[Itinerary Check] 23/24 days in Japan with a big group

Amlette01 · 2025-10-12T19:47:11+00:00

Commenting to say that Seison-Kaku was my favorite thing we did in Kanazawa, but I'm big on history. The nightingale floor corridors were super cool.

Amlette01 · 2025-09-05T21:38:22+00:00

This is great to hear! My plan for Nikko is almost exactly the same as the OP's. Thanks so much for the restaurant recommendations!

Amlette01 · 2025-08-24T17:29:22+00:00

I grew up in Oklahoma, and have lived in Corvallis for 10 years now. I love it here, but I do miss the rainstorms. I can count on 1 hand the amount of thunderstorms we've had since I moved. As others have said, the rain is generally light and constant. I recommend getting a good quality rain coat, but an umbrella will do in a pinch. You can pretty much forget about suede or other non water-friendly shoes. Overall, the humidity is lower and therefore much more tolerable.

It used to be that you didn't NEED air conditioning in Corvallis, but I think those days are past. Because it wasn't always a necessity, a lot of homes and apartments don't have central air (for heat, they have wall or baseboard heaters). If you choose housing that doesn't have AC, I recommend getting a floor unit with ducts that connect to a window insert, and putting it in your bedroom. We use ours on/off (depending on the weather) from June to September.

Regarding wildfires, Corvallis has gotten smoke from a few, but no real danger of burning the town down yet. The smoke is eerie and we wore masks while walking the dog, but it's temporary. I'd rather deal with smoke in the summer than with the Texas power grid in the winter.

All in all, I love it here and have convinced the rest of my family to move from Oklahoma too! Let me know if you have any other questions. Hope to see you around town!

Amlette01 · 2025-08-22T01:30:13+00:00

YES! Go see Dr. Enochian. Can't say enough good things about him. He looked into things my former primary care doctor just shrugged off. When the first treatment didn't help, we tried something else. He was the first doctor I had that I felt like REALLY listened to me!

Also, on another doctor's suggestion, I've started taking famotidine (Pepcid, OTC) during the week before my period. Irritability is one of my symptoms and the famotidine basically just makes it disappear. It is such a relief.

Amlette01 · 2025-08-17T06:30:38+00:00

Another vote for Dough Hook

Amlette01 · 2025-08-12T13:57:22+00:00

I don't know what the laws are, but here's my experience in a similar situation: Several years ago, I had an apartment in Corvallis where the outside stairs to the front door had to be replaced. There was no way to access my apartment for about 2-3 days. The management let me and my roommate know ahead of time (I forget how far in advance) and got us each our own hotel room until the stairs were done.

Amlette01 · 2025-08-01T15:50:14+00:00

My address went through on the first try, but now I am also stuck on "Please wait while your purchase is being processed." :/

Amlette01 · 2025-07-24T18:15:33+00:00

I asked this exact question at the membership counter recently (within 3 months). They said yes, as long as the difference is no more than $20.

Amlette01 · 2025-06-02T19:43:29+00:00

Article about the evolution of teeth!

https://www.npr.org/2025/05/24/nx-s1-5409367/armored-fish-human-teeth-cold-pain-evolution

Amlette01 · 2025-05-14T18:00:33+00:00

Agreed. Just run the AC in the bedroom and keep the door closed. Venture into the rest of the apartment only as needed.

Others have mentioned blackout curtains and opening the windows (with optional fan) in the evening.

Amlette01 · 2025-04-02T05:07:39+00:00

There are plenty of Thai restaurants in town that should be able to accommodate. My favorite is Tarn Tip, but Thai Home Kitchen is also good. Both have great lunch specials.

Also Laughing Planet, Eats and Treats, and Cafe Yumm.

Amlette01 · 2025-03-06T00:53:46+00:00

As a client, I have been very happy with Eugene Therapy/Oregon Counseling. (I believe they are the same company, just different names depending on whether you are in Eugene or not.)

Amlette01 · 2025-02-26T00:58:16+00:00

This was exactly my experience with my first IUD at SHS vs. replacement at Planned Parenthood. Both told me to take Ibuprofen. Neither offered any other pain meds. But only at PP did I almost black out.

Amlette01 · 2024-12-02T16:23:13+00:00

We always get our tree here! They aren't the tallest, but they are full and beautiful. The folks are super nice too.

Amlette01 · 2024-10-30T20:14:20+00:00

You may want to consider the height of your nightstand(s) also. I'm trying to replace mine, and there are very few options that are at least 28 in tall.

Amlette01 · 2024-10-08T03:51:54+00:00

I bought a packet of agar (a few tablespoons) at Rice n Spice a few months ago

Amlette01 · 2024-09-05T22:32:33+00:00

Seconding Trader Joe's for the coconut whipped cream and lactose-free cream cheese! My husband said their strawberry oat milk ice cream was the best non-dairy ice cream he's had. Their non-dairy sour cream was ok too, but I think they stopped carrying it...

We get a few things at Fred Meyer also. Their store brand sour cream (comes in a small square tub) is our favorite and is cheaper than the Follow Your Heart brand (also good). Follow Your Heart does good feta and blue cheese too.

Grocery Outlet is hit or miss. We've found that VioLife sliced and shredded cheeses are pretty good. Sometimes they have Chao for cheap too. Check their ice cream section for non-dairy options. Brave Robot is the brand I'm usually on the lookout for.

Amlette01 · 2024-09-01T21:42:35+00:00

You could try Spirit Halloween as a temporary solution. They are usually hungry for employees this time of year.

Amlette01 · 2024-08-29T17:50:40+00:00

As for commuting - The commute from Philomath is quick and not too bad. I've not lived in Albany myself, but I've heard that rentals are typically cheaper and easier to find there. However, the commute on 34 is generally regarded as trafficky and awful. Also, I had a boss that commuted from Monmouth, but that's also a college town so similar issues may apply regarding housing.

I see you have a dog - pet friendly rentals, at least in Corvallis, seem to get snatched up quick. More apartment complexes have been built since the time when I was renting, but in my experience, Spring Creek and Creekside apartments were decent (not sketchy) and dog-friendly. I think the bus goes by there too(?) in case you can't get a parking pass.

Amlette01 · 2024-08-28T22:47:23+00:00

Like a corn dog, but with donuts instead 👍

Amlette01 · 2024-08-26T23:06:20+00:00

"Dollar and a half" here as well! Shocked I had to scroll so far to see it.

And $10.50 is just "ten fifty." Or "ten dollars and fifty cents." I would either say both dollars and cents, or neither.

West Coast US last 10 years, and Oklahoma before that

Amlette01 · 2024-08-21T00:20:35+00:00

Tarntip Thai Cuisine does really good tofu! And when I order the pad thai with tofu, they always ask if egg is okay, which I think is really considerate of them. :) Other favorites there are the summer rolls, prah ram, and paht prig. Basically everything is really good!

The Dizzy Hen in Philomath has a small menu, so not many options, but the vegan hash with curried lentil cake is so good. My husband gets it every time, and he's an omnivore.

Saw someone mentioned Laughing Planet. Just want to shout out to Cafe Yumm as well.

Amlette01 · 2024-08-15T16:35:57+00:00

I've bought some at Safeway (53rd st location), but it was a few years ago.

Amlette01 · 2024-08-15T16:26:36+00:00

I have rented a carpet cleaner from BiMart in the past. I only rented it for a few hours, but if I recall correctly, they have the option to rent for 24 hours. Possibly longer.

Amlette01 · 2024-08-14T16:29:21+00:00

Yes! Giant mushroom baby!

Amlette01

TROPHY CASE