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I learned a lot of my garden techniques from Growingyourgreens.com - also the best garden book is the "Square Foot Garden" because of its ease in results, simplicity to set up, and in-depth explanations.

For starting something brand new, just go buy a variety of squash, cucumber, and zucchini seeds – just $10-$15 worth, get’m at Fred Meyers or anywhere that sells seed packets. These are very easy to grow, and you can get kid-friendly squash pumpkin varieties. Just set a seed down on the ground with a spot that has good sunlight, cover it with a little bit of soil, and water. Keep watering twice every week because the seeds will take some time crack open and warm weather to germinate. The plants will grow huge, you'll get a nice harvest, a lot more than you’ll be able to eat. Things like tomatoes and peppers require lots of pruning, leafy greens are better in raised beds – but squash, cucumber, and zucchini are an easy win. Also, you should start an herb garden ASAP; lavender, mint, parsley, basil, ect… - herbs grow easily in containers, just keep them in sunshine and give them water.

If you want to rig together something simple, then growing sugar-snap peas and green beans is incredibly simple. Just hang nylon trellis off of anything: the south side of your house, off a tree limb, wherever - plant the peas or beans below. If you do construct something like this, then I’ll even send you some of my rare Achocha seed as a celebratory gift for your introduction to gardening! Just shoot me a PM when you have it constructed.

There’s a secret to fruit trees: go to any of the big-box stores around September or October - during that time they’ll be liquidating the last of their seasonal trees, you can get mature trees for only $10 (normally, $25-$30). Be sure to look into how to “train” and “prune” a tree, and the next year you’ll have an great harvest. If you want to save even more money, just consider growing the tree yourself: save some apple seeds in the refrigerator for a month, then start them outside during spring or summer in a deep pot, after the first year, transplant them. In 3-5 years you’ll have fruit.

Good luck!

Two general types of experience you can get: hands-on, and book learning.

The former is very important, but not too difficult to do. A fair number of people in the Portland area go mushroom hunting occasionally, even if they only know a species of two. Sucking up to the right people is surprisingly effective. Also, getting in touch with or joining organizations like Oregon Mycological Society or the Cascade Mycological Society can be immensely helpful in making contacts and finding hunting partners/mentors.

The latter is also very important, as there is some much you can learn without actually holding a mushroom in your hands. For books, accessible guides like Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest and All That the Rain promises and More are great for getting started, and heftier books like Mushrooms Demystified are good for those looking to take the next step in learning. Online, the hunting and identification board on The Shroomery, Mushroom Observer, and /r/mycology are great places to lurk and just soak in info, while sites like Mushroom Expert are good places to explore and follow what interests you.

Plenty of my friends garden here. I think it can be difficult to grow things that need lots of intense sun (tomatoes only do so-so), but lots of other stuff can be grown.

This book:
Growing Vegetables West of the Cascades The Complete Guide to Organic Gardening by Steve Solomon is supposed to be pretty definitive for this area. (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1570615349)

You can also go to the many farmers markets for fresh produce and advice on growing your own.


As others have said, it's not so much the rain, but the grey. I don't think we get that many inches of rain, but late fall, winter, and early spring can be dreary. But you can drive 80 miles up the gorge and be in sunnier but colder weather.

We get very little snow... maybe one or two days a year where it sticks. A couple years ago, we had snow on the ground for almost a week.

I remember calling my dad (who lived in Wisconsin) one day in the spring. I was out mowing the lawn and he had just shoveled 2 feet of snow off the sidewalks.

I love it here. I'd enjoy living short-term in other places, but of all the places I've already been, this is the one I like the most.

It's a very unique environment here with a short growing season. I guarantee this book will set a lot of things straight, just ignore his dogmatism. You can buy it at any nursery, it's basically the bible of veg gardening in the PNW.

Besides reading that book the other thing I strongly anyone to do is use seeds selected for our region. It matters more for tropicals (tomatoes, etc.) but it's always a good idea. Territorial seeds is a good place to start but try to order everything at once, because they criminally overcharge on shipping for small orders. They are also available at most nurseries.

Slugs are inevitable and need to be treated with Sluggo or some (organic?) alternative. Make sure to do a dose in the fall to get the f*ckers before they reproduce. Consider indoor/hydroponic gardening if a short, rainy, sluggy season isn't your thing. Or to supplement to your outdoor garden (it's cheap to grow salad greens indoors, tropicals are another matter).

Lastly some years are "cabbage years", so no matter what you do, we won't get enough sun to get a good crop. Therefore, if you like cabbage you're in luck, because cabbage always produces year after year.

Yeah, those are all looking pretty good. You could probably harvest a lot of that big kale leafs.

Also, for cucumbers, try growing them vertically by constructing a trellis above them. Cucumbers and pumpkins do best when growing vertically as it exposes more flowers to the air (and pollinators).

I like this style: https://www.amazon.com/Gardeneer-Dalen-Trellis-Heavy-Duty-Tangle-Free/dp/B000BZ8FXS/

Also: sweet pad.

A great book on the subject [The High Cost Of Free Parking] ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/193236496X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_tQ5czbK5B2K1P) shows how parking requirements in development make us all blindly legally subsidize a high-pollution way of life (to the tune of $127B in 2002 dollars) rather than allowing a market to determine the true costs of parking. It's required reading for Urban Designers.

Just know how to pronounce certain rivers and areas.Pick up Chuck Palaniuk's Fugitives and refugees http://www.amazon.com/Fugitives-Refugees-Portland-Oregon-Journeys/dp/1400047838, great read about how Portland was and what its has turned into.Have a bike?Go on some Midnight Mystery Bike rides.Downtown P-town can suck some times.Momo's is a good bar.Don't go to VooDoo doghnuts it's such bullshit.Powell's is cool.There is more to Portland then just Trendy Third and Downtown.Check out SE.it's a lot more fun.

Three good options listed here, I've done #3, Nestucca River Road and it was great, low-stress and passes through some beautiful country. From Portland take the MAX light rail to the end of the line in Hillsboro (shoot for mid-day so you aren't trying to cram a bike and panniers on a crowded rush hour train).

Elevation profile

Oregonian article from a few years ago

We left a little late, maybe 1pm and just barely made it to our BLM campground (Dovre maybe?) at dusk. It's all downhill after that to Beaver.

I will add that a few miles of 101 south of Beaver are a little uncomfortable to ride as there's little / no shoulder, unlike most of the rest of 101. If you pass through this section from further north (the Tillamook option, for instance) I believe they route bikes around on a scenic alternate road-- these are well marked and a common feature of 101. However the Beaver / Cloverdale area isn't very long, so it's not a huge concern IMO.

If you have the Adventure Cycling maps they might come in handy. Much more detailed info (accurate elevation profiles!) than what's included in the book everyone gets, but the later has a nice narrative.

EDIT: typos

I have this one:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004XC6GJ0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

(a slightly older version of the ARRIS) - worked great for me while i had comcast, but I've moved and now I'm stuck with DSL :(. You're welcome to it (for free) if 1) you want it, and 2) I can find it this weekend.

inbox me if you're interested. Oh, you'd need to pick it up in Beaverton - Cedar Hills area.

Would this be a better solution? I'm thinking about buying one. Seems more effective than mace.

Get yourself a copy of this book or this one and just start banging them out. Pro tip: don't just look in Oregon. At least half of the best hikes in your radius are in Washington. Both of those books have solid southern Washington sections.

Speaking of Washington, I wouldn't take the time to drive to Crater Lake until you've been to Mt Rainier and Mt St Helens. Both are closer to Portland and I my opinion more interesting areas to explore.

I'm not spending a single weekend in the city this summer and I couldn't be happier.

https://www.amazon.com/Delta-Cycle-Airzound-Bike-colors/dp/B000ACAMJC


Yes, just recommended this elsewhere in the thread.

Excellent investment.

That really is the best, and if you like

mushrooms https://www.amazon.com/Mushrooms-Demystified-David-Arora/dp/0898151694
or https://www.amazon.com/All-That-Rain-Promises-More/dp/0898153883

or rocks https://www.amazon.com/Gem-Trails-Oregon-Garret-Romaine/dp/1889786446

If you think mascaras are deathcaps, I strongly suggest not eating anymore wild mushrooms until you get a better understanding of the local varieties. here's a good guide

"Within a few hours" literally means the entirety of the Mt Hood National Forest, the entirety of the Tillamook National Forest, and a good chunk of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. All of those are withing a 2 hour drive of downtown.

Now, what kind of hiking do you want? A simple day hike that lasts a couple hours? Something more strenuous that would take all day? Or something that would take a day or two and involve camping?

I would suggest getting 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Portland and reading up. I've hiked about 45-50 of those hikes at various times in my life, and aside from the urban hikes along the Springwater Corridor and such, they're all proper natural hikes.

http://www.amazon.com/Fugitives-Refugees-Portland-Oregon-Journeys/dp/1400047838

>Fugitives and Refugees is a must for anyone who may, in their lives, go to Portland. But its appeal should reach beyond Oregonians. Palahniuk's love of the city is so great, and his stories so weirdly wonderful, it makes one want to get out of the house, get in the car, and drive to Portland right away.

It also has my absolute favorite cover of ANY book. Middle of the woods? Check. Massive fungus? Check. Trombone? Sure. Tuxedo? Why the hell not. It is simply magnificent.

http://www.amazon.com/All-That-Rain-Promises-More/dp/0898153883

Can't vouch for it yet but am very impressed with the reviews on this book. http://www.amazon.com/Growing-Vegetables-West-Cascades-6th/dp/1570615349/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1345180353&sr=1-1&keywords=steve+solomon

the key isnt that the normal folk like you and me should pay more.

The top 1-2% pay jackshit compared to the rest of us.

have stocks? they pay even less.

> Traditional classroom Education is meaningless for these people. Teach them a TRADE, something worth while.

100% totally agree! https://www.amazon.com/Death-Expertise-Campaign-Established-Knowledge/dp/0190469412

this is a great read. he actually talks about how college has become a money making scheme more than a concerned about education.

I don't have extensive experience with books on Portland, but I recommend Fugitives and Refugees: A Walk in Portland, Oregon

It looks more interesting than this one: https://www.amazon.com/Chubster-Hipsters-Losing-Weight-Staying/dp/0547559348

These are also a good option: https://smile.amazon.com/3M-8511PB1-Particulate-Respirator-10-Pack/dp/B0002YKBV2/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1504624575&sr=8-6&keywords=3m+p95

Welcome to all of news media currently.

Not good. If you want more insight into this: http://www.amazon.com/Trust-Me-Lying-Confessions-Manipulator/dp/1591846285/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

This may help too

Seriously, I have my mushroom book with the delighted trumpet man on the cover and I just need some rain.

Careful, you are mocking a celebrated author.

I like the 8511 style, because the vent makes them more comfortable.

Recommended reading: 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles of Portland

You still have time to order them on Amazon and get them delivered by Thursday. I just ordered these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002YKBV2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-SB6121-SURFboard-DOCSIS-Cable/dp/B004XC6GJ0/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

Get that, you wont be disappointed.

Like hopstar said, if you're getting speeds that bad it's more likely the coaxial than the modem. That said, I rock the SB6121 the little brother to the one linked to above. And it's doing great. I don't pay for 50mbit service, but I get everything I pay for with brand new cable from the pole, to the house, to the modem.

I have a used docsis 3 modem that I'd be willing to part with for $35 (you come get it) or $40 (I come your way). I switched to fiber and don't have a use for it anymore. It works fine, but it is a modem-only (no built-in wifi).

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004XC6GJ0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://smile.amazon.com/Delta-Cycle-Airzound-Hooter-Rechargeable/dp/B000ACAMJC

Non-mobile: this thing

^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?

https://www.amazon.com/SABRE-Red-Pepper-Gel-Strength/dp/B004NKSPR8/?th=1&psc=1

I don't get anything for mentioning it, but it works on both dogs, and dog owners.

You need a Club. At the very least, it's a deterrent.

http://www.amazon.com/Club-1000-Original-Steering-Wheel/dp/B0000CBILL

How about gem and mineral specimens?

one more

>...I should consider getting one (but my laziness suggests that it won't happen).

http://www.amazon.com/Club-1000-Original-Steering-Wheel/dp/B0000CBILL

Here is the desktop version of your link

A book? Portland City Walks or 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Portland

Option 1

Option 2

mcleay park
all the falls around multnomah

http://amazon.com/60-Hikes-Within-Miles-Including/dp/0897325125

And the book.

nods wisely

OK, here's the deal: I'm a cop who has a fair bit of experience with the whole "self-defense" thing. If you want your wife to be able to protect herself from some kind of attack, a knife is an absolutely terrible way to do that. Don't get me wrong, a good pocket knife is something that everyone should carry: they are super useful for opening packages, cutting up snacks, even trimming hangnails in a pinch. But when a bad guy is trying to do you harm, a knife is a really bad way to stop it.

The very best thing your wife can do is to take a good self-defense class and learn some basic situational awareness, because the best way to win a fight is to avoid a fight. If she really wants to be able to protect herself, get her some good strong pepper spray. A good dose of this in the bad guy's face will give her time to run like hell and get help. Another good, but more expensive and less reliable, method is a Taser. Not some shitty stun gun that commonly gets called a "Taser," but and actual "probes shoot out and embed in the bad guy" Taser. Stun guns just cause a little sharp pain where and when they touch, but the taser gives you stand-off distance, and actually locks us the major muscles of the bad guy for 30 seconds (on this model, at least) if it gets a good hit. That said, I've used a Taser X26 on people a number of times, and when it works, it works great, but about a third of the time it doesn't work at all. A gun is a last-ditch choice, and then only if your wife is willing to put an enormous amount of time, effort, and money into instruction, training, and regular practice.

I've lived here for almost 20 years now and probably half the shows I've been to have been at the Roseland. I've always felt like there was something vaguely dark about it, so when I found out about the murder in its history it didn't surprise me a lot. It's definitely a story from the city's Drugstore Cowboy and Fugitives and Refugees days.

Just ask them to put this on their dog. It sprays a lemon scent when he barks and will deff make him stop. Problem solved. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002D31QU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1421026917&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX200_QL40

Dear Portland:

https://www.amazon.com/Club-1000-Original-Steering-Wheel/dp/B0000CBILL


I have no idea why the company isn't advertising the fuck out of Portland.

And before anyone says it, most car thieves are opportunist, not professionals. Of course, the club problem wold be solved with a metal steering wheel with a leather wrap.

Not only does he have a law degree, but he also wrote a weight loss book.

There's extensive, well-regarded research showing that parking requirements raise rents: http://www.amazon.com/High-Cost-Parking-Updated-Edition/dp/193236496X Professional economists overwhelmingly agree with that book's core claims: http://www.igmchicago.org/igm-economic-experts-panel/poll-results?SurveyID=SV_3aeMp7lK74rrVFa

You can choose it ignore it, and there's no such thing as conclusive "proof", but saying the evidence isn't incredibly strong is basically sticking your head in the sand.

For blackberries you want this thing. Maybe a flamethrower if shit gets real.

I've been saying this since the last election.

"Sex sells" is dead. We've successful removed any and all shock value on that one.

Now it's "Outrage Sells". And they even write books about how to use it.

https://www.amazon.com/Trust-Me-Lying-Confessions-Manipulator/dp/1591846285

Arm yourself. That is almost certainly not the only potential dog problem in your neighborhood. Get a stun gun. The sound alone will send a dog flying off. If not, jam it in his mouth. Get two, one for his ribs too.

One dog on my walk liked to charge across his yard and lunge up at the top of his 3 foot fence barking and snapping right at my face, until I lit up the zapper about a foot from HIS face. Yowled and turned tail. Not a peep in the months since.

Another neighbor's dog got loose and kept coming into my yard, I yelled at it and it would head back toward its place, but circle on me as soon as I turned my back (I know that wolf behavior shit.) So grabbed the stun gun and walked out about 20 feet from it and lit up the zapper, same as the other dog- total shock and awe, tail between the legs and gone home at full speed.

Weapon of choice, its a flashlight too:
https://www.amazon.com/VIPERTEK-VTS-989-Heavy-Rechargeable-Flashlight/dp/B01FHDZGGM/ref=pd_lpo_200_bs_tr_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=CW4WV9JW2BG7XKZES5GP

Looks interesting: https://www.amazon.com/Streetwise-Million-Discrete-Protection-Rechargeable/dp/B01DFWQN28/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1484426838&sr=1-1&keywords=stun+ring

*EDIT: Full Disclosure, I am a cat, and I will eat your fucking dog.