I’ve recently begun talking more with a sister-in-law I had not really known until now, and of course the religion topic comes up and I’m really enjoying our discussion (Hi, Kelly!)- but it reminded me of how much I really liked a book I read last year and I don’t think I ever quite shared it with my blog readers, though it was a very important book to me after all was said and done. I even wonder if I’d have been attracted to Portland if I hadn’t read it. (And NO, its NOT Blue Like Jazz!)

So I just wanted to share this link and let it take you where it does. The writer is who the title of this post refers to.

This is what happens when Vivian starts considering the possibility of more babies in the future… we welcomed baby boy bunny into my home office/studio as a “classroom pet” … to keep our two girl guinea pigs company… and to satisfy my longing for something soft and cuddly…

After chicks next Spring, the family farm will be complete, without any (in-home) pets to bother allergy suffering visitors (see, we DO think of you guys!) And we’ll have an unlimited supply of eggs and compost material to grow our vegetables this time next year.

P.S. Got opinions about this decision? Guess what? Being an animal lover is NOT taboo and is NOT limited to hoarders! You CAN responsibly own a handful of low-maintenance animals, so keep your nay-sayin’ mouth’s closed unless you want me to manually insert your foot FOR you. (luv it that this is my blog and I can say stuff like that )

For those who’ve never been, the Portland Farmer’s Market is just a site to see (and taste!). I won’t go into stats and details, just to say that I still feel like a tourist when I go because its just too cool. I have to remember that so many places don’t have access to such a large amount of affordable prices on unique organic produce (not to mention jams, cheeses, meats, activities, etc etc etc) and truly count my blessings. I LOVE my Saturday mornings spent examining the best prices and then an afternoon at home sampling my goodies!

But so far I haven’t been able to get any shots of this phenomena that do it justice. I still don’t think these do, but they come closer. Some of you know how intrigued I am by tomatoes, having done some research into them for a newsletter when I freelanced. It was exactly this time last year that I tried my first heirloom tomato, traveling 45 minutes to the nearest Wild Oats and buying a couple for 7.99 a lb!

Today, the Farmer’s market celebrated the tomato harvest with several booths boasting an incredible variety of heirlooms, plus a free tasting in the center (you know, where all that yummy lunch, cooking classes and music happens!) The best part, one stand was selling for just 2 bucks a lb! I’ve been eating tomatoes all evening, and I’ve got one word, quoted from Lil’ E- YUMMY!

Enjoy the pics and video (train refers to the MAX light rail into downtown as often as possible- free from Lloyd Center Mall and you don’t have to hassle with parking, what a deal! Lil’ E loves it!)