I’ve changed the banner to reflect my mood today after visiting the cherry blossoms near the state capitol — in celebration!
This is a temporary change. I promise not to keep the banner this picture postcardy forever…
Archive for the ‘Capital Shots’ Category
New banner, same attitude
Sunday, April 5th, 2009Satisfyingly Found: Salem Farmer's Market
Saturday, April 4th, 2009
I have known many markets: Lancaster County’s Central Market, the oldest indoor market in the United States. Munich’s Viktualienmarkt, a foodie’s heaven, Washington, D.C.’s Dupont Circle Market, a hub of food politics in the nation’s capital, Iowa City’s Farmer’s Market, a packed small town square and big f-you to Iowa’s big food producers.
And now Salem’s Saturday Farmer’s Market, which opened today for the season.
It’s still early in the season, and I’ve heard that the space near the capitol building where the market sets up shop fills up as the season progresses, but it is still possible to buy the compenents of an entire meal there this early in the year.
I went there knowing no one. I left with a bag of coffee, a dozen organic eggs, and the names of at least five people.
And I ran out of money.
(My own fault).
Here’s a selection of some of the market’s 50 stands.
Flower and Produce Stand
Farris-Seaman’s Bird house, Dog and Cat Cookies, and Knitted Hats and Bags (obviously a multi-talented family), also known as CUTETASTIC HATS!
Now all I need is a kid to force these cutetastic hats on…
Rainforest Mushrooms
Shitakes and Maitakes in brown bags, Oh my! And one of the hunters was there with a pan full of olive oil, frying some up. Told them my husband once found a 25-pound maitake in the Iowa woods. They weren’t pleased. (Actually, he now tells me it was 40 pounds. They were apparently not impressed by the size since they grow them indoors and don’t hunt them).
Cape Foulweather Coffee Co.
For now, let’s call them the most honestly named Pacific Northwest coffee producers I’ve encountered. I bought a pound of their ground Brazil. More on that later.
I spoke to Elaine, one of Foulweather’s owners, who is a former marine biologist. A FORMER MARINE BIOLOGIST! Seriously, isn’t that what everyone wants to be when they grow up?
No way man, that’s like so 15 years ago.
These days, they dream of roasting coffee.
A host of golden Daffodils
Sunday, March 29th, 2009
I am posting this image from the middle of Iowa and it’s rather cold in here.
Reason #293 to live in Salem:
Spring announces itself early.
“And then my heart with pleasure fills, and dances with the daffocils…” Especially the ones right outside my kitchen window.
Capital Shots: Existential signs
Saturday, March 28th, 2009
As seen exiting from the Salem YMCA parking lot, behind the Statesman-Journal’s offices: a bad sign.
In addition to making me feel a little nostalgic (I can only move backwards), and causing me concern over my metaphorical path (which apparently cannot move forwards), this sign says you can’t enter this parking lot in this direction.
And yet, all of the parking spots are set up for you to enter from this street…
Sartre, I have found your parking lot!
Capital Shots: Salem's Urban Zoo
Thursday, March 26th, 2009
My mom has this thing where she likes to drive around neighborhoods where we can’t afford to live. So on her first visit to Salem recently we meandered through a gorgeous neighborhood in South Salem where everybody trims their azalea bushes and everyone paints their trim.
And then we stumbled on this gorgeous beast.
He was the project of a local fourth grade classroom. The teacher, who upon retirement, discovered that this giraffe (named Manuel by the kids) could not fit in her house. So simply gave Manuel a home on the Serengheti of her porch.
That’s the classiest yard ornament I’ve ever seen.
Salem Oregon Must-do list
Monday, March 23rd, 2009Just created what will soon be my constantly changing Salem Oregon must-do list. Here’s the current one, you’ll find the list on its own page on the right column under the F.A.Q.’s.
Top Ten Things to Do in Salem, Oregon
10. Run, don’t walk past the Oregon State Hospital.
9. Take in a flick at the Northern Lights Pub Theatre. Assuming they’re not still playing Twilight. (Don’t tell me it’s Theatre Pub. I say if the movie theater is serving beer, it’s going first).
8. Check out some consignment furniture at Encore on Commercial Street SE.
7. Pop in for a spin around the galleries (Tuesday is free) at Willamette University’s Hallie Ford Museum of Art.
6. Chat up the booksellers at the Book Bin or Tea Party Bookshop.
5. Pick a wine off the wall at Morton’s Bistro in West Salem.
4. Stroll among the cherry trees at the State Capitol (they’re almost out!).
3. Chat with Jim Bernau at Willamette Valley Vineyards.
2. Gaze with wonder at how tchochkes can be stylish when grouped by color or theme at Engelberg Antiks.
1. Stop in for a make-your-own cannoli at the Little Cannoli Bakery in the Reed Opera House.
Capital shots: Pandas in the City
Wednesday, March 18th, 2009
Saw these pandas sharing a shelf at Engelberg Antiques on Liberty Street in downtown Salem. Isn’t it amazing the kind of wildlife you can find downtown? This one’s for you, Mary.
They apparently came from the collection of a woman who had left hundreds more when she died recently.
Capital shots: Salem's real urban chickens
Monday, March 16th, 2009
Saw this in an antiques store on Commercial Street in downtown Salem.
Wonder which side of the chicken divide they fall on…
