Budget Woes

Well, folks, it's still happening. That "economic downturn" as they call it. What that means is that we still have to figure out how to tighten our belts a little. A little more.

Tonight, the Salem-Keizer School District will hold a budget meeting at McKay High School at 6 PM. There will be a chance for members of the community to give their input. You will need to sign up before the meeting if you plan to speak before the Budget Committee.

Do you have an opinion about how the Salem-Keizer School District spends its money? Here is your chance to share it with the people who can do something about it.

The La Capitale Bar

Once in awhile you find a little spot that just makes you feel good about life. The bar at La Capitale is that way for me. It's one of those places where I walk in and, on any given night, I'm likely to run into a few people I know. The food is always good, the company is amusing, and the drinks are always scrump-diddly-umptious!

Twice, last week, I happened to be there. Okay, well, I planned to be there to meet friends, but it just so happened twice in one week, which is not my norm, but it was a nice treat. Both times I ran into multiple people I knew, not including the group I came with. People stopped by to say hello, chatted for a minute and then went on to their own meals and drinks.

Rob (@robdrinkenstein on Twitter) was behind the bar, mixing up his magic drinks. On one evening he even took time from his busy schedule to stop and give our little group of single ladies some advice on love. Love advice AND perfectly mixed martinis? If that's not the epitome of a good bartender, then I don't know what is.

Good drinks, good food, good friends and a place where everybody knows your name? Hmmm. Is this Cheers? If so, it is a little more upscale version with better decor, nicer people, and tastier food.

And you know what's even better? They have Happy Hour now from 4-6 PM! Yes! I love HH. See you at La Cap!

The Annual Weather Post

Every year, about this time of year, I seem to post something about the weather. It's a tough time for most people in the Willamette Valley as far as weather goes. It's still pretty dark in the evenings and it seems to rain every day. The gray clouds cover the sky almost constantly, and it feels like spring and summer will never arrive.

Yes, this is the season of depression in the valley.

It is also the time I start planning a weekend getaway to somewhere warm and sunny. And I start fantasizing about a nice warm island with plenty of sun and sand and daily swims. In my fantasy there is a perfect little beach hut and a hammock and a never ending supply of fruity beverages and freshly grilled, delicious food.

I live on my little fantasy island quite a bit this time of year. It helps me get through.

Something like this

And it also helps me to remember the perfect Oregon summers, when I sit on the patio chatting with friends until late into the warm nights. Oh yeah, that's why I live here. Sometimes I forget.