are nearby. If you want to camp, there are dry camping or RV camping sites with full hookups available. We’ve stayed in our campervan here, in one of the rooms with its own spring-fed hot tub, and at a for rent by owner house nearby.

If you don’t want to spend the night, you can pay for day use at the hot springs. Prices for the large pond range from $5 to $15 for up to four hours. If you want to rent the smaller, private soaking tubs, it costs $15 per hour per person or $50 for two people for two hours.

Wildlife at Crane Hot Springs

The ponds on the property are great places to see some of the local wildlife. There’s one right next to the hot pool and another one a short walk away.

In past years, while participating in the Harney County Migratory Bird Festival, my tour group stopped here to look for birds.

You’ll see plenty of waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds in and around the ponds. Raptors can be seen feeding on the ground or drifting by on thermals overhead.

Yellow-headed blackbird Rising above the mist 6April2018

Steens mountain tour, western meadowlark eastern Oregon 6April2018

Turkey vulture eating ground squirrel, Harney County, OR 13April2019

Things to do nearby

There are some interesting things to do nearby. You can visit a unique round barn, drive around Steens Mountain, see the vast landscape of the Alvord Desert, and volcanic features at Diamond Craters. You may even glimpse wild horses, some of which are direct descendants of those brought here by the Spaniards in the seventeenth century. Gas stations in this rural area are few and far between, so plan your trips accordingly.

Brilliance of the desert, Big Indian Gorge, Steens Mountain, Oregon 28 August 2019

Horses near Steens Mountain, Oregon August 2019

Crane Hot Springs is at 59315 OR-78, Burns, Oregon. The hot springs are open from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm daily. If you plan to stay there, make your reservations here.

Pets are allowed in your RV and in 15 of the rooms. Dogs must be on leash on the grounds.

If you are here for day use, be aware that pets are not allowed near the outdoor pond. You are also not supposed to leave them in your vehicle. Since many travelers like to travel with their dogs, I hope they can add the doggie daycare a staff person mentioned SOON.

Our local TV station, Central Oregon Daily, did a great story on Crane Hot Springs on April 2, 2026. Watch it here. It includes some wonderful aerial views.

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Time to Relax

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Andina in Portland: Foodie Friday

March 13, 2026March 13, 2026 / SoyBend / 2 Comments

When I spoke with a couple acquaintances in Bend about restaurants to try in Portland, Oregon, both mentioned Andina immediately. This Peruvian restaurant opened in 2003. Their website notes how they “bring the warmth of the Peruvian spirit into every aspect of the dining experience.”

You can order small plates, main dishes, sides, and a wide variety of drinks here. We ordered two drinks and shared four small plates on our visit last month. There was plenty of food, and I thought the price was reasonable.

The Anticucho de Pollo is like a complete meal on a small plate. It included a chicken skewer, crispy potatoes, huancaína verde, and salsa criolla. The chicken was nicely spiced and the potato chips were very crunchy.

The Peruvian Scalloped Potatoes was our favorite dish. It included purple majesty & Yukon gold potatoes, and ají panca bechamel, with salsa verde on the side. This dish wasn’t fancy, but it was delicious.

We ordered two ceviches. The Ceviche de Conchas included weathervane scallops, tomatillos, jimmy nardellos, sweet corn, and Walla Walla sweets onions topped with ham dust and cilantro. The scallops had a melt in your mouth texture and the spices gave it a bit of a bite.

We also ordered a Ceviche de Alcachofa. This vegetarian ceviche included artichoke, roasted peppers, avocado, pepitas, ají limo and coconut leche de tigre topped with cilantro and fennel. This dish had a blend of smooth and crunchy textures in a coconut broth spiced up with aji limo peppers.

The Limonada de Maracuya was my favorite drink on my short trip to Portland. This nonalcoholic passion fruit limeade had a refreshing taste. It was so good I wanted to order a second one, but I resisted the urge.

We arrived right when Andina opened and did not have a reservation. We sat at the copper-covered bar counter. This is a popular restaurant so if you want a table, be sure to make reservations in advance.

Andina location and hours

Andina is located at 1314 NW Glisan St in downtown Portland. It’s open daily from 4:00 to 9:00 pm. Andina serves brunch from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Happy hour is from 4:00 to 5:00 pm daily.

Foodie Friday

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Flag bridge through the seasons: Wordless Wednesday

March 11, 2026March 11, 2026 / SoyBend / 4 Comments

Rainbow flag bridge, Bend, Oregon 21June2019

Flag bridge through the seasons in the Old Mill district of Bend, Oregon

Wordless Wednesday

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Backyard Byway: LAPC

March 10, 2026March 10, 2026 / SoyBend / 22 Comments

On my backyard byway,

I paddle past active volcanoes

South Sister from Hosmer Lake

Reflected in alpine lakes

Mt. Bachelor from Little Lava Lake

I stomp along trails with my snowshoes

Swampy Lakes Short Snowshoe trail, Bend, Oregon 14Feb2017

Swampy Lakes Sno-Park

and watch skiers carve their signatures across hillsides

Mt. Bachelor

I drive past ridges reaching for roads

Todd Ridge

and hike to places of reflection

Blow Lake, Oregon

I see water levels fluctuate in reservoirs

Wickiup Reservoir

and the rebirth of forests after fire

Cedar Creek Fire

On my backyard byway,

I watch foliage explode with color

Fall foliage

and wild ones along the byway watching me

Great blue heron

I took the photos on this post on the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway in Central Oregon. This 66-mile long road snakes its way past majestic volcanic peaks and numerous alpine lakes.

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge (LAPC) – Your Journey

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A ghostly cottonwood: Monochrome Monday

March 9, 2026March 9, 2026 / SoyBend / 4 Comments

A ghostly cottonwood at Summer Lake, Oregon

Monochrome Monday

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Native American fisherman sculpture: Sculpture Saturday

March 7, 2026March 1, 2026 / SoyBend / 4 Comments

This life-sized Native American fisherman sculpture is at the Columbia Gorge Museum in Stevenson, Washington. This sculpture shows how people of nearby tribes fished in the Columbia River with dip nets. One of their favorite fishing spots was at Celilo Falls. When The Dalles Dam was completed in 1957, the falls disappeared within hours.

Today, you might see a Native American fisherman fishing from platforms at Cascade Locks, Oregon, near the Bridge of the Gods.

To taste locally harvested seafood, be sure to visit the Brigham Fish Market in Cascade Locks. They serve great fish and chips and clam chowder!

Sculpture Saturday

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Penjing drawing & photo: First Friday Art

March 6, 2026March 6, 2026 / SoyBend / 4 Comments

Today I’m sharing a colored pencil penjing drawing I quickly drew this morning. Penjing, or penzai, is the Chinese version of Japanese bonsai. While bonsai often focuses on a single tree, penjing represents a scene in nature in a “three-dimensional painting.”

In China, these plantings have been created since at least the Han dynasty (206 B.C. to 221 A.D.).

My drawing is based on a penjing planting at the Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland, Oregon. In my photo below, the wall of the gift shop made an interesting background.

I’ve always admired the artistry that goes into creating penjings. It requires a lot of patience and foresight.

Do you have artwork you would like to share? Be sure to include the First Friday Art tag.

First Friday Art

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Oregon Trunk Railroad Bridge: Wordless Wednesday

March 4, 2026March 4, 2026 / SoyBend / 8 Comments

Oregon Trunk Railroad Bridge

Wordless Wednesday

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Giant Pacific octopus up close: Macro Monday

March 2, 2026March 2, 2026 / SoyBend / 8 Comments

Giant Pacific octopus up close vignette

Macro Monday

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Shadows play: LAPC

March 1, 2026March 1, 2026 / SoyBend / 23 Comments

Shadows play

Within deep glacially carved gorges filled with fall foliage

And shallow grooves in clay created by an artist’s hands

Shadows gather

Around the powerful presence of a goat the color of snow

And along straight and curved ridges in a garden of sand

Shadows play

Among towering sentinels standing guard over thundering waterfalls

And around a grand and forever grounded aircraft

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Shadowed

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Please Participate: Monochrome Monday

February 23, 2026February 23, 2026 / SoyBend / Leave a comment

Please Participate by Jeppe Hein 2015 at Portland Art Museum, Oregon

Monochrome Monday

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Mt Hood from above: WS & OWS

February 22, 2026February 22, 2026 / SoyBend / 8 Comments

I took this photo of Mt Hood from above a couple of weeks ago.

If you look closely, you can see a couple other volcanoes in the background. Mt Adams, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Rainier are all close by.

The skies were beautiful that day, but at this time of the year they should be more cloudy and gray than blue. Snow accumulation on the mountain has been much lower than usual this season. This has affected winter recreation and all the other businesses associated with it. Fortunately, a recent storm system dumped a lot of snow on Mt Hood.

Weekend Sky (WS) & One Word Sunday (OWS) – Blue

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JIA Asian Street Kitchen: Foodie Friday

February 20, 2026February 20, 2026 / SoyBend / 2 Comments

JIA Asian Street Kitchen is tucked away in the corner of a mall in southwestern Bend, Oregon. They serve a wide selection of meals, drinks, and appetizers.

The best thing we had on a recent visit was the JIA Popcorn Shrimp appetizer. You can dip tempura shrimp into spicy Gochujang aioli and Wasabi aioli sauces. Both were good. This dish comes with Vietnamese rice crackers, pictured below in the glass. I describe these crackers as “crunchy air.” 😀

The JIA’s BBQ Set, shown below, is one of their Chef’s Specials. It includes BBQ chicken marinated in lemongrass for 24 hours. It also features a green papaya salad, sticky rice in an upright basket, and tamarind and sweet chili dipping sauces. My dining companion didn’t particularly like the chicken’s flavor, but others may feel differently. He described the rice as “tough”, but did like the papaya salad.

For my main dish, I ordered the Khao Soil. This is a coconut curry soup from Northern Thailand. Tender egg noodles and grilled chicken fill the rich coconut broth. It’s topped with crisp-fried wontons, fried shallots, pickled mustard greens, and raw shallots. A drizzle of hot chili oil adds a touch of heat. I liked the spiciness of the broth and the crunchiness of the fried wontons.

JIA Asian Street Kitchen serves several cocktails with interesting names. The Unblinkable, shown below, is “A tamed dragon’s eye drifts atop Brazil’s dragon tears, enveloped in the ethereal mist of Oregon spirit absinthe a bold blend of Leblon cachaca, Midori, lemon, pineapple, and a touch of absinthe.”

Interior design

The interior design includes a lively mural, paper lanterns, and lit-up clouds and a moon.

Rattan hanging lights and a life-size artificial cherry tree decorate the rest of the space.

The food we ordered on this and previous visits was generally good. The unique interior design is memorable.

On this visit, there was a new element in the dining area. A remote-controlled food cart delivered our food. Yeah, really. While it gets your attention, I’m not sure it’s necessary. Will photos of the cart be shared on social media? Yup, that’s what I just did!

JIA Asian Street Kitchen location and hours

JIA Asian Street Kitchen is at 19570 Amber Meadow Dr. #100, Bend, OR 97702. They are open from 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM on Mondays through Thursdays, 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and 12:00 AM – 8:00 PM on Sundays.

Foodie Friday

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Lunar New Year decorations: RDP

February 17, 2026February 17, 2026 / SoyBend / 14 Comments

When I visited the Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland, Oregon last week, I saw several Lunar New Year decorations. They were prepping the garden for celebrations on February 17, the day the 2026 lunar new year begins.

This impressive dragon was inside one of the buildings hovering over a table and desk.

I zoomed in to get a better view. The colors and textures were gorgeous.

Outside, a jumping fish floated over the pond.

Here is a closer view of it surfacing near an arch, lotus blossom, and smaller fish.

In another part of the pond, a dragon curls around mountains in the clouds. All of these Lunar New Year decorations showed a lot of expression.

Speaking of expression, I’m also sharing a sculpture of a horse at the nearby Portland Art Museum. I thought it was appropriate since it’s the year of the horse. Recent “Horse” years include 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, and 2026.

The chinesenewyear.net website describes those born in the year of the horse as follows:

Horses are lively, charming, and adventurous. In the zodiac, they thrive in lively settings and are often seen as natural leaders and motivators.

This Prancing Horse sculpture, by an unidentified artist, is made of gray earthenware with traces of calcified green lead glaze. The sculpture is from China, Sichuan province. It is likely from Chengdu, Tianhuishan and created in the 2nd century CE.

I really liked the face on this sculpture. Is it grimacing or grinning? Hmm…

For more info and photos about Lan Su Chinese Garden, see my previous post.

Ragtag Daily Prompt (RDP) – Celebrations!

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When you trim a photo: LAPC

February 15, 2026February 15, 2026 / SoyBend / 19 Comments

When you trim a photo

you may notice exhalations in the skies

and the embrace of trees

Dark islands may emerge

from shallow seas of dense fog

in the ring of fire

When you crop photos

you may notice red, yellow, and green layers about to fall

or a rainbow of colors about to rise

When you trim a photo

you may notice soft curving lines

on a feline’s fur

Rigid radiating lines may emerge

Brushed with pale whispers

of an owl’s wisdom

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge (LAPC) – Unusual crop

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Cirrus clouds over cities haiku: Skywatch Friday

February 13, 2026February 13, 2026 / SoyBend / 16 Comments

graceful fragile flocks
cirrus clouds over cities
blown by winter winds

Skywatch Friday

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astonishment: LAPC

February 10, 2026February 10, 2026 / SoyBend / 14 Comments

I draw in a breath in a moment of astonishment

when viewing artwork, delicate yet strong

And when seeing string sculptures scattered around a winter garden

I gasp with excitement

when two fine drakes line up perfectly for my lens

And when viewing a peaceful place in the center of a bustling city

I draw in a breath in a moment of astonishment

when tasting a marvelous blend of spicey and smooth, cilantro and coconut

And when seeing architectural wonders paying homage to trees

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – What Astonishes You?

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Abstract in an elevator: 1 to 3 Challenge

February 9, 2026February 9, 2026 / SoyBend / 13 Comments

On a recent trip to Portland, Oregon, I saw this abstract in an elevator. The patterns were created by reflections of lights on the stainless steel walls. At first, I was going to show this picture in black and white, but the different colored lights made it more interesting. This week, I decided to use photography effects that show the designs in even more abstract ways.

I used Corel PaintShopPro 2021 for different photo processing effects on this picture of the elevator. In the original image I increased the contrast and cropped the edges. Use the slider to view each effect compared to the original.

Abstract in an elevator three ways

In the first photo, I used a distortion effect. I went to Effects>Distortion Effects>Polar Coordinates and chose the Rectangular to Polar effect with a black background. With this effect, the program “maps pixels from Cartesian to polar coordinates.” Some describe this technique as creating ‘little planets’ from the original photo. With the black background, I thought this image looked like a distant galaxy, with a twist.

In the next photo, I also used a distortion effect. I went to Effects>Distortion Effects>Twirl and used the Right 180 setting. This effect distorts the image by twirling it around its center. I like the swooping action created by this effect. All the straight lines disappeared.

In the last abstract in an elevator photo, I used a reflection effect. I went to Effects>Reflection Effects>Kaleidoscope and used the Default setting with a reflected edge. This effect turns a pie-shaped area of the image into a circular pattern. I like how this effect turns pictures of ordinary objects into something extraordinary.

This freight elevator was in the Portland Art Museum in Oregon. Even a functional item like an elevator was beautiful.

One-to-Three Photo Processing Challenge February 2026

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3 fish 3 ways: First Friday Art

February 7, 2026February 7, 2026 / SoyBend / Leave a comment

Today, I’m sharing images I created of 3 fish 3 ways. When I took an ichthyology class at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington, we visited the aquarium in Vancouver, B.C. Our assignment was to sketch some of the fish we saw and write down notes related to their life history. What a fun assignment! 😀

My first picture shows a pencil sketch of three fish. I drew a Longnose Butterflyfish, Forcipiger longirostris, a Swallow-tailed Angelfish, Genicanthus melanospilos, and a Smoothed Unicorn Tang, Naso lituratus. These three have great common names.

I traced a copy of the pencil drawing and outlined each fish with an ink brush pen.

In the last of my 3 fish 3 ways pictures, I quickly filled in the ink outlines with watercolor pens. The coloring of these fish varies widely.

Note to self… use a good quality watercolor paper next time. Since I used cheap printer paper, the paint dried fast and I couldn’t blend it.

Here’s the watercolor pen set I used. I found it at one of the gift stores in downtown Bend. I like having them organized in a handy case.

Do you have artwork you would like to share? Be sure to include the First Friday Art tag.

First Friday Art

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Cat on a golden rug: Wordless Wednesday

February 4, 2026February 3, 2026 / SoyBend / Leave a comment

Cat on a golden rug

Wordless Wednesday

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Designs in… :LAPC

February 3, 2026February 2, 2026 / SoyBend / 18 Comments

Designs in… nature

may be spikey and sharp

curve around contours

or fracture along fault lines

Designs in… the human-made world

may symbolize city skylines

carved details of the cosmos

or footpaths leading us forward

Lens-Artist Photography Challenge – Looking back to 174 – Shapes and design

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In turbulent times haiku: The Weekend in Black and White

January 30, 2026January 30, 2026 / SoyBend / Leave a comment

in turbulent times
barriers bring together
remnants of autumn

The Weekend in Black and White

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Joe Feddersen baskets: Wordless Wednesday

January 28, 2026January 28, 2026 / SoyBend / 2 Comments

Joe Feddersen baskets at the High Desert Museum, Bend, Oregon

Wordless Wednesday

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Go Speed Racer?: Birds of the Week

January 27, 2026January 27, 2026 / SoyBend / 7 Comments

Last April, we had an unexpected Speed Racer show up in our yard.

We could see that the pigeon had a yellow band on one leg and a blue one on the other.

We also noticed how tame the bird was. It walked right up to us without any fear.

I called the local animal rescue organization, and they said they don’t deal with pigeons, aka Rock Pigeons, Columba livia. They referred me to the local Central Oregon Racing Pigeon Club. When I sent them photos, they determined it belonged to one of their members.

They instructed me to keep it in a safe place until they could drive to our house to pick it up. The guy asked, more than once, if it was able to escape since they’d had other calls where the bird got away before they arrived. I reassured him that the bird could not escape.

Racing Pigeons

After he picked up the Speed Racer pigeon, I did a little research on racing pigeons. According to the America Racing Pigeon Union, there are more than 700 affiliated clubs around the country. They recommend this hobby to people who enjoy working with animals and appreciate their athleticism. The races their members participate in range from 100 to 600 miles in distance.

Pigeon racing is popular throughout the world. These birds were domesticated thousands of years ago, and the sport of pigeon racing began in the 19th century. Participants in this sport take it very seriously and are willing to pay high prices for the birds. The highest price paid was 1.9 million dollars. The higher priced birds often originate from Belgium.

Because of their high value, racing pigeons are often stolen. One well-known breeder in Belgium, Frans Bungeneers, had 60 birds stolen from his property in 2017. Some of these heists read like a fictional thriller. Today’s breeders rely on cameras, sensors, and alarms to protect their Speed Racer birds.

Birds of the Week

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Tacos El Machin location and hours

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Americana burger and fries

Killer Burger

Bend Burger Company burger and fries

Best burger and fries?

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Owls at Dingle Falconry Experience

A stunning hawk

A falcon in flight

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Crane Hot Springs accommodations

Wildlife at Crane Hot Springs

Things to do nearby

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Andina location and hours

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Interior design

JIA Asian Street Kitchen location and hours

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