I'm loving The Daily Plate to track my intake/exercise pretty damn easily. It does help me to stay on top of things, but some days has the undesired effect of making me think about food all day.

The weather has taken a turn for the cold and I've come to realize that I am unprepared. I need to find a scarf, gloves, knit cap ensemb quickly! I've armored myself with fleece sheets at home and I've got to say that it was a brilliant move on my part. There is a set available from Costco (item #9701114 - I can't seem to find it at Costco.com, but they were at my local store) that is so soft, warm and pretty. I got a queen set in white for $28.69 and they are WONDERFUL!

I'm looking for a knitting group to join in the Portland area. Hopefully I can find a group that doesn't cost anything (or very much to join) and can learn to knit properly! I'm definitely going to need some cold weather gear and I'd love to knit it myself! This might be a great thing to do for Christmas gifts as well!

We're Here!

We arrived in Portland, OR on Monday and to record temperatures! It was 105-107 the first few days and we were miserable. We decided to camp on the coast where temps were in the 70s. It was a gorgeous drive and fun to camp so early in our arrival. We've been unpacking, looking for employment, taking in the beautiful city and surrounding trees and rivers...I'm kind of in love with Portland.

There are places to recycle everywhere. Our apartment complex has recycle bins for the residents (why can't California do this?!), the option to purchase renewable energy (FLIPPIN' SWEET!), and a food coop close by!

Yes, I'm definitely falling for you, Portland. <3

It's Official

We're moving! The end of July to Portland, OR and I couldn't be more excited!

I've been completely consumed with the process of moving, along with planning and shooting a friend's wedding that I have spent next to no time doing my usual stuff like baking bread, knitting (or practicing, rather), voracious research on self-sufficiency, and all the other things that usually consume my brain. Now that the wedding is over and the pix are edited and made available to the lovely bride I feel like I can breathe a little easier.

Also, in this process I've done some things that I don't think are very green and I've been struggling to justify them. For instance, we traded in our 2000 Honda Accord for a 2005 Chevy Silverado truck. Gas hog. But, we will be moving 2-3 times in as many upcoming years and ultimately living on a farm where the truck will be necessary. Financially, it was a good move for us because we're saving money that would have gone towards a U-Haul ($1200! WTF). The flip side of the truck purchase is that we also sold our other car for a motorcycle that gets amazing gas mileage and will be used as primary transportation rather than the second car we sold. Is it a wash? I hope so.

I can't wait to get up to Portland and explore that amazing city, visit with all the family I have up in the Pacific Northwest and begin our search for the perfect parcel of land to begin our organic hobby farm!