Whose Market? Farmers' Market!

We were first introduced to the joys of the local Farmers Market while we were on vacation in Madison, Wisconsin. The market wrapped around the capital building and we spent a couple hours walking around gathering items for a delicious lunch. We went the Moore, Oklahoma Farmers Market a couple times but unfortunately it was very, very small and lacked a great variety. However, it was a good place to pick up some locally grown tomatoes.

A couple weeks ago on a cool, rainy Sunday morning we ventured to the Hillsboro Farmers Market. It was held in a parking lot in the Orenco Station area of Hillsboro. At first we were a little disappointed by the size, but has we walked past the various booths we found lots of produce we wanted to buy. We ended up leaving with a bag full of potatoes, tomatoes, onions, apples, apple cider, flowers, and a mini cheesecake. All the produce was fantastic and we ate great for the week that followed. Unfortunately the weekend we went was the last weekend for the Hillsboro Farmers Market, but the Portland Farmers Market continues into to November so we have added that to our list of things to do. Needless to say we will make visiting the Farmers Market a regular weekly activity next spring and summer.

Bad news for the sinus impaired

We admit, we have some sinus issues. The whole crackdown on meth-heads has impacted us, not because we like to make our house into a bomb, but because we have occasional nasal congestion issues. Sudafed has been our go-to to relief the nasal congestion. Unfortunately, states and federal bans (batteries are used in this horrific concoction, but you don't need a permit to buy those) have made buying Sudafed (containing pseudoephedrine) difficult. We know, we could get the Sudafed PE, but it just doesn't work the same.

So what the heck does all this have to do with okc2pdx? Well, this issue gives us a chance to compare Oklahoma and Oregon once again! In OK, you have to go to the pharmacy counter and ask for the 'real' Sudafed. Then they scan your drivers license (supposedly to go into some database), have you sign a book, and you have to pay at the pharmacy counter. You are limited to a certain amount of Sudafed (9 grams or 12 30-count boxes) per month.

Oregon takes the restriction one step further! In Oregon, you have to have a prescription from a doctor in order to get the formerly over-the-counter Sudafed. This makes Sudafed more expensive, since you at least have a copay at the doctor, then the cost of the product. This is not limited to Sudafed, any medicine with pseudoephedrine requires a prescription in Oregon. We found that out the other day when our sinuses were acting up. We were forced to buy the "fake" Sudafed.

Well, there you have it, our first gripe about Portland.

Post about the coast

A benefit of living in Portland is that you can go to the coast for a day (or even a part of a day). In a little over an hours time, you can drive out to the Pacific Ocean. But first, you must drive through the mountains of the Oregon Coast Range.

The Oregon Coast Range is a majestic stretch of mountains running parallel to the Pacific Ocean. The range spans from about 20 miles west of Portland out to the Ocean. Formed millions of years ago by volcanic activity caused by the subduction of the Pacific plate ... well let's just get to the scenery. Other than a few small towns and the two-lane highway, there was nothing but mountains and trees. The trees came right up to the road in many places and were some of the tallest fur trees we've ever seen! The roads wound around the mountains. But fortunately, no steep drop-offs.

We decided to head to Cannon Beach, about the closest coastal town to Portland. If you have seen any of those movies about coastal towns in the Pacific Northwest, then you probably have an idea of the feel of the town (see The Goonies). We found some public parking and walked out to the beach. Now remember, this is not your "fun-in-the-sun" kind of beach (except for a month or two in the summer). But, it is an awesome beach for taking a walk, enjoying the cool air of the Pacific Ocean, and seeing this:


Haystack Rock! This is a monster outcropping from just off of the beach. Very photogenic and impressive. If you watch the afore mentioned movie, "The Goonies", then you have probably seen this formation. You can't miss it once you get to the beach.

While in town we stopped at a great seafood restaurant, Mo's. We had some clam chowder, clam strips, pop-corn scallops, and bread. A very delicious lunch. If you are ever along the Pacific Coast of Oregon, we would recommend finding one and eating a meal or two there.

Our trip to the coast was only a half-day trip. But we got to see plenty of fur-tree covered mountains, beaches, and the ocean.

Happy Caturday!

Crazy Soy Sauce Commercial

I literally just saw this commercial while watching the noon news. I couldn't believe my eyes...dancing soy sauce?! It doesn't get any better than that.