Last night I escorted my mother to a dinner where she was receiving and award. The dinner turned out to be the annual dinner of the Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation. Good Sam is the hospital that's in the middle of downtown so, given the sort of people they get for a foundation, I spent the evening with the old money of Portland -- name tags had names that are on buildings in this town.

Anyway, my mother received her recognition as a "Treasure of Good Samaritan" for her 30+ years of volunteer work. The other honorees were the Episcopal bishop of Oregon and a doctor how has lead woman's cradiac research and care for years. This should give you some idea of the honor. Good work mother.