To know Portland Oregon you better like dirt. I’m not talking about pioneering farmers, either. It started with the first native canoe stopping on the Willamette. Paddling against the current takes as much energy now as it did then, so if you’re into historical reenactment you’d better be in shape.
PORTLAND PARK BLOCKS IN DECEMBER WITH DOG
December 12, 2024 by
The Portland Park Blocks, the south side, deserves a good look this time of year. Call it a learning moment, my dog did. Who’s a good girl. We started at Portland State University to see what the youths were up to.
TRADITIONS AND CUSTOMS IN WASHINGTON AND OREGON
December 4, 2024 by
Traditions and customs reek of history and ceremony. Just the way I like it. The more the merrier is fitting for both. But, like George Harrison said, “All things must pass.”
LIVING HISTORY? IT WORKS FOR ME
March 28, 2024 by
Living history is what you see when people put on costumes and churn butter. At least that’s what comes to mind for most people. It’s a farm, a museum, a town. History is one thing; living it another. Which one is right for you? I have the right answer:
HISTORY WORK NEVER ENDS FOR THE CURIOUS
December 8, 2023 by
Doing history work where you live is the only way to get to your happy place. Or at least you’ll know where you are. The Oregon Historical Society’s downtown Portland history museum is just the place. But first ask yourself, “Am I curious?” If you read boomerpdx regularly, you pass the curious test. Take this […]
AMERICAN STORIES: MOVING ON TO NEW LAND
July 4, 2023 by
American stories in early Oregon were about pioneers, travel, and hard work. How hard? As hard as it’s ever been clearing land by hand. But first they had to get here. And they’re still coming.
PORTLAND DRIVER ON A CABINET SEARCH
February 17, 2023 by
What does a Portland driver do when an IKEA bathroom cabinet doesn’t match the moment? And you live in a Portland, Oregon zip code? Go on a Portland road mission for the right junk. Warning: The time and effort spent is the real object, not the end result. You know, the ‘life is journey’ stuff. […]
ANSWERING QUESTIONS FROM KIDS
February 16, 2023 by
Answering questions starts early for parents. Before they can talk, baby asks questions. They are the same questions informed parents ask, beginning with: Are we ready?
DREAM OREGON FIRST, THEN GET TO WORK
February 14, 2023 by
Dream Oregon first, or you’ll be working in someone else’s dream. Will it be to your liking? If you don’t have a dream, you won’t know the difference. So let’s figure it out based on experience, my experience.
REALITY CHECK FOR THE PORTLAND NEW YEAR
January 3, 2023 by
Who writes the reality check for the new year? Don’t ask. It’s you. And it’s your reality. You can check it, ignore it, or pretend it belongs to someone else. But, it’s you, it’s yours, and you’re not alone, as the top image shows.
