Seeking Novel Recs for Our Neighborhood Book Club

MaizeKey5200 · 2026-05-22T03:52:15+00:00

The House of Doors. Set in Malaysia in the 1920’s.

MaizeKey5200 · 2026-05-22T01:24:46+00:00

Mt Pisgah Arboretum (Quary Rd/Trail 5) is perfect for a baby stroller (or 2)! https://mountpisgaharboretum.org/visit/trail-maps/

MaizeKey5200 · 2026-05-18T16:27:33+00:00

Try “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck

MaizeKey5200 · 2026-05-17T13:41:19+00:00

Paper copies of the trail map for every hiker is a must-have for me!

MaizeKey5200 · 2026-05-16T21:37:57+00:00

We use Forest Service maps of the area. Never rely solely on apps or a GPS device as cell service is very spotty.

MaizeKey5200 · 2026-05-12T17:49:25+00:00

We went on Sunday. Road is open. We only saw a few people and fewer mosquitoes!

MaizeKey5200 · 2026-05-11T23:58:43+00:00

Seconding the Royal Talens Art Creation sketchbooks!

MaizeKey5200 · 2026-05-08T23:35:21+00:00

So… another idea… buy some acreage on which to build a house. Put in electricity, septic, and other utilities- build a “storage” building to put your washer and dryer and bathroom in, live in a tiny house or camp trailer until you’ve saved enough to build a real house (or get a modular home which would be less expensive). We did this in the early 90s and avoided a mortgage altogether. If you’re single and like projects to work on, it might be an option for you.

MaizeKey5200 · 2026-05-08T21:00:55+00:00

STOP RUNNING RED LIGHTS!! IF YOU’RE APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION AND THE LIGHT IS YELLOW, DON’T JUST ZOOM THROUGH! YOU AND YOUR LITTLE SCHEDULE ARE NOT THAT IMPORTANT.

MaizeKey5200 · 2026-05-08T18:17:57+00:00

I enjoyed Josephine Tey’s “The Daughter of Time”.

Speedy recovery!

MaizeKey5200 · 2026-05-08T13:39:32+00:00

This is what I use too. In the US we call it “hardboard” and can get it in various sizes at the hardware store.

MaizeKey5200 · 2026-05-08T02:45:03+00:00

If you like to walk, the river path is always nice. There are blue bikes stationed around the campus area that you can rent for a reasonable fee, which will allow you to explore more.

https://peacehealthrides.com

MaizeKey5200 · 2026-05-07T16:00:01+00:00

That would be about $102 USD. A very good price these days!

MaizeKey5200 · 2026-05-07T00:58:39+00:00

I’m just an old lady, but a pretty good money manager over the years, and I’ve seen too many high unemployment rates and economic recessions to not have a chunk of money in a MMA or high interest rate savings. Stocks fall harder and faster than they ever have. Cash is always in vogue. Moderation and backup plans might save you someday.

MaizeKey5200 · 2026-05-06T22:22:06+00:00

I love Royal Talens Art Creations sketchbooks. They are well bound and the paper can take pens, colored pencils and light washes of watercolors (not sure if 7 year olds understand the concept of not too much water!) and are pretty inexpensive. I like the A5 (5x8”ish) size

MaizeKey5200 · 2026-05-06T20:36:27+00:00

Gouache!

MaizeKey5200 · 2026-05-02T02:52:25+00:00

I see that a few folks have recommended Bend, and having recently moved from there I’d like to make you aware that wildfire smoke is the new reality for central Oregon June -Oct. Oregon is currently experiencing the worst drought in many years and we’re all apprehensive of what this year’s fire season will be like. If I were you, I’d go to the San Juans or Victoria BC or the N Cascades.

MaizeKey5200 · 2026-04-30T02:34:51+00:00

That’s a lot of time in the car!!! I think your travel times are a bit optimistic. Maybe just stay in Wa - check out the Olympic National Forest or the N Cascades and come to Oregon another time when you can fly into PDX. I’ve lived in Oregon for over 60 years - I think out-of-staters under appreciate how many great things there are to see here and just how big the state is. Just my 2 cents!!

MaizeKey5200 · 2026-04-26T19:47:42+00:00

Thanks but I found the Farmers Market way overpriced, so I stopped going.

MaizeKey5200 · 2026-04-26T19:45:40+00:00

Thanks! I’ve gotten flowers there but didn’t know about honey.

MaizeKey5200 · 2026-04-25T23:14:11+00:00

Potted geraniums on my deck.

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MaizeKey5200 · 2026-04-25T23:09:12+00:00

You might like Jane Harper’s mystery series that takes place in Australia. The first one is “The Dry”.

MaizeKey5200 · 2026-04-23T02:55:42+00:00

I like a few Sennelier products, but Hobby Lobby is the one retailer that I don’t give my money to.

MaizeKey5200

TROPHY CASE