It's Winter, People!

Well, it's been a few years since this kind of weather has come our way. It feels more like we're up at Mt. Hood than in downtown Salem, Oregon. I haven't seen anything like this since a Thanksgiving snow storm we had sometime back in the 80's.

Here are some pictures of the Arctic Blast of 2008:)

Little snowmen with ice hats outside my apartment.

Great Mid-Century Vintage Couch

Anybody want to buy a beautiful green mid-century couch? My sister has one for sale. It's in great condition, especially considering it's age. Here are some pics.

It's Christmas Time in the City

I wandered over to the Salem Center Mall during my lunch today. I really wanted to get out of the office and walk a little, but it was bitterly cold outside, so I ended up walking through the mall.

Here's what I noticed.

• There is a new store that sells imported mahogany carved items and hottubs. What??
• The food court still offers free samples. :)
• A lot of old people shop during the day.
• Bath and Body Works has their foaming soap on sale for $3.
• The Salvation Army bellringers are located in the skywalks. And they have instruments this year. A trumpet and a guitar. It made me smile because they both reminded me of my a little of my dad, sitting their with their instruments singing their hearts out and playing Christmas carols. They weren't exactly excellent musicians, but you could see they enjoyed it. Ah, sweet. :)

Kudos to Rite-Aid Pharmacy

Can I just say I love Rite-Aid Pharmacy downtown?

I have been to a couple other pharmacies and they are usually just ok. But this one? This is excellent. Good service, nice people, and they are happy to work with you. A real person even calls you when your prescription is ready.

I must say, I am quite happy with them. :)

Christmas Trees!!

I went out to the woods and cut down a Christmas tree. Okay, well actually it wasn't the woods. It was more of a Christmas tree farm, but still, it was fun and festive. We went to Reinhart Tree Farm, where all the trees are $30. I actually got mine for $10 at a little homegrown tree farm down the road from Reinhart.

I went with some friends and we had a good time, wandering through the trees, talking about the merits of skinny trees vs. fat trees, trees with holes vs. perfectly manicured trees. It was a very deep and important conversation. One that should be had at least once a year, preferably at Christmas time and definitely with friends who have a great sense of humor. :)

I got a little tree. We named him Fred. He is about 5 feet tall and has some nice sprangly branches. He's a pretty little Noble Fir and he's perfect for my apartment.

Happy Holidays, everyone!